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

Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

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 across a 100K+ SKU item master and introduced data-driven procurement tools.

Drove a $4M inventory reduction over 18 months as Director of Purchasing — building a KPI framework and overhauling min/max levels system-wide to align stocking with actual consumption data.

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 pipe, valves & fittings distribution as Director of Purchasing (2015–2019) 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.

Served as a core team member on two ERP transitions—Microsoft NAV to Epicor P21, and a NetSuite implementation—owning procurement, data migration, and process design.

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

Industrial safety & MRO · Oilfield supply · Pipe, valves & fittings · Utilities & fasteners

Professional Experience

Procurement & Inventory Control

Industrial Safety & MRO · National distribution · 2019 – 2023, 2023 – Present

• Manage 60,000 SKUs across a national network of distribution centers, optimizing supply chain efficiency
• Developed advanced demand forecasting models, reducing forecast error by 18% and improving fill rate from 91% to 95%
• 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 an inventory management program, optimizing stock levels across multiple warehouses
• Led the NetSuite ERP implementation from kickoff through data migration and process configuration
• Drove company-wide changes to inventory strategy

Director of Purchasing

Pipe, Valves & Fittings · 8 warehouses + fabrication · 2015 – 2019

• Designed and built SQL-based BI dashboards (SSMS, Jet Reports), cutting the monthly reporting cycle from 3 days to 4 hours
• Core member of the implementation team for the Microsoft Dynamics NAV → Epicor Prophet 21 ERP transition, owning the procurement and inventory side of the migration
• Built a KPI framework driving a 15% stockout reduction and $4M inventory reduction over 18 months
• Managed demand planning and the import program for a sister company sourcing from India, China, and Italy

Procurement Manager

Pipe, Valves & Fittings · 7 warehouses + fabrication · 2012 – 2015

• Centralized purchasing across 7 warehouses and a fabrication facility, eliminating duplicate ordering across locations
• Built and maintained vendor and retail pricing files across the full item master and supplier base

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.