What’s the future of wholesale distribution amidst economic shifts and technological innovation?

Episode 117 of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution dives into the pressing challenges and opportunities facing wholesale distribution and manufacturing today. Hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton explore the economic landscape, supply chain complexities, and how AI-driven innovations like smart CRMs and digital twins are reshaping the industry.

How will potential tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and inflation impact your business? Are you ready to embrace the transformative power of AI, from predictive insights to automating purchasing decisions? What role will nearshoring and advanced manufacturing technologies play in stabilizing supply chains and fueling growth?

Join Kevin and Tom as they unpack these questions, highlight key economic indicators, and share actionable insights for manufacturers, distributors, and sales leaders navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

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What a week! With barely time to catch their breaths, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are joined by Alex Chasovsky from the Bundy Group to look at how policy changes might affect manufacturers, wholesale distribution, and the global supply chain.

The episode dives into the current economic landscape, particularly in light of recent Federal Reserve meetings and interest rate discussions. Alex shares his insights on the dichotomy between the consumer side of the economy, which appears strong, and the struggles faced by the industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing and distribution.

We then explore the implications of potential tariff changes under the new Trump administration, touching on the need for balanced trade practices and the impact of tariffs on various industries. We also look at the likelihood of tax cuts and regulatory changes that could benefit manufacturers, highlighting the challenges of navigating fiscal policy in a high-interest-rate environment.

The takeaway? It's all about the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

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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So...did some big event happen recently?

A change in administration means a change in policy, and in some cases, a BIG change. What does this mean for wholesale distributors and manufacturers?

On this week's episode, we start with the Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by a quarter point, marking the second cut of the year. What are the the implications of this move and subsequent rate changes?

We also analyze the latest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data, which showed unexpected growth in the services sector, and discuss how this might influence the manufacturing and distribution landscape. And what was Wall Street's reaction to the recent elections and the potential for a business-friendly environment under the new administration?

In our manufacturing and distribution segment, we explore an article that outlines how the new administration's policies may impact corporate tax rates, labor rights, and trade policies.

As we move into e-commerce and marketing, we share four key tips for B2B marketers to optimize their strategies for 2025, focusing on adapting to expanding buying groups and leveraging intent data. We also discuss the continued dominance of Amazon in the B2B marketplace and the need for distributors to provide unique value propositions to compete effectively.

Finally, we touch on the critical importance of cybersecurity in the tech landscape, highlighting the need for businesses to reassess their priorities in light of increasing cyber threats.

Join us next week as we welcome Alex Chesovsky, an expert in economics and distribution strategy, to further explore these topics and provide insights into the future of our industry. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights!

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.