Research lead Kevin Reid-Morris and Tom Gale discuss the insights, surprises and hopes for AI that this 2023 exploration surfaced, along with behaviors and supporting building blocks for distributor AI success.
It may be too early to tell how some return-to-office policies affect productivity, but many workers have voiced opposition to returning even part time.
HVACR
Article
MDM Distributor Spotlight: First Supply
In MDM’s debut Spotlight feature, we profile how flexibility and forward vision continue to lead this plumbing, HVAC and PVC supplies distributor after more than 126 years.
Expert Perspective
Article
Your Team’s Ability to Change & Grow Will Be Your Future
Distributors who build a learning organization empower creativity and agility, differentiating themselves in the face of challenges and nurturing growth.
Expert Perspective
Article
MDM Podcast: Education, Industry Demand and What STAFDA’s Up To
STAFDA CEO Georgia Foley stops by to discuss the association’s new educational initiative, how U.S. Infrastructure Bill funds are impacting industry demand and to preview the group’s annual convention.
Expert Perspective
Article
Furthering the Innovation Journey
Aspirations direct our distributor innovations, so let’s aim high and build a supply chain worthy of our future. Mark Dancer advises in the third part of his Facing the Forces of Change initiative with NAW.
Strategy
Article
QuickTake: Distributors’ Key Business Objectives for 2024
With budgets and operational planning already eyeing the year ahead, Mike Marks and Tom Gale explore where distributors have the most leverage, and where their common gaps are.
Expert Perspective
Article
MDM Podcast: Higher EBITDA Multiple Drivers – A McKinsey Keynote Preview
McKinsey Partner Kevin Sachs previews his team’s SHIFT conference keynote on the differentiators of those who are convincing shareholders they are growing revenue faster, expanding margins and improving their capital leverage.
Despite improved conditions, distributor-supplier relations still suffer from damaged trust, inefficient processes and low visibility. This piece advises on leveraging rebates to sustain partnerships.
Expert Perspective
Article
Digital-First, Data-Driven, Culture-Led: The Future Distributor
Where is your team today in the skills and capabilities that will define your future growth rate and ability to out-compete effectively? Tom Gale eyes the critical next few years in B2B distribution.
Technology
Article
MDM Podcast: Distribution’s Technology Leverage Shift
Hisco IT leader Ana Bennett — one of MDM’s upcoming SHIFT conference speakers — joins Tom Gale for a conversation about the evolving role of distribution technology and where it’s headed.
Management
Article
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Key Supplier Partners
Picking the right supplier partners can make or break a distributor’s long-term success. Here are top factors to consider as you vet a new strategic supplier partnership.

