Develop your future.

Development programs in the CIDL provide overviews to a wide range of disciplines that impact the success of an independent distributor. These courses build the framework for the competencies that are expanded upon in the three Leader programs. The Distributor Manager Development Program is our first development program, with the potential for more to follow based on AD member and supplier feedback.

The Distribution Manager Development Program

The Distribution Manager Development Program delivers emerging managers an introduction into the financial, operational, and sales disciplines required for a thriving independent distributor.

Texas A&M

The curriculum is developed in conjunction with Texas A&M University’s Industrial Distribution Program in the College of Engineering, among the most well-renowned and prestigious distribution programs.

4½ Day
In-Person Class
Bi-Annual
Cohorts
25-30 Person
Cohorts

Program Details

The Distribution Manager Development Program is offered as a 4½ day in-person course at Texas A&M University.

Criteria & Investment

Development programs are designed for future candidates for manager, director, and executive positions with an independent distributor. Recommended candidates include those with high potential in the following disciplines:

  • Operations
  • Supply Chain
  • Purchasing
  • Sales

Available Courses

Virtual Course

Distribution Manager Development - January 2024 (Virtual)

The Distribution Manager Development Program provides instruction in areas of expertise that are essential for successful independent distributor leaders. Key curriculum topics include financial management, consultative selling, coaching, leadership, customer service, and inventory management.

COURSE CLOSED

Upcoming Course Date:

January 8-18, 2024


Download Program Agenda

Why your company should participate

To help you develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent at AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30/60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructors are forward-thinking academics and distribution industry practitioners from the top industrial distribution program in the U.S.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$5K/person).

Cost

$3,750/attendee $3,250/attendee

Instructors

This program will be taught by Dr. Norm Clark, Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, Bob Borsh, Associate Professor of Practice, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, and Jay Johnson, Lecturer at Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program.

Dr. Norm Clark
Dr. Norm Clark

Instructional Associate Professor

Bob Borsh
Bob Borsh

Associate Professor of Practice

Jay Johnson
Jay Johnson

Lecturer

Certificate

Completing the course earns a certificate from Texas A&M and AD.

Distribution Manager Development - May 2024

The Distribution Manager Development Program provides instruction in areas of expertise that are essential for successful independent distributor leaders. Key curriculum topics include financial management, consultative selling, coaching, leadership, customer service, and inventory management.

COURSE FULL

Upcoming Course Date:

May 13-17, 2024


Download Program Agenda

Why your company should participate

To help you develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent at AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30/60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructors are forward-thinking academics and distribution industry practitioners from the top industrial distribution program in the U.S.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$5K/person).

Cost

$3,750/attendee

Instructors

This program will be taught by Dr. Norm Clark, Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, Bob Borsh, Associate Professor of Practice, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, and Jay Johnson, Lecturer at Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program.

Dr. Norm Clark
Dr. Norm Clark

Instructional Associate Professor

Bob Borsh
Bob Borsh

Associate Professor of Practice

Jay Johnson
Jay Johnson

Lecturer

Certificate

Completing the course earns a certificate from Texas A&M and AD.

Distribution Manager Development - August 2024

The Distribution Manager Development Program provides instruction in areas of expertise that are essential for successful independent distributor leaders. Key curriculum topics include financial management, consultative selling, coaching, leadership, customer service, and inventory management.

COURSE FULL

Upcoming Course Date:

August 5-9, 2024


Download Program Agenda

Why your company should participate

To help you develop and retain key people who are going to help you grow your business and prepare for the future.

What makes this program unique

  • Custom program built for and exclusively available to AD members.
  • Networking and relationship building opportunities with top talent at AD independent distributors across multiple divisions.
  • 30/60-day coaching component to help the learning “stick”.
  • Instructors are forward-thinking academics and distribution industry practitioners from the top industrial distribution program in the U.S.
  • Discounted pricing (a program like this on the open market would likely cost >$5K/person).

Cost

$3,750/attendee

Instructors

This program will be taught by Dr. Norm Clark, Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, Bob Borsh, Associate Professor of Practice, Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program, and Jay Johnson, Lecturer at Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Industrial Distribution Program.

Dr. Norm Clark
Dr. Norm Clark

Instructional Associate Professor

Bob Borsh
Bob Borsh

Associate Professor of Practice

Jay Johnson
Jay Johnson

Lecturer

Certificate

Completing the course earns a certificate from Texas A&M and AD.