April 16, 2024 — The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) proudly announced the recipient of its respected John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award during the ISA24 convention, held in Charlotte, NC from April 15-17, 2024. This year, ISA is delighted to honor Tom Gale, CEO of Modern Distribution Management (MDM), renowned for his influential role as the longtime publisher of MDM and for his exceptional contributions to the industrial supply industry. Gale’s career within the industry has been marked by his commitment to excellence and innovation, earning him widespread recognition and admiration from industry professionals.
“I am deeply honored to receive the John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award from ISA,” shared Tom. “This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the fantastic team at MDM over the past 20 years and the incredibly generous support of the industrial supply community. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the industry’s growth and evolution.”
Gale’s career trajectory is a testament to his passion and commitment to the industry. From his early partnership in 1992 with former ISA Chair and industry visionary Rusty Duncan, where he played a pivotal role in shaping MDM into a leading industry publication, to his recent acquisition by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), Gale has consistently demonstrated his visionary leadership and commitment to driving industry progress. Tom became sole owner of the business in 2002 and invested heavily in their research efforts that built out what MDM is today. Over the years it grew to become a major voice within the MROP industry. In addition to becoming a source of truth, MDM was the first significant publication to share Product Available Market data with the industry. While technology and the internet have changed this forever, MDM was the first and continues to develop, produce, and share ongoing market intelligence insights that impact members who serve this market.
“Tom Gale’s impact on the industrial supply industry is immeasurable,” noted ISA CEO Brendan Breen in recognition of Gale’s achievements. “His dedication to innovation, integrity, and excellence has set a standard for industry professionals worldwide. We are honored to celebrate his remarkable contributions with the John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award.”
As Tom Gale embarks on this new chapter with NAW, the industry eagerly anticipates the impact of his continued leadership and innovation.
