Michael Gambrell

Distribution × Technology × AI

22 years in industrial distribution. Now exploring what deep ops experience can do with modern tooling.

Michael Gambrell

Distribution · Technology · AI

Contact Information

Arlington, TX

(817) 905-3133

MichaelGGambrell@gmail.com

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Excelsior College, Albany, NY

2015

Certifications

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Institute for Supply Management

Proven Results

Transformed purchasing from a fragmented, manual branch-level process into a centralized operation supporting 7 stocking locations and a fabrication/kitting facility. Standardized buying practices for 60K+ SKUs and introduced data-driven procurement tools.

Reduced inventory by $4M in 18 months by implementing an inventory smoothing model, updating min/max levels, and working cross-functionally to align stocking with real usage patterns.

Designed and led cycle count programs and physical inventories in pipe, valves & fittings distribution, dramatically improving inventory accuracy and driving accountability across 7 warehouses and a fabrication facility.

Improved forecast accuracy by 30% in industrial safety distribution through usage-based models, hard-coded level reviews, and direct coordination with sales teams to validate unusual usage spikes.

Built strategic stocking programs with key manufacturers to reduce lead times, and implemented contingency supply plans that maintained availability of critical items during COVID-driven disruptions.

Played a key role in two ERP transitions—Microsoft NAV to Epicor P21, and a NetSuite implementation—overseeing procurement, data migration, and process optimization for seamless adoption.

Professional Summary

I've spent 22 years in industrial distribution — managing inventory, running procurement, and leading supply chain teams across multi-branch operations. Along the way, I started building the tools I always wished existed: dashboards, automations, and AI-assisted workflows. I'm currently exploring how that combination of deep distribution knowledge and hands-on technical ability can be applied more broadly.

Industries & partners

Professional Experience

Procurement & Inventory Control

Industrial Safety & MRO · National distribution · DFW area · 2019 – Present

• Manage 60,000 SKUs across 14 national distribution centers, optimizing supply chain efficiency
• Developed advanced demand forecasting models, reducing forecast errors and improving service levels
• Led sourcing initiatives for business continuity during COVID-19, minimizing stockouts
• Negotiated vendor agreements, reducing lead times and securing competitive pricing for private label products
• Automated processes using BI tools, enhancing operational efficiency and reporting accuracy

Vice President, Supply Chain

Oilfield Supply · North Texas · 2023

• Designed inventory management program, optimizing stock levels across multiple warehouses
• Led NetSuite ERP implementation, ensuring seamless data migration and process integration
• Drove company-wide transformation in inventory strategies, enhancing operational excellence
• Departed after four months following an unexpected leadership change; left on good terms with all transformation work properly transitioned

Director of Purchasing

Pipe, Valves & Fittings · Multi-branch · 2012 – 2019

• Centralized purchasing for 7 warehouses, reducing inventory by $4M and stock-outs by 15%
• Negotiated supplier contracts, improving pricing and rebate structures
• Implemented BI dashboards using SQL and Excel, aligning procurement with sales forecasts
• Led ERP transition to Epicor Prophet 21, ensuring zero downtime

Professional Affiliations

Institute for Supply Management, Fort Worth

Vice President, Board of Directors • 2015 - 2016

Helped set direction for the local chapter and filled in as acting President when needed.

Institute for Supply Management, Fort Worth

Secretary, Board of Directors • 2014 - 2015

Handled meeting records, communications, and board documentation.

Technical Skills & Core Competencies

Technical Expertise

Epicor Prophet 21

Microsoft Dynamics/NAV

Jet Reports

Advanced Excel

SQL

Python for Data Analysis

Front End Development

AI Utilization - Person-In-The-Loop

Process Automation

Core Competencies

Strategic Forecasting

Inventory Optimization

Industrial Distribution

Supplier Negotiations

SKU Management

Process Optimization

Distribution Network

Team Leadership

Warehouse Operations

Leadership

Leadership Award — Industrial Safety Distribution

Recognized for impact across procurement operations and team development.

ISM Fort Worth — Vice President, Board of Directors

2015–2016. Set direction for the local chapter and served as acting President when needed.

ISM Fort Worth — Secretary, Board of Directors

2014–2015. Managed meeting records, communications, and board documentation.