Economic Signals for Distributors: GDP, Fed Cuts, and Tariffs

What do tariffs, Fed rate cuts, and AI-driven search mean for the future of wholesale distribution?In this milestone episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the latest updates on GDP growth, jobless claims, and U.S.–China tariffs, while exploring how AI Engine Optimization (AEO), digital payments, and LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ are rewriting the rules for distributors and manufacturers.What You’ll Learn:Why the latest GDP and job data signal surprising economic resilience despite tariff pressuresHow LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ is reinventing CRM as an AI-enabled customer intelligence platform for distributorsWhy AI-powered search and AEO are replacing traditional SEO as the new driver of high-quality leadsHow digital currencies, stablecoins, and real-time payments will transform B2B transactions by 2026The hidden strategies manufacturers use to absorb tariffs and stabilize pricing in volatile global marketsEpisode Highlights:02:35 – Milestone reflections: 160 episodes and a growing global audience10:22 – GDP third-round update: AI hardware and business equipment drive unexpected growth23:18 – Jobless claims dip to a two-month low as the Fed debates further rate cuts38:41 – Tariff probes into robotics, PPE, and industrial machinery—and why manufacturers may be absorbing costs54:07 – AI vs. Google: ChatGPT captures 85% of AI-generated leads01:05:12 – B2B buyers demand “free + fast” delivery as drone logistics reshape expectations01:17:44 – Digital currency disruption: agentic AI, stablecoins, and the coming payments revolutionTools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ – AI-enabled CRM + customer intelligence platformAI Engine Optimization (AEO) – new strategies for ranking in AI-powered searchAgentic AI Workflows – automated processes for smarter decision-makingDigital Twin Modeling – replicating branches, warehouses, and store layouts for predictive planningStablecoins & Real-Time Payments – faster, cheaper B2B transactionsClosing Insight:“If you have siloed data, you have siloed AI. Winners unify data to future-proof supply chains.” – Kevin BrownLeave 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.