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
Sales Channel
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
Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
Sometimes a conversation or an article from an author catches your eye. As we were reading some articles from Dr. Jeffrey Magee we thought it would be interesting to share an article from Dr. Magee to our Industrial Supply Trends readers on his sales perspectives. Dr. Magee is well known speaker and author of more than 30+ books and has been involved in the distribution … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
MDM-NAW Shift highlights Data Analytics the key to market share growth
Modern Distribution Management (MDM) Shift event was held last week (May 13-15th in Englewood, Colorado). The event has continued to evolve over the past 9 years, and it was once again attended by who's who of distribution leaders. As an attendee and speaker, it has been fun to watch the event grow. Many leading distributors also presented at MDM Shift ranging from large … [Read more...] about MDM-NAW Shift highlights Data Analytics the key to market share growth
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?
Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey early returns are eye opening
The impact of tariffs announcements is unsettling the market and the short term and long-term impact and prognostications are dominating the news cycle for the Industrial Channel. The tariff impact on sentiment is clearly having an effect on channel planning and programs. Our Industrial Supply Trends Q1 IST Pulse of Industrial Supply survey early returns are interesting and … [Read more...] about Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey early returns are eye opening
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?
