{"id":56481,"date":"2023-08-03T14:29:35","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T21:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/?p=56481"},"modified":"2023-08-03T14:29:37","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T21:29:37","slug":"the-long-run-distribution-management-difference-maker-sarah-custer-sets-winning-pace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/the-week-in-imaging-twii\/editors-blog\/2023\/08\/the-long-run-distribution-management-difference-maker-sarah-custer-sets-winning-pace\/","title":{"rendered":"The Long Run: Distribution Management Difference Maker Sarah Custer Sets Winning Pace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Sarah Custer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Had Sarah Custer decided that she wanted to be a track star, the only question is would she be more suited in a role as a sprinter or a distance runner? After all, the vice president of sales operations for Distribution Management began her career working summers at the firm during high school and ramped up her efforts by taking on a full-time sales role while pursuing her undergraduate and MBA studies on nights and weekends. That, in a sense, is a sprinter\u2019s mentality\u2014going all out with a finish line in sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After finishing her studies at Webster University and focusing on a variety of areas that culminated with the company\u2019s MPS platform, Custer married and welcomed two daughters to her family. That\u2019s where the sprint became a marathon. Having set a high bar for herself, Custer struggled with the demands of work, tending to a young family and finding the time to accomplish everything on her to-do list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, Custer discovered Sheryl Sandberg\u2019s \u201cLean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead\u201d which provided her with the concept of \u201cruthless prioritization.\u201d The time management mantra has helped her in tackling the day\u2019s top tasks, and reading the book has enabled her to set a realistic, doable pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou likely won\u2019t be able to get everything done on your to-do list every day, so determine the top few things that are the most important and complete those first,\u201d said Custer, a 2023 ENX Magazine<\/em> Difference Maker. \u201cI\u2019ve been living in \u2018ruthless prioritization\u2019 mode ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The onset of her MBA studies dovetailed with Distribution Management\u2019s brand-new managed print program. She was able to leverage what she was learning into real-world business applications. This was integral in getting the fledgling program off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridging Partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Custer loves how her job affords her the opportunity to work with different individuals and companies while learning how other businesses operate. Be it with customers or team members, she enjoys collaborating to furnish solutions that will help grow all stakeholders. As a distributor, she sees her company as the lynchpin between manufacturers and the firm\u2019s clients\u2014an intermediary to ensure a smooth flow through systems on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur MPS program adds the additional layer of working closely with end-users in many instances to make sure our resellers can meet the needs of their customers utilizing our program,\u201d she said. \u201cMPS engagements are also more complex because of the various software and service vendors that have to align to make the program run smoothly for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her role, Custer has worked on complex projects and integrations with all channel players, from manufacturers and software providers to end-users and other distributors. \u201cThese experiences have helped me gain a strong understanding of operations across our channel, and this perspective drives my approach when solving problems and working on new projects,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the driving forces during Custer\u2019s 22-year career has been her father, Barney Kister, a.k.a. Distribution Management\u2019s senior vice president of strategic relationships. Witnessing him in action on a day-to-day basis has only increased her appreciation of him and afforded her the opportunity to view him in a different light, revealing a side of her father that most children rarely see in their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBarney has a strong work ethic and passion for the business. He\u2019s determined and sometimes downright stubborn, both traits I\u2019m pretty sure I inherited from him,\u201d she observed. \u201cEarly in my career, he used to remind me of the Steven Covey quote, \u2018Seek first to understand, then to be understood.\u2019 This methodology taught me a lot about communication and how to approach interactions both professionally and personally.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upward Trajectory<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2022 business campaign was nothing short of a success, as Distribution Management\u2019s sales operations realized double-digit revenue growth over the previous year in both its traditional business and managed print, signaling a return to pre-pandemic volumes. Custer noted the teams were well-poised to manage and process the increased order volume and managed print devices. In the process, many team members grew their expertise and learned new areas of business in order to support customers\u2019 needs and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the heels of that performance, Distribution Management planned well for a continued surge in 2023, with a solid first half foreshadowing a strong showing for the balance of the year. \u201cWe continue to see signs that people are returning to the office for collaboration during at least some portion of each week, producing print volumes as a result,\u201d Custer added. \u201cWe will continue to refine our programs, processes, and procedures to align with the current needs of the market. \u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Moving the needle forward entails following Distribution Management\u2019s commitment to continuous improvement. Keeping open lines of communication with customers and partners enable the company to adjust its offerings to meet channel needs while driving operational efficiencies internally and externally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe will continue this methodology into the future and we always welcome input from our partners,\u201d Custer said. \u201cMany of our key offerings and programs are a result of conversations with customers or vendors who were trying to meet a specific need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Custer and her husband, Andy, will celebrate 16 years of marriage next month. They are the parents of two daughters: Violet, 12, and Lilah, 9. The girls are avid horse enthusiasts, so much of the family\u2019s free time is spent at the barn. Custer is a coach for both of their soccer teams. When they\u2019re not on the go, the Custers like to take relaxing hikes with their dogs, Gus and Indie.