It was the fourth annual event for NAW, and the biggest one yet, bringing startup technology vendors and forward-thinking distributors together.
The Future of Distribution on Display at NAW Innovators Summit Read More »
Will robots replace us? AI take our jobs? The answer (at least so far) has been “no.”
Census Data: AI, Robotics Haven’t Taken Away Jobs Read More »
Electrical equipment and grid components distributors support NEMA’s call for federal incentives for on-shoring supply chains efforts.
Electrical Product Suppliers Propose Incentive Program to Offset Tariffs Read More »
AI promises much to distributors — but where does it deliver? Here, a pair of Stanford graduate students reveal the findings of their major industry research project that applies the scientific method to show the discrepancies between AI hype and real return on investment while showing how distribution leaders can cut through the noise.
What the Scientific Method Reveals About AI in Distribution Read More »
This issue’s content contains eight articles that cover distribution’s inflation delay; ORS’ continued M&A expansion; what to know about extended producer responsibility laws; part 2 of our deep dive on ADI Global; future-proofing sales comp; why Home Depot acquired GMS; a Market Profile on abrasives; and more.
MDM’s August Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
Steve Snower joined Parts Town as its sixth employee in 2004. Today, the company is a leading distributor of OEM replacement parts, now on pace for nearly $2.8 billion in annual revenue. He joins to reflect on how Parts Town got here, what it’s been up to lately — which includes an employee ownership program, service expansion and digital innovation — and where it’s going.
MDM Podcast: Parts Town’s $2.8B Growth Story Read More »
The 115-page report is loaded with sector-specific stats and insight on the current U.S. wholesale distribution economic situation and revenue forecasts through 2026. Overall, it’s a comprehensive reference guide to the $8 trillion industry and its 19 different sectors.
MDM’s 2025 Economic Outlook Report is Here Read More »
New tariffs and shifting trade policies are causing wholesale distributors to adapt through data-driven planning and supply chain risk management. Here’s how to maintain effective pricing strategies and meet customer obligations as the ground beneath you continues to move.
Accelerator-backed startup Avent aims to automate quotes and order entry for industrial distribution and manufacturing.
Second Generation Distributor Creates AI Sales Rep Startup Read More »
The employee feedback-based 2025 Top Workplaces list is out, which includes a ranked subset for distribution companies, segmented by size. Five are on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors Lists.
Here’s Which Distributors Were Named 2025 Top Workplaces Read More »
Distributors face a critical choice between building custom software and adopting off-the-shelf solutions, each with distinct costs, risks and benefits. Here’s a guide for determining which path is right for your organization.
The Distributor Tech Dilemma: DIY vs. Off the Shelf Read More »
This issue’s content contains eight articles that include the last two parts of our Analytics Imperative series; benchmarking research on distributors’ AI adoption; research on distributors’ succession planning; our 2-part “Retooling Distribution for Digital series; a Market Profile on electrical component modules; and more.
MDM’s July Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
As two of America’s freight railroads move to merge, industrial supply chains could see both streamlined coast-to-coast shipping and reduced competitive alternatives in an increasingly consolidated market. Here are the key details and context distributors should be aware of.
See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 29 top industrial distributors and our detailed rundown of all deals we tracked during April-June, which remained subdued but improved throughout the quarter.
MDM’s 2Q25 M&A Report is Here Read More »
A thrilling future awaits wholesale distribution as AI-powered software redefines the industry at a pivotal moment. But vendors will have to play the opportunity right to take advantage. This piece examines how AI providers can meet the needs and expectations of distributors to become truly indispensable.
Revolutionizing Distribution with AI: What’s at Stake for Vendors Read More »
Our second quarter MarketPulse shares a wealth of data from the 2Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey – conducted in early July – that covered respondents’ revenue performance, pricing updates and expectations for the current quarter and rest-of-year, plus plenty of commentary.
This year of tariffs has made it nearly impossible for distributors to rely on traditional planning cycles or manual cost tracking. This piece illustrates what a proactive distributor looks instead of one that just watches headlines.
Taming the Tariff Yo-Yo: Building the Muscle for 2026 Read More »
Now live, this issue’s content is packed a dozen articles that include the first three parts of our Analytics Imperative series; our three-part deep dive on LINC Systems; research on distributors decoupling from China; takeaways from two key SHIFT conference sessions; a Market Profile on Fluid Power; and more.
MDM’s June Premium Monthly Issue Now Available Read More »
The fifth and final section of this series focuses on implementation excellence — covering how to present prescriptive output for maximum adoption; align messaging across all channels; and create a culture of analytics-driven decision-making. It wraps with a conclusion that ties the whole series together.
How to Turn Analytics into an Organizational Muscle Read More »
Alongside MDM and NAW’s own research into how tariffs are impacting distributors, a pair of new reports share fresh statistics on wholesale trade’s outsized brunt of the economic burden from them.
New Reports Detail Tariffs’ Major Impact on SMBs in Wholesale Trade Read More »
By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.
Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.
Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:
