Eric Chernik, the CEO of Building Controls & Solutions, joins us on this episode to break down how to navigate challenges and success, cultivating leadership and growth, utilizing technology effectively, strategizing for your long term goals and continually driving towards them, and more.

Tune in to gain an invaluable perspective on leading a team to the top!

Kevin Weadick, the CEO of FleetPride, joins this episode to share his journey of over two decades in experience leading teams in digital transformations, industrial product management and marketing, and being appointed to his current role leading for the largest distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts in North America.

Their discussion offers valuable insights about organizational effectiveness and efficiency, improvement strategies in modern business operations, exploring how decision making and organizational culture shapes successful enterprise outcomes, and demonstrating how process improvement methods can drive sustainable growth.

Jim Derry, the CEO of Field Fastener joins this episode to share his journey in distribution, to discuss key leadership insights and explore essential personal development strategies. We learn how an industry pioneer turned a company with humble beginnings into a great success, while continuing to see amazing growth and becoming a touchstone to the community.

Through knowledge management practices and professional development approaches, we hear how a successful leader navigates challenges and fosters growth. Listen in on their conversation to hear more about some of these transformative methods that drive organizational success, inspire lifelong learning and sustainable business evolution.

Eric Hoplin, the President and CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), sits down with Karthik Chidambaram while in Washington DC at the NAW Executive Summit for an insightful discussion on the conference, the organization and their dedication to the betterment of distribution, as well as his positive future outlook on the industry.

In the premiere episode of the 2025 season of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Founder and CEO of DCKAP, Karthik Chidambaram, sits down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, the President and CEO of First Supply. As a longstanding family-owned leader in the industry, First Supply serves as a comprehensive supplier for plumbing, HVAC, municipal needs, waterworks, well and septic systems, building PVF, and industrial supplies.

With over 125 years of family business legacy behind her, Kathryn is at the forefront of steering the business into the future. In this insightful conversation, she discusses her journey within the business, their comprehensive succession planning, the significance of preserving family legacy, the vital role of community engagement, job creation alongside automation and emerging technologies in the industry, and more.

It’s that time of year once again, where we reflect back on the 2024 season of the Driven by DCKAP podcast. This year has been full of many great conversations, with outstanding guests that we’ve been honored to speak with and to have the opportunity to dive into important topics and share their experiences and expertise.

We’re excited for the new year ahead and our plan to continue featuring industry experts and inspiring leaders who share their journeys, offer the secrets of what they’ve learned along the way, and inspire others to pave their own way to success. Subscribe and follow along as the stories continue to unfold!

From all of us here at the Driven by DCKAP podcast, we wish everyone a Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

Small businesses are said to be the heart of our communities. They are what laid the groundwork for the kind of massive success now seen by the likes of companies such as Amazon and Walmart. Yet, today, many small businesses are waning under their shadow and continuing to struggle in order to stay relevant, growing, and successful amongst these giants. So what’s a small family-owned wholesale supplier to do?

To dive into this question and gain the perspective of a small business looking to compete in this environment, Karthik sits down with Tighe Greenhalgh, the President of Central Components. In their discussion, Tighe shares his journey in the family businesses, what his goals are today as a small business leader, and what their plans are for upgrading technology and competing with bigger corporations. Watch the full episode for this insider’s perspective on how small businesses can utilize advancements in technology to help eliminate the ‘big boy’ advantage.

According to research by Fortune Business Insights, the furniture market size in the US will reach an estimated value of 130 billion dollars by 2032. What is it about the industry that drives this kind of demand? How does a successful furniture designer and distributor like Zuo Mod weigh in on the market, or the manufacturing? How do they approach things such as identifying successful trends, navigating supply chain challenges, and improving customer satisfaction?

While sitting down with Karthik for this discussion at their headquarters, Luis Ruesga, the Co-Founder and CEO of Zuo Modern Contemporary, dives into the origins of the company, explaining what they specialize in and how they thrive in the industry. He shares his view on the importance of quality furniture and what he envisions for the future of the industry. Check out the full episode to learn more about the industry from his insider’s perspective.