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Had Sarah Custer decided that she wanted to be a track star, the only question is would she be more suited in a role as a sprinter or a distance runner? After all, the vice president of sales operations for Distribution Management began her career working summers at the firm during high school and ramped up her efforts by taking on a full-time sales role while pursuing her undergraduate and MBA studies on nights and weekends. That, in a sense, is a sprinter\u2019s mentality\u2014going all out with a finish line in sight. After finishing her studies at Webster University and focusing on a variety of areas that culminated with the company\u2019s MPS platform, Custer married and welcomed two daughters to her family. That\u2019s where the sprint became a marathon. Having set a high bar for herself, Custer struggled with the demands of work, tending to a young family and finding the time to accomplish everything on her to-do list. Fortunately, Custer discovered Sheryl Sandberg\u2019s \u201cLean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead\u201d which provided her with the concept of \u201cruthless prioritization.\u201d The time management mantra has helped her in tackling the day\u2019s top tasks, and reading the book has enabled her to set a realistic, doable pace. \u201cYou likely won\u2019t be able to get everything done on your to-do list every day, so determine the top few things that are the most important and complete those first,\u201d said Custer, a 2023 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. \u201cI\u2019ve been living in \u2018ruthless prioritization\u2019 mode ever since.\u201d The onset of her MBA studies dovetailed with Distribution Management\u2019s brand-new managed print program. She was able to leverage what she was learning into real-world business applications. This was integral in getting the fledgling program off the ground. Bridging Partnerships Custer loves how her job affords her the opportunity to work with different individuals and companies while learning how other businesses operate. Be it with customers or team members, she enjoys collaborating to furnish solutions that will help grow all stakeholders. As a distributor, she sees her company as the lynchpin between manufacturers and the firm\u2019s clients\u2014an intermediary to ensure a smooth flow through systems on all sides. \u201cOur MPS program adds the additional layer of working closely with end-users in many instances to make sure our resellers can meet the needs of their customers utilizing our program,\u201d she said. \u201cMPS engagements are also more complex because of the various software and service vendors that have to align to make the program run smoothly for everyone.\u201d In her role, Custer has worked on complex projects and integrations with all channel players, from manufacturers and software providers to end-users and other distributors. \u201cThese experiences have helped me gain a strong understanding of operations across our channel, and this perspective drives my approach when solving problems and working on new projects,\u201d she added. One of the driving forces during Custer\u2019s 22-year career has been her father, Barney Kister, a.k.a. Distribution Management\u2019s senior vice president of strategic relationships. Witnessing him in action on a day-to-day basis has only increased her appreciation of him and afforded her the opportunity to view him in a different light, revealing a side of her father that most children rarely see in their parents. \u201cBarney has a strong work ethic and passion for the business. He\u2019s determined and sometimes downright stubborn, both traits I\u2019m pretty sure I inherited from him,\u201d she observed. \u201cEarly in my career, he used to remind me of the Steven Covey quote, \u2018Seek first to understand, then to be understood.\u2019 This methodology taught me a lot about communication and how to approach interactions both professionally and personally.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 Upward Trajectory The 2022 business campaign was nothing short of a success, as Distribution Management\u2019s sales operations realized double-digit revenue growth over the previous year in both its traditional business and managed print, signaling a return to pre-pandemic volumes. Custer noted the teams were well-poised to manage and process the increased order volume and managed print devices. In the process, many team members grew their expertise and learned new areas of business in order to support customers\u2019 needs and growth. On the heels of that performance, Distribution Management planned well for a continued surge in 2023, with a solid first half foreshadowing a strong showing for the balance of the year. \u201cWe continue to see signs that people are returning to the office for collaboration during at least some portion of each week, producing print volumes as a result,\u201d Custer added. \u201cWe will continue to refine our programs, processes, and procedures to align with the current needs of the market. \u201c Moving the needle forward entails following Distribution Management\u2019s commitment to continuous improvement. Keeping open lines of communication with customers and partners enable the company to adjust its offerings to meet channel needs while driving operational efficiencies internally and externally. \u201cWe will continue this methodology into the future and we always welcome input from our partners,\u201d Custer said. \u201cMany of our key offerings and programs are a result of conversations with customers or vendors who were trying to meet a specific need.\u201d Custer and her husband, Andy, will celebrate 16 years of marriage next month. They are the parents of two daughters: Violet, 12, and Lilah, 9. The girls are avid horse enthusiasts, so much of the family\u2019s free time is spent at the barn. Custer is a coach for both of their soccer teams. When they\u2019re not on the go, the Custers like to take relaxing hikes with their dogs, Gus and Indie.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":54824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3626,80,1650,82,84,1638],"tags":[2219],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56481"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/166"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56483,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56481\/revisions\/56483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.enxmag.com\/twii\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}