Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1498681
The annual Goals/Nets Vendor Roundtable examines the issues impacting the business in 2023. By Michael Jacobsen EQUIPMENT GOALS/NETS SETTING GOALS Let's get right to what is on most team dealers' minds in mid-2023: What is the supply chain situation? Chris Livingston: So far, we have not seen any widespread issues like the past couple of years and we do not anticipate that changing as we get further into 2023. Kara Oughton: We've noticed a considerable improvement in supply chain in the last six months, with shipments from suppliers finally returning to consistent and predictable timing. Neal Halvorson: I can't speak for our entire industry, but we continue to see container and import costs decline towards pre-pandemic levels. Also, our factories have seen produc- tion capabilities begun to increase again as workers have returned and raw materials are available. So we have been able to increase not only quantity of products being made, but also getting them to our warehouse quicker. Steve Vogelsang: It's improving, albeit at an uneven rate. ere is still work to do. Material cost increases are slowing and container rates are declining rapidly. Matt Klein: We're seeing a level of normalcy returning in relation to lead times. As con- tainer rates continue to stabilize, we're working towards a growth objective to create a more consistent level of product availability. With that in mind, what can team dealers and their customers expect for product availability and delivery later this year? Vogelsang: Lead times are improving, but spotty. We are actually in very solid shape in every product category. Lead times will be much improved this year compared to 2022. Halvorson: We anticipate being able to supply our dealers and ultimately their customers with on-time delivery. We are always looking to improve and streamline the order process for our dealers. Klein: We looked at product areas that would allow us to continue our company's growth and have brought in product early in order to provide a higher level of buyer confidence going into the respective seasons. Oughton: Currently we are shipping on time for 90 percent of our product line and we expect that number to continue to increase as the year goes on. Livingston: We think we have a good grasp on our needs and do not anticipate long lead times due to supplies. How has your company dealt with this supply chain challenge? Oughton: Being able to adapt and be flexible has been a key factor. Over the years, we've maintained great relationships with reliable suppliers that allow us to shi gears quickly without compromising product quality. In addition, we continually focus on educating our dealer network so that in case of a supply challenge they can recommend alternative product solutions that will still satisfy the customer. Livingston: Our production planning team has done a fantastic job anticipating Bison's needs AT THE TABLE Chris Livingston Sales Manager, Bison Matt Klein Senior Product Manager, Champro Kara Oughton Marketing Manager, Gared Holdings Steve Vogelsang VP–Sales & Marketing, Team Sports, Gill Athletics/Porter Athletic Mike Cunningham National Business Development Manager, Gill Athletics Neal Halvorson Director of Business Development, Trigon Sports 26 • Team Insight ~ May/June 2023 teaminsightmag.com