How Distributors are Solving Supply Chain Challenges
July 23, 2025, 9 PT/12 ET
Distributors continue to navigate supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and shifting customer demands — all while being asked to do more with less. Global instability and ongoing tariff uncertainty add another layer of complexity, forcing companies to rethink sourcing strategies and risk management.
How are leading distribution companies building more resilient, agile supply chains?
Join us for a live panel discussion with distribution leaders who are driving real change. They’ll share how they’re rethinking supply chain operations, leveraging data and technology, and collaborating across the value chain to improve visibility, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.
In this session, you’ll learn:
- What strategies distributors are using to reduce lead times and improve inventory accuracy
- How to leverage data and forecasting tools for better supply planning
- Best practices for supplier collaboration and risk mitigation — including responses to tariff volatility
- The role of digital tools and automation in transforming supply chains
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight from executives who are tackling these challenges head-on — and walk away with actionable ideas you can apply to your business.
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Scott Wagner
Director of Industry Transformation, NAED
Erika Scherman
President & Owner, MC Tool & Safety Sales
Diego Fonseca
Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics, Southern Glazer’s
About our sponsor:
About our panelist:
Scott Wagner
Director of Industry Transformation, NAED
Scott Wagner is the Director of Industry Transformation at the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), where he leads NAED’s Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE) with initiatives focused on driving innovation, digital transformation, and supply chain optimization across the industry. With over 35 years of experience in the electrical industry, Scott’s career began as an electrician before moving into leadership roles at Schneider Electric and three major distributors — Mayer, Rexel, and Border States. His expertise spans operations, warehousing, sales, marketing, analytics, and people development, giving him a unique, hands-on perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s distributors. Scott is passionate about helping companies harness data, technology, and practical strategies to improve efficiency, strengthen partnerships, and deliver greater value across the supply chain.
Erika Scherman
President & Owner, MC Tool & Safety Sales
Erika Scherman is the owner of MC Tool & Safety Sales with over 25 years in the distribution industry, bringing a passion for inclusive safety solutions and a strong voice for women in construction.
She holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a BA in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is an active member of the Association of Women in Construction, where she advocates for inclusivity and visibility for women in the trades. Known for her practical insight and people-first leadership, Erika is passionate about serving local industries and supporting growing teams.
Diego Fonseca
Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics, Southern Glazer’s
Diego Fonseca is Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol. In this role, he leads the company’s end-to-end inbound supply chain operations, including sales and operations planning, replenishment, inventory management, supplier relationships, logistics, and the Supply Chain Center of Excellence. Prior to joining Southern Glazer’s, Diego held several leadership positions at Kraft Heinz Company, where he led digital supply chain transformation, supply chain execution, logistics planning, and sales and operations planning. He also held management consulting roles with Booz Allen Hamilton and began his career as a software developer with Convergência Latina Participações e Consultoria. Diego holds an MBA in Operations Management from MIT and a degree in Computer Engineering from the Instituto Militar de Engenharia in Brazil.
About our host:
Ian Heller
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Distribution Strategy Group
Ian Heller joined Grainger as a part-time truck unloader in college and left fifteen years later as the VP Marketing. Since then, he's held senior executive positions at four other publicly-held firms, consulted with dozens of distributors, and continues to write and speak extensively on how AI, strategy, channel evolution and other major trends affect the industry. Ian holds a B.A. in History from Roosevelt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.