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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