McCorvey is now leveraging the Ariba Network to expand M&R Distribution’s opportunities with the nearly 2 million other companies who are connected to it.

“They figured out that they liked me and my business model, and that there was some value that we could create together,” McCorvey said.

“Being able to articulate to the buyer what competitive advantage we have and what we can bring beyond just the bid is critical for our ongoing success.”Īnd it ultimately won him a contract to provide gloves and drum liners to Caesars’ property in Cleveland, Ohio, where M&R Distribution is based. “To have insight into whom the buyers are on the Ariba Network, and to be able to reach out and have a conversation with them has been instrumental for our business,” said McCorvey, who eventually met face to face with the contact. And while he didn’t win the business, he came away with something more valuable: a contact within Caesars who was responsible for purchasing the janitorial and cleaning-related products and supplies, foodservice disposables, and industrial wipes that M&R Distribution sells. “I like to say that I joined accidentally on purpose,” McCorvey joked.Īfter completing a basic profile, McCorvey participated in the event. But in order to do so, the company had to register as a supplier on the Ariba Network. Ariba provides me with a platform from which I can do this.”Ī year ago, M&R Distribution earned the right to bid on a project for Caesars Entertainment. “But I am not looking for a handout, I am looking for a handshake-an opportunity to earn the business of a customer. “There is often a stigma associated with awarding large contracts to small, minority-owned firms,” McCorvey said. Using Ariba Discovery, a service for matching business buyers and sellers offered by Ariba, an SAP Company, McCorvey was able to form relationships with significant new trading partners and earn opportunities to compete for-and in many cases win-their business. Now, he’s not only cracking doors open, he’s kicking them down.

used to find it hard to get a foot in the door with major companies. Sunnyvale, CA- June 22, 2015-As president and chief operating officer of M&R Distribution Services, a small, minority-owned firm based in the Midwest, Quentin McCorvey, Sr.

Ariba discover