So this whole tariff thing is no big deal, right?

This week, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton take you through the evolving landscape of tariffs, supply chains, international trade dynamics, and their ripple effects on the wholesale distribution and manufacturing sectors. Against a backdrop of shifting policies between the U.S. and China, the hosts deliver a candid analysis of how these global changes translate into real-world impacts — from supply chain adjustments to pricing pressures and economic indicators like jobless claims.

Adding layers of perspective, the episode also delves into the importance of CRM-driven customer intelligence, the impact of AI and automation, and strategic approaches distributors can take to thrive amid economic uncertainty.

This week's conversation weaves tactical advice, personal observations, and industry insights that make it a must-listen for leaders navigating today's distribution challenges.

Highlights of the Hosts’ Expertise:

Kevin Brown and Tom Burton bring decades of combined experience in wholesale distribution, technology, and AI-driven customer intelligence through their work at LeadSmart Technologies.

LeadSmart’s ChannelCloud platform embodies the themes discussed — integrating siloed data to drive better decision-making.

Why This Episode Matters:

Global trade shifts, tariffs, and technology disruption are not abstract headlines — they are direct pressure points for distributors and manufacturers. This episode arms listeners with a better understanding of how to anticipate, adapt, and capitalize on these changes.

Key Takeaways:

Tariff Tensions Are Evolving: Despite public posturing, both the U.S. and China are making subtle moves toward easing trade restrictions behind the scenes.

Wholesale Distribution Feels the Squeeze: From Fastenal’s early tariff-driven price hikes to container shipment declines, distributors must prepare for market turbulence.

Data-Driven Strategy is Critical: Smart CRM adoption isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for survival and competitive advantage.

Prepare for Economic Shifts: Organizations with strong balance sheets, flexible pricing models, and diversified product lines will thrive amid interest rate and trade fluctuations.

AI Adoption Must Be Strategic: Manufacturers like John Deere and Procter & Gamble show that embracing AI as an enabler — not a threat — is key to future-proofing workforces.

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In this powerhouse episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton welcome back Economist and Analytics Expert Alex Chausovsky from the Bundy Group for a deep dive into the macroeconomic forces shaking up the world of wholesale distribution.

With 7 keynotes in 7 days, Alex brings timely, boots-on-the-ground insight into what industry leaders are thinking, fearing, and forecasting. The trio takes on the “Big Four” disruptors—tariffs, inflation, recession risk, and geopolitical tension—and translates headline volatility into grounded, strategic actions for manufacturers and distributors.

Whether you're concerned about shifting trade policies, interest rate confusion, or how to plan CapEx in a fog of uncertainty, this episode delivers both perspective and practical steps to weather the storm and seize new opportunities.

Guest Spotlight:

Alex Chausovsky is Director of Analytics and Consulting at the Bundy Group, a boutique investment bank specializing in sell-side and capital raise advisory. With over 25 years of experience applying economic data to business strategy, Alex speaks at 100+ engagements a year, making him a sought-after voice in data-driven decision-making for complex markets. His pragmatic approach strips away economic theory to focus on what’s actually happening in the trenches—making this episode a must-listen for strategic leaders in distribution and manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

Data vs. Sentiment: Current hard data shows surprising economic resilience, even as business sentiment tanks.

Tariffs as a Strategic Weapon: Not all tariffs are created equal; how they’re applied matters more than their existence.

CapEx Planning: Businesses are delaying big-ticket investments, but not canceling them—yet.

Interest Rate Chess Match: Powell vs. Trump—expect a standoff driven by inflation management vs. economic stimulation.

Multipolar World Order: Geopolitical fragmentation and the rise of corporate influence are redefining global power structures.

Inventory Arbitrage & Pricing: Smart companies are using strong balance sheets and predictive pricing strategies to ride out tariff uncertainty.

AI is Taking a Backseat (Temporarily): Tariffs and geopolitics have temporarily eclipsed AI as the hottest topic in strategic planning.

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

Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.

Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.

You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.

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This week, Kevin and Tom tackle the economic, political, and technological shifts shaking up the wholesale distribution and manufacturing world. From skyrocketing tariffs to volatile markets to the return of onshoring, this episode weaves together sharp insights and real-time headlines to deliver one big takeaway: transformation is happening fast, and those who adapt will thrive.

Even as Kevin battles a flu and Tom busts out a mid-show solo monologue, the duo dives deep into the nuances of U.S.–China trade tensions, the potential military implications of tariff disputes, and the quiet but powerful resurgence of American manufacturing. They also highlight a shift in the sales mindset—from expansion through M&A to growth through untapped customer potential—anchored by a discussion of Tom’s latest article on organic growth.

The episode closes with a look at AI hiring policies, Amazon’s China dependency, and why Walmart may quietly be preparing to dominate B2B distribution.

While this episode features no outside guests, the “regulars” return:

Bob Britton & Scott Leith, frequent contributors from the audience, add real-time industry and financial perspective that elevate the discussion.

Key Takeaways:

AI-driven market activity is reshaping Wall Street—and few are ready for the consequences.

New tariffs are shaking global trade norms; their scope is broader than most businesses anticipated.

U.S. manufacturers are outpacing expectations in their tech adoption and pipeline activity.

Walmart is positioning itself to challenge Amazon in the B2B space, quietly and strategically.

Organic growth is becoming the smarter play for distributors facing uncertain capital markets.

Tariff and trade negotiations could become geopolitical flashpoints—and the market is watching.

Amazon may be vulnerable, as 70% of its marketplace products come from China.

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

Join the conversation each week on LinkedIn Live.

Want even more insight to the stories we discuss each week? Subscribe to the Around The Horn Newsletter.

You can also hear the podcast and other excellent content on our YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.