Inflation puts operators in a difficult position. Input costs are rising. Suppliers are pushing through increases. Labor markets are tight. Freight and energy remain volatile. At the same time, customer relationships matter. Competitive dynamics are real. No one wants to trigger unnecessary churn. The result is often hesitation. Price increases are delayed, softened, or selectively applied. The risk is not just short-term margin compression. The larger risk is allowing econom

Middle market industrial manufacturers occupy a difficult commercial middle ground. They are too complex for simple cost-plus pricing, yet they do not have the scale, systems, or pricing teams of global players. Most compete on responsiveness, engineering know-how, and customer relationships. Commercially, however, many still operate with legacy price lists, manual quoting spreadsheets, and highly autonomous sales behavior. The result is inconsistent margins, uneven cost pass

For many middle-market private equity groups investing in industrial businesses, the deal thesis is familiar – strong products, defensible niches, but an underdeveloped commercial engine. Pricing is often ad hoc, sales is relationship-driven rather than process-driven, and the company lacks the tools and talent to fully monetize its position. The opportunity is significant. The challenge is sequencing and institutionalizing the work so it drives measurable EBITDA and valuatio

Many companies think they have a pricing problem when they really have a value proposition problem. What shows up as “we’re too expensive” or “we’re underpriced” is often a sign customers don’t clearly see, believe, or experience the value behind the price. This article explores how value and price interact, where value propositions break down, and how to diagnose and fix the real issue before rewriting your price list. Price complaints usually signal a value problem When lea

Revenue Growth Management (RGM) is a critical lever CPG leaders can pull to protect margins and fuel growth in an environment of inflation, retailer consolidation, and rapidly shifting consumer behavior. Yet many RGM teams are stuck in "analysis and decks," struggling to convert insights into consistent, in-market impact. This article outlines what RGM is, the core capabilities world-class CPG RGM teams build, and the people, tool, and process gaps that most often hold them b