Welcome to "Morgan Entrepreneur Spotlight," our monthly-ish showcase where we shine a light on Northeast Ohio's entrepreneurial superstars. Each feature delves into the journeys of individuals who have participated in our programs and are harnessing their learnings to fuel impressive growth and innovation.
Christy Murray is the President of Advanced Distribution Services. Along with her leadership team, Christy graduated with Cohort 9 of the Scalerator NEO program in 2025. Christy also participated in a Big Rock Valley Leadership Retreat in Cassopolis, Michigan, provided through a partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation and Morgan Foundation.
Tell us about your business.
“Advanced Distribution Services (ADS) is a full-service provider of American-made lubricants, adhesives, fuel treatments, and power equipment. We specialize in fast, accurate shipping and responsive customer service - yes, we answer the phone! Our scalable solutions support both retail and e-commerce fulfillment, helping customers grow their brands with speed and reliability. Based in Aurora, Ohio, we serve businesses across all 48 contiguous states.”
Can you share your thoughts and key takeaways about the entrepreneurship programming you have participated in?
“We participated in Scalerator first. Having the team participate together was excellent, because we all learned things together and as the leader, I didn’t need to pull them along, they were on the ride with me. The team pulled together our Purpose and Values to align all of us, the peer-to-peer networking was and is a key component of my continual learning, and the one-on-one coaching was invaluable for me to learn that sometimes it is time to make a big change.
Then I had the opportunity to go to the Leadership retreat and meet even more peers. But the time spent working on my Vision allowed me time to have an empty room and quiet, where I could allow thoughts to flow and create.
I am truly blessed to have had these opportunities and very thankful to both the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and the Edward Lowe Foundation.”
Please tell us about any benefits, growth, or key wins you've experienced since participating in these programs.
“We aligned our team around purpose and values, we bought a CRM, we got on board with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), and we did a mini reorg. These are just the biggest things off the top of my head. So many intangibles including the networking, having the team better understand the business itself and the impact they have on sales, and many more.”
What has been the most unexpected challenge you've faced in growing your business, and how did you navigate it?
“We are currently in this battle; we are in a low margin business and a market challenge we have is that our customers can be gobbled up by bigger companies, who may or may not buy from us. We then lose our customer. We are currently working through our strategy of how we remain relevant and what are the opportunities out there for us.”
What are your goals for the next twelve months?
Resume double digit growth. One of the outcomes of Scalerator was the strategic hiring of two Account Managers. We are ensuring they stay connected with our customers and build genuine relationships with them.
What is your favorite quote?
Lately the one I have been using is ‘Don’t let best get in the way of better.’ Let’s make steps forward, rather than seek perfection…it helps to keep us all grounded.”
What is the last book you read?
“Grit It Done: A Low-Risk Guide to Entrepreneurial Business Ownership by Reid Tileston, a book about the roadmap to making an acquisition.”
How do you define success?
“Beating my goals. It isn’t about money for me; it is about literally achieving more than I did yesterday.”
What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?
“Network, Network, Network, and then build your network. I have invested a lot of time over the last year working on my network and without that, I would not have found Scalerator. People love to help each other be successful -- be a part of that process.”
To learn more about Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and opportunities for second stage entrepreneurs, contact Michal Marcus.
If you have participated in Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and are interested in being featured in the Spotlight, contact Gina Dotson.