Day One
We kicked off our exploration of tomorrow’s industry leaders and customers. Sessions highlighted how generational diversity, evolving customer expectations, and workforce empowerment can build resilient, adaptable teams that share a unifying vision.
NAW President & CEO Eric Hoplin welcomed the largest crowd in the Summit’s history, underscoring the remarkable opportunities distributors have to play offense in today’s pro-business environment in Washington.
On the Commercial Growth track, keynote speaker Andrew Davis introduced his “Digital Doppelgängers” concept, illustrating a four-step approach to help distributors align AI with their unique goals and drive immediate, time-saving benefits.
Meanwhile, the Operational Excellence track underscored the significance of a robust Product Information Management (PIM) framework, with industry leaders emphasizing how PIM fuels growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
Mainstage highlights included insights from Kim Lear, who examined generational shifts in the workforce and encouraged leaders to seek common ground as a way to bridge generational divides.
Day Two
Day two centered on the current political landscape, lessons from history, and the enduring strength of the American spirit, equipping attendees with actionable strategies for leading their organizations with clarity and confidence in a rapidly changing world.
The day began with remarks from Larry Stoddard, President & Chief Executive Officer of Colony Hardware and NAW Board Chairman, who set the tone for a forward-looking conversation about industry challenges and opportunities.
Next a dynamic CEO Panel featuring Julian Francis, President & Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Building Products; Jason Tillis, Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Dade; and Kevin Weadick, Chief Executive Officer of FleetPride, moderated by Larry Stoddard. They discussed how each organization is adapting to market disruptions and shared insights on effective leadership in uncertain times.
Attendees then heard from Oscar Munoz, Former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of United Airlines, in a riveting conversation with NAW President & CEO Eric Hoplin. Munoz spoke about his leadership path—from roles at Coca-Cola and CSX Corp to orchestrating a remarkable five-year turnaround at United—stressing that putting employees first creates a stronger foundation for customers, shareholders, and future growth.
In “The Possibility Playbook,” Jim Derry, CEO of Field Fastener and JD Ewing, CEO of COE Distributing, along with Bart Tessel, Chief Innovation Officer, NAW, explored how NAW programs and events help distributors build leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and strengthen community ties.
The spotlight then shifted to public policy and legal developments. During a fireside chat with Dana Perino, moderated by NAW’s Chief Government Relations Officer Brian Wild, attendees got an inside look at politics under a new administration and the latest priorities on Capitol Hill.
In the Commercial Growth track, Derrick Murdock, CEO of IPS Packaging & Automation and Jerry Willard COO of IPS Packaging & Automation delved into how they identify, implement, and monetize new value-added services for evolving customer demands.
Over in the Operational Excellence track, Dr. Meg Reiss, CEO & Chief Executive Founder, SolidIntel Inc. guided attendees through realistic supply chain disruption scenarios, highlighting how data-centric, technology-driven approaches can enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
NAW’s Government Relations Team—Brian Wild, Alex Hendrie, Vice President–Government Relations, NAW, and Lauren Williams Vice President–Government Relations, NAW—dove deeper into pressing issues such as tariffs, taxes, trade, and proposed warehouse regulations.
Meanwhile, Karen Harned, President of Harned Strategies LLC and Director of Litigation and Legal Policy for the NAW Legal Policy Center, outlined early legal victories for the wholesale-distribution industry and emerging legal challenges that could impact members’ businesses.
Senator Steve Daines and Representative Tim Walberg added their perspectives through special video cameos, and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Hume Kennerly provided a captivating behind-the-scenes look at modern history, showcasing the enduring spirit that shapes our nation.
We finished the day with the Executive Summit Gala at the National Portrait Gallery where ABC Supply Co., Inc. was awarded the 2025 NAW Distributors Deliver award and Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. received the Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award.
Day Three
We began with “Modern Pricing Mastery,” where George Vorwick President & CEO, United Electric Supply, and Steve Whitaker, Vice President of Pricing & Cost, Rexel USA, and moderator, David Bauders CEO, SPARXiQ. They shared frameworks for implementing effective strategies, integrating pricing tools alongside change management initiatives, and taking proactive steps to maintain profitability in times of volatility.
Meanwhile, Dan Gardner, President of Trade Facilitators Inc. and Co-Founder of Trade XCelerators, led a discussion on global trade. He offered guidance on how distributors can mitigate risks from shifting policies, escalating freight costs, tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainties, ensuring they remain agile in the face of rapid change.
On the Mainstage, Adam Markel—a resilience researcher and bestselling author of Change Proof—explored how mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual resilience can empower organizations to thrive, rather than merely survive, in turbulent times.
Closing out the morning, Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR Economics, presented one of his final keynotes before retirement. He provided a forward-looking economic forecast, covering everything from interest rates to inflation, and encouraged attendees to leverage their own internal data for stronger, more informed strategic decisions.
Before wrapping up, we announced early registration is open for the 2026 NAW Executive Summit, where you can lock in this year’s special rate. Space will be limited, so don’t miss your chance to secure your spot.
Join us in 2026
Registration for the 2026 Executive Summit is now open.
Register now to lock in 2024 rates.
