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In this second of our three-part conversation on innovation in distribution, J Schneider of strategy and consulting firm Dorn joins host Tom Gale to discuss what innovation looks like in 2020 for distributors and manufacturers. In this episode, we look at the ways smaller distributors often have an advantage to identify opportunities for innovation, the need to be selective in building manufacturer-distributor partnerships around a shared vision for innovation, and how to build a culture of innovation.

A major part of the equation that has built so many incredible ongoing success stories in distribution face-to-face communication and interaction has virtually overnight been removed from the table indefinitely. But the real strength has always been in the depth and quality of our personal relationships, writes MDMs Tom Gale. That won’t change.

The title of MDMs newest award is actually a bit of a misnomer. The Future Leader Award implies the recipients will be leading at some indeterminate time beyond the present. But what we found from all nine of our 2020 honorees is that each is making a tangible impact right now, not only on their company and colleagues but also throughout the wider industry.