Strategy Archives

Grainger CFO Talks Tech Stack, Pricing Strategy and More

We chat with Dee Merriwether, CFO of Grainger, which took the top spot on MDM’s Top 2022 Industrial Distributors list. Our conversation covers the MRO giant’s risk mitigation, pricing strategy, how analytics have shaped its digital offerings and more.

September 6, 2022

Operations

GMS Names New Chief HR Officer

The company announced that Leigh Dobbs has been named chief human resources officer, effective Sept. 6.

August 18, 2022

Human Resources in Wholesale Distribution

Data: The Factors that Attract, Retain or Repel Distribution Talent

We dive into the data from a new survey that compares results between distribution candidates and employees with hiring managers.

August 17, 2022

Leadership

Allied Motion Appoints VP and CTO

The electromagnetic components manufacturer said Ken May has been named corporate vice president and chief technology officer.

August 16, 2022

Leadership

NAW Names New Innovation Officer

The association says it has hired ABB Optical Group and DHL executive Bart Tessel as chief innovation officer.

August 16, 2022

Pricing

5 Ways Distributors Can Manage Inflation

Data is the new currency of business, and distribution leaders must guide their teams while there's no guarantee as to what will happen next, Nelson Valderrama explains.

August 1, 2022

Operations

US LBM Names New Supply Chain SVP

Steve Short will lead US LBM’s building materials sourcing and procurement strategy and supply chain operations, the company said.

July 29, 2022

Operations

WernerCo. Announces Leadership Changes

The manufacturer/distributor says Don Freeman and Kevin Blossom have been promoted to president positions.

July 26, 2022

Mergers & Acquisitions

QuickTake: Innovation from Strategic Deals Challenges PE Playbook

Mike Marks and Tom Gale explore the impact of recent landmark acquisitions and how the mission of strategic deals runs counter to that of private equity.

July 22, 2022

Management

What Distributors are Saying About Returning to the Office

We share new comments from distributors regarding whether they plan to require employees to fully return to in-person work in the next year.

July 20, 2022

Strategy

It’s Time to Make Strategic Business Agreements More Strategic

John Gunderson and Steve Gettleman cover three modern win-win strategies for negotiating SBAs.

July 13, 2022

Sales & Marketing

Global Industrial Continues Sales Structure Diversification

Tom Gale sits down with CSO Claudia Hughes to discuss the ins and outs of distributor Global Industrial's unique sales structure and go-to-market strategy.

July 6, 2022

Leadership

Transparent Communication vs. The Grapevine

Communication was the central topic in the latest Quicktake podcast featuring MDM's Tom Gale and IRCG's Mike Marks, as the two dug into what transparency really means.

June 24, 2022

Strategy

What Manufacturers Can Learn from Fastenal’s Go-to-Market Strategy

James Dorn details how Fastenal's digital transformation story has kept it ahead of the curve of customer demands.

June 1, 2022

Leadership

NAHAD Distributor, Supplier Leaders Discuss How They’ve Handled Labor Pains

Executives from SBP Holdings, Alaska Rubber Group and Flexaust share how they are navigating the historically challenging labor situation.

May 24, 2022

Leadership

An Entrepreneurial Sales Mindset Can Work Wonders for Small Distributors

At 19, Bearing Service, Inc. President Doug Savage unexpectedly took over the distribution company his grandfather started. In a new MDM podcast, Savage talks about his passion for education, his early adoption of the Entrepreneurial Operating System, the opportunities for independent distributors ahead and his many leadership roles across a 47-year career.

May 10, 2022

Management

The Supply Chain Professional’s Elevated Role in Today’s Environment

Market constraints highlight the importance of supply chain and distribution experts. Here are four ways those experts can help mitigate the current crisis.

April 28, 2022

Strategy

From its Expo, We Go Inside Fastenal with Dan Florness

Amid digital expansion, many distributors grew apart from customers during the pandemic. Fastenal did the opposite. In a new MDM Podcast, Mike Hockett and Dan Florness discuss how the company continues to grow closer to its customers.

April 26, 2022

Leadership

Redefining Leadership in Distribution

Distribution leaders have played a mostly reactive role as conduits for products and services — but more are now taking on proactive approaches as facilitators and value creators. In a new MDM podcast, Tom Gale and Dirk Beveridge talk about how evolving leadership dynamics are changing the industry.

April 19, 2022

Management

Lawson Products Adds Corporate Development Leader

It comes just after the company announced the closing of its merger with TestEquity and Gexpro Services and a May 1 CEO succession.

April 7, 2022

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