A Boatload of Smart

I realize that I tend to use the word “boatload” a lot. I’m not a boater, but the best example I ever saw that illustrates the idiom happened when I once stayed at the Westin right on the Savannah River. I was unpacking and talking on the phone when I happened to I look out my 10th-story window to see an incredible site: A monster cargo ship was passing by at eye level and it was startling. It brought new meaning to my way-overused cliché.

With that picture in mind, I can say with only minimum hyperbole that this issue of Industrial Supply contains a boatload of value for the distributor executive. I had the honor of interviewing several brilliant people whose insights you’ll receive as you begin turning the pages.

In our cover story, I’m proud to introduce you to Joe Wesel, president at American Producers Supply based in Marietta, Ohio. He’s an impressive, growth-focused leader with a genuine passion for integrity and values, as well as a demonstrated respect for the employees who work across the distributor’s 15 locations.

Next, please spend time with our checklist of priorities for acquiring a mobile robot for your warehouse. I learned from Michael Marcum at Bastian Solutions that the automation industry is advancing rapidly in 3D perception technology, and a new trend called “semantics” is enabling bots to detect what they’re “seeing,” classify that thing, and react differently based on that classification. My take: These products are getting safer all the time.

Last, I’ll point your attention to our industrial hose safety article that underscores the vital role distributors play in protecting end users with education about hose hazards. As NAHAD members prepare to launch the 3rd Annual Hose Safety Awareness Week on September 7, experts discuss the reasons accidents happen and why daily vigilance to educate and warn is a non-negotiable. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a distributor with a sound safety culture can stand between a customer and a catastrophe. FYI: All distributors are hose users, so don’t skip this one – the safety of your own employees could be at stake. As always, thanks for reading!