The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation

Episode 45: Vendor Talks: The Conversations That Can Save Your Business

Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane

In this episode, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked—vendor relationships. When things go sideways in the supply chain, the quality of your vendor partnerships can make or break your business. We share real examples from the field, like how regular meetings with suppliers helped us stay ahead during shortages and why vendor support isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust, clear communication, and showing up.

We also talk about co-op programs, shared marketing dollars, and how the “trade gossip” you pick up at the counter might be more valuable than you think. Whether you're a manager or a tech on the ground, building strong vendor partnerships isn’t just good business—it’s essential for growth, planning, and weathering change. It’s not about asking for more. It’s about working better—together.

Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as well as our hosts' social media accounts:


The Trades Accelerator:

  • Instagram: @TheTradesAccelerator
  • Facebook Group: The Trades Accelerator
  • LinkedIn: The Trades Accelerator
  • YouTube: The Trades Accelerator

Dana Staszkiewicz:

  • Instagram: @DanaStaszkiewicz
  • Facebook: Dana Staszkiewicz
  • LinkedIn: Dana Staszkiewicz

Melanie Sloane:

  • Facebook: Melanie Sloane
  • LinkedIn: Melanie Sloane



DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended.


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