Скачать или смотреть Business Innovators Featuring Jess Criswell, VP of Sales at KR Johnson

In this episode of Business Innovators, Andy Hedrick sits down with Jess Criswell, VP of Sales at KR Johnson, for a candid, experience-driven conversation on sales, operations, supply chain innovation, and what leaders must do to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

This discussion is especially relevant for Founders, CEOs, and Sales Leaders navigating cost pressures, digital transformation, and evolving customer expectations.

Key Takeaways for Founders & CEOs:

✅ Sales growth starts with trust and relationships — long-standing partnerships create transparency, speed, and better decision-making

✅ Regionalized manufacturing and fulfillment are reshaping distribution, driven by supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and customer proximity

✅ COVID exposed fragile supply chains, forcing leaders to rethink reliance on global sourcing and long lead times

✅ Digital transformation is finally becoming practical, with AI and data tools moving from theory into real customer-facing efficiency

✅ Cost containment is now a leadership priority, balancing tariffs, freight, insurance, and margin protection without losing customers

✅ Collaboration with vendors drives real margin improvement, reducing touchpoints, improving ergonomics, and lowering operational costs

💡Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) can be a growth lever, as seen with ShelfAware driving 5–7x revenue growth through visibility, automation, and reduced friction.

Jess also shares why keeping an open mind, continuously learning, and “skating to where the puck is going” are essential leadership traits — especially as AI, reshoring, and supply chain innovation reshape American manufacturing and distribution.

🤝Sponsored Spotlight: ShelfAware

ShelfAware is a vendor-managed inventory system helping manufacturers and distributors streamline operations, reduce noise, improve customer retention, and unlock scalable revenue growth.

As Jess explains, ShelfAware transformed customer relationships by eliminating inventory surprises, improving data visibility, and enabling seamless replenishment — even across long-distance regions where freight traditionally kills margins.

🎯 Action Step for Founders & CEOs

If this conversation made you think differently about your sales growth, operational efficiency, or supply chain strategy:

👉 Schedule a 15-minute strategy session
https://calendly.com/jenniferorvis/sh...

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