WINTER 2016
Distributor's Link Magazine Winter Issue 2016 / Vol 39 No1
Distributor's Link Magazine Winter Issue 2016 / Vol 39 No1
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60 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK<br />
NETPLUS ALLIANCE<br />
32 Professional Parkway, Lockport, NY 14094<br />
TEL 716-438-2014 FAX 716-439-4347 EMAIL info@netplusalliance.com WEB www.netplusalliance.com<br />
HELPING FASTENER AND INDUSTRIAL<br />
DISTRIBUTORS SUCCEED<br />
The definition of an entrepreneur sounds a lot like an<br />
independent distributor in today’s economy: “A person who<br />
operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than<br />
normal financial risks in order to do so.” Successful<br />
entrepreneurs grow quickly; many of the most recognized<br />
companies have had to go back and re-tool their business<br />
practices after realizing that they lost touch with the<br />
business’s core focus. Whether you are a long-time<br />
business owner or new to the<br />
game, it is critical that you<br />
keep your company’s goals<br />
and objectives aligned with<br />
your customer’s needs. Once<br />
you’ve met those needs, you<br />
have to differentiate your<br />
services and provide<br />
something that sets you apart<br />
from the competition. This is<br />
precisely what my father, Dan<br />
Judge, an entrepreneur and the<br />
Founder of NetPlus Alliance,<br />
set out to do in 2002 when he<br />
formed the company.<br />
History Of NetPlus Alliance<br />
In 1987, our company, then known as Ward Beals and<br />
McCarthy, and five other industrial distributors formed the<br />
first “buying group” in this industry, I.D. One. Fears were<br />
voiced that I.D. One would take unfair advantage of its<br />
group buying power and destroy manufacturer/distributor<br />
loyalty.<br />
Dan Judge, took over running I.D. One in 1993. During<br />
DAN JUDGE, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN (LEFT) AND JENNIFER (JUDGE)<br />
MURPHY, PRESIDENT (RIGHT).<br />
the 1990s, I.D. One was recognized as the premier<br />
purchasing, marketing and management cooperative for<br />
industrial distributors. In 2000, due to unprecedented M&A<br />
activity among its members, I.D. One merged into another<br />
existing buying group. In 2002, Dan launched NetPlus<br />
Alliance to offer a buying group for independent distributors<br />
that was affordable and open for anyone to apply. How<br />
times had changed! Both distributors and suppliers had<br />
come to realize the positive<br />
benefits that could arise from<br />
working together, and the<br />
group grew quickly.<br />
Advantages Of<br />
Buying Groups<br />
Buying groups and co-ops all<br />
work to support distribution<br />
and deliver added value to their<br />
membership. Many buying<br />
groups provide values that<br />
aren’t available individually,<br />
such as:<br />
• Economic values, including<br />
front-end buying advantages and back-end rebates that can<br />
help you grow your business and significantly increase<br />
overall profitability.<br />
• Services and support to help you carve out time to work<br />
on your business rather than in your business.<br />
• Local or national meetings that provide an opportunity to<br />
expand and diversify your product offering and network with<br />
fellow distributors.<br />
• Mutual growth among suppliers and distributors.<br />
BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE<br />
CONTINUED ON PAGE 136
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