Visualizing Success: Tariffs, Trends & Line Card Performance

On October 27, 2025, we officially kicked off the MAFSI x BBB Techs Mini-Series with Session 1: Tariffs, Trends & Line Card Performance. The turnout was strong, the discussion was lively, and the message was clear—rep agencies are ready to use data in smarter, more strategic ways.

This first session laid the groundwork for the entire series by showing how data visualization can transform day-to-day decision-making for reps, principals, and agency leadership.

A Look Back at the Session

Data Visualization ≠ Just Pretty Charts

Tim and Steve opened the session by breaking a common misconception: data visualization isn’t about how a dashboard looks—it’s about what it reveals.
We explored how better visuals help reps quickly interpret:

  • Market disruptions
  • Category-level trends
  • Territory-specific performance
  • Line card strengths and weaknesses

The goal was simple: give attendees a clear view of the market so they can act with confidence instead of reacting too late.

Live Tariff Data Demo

A major highlight of the session was the live walkthrough of tariff data. Using real examples, we demonstrated:

  • How to read tariff spikes and declines
  • The immediate impact on product categories
  • How external economic changes map directly to line card performance
  • What signals reps should watch for as they plan Q4 and 2026 strategies

For many attendees, this was the first time tariff data felt useful rather than overwhelming.

Connecting Trends to Real Agency Decisions

The session also showed how agencies can use data to answer critical questions:

  • Which lines are outperforming the market?
  • Where are distributors pulling back?
  • Which territories have untapped potential?
  • How do tariff trends affect long-term planning?

We walked through practical examples of dashboards that help reps prep for line reviews, guide conversations with principals, and prioritize high-impact activities.

Top Takeaways From October 27

Participants left with a clearer understanding of how to:

  • See market changes sooner
  • Evaluate line card performance with real-time accuracy
  • Reduce reporting guesswork
  • Strengthen conversations with manufacturers
  • Use trends to forecast outcomes and set smarter goals

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—reps appreciated how grounded and relevant the examples were to real agency challenges.

Thank You to the MAFSI Community

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us on October 27. The engagement, questions, and shared experiences helped set the tone for the rest of the series.

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