In episode 423, host Bradley Hartmann sits down with Bret Martz (VP - North American Professional Sales) of Trex and Chris Gerhard (Executive VP) of Specialty Building Products at DW Distribution’s location in DeSoto, Texas.

Bret and Chris share insights on the collaboration efforts between a manufacturer and a distributor that enable increased value to the dealer and their contractor customers. Their discussion touches on innovation, training and education, digital selling tools, and methods for assisting their independent dealer partners.

The conversation also delves into leadership lessons, with Martz and Gerhard sharing insights on empowering employees, learning from mistakes, and building a cohesive culture across the supply chain. They highlight the importance of clear communication, transparency, and a shared vision for serving contractors and homeowners.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

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If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

In episode 422, host Bradley Hartmann takes you on a journey from the Pacific Northwest to Kobe, Japan as he shares the incredible true story (with some fictional dialogue added for your listening pleasure!) of one of the most iconic companies of all time. The story reveals the two methods in which humans develop trust: task-based and relationship-based. While we talk about the construction industry being a “relationship business,” the truth is relationships actually come second in our Uncle Sam-style American culture.

To bridge the story with real-world application, Blake Hancock, CEO of Binswanger Glass, joins the show in the second half of the episode. Blake discusses his experiences working with teams from different cultural backgrounds and the importance of building trust and creating a comfortable work environment. He shares stories of his time living in China and the lessons he learned about effective communication and expectation-setting. Hancock emphasizes the value of open communication, continuous improvement, and the importance of getting all ideas on the table.

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.

Paul Robinson, founder of ConstructReach, discusses his passion for helping young people find opportunities in the construction industry. He emphasizes the need for equitable and inclusive practices in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Paul also shares his experience of working with his wife in the business and the importance of communication and intentionality. He highlights the value of his iReach podcast in creating a platform for industry professionals to share their stories and insights.

Chapters

02:59 :: The Power of Storytelling and Human Connection in Leadership

09:01 :: Transitioning from a Production Mindset to a Multiplication Mindset

14:15 :: Creating a Talent Profile and Hiring for Culture

29:42 :: Prioritizing Talent Acquisition and Retention

This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days.

***

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together.

If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.