The NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence (The Institute) is a leading provider of research, development, and education exclusively for and about the wholesale distribution industry.

Mission Statement

The mission of the NAW Institute is to sponsor and disseminate research into strategic management and transformation issues affecting the wholesale distribution industry.

Meet the NAW Institute Board

The Institute Board is comprised of best-in-class wholesaler-distributors and executives of leading wholesale distribution associations across a wide line of trades. Our board members share an intellectual curiosity, a collaborative & innovative mindset and they are leading thinkers interested in transformational strategies to enhance distributor performance.

What is the NAW Institute?

The priorities of The Institute center on the strategic management issues around people (e.g., leadership development), process (e.g., sales transformation), and technology (e.g., digital marketplaces) that leading wholesale distribution companies view as most important for improving their business performance and profitability. The Institute publishes and produces leading-edge studies, reports, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and creates business solutions with practical applications for wholesale distribution firms of all sizes, across all lines of trade, for its executive leadership, management, and employees.

Meet our Fellows

Our Work

NAW’s research arm, the Institute for Distribution Excellence, is dedicated to advancing the distribution industry through research and education. Operating as a C-3 entity, the Institute’s work involves conducting research, producing publications, and steering new programs, all aimed at providing insights and strategies to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of wholesaler-distributors in the ever-evolving marketplace.

Recent and Upcoming NAW Institute Initiatives

Honorary Directors for Life

  • Donald Carlson
  • J. Michael Moore
  • Joe Nettemeyer
  • Bob Roberts
  • Byron Potter
  • Dirk Van Dongen