Article

Research: Distributors & Manufacturers Split on Signs of Pullback, CapEx Plans

Respondents in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey were divided on 2025 demand and investment outlooks, as tariff uncertainty clouds confidence and prompts cautious strategic planning. See our full breakdown of the results.

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Article

MDM’s 1Q25 M&A Report is Here, Now with a Breakdown of Activity by Product Category

See our new breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 30 top industrial distributors and our detailed recap of dealmaking activity during January-March, which was notably subdued compared to previous quarters.

Article

Distributors Forecast Shaky 1-10% COGS Increase with Tariffs Influence

Most distributors and manufacturers surveyed in the 1Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey indicated a 1-10% increase in the cost of goods sold in 2025, though uncertainty colored commentary. Get our deep dive analysis here.

Article

How Are Distributors Combatting Higher Costs from Tariffs? Here’s What They Told Us

We polled nearly 300 distributors and manufacturers in early April about the methods they are using in response to a higher cost of goods sold brought on by tariffs. See our detailed breakdown of the results, including by revenue size, along with plenty of respondent commentary.

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Meet MDM’s 2025 Women in Distribution

Our roster of 20 honorees announced in late March. Here, we profile each of these deserving leaders who will likewise be recognized at MDM’s SHIFT Conference in May. By popular demand, we've made this article free after initially publishing it as a Premium exclusive.

Podcast

10: S12E10: Unlocking the Secrets of Sales Compensation

SHIFT 2025 speaker Donya Rose joins to discuss the intricacies of sales compensation plans, particularly in the B2B sector. We tackle the evolution of sales compensation, recent trends post-pandemic and common challenges and questions that companies...

Article

MDM Podcast: Unlocking the Secrets of Sales Compensation

SHIFT 2025 speaker Donya Rose joins to discuss the intricacies of sales compensation plans, particularly in the B2B sector. We tackle the evolution of sales compensation, recent trends, common challenges and the questions that companies are pursuing solutions for.

Article

10 Ways Distributors Can Prepare for an Economic Downturn

With recession concerns rising, distributors should focus on strengthening their business, managing costs and adapting to market changes rather than reacting to short-term uncertainty. This piece outlines priority items to get set sooner than later.

Article

MDM Forecast: April 2025 Update

The latest MDM Forecast had a modest continuation in downward revision in April overall, with growth still expected but at a slower pace than previously projected. As always, the projection varied throught the 19 different industry verticals tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. Get your sector-specific outlook here.

Article

QXO Confirms Plans to Rebrand Beacon

QXO acknowledged a rebranding in an FAQ for Beacon employees, though timing is still to be determined.

Article

A Few Words on Elasticity, the Future of Tariffs and Distributors’ Response

This piece reviews relevant pricing and tariff dynamics and describes key implications for distributors as they plot their course through a choppy environment.

Podcast

9: S12E9: Be the Steve Irwin of Distribution and Rethink Team Dynamics

Contrary to popular belief, culture isn't a soft skill. It's a competitive advantage, says executive leadership consultant Darcy Blessing-Williams, who is set to speak at MDM's SHIFT conference in May. She joins the podcast to discuss a zookeeper...

Article

MDM Podcast: Be the Steve Irwin of Distribution and Rethink Team Dynamics

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LAST CALL for MDM 2025 Top Distributors Submissions

Want your company to be considered and accurately ranked? We need its revenue info by April 11. The easiest way to submit it is via the survey linked in this blog.

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Who Wins and Loses in the Tariffs New Normal?

As tariffs continue to escalate, distributors will have to adapt by optimizing pricing strategies and rebate management to navigate the uncertainty and gain market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Here's a look at critical priorities for distributor stakeholders.

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MDM’s March Premium Monthly Issue Now Available

Now live, the issue's content spans your role as a source of tariff clarity; the business case for women-specific PPE; why QXO relentlessly pursued Beacon; what distributors pay their fleet staff; our latest MDM Forecast; a fasteners market profile; and more.

Whitepaper

In Pursuit of Practicality: 52 real use cases for AI in wholesale distribution today

This multi-month research effort includes surveys, interviews, extensive publication scanning, and deep synthesis to ultimately surface over 50 use cases of AI for distribution.

Podcast

8: S12E8: Why Tech Fails Salespeople & How to Leverage it

Former Wesco leader Ben Albu shares why so many sales tools end up in the "technology graveyard" in this preview to his SHIFT Conference session on leveraging sales technology for success.

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MDM Podcast: Why Tech Fails Salespeople & How to Leverage it