On my first week on the job as a distributor 25 years ago, that quote that Dick Schmid told me at Crescent Electric Supply stuck with me. From 2000 to 2025 a lot has changed in the distribution channel - smart phones, instant access to data, end customers who want self-service tools and full-service support, and many other changes (with AI being another … [Read more...] about All good things in distribution start when a pick ticket prints in the warehouse
More Insights
ISA Member Earnings – MSC Industrial Q3 2025
MSC Industrial launched their third-quarter earnings report in July and the industrial waters have ben choppy this year, but the size of the overall North American market creates opportunities for growth. MSC Industrial – a distributor of a broad range of metalworking and MRO products and services, reported third quarter financial results on July 1, showing a 0.8% … [Read more...] about ISA Member Earnings – MSC Industrial Q3 2025
Pentagon Pricing Series – A Pricing Reset is the Most High-Risk and High-Reward Activity in B2B Industrial Distribution
As a former pricing leader for three billion-dollar distributors in North America, I can share from experience that a major pricing reset is simultaneously a dangerous activity, yet when done right, the best driver of top-line sales growth in this industry. Earlier this year, I wrote a Case Study for Modern Distribution Management (MDM) on the pricing reset MSC Industrial … [Read more...] about Pentagon Pricing Series – A Pricing Reset is the Most High-Risk and High-Reward Activity in B2B Industrial Distribution
ISA Member Earnings – Stanley Black & Decker Q2 2025
At Industrial Supply Trends, we pay attention to the earnings and announcements from ISA members. Stanley Black and Decker announced their Q2 Earnings and shared insight on Tariff impacts, and the Stanley Black and Decker strategy to navigate those tariffs. Stanley Black and Decker is a partner for many ISA members and a key supporter of ISA. At this years, ISA Fall Summit … [Read more...] about ISA Member Earnings – Stanley Black & Decker Q2 2025
Durable Goods & CAPEX Issues + Tarriff and Policy Volatility = Uncertainty – IST
As an analyst for the past 20 years, I have relied on key economic indicators as foundational to prepare forecasts for leadership to make informed business decisions. Two of those key foundational indicators were Durable Goods Purchases and Business Capital Investment, but those indicators have had much change the past 5 years. The once bellwether and predictable indicator … [Read more...] about Durable Goods & CAPEX Issues + Tarriff and Policy Volatility = Uncertainty – IST
ISA Member Spotlight – L-Boxx Manufacturing Solutions
We had a chance to interview L-Boxx a new ISA member with modular and customizable storage solutions for an ISA spotlight. Q. Tell us about your company. What markets do you serve, and how do you differentiate yourself from the competition? At L-BOXX we do more than just build toolboxes. We are a pure B2B company, working closely with OEMs and trading companies to … [Read more...] about ISA Member Spotlight – L-Boxx Manufacturing Solutions
ISA Member Spotlight – Cali Air Tools
I had a chance to start a series on large ISA members and wanted to broaden it to a wide range of manufacturers and new members of ISA. I appreciate the feedback that Nicole Foster from Cali Air Tools provided. 1.Tell us about your company. What markets do you serve, and how do you differentiate yourself from the competition? In 2002 we decided that there was a market … [Read more...] about ISA Member Spotlight – Cali Air Tools
ISA Fall Summit is expanding content and tracks for the Industrial Channel
Late last week, the Industrial Supply Association sent out for the full details for the ISA Fall Summit November 3-5, 2025 in Memphis. The ISA Fall Summit has evolved over the years, and I am excited about this year's enhancements. The event still has it's bedrock programming for Emerging Leaders, Women in Industry, and the Veterans Empowerment Network of course, but … [Read more...] about ISA Fall Summit is expanding content and tracks for the Industrial Channel
ISA Member Series – Martin Industrial Supply’s Long-term vision
Earlier this month, I had a chance to sit down with David Ruggles from Martin Industrial Supply to discuss a wide range of topics. Where the Channel is headed today, how does Martin Industrial grow the in the short term and long term? As a private company that was willing to share some information, I appreciated the chance to have an on and off-the-record conversation on … [Read more...] about ISA Member Series – Martin Industrial Supply’s Long-term vision
Pentagon Pricing Series – Part 1 – Sell Side is everything
For the past number of months, David Gordon and I have been talking non-stop about pricing and have been busy helping many Industrial distributors and manufacturers with their “buy side” and “sell side” programs. As a former pricing leader for two of the largest distributors in North America, I have been remiss in writing as much as we should about buy-side and sell-side … [Read more...] about Pentagon Pricing Series – Part 1 – Sell Side is everything
