How Wholesale Distributors Can Make Sense Of (and Profits In) Today's Environment

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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