In this episode of Place to be, Marc sits down with Brian Beck—renowned B2B commerce expert, cofounder of Master B2B, and author of Billion Dollar B2B Commerce. They explore the massive digitization of B2B commerce, the importance of omnichannel customer journeys, and strategies to address supply chain fragmentation. The conversation delves into the rise of B2B platforms, including marketplaces, and how companies can compete in a world increasingly influenced by platforms like Amazon Business. From leveraging extended assortments to harnessing industry expertise, Brian offers actionable insights for distributors, manufacturers, and executives navigating the future of commerce. Don’t miss this episode filled with practical advice for thriving in today’s evolving B2B landscape.

In this episode of Place to be, we explore how Cencora is revolutionizing the healthcare sector with its innovative marketplace platform. Jay Dombi, Senior Vice President for Strategic Solutions, shares insights into how the platform empowers independent pharmacies by simplifying front-of-store procurement, fostering community connections, and driving operational efficiency. With a curated catalog of nearly 55,000 SKUs and partnerships with 250+ vetted suppliers, this one-stop-shop solution addresses critical challenges in healthcare and offers lessons for any B2B vertical. Tune in to discover how digitization and innovation can create healthier futures and drive success for small businesses.

In this episode of Place to be, Marc welcomes Greg Raece, President of Online Metals, a division of ThyssenKrupp Materials North America, to discuss how the company evolved its e-commerce business into a thriving marketplace. With a monthly audience of 400,000 visitors — from hobbyists to Fortune 500 companies — Online Metals has expanded its catalog to 80,000 items by onboarding 60 third-party sellers. Now, customers can find "any metal from the periodic table" alongside non-metal products like rubber and plastics.Tune in to explore their category strategy, tips for attracting sellers, and how they deliver a seamless customer experience.

Dive into Amazon Business's remarkable journey with Marc and Stephanie Lang, General Manager of Amazon Business US. Explore the strategies of Amazon's division serving 6 million professional customers in the U.S.—from Fortune 100 companies to public institutions and small to medium businesses. Discover how it aims at revolutionizing B2B procurement by balancing efficiency, cost savings, and responsible purchasing.

In this compelling episode, Marc welcomes Ralf Bühler, CEO of Conrad Electronic Group, who shares how this German Mittelstand champion transformed its business model into a thriving B2B platform with 10 million products and 1,000 sellers. Learn how Conrad has achieved exponential growth while maintaining an impeccable quality of service, and uncover key insights for B2B companies embarking on their own platform journey.

In this episode of Place to be, Marc sits down with Tony Lee, founder of SFP/Trayd, to explore the evolution and challenges of B2B platforms. Discover how the company aggregates and integrates over 1,000 brands across 15 marketplaces, simplifying the supply chain for grocery wholesalers and enabling local and regional brands to thrive. Together, they delve into the importance of maintaining high-quality standards, and the strategic role of marketplaces in extending supply chains and improving working capital. An inspiring conversation for B2B leaders seeking to digitize and grow their business.

In this episode of Place to be, Nick Ostergaard, Senior Manager of Advanced Services and Digital Solutions at Toyota Material Handling, shares how Toyota is transforming spare parts distribution with its innovative e-commerce platform, MyToyota Store. By seamlessly integrating its dealer network with its online sales channel, Toyota has created a win-win-win model benefiting customers, dealers, and the company itself. This conversation offers a deep dive into how a leading industrial company successfully digitized its route-to-market while strengthening — not alienating — its existing distribution channels.

In this episode of Place to be, Marc is joined by Jodi Fountain, Chief Digital Marketing Officer at SalonCentric, a L’Oréal USA subsidiary. They discuss how SalonCentric transformed its business by launching their platform in 2022, doubling their assortment to 30,000 SKUs through 400 third-party sellers, and becoming a true one-stop-shop solution for over one million beauty professionals. Jodi shares valuable insights on SalonCentric’s omnicanal strategy. Integrate their marketplace with their e-commerce website, allowed SalonCentric to enhance customer experience to better serve professional customers, while attracting new segments.

In this insightful episode, Mark Brohan, Senior Vice President, B2B and Market Research at Digital Commerce 360, shares his extensive expertise on the evolution of B2B digital commerce. From the explosive growth of marketplaces to the changing dynamics of buyer behavior, Mark provides valuable insights into how traditional businesses can adapt to the digital age. Learn why B2B marketplaces are growing at 30% annually and how companies can build resilient digital ecosystems in an era of supply chain challenges.