NAED LEAD Leads

Earlier this month Kansas City hosted over 200 people from the electrical industry for the LEAD conference, which I designed to support emerging industry leaders and provide them additional industry insights. A number of Channel Marketing Group clients had staff in attendance.

Megan O’Rear, Founder and CEO of Celerity Enterprises, a leading technology firm in the industry that is helping distributors improve profitability by streamlining their SPA reconciliation process, resulting in improved productivity, profitability, and sales tools, attended LEAD and shares her insights from the conference.

NAED LEAD Leads

“The recent NAED LEAD Conference in Kansas City was, by all accounts, a remarkable event that stood out for its unique combination of education, camaraderie, and energy. Having attended multiple NAED LEAD conferences, I can confidently say this one was different in all the best ways. Not only did it offer the usual educational insights that are a hallmark of these events, but it also fostered a sense of unity and collaboration that is increasingly rare in today’s polarized world. It felt less like a traditional business conference and more like a college football game where everyone is rooting for the same team and cheering each other on to success.

The first night set the tone for the entire event.  Maybe it was the relaxed outdoor setting, where attendees shared stories under a beautiful Kansas City fall sky.  Maybe it was the fact that both the KC Chiefs and the KC Royals were playing that evening.  Maybe it was a combination of things.  In any case, the atmosphere was electric. Team spirit was on full display, with many participants proudly sporting their favorite jerseys, symbolizing not only their sports allegiances but also the broader sense of belonging and unity that would come to define the week.

Engaging Speakers and Powerful Lessons

The speakers were a true highlight, and each brought a unique perspective and powerful message. Liz Haberberger, President of Dale Carnegie, Kansas City stood out in particular. Having participated in Dale Carnegie events before, I was familiar with the transformative impact of their programs.  Liz took it to another level. She was not only engaging and funny but also incredibly authentic. Her talk centered on self-awareness, communication, and leadership, with a focus on how our shared humanity connects us in ways that are more profound than we often realize.

Liz’s message—that despite our differences, we have more in common than we think—was timely and resonated deeply. She shared personal stories and practical advice that hit home, particularly in a world where division seems to be the norm.  Her reminder that we should all take a step back and consider how we communicate with and understand those around us was a powerful takeaway, especially for anyone in a leadership role. I found myself reflecting on my own communication style and how I could be more effective and empathetic.

A Collaborative Spirit

The sense of unity extended beyond particular sessions. Throughout the conference, there was a palpable feeling that we were all part of a larger ecosystem, working together toward common goals rather than competing as isolated entities. It felt less like a gathering of individual organizations and more like a collaborative network, where vulnerability, openness, and humility were not just encouraged but embraced. The energy in the room was contagious, pushing each of us to be a little more honest with ourselves and more open to learning from one another.

The leadership panels were particularly inspiring, offering a blend of humor, wisdom, and practical advice for building strong company cultures while navigating the challenges of independent decision-making. Farrah Mittal, George Vorwick, and Melissa Lunak had a standout panel discussion about leadership.  Farrah especially had a mic drop moment around the art of apologizing, offering thoughtful insights on when and how to say sorry, and why it matters. Her ability to balance humility with strength was a refreshing take on leadership, and it’s clear that her approach has played a significant role in her company’s success.

 Paul Kennedy’s Inspiring Journey

Another speaker who left a lasting impression was Paul Kennedy, President and CEO of DSG Supply. His story is a testament to perseverance, grit, and self-motivation. Starting from humble beginnings in the Navy, then transitioning to the private sector with Gregg’s Plumbing and Heating, Paul worked his way through a diverse range of industries, continually seeking new challenges and opportunities. His journey is a perfect example of how street smarts, determination, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement can lead to success.

Paul’s story reminded me that no matter where you start, it’s always possible to achieve great things if you have the drive and tenacity to keep pushing forward. His rise to the top of DSG Supply was not a linear path, but one filled with twists, turns, and lessons learned along the way. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than just having a plan—it’s about staying adaptable, seizing opportunities, and never losing sight of your goals.

A Lighthearted, Yet Impactful Experience

What set this conference apart from others was the combination of serious educational content with a lighthearted and disarming atmosphere. The event didn’t feel overly formal or stiff, but rather warm and inclusive, which encouraged real human connections. The speakers were not just imparting wisdom; they were sharing experiences and engaging in genuine dialogue with the audience. It was clear that everyone in attendance, from seasoned leaders to newcomers, felt comfortable participating and sharing their own insights.

The unifying theme of the event—working together as an ecosystem—was especially significant in today’s business environment, where collaboration is key to overcoming challenges. The focus on building strong relationships, both within our own organizations and with external partners, was a recurring theme that I believe will continue to shape the industry moving forward.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on the NAED LEAD Conference in Kansas City, I am filled with optimism about the future. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, vulnerability, and continuous self-improvement in leadership. It also reinforced the idea that, no matter the obstacles we face, we are all capable of achieving great things when we work together and support one another.

I left the conference feeling inspired and loaded with new ideas and perspectives to bring back to my own organization. More importantly, I left with a renewed sense of connection to the larger ecosystem of professionals who are committed to making a positive impact in our industry. The relationships formed and lessons learned at this conference will undoubtedly shape the way we approach our work in the months and years ahead.

In conclusion, the NAED LEAD Conference in Kansas City was not just an educational event—it was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact. I look forward to the next opportunity to gather with this incredible community and continue learning, growing, and leading together.”

Thank you, Megan, for sharing your insights. Sounds like a great conference with much value for attendees, and their companies.

Speaking of the companies, curious of who sent people? Click here for a list of companies that supported the conference and the roles that they sent to it. Interested in seeing photos? Click here.

Distributors, if you are interested in improving your SPA process, ensuring you file every claim you are eligible for AND collecting, I suggest you learn more about Celerity Enterprises and reach out to Megan to learn more about her groundbreaking service. It’s cost-effective, can be implemented relatively quickly, and will help you improve profitability.