MDM Market Leaders Archives

ISL: Leveraging Logistics to Carve Its Niche

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

In 2017, MDM is recognizing distributors that are innovative in their approach to their markets. Virginia Beach, VA-based industrial distributor Incredible Supply & Logistics was founded in 2010 in Chris Faison’s garage. The company leveraged its logistics expertise to carve out a successful niche serving the government and defense contractors.

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June 25, 2017

Companies

MDM Interview: SBP Holdings Won’t Be Chasing Oil Rigs

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Challenging conditions in oil and gas markets continue to present some hurdles for hose and rigging equipment distributor SBP Holdings, but a balanced growth strategy over the years has made a “rock solid” company, according to President & CEO Don Fritzinger. Fritzinger recently spoke with Editor Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier about the company’s approach to changing markets and M&A.

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June 25, 2017

MDM Market Leaders

MDM Interview: DSG’s Late Night Loyalty Advantage

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Customer satisfaction drives Dakota Supply Group. The Fargo, ND-based electrical, HVAC and plumbing distributor recently launched its After Hours Experts initiative to provide technical, service and sales support for customers beyond the routine Monday to Friday, 8-to-5 schedule. CEO Todd Kumm spoke with Associate Editor Eric Smith about how the company works to differentiate amid changing customer demands.

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June 25, 2017

MDM Market Leaders

Other Trends to Watch

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

MDM identified a handful of other distribution trends to watch for the rest of 2017 and into next year. Look for stories on these and other topics relevant to the industry in future issues of MDM Premium and at mdm.com.

Other trends include:

The millennial effect
New wasy to approach training
Shifting the focus of delivery

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June 25, 2017

Companies

3 Ways Amazon is Disrupting Distribution

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Amazon’s impact on e-commerce and delivery expectations in distribution is evident, but distributors and industry analysts have identified several other ways the online giant is disrupting the industry – online and off.

These include:

Extended credit terms
Marketplace selling
Price transparency

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June 25, 2017

Free

2017 Individual Sector Trends Snapshots

The sector snapshots are part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue. The sector snapshots provide a quick look at key trends affecting each of the 15 distribution sectors included in MDM's Market Leaders lists.

Snapshots are provided for the following sectors: Industrial, Electrical, Power Transmission & Bearing, HVACR & Plumbing, Building Materials & Construction, Electronics, Fasteners, Fluid Power, Gases & Welding Equipment, Hose & Accessories, Industrial PVF, Jan-San, Pharmaceuticals, Plastics and Safety.

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June 25, 2017

MDM Market Leaders

Special Issue: 2017 Wholesale Distribution Trends

The 2017 Distribution Special Issue is the most comprehensive report on the wholesale distribution industry. This eighth edition was researched and written by MDM and is based on interviews with dozens of distributors, industry experts and manufacturers, as well as a survey of readers to uncover the most important issues facing distribution today.

The full report is available to download in PDF format to MDM Premium subscribers. Subscribe below for full access. Or log-in if you are already a subscriber.

June 25, 2017

Companies

Better Business Outlook for Industry

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

While U.S. GDP growth in first quarter of 2017 was a tepid 1.2 percent, for many distributors, the new year marked a shift in outlook for the industry. But there’s also a shift in customer expectations, as highlighted by the trends examined in this issue.

This article includes:

An overview of distributor revenue
How distributors are adapting to economic conditions
Insights from industry executives on economic trends

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June 25, 2017

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

The distribution industry has seen a surge in discussions about leadership and culture. With an uneven economy, new threats of disruption and the continuation of a massive generational shift in distribution, exhibiting strong leadership is critical for any company that wants to prosper.

This article includes:

How does a company measure strong leadership?
The generational change
How strong leadership leads to a strong company culture

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June 25, 2017

Companies

Sales Models: From Lone Wolf to Pack Hunting

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

Distribution sales have traditionally been driven by outside salespeople who set their own course for how and where to sell in a given territory. But purchasing behaviors have changed, driven by technology and a generational shift, which means that sales models will need to change, as well, to capture and maintain business going forward.

This article includes:

A shift in purchasing
The changing sales model
Refocusing outside sales

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June 25, 2017

Inventory Management

Amazon Elevates ‘Right-Now’ Expectations

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

There’s no escaping Amazon. Thanks to the company’s recent mammoth grocery store bid, even a trip to Whole Foods for organic marinara sauce or a bundle of kale could inflate Jeff Bezos’ already exorbitant income.

This article includes:

Retooling delivery processes to minimize threat
How Amazon is changing the way many distributors operate
Why increasing the speed of delivery may be inevitable

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June 25, 2017

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution

Soft Skills Make Tough Competitors

This article is part of MDM's 2017 Distribution Trends Special Issue.

“Attitude is everything” is a phrase easily forgotten in the day-to day-hustle, but the “soft skills” that enable someone to interact effectively with other people continue to be more important than just a motivational catch phrase.

This article includes:

Identifying and addressing this soft skills gap
Easing HR issues
Improving productivity

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