There's no denying it: changes are afoot, with even more ahead. And with change there often comes uncertainty, and with uncertainty, businesses start to worry.

But worry not!

In this insightful episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, the team breaks down the latest economic indicators and what they mean for wholesale distribution, manufacturing, and supply chain management. We take a deep dive into the ongoing uncertainty surrounding interest rates, tariffs, and inflation, and provide valuable perspectives on how these factors should impact your decision-making.

With economic volatility affecting everything from supply chain resilience to pricing strategies, staying informed is more critical than ever. This episode offers practical insights into how businesses can adapt to fluctuating interest rates, trade complexities, and evolving market demands. The discussion also explores the role of AI in shaping sales strategies and highlights emerging trends in e-commerce and omni-channel distribution.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

⏳ [00:00] - Introduction & Market Overview

• Economic uncertainty: A deep dive into the latest shifts in inflation, interest rates, and the bond market.
• Why mortgage rates are behaving unexpectedly despite no recent rate cuts.

⏳ [10:30] - The Federal Reserve & Interest Rate Speculation

• The debate: Will we see another interest rate cut before September?
• How businesses should plan amid ongoing financial unpredictability.

⏳ [22:45] - Tariffs, Trade Wars, & Supply Chain Resilience

• The impact of rising tariffs on distributors and manufacturers.
• How businesses are adjusting their strategies in response to trade complexities.

⏳ [36:15] - AI’s Role in Distribution & Sales Enablement

• Why AI holds more potential for distributors than retailers.
• The growing importance of AI-powered opportunity identification and sales strategy optimization.

⏳ [48:20] - Omni-Channel Distribution & The Return of Face-to-Face Sales

• Surprising new data: Why in-person sales interactions are making a comeback in B2B.
• The importance of meeting buyers where they are—digitally and in-person.

⏳ [55:10] - Leadership, Trust, & HR Trends for 2025

• Why HR leaders need a seat at the table during strategic business decisions.
• The evolving role of compensation, benefits, and transparency in employee retention.

⏳ [1:05:40] - Final Thoughts & What’s Next

• Key takeaways from this week’s episode.
• Upcoming topics and special guests in future episodes.

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Tariffs: here one day, gone the next. How do you plan for that?

In this week's episode, we take a deep dive into the major industry trends (and political decisions) impacting wholesale distribution and manufacturing. We examine the latest updates on tariffs, supply chain resilience, and economic shifts, providing insights that can help distributors and manufacturers navigate an uncertain landscape.

And as always, we look at how AI is reshaping B2B sales and marketing at a break-neck pace.

Key Topics & Timestamps

⏳ [00:00] Introduction & Industry Updates

• Kicking off with a lighthearted conversation before diving into tariffs, supply chains, and market shifts.

⏳ [08:30] Tariffs & Global Trade Tensions

• China’s trade policies and the latest tariff updates affecting distributors and manufacturers.
• The “de minimis” loophole—how small package shipments bypass tariffs and why that’s a concern for policymakers.
• The geopolitical chess game between China, Canada, and Mexico, and how it’s impacting North American trade.

⏳ [21:50] Supply Chain Resilience & The Shift Away from China

• Why leading distributors are diversifying their supply chains, optimizing inventory management and shifting sourcing to Mexico and other regions.
• Insights from a top distributor: how strategic planning can offset tariff impacts.

⏳ [35:10] The Impact of Natural Disasters on Supply Chains

• California wildfires and the effect on construction materials and rebuilding efforts.
• Potential shortages in drywall, plumbing, and roofing supplies due to increased demand.

⏳ [48:30] Mergers & Acquisitions in Wholesale Distribution

• ORS NASCO’s acquisition of R3 and what it means for the industry.
• The challenges of growth through acquisition vs. organic growth strategies.

⏳ [1:02:40] The Role of AI in Distribution & B2B Marketing

• The rise of predictive personalization and hyper-individualized marketing in B2B sales.
• How AI is helping distributors use ERP data to personalize sales efforts and drive growth.
• Grainger’s investment in AI-driven e-commerce and what it means for mid-sized distributors.

⏳ [1:16:10] DeepSeek AI & Cybersecurity Risks

• Why major companies are blocking DeepSeek AI due to security concerns.
• How businesses should approach AI adoption while protecting sensitive data.

⏳ [1:32:00] Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

• The importance of digital transformation for wholesale distributors.
• How companies can stay competitive by embracing AI and data-driven strategies.
• What’s coming in next week’s episode, including major insights from thought leaders in electrical and HVAC distribution.

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What's the biggest challenge facing wholesle distributors, and is AI really part of the solution?

We decided to ask Steven Levy, Vice President of Enterprise Architecture at Infor.

From supply chain shifts and nearshoring trends to the evolving role of AI in business operations, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing distributors today. Levy shares his expert insights on technology's role in modernizing operations, the economic factors shaping distribution, and how companies can future-proof their businesses in an unpredictable market.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

⏳ [00:00] Introduction & Setting the Stage

• The importance of engaging conversations on supply chain, technology, AI, and leadership.

⏳ [04:25] Meet Steven Levy: The Distribution Architect

• Steven’s journey from ERP strategy to digital transformation in wholesale distribution.
• How his role at Infor is shaping the future of enterprise technology for distributors.

⏳ [12:10] The State of the Economy & Interest Rates

• Analysis of the Federal Reserve’s latest decisions and how they impact distributors and manufacturers.
• Inflation concerns and the reality of rising costs in the supply chain.

⏳ [24:45] Supply Chain Disruptions & Nearshoring Trends

• Why Mexico, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic are becoming key nearshoring hubs.
• The impact of tariffs on distributors and their pricing strategies.

⏳ [36:30] AI & Automation in Wholesale Distribution

• How AI-driven agents are transforming customer service, order entry, and predictive analytics.
• The importance of using multi-modal AI tools for efficiency and decision-making.

⏳ [49:50] Cybersecurity & AI: The New Battleground

• The DeepSeek AI controversy and its impact on data privacy and economic security.
• Why distributors need guardrails on AI adoption to protect business-critical data.

⏳ [1:02:20] The Future of Wholesale Distribution & Leadership

• Why agility, digital transformation, and industry collaboration are more important than ever.
• The role of associations like NAW and ISA in advocating for distributors.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

✅ Supply chain diversification is essential – explore nearshoring to navigate geopolitical risks.
✅ AI and automation will redefine operations – start integrating AI-driven processes today.
✅ Cybersecurity threats are real – protect your company’s data and digital assets proactively.
✅ Economic shifts demand adaptation – distributors must embrace change and 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.

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