# Why Sticky Notes and Spreadsheets are not a CRM

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2022-03-15
- Length: 38m
- Episode: 93
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-fdaa1a01-78e4-46cb-a2a0-b3d193a65166

## Summary

Ron Pretzie and Andy Keehn from Prolifiq, along with retired CEO Dave Sheer of The Steel Supply Company, discuss why mid-sized manufacturers struggle to adopt CRM systems, often relying on spreadsheets and sticky notes. They argue that successful implementation requires top-down leadership buy-in, tying CRM usage to compensation, and assigning a dedicated owner to drive adoption rather than treating it as an IT afterthought. The guests emphasize that CRMs like Salesforce are essential for preserving tribal knowledge when salespeople leave, mapping complex buying committees, and enabling strategic account planning to drive revenue growth.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=0) Introduction and the State of CRM Adoption
- [3:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=210) Why Manufacturers Lag in CRM Usage
- [6:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=390) Overcoming Rep Reluctance and Lack of Ownership
- [10:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=600) Strategies for Driving Adoption and ROI
- [18:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=1121) Preserving Tribal Knowledge and Onboarding
- [26:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=1615) Prolifiq’s Role in Strategic Account Planning
- [34:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-15-why-sticky-notes-and-spreadsheets-are-not-a-crm#t=2068) Final Advice for Manufacturing Leaders

## Topics

- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Prolifiq (company)
- The Steel Supply Company (company)
- Salesforce (tool)
- Microsoft Dynamics (tool)
- HubSpot (tool)
- Oracle Sales Cloud (tool)
- Prolific (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: From Spreadsheets to MRP: How SMB Manufacturers Are Improving Visibility to Inventory and Costs with MRPeasy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-04-24-bonus-from-spreadsheets-to-mrp-how-smb-manufacturers-are-improving-visibility-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [079: How To Start Selling Your Product Then Scale](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-06-09-079-how-to-start-selling-your-product-then-scale) (Product Startup)
- [341 - 2 Kings talk about "people-ing", data, and Compton High](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-20-341-2-kings-talk-about-people-ing-data-and-compton-high) (People of Packaging)
- [258: Mentorship, Mid-Career Entrepreneurship, and Inspiring Women in Manufacturing with Patti Nowak, Owner of Control+M Solutions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-10-21-258-mentorship-mid-career-entrepreneurship-and-inspiring-women-in-manufacturing) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Deploying Successful IoT Solutions | Christian Lutz, Founder & CEO of Crate.io | #IoTFounders E024](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2019-04-24-deploying-successful-iot-solutions-christian-lutz-founder-ceo-of-crate-io-iotfou) (IoT For All Podcast)

## Citing this page

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