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.
Convenience Distribution Association
Reston, VA
Vice Chairman
Ceramic Tile Distributors Association
Glen Ellyn, IL
ADI
Melville, NY
Former CEO – Lawson Products
Meredith, NH
Field Fasteners
Rockford, IL
Chairman
COE Distributing
Smock, PA
Pace Supply Corporation
Rohnert Park, CA
IFP Motion Solutions
Cedar Rapids, IA
Levitt Safety Ltd
Oakville, Ontario
Kimball Midwest
Columbus, OH
The Fertilizer Institute
Arlington, VA
Ball Horticultural Co
Chicago, IL
National Oak Distributors
West Palm Beach, FL
FleetPride
Buffalo Grove, IL
SRS Distribution
Wylie, TX
President
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
Washington, DC
Executive Director & Treasurer
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
Washington, DC
Acting Secretary
Keeley, Kuenn & Reid
Chicago, IL
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
Network for Business Innovation (NB4I)
Brent Grover & Co.
Texas A&M University
Indian River Consulting Group
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
- Distributor Executive Networks (DENs)
- PEAK
- Innovations Intermediaries by Mark Dancer
- Innovate to Dominate 2019
Honorary Directors for Life
- Donald Carlson
- J. Michael Moore
- Joe Nettemeyer
- Bob Roberts
- Byron Potter
- In Memoriam – Dirk Van Dongen
