Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution Podcast
Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution is the weekly podcast sponsored by LeadSmart Technologies that takes a deep dive into the topics impacting manufacturers, wholesale distribution, independent sales agents, and the global wholesale supply chain.
Hosted by Kevin Brown, a 30-year veteran of wholesale distribution, and Tom Burton, a recognized thought leader in SaaS platforms for distributors, each episode reveals a unique perspective and valuable information about wholesale distribution. Debuting in February 2023, the ATHIWD podcast springboards from Kevin & Tom's popular LinkedIn and Facebook Live shows, bringing their industry insights to a wider audience.
Whether it's M&A, SaaS and cloud computing, B2B e-Commerce or supply chain issues, we peel back the onion into the topics that impact your business most.
Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution Podcast
How Distributors Can Win in a Soft Landing Economy, with Taylor St. Germain
What if the economic slowdown didn’t spell disaster—but a window of opportunity?
In this episode, Senior Economist Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics joins the show to unpack what a “soft landing” really means for distributors—and how to strategically navigate uncertainty, inflation moderation, and shifting customer demand without panic or paralysis.
If you're a distributor wondering how to protect margins, forecast accurately, or align your strategy to economic signals, this conversation is packed with actionable insight tailored for leaders in the wholesale space.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
- Why 2024–2025 may be a soft landing—not a crash—and what that means for your business
- How inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending are shifting—and how distributors can adapt
- Leading vs. lagging indicators: how to stop planning based on outdated economic signals
- How forward-looking distributors are adjusting pricing, inventory, and headcount strategy
- Why leadership mindset and clear communication are more valuable than ever in economic slowdowns
Episode Chapters & Highlights:
03:15 – What “soft landing” really means—and how it’s playing out in distribution
11:42 – The disconnect between media headlines and actual economic indicators
19:26 – How to read the signals: leading vs. lagging indicators for strategic planning
26:50 – Inflation, interest rates, and what they’re signaling for 2025
34:18 – Demand shifts in construction, manufacturing, and wholesale sectors
41:07 – How to protect margins during volume declines
49:36 – Common missteps distributors make in an economic slowdown
58:03 – Forecasting beyond fear: how to align your data with your long-term strategy
1:05:45 – Communication tactics for leaders navigating uncertainty
1:13:32 – What ITR’s forecast models say about timing your growth decisions
1:21:08 – How distributor mindset and agility shape outcomes in uncertain economies
1:30:05 – Taylor’s closing advice: clarity beats reaction every time
🎙️ Meet the Guest
Taylor St. Germain is a Senior Economist at ITR Economics, where he helps industrial leaders decode market trends and make confident, data-informed decisions. His work supports strategic planning, risk mitigation, and long-term forecasting across manufacturing, distribution, and B2B sectors.
🛠️ Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:
- Leading Indicator Forecasting Models (ITR Economics)
- Inflation and Interest Rate Trend Mapping
- Counter-cyclical inventory and pricing strategies
- Strategic forecasting for demand cycles
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