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.

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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!

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Is another rate cut coming? And what's happening with China's first manufacturing expansion in months? And is that a reduction in inflation we're seeing???

The latest data indicates that the U.S. economy grew at a slower-than-expected pace of 2.8%, alongside inflation figures and job growth statistics. The conversation highlights the potential for an interest rate cut in the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, driven by these economic indicators.

Meanwhile, in the global markets, we discuss China's manufacturing activity, which has shown signs of expansion for the first time in six months. This uptick could have significant implications for U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture and technology. But lookout for ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, that could hinder supply chain stability.

In our manufacturing and distribution segment, we explore the potential resolution of the Boeing strike and its implications for the industry. We also delve into B2B marketing strategies, drawing parallels between trick-or-treating (it's the season!) and effective marketing practices, emphasizing the importance of consistency, variety, personalization, and balance in outreach efforts.

Finally, we discuss the growing interest in AI among B2B companies, highlighting the challenges they face in implementing effective AI strategies due to siloed data and lack of cohesive planning. Two words: harmonizing data.

As always, we appreciate your support and encourage you to subscribe and share the podcast!

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Did you hear the news? There's an election coming up...

We're not flashing our yard signs on this week's episode. Rather, we're taking a look at what the future may hold for wholesale distributors in an ever-changing political, technological, and financial landscape. We kick off by discussing the current economic landscape, including weakening manufacturing in Japan and its implications for the global economy. The conversation touches on the anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the ongoing balancing act between inflation and economic growth.

We then shift our focus to the escalating U.S.-China trade tariffs, exploring the geopolitical ramifications and the potential inflationary effects on global markets. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed about supply chain dynamics, especially as companies navigate these turbulent waters.

Next, we delve into the future of supply chain management, emphasizing the rise of artificial intelligence and its expected market growth. We stress the importance of viewing AI as a long-term investment rather than seeking immediate returns. The episode also covers key trends such as data analytics, sustainability, and the need for workforce development in the face of technological advancements.

In our manufacturing and distribution segment, we revisit the bankruptcy of True Value Hardware, discussing its impact on local businesses and the broader distribution network. We highlight the challenges faced by smaller retailers and the potential for consolidation in the industry.

Finally, we explore the evolution of B2B marketplaces, noting the shift from niche to mainstream and the importance of customer obsession in driving revenue and profits. We conclude by emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to changing market conditions and to leverage technology to enhance customer relationships.

Join us as we unpack these critical topics and provide insights that matter to wholesale distributors and manufacturers. If you want to stay updated, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on our social media channels!

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Not to sound like a broken record, but the almost-daily advancements in AI make it nearly impossible for wholesale distributors to ignore the coming tide. Now, with Swarm AI's latest development, is the dam about to burst?

In this episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, we take a look at this and all the latest trends impacting the wholesale distribution and manufacturing industry. From supply chain resilience to labor market fluctuations to the effects of the east coast hurricanes, we analyze how global events and market trends are shaping the future of distribution.

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Why are companies easing up on their supply chain strategies despite ongoing challenges in regions like the Panama Canal and South China Sea? Are businesses ignoring the lessons learned from the pandemic?
• Labor Market Trends: What impact will the Boeing machinists' strike and other labor disruptions have on wholesale distribution? Are we headed for more job losses, or will the market stabilize?
• Private Equity and Distribution: How is private equity influencing the distribution industry, and what does the bankruptcy of True Value reveal about the future of smaller wholesale businesses?

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With all the hype around the AI revolution, one question remains: is AI actually helping wholesale distributors and manufacturers?

This week, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton explore this question while diving into the latest industry trends impacting manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and the global supply chain.

From inflation’s effect on interest rates to the evolving geopolitical landscape, Kevin and Tom discuss the forces shaping the industry. Plus, learn how to harness AI for supply chain optimization and unlock insights that can drive your business forward. Tune in for practical tips and expert analysis to keep your organization competitive in 2024 and beyond.

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The massive dock strike on the eastern seaboard dominated the news this week as it threatened to literally upend the United States economy. But just as quickly as it sent shockwaves through the world of wholesale distribution and manufacturing, it came to an abrupt end.

Or did it?

The strike is suddenly "on pause" as dockworkers return to their jobs with a tentative agreement on wages, diverting a potential economic disaster, but leaving the future uncertain. This week, we're joined by Scott Costa, publisher at tED magazine, to take an in-depth look at how the east coast dock strike—or lack thereof—effects not only the business of wholesale manufacturing and distribution, but the supply chain as a whole. In the wake of Covid, supply chain risk has become severe, systemic, and strategic. Can it survive a blow of this magnitude?

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Well, well, well...somebody owes someone a steak dinner...

This week, world markets could finally exhale as the Fed announced a 50 basis-point cut to interest rates. To some, it was larger than expected, while to others, it was either late or never should have happened at all. This week, Kevin and Tom unpack the big move and what it means for wholesale distributors and manufacturers.

But this week held a lot more interesting news than just the rate cut. According to a recent report, 97% of all supply chain leaders surveyed said that they're facing challenges with supply chain metrics, while only 44% currently track customer satisfaction as a key performance indicator. All this while supply chain executives may be losing the strategic gains they made with their C-suite counterparts during the pandemic. What forces are shaping the supply chain now, and how can they be managed?

And if that isn't enough, Industry Today reports that manufacturers will need to re-think how they do everything. Like it or not, they are entering a period that demands transformation, meaning an intense, organization-wide program that shifts performance, starting with the top line.

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