In Their Own Words: Member Experiences in ASA's Reimagined MDM Program

ASA University's Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program underwent a transformative overhaul last year, setting a new standard for leadership development in the distribution industry. As the inaugural cohort sails past the midway point of their journey, we delve into their experiences, reflecting on the program's enhancements and the impact on participants.
 

The MDM program, which has been growing industry leaders for over a decade, has always focused on contextualizing leadership within the distribution sector's unique challenges. However, recognizing the need for continuous improvement, ASA University embarked on a mission to enhance the program further.
 

One of the most notable additions to the program is the "Essentials of Practical Leadership in Wholesale Distribution" publication. Authored by industry experts, this book covers core leadership skills essential for navigating the complexities of the distribution industry.
 

Brian Tuohey, President of The Collins Companies and member of the MDM work-group responsible for the new program shares: “Industry leaders have prepared and written the MDM curriculum based on their own personal experiences – truly invaluable information. CEOs, Presidents, and business owners share insight you can’t get anywhere else.”
 

Flexibility has been another cornerstone of the program's redesign. Recognizing the diverse needs of its members, ASA University now allows learners to customize their experience by electing supplemental training tailored to their specific requirements. This flexibility extends to the timeline as well, with the program now designed to be completed within a 12-month timeframe, reducing the burden on both students and their mentors.
 

“I was particularly intrigued by the program due to its emphasis on equipping leaders with the necessary skills to lead by example and gain a comprehensive understanding of the wholesale distribution industry. We value the importance of effective leadership in driving success and fostering growth within our organization,” says Chris Walther, Vice-President of Operations for Rubenstein Supply.
 

The revamped MDM program also prioritizes peer-to-peer interactions, addressing the feedback from members who expressed a desire for greater community and networking opportunities. Moving away from individualized schedules, the program now operates on a cohort model, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among participants.
 

“Having real examples from other companies in different states facing similar challenges, despite varying in size, has been the most impactful for me,” says Bryan Morales, one MDM student from member-company CIB Corporation. “While the challenges may have different scales, the essence remains the same, which has made me more open to listening and receiving advice from colleagues whom I previously thought were unrelated to our situation.”
 

Monthly virtual touchpoints allow students to discuss key topics from the Essentials book, share insights, and engage with industry luminaries. “Unlike other programs, the fact that this one emphasizes explaining and sharing what we've learned has made me feel much more confident in sharing my experience with my colleagues,” adds Morales.
 

 “Collaborating with peers allows for diverse perspectives and insights to be shared. Everyone brings their own unique background, expertise, and experiences to the table, enriching the discussion and leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions,” says Walther. “By engaging in group discussions, I've been exposed to a wide range of viewpoints that have broadened my understanding and challenged my thinking in ways that wouldn't have been possible on my own.”
 

Speaking of mentors, the program has introduced a mentor orientation and revised resources to enhance their effectiveness in guiding students. One such resource, ASA’s Mentoring Handbook, is offered to mentors at no cost to ensure success with their students. Part of the role of mentor is guiding their student towards their Capstone Presentation, which challenges students to apply their newfound skills to real-life business problems, ensuring practical relevance.
 

“The greatest joy in my career has been the opportunity to mentor and coach others. The MDM program from ASA provides the ideal framework for people to develop the skills necessary to be successful in our industry, and it requires participants to have a mentor. It is an honor to be able to fill that role as a mentor within our organization,” comments George Yezbak of N.H. Yates, long-time ASA volunteer and mentor to student Todd Yates from N.H. Yates.
 

As the program approaches its culmination, ASA University is proud of the strides made in developing the next generation of distribution industry leaders. With the first class already halfway through their journey, the university looks forward to welcoming future cohorts and continuing to shape the industry's brightest minds.
 

For those eager to develop their future leaders, registration for the next MDM class is now open. For more information and to register, visit ASA.net/MDM or reach out to Taylor Kenney, Vice-President of Education and Training, at tkenney@asa.net.