Entry Details

About the Entry

Category: 
All Content > Regular Column > Central

Title of entry: 
Distributor's Voice

Issue or Publication date:
June 2024; August 2024

Publication name: 
tED magazine

View Website home page:
tedmag.com

Links to entry URLs

Please note: These URLs are only required for entries in the Online division categories, or digital entries in appropriate Overall Excellence, Design or All Content division categories.

Entry URL(s), if applicable:
Please enter a URL that will direct judges to the entry: 
https://www.tedmagazine-digital.com/tedmagazine/june_2024-a/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=1&folio=20#pg22
Additional URLs, if needed:
https://www.tedmagazine-digital.com/tedmagazine/august_2024-a/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=1&folio=16#pg18

Entry Essay: 
As the official publication of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), tED magazine is the voice for the top electrical distributors in North America. Designed to appeal to all electrical distribution personnel—from drivers and warehouse workers to presidents and CEOs—tED is read by employees of companies ranging from national chains to independents of all sizes. tED’s readers are top performers and decision-makers in the industry and the magazine strives to get important messages and product information in front of them each month. We are also proud that tED magazine has a reputation for addressing the tough issues within the channel that are reported on without advertiser influence.

Electrical distribution is often an industry in which companies are hesitant to give away their "secrets." For this reason, tED is excited to have Kevin Reed as a regular contributor. Kevin has been a tED columnist for several years and, as a director of purchasing and operations for a relatively large distributor, he offers insights and advice in his columns that is unique not only to the magazine, but also to electrical industry publication in general.

The two columns I chose to enter from 2024 demonstrate Kevin's down-to-earth, yet thoughtful approach to providing information and showcase Kevin's frank style of writing.

June 2024-A Issue: Kevin writes about what happens when he gets roped into a deal or agreement he once had that he now needs to break: Sometimes, a better deal just comes along. Whether alliances switch between rep agencies or you just want to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. As with any deal, writes Kevin, it’s always best to have an exit strategy at the ready.

August 2024-A Issue: Here, Kevin writes about how, sometimes, saying nothing is better than saying what is really on his mind. He tells a story of when he spoke up...and ruined a good thing.