First Impressions in the Field

Both Sides of the Bridge: What Corporate and the Field Wish Each Other Knew

What does it take to move a retail merchandising project from a signed contract to a finished set on the store floor? In this episode of The Bridge, we connect field execution to leadership and break down the full project lifecycle: from RFP to reporting, and everything that goes sideways in between. Hosts Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight sit down with three people who see the work from every angle. Aaron Spegon, Director of Training, on building field-ready training under deadlines that can run as short as 24 hours. Karen O'Brien, L'Oreal Account Manager, on the complete life cycle of a project: scope development, time studies, field instructions, launch week, and client recap. And Jawan Wilson, Team Lead out of Stone Mountain, GA, on what execution really looks like when the plan meets the store, and why communication and empathy hold it all together. Real stories from the field, honest talk about pressure and problem-solving, and a clear look at why warehousing and kitting can make or break a rollout. If you work in retail merchandising, field execution, installation, or assisted sales, this one is for you. New episodes connect the people doing the work to the people planning it. Follow The Bridge so you never miss one.

Field Data & Retail Intelligence: How Your Work Drives Client Decisions

This week on The Bridge, Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight welcome two special guests: Jay Chandran, VP of Technology & Analytics, and Mike Gonzalez from Client Services, for a deep dive into why field data is one of the most valuable things a rep produces — and how it directly shapes what clients do next. In this episode: * How one missed store report nearly stopped a 160-store project in its tracks * Real examples of clients changing product strategy based entirely on field reporting * What's coming with the new OpenSky platform update this summer * AI and automation — what it means for reps, and why you shouldn't be scared * Why accuracy and timeliness in your data entry matters more than you think Quote of the episode: "You're not just completing a task. You're influencing what happens next." — Heather Petrone

Pack Light, Plan Smart: Practicing Simplicity in the Field

This week on The Bridge, hosts Andrew Catapano, Heather Petrone, and Jimmy Knight dig into one of the most underrated core values: Simplicity. And no, it's not about cutting corners, it's about stripping things down to their most effective form. The crew is joined by two special guests: Ron Thrasher, Senior Team Lead and Core Values Award Winner for Simplicity, and Megan Picheri, Channel Partners Travel Manager, who brings real talk straight from the travel department. In this episode: * Why packing light is a mindset, not just a luggage strategy * TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and travel rewards cards — stop waiting in line * Heather's legendary two-week Europe trip with zero checked bags * Ron's suitcase divider system and his portable washboard hack * How to stay calm when everything goes sideways in the field * Rental car and hotel documentation tips that could save you (and the company) serious money * The one phone call that saves thousands in unused hotel room fees Quote of the episode: "Never make a permanent decision on a temporary feeling." — Ron Thrasher Whether you're a road warrior or working from a home base, this episode has something for you. Questions? Reach us at marketing@channelpartners.com [marketing@channelpartners.com] Travel resources available on the Hub under Travel, or ask your manager. New here? Catch up on Episodes 4 & 5 — trust us, you'll want the backstory.

Honing Your Craft and Leveling Up

What does it really mean to master your craft? Not perfection, but the daily commitment to showing up, staying curious, and getting a little better than you were yesterday. In Episode 5 of The Bridge, host Andrew Catapano is joined live by Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight to dig into one of Channel Partners' core values: Mastery. From heavy merchandising resets to navigating rapid organizational change, the crew explores what it takes to sharpen your skills, lead with communication, and build a legacy by passing what you know on to others. They're joined by three standout guests: Jeremy Rodgers, VP of Internal Ops, who opens up about managing constant change with calm, the power of a strong partnership at home, and why "perfect is impossible, but better is always available." Rachel, Director of Field Ops and team Mastery Champion, who climbed from rep to director in eight years and shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is non-negotiable for growth. And Brittany, who brings real field perspective on what it looks like to problem-solve in the moment when a reset doesn't go as planned. In this episode: * Why mastery is about repetition and preparation, not perfection * How communication up and down the chain drives flawless field execution * Staying grounded through change, and why family anchors great leaders * Building emotional intelligence and compassion when managing different personalities * What it means to mentor others and leave a lasting legacy in the field

Own It: Field Wins & Lessons Learned

What does real accountability look like in the field — not the theory, but the day-to-day moments when people step up, own their mistakes, and represent their brand with pride? In this episode of The Bridge, CEO Andrew Catapano is joined live from Columbus, Ohio by Heather Petrone and Jimmy Knight for an honest conversation about ownership culture at Channel Partners. From large-scale resets to small merchandising projects, they explore why accountability starts with the individual — and why the way leaders ask for it matters just as much as the people delivering it. The team is also joined by two special guests: Mary Meeks, Talent Acquisition Director, who shares field wins and hard-won lessons from years in the break fix division; and Melissa Watson from Employee Relations, who discusses the culture initiatives she's championing — including wellness programs, community connection, and what it really means to take care of your people on the road. In this episode: * Why accountability requires vulnerability — and how to create space for it * Real stories of owning wins and mistakes in the field * How Channel Partners is building a best-in-class people organization * Wellness tips for staying grounded when you're disconnected and on the move * Closing wisdom: "What got you here won't get you there" — Einstein