November 2003               return to the newsletter contents page

NAW's Newest Audio CD Features Michael W. Wright, Supervalu, Inc.

The newest “Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership”™ CD set from NAW’S Distribution Research and Education Foundation features a wide-ranging conversation with Michael W. Wright, recently retired CEO and chairman of the board, SUPERVALU Inc. SUPERVALU is one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel.

In the “Power of Calculated Risks” two-CD set, Wright reveals why he has become known as a leader in many trend-setting initiatives.

He hasn’t always followed conventional thinking. But his business sense is practical and powerful. His innovations, risk taking and quest for continuous improvement will surely lead listeners to some “a-ha!” moments.

Among them . . .

• Sales vs. profit: “Sometimes you can get so enamored with volume, you forget you’re in business to make money. We always felt that it was best to be number one in profitability, and not worry about whether we’re number one or two in sales.”

• Growth: “You must control expenses and continually gain efficiencies . . . little things can add up to a lot when you’re talking about making a bottom-line margin of 1.3%. There isn’t much room for error.”

• Complacency: “Everybody should wake up and worry every day that there’s somebody trying to come up your backside and get you, so you better keep running hard.”

“Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership” now comprises six volumes including this newest release.

Volume I profiles Stephen P. Kaufman, Chairman of the Board, Arrow Electronics.

Volume II showcases Chuck Steiner, recently retired Chief Executive Officer, Rexel-Branch Electric Supply.

Volume III gleans words of wisdom from John Woodhouse, recently retired Chairman of the Board, Sysco Corporation.

Volume IV features Mike McClelland, recently retired President and CEO of home-improvement products distributor Do it Best Corp.

Volume V focuses on Randall W. Larrimore, United Stationers Inc.

Pricing for the Wright set and for all six volumes in the series is as follows:

NAW Direct Member

Vol. VI - $52

Vols. I-VI - $287

Member of NAW Member Association

Vol. VI - $62

Vols. I-VI - $347

Non-Member

Vol. VI - $72

Vol. I-VI - $407

NAW offers three ways to order:

• Go to www.nawpubs.org for an online discount.

• Send an e-mail to pubs@nawd.org with the name and phone number of the person you’d like NAW to call.

• Go to http://www.naw.org/orderform.htm for a faxable form.