When Wesco merged with Anixter in 2020, it took on a margin improvement plan, which may help the company reach its 10% EBITDA margin target.
Latest In Strategy
In the first of a 3-part series, John Gunderson goes detective-mode to examine Fastenal's transformation from a branch count-heavy distributor to one prioritizing integrated supply and self-service.
It’s strategy season, and even optimistic predictions are for flattish 2024 industry growth. Mike Marks & Tom Gale discuss the bottom-line impact in dealing with whatever your big gorilla(s) looks like.
Mike Hockett recounts his fireside chat with Barry Litwin at MDM’s SHIFT conference, where the CEO detailed how the company actioned its many recent initiatives.
James Dorn and Tom Gale outline ways to leverage manufacturer incentives, create strategic tiered suppliers at a product category level and capture every available dollar before year-end.
Mike Marks and Tom Gale discuss data points from the 3Q23 Baird-MDM Survey, what the front lines in distribution are saying about how 4Q is shaping and things firms can do now to outperform in 2024.
Often, too many people are involved in the B2B sales workflow, the right people aren’t, or they don’t have access to needed information. We chat with vSimple’s Katie Duvall on sales communication blind spots.
James Dorn and Tom Gale discuss distributors’ use of data analytics to inform profitability decisions in the year ahead, which figures to involve more strategy as firms can't lean on inflation.
Will Quinn reflects on a career that has seen organizations embrace continuous improvement and those that haven't. The former tend to outperform the latter, and here's what it looks like.
Wesco says its goal of reducing landfill waste intensity by 15% across U.S. and Canadian locations is 70% complete.
Distributors who build a learning organization empower creativity and agility, differentiating themselves in the face of challenges and nurturing growth.
Aspirations direct our distributor innovations, so let’s aim high and build a supply chain worthy of our future. Mark Dancer advises in the third part of his Facing the Forces of Change initiative with NAW.
With budgets and operational planning already eyeing the year ahead, Mike Marks and Tom Gale explore where distributors have the most leverage, and where their common gaps are.
McKinsey Partner Kevin Sachs previews his team’s SHIFT conference keynote on the differentiators of those who are convincing shareholders they are growing revenue faster, expanding margins and improving their capital leverage.
Despite improved conditions, distributor-supplier relations still suffer from damaged trust, inefficient processes and low visibility. This piece advises on leveraging rebates to sustain partnerships.
Concerns over a potential recession are easing, but implementing new tech remains a challenge, according to the survey.
Where is your team today in the skills and capabilities that will define your future growth rate and ability to out-compete effectively? Tom Gale eyes the critical next few years in B2B distribution.
New manufacturing business models are disrupting traditional distribution channels, creating risks and opportunities. Several actions can allow distributors to add value for OEMs alongside growth and profitability for themselves.
Picking the right supplier partners can make or break a distributor's long-term success. Here are top factors to consider as you vet a new strategic supplier partnership.
Consultant Mike Marks talks culture as the critical differentiator in periods of uncertainty, and the shift from command-and-control leadership.
