Steve Epner has the unique ability to make complex concepts understandable for mere mortals and busy executives. He knows that no matter how much technology you have available, you must solve real business problems in order to succeed. An early pioneer in the world of computers, Steve wrote his first program at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1965. In 1976, he founded his own consulting company, User Group, Inc., and in 2005 finalized its sale to Brown Smith Wallace, a financial accounting and advisory firm based in St. Louis. In 1991, he started publishing the Distribution Software Guide, which is provided as a membership benefit to over fifty line of trade associations. Steve holds a BS in computer science from Purdue University and a MS from the Purdue University College of Technology. In 2007 he was appointed the Innovator in Residence at Saint Louis University. His other accomplishments include being a member of the faculty for the University of Industrial Distribution and for the Manufacturers Representatives Education and Research Foundation, being a member of the Graduate School of Business faculty and part of the Center for Supply Chain Management Studies at Saint Louis University, and teaching innovation in the undergraduate business school at Webster University. He has published over 1,000 articles and made over 400 professional presentations. This is his ninth book.