Is AI about to create real turmoil for distributors, or are we still too early to know what comes next?

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 LearnWhy the Fed may still be leaning toward a rate increaseHow inflation, fuel prices, and consumer spending are affecting business planningWhy Canada tariffs could have a major impact on U.S. manufacturing and distributionHow Panama Canal delays and El Niño could create new supply chain pressureWhy AI disruption may be real, but not as simple as job lossHow distributors can use connected data, AI, and automation to elevate their teamsWhy physical AI and humanoid robots matter for the future of operationsTopics CoveredFederal Reserve policy and interest ratesInflation and consumer spendingIran sanctions and the Strait of HormuzCanada tariffs and North American tradePanama Canal delaysSuper El Niño supply chain riskAI upheaval and job displacementCRM, ERP, and enterprise growth platformsPhysical AI and humanoid robotsWholesale distribution technologyAPR Supply and Mutual WholesalersTimestamps/Chapters:00:00 — Introduction and Dolly Parton Tribute04:30 — Reflecting on the 200th Episode Celebration10:15 — What Comes Next for Around The Horn15:30 — Housekeeping, Newsletter, and LeadSmart Technologies22:00 — Fed Signals from Jackson Hole29:15 — Interest Rates, Inflation, and Market Expectations38:00 — Core Prices, B2B Need, and Economic Uncertainty44:30 — Iran Sanctions and Strait of Hormuz Risk52:00 — Canada Tariffs and North American Trade Pressure59:30 — Panama Canal Delays and Supply Chain Costs1:05:00 — Super El Niño and Port Disruption Risk1:11:00 — APR Supply Acquisition and Industry Updates1:14:30 — Bill Gates, AI Turmoil, and Job Disruption1:20:00 — AI, Systems of Record, and Enterprise Growth Platforms1:24:00 — End of EpisodeLeave 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.