Face it: even the biggest of independents are small fish in a big pond. Because every member in this group believes the manufacturing community values us. Not only due to our size, but also because of our dedication and our principles.

So what makes us stand out? Our drive. Our ability to defy the competition. Our ability to grow. But the only way we can succeed (collectively and as independent dealers) is to take that same drive to sell supplies and refocus it with a distinct group that is moving forward¾not only in sales but also in profit.

We all move forward faster when we write contracts together, support those contracts in our buying and cataloging efforts (keeping all of this under our hats so the guy down the street doesn't know our game), and pay our bills on time. In combination, these efforts definitely increase the bottom line.

If you believe that your purchases are so insignificant that you can entrust your contract negotiations to someone who bats for the other team then maybe DPCG is not for you.

By the way, if you like nice trips don't follow the crowd. Create your own itinerary. Be different. Make all you can make and spend it the way you want. Be exotic!