To say the wholesale distribution & manufacturing industry is in a state of uncertainty would be an understatement to say the least. And in this environment of "Tariffs On/Tariffs Off," the chaos seems to get worse all the time.

So why do the vast number of distributors still predict growth for 2025?

In this episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the latest economic trends, industry shifts, and emerging technology impacting wholesale distribution and manufacturing. From supply chain challenges to AI-driven business transformation, they discuss the real-world impact of tariffs, nearshoring strategies, and the future of e-commerce in distribution.

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Uncertainty vs. Market Opportunity – Despite inflation concerns and fluctuating tariffs, 87% of distributors still expect growth.
• The Role of AI & Automation – How generative AI, digital twins, and virtual reality are transforming manufacturing and distribution.
• The Tariff Debate – The long-term impact of tariff policies and nearshoring strategies on supply chains.
• Marketing & Sales Alignment – Why B2B marketing is now a strategic driver of revenue and how distributors can leverage digital engagement.
• Cybersecurity & Risk Management – The 42% mistake CEOs are making when it comes to cyber threats and data security.

Also, we're proud to announce the launch of Around the Horn 2.0—a deeper dive into big ideas and bold conversations shaping the future of the industry. More details soon!

Key Topics & Timestamps:

{00:00] Introduction & Announcements
New Around the Horn 2.0 format for deeper industry discussions.

[07:45] The Economy: What’s Hype vs. Reality?
Why consumer and business sentiment are conflicting with actual economic data.

[18:30] The Tariff & Nearshoring Debate
How nearshoring, reshoring, and “friendshoring” are shifting global supply chains.

[29:15] AI & Virtual Reality in Manufacturing
How GM and Volvo are using VR for pre-production, reducing costs and enhancing workplace safety.

[42:00] Marketing as a Revenue Driver
Why B2B marketing is evolving beyond branding into a core business growth function.

[55:10] Home Depot’s AI-Powered “Magic Apron”
What distributors can learn from customer-centric AI tools that improve the buyer experience.

[1:05:25] Cybersecurity: A $4M Mistake
Why 42% of CEOs are underprepared for cyberattacks and how distributors can protect their data.

[1:15:45] Closing Thoughts & What’s Next
Final reflections and preview of next week’s guest.

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Tariffs? What tariffs? Oh, those tariffs? Wait...what happened to the tariffs?

In this insightful episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton sit down with Brendan Breen, CEO of the Industrial Supply Association (ISA), to discuss the state of the industrial supply industry, upcoming ISA events, and major economic trends impacting wholesale distribution. From the random comings and goings of tariffs and inflation concerns to the evolving role of AI, automation, and digital transformation, this episode dives deep into the future of wholesale distribution and manufacturing.

Brendan shares his expert analysis on how industry leaders can navigate uncertainty, strengthen supplier relationships, and leverage new technologies to remain competitive in a volatile market. The conversation also previews the upcoming ISA25 event, highlighting key industry speakers, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

Key Topics With Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome & Introductions

• Meet hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton, along with guest Brendan Breen, CEO of ISA.
• Overview of ISA’s role in the industrial supply and manufacturing sector.

[07:45] The Impact of Tariffs & Economic Uncertainty on Wholesale Distribution

• How recent tariff policies are affecting manufacturers and distributors.
• Why uncertainty is more challenging than the tariffs themselves.
• Predictions on how U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade relations could shift in the coming months.

[20:30] The Evolving Role of AI & Automation in Distribution

• How AI and machine learning are transforming inventory management, pricing strategies, and customer insights.
• The future of digital assistants in supply chain operations.
• Why distributors must embrace AI-driven tools to stay competitive.

[35:15] ISA25: What to Expect from This Year’s Biggest Industrial Supply Event

• Preview of the ISA25 Convention and its must-attend educational sessions.
• Keynote speakers, including Herm Edwards, and discussions on the state of the industry, AI, and supply chain resilience.
• How the event will help distributors strengthen partnerships and navigate market challenges.

[50:00] The Changing Landscape of E-Commerce in Industrial Distribution

• Why traditional distribution must embrace a multi-channel sales approach.
• How B2B buyers are shifting their purchasing behaviors.
• The need for distributors to optimize online engagement, content marketing, and digital sales strategies.

[1:05:20] Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

• Why collaboration and communication between suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers are more critical than ever.
• The role of ISA in shaping industry-wide best practices.
• Final thoughts from Brendan Breen on the future of wholesale distribution.

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In this very special episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin and Tom welcome renowned economist Dr. Shawn DuBravac, a former Chief Economist for the Consumer Technology Association and founder of Avrio Institute.

Sean brings a wealth of knowledge on global markets, economic forecasting, and technology trends that impact wholesale distribution, manufacturing, and financial decision-making. Together, they break down inflation, consumer confidence, trade policies, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and nearshoring trends, offering strategic insights for business leaders navigating uncertain times.

If you're a wholesaler, distributor, manufacturer, or industry executive, this episode delivers expert-level economic perspectives and actionable business strategies to help you prepare for shifts in global trade, tariffs, and economic headwinds.

Key Topics covered in this episode:

✅ Consumer Confidence Is Dropping—But Why?

✅ Tariffs, Trade, and Policy Uncertainty Are Impacting Business Decisions

✅ Nearshoring & Onshoring Are on the Rise

✅ AI & Technology Are Driving Efficiency in Distribution

✅ The Next 12 Months Are Critical for Economic Strategy

Chapters & Timestamps

📌 [00:00] Welcome & Guest Introduction – Kevin and Tom introduce Sean, an economist and keynote speaker with expertise in global markets and trade policy.

📌 [07:10] Consumer Confidence Is Plummeting—What’s Behind the Drop? – Understanding why consumer sentiment is declining and what businesses can expect.

📌 [15:25] Inflation, Pricing Trends & The Role of Government Policy – How trade policies, interest rates, and inflation concerns are shaping distribution.

📌 [22:50] Tariffs & Global Trade: What’s Changing? – Analyzing the impact of 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and potential trade wars with Europe.

📌 [32:15] Nearshoring & Onshoring: A Growing Trend in Manufacturing – Why US manufacturers are shifting production to Mexico and Latin America.

📌 [40:45] Rare Earth Minerals & The US-China Trade Battle – How the global race for critical minerals is reshaping geopolitics and supply chains.

📌 [50:10] The Impact of Automation & AI in Distribution – Exploring AI-driven sales strategies, inventory management, and predictive analytics.

📌 [1:02:30] Port Strikes, Supply Chain Disruptions & The Future of Logistics – How automation in shipping and warehousing is affecting distribution.

📌 [1:15:05] Economic Forecast for 2025 & How Businesses Can Prepare – Sean shares his predictions for the next 12 months and how companies can stay ahead.

📌 [1:28:20] Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect with Sean – Final takeaways and how to follow Sean for more economic insights.

Connect with Dr. Shawn DuBravac at The Avrio Institute:

Leave a Review: Help us grow by sharing your thoughts on the show.

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