Complete Story
09/27/2025
018. Balancing Innovation and Trust: How Distributors Win with AI
Instructor: Benjamin Cohen
Level of Complexity: Intermediate
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Distributors are sitting on mountains of data—from transactions, product catalogs, supplier feeds, and customer interactions—but very few know how to turn that data into a strategic advantage. This session will show how distributors can move beyond surface-level digital tools and use AI to transform messy, underutilized data into actionable insights that drive revenue, margin, and customer loyalty. Benj Cohen will share real-world examples of distributors who are using AI responsibly to grow margins and strengthen customer relationships. And while AI opens doors to growth, it also raises new questions: How do we protect customer trust? How do we balance innovation with risk? Benj will show leaders how to seize the AI opportunity while putting data security at the center of their strategy. Listed below are examples of activities Benj can incorporate into a workshop: Small groups map out their current data landscape (where data lives today) and highlight opportunities where AI could drive quick wins. Distributors rank AI opportunities for their own businesses based on impact, feasibility, and trust. Attendees practice asking “must-know” questions of an AI vendor to separate real value from hype.
Bookstore
The Credit Overlord: A Decade of Credit Advice Unleashed, Volume 1
Thea Dudley
Embark on an insightful journey through the complex world of credit and collections with Credit Advice Unleashed Volume I, the first installment in an indispensable series. This collection brings together a decade’s worth of Thea Dudley’s highly regarded advice columns, showcasing her unmatched expertise and unfiltered insights. With over 35 years of experience in the building materials and construction industry, Thea Dudley has earned her title as the ‘Credit Overlord,’ offering sharp-witted guidance, practical solutions, and an unapologetically candid approach that professionals in the field have come to rely on.
In Credit Advice Unleashed Volume I, readers will find real-world answers to the most pressing credit and collections questions, addressing the challenges and nuances faced by businesses in maintaining financial health and cash flow. Thea’s columns, infused with humor and hard-earned wisdom, provide both seasoned credit professionals and newcomers with the tools they need to navigate this critical aspect of business with confidence.
Whether you’re tackling overdue accounts, negotiating with clients, or streamlining internal processes, this book is your guide to mastering the intricacies of credit management. Experience Thea Dudley’s unparalleled voice and let her years of experience elevate your credit and collections game.
