Member-Driven Programs Propelling Progress

FEDA's new Dealer Growth Accelerator Mentoring Program will connect industry leaders with rising distributors while complementing the latest solutions-oriented initiatives underway at FEDA's councils.

One of the most valuable aspects of being part of an industry association is the opportunity for well-established leaders to share their knowledge with passionate up-and-coming professionals. For small- and mid-sized companies, it’s a chance to learn how industry titans got to where they are and absorb lessons that can be applied to growing their own business. This process has happened at FEDA in various ways over the years, more notably through networking at the FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference. However, FEDA’s latest initiative, the Dealer Growth Accelerator Mentoring Program (DGAM), promises to facilitate this kind of peer-to-peer executive leadership development with an all-new, more structured approach.

Launching in 2026, DGAM will connect leaders of rising foodservice equipment and supplies dealers with experienced mentors to advance professional growth, refine business strategies and boost industry engagement. The program will connect executives from FEDA distributor member companies with mentees from small and emerging dealerships. Pairings will be based on business focus and the mentee’s growth goals. Mentorships will be managed and guided by FEDA staff and run for two years, with regularly scheduled check-ins between the mentor and mentee. For those discussions, the pair will use guiding questions to stimulate meaningful discussions and problem-solve business challenges.

FEDA is actively recruiting leaders at distributor member companies who are interested in serving as a DGAM mentor. Those interested are encouraged to reach out to Education Program Manager Erin Bagley at ebagley@feda.com.

Future of Distribution Council
While DGAM focuses on developing the next generation of distributor members, FEDA is also investing in the systems and processes that enable companies to grow. This broader effort is reflected in the ambitious agenda of the Future of Distribution Council (FDC).

The FDC’s primary focus in 2026 will be taking the next step forward in its work to strengthen supply chain efficiency, enhance visibility and foster closer collaboration across the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. Although modernizing the supply chain has been a key part of the FDC since its inception, this year the group is undertaking a series of projects that will put the ideas it has been exploring into action.

The projects will be divided into two phases, with two new FDC subcommittees guiding each phase. The first subcommittee will be developing industry guidelines aimed at reducing freight damage and improving packaging practices for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. Distributors and manufacturers on the subcommittee will examine current inbound inspection standards and apply what they learn to outbound shipments, ensuring consistency across dealer and supplier operations. From there, the group will review the potential emerging solutions, such as sensors or smart packaging, and evaluate their potential to improve shipping visibility and accountability.

The second subcommittee will work to advance product data consistency across the supply chain and distributor and manufacturer operational systems. This will support the FDC’s goal to ensure accurate, real-time information sharing and improved digital connectivity.

The two subcommittees and their associated projects seek to build ground-up solutions oriented toward the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, but FEDA also understands that there may be other strategies already available that are being underutilized. In acknowledgment of this, the FDC will run a separate pilot project that addresses one such example: transportation management systems (TMS). A TMS is a software system that helps companies manage the logistics, including optimizing loads and delivery routes, tracking freight and automating tasks such as trade compliance and freight billing. More widespread adoption could generate industry-wide supply chain improvements.

To that end, a planning committee of FEDA staff and partners, including supply chain experts at Dorn Group and third-party logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel, will spend 2026 testing how broader TMS use might improve logistics visibility and process efficiency for all FEDA members. During the first quarter of the year, the planning committee will define the data that should be tracked and prepare a framework for a pilot program. FDC members who are already using TMS will then be asked to participate in the pilot program, sharing some of their logistics data for further analysis.

Both subcommittees and the TMS pilot planning committee will report initial results and share recommendations in September 2026.

Emerging Dealers Council
Strengthened by the FDC’s work to streamline operations and boost connectivity, the Emerging Dealers Council (EDC) is expanding programs that help smaller distributors scale and compete more effectively.

Since forming in 2023, the EDC has supported small and emerging distribution companies by providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing from peers and subject-area experts and growth strategies. Those areas will be further expanded in 2026 with the addition of a new peer exchange program and special presentations covering funding strategies and technology adoption.

The new Emerging Dealer Peer Exchange sessions will be designed to offer a semi-casual space for executives on the EDC to discuss business, leadership and operational challenges. Each session will feature a CEO mentor from the DGAM Program, who will guide the discussions on requested topics such as customer retention, technology adoption, internal culture, and scalable processes.

Other topics that will be covered at EDC meetings or other special programs include:

• Retaining employees through career paths, mentoring and industry benchmarked compensation
• Warehouse/logistics operations, process discipline and supplier partnership management
• Developing high-performing sales teams
• Evaluating technology investments
• Building scalable internal systems that support long-term growth

Taken together, these initiatives reflect a game-changing year ahead for FEDA and the broader distribution community. From developing emerging leaders to modernizing the supply chain and strengthening collaboration, 2026 will be defined by projects that elevate performance at every level of the industry. As association members, councils and industry partners take on this work, their progress will create a more connected, innovative and competitive future. With so much momentum underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year to be involved with FEDA’s initiatives and member-driven groups.