Why leading distributors like Valin Corporation are putting human resources front and center.
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To create a margin-friendly customer service model, examine your firm’s capabilities and responsiveness.
WESCO International Inc.’s $4.5 billion acquisition of Anixter International Inc. will have repercussions across all distribution channels — not just electrical — according to the panel on last week’s MDM Live.
The industrial distributors Director of Organizational Development Cory Calderon sees a post-pandemic future with a hybrid remote/onsite work environment, contingent upon scalable software applications and technology upgrades.
During the past few months, lighting distributor Bulbs.com pivoted to a new customer segment yet also leaned on such core beliefs as strong marketing and data to sustain its business during the pandemic. CEO Mike Connors shared some of the companys COVID-19 playbook.
In a recent MDM webcast, Navigating the New Now as a Distributor, Epicors Emma Vas and Mark Jensen discussed key trends that are emerging to help distribution companies thrive. Distributors are finding ways to boost revenue, negotiate supplier relationships, optimize inventory and streamline social distancing.
More than 13,000 health care and 7,000 government organizations have purchased PPE and other supplies through COVID-19 Supplies site on Amazon Business.
Recent economic reports show upward momentum for the overall U.S. economy and the wholesale distribution industry in particular, but not all data points paint a rosy picture, indicating recovery will be a slog.
The safety category again stole the show for Fastenal Co. during its May sales report with a 136.3% increase, while the companys fastener business has likely hit the bottom during the COVID-19 disruption and could be on the upswing.
Some distributors are updating their price segmentation schemes to ensure they reflect these evolving conditions by overlaying a COVID-19 demand category attribute to complement traditional segmentation schemes.
Distribution leaders that emphasize innovation during this time of uncertainty will be at an advantage when the so-called new normal whatever that looks like has settled in. One area where companies can innovate is by transforming their sales models. The latest MDM Live explains why.
International coronavirus stay-at-home orders have accelerated the imperative for distributors to improve virtual sales tactics. MDMs most-read blogs of May continued to focus on COVID-19 and its long-term effects for the distribution industry, particularly the sales process.
MDM strengthens research and industry analysis capability with seasoned business writers return. Smith returns to MDM after a two-year stint in the outdoor equipment business media, where he reported on industry M&A, trend analysis, competitive landscape and corporate profiles. He previously was part of MDMs research and content team for nearly four years.
When volume compresses, your contract pricing will be under pressure from your end customers. At the same time, you will have to react to many price changes from your manufacturer partners. MDMs John Gunderson says, if you dont have a tracking system built for your CSP/contract prices, it is time to get one in place.
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In a recent virtual conversation with a few hundred Texas A&M Industrial Distribution students, the next generation had a lot to say about what changes they see in B2B distribution after the full impact of COVID-19 becomes clear. The future of distribution is moving faster than any of us thought possible, and its looking brighter with the talent coming online.
For employees who are traditionally customer-service oriented, making cold calls requires a different skill set. Eric Chernik, CEO of Building Controls & Solutions, is providing training and tools for all employees, such as customer call lists with outbound call scripts, to grow business during the coronavirus slowdown.
There is an escalating response to the economic impact of the coronavirus among distributors, increasing furloughs and hiring freezes, management consulting firm Alexander Group finds. However, forward-looking distributors are also putting plans into place to convert competitors customers and grow digitally.
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A follow-up phone call to the industrial distributors mid-April 1Q report provides detail behind dramatic shifts in growth rate, with EVP and CFO Holden Lewis highlighting how the company is pivoting to meet changing customer demands.
