Listen to Victoria and Julie’s Conversation Here:
ChemPoint’s digital-first model is reshaping the chemical distribution landscape by pairing technology-driven sales with a personal touch. Director of Supplier Growth Julie Roberts joins Victoria Meyer to discuss ChemPoint’s evolution from inside sales pioneers to leveraging AI and real-time data for specialty chemicals. Julie highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are—online and offline—while creating value through technical content and rapid response.
Victoria and Julie touch on global industry trends, supply chain shifts, and the need for adaptive leadership in a changing market. Their conversation offers practical insight for industry professionals—whether you’re navigating digital transformation, strengthening customer relationships, or leading teams through uncertainty.
Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube
Join Victoria and Julie this week as they explore the following topics:
- ChemPoint’s digital-first approach to chemical distribution
- How AI is transforming workflows and customer experiences
- Tackling market shifts and supply chain challenges
- Global expansion and adapting to regional market changes
- Leadership, diversity, and success for women in chemicals
Killer Quote: “Don’t be afraid to take risks. The answer is always going to be no if you don’t ask the question.” -Julie Roberts
Watch Victoria and Julie Discuss Chempoint and More on Youtube Here:
Digital First Customer Journey in Chemicals with Julie Roberts of ChemPoint
The world of chemical distribution is evolving fast. On The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer sat down with Julie Roberts, Director of Supplier Growth at ChemPoint, to pull back the curtain on what it means to be a digital-first distributor, the role of AI in today’s marketplace, and how leadership looks different in a changing environment.
Subscribe To The Chemical Show On Your Favorite Platform
Finding a Path into Chemicals
Julie didn’t set out to work in chemicals, let alone chemical distribution. Raised by a father in oil and gas, she was exposed early to the energy industry, but couldn’t have predicted where she’d land. After earning her degree in chemical engineering, a tough job market brought unusual detours, before a fortuitous connection led her to ChemPoint and the chemical sector. What kept her there? The combination of dynamic people, a spirit of entrepreneurial risk-taking, and the stability and backing of Univar Solutions as a parent company. It’s a reminder to today’s job seekers that even when doors seem closed, careers can emerge in unexpected ways.
ChemPoint: Digital-First Roots and Evolution
ChemPoint was born in 1999 with a simple yet powerful question: how can chemical distribution be done differently? Back then, the industry was regionally focused, based on in-person sales and long-standing relationships. ChemPoint flipped the script, building a model that prioritized inside sales, avoided heavy asset investments, and leaned into the (then-new) world of the internet.
That early commitment to a digital-first model has paid off. Unlike other companies whose online or digital investments fizzled, ChemPoint stayed the course. Today, ChemPoint operates globally, with a dispersed sales force and a range of physical offices, but they’ve never lost sight of the importance of leveraging technology for scale and customer engagement.
What’s striking, as Julie describes, is that being digital-first doesn’t mean removing the human element. Rather, it means meeting customers where they’re doing their research (online) and providing information quickly and efficiently. Yet, the decision to buy chemicals, often critical ingredients in complex processes, is still personal and relationship-driven.
AI’s Growing Role in Chemicals
Few topics command as much attention today as artificial intelligence. ChemPoint stands out as an early adopter, not only integrating large language models to handle document management and internal sales order processes but also rethinking how digital content interacts with AI-powered search and “answer engines.”
As Julie explains, much of the buying journey (up to 70%) happens before a customer ever reaches out. AI models make it easier for buyers to find information, evaluate options, and even validate their choices. By investing in high-quality technical content (written by staff with real chemical expertise), ChemPoint ensures their solutions appear in AI overviews and answer engines. The result? Leads that do reach out are more qualified, more informed, and more likely to make a purchase.
Importantly, ChemPoint’s approach recognizes both the value and the risk of AI. They emphasize authentic, validated content and human experts, and remain wary of over-reliance on generic, AI-generated material that can introduce bias or errors.
Navigating Industry Shifts and Global Uncertainty
ChemPoint’s digital strategy is also a critical asset amid supply chain disruptions, shifting economic conditions, and changing manufacturing dynamics. By tracking data across regions from North America to Europe, they’re able to spot trends, respond to customer needs, and support suppliers moving into new markets. When uncertainty is the norm, digital infrastructure and strong analytics aren’t just a competitive advantage, they’re a necessity.
Leadership and Diversity in Chemicals
The episode closes with insights on leadership and the particular challenges women face in the chemical industry. Julie shares that as her role has grown, she’s noticed the number of women in the room shrink and has had to challenge assumptions, whether it’s as simple as who’s asked to take notes or who’s encouraged to pursue promotions. Her advice is to champion yourself, don’t shy away from risk, and always look for opportunities to learn, even from failures.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, ChemPoint’s focus is on remaining flexible and ready to seize new opportunities, whether they come from industry consolidation, shifts in global supply chains, or new applications of technology. If one thing is clear, it’s that in chemicals, adaptability, innovation, and strong leadership will always be in demand.
About Julie Roberts:
Julie Roberts, ChemPoint
Julie Roberts is the director of supplier growth at ChemPoint LLC, where she leads enterprise-level strategies to accelerate supplier performance and long-term value creation. With a career spanning supplier strategy and commercial operations, Julie brings a comprehensive, systems-oriented perspective to leadership. She is known for operating at the intersection of vision and execution, guiding organizations through complexity by aligning people, priorities, and platforms around shared growth objectives. As a senior leader, Julie champions thoughtful, inclusive leadership and believes sustainable progress is built through collaboration, clarity, and trust. Her work reflects a commitment to modern partnership models that deliver enduring impact across the industry.