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
Manufacturers
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
Part 2 – Category Management is a big opportunity for Industrial Channel Leaders
Yesterday, I was on an 8:00 am Monday morning zoom calls with Industrial Supply Association (ISA) member Precision where Mark Jackmore and I were reviewing the content we are presenting on our webcast this week. Now, Monday morning 8AM zoom calls can be interesting, as the weekly coffee intake is just starting for everyone on the call, so I was interested to see where the … [Read more...] about Part 2 – Category Management is a big opportunity for Industrial Channel Leaders
Interesting Conversation with ISA Member -Watson Gloves
Earlier this month, I did a channel presentation where we shared our direct distributor and end customer research for the Watson Gloves team at their 2025 AGM event. What struck David Gordon and I was how engaged the Watson team was, and the questions they had for us after the session were top- notch. That great meeting started an idea for us to highlight more ISA member … [Read more...] about Interesting Conversation with ISA Member -Watson Gloves
Q2 2025 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey is Now Open
2025 Q1 for Industrial Supply might have set a record for news impacting the channel that rivals the amount of change and uncertainty that was happening during COVID. The political winds from Washington, DC are also, to use a term have been...turbulent Tariffs on again, delayed, and semi-implemented having been affecting planning and causing uncertainty On, then off, then on, … [Read more...] about Q2 2025 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey is Now Open
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
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?
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?
What AI topics are highlighted at ISA25?
The current economic and industry-specific forecast for the Industrial Channel do not show double digit growth. Historically when the market is slower growth the focus on how to grow with end customers shifts to gaining more share and automating tasks that your team does manually. In looking at ISA25 this year one session really jumped out to me that is all about helping … [Read more...] about What AI topics are highlighted at ISA25?
