I wrote a recent column reminding Industrial Channel leaders about not forgetting about the business fundamentals of the channel that hit a nerve with many readers. The column focused on that even with all the changes over the past two decades - smart phones, instant access to data, end customers who want self-service digital tools and full-service support, and many other … [Read more...] about Part 2 – All good things in distribution start when a pick ticket prints in the warehouse
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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 … [Read more...] about AI for Industrial Supply IMR’s
ISA Member Haggard and Stocking – Acquisition News
A few weeks ago, I was able to do an IST profile on Haggard and Stocking and their history. It was a fun story to write on an Industrial Channel leader who has shown steady growth over the past five decades. As what always seems to happen if right after you write a story the company, they go out and make a big move right after it is published. Haggard and Stocking make an … [Read more...] about ISA Member Haggard and Stocking – Acquisition News
Fall is the season to get your Channel business ready for 2026
This week, I was on calls with various Industrial Channel and Industrial Supply Association (ISA) leaders discussing the upcoming ISA Fall Summit in Memphis, TN, in early November. We were discussing the tracks, the speakers and presenters, and the takeaways for participants. In looking at the speakers and presenters, I was struck by the fact that 20 of the speakers across … [Read more...] about Fall is the season to get your Channel business ready for 2026
ISA Member Spotlight Series – Industrial Supply Company
As I was doing the research and interviews with Industrial Supply Company, and writing this profile, one famous quote kept popping in my head.... "Go West, young man, go West and grow up with the country." Horace Greeley. That "grow up with the country" phrase certainly applies to Industrial Supply Company. They are a great example of a Company founded in 1916 in Salt … [Read more...] about ISA Member Spotlight Series – Industrial Supply Company