ABOUT EDUCATION OFFERINGS

ABOUT
EDUCATION SESSIONS

A variety of education topics will be offered to elevate your educational experience. On Monday, June 16, Distributors will enjoy a Keynote address, followed by a Customer Panel and then assigned to two concurrent education sessions.  On Tuesday, June 17, you may select and register for more intimate topic sessions relevant to your business.

Keynote Address - 2025 and Beyond: Strategic Moves for Business Growth and Sustainability.
In this dynamic keynote, Gene Marks, CPA, workplace expert, and columnist for Accounting Today, The Guardian and Forbes, will explore the critical strategies businesses must adopt to navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond. From managing inflation and supply chain issues to adapting to changing tax policies, Gene will discuss how smart leaders are positioning their companies for sustainable growth and profitability in a turbulent economic and political landscape. Learn how to retain top talent, make the right technology investments, and implement cash flow strategies to thrive in uncertain times. This session will provide actionable insights and real-world tactics to help you navigate the future of business with confidence.

Customer Panel & Best Practices: Insider Tips from Your Fellow Ribbon Distributors
Join us for an interactive panel session featuring a group of Ribbon Distributors who will share their best practices and expert tips to help grow your business. This session, immediately following the General Session, will provide valuable insights and practical advice to implement in your day-to-day operations. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from your peers and take your business to the next level. Panel members will be announced soon!

Monday Breakout Education Session Topics: (Note: Breakout Session rotations on Monday are pre-assigned to all attendees.)

• Positioning for Growth: Building a Sales Process for Residential-Retro & Service/Repair Success

In this session, we’ll explore the essential steps to set up a winning sales process that empowers your team to close more sales in the residential-retro and service/repair categories. Learn how to strategically build your staff, provide effective training, and develop a streamlined process that drives results. Whether you’re looking to refine your current structure or build from the ground up, this session will provide actionable insights to help your business grow and thrive.

• Unlocking Profitability: Expanding Your Portfolio with Complete Door & Dock Solutions 

In this session, we’ll explore the benefits of expanding your product offerings to include the full range of door and dock solutions from Overhead Door™, positioning yourself as a Total Solution Partner. Whether you’re a residential distributor looking to tap into the commercial market or a seasoned commercial player, this session will highlight the value of offering dock solutions, high-performance doors, and how a comprehensive approach can significantly boost profitability. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to diversify and grow your business across both residential and commercial segments!

Tuesday Education Workshop Session Topics: (Note: Select the sessions you would like to attend when you complete the Registration Form.) 

• Leadership & Legacy: Building a Strong Culture for Lasting Success
  This workshop is perfect for next-gen talent, aspiring managers, and seasoned owners or GMs looking to elevate their leadership skills. Learn the core principles of building a thriving organizational culture that inspires, motivates, and drives accountability. Discover how to foster a team-oriented environment that not only ensures business success but also creates a legacy. Whether you're shaping the future of your company or refining your approach to team management, this session will equip you with the tools to inspire your team and build a culture of excellence.
• Building Brand Equity: Boosting Local Market Recognition and Impact
  In this workshop, you'll discover powerful strategies to elevate your brand’s visibility and recognition in your local market while contributing to long-term brand equity. Dive into the essentials of brand standards, including tone and voice, and learn how to develop an effective reputation management process. Plus, gain actionable insights into setting up and optimizing your social media presence for maximum impact. Whether you're just starting to focus on branding or looking to refine your approach, this session will give you the tools to create a lasting, positive impression in your community and beyond.
• Mastering Digital Marketing: SEO, SEM & Website Optimization for Maximum ROI
  In this workshop, you’ll learn the essential strategies for digital marketing success, focusing on the organic- Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and the paid approach- Search Engine Marketing (SEM). Understand the rules of the digital game and how to outsmart search algorithms to boost your online presence and drive better lead generation results. Gain insights into budgeting for an effective digital marketing strategy, identifying the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter, and selecting the right agency partner to elevate your efforts. This session will arm you with the knowledge you need to maximize ROI and take your digital marketing game to the next level.
• Protecting The Brand: Insights for Safeguarding Your Business & Overhead Door™ Identity
  In this workshop, we’ll focus on the collective importance of strengthening and protecting the Overhead Door™ trademark and how to handle infringements in the field. Understand why safeguarding the brand is critical for both your business and the broader community. Learn how to protect your business from impersonators and gain practical knowledge on what steps to take when you encounter violations. We’ll cover how to recognize unauthorized use, what to do when you spot them, and how to report them to preserve brand integrity and exclusivity.
• Navigating Codes & Specifications: Mastering Wind Loads, U-Factor, and Architect Relationships
  In this workshop, we’ll tackle the evolving building and regional codes impacting the door industry, with a special focus on wind load requirements—not just for coastal areas, but for all regions. Learn about U-factor standards and how to stay ahead of the curve on this critical thermal performance metric. This session will also dive into how to build strong relationships with architects and effectively drive product specifications to ensure your business stays competitive as codes continue to change. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to stay at the forefront of industry standards and grow your influence in the architectural specification process.
• AI and Your Workplace: Retaining and Attracting Talent in a Tech-Driven World
  Join Gene Marks as he explores how AI is transforming the way businesses recruit, retain, and manage talent. From AI-powered recruitment platforms to employee engagement tools and the latest benefits trends, Gene will cover cutting-edge technologies that can streamline hiring, improve productivity, and create a more inclusive, efficient workplace. Learn how to leverage AI for compliance, data security, and smarter decision-making, while gaining insights on attracting top talent in today’s competitive market. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of your workplace with AI-driven solutions!
• Succession Planning: How Smart Leaders are Passing Assets to Buyers, Investors, and Future Generations
  Join Gene Marks for an insightful and fast-paced session on succession planning. With the average age of business owners rising, it’s crucial to understand the best strategies for transitioning your business—whether passing it to family members, selling to investors, or transitioning to employees. Gene will cover key considerations, from navigating tax laws and valuing assets to choosing the right buyers and preparing your company for the future. This session will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to ensure a smooth, successful transition that benefits both you and those connected to your business.