Recently, I was introduced to an Industrial Supply Association (ISA) member Precision that intrigued and piqued my curiosity. Their firm works closely on Category Management teams on programs and issues, and that got me thinking about that crucial side of the business in detail. As a former Category Management leader for a few billion-dollar distributors that got my … [Read more...] about Category Management is a big word and a big opportunity for Industrial Channel Leaders
Distributor News
MDM’s Industrial Distributors Top 50 list had some big changes
Every Year, one of my favorite webcasts to participate in is the Modern Distribution Management (MDM) top distributor webinar where we announce the rankings for electrical and industrial channel with the MDM Team. MDM has been ranking the largest North American distributors across 20 different distribution sectors for many years. What makes it even more fun is that I get to … [Read more...] about MDM’s Industrial Distributors Top 50 list had some big changes
Global Industrial Update highlights core programs for growth
Last week on June 4, 2025, at the 45th Annual William Blair Growth Stock Conference: Global Industrial presented some interesting insights into their business and strategy. In these investor day presentations, you can get an excellent overview of an Industrial Channel Leader's strategy that is more in-depth than a normal earnings call, so they are fun to analyze. Global … [Read more...] about Global Industrial Update highlights core programs for growth
The Industrial Distributors Top 50 list has some big changes coming in the rankings
One of my favorite webcasts to participate in every year is the Modern Distribution Management (MDM) top distributor webinar in we announce the rankings for the largest North American distributors across 20 different distribution sectors. What makes it even more fun is that I get to work with MDM on the final rankings for the Top 50 Industrial Distributors list. *At Channel … [Read more...] about The Industrial Distributors Top 50 list has some big changes coming in the rankings
ISA ELCC Program Interview – Leadership for the Industrial Channel
At ISA 25, I had the opportunity to meet with a number of Industrial leaders involved in ISA programs. I was struck by the enthusiasm from members of the Industrial Supply Association's Emerging Leaders Channel Certification Program (ELCC) and thought it would be great to start interviewing channel leaders involved in the program. Kayla Jane McLaughlin from Surpless, Dunn … [Read more...] about ISA ELCC Program Interview – Leadership for the Industrial Channel
MDM-NAW Shift highlights Data Analytics the key to market share growth
Modern Distribution Management (MDM) Shift event was held last week (May 13-15th in Englewood, Colorado). The event has continued to evolve over the past 9 years, and it was once again attended by who's who of distribution leaders. As an attendee and speaker, it has been fun to watch the event grow. Many leading distributors also presented at MDM Shift ranging from large … [Read more...] about MDM-NAW Shift highlights Data Analytics the key to market share growth
Building on the skills of your Inside Sales Staff
The role and responsibilities of the Inside Sales team are evolving and changing faster than any role in the Industrial Channel. The distributor inside sales team usually has the most direct contact and interaction with industrial end customers. Our friend Frank Hurtte | LinkedIn from River Heights Consulting is one of the leading Industrial and Electrical Channel voices on … [Read more...] about Building on the skills of your Inside Sales Staff
Industrial Distributor: Year End Performance 2024 – AD, Fastenal and Grainger
Over the past few weeks, a number of national distributors have released their 2024 performance and earnings reports. AD, Grainger, Fastenal and others have made news. We've also talked to a number of manufacturers who see the "highlight" numbers and use them as benchmarks, so we've reviewed and sought to find some trends. Overall, business is improving or stable depending on … [Read more...] about Industrial Distributor: Year End Performance 2024 – AD, Fastenal and Grainger
Distributors – Maximize Your Volume Rebates with a Strategic Revenue Plan
Given the importance of rebates to the net profitability of distributors, I reached out to a friend and former distributor client, Greg Smith, to share his first-hand experience, and best practices, to help distributors optimize their rebate earnings. For those who don’t know Greg, he owned a small electrical distributor, sold the business to a regional distributor and then, … [Read more...] about Distributors – Maximize Your Volume Rebates with a Strategic Revenue Plan
Increasing Warehouse Output While Managing Costs
With business in 2025 looking like “slow growth” looking forward, leading industrial distributors are focused on improving the operational / warehouse aspects of their business. While national chains, over the years, quickly moved to a CDC or RDC model, larger independents have also adopted this approach. This achieves a dual mandate of “improved” inventory management and … [Read more...] about Increasing Warehouse Output While Managing Costs
