Eric Smith, Author at Modern Distribution Management

MDM Premium Extra: Behind United Stationers’ Transformation to Essendant

To thank you for your business and add value to your MDM Premium subscription, MDM offers bonus content each month exclusively to premium subscribers.

This month we feature a bonus article on United Stationers' decision to reposition to a new brand, Essendant. Associate Editor Eric Smith recently attended Emerge Core Live, the company's trade show and conference for customers and suppliers in Nashville, TN. During the show, CEO Cody Phipps conducted a media roundtable to outline the strategy behind United Stationers' efforts as it adapts to an evolving industry.

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February 25, 2015

Featured Blog

Exposure Outside Industry Key to Succession Plan

Professor advises next generation of family business to work in different field before taking over.

February 24, 2015

Economic Trends

Port Dispute Finally Resolved

Sides reach tentative labor agreement, but delays likely for a while.

February 23, 2015

Featured Blog

‘Evolving Industry’ Drives Change at United Stationers

CEO: Bringing United Stationers companies to one platform will streamline operations, expand customer options.

February 18, 2015

Free

‘Troublemakers’ Secret to Ceratec’s Success

CEO: Talented employees with disruptive mindsets can keep company sharp.

February 17, 2015

Companies

Pentair CEO: Company has $1B for Acquisitions in 2015

While capacity is high, Pentair will "remain disciplined" about finding deals that make sense.

February 11, 2015

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution

Succession Planning: Positioning for the Future

The growing worker shortage and ongoing consolidation story have placed distribution at a crossroads, and only the companies that adequately groom the next generation of C-suite executives will flourish. This article examines the challenges companies face regarding developing a succession plan and first steps to overcoming those hurdles.

This article includes:

Using the company’s vision to form a strategy
Talent acquisition and retention
Advice from distribution industry executives

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Training, Technology Take Front Seat in Employee Retention Strategies
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February 10, 2015

Featured Blog

Empower HR Department to Tackle Succession Planning

Turn human resources functions into transformational rather than transactional

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February 10, 2015

Electrical

January 2015 Distribution M&A Roundup: Calm Before the Storm?

Consolidation forecast still upbeat despite steady but not spectacular month to open 2015.

February 3, 2015

Economic Trends

Sides Reach Key Agreement in Port Dispute

If even labor strife ends, supply chain slowdown could persist for months.

January 29, 2015

Companies

3M’s Threefold Plan Provides Results

Portfolio management, investment in innovation, business transformation fuel record year.

January 28, 2015

Economic Trends

Construction Forecast Bodes Well for Economy

Eighty percent of construction firms plan to expand in 2015, but hurdles remain.

January 27, 2015

Building Materials/Construction

High Hopes for Building Materials in 2015

4Q14 MDM-Baird Distribution Survey reveals lofty expectations for sector this year.

January 23, 2015

Companies

Tailwinds Propel Fastenal as 2015 Begins

Lower energy prices, private brands bolster distributor's revenue, income.

January 20, 2015

Featured Blog

Social Media Gaining B2B Popularity

Presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube becoming increasing important for businesses.

January 13, 2015

eCommerce

Making the Case for Social Media in B2B

With the right plan in place, a broad social media campaign can attract younger workers while also strengthening a companys brand and bottom line. But many distributors still doubt the effectiveness of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as channels for building business, a perception that could be costly in the long run.

This article includes: