In October, ASA University celebrated an exciting milestone with the graduation of the first cohort of the newly revamped Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program. Congratulations to our October 2024 graduates!

Ten dynamic individuals — representing both male and female participants —successfully completed the program and earned their MDM status, marking a new chapter for ASA’s commitment to developing future industry leaders. This talented group included participants from more than five different member companies and drew interest as far away as members in Puerto Rico, demonstrating the program’s expansive reach and influence.

Over the past 12 months, students have methodically worked through the core MDM curriculum, “Essentials of Practical Leadership in Wholesale-Distribution,” and have met monthly as peers to discuss challenges, takeaways, and share best practices.

A mentor at the student’s member company also followed the student’s progress, providing guidance, clarification, and support throughout their journey. In the final month of the program, students presented their capstone projects to a Graduate Review Committee to earn their MDM graduation.

» Read More ASA News

“By delving into the essentials of leadership specifically tailored to our industry, I saw an opportunity to enhance my leadership abilities and deepen my insight into the nuances of our industry,” noted MDM student Christopher Walther of ASA member company Rubenstein Supply.

For their graduation to become official, students must select a capstone project at the commencement of the MDM program, and at the conclusion of the 12-month program, present their unique business problem, challenge, or project they implemented at their own business.

Throughout the month of October, students presented a wide variety of projects to the Graduate Review panel, with projects spanning from “integration of emotionally intelligent KPIs” to company-wide cross-training initiatives, critical process improvements to business operations, and more.

“The MDM program from ASA provides the ideal framework for people to develop the skills necessary to be successful in our industry, and it requires participants to have a mentor. It is an honor to be able to fill that role as a mentor within our organization,” said George Yezbak, long-time Graduate Review Committee veteran from ASA rep member company NH Yates.

With a curriculum focused on strategic problem-solving, critical thinking, relationship management, and leadership development, the program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to lead with vision and adaptability. The MDM program emphasizes practical, actionable learning, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact within their organizations.

Graduating Class October 2024

• Jonathan López Claudio, CIB Corp.
• Bryan Morales, CIB Corp.
• Adriana Quijano Rossy, CIB Corp.
• Billy Lee, Lee Supply Corp
• Todd Yates, NH Yates
• Tom Breidenstein, Schaefer Plumbing Supply
• Mickey Brown, Schaefer Plumbing Supply
• Jonathan Curry, Schaefer Plumbing Supply
• Brian Glowacki, Mid-State Supply
• Christopher Walther, Rubenstein Supply Co.

Congratulations to the October 2024 graduating class! This cohort represents the next generation of leaders whose drive and expertise will shape the future of distribution. ASA is proud to celebrate these individuals and looks forward to the impact they will undoubtedly make in their organizations and beyond.