Michael Marks co-founded the Indian River Consulting Group in April 1987. Mike began his consulting practice after working in distribution management for more than 20 years. He has written extensively, and is frequently quoted on many industry issues. In February of 200, the Distribution Research and Education Foundation (DREF) of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) named Mike its second Research Fellow. In 2005, he accepted their invitation to serve another four-year term. The Fellows program recognizes individuals who have made and continue to make significant intellectual contributions to the field of wholesale distribution. Mike is the co-author of DREF's book, "What's Your Plan? Smart Salesforce Compensation in Wholesale Distribution." He developed DREF's audio-CD series "Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership" and is working on a new research project on distributor/supplier relationships. Mike is recognized for his expertise in one- and two-step distribution channel strategies, supply chain management, and the practical application of real world technology. In addition to consulting, his experience includes sitting on the Boards of several public and private distribution firms, being an expert witness, and being an Arbitrator. He takes a lot of pride in his business and the people who work with him. "We're an experience-driven company," he says. "All of this company's employees had real jobs before coming here. We gained industry experience first, then went into consulting." Prior to forming IRCG, Mike held the position of Executive Vice President at Lex Electronics, an $800 million vertically integrated electronics distributor in Stamford, CT. Before joining Lex, he was Director of Corporate Training and Development at Ducommon Inc., Los Angeles, a $400 million industrial distribution company. Prior to his distribution career, Mike did a tour of duty as a manufacturer's representative in the automotive aftermarket. Titles Facing the Forces of Change Personal Implications of Scenario Planning Rationalizing the Distributor Network Post-Acquisition Validating Channel-Related Acquisition Synergies Managing in a Down Economy Sales Techniques that Grow Wholesale Distribution Businesses The Changing Buying Habits of Your Customers: The New Choices Created by Technology Improving Manufacturer-Distributor Business Processes: Looking Forward in the Supply Chain Topics Change, Business, Sales, Management, Customer Service, Technology Click topic above to see more speakers on that topic Speaker's Asking Fee Range $10,000 - $14,999 Click on fee range to see more speakers. This is the starting keynote fee range - other programs may be higher. State FL Click on state above to see more speakers from that state. Fees The fee range quoted means the speaker's fee starts somewhere within that range. Note that speaker's fees are subject to change and some speakers may have special fee quotes.