Forbes' 2026 Most Trusted Companies in America list includes more than half a dozen National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors members, including Cencora, Graybar, Genuine Parts, Grainger, ABC Supply, Henry Schein and Wesco. Forbes analyzed more than 1,500 public and private companies with at least 10,000 employees, recognizing the top 300 for their ability to create trust among employees, customers, investors and the media. Analysis reveals that companies with high trust levels experience significant benefits, including increased employee motivation and enhanced customer purchase intent.

Cameron Ashley Building Products has opened a distribution center in Jacksonville, Fla., to strengthen its presence in northern Florida and coastal Georgia and offer same-day or next-day delivery. The facility expands the company's statewide distribution network and focuses on stocking the company's signature Core 3 products with roofing, gypsum, insulation and other related accessories.

Distributors face a challenging 2026 marked by pricing pressures, labor constraints and supply chain volatility, according to Wipfli's 2026 Distribution Industry Outlook. The report emphasizes the necessity of digital transformation to manage these challenges, suggesting targeted upgrades in inventory analytics, logistics optimization, warehouse modernization and unified data platforms. Wipfli advises starting digital initiatives by addressing core business pain points and building a phased road map to demonstrate progress and return on investment.

Cybersecurity in 2025 has shifted from traditional IT controls to managing complex supply chain risks, writes Senthil Muthu, founder of SITCA. Companies must treat supply chain cybersecurity as a strategic business function, Muthu writes, noting the importance of continuous monitoring, zero trust for third-party access and clear AI clauses in contracts.

The logistics sector is increasingly recognizing the value of veterans, who bring skills in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and strategic planning, according to the Society for Human Resource Management and the Warehouse Education and Resource Council. Companies such as Amazon, UPS and Walmart have initiatives to hire veterans, leveraging their expertise in engineering, IT, logistics and security.

Fifty-eight percent of organizations are consolidating contracts and suppliers to maximize volume-buying power, according to JLL's Global State of Facilities Management Report 2025. This trend is driven by the need to counter budget constraints and rising operational costs. Additionally, over half of respondents are seeking providers with greater self-delivery capabilities, while 37% are forming active partnerships with service providers to identify joint cost-saving opportunities.

Trust and authenticity are emerging as the main themes of B2B marketing, according to Edelman during The Drum's 2025 B2B WorldFest. Edelman's panel discussed how trust can be quantified and used as a commercial metric, while authenticity involves sharing genuine stories and building connections. Other trends include the importance of communities, the integration of brand and demand, and the role of AI as an enabler rather than a storyteller.

If you want your team to understand your company's purpose and how they fit into it, then use your daily actions -- on purpose -- to reinforce it in meetings, hiring practices and communication by highlighting how their jobs make an impact, writes university professor Benjamin Laker, who notes that consistency is key. "Employees notice what leaders celebrate and what they overlook. When they see alignment between words and behavior, they respond with commitment. When they see contradiction, they respond with cynicism," Laker writes.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

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