America II: From Independent to Blended to Global Distributor

Distribution, Executive Q&A, Featured, News Analysis1 Comment

Over the past two years, America II has evolved into what it calls a “blended distribution” model, combining the strategies of both franchised and independent distribution. The St. Petersburg, Fla.- based company started out 25 years ago as an independent distributor focusing on component shortages and now has more than 50 franchises as it works…

Smith & Associates: Independent but Quality Obsessed

Component Sourcing, Distribution, Featured, Featured Articles, Features, Market Leaders, Supply ChainLeave a comment

Many high-tech companies — and rock bands — are famous for being started in garages.  The $586 million distributor N.F. Smith & Associates had a similar beginning, except it was out of a living room. “Whenever I think about our start-up today, I remember for an eight-year period we had huge challenges: we were undercapitalized,…