Plumbing and industrial distributor Ferguson closed on four acquisitions -- bringing the total number to eight this fiscal year -- as it expands its waterworks and other services. Ferguson purchased Southwest Geo-Solutions, a Texas-based distributor of erosion control, containment, geotextile and geogrid products; AVCO Supply, a Pennsylvania-based distributor of boilers and water heaters; GAR Engineering, a North Carolina-based fire protection engineering service and design firm; and Safe Step Tubs of Minnesota.

Cameron Ashley Building Products opened its newest distribution center in Milwaukee, Wisc., where the firm plans to stock fiberglass batts, mineral, spray foam and other insulation-related products. The Milwaukee distribution center is the company's third in Wisconsin and will serve roughly the eastern half of the state, as far west as Madison and north to Green Bay.

Amazon is purchasing industrial properties and reconfiguring its distribution network in a bid to get goods to customers sooner while cutting transportation costs. Amazon's North American industrial real estate footprint was about 413 million square feet at the end of last year, and MWPVL International reports that the company has bought, leased or announced plans for more than 16 million square feet of new space in the US so far in 2024.

Rooftop solar installations are becoming more common in the wholesale distribution sector, in part due to the ideal environment presented by large, flat and unobstructed warehouse roofs. MDM Executive Editor Mike Hockett examines the potential return on investment for such projects, which can boost financial performance and sustainability, and specifically examines a Colorado project. Each company and location is different, but Hocket concludes rooftop solar is at least worth considering.

Setting up a solid foundation of data management and cross-functional collaboration will create the best setting for implementation of AI into supply chain quality management strategy, writes Arnela Iseric of Gartner. Avoid the assumption that most businesses have gotten a head start on AI adoption, and don't buy into the idea that AI frequently pays off right away, Iseric writes.

According to a Deloitte survey, 69% of consumers want companies to invest in sustainability, but experts say a lack of transparency can hinder these efforts. "High-quality data is essential for devising effective strategies to set realistic goals and more importantly, deliver on them," writes Jon Bernstein, vice president of product management at Motus.

Sales managers can succeed by focusing on transparency, accountability and giving feedback, writes Kevin Kruse, CEO of LEADx. Kruse also recommends that managers remember to advocate for their sales teams and coach teams to increase commitment and alignment with goals.

Sales consultant Collen Francis advises that salespeople keep in contact with customers all year, not only when renewals are due. "You need to be thinking about a monthly plan to engage with your customer, showing them value for all of the year, not just when the renewal comes up," Francis writes.

Sharing stories to find common ground and experiences, mentoring each other in different skills and doing group activities such as volunteering can help bridge generational divides in the office, writes Harvey Deutschendorf, an emotional intelligence expert, author and speaker. "It is important to have reminders that we are all working together and that what we bring to the table makes for a stronger and more effective workplace," Deutschendorf writes.

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