Industrial Supply Trends

In Collaboration with ISA

Spotlight

Industrial Planning Meetings Part 3, are you ready for 2026?

Last week, I was up in St. Paul, MN and had a chance to speak and meet with the 3M Industrial team. I had some time in between sessions to walk around the 3M Innovation center and look at some of the history of 3M.

It was like a museum tour for an Industrial distribution leader: The Minnesota Mining to sandpaper story, Scotch Tape development in the 1930’s, the Post It Note epiphany, and so much more. I was blast just walking by key innovative products and seeing their history. 3M calls this training facility the Innovation Center for a reason, as that word “Innovation” is at the core of who 3M is a company.

What can Industrial Leaders do to enhance their skill sets?

Last week I was traveling and speaking to key industrial channel leaders and one topic keeps coming up again and again from Manufacturers, Manufacturer Reps, and Distributors in the Channel. How do we retain future leaders in the industrial channel?

It is hard to recruit and then retain talent in the industrial channel. So, when you make that investment as a Company or Associate how do you help that Emerging leader stay engaged and grow their skill set?

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What can Industrial Leaders do to enhance their skill sets?

Last week I was traveling and speaking to key industrial channel leaders and one topic keeps coming up again and again from Manufacturers, Manufacturer Reps, and Distributors in the Channel. How do we retain future leaders in the industrial channel?

It is hard to recruit and then retain talent in the industrial channel. So, when you make that investment as a Company or Associate how do you help that Emerging leader stay engaged and grow their skill set?

Why the ISA Executive Network Matters More Than Ever

The industrial MROP channel is facing a convergence of pressures, from volatile trade policies to economic unpredictability, that have elevated the value of senior-level collaboration. With tariffs increasing, supply chains still fragile, and forecasts uncertain, this is the moment for focused executive dialogue.

Industrial Planning season is here, are you ready for 2026?

As the 4th quarter approaches and planning season happens, the importance of year-end profit numbers grows by the day. Many channel leaders have to see-saw from a meeting about this year to an immediate meeting about the plan for 2026 every hour.

AI for Industrial Supply IMR’s

From a tech viewpoint, AI is what companies talk about. Distributors are implementing it or at least discussing it. Not much gets shared within the manufacturer environment but it is well in use.  Independent manufacturer reps (IMRs) have also asked the question. Some have dappled. Few are advanced. Most are intrigued but lack expertise and/or are concerned about expense.  The…