Too often, distributors – just like everyone else – get caught up in doing things the same way as they have always been done. But sometimes, a spark of brilliance can come from looking for a new answer to a standard problem. Take Paramont EO, a Chicago, IL-based distributor of electrical and decorative lighting products, for example.
When Paramont EO's warehouse ran out of space, the company had to decide between looking for a new location or finding new ways to make do with what it already had. Leaders chose the latter. But what started as a simple redesign became so much more. The company turned the process into a team-building event and used it to expand cross-training for its employees. (Read more in Paramont EO’s Team-Building Redesign.)
Paramont was one of MDM's 2016 Market Mover honorees, along with Action Health, Bensenville, IL.
MDM is once again recognizing distributors that stand out in their markets. Nominate your business as a 2017 MDM Market Mover by letting us know what makes your distribution company different. Nominations are due by May 15!
Other past MDM Market Movers include:
AJ Adhesives, St. Louis, MO (2015) – AJ Adhesives takes customer service to an “insanely” high level with a branding campaign built around the tagline of “Insanely Happy Customers.” Read more about AJ Adhesives.
Plumbers Supply Co., Louisville, KY (2015) – Plumbers Supply Co. participates in training program to help make a field technician career more attractive while increasing individual productivity for techs. Read more about Plumbers Supply Co.
Redwood Plastics, Vancouver, BC (2014) – Redwood Plastics created an online strategy to engage customers in as many ways as possible. That strategy has led to increased sales conversions and company expansion. Read more about Redwood Plastics.
Capitol Coffee, Raleigh, NC (2014) – Capitol Coffee began as an office coffee distributor, but quickly expanded to provide more products and services to its customers with its “concierge” service. Read more about Capitol Coffee.
Engman-Taylor Co. Inc., Menomonee Falls, WI (2014) – Industrial distributor and integrated supplier Engman-Taylor trademarked its Cost Circles program, reducing costs for customers in manufacturing, price and administration. Read more about Engman-Taylor.
Replenex, Eden Prairie, MN (2013) – Replenex, an industrial distributor, has made finding and documenting customer cost savings a part of its DNA, including building a web-based tool to help salespeople track progress toward customer savings goals. Read more about Replenex.
A&M Industrial, Rahway, NJ (2013) – A&M Industrial has carved a niche in its markets by creating a suite of services and products around clients in emergency situations. Read more about A&M Industrial.
Machinery Tooling & Supply, Schaumburg, IL (2013) – Machinery Tooling & Supply set the time aside to create the company’s first strategic plan in 2005; management stuck with it and saw a 129 percent sales increase as a result. Read more about Machinery Tooling & Supply.
MSCO Inc., Sheffield, AL (2012) – Industrial distributor MSCO’s growth has been driven in recent years by its investments during the downturn and ongoing focus on diversification. MSCO is the parent company for Martin Industrial Supply, whose president, David Ruggles, was also featured in MDM’s Executive Briefing. Read more about MSCO.
C.H. Briggs, Reading, PA (2012) – In wholesale distribution, “good enough” has long been a common theme for technology’s role in the business. But “good enough” was never good enough for C.H. Briggs, a specialty building materials distributor. Read more about C.H. Briggs.
Johnson Air Products, Portland, OR (2011) – When LEED for New Construction became an everyday topic at Johnson Air Products, Executive Vice President Brent James knew something had to change. Now, the distributor and manufacturers’ representative of HVAC products is viewed as one of the industry leaders. Read more about Johnson Air Products.
Werner Electric Supply, Cottage Grove, MN (2011) – At a time when many employees feel overworked due to companies’ trying to do more with less, Werner’s health and wellness program is building loyalty and helping it retain talent at a critical point in the economic recovery. Read more about Werner Electric.