Accounts Receivable Consultant
BlueTape, the leading payment and financing solution for construction professionals, is focused on helping businesses improve their customers’ experience, cut operation costs, and run more efficiently. With first-hand industry knowledge, they have a passion for the construction industry supply chain and a goal to specifically help small and medium-sized businesses. Please contact Keith Foxx, [email protected] or 404-915-9390 for details. Please let him know you are a STAFDA member.
Business Technology Consultant
Contact Jeff Gusdorf, CPA, with Gusdorf Consulting to utilize your 30 minutes of free phone consultation. His expertise includes ERP software evaluation and selection, business process improvement, and technology roadmap development. For members looking to beef up cyber-security efforts, Jeff and his colleagues offer advice on protecting your company from attacks. Jeff also writes STAFDA’s Technology Advisory which can be accessed through the members-only section of stafda.org. Contact him at at [email protected] or by his direct number, 314/669-6206.
Customer Service Consultant
Dr. Jeanne Hurlbert, president of Hurlbert Consulting, is STAFDA’s new Customer Service Consultant and author of the new Concierge Customer Service manual and the quarterly Customer Service Advisory. After spending more than 25 years in academia, she now uses her extensive behavioral science background to help companies distinguish themselves through customer service. Jeanne helps companies meld research and marketing to find out exactly what their customers want and how well they’re meeting those needs. She provides STAFDA members with 30 minutes of complimentary consultation per year. Please identify yourself as a STAFDA member when contacting her at 888/590-9677, [email protected], or by visiting www.ConciergeCustomerService.com. Complete her complimentary assessment at www.FixYourService.com.
The Distributor Board
The Distributor Board serves as an outside advisory board for STAFDA members. It’s principals, M. Jay Heilbrunn, David Panitch, and Herb Shields, have worked with several members since presenting a panel discussion during STAFDA’s 2010 Phoenix Convention. As an advisory board of distribution experts, they can provide members with a distinct advantage in their marketplace by providing guidance in strategic direction. For more information, contact them through their website, www.TheDistributorBoard.com, and let them know you’re a STAFDA member.
Financial/Profitability Consultant

Ken Brown, Managing Partner of Evergreen Consulting, is a distribution industry professional, speaker, and author. As a channel advisor, he focuses on strategy and profit improvement tactics with a heavy concentration on strategic pricing, cost to serve and customer profitability analysis, and sales compensation. Members receive up to 30 minutes of free consultation each year with him. For more information, contact Ken at 216/777-4664 or [email protected]. Please let him know you’re a STAFDA member.
Human Resources Consultant
Nancye Combs of HR Enterprise, Inc., provides a virtual HR Department for STAFDA members. Whatever your HR need, from an Employee Handbook Template, HR Handbook instructions to a Money Handling Policy or Job Descriptions, to assistance with volatile employee problems, the first 30 minutes of a consultation is free. A customized employee handbook costs as little as $495. Contact her confidentially by phone or e-mail to engage her for onsite services. Nancye also writes the STAFDA Human Resources Advisory and conducts STAFDA webinars. Contact her at 502/896-0503 or [email protected].
Insurance

Sentry Insurance is one of the largest and most financially secure mutual insurance companies in the United States, holding an A+ (superior) rating* from A.M. Best. Sentry and its subsidiaries sell property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities, and retirement programs for business and individuals throughout the country. Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry employs more than 4,000 associates in 41 states. See a complete list of underwriting companies at www.sentry.com. Contact Eric Stiles at 715/346-7272 or [email protected]. (*A.M. Best rating current as of 5/19/2016)
Inventory Consultant
Jon Schreibfeder is president of Effective Inventory Management, Inc., a firm dedicated to helping companies maximize the profitability and productivity of their investment in stock inventory. He is a globally recognized inventory analyst, speaker, and lecturer. He is the author of STAFDA’s Inventory Advisory and numerous articles and books, including STAFDA’s Purchasing Manual and Achieving Effective Inventory Mangement, 5th ed. STAFDA members receive 30 minutes of complimentary phone consultation each year and discounted rates on all other consulting services, workshops, books, and other products. Contact Jon at 972/304-3325, [email protected], or visit www.EffectiveInventory.com.
LEGALCARE America
Legal advice, second opinions, and referrals are available through LEGALCARE America. All STAFDA key contacts are automatically enrolled in this program. A network of lawyers offer free advice through the Helpline, and if legal representation is required, you’ll be referred to a local lawyer specializing in your area of concern. Referral attorneys provide members with a free initial consultation (up to 30 minutes) and then extend a 25% discount on billable rates for all work done on a member’s behalf. All information is confidential. You may also offer this as a valuable employee benefit for only $6/year/employee. Contact LEGALCARE America at 877/377-2273 and identify yourself as a STAFDA member or visit www.legalcareamerica.com.
Online Marketing Consultant
The Internet isn’t a passing fad: Members need to learn to harness the power of their websites, search engines, e-mail marketing, social media, and more. Bob DeStefano, president of SVM E-Marketing Solutions, offers members his expertise in this growing environment. STAFDA members receive 30 minutes of complimentary phone consultation and discounted rates on his services. Contact Bob at 877/786-3249 ext. 234, [email protected], or for more information, visit www.svmsolutions.com.
Sales Consultant
Paul Reilly, President of Reilly Sales Training, began his sales career at the age of 16. He has sold car washes, painting services, jewelry, propane, medical equipment, and construction tools and fasteners. For six years, he worked at Hilti and was recognized with their $3 million sales club. He is now STAFDA’s endorsed sales consultant and writes the Association’s quarterly Sales Advisory and the Inside Sales Manual. Contact Paul at 636/778-0175, [email protected], or visit www.reillysalestraining.com. Be sure to let him know you’re a STAFDA member.
Showroom and Warehouse Consultant
Kenneth Ackerman, Ackerman Company, is STAFDA’s Warehousing Consultant. Ken has been active in logistics and warehousing his entire career including as chief executive of Distribution Centers, as part of the management consulting division of Coopers & Lybrand, and then forming the Ackerman Company. He is editor and publisher of Warehousing Forum and author of several books including Warehousing Profitability, Lean Warehousing, Auditing Warehouse Performance, and Warehousing Tips. He also writes STAFDA’s quarterly Warehouse Advisory and providse members 30 minutes of free phone consultation each year. Contact Ken at 614/488-3165 or [email protected].