In this dynamic episode of Around The Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton dive deep into the critical shifts happening in the global economy, supply chain volatility, AI’s role in distribution, and how forward-thinking companies are thriving amid uncertainty.

With Kevin just back from Denver following the SHIFT event hosted by Modern Distribution Management and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, the conversation is rich with fresh insights, real-world anecdotes, and actionable takeaways.

From the U.S.–China tariff talks and inflation concerns to the power of brand relevance and emerging AI tools in forecasting, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving distribution landscape.

🎤 Why This Episode Matters:

Kevin returns fresh from SHIFT with first-hand perspective on what’s top-of-mind for distributors and manufacturers in 2025. The episode showcases how leading firms like MSC Industrial are using AI to generate millions in savings, while small and mid-market players are adapting through agility and strategic tech adoption. I

📈 Key Takeaways:

Tariff impacts are real—but the long game matters. Recent 90-day reprieves in U.S.–China tariff negotiations show signs of progress, but the long-term strategy may aim to generate $1T in revenue through tariffs and tech-driven productivity.

Volatility is the new normal. Distributors must build resilience through forecasting accuracy, data unification, and technology investment.

AI is a competitive advantage. Firms like MSC are leveraging AI to reduce freight costs, optimize demand planning, and personalize customer experience.

Your brand is your business. As buyers evolve, your brand’s digital presence and emotional resonance will determine loyalty.

E-commerce and mobile are rising fast. AI-assisted mobile order systems and personalization will separate winners from laggards.

🕰️ Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 – Opening banter and Kevin’s SHIFT event recap
05:34 – Why trade tariffs are “working too well” & economic implications
11:15 – Goldman Sachs forecast: Why interest rate cuts may start later
16:45 – Supply chain impacts: How voters and port operators are feeling it
21:22 – Breaking down the $16B in April tariff receipts
27:10 – Manufacturing volatility: Resilience through tech & workforce strategy
34:00 – The danger of static forecasting and the rise of AI-driven demand planning
39:30 – MSC Industrial’s $10–$15M AI savings strategy
45:05 – E-commerce strategy post-Beacon: What QXO’s acquisition means for tech-forward distributors
48:40 – Branding in distribution: More than a logo—it’s your emotional value
52:25 – AI, ethics, and education: What a student’s refund request reveals about IP risk
56:40 – Humanoid robots & AI in warehouses: Closer than you think

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Are We on the Brink of a Tariff Reversal...or Global Supply Chain Shock?

In this special episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Tom Burton and Kevin Brown unpack one of the most urgent developments in global trade: the escalating U.S. tariff war and its potential impact on supply chains, wholesale distributors, and global markets.

Broadcast early to accommodate Kevin’s work with the University of California Irvine’s entrepreneurship program, this “shortened” but insight-heavy episode delivers critical updates on:

• The newly announced UK–U.S. tariff agreement
• Upcoming negotiations with China in Switzerland
• The ripple effect on aluminum, steel, ethanol, beef, aerospace parts, and rare earth minerals
• Real-world impacts already being felt at U.S. ports and how they could disrupt inventory and pricing
• The potential for widespread MOUs and phased trade deals with Germany, India, and other EU nations

You’ll also hear how markets are responding (hint: cautiously optimistic) and why this moment could be a major turning point for international trade policy.

Whether you’re in wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, or just watching the shifting global economic tides, this episode provides timely, practical insight.

Leave a Review: Help us grow by sharing your thoughts on the show.

Learn more about the LeadSmart AI B2B Sales Platform: https://www.leadsmarttech.com/

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.

In this power-packed episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are joined by AI strategist Brooks Hamilton for a deep dive into the forces reshaping the global supply chain, manufacturing, and distribution landscape. Broadcasting during one of the most turbulent economic moments in recent memory, the trio breaks down the immediate and long-term effects of shifting tariffs, AI adoption, and digital transformation on the B2B ecosystem.

Brooks brings 20+ years of experience in sales effectiveness, pricing optimization, and executive alignment within the distribution and manufacturing sectors. His insights reveal why this moment is a turning point—not just for supply chain logistics, but for the very structure of how distribution businesses must evolve to survive and thrive.

Whether you’re a mid-sized distributor trying to stay nimble or an enterprise leader facing geopolitical disruption, this episode offers hard-hitting, timely insights that could define your next strategic move.

#WholesaleDistribution #AIInSupplyChain #B2BStrategy #TariffImpact #AroundTheHornPodcast

Key Takeaways:

Tariffs Are More Than Costs: Their true impact lies in confusion, disruption of planning processes, and the urgent need for agile response systems.

AI in Distribution is No Longer Optional: It’s a competitive differentiator—and the window to lead, or get left behind, is narrowing.

Planning is the Missing Link: Many ERPs lack the agility to handle new challenges like tariff calculations or AI integration.

Disruption = Opportunity: Smaller, leaner players with good tech and inventory management can outperform slower legacy competitors.

Human-Centric AI Wins: Adoption grows when AI enhances employee workflows rather than replacing them or adding friction.

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.