After celebrating 200 episodes, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are back for Episode 203 of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, looking at the latest news affecting manufacturers, wholesale distributors, independent sales agents, and the global supply chain.
This week, Kevin and Tom reflect on the 200th episode celebration, the growth of the podcast, and what may be coming next for Around the Horn, including more interview-style episodes and expanded industry coverage.
From there, they dig into the economy, including the latest Fed signals from Jackson Hole, interest rate expectations, inflation pressure, consumer spending, and why the tools available to the Fed may not be enough to solve today’s price challenges.
The conversation also covers new Iran sanctions, pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, Canadian tariffs, the impact of Canada’s role in U.S. energy, aluminum, lumber, and electricity imports, and the growing concern around Panama Canal delays and potential El Niño-related supply chain disruption.
Kevin and Tom then turn to AI and technology, including Bill Gates’ warning about AI-driven upheaval, the real impact of AI on jobs, why historical comparisons to the internet and personal computers may still matter, and how distributors and manufacturers can use AI to elevate people, improve decision-making, and unlock more value from existing systems of record.
The episode also includes updates on APR Supply’s acquisition of Mutual Wholesalers, the continuing evolution of LeadSmart’s enterprise growth platform, physical AI, humanoid robots, sales and marketing visibility, and what distributors should be watching as we move toward our next 100 episodes.
What You’ll Learn
- Why the Fed may still be leaning toward a rate increase
- How inflation, fuel prices, and consumer spending are affecting business planning
- Why Canada tariffs could have a major impact on U.S. manufacturing and distribution
- How Panama Canal delays and El Niño could create new supply chain pressure
- Why AI disruption may be real, but not as simple as job loss
- How distributors can use connected data, AI, and automation to elevate their teams
- Why physical AI and humanoid robots matter for the future of operations
Topics Covered
- Federal Reserve policy and interest rates
- Inflation and consumer spending
- Iran sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz
- Canada tariffs and North American trade
- Panama Canal delays
- Super El Niño supply chain risk
- AI upheaval and job displacement
- CRM, ERP, and enterprise growth platforms
- Physical AI and humanoid robots
- Wholesale distribution technology
- APR Supply and Mutual Wholesalers
Timestamps/Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction and Dolly Parton Tribute
04:30 — Reflecting on the 200th Episode Celebration
10:15 — What Comes Next for Around The Horn
15:30 — Housekeeping, Newsletter, and LeadSmart Technologies
22:00 — Fed Signals from Jackson Hole
29:15 — Interest Rates, Inflation, and Market Expectations
38:00 — Core Prices, B2B Need, and Economic Uncertainty
44:30 — Iran Sanctions and Strait of Hormuz Risk
52:00 — Canada Tariffs and North American Trade Pressure
59:30 — Panama Canal Delays and Supply Chain Costs
1:05:00 — Super El Niño and Port Disruption Risk
1:11:00 — APR Supply Acquisition and Industry Updates
1:14:30 — Bill Gates, AI Turmoil, and Job Disruption
1:20:00 — AI, Systems of Record, and Enterprise Growth Platforms
1:24:00 — End of Episode
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