This week I have been preparing for two excellent conferences that I am speaking at in the next 2-3 weeks (Enable Catalyze and MDM SHIFT) and talking with channel leaders on calls… It’s an uncertain time in the business that has many leaders somewhat paralyzed or in a wait and see attitude on what to do for the balance of 2025. In this uncertain time keep I keep finding my way … [Read more...] about Why is B2B Distribution like making Orange Juice?
Insights
Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
It appears the initial tariff volleys have ended and we’re in for trench warfare for the next 60-90 days while deals get negotiated. The Eastern front will remain volatile given neither party will whisper “uncle” given that China is launching asymmetrical warfare as it broadens the issue from goods to services (which was to be expected.) Given that the word “decoupling” is … [Read more...] about Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
Fastenal Sales Segmentation Insights – Opinion
It is unusual for a large B2B publicly traded distributor to share details at the level Fastenal has recently provided during their Investor Day, their quarterly results, and annual report. In this column we will cover Fastenal's recent releases on Sales, Customer Segmentation, and their Focus 40 program. We follow them closely on Industrial Supply Trends as they are one of … [Read more...] about Fastenal Sales Segmentation Insights – Opinion
Fastenal Q1 Earnings – Tariffs take Center Stage
Fastenal’s reported first quarter 2025 earnings with revenues above slightly above expectations, growing 3.4% year-over-year to $1.96 billion, and meeting earnings per share expectations. In addition, Fastenal experienced increases from large customer signings, growth in the number of customer sites spending $10K or more per month and growth in the average monthly sales per … [Read more...] about Fastenal Q1 Earnings – Tariffs take Center Stage
Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Results are In
Industrial Supply Trends is pleased to introduce a new service to the industrial supply channel … our Pulse of Industrial Supply report. Launched last month, the Pulse of Industrial Supply, sponsored by William Blair, is a quarterly report. Each quarter we’ll survey distributors, manufacturers, and manufacturer representatives to gather insights into the past quarter, … [Read more...] about Q1 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey Results are In
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
ISA25 Recap – Headwinds, Tailwinds, and Uncertainty
ISA 25 last week (March 31- April 2nd) in Nashville brought together close to 700 Industrial Channel Leaders to the annual meeting to meet in person. I really enjoy this ISA industry event as it brings together Manufacturers, Distributors and Manufacturer Representative Firms at one meeting together. For other key B2B channels like electrical, HVACR, Automation, Power … [Read more...] about ISA25 Recap – Headwinds, Tailwinds, and Uncertainty
What were the hot topics at ISA25 this year?
ISA 25 is wrapping up today and the packed agenda over the three days was wrapped up by great presentations by NAW's Brian Wild and ITR economics. As expected, the hot topic was TARIFFFFS... and the impacts of current, potential, and future tariffs. It was great have National Association of Wholesaler leader Brian Wild -Chief Government Officer (2) Brian Wild | LinkedIn take a … [Read more...] about What were the hot topics at ISA25 this year?
Part 2 – Fastenal Investor Day Insights – Opinion
Fastenal Investor Day Slide - March 13, 2025 It is unusual for a large B2B publicly traded distributor to share details at the level Fastenal did on their Customer Segmentation metrics recently. In this analysis of Fastenal's Investor Day presentation, I wanted to focus on the customer segmentation part of the presentation and on the very large end of the distribution … [Read more...] about Part 2 – Fastenal Investor Day Insights – Opinion
What Do Industrial Manufacturers, Distributors and IMRs Want to Know from Their End Users?
As we close in on ISA25 next week, we wanted to share with you some preliminary findings from the recent survey that ISA completed with manufacturers, distributors, and independent manufacturer representatives (IMRs). Brendan Breen from ISA shared some detail on the survey results and a preview of what to expect at ISA25 March 31- April 2nd in Nashville. By Brendan Breen The … [Read more...] about What Do Industrial Manufacturers, Distributors and IMRs Want to Know from Their End Users?
