Electrical distribution is facing a collision of forces: increasing market opportunity, an exodus of experienced talent, and technology changing how business gets done. Paul Kennedy, President of DSG and current NAED board chair, joined Karthik Chidambaram on the Driven by DCKAP podcast recently to discuss data centers, workforce development, technology adoption, and what NAED is doing to move the industry forward.
Podcast Highlights
Speed matters more than price in the data center market
Kennedy says the data center boom has changed what distributors need to be able to deliver. When a data center misses its go-live date, the cost is enormous, which means the distributors getting the call are the ones who can deliver fast and serve locally, not necessarily the ones with the lowest price.
“A data center that’s built today isn’t going to be the same data center that’s going to be built a year from now, or five years from now. The footprint is going to look different, but we know that innovation is going to happen,” Kennedy said.
Nimble companies have an advantage right now
When it comes to technology adoption, Kennedy says smaller distributors shouldn’t underestimate what they have going for them. Less bureaucracy and faster decision-making can determine who pulls ahead.
“Small and mid-sized distributors that have a level of curiosity and are forward-thinking around technology are the ones that are winning every day,” Kennedy said.
NAED is doing more than most members realize
Kennedy keeps his pulse on the needs of the industry and says NAED has expanded its offerings significantly in recent years. Workforce development, Women in Industry, leadership curriculum, and government relations are all active priorities.
Women in Industry is now NAED’s largest annual conference, growing to 1,400 attendees this year.
“Distribution’s a contact sport, and you need to really understand all that NAED offers distributors. It’s not going to happen to you. You’ve got to participate,” Kennedy said.
More Information
- For more details, visit the Driven Podcast portal or tune in on YouTube or Spotify.
- For information about ERP integration, check out the DCKAP Distributor Blog.
- Subscribe to the Driven by DCKAP Podcast.
About the Driven Podcast
The Driven by DCKAP Podcast is an audio and video show that explores B2B leaders’ stories, digital journeys, and insights on trends in distribution and manufacturing. The podcast is hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, who grew the company from a startup to a global team of more than 200 employees. Follow Driven by DCKAP Podcast on YouTube or LinkedIn.
About DCKAP
DCKAP is a leader in digital solutions that help distributors’ systems talk to each other. Its technology simplifies software integrations, e-commerce, and product information management for B2B companies. DCKAP’s flagship product, DCKAP Integrator, helps distributors and manufacturers automate data between ERP, e-commerce, and CRM systems. Founded in 2005, DCKAP is a global and distributed team headquartered in Austin, TX. Visit dckap.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About DSG
DSG is one of the Midwest’s largest employee-owned distributors, serving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, communications, utility, automation, waterworks, and on-site sewer and well industries. Founded in 1898, DSG provides products and solutions from leading manufacturers with a focus on service, expertise, and building futures for its customers, employee-owners, and communities. DSG operates across Montana to Michigan with corporate headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota. Learn more at dsgsupply.com.
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