Complete Story
09/26/2025
Brooks Hamilton
New to UID
Brooks Hamilton Founder, AI Strategy Advisors Brooks Hamilton is the founder of AI Strategy Advisors, an Austin-based consultancy specializing in crafting AI strategies for wholesale distributors, trade associations, and buying groups. With over 20 years of experience deploying AI decision support applications, Brooks brings a unique blend of technical expertise and distribution industry knowledge to help organizations navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Expertise & Focus Areas Brooks and his team guide organizations through each critical phase of their AI transformation journey: Plan & Prepare: Establishing AI governance frameworks and policies to ensure responsible innovation and create the necessary guardrails for successful adoption Align & Educate: Building consensus among leadership and key stakeholders through education and hands-on experience with AI technologies to create a shared vision Identify & Rank: Discovering and prioritizing high-value AI opportunities specific to your organization's needs, analyzing ROI potential, and creating implementation roadmaps Implement & Iterate: Transforming AI strategy into tangible business value through expert guidance and hands-on implementation support to ensure sustainable results and capability building His approach emphasizes practical implementation rather than theoretical possibilities, helping distribution organizations turn AI investments into tangible competitive advantages. Industry Experience Prior to founding AI Strategy Advisors, Brooks spent 17 years at Zilliant, where he held pivotal roles in Professional Services and Product Management, including Vice President of the Professional Services team. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking work in AI-driven price optimization and sales effectiveness for B2B companies. Throughout his career, he has overseen the implementation of over 100 AI and machine learning applications across distribution, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Speaking & Thought Leadership A sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, Brooks has presented at numerous industry events including: Packaging Distributors of America (2025) American Supply Association Annual Conference (2024) Distribution Strategy Group's Profitability & Productivity Conference (2024) IMELCO's Annual Conference (2024) Professional Pricing Society's Spring Conference (2024) His insights have been published in leading industry publications including TED Magazine, IMELCO Global Circuit, and Distribution Strategy Group. Brooks is also featured on Distribution Strategy Group's Speakers Bureau. Client Impact "Brooks has clearly spent time studying and thinking about Artificial Intelligence's impact on businesses. He is adept at explaining the current potential of the software, its applications and where we may be heading in a thoughtful and comprehensible manner. Additionally, Brooks offers practical advice on how to begin your journey." George Vorwick, President & CEO, United Electric Supply "Brooks's insights sparked immense interest and left a lasting impression of the future of AI among our membership of global distributors. He helped them find a starting point to implement an AI strategy to navigate this complex field." Olga Kluge, INPACS "Brooks's presentation had our members gain a new appreciation for AI. It changed how they think about their talent search and hiring process as well. His talk moved the needle for our members' businesses." Brent Kemp, AgGateway Presentation Approach Brooks begins each speaking engagement by conducting stakeholder interviews and completing industry-specific research to ensure his presentations deliver relevant, impactful insights for your audience. His talks demystify AI complexity, focusing on practical applications that distribution professionals can implement immediately. Popular Topics The AI Commercial Process Renaissance: How AI is transforming core distribution functions and creating new opportunities Applied AI for Distributors: Revolutionizing inventory management, sales effectiveness, and customer service AI Implementation Roadmaps: Building sustainable capabilities and measuring ROI Strategic AI Adoption: Prioritizing use cases for maximum impact with minimal disruption Brooks is deeply committed to leveraging AI for positive outcomes in business, society, and scientific discovery, bringing both technical understanding and business acumen to help distribution organizations thrive in the AI era.
Bookstore
The Credit Overlord: A Decade of Credit Advice Unleashed, Volume 1
Thea Dudley
Embark on an insightful journey through the complex world of credit and collections with Credit Advice Unleashed Volume I, the first installment in an indispensable series. This collection brings together a decade’s worth of Thea Dudley’s highly regarded advice columns, showcasing her unmatched expertise and unfiltered insights. With over 35 years of experience in the building materials and construction industry, Thea Dudley has earned her title as the ‘Credit Overlord,’ offering sharp-witted guidance, practical solutions, and an unapologetically candid approach that professionals in the field have come to rely on.
In Credit Advice Unleashed Volume I, readers will find real-world answers to the most pressing credit and collections questions, addressing the challenges and nuances faced by businesses in maintaining financial health and cash flow. Thea’s columns, infused with humor and hard-earned wisdom, provide both seasoned credit professionals and newcomers with the tools they need to navigate this critical aspect of business with confidence.
Whether you’re tackling overdue accounts, negotiating with clients, or streamlining internal processes, this book is your guide to mastering the intricacies of credit management. Experience Thea Dudley’s unparalleled voice and let her years of experience elevate your credit and collections game.



