AI is here, and it’s changing the game for distributors. But let’s get one thing straight: AI isn’t replacing your workforce—it’s enhancing it. The most successful distributors aren’t just adopting AI tools; they’re preparing their teams to use them effectively. That’s where the real competitive edge lies. Forward-thinking distributors are upskilling their employees, evolving roles,…
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Price optimization is a key process to help distributors achieve optimal pricing levels that simultaneously align with shifting market dynamics, seasonal and historical demand, and customer willingness to pay, ultimately driving business success and financial performance. Through the use of technology, future-focused distributors can leverage their own data to build strategies that will find the…
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This article was originally featured in the May/June 2025 issue of American Fastener Journal (pages 46-49). Nelson Valderrama is the CEO of Intuilize, helping mid-size distributors transform data into profits with more than 25 years of experience in the industrial distribution industry. The Distribution Tariff Crisis Wholesale distributors are caught in an increasingly challenging position…
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Achieving maximum ROI in distribution hinges on your ability to make informed decisions about inventory management and pricing strategies. One powerful yet underutilized tool that distributors can leverage is rate-of-change analysis. By focusing on short-term and long-term sales trends, rate-of-change metrics provide invaluable insights that help distributors optimize their inventory and pricing decisions to stay…
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With distribution margins already tight (3-7%), even modest tariff increases can devastate your bottom line. The upcoming expanded "Reciprocal Tariff Policy" has left many distributors wondering how to balance profitability and customer relationships. Industry analysts reveal that 60% of distributors lack a strategic approach to tariff management—yet forward-thinking companies can turn this challenge into competitive…
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The Mid-Market Tariff Dilemma Small and midsize wholesalers are caught in a precarious position. Your vendors are providing inconsistent tariff information, your customers are demanding transparency, and you're stuck in the middle trying to protect already-thin margins. Recent studies show distributors losing up to 7.6% in margin erosion due to ineffective tariff management. With tariffs…
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Let’s be real—when people talk about AI, it often sounds like you need to tear down your entire operation and rebuild from scratch. But for distributors, the best AI adoption strategy isn’t about revolution—it’s about evolution. Small, smart changes can drive huge efficiency gains, helping you win more business, reduce costs, and free up your…
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For the first time, Intuilize attended the NAHAD Annual Convention with a two-person team: Phil Samuels (VP of Sales & Marketing) and Nelson Valderrama (CEO). Hosted at Tampa's JW Marriott Water Street, the event created ideal conditions for meaningful connections among manufacturers, distributors, and service providers from across North America. Tackling Distribution's Most Pressing Challenges…
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Historically, when it comes to pricing, striking the perfect balance between profitability and customer satisfaction is an art form that requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and financial strategies. AI technology can transform pricing for distributors from a subjective art to a precise science. Optimizing prices allows them to use their data…
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