In what was an action-packed ASA Emerging Leaders Division’s EMERGE national conference in Arlington, Texas last month, one highlight was the presentation put together on ASA University’s Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program.

The 12-minute program at lunch on the final day of EMERGE — which for a 23rd time, brought together high-potential, high-ceiling employees from ASA-member wholesalers, suppliers and reps — highlighted the one-year leadership experience built specifically for our industry, guided by ASA University’s curriculum and shaped by some of the best minds in distribution (a new MDM cohort launched this month).

As ASA vice president of education and training Taylor Albano puts it, it’s not theoretical — it’s practical, proven and only available through this MDM program, which has seen more than 60 employees from ASA-member companies graduate from it in the last two-plus years (the program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate).

ASA’s Mike Miazga drilled down on the basics of the certificate program: the short 1-year in duration, the use of an MDM workbook written by industry leaders such as Rick Fantham (Hajoca) and Jeff Pope (F.W. Webb), how the monthly online cohort gatherings work, the program hours that can be earned by attending ASA leadership-focused events such as EMERGE and other industry-adjacent leadership programs, and how the final capstone project unfolds.

What makes MDM especially powerful is that peer-to-peer component. You’re not going through it alone — you’re learning alongside others in the industry, sharing leadership challenges, exchanging ideas, and working through real-world barriers together.

And importantly, this is designed to fit into your world. It’s achievable within the flow of your workday — a lightweight format, but one that delivers a meaningful, lasting impact.

Over the course of the program, participants dive into 11 core facets of leadership — everything from communication and conflict management to change leadership and emotional intelligence. These are the skills that define effective leaders today.

Things were further brought to life on stage when Mike interviewed Porter Pipe’s Alex Porter, the 2027 ASA Emerging Leaders Advisory Group vice chairman, a graduate of the MDM program, as well DSG’s Scott Tarrh and Robertson Heating Supply’s David Gonzalez, two current students in the program. 

Attendees also heard via video from other MDM graduates and from decision-makers from ASA-member companies who explained why they green-lit their employees to enroll in the MDM program.

Scott and David talked about the subjects of their capstone projects and how those projects are designed to help their respective companies create efficiencies and/or save money — driving real change and delivering measurable value back to their organization. 

 At the end of the course, MDM students present their capstone projects to an ASA graduate review board (comprised of ASA-member volunteer leaders).

And while the program is rooted in distribution, the leadership principles go far beyond it. Whether you’re focused on building your own leadership capability or thinking about succession planning within your organization, this program is designed to prepare you for what’s next.

In fact, EMERGE2026 was rooted in wall-to-wall leadership principles with speakers Tony Brigmon (the FUN-onmenal workplace), Lt. Col. Steve Russell (leading in difficult circumstances) and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett filling attendees’ notebooks with immediately implementable takeaways. Garrett’s advice was powerful, yet practical (have difficult conversations in person and get right to the point when delivering bad news).

I love the synergy developing between the Emerging Leaders and the ASA-U MDM program — it’s a natural fit. It’s valuable for anyone focused on leadership growth or succession planning and it’s not limited to wholesalers. Everybody in the industry, suppliers, reps, service providers, who have up-and-comers in their firms can benefit.

If you are interested in further developing your leadership skills, just like those 180-plus who filled the Arlington Ballroom at Live! By Loews last month at EMERGE, or you know of individuals in your company who have that same passion, what’s your next step?

More MDM Info

To learn more about ASA University’s Master in Distribution Management program, visit www.asa.net/Education/MDM-Program and contact ASA’s Laura Clark at lclark@asa.net.