Who’s the real MVP—on the field and in the chemical industry?

In this episode of Smart Acids, Andy and Chris put Bob Craycraft CEO of Univar Solutions’ Chemical Distribution & Services division and former Vanderbilt football player through a quick quiz on famous Commodores before diving into the biggest plays in chemical distribution.

From consolidation trends and targeted growth to why safety, service, and expertise make Univar Solutions the distributor of choice, Bob shares insights that will keep you ahead of the game.

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

Andy and Chris kicked off the episode in big hats—and even bigger conversation. In this episode, Liam McCarroll, DProf, Senior Director, Global Sustainability and Sukhjit Varaich, Director Regional Sustainability unpack how Univar Solutions is driving impact across the value chain as we close in on our 2025 ESG goals and look ahead to 2030.

Listen to Driving Impact Across the Value Chain to hear how we’re:
• Reducing emissions through smarter operations
• Collaborating across the supply chain for shared value
• Using AI to optimize performance and manage risk
• Building transparency and resilience for long-term success

Big hats were just the beginning—this episode is packed with insights on how responsible practices and smart strategy are shaping the future of our business. #TogetherWeWin #SustainabilityMatters #ReliabilityThatDelivers

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

Smart Acids Podcast | S4E5: Rooted in Family, Driven by Chemistry

In this episode, hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst welcome sibling leaders Shelly Manos and Brandon Lowery from Continental Chemicals, a family-owned business with deep roots in the chemical industry. They share the inspiring story of their father’s entrepreneurial journey, the company’s 50-year legacy, and how their partnership with Univar Solutions has expanded their reach nationally.

From personal customer service to agile problem-solving, Shelly and Brandon highlight what makes Continental Chemicals a unique player in the market—offering the best of both worlds: small business care with large-scale capability.

Plus, enjoy a fun sibling-themed quiz and hear how the chemical industry continues to evolve while staying essential in everyday life.

#SmartAcidsPodcast #ChemicalIndustry #FamilyBusiness #ContinentalChemicals #UnivarSolutions #AgilityInBusiness #CustomerFirst #PodcastHighlights

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.