#102: Michael Rossman - SportLife Distribution Improves Supplement Distribution

Jul 13, 2023

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/sportlife-distribution-michael-rossman-102

On the heels of an incredibly informative Supplement Manufacturing 101 episode on the PricePlow Podcast, we graduate to Distribution 102 with Michael Rossman, CEO of SportLife Distribution.

SportLife Distribution has been around for a bit less than a decade, but they’ve plugged quite a few gaps in the industry’s supply chain, servicing brick and mortar stores with a selection of over 80 brands. This enables stores to place smaller orders from multiple brands, and get them quickly thanks to SportLife’s well-placed distribution centers around the country.

Supplement Distribution, Trends, and Jobs with SportLife

In this episode, Michael gives us his backstory, teaches us about distribution, and explains SportLife’s business model and where it fits into the industry. We also talk about how 2020 forced major changes to the industry, and how SportLife was well-positioned to succeed at a tough time.

The guys then get into trending products and brands, of course discussing energy drinks and functional foods. We leave off wanting a second episode with SportLife, but next time, we’ll talk about the hot products in various parts of the country with SportLife’s sales team.

Finally, SportsLife is hiring — if you’re looking for supplement industry jobs, this is a great place to start and get your foot in the door!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37Tfqx32B8

Detailed Show Notes with Michael Rossman of SportLife Distribution

(0:00) – Introduction to today’s episode
(3:30) – How did Michael get started?
(7:00) – Distribution: The benefit to the retailer and the brand.
(13:00) – How to get into the energy drink space?
(17:15) – How to work with a distributor?
(20:45) – Navigating Market Changes
(23:15) – Working with retailers
(26:15) – Cycles of growth and distribution.
(29:00) – Direct to consumer has replaced mass distribution.
(34:00) – Distribution is a valuable asset
(39:15) – Distribution centers and the nuts and bolts behind the scenes
(43:00) – Payment terms for specialty gyms
(46:00) – Cool trends in the industry
(52:00) – Leveraging distribution to increase sales
(54:45) – Economic outlook for sports nutrition

Thanks again Michael! Return to the PricePlow Podcast and please subscribe and leave a review on the platform of your choice.