The DCX Blog

At DCX, investing in people is at the heart of how we deliver value to clients and drive industry-leading results. We sat down with Amy DeLong, Talent Improvement Manager to discuss how DCX supports talent improvement and the initiatives that set us apart.  Check it out 👇

Can you give us an overview of your role? 

My role centers on partnering with the L&D team to develop the Promo Academy curriculum and other training programs. I review promo content for accuracy, update materials as needed and work closely with industry partners to provide educational opportunities—like our Supplier Showcase Series—to immerse our team in the promo industry. I also provide one-on-one coaching for team members looking to improve in areas such as pricing or other role-specific skills. 

What are your main goals and objectives for talent improvement? 

Our main goal is to make educational opportunities accessible to all team members, recognizing their busy schedules. We offer both live sessions and pre-recorded content to accommodate different learning needs. We want to be a supportive resource, encouraging team members to reach out with questions or challenges. Ultimately, our focus is on helping everyone develop their skills through flexible, supportive learning options. 

What are the main training and L&D programs that DCX runs? 

Academies: 

• DPA (Promo Academy): Our first academy, focused on distributor training and development. 
•  DPAX (Promo Academy Express) : A condensed version of DPA for quick upskilling. 
• DEA (E-Commerce Academy): Focused on E-commerce training. 
• DSA (Supplier Academy): Recently launched for supplier-focused team members.
• DRA (Roofing Academy) : Recently launched academy focused on the Roofing industry.

Additional Education Sessions: 

• DCX Experts Sessions: Live sessions on topics like promo pricing, task organization, and soft skills, often led by internal experts. 

• Internal Education Sessions: Pre-recorded 30-minute training videos with follow-up questions and instructor access. 

• LMS-Based Microlearning: Short, 5–10-minute upskilling sessions available on-demand. 

Advanced Training Program (Coming Soon!): 

• Targeted at team members with 2–3 years’ experience, launching in early 2026. 
  

How do you approach these programs, and what values underpin them? 

We blend traditional lectures with interactive group and individual activities, ensuring participants actively apply what they learn. Our training emphasizes DCX’s core values—making a positive impact for clients and working with kindness! We aim to instill these values from the start, encouraging trainees to use their skills to enhance both team efficiency and client satisfaction. 

How do you identify new areas for training? 

We rely on ongoing client feedback and stay current with industry trends by monitoring resources like PPAI and ASI. Our team is always looking for ways to refine and improve our curriculum to meet evolving needs. 

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your training and L&D programs? 

We use several methods: client feedback through CSAT scores, weekly quizzes and exams during the academies, and a post-graduation support program. Internal reporting allows us to track and analyze training impact, ensuring a continuous feedback loop for improvement. 

How do you ensure training programs are kept up-to-date? 

Our internal platform, Viva Engage, hosts a promo-specific community where team members and I share new products, suppliers, and industry updates in real time. This, along with our LMS and other educational programs, ensures everyone stays current and engaged. 

What makes an Academy graduate stand out? 

Academy graduates complete an intensive four-week program before starting their roles, gaining deep knowledge of pricing, industry fundamentals, and supplier-distributor partnerships. They’re hardworking, curious, and able to hit the ground running. Their commitment and rapid growth in just four weeks demonstrate the value of our training approach!

INTERESTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW OUR PROCESSES HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS?  👉 Check out the DCX 4D Process.