FEDA NEWS & VIEWS THE COVER
FEATURES 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Using Technology to Drive Inventory, Productivity, and
AI solutions and other emerging technologies aren’t merely helping distributors and manufacturers improve effi ciency, they are opening the door to entirely new ways of operating. From restructuring warehouse layouts and reducing picking errors to implementing more accurate and thorough equipment testing procedures, technology is becoming an even bigger part of FEDA members’ strategies. But it’s not just the technology that is undergoing an upgrade. This issue also explores how distributors are creating more value for customers after the sale, through services such as managing warranties and coordinating repairs.
VIEWS 04
I06 08
Service Gains Ten ways data and AI can improve inventory, labor planning, and overall warehouse performance.
28
Closing the
Data Infrastructure Gap Following their initial meetings, FEDA’s new Future of Distribution Council subcommittees are taking a three-pronged approach to reducing ineffi ciency around shipping practices, product data, and transportation management.
32
Standing Out T rough Post-Sale Service Distributors earn repeat and referral business by keeping kitchens running, solving problems, and staying involved long after equipment installation.
16 22 26
Chairman’s Message By Marc Tell
ndustry Insights By Kyle Forman
Vision Forward By Tracy Mulqueen
64
Chief Operator Changes in the Industry
60
Built for the Role: Joe Durham Ready to Lead FEDA
Data Portal Database Upgrade to Power Next Generation of Technology Solutions
OPERATORS
Turn Data Into Decisions With FEDA’s 2026
Benchmarking Survey A new platform, faster results, and expanded questions promise to provide distributors with the insights they need to improve their fi nancial and operational performance.
34
Proving Performance Before the Kitchen Ever
Turns On Modern equipment testing and validation programs help distributors justify specifi cations, reduce callbacks, and strengthen project confi dence.
ON THE MOVE
Recent Promotions, Hires, and Retirements at FEDA Member Companies
58
new feda members
New FEDA Members Spring 2026 3
40 50
52
FEDA 2026 Conference Promo
2026 VIP Partners
2026 Manufacturer
Showcase Explore the latest solutions from FEDA manufacturer members.
OPERATIONS
Navigating the 2026 Logistics Redesign A strategic guide to how trucking regulations and supply chain instability are affecting the U.S. freight market.
44
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
