Are tariffs about to be the atom bomb to wholesale distribution?

In this dynamic and wide-ranging episode, co-hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton return to the mic and dive into the latest economic headlines, technology shifts, and trends in wholesale distribution and manufacturing. With the U.S. economy riding a rollercoaster of inflation concerns, tariff changes, and shifting consumer confidence, Kevin and Tom dissect what it all means for supply chains, distributors, and the businesses that rely on them.
From front-loaded purchasing in anticipation of tariffs, to the potential renaissance in American manufacturing, to how AI and outdated systems are reshaping B2B e-commerce — this episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the chaos and opportunity in today’s industrial landscape.
The co-hosts also spotlight what it means to have real supply chain resilience, why U.S. manufacturing investments from global giants like Schneider Electric are such a big deal, and how generative AI can help unify sales and marketing to drive business growth. Plus, they share insights on company culture, cybersecurity risks, and what leadership looks like in a rapidly evolving industry.
Key Takeaways:

• Tariff Uncertainty Is Fueling Short-Term Activity: Businesses are front-loading purchases to beat potential tariffs, creating ripple effects in supply and pricing.
• Supply Chain Resilience Is Now as Critical as Cybersecurity: 80% of executives rank supply chain resilience as a top priority — not just operationally, but strategically.
• Outdated Tech Is Crippling Growth: A McKinsey report and industry surveys point to outdated systems and siloed data as the #1 barrier to digital progress.
• AI Is Reshaping the Sales-Marketing Relationship: Generative AI can help bridge departmental gaps, improve customer engagement, and drive smarter sales strategies.
• Cybersecurity Must Be Taken Seriously: 1 in 5 SMBs may not survive a cyberattack — making data hygiene and vendor trust non-negotiable.

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