This past month, I have been going through old boxes of work material and coming across some foundational material on customer segmentation and pricing that I used as a distributor. I found in the archives my personal pricing Encyclopedia Britannia (the Complex) and the Texas A&M Industrial Distribution Customer Stratification Model (the Simple) and it made me think … [Read more...] about The world of industrial customer segmentation in 2025
Research Reports
Structuring Acquisitions in the Industrial Channel
Acquisitions continue to transform the Industrial Distribtuion industry. PE (private equity) are expanding their portfolio companies and others are seeking to enter the market. National distributors are expanding into new territories and also acquiring smaller companies as "fill-ins" or, in some cases, are diversifying their businesses and building new divisions. Regionals, and … [Read more...] about Structuring Acquisitions in the Industrial Channel
Lessons Industrial Distributors Can Learn from Wesco
In 2025, I have been writing a series of articles on Wesco for Modern Distribution Management. In the series I took a deep dive into Wesco's 3 key enterprise strategies “Extend our industry-leading scale and value proposition.” “Further develop our team and our culture of excellence.” “Digitalize and transform our B2B business.” Wesco Analysis, Pt. 3: Digitize … [Read more...] about Lessons Industrial Distributors Can Learn from Wesco
Opinion: Update on the future of Rebates and SPAs for Industrial Distributors and Manufacturers?
Rebates, Backsides, and Special Pricing Agreements (SPAs) continue to grow in importance every year for the Channel. At the Enable Catalyze Conference - I was asked to present a channel focused session. I was excited about presenting, because this is the only industry event that I know of where you spend two days with B2B Distribution leaders just focusing on - Rebates and … [Read more...] about Opinion: Update on the future of Rebates and SPAs for Industrial Distributors and Manufacturers?
Opinion: What is the future of “Rebate” programs for Industrial Distributors and Manufacturers?
Rebates, Backsides, End Customer Cash Back Programs, etc. whatever you call them are growing in importance every year for the Industrial Channel. As I was preparing to head up to speak at the Enable Catalyze Conference, I was reviewing the current state of rebates in the channel. For reference - Enable is partnered with Affiliated Distributors and Net Plus Alliance … [Read more...] about Opinion: What is the future of “Rebate” programs for Industrial Distributors and Manufacturers?
