Podcasts about distributors

The episode centers on the evolving responsibility and risk allocation within cybersecurity distribution, with particular focus on Exclusive Networks' approach. Jason Beal, as president of Exclusive Networks North America, outlines their emphasis on a technical workforce, maintaining a 1:3 ratio of engineers to sales representatives. This structure is positioned to address the increasing complexity of cybersecurity and the demands faced by service provider partners, aiming to support solution integration and customer needs while clarifying each party's liability. Supporting this structure, Jason Beal identifies the role of the distributor as both an extension and enabler for MSPs and IT services companies. Distributors are expected to supplement partners' capabilities—whether technical, financial, or operational—without assuming technology failure risk, which remains with the original technology vendors. Discussion of shared responsibility models also distinguishes between sales success (customer adoption, retention) and risk management. Recent developments in cyber insurance are cited as having reduced the direct risk burden on MSPs, shifting much of the liability away from service providers toward technology creators, albeit within contractually defined limits. Adjacent to cybersecurity, the conversation addresses skill and adoption gaps prompted by rapid technical innovation, specifically referencing artificial intelligence (AI). Jason Beal quantifies educational efforts by highlighting a collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which has seen 100 students engaged to help address workforce shortfalls in cybersecurity and AI. Additionally, academic experience informs the importance of modernizing IT operations curricula to better reflect current business challenges, such as cloud, AI, and global supply chain impacts. For MSPs and IT service providers, implications include the growing necessity to audit core competencies and allocate resources strategically, leveraging distributors not just for sourcing products but for specialized expertise, integration, and operational support. Risk mitigation remains tied to understanding contract language, vendor accountability, and developments in cyber insurance. The pace of AI and other technology adoption requires continuous education and careful evaluation of both operational risk and the practical limitations of solutions promoted by the channel and distribution partners.

In this episode: Republican leaders in the House and Senate signal that they will not go along with enormous tax breaks that President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress passed last year. It's a move that would save the state of Florida billions of dollars that would have otherwise have been given away to some of the biggest corporations the in world. Plus: Lawmakers make improvements to dangerous bills dealing with property insurance, healthcare and agriculture policy. But the annual late-session shenanigans begin. An update from Day 43 of Florida's 2026 session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Proposed Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue CodePCB WMC 26-01 — TaxationHouse Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 21-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House Health & Human Services Committee by 17-7 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 433 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsHB 399 amendment (adopted)Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 16-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 208 — Land Use and Development RegulationsSB 208 amendment (withdrawn)Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1389 — Affordable HousingHB 1389 amendmentPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-5 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1220 — TransportationSB 1220 amendment (adopted)Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1233 — TransportationHB 1233 amendment (adopted)Passed the House Commerce Committee by a 23-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 945 — Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism UnitPassed the House Budget Committee by a 20-8 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1007 — Data CentersPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 19-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Proposed Bill 7046 — TaxationSenate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 10-7 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's podcast:Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itBuried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxRepublican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo ownersThe billionaire and the no-bid contractDoral rep says he worked with Fontainebleau lobbyist on bill to allow water park‘Farm bill' would let the governor auction off conservation land to agribusinessesAttorney general questions legality of rural boundaries in Orange, SeminoleControversial surveillance bill moves ahead in Florida HouseQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

A troubling video has surfaced in which Vancouver City Councillor Lenny Zhou is heard (in mandarin) claiming multiple opposition councillors are drug users and distributors. Did he go too far? Guest: Stewart Prest - Political Scientist, UBC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the Supreme Court strikes down the legal foundation behind sweeping U.S. tariffs?In this episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the 6–3 SCOTUS ruling overturning tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and what it means for distributors, manufacturers, contractors, and the global supply chain.What You'll Learn:Why the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs under IEEPA exceeded presidential authority, and what that signals about executive vs. congressional powerWhether tariff refunds are likely, and why the “food fight” over who gets repaid could last yearsHow Section 122 (temporary tariffs), Section 232 (national security), and Section 301 (unfair trade) may reshape the next phase of U.S. trade policyWhat the ruling means for existing trade agreements with Japan, Taiwan, China, and other partnersHow wholesale distributors should think about tariff surcharges, price increases, and downstream customer expectationsEpisode Highlights:03:18 – Breaking news: The Supreme Court strikes down tariffs under IEEP08:42 – Presidential authority vs. congressional taxing power: Why this ruling matters beyond tariff15:57 – The refund question: Who actually paid the tariffs, and who gets the money back28:11 – Distributor dilemma: What happens if tariff costs were already passed through the channel39:36 – NAW's response and the call for swift tariff refund47:20 – Section 122 explained: Can the administration impose 10–15% temporary tariffs immediately58:04 – Trade deals in play: Will Japan, Taiwan, or others renegotiate01:10:15 – Are tariffs a strategic tool, or an economic drag?Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act)Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (temporary tariff authority)Section 232 (national security tariffs)Section 301 (unfair trade practices)NAW (National Association of Wholesalers and Distributors) policy responseTariff surcharge line-item strategies in distribution pricingClosing Insight:“Has it been an effective stick? Yes. But is it good for the economy right now? That's where the debate begins.”For wholesale distributors operating on thin margins, this ruling isn't just political, it's operational. From pricing strategy to vendor negotiations to long-term sourcing decisions, the implications ripple through every layer of the B2B supply chain.Leave 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.

Join us for an exciting LIVE Coffee Conversations at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, sponsored by SRS Distribution, where a panel of manufacturers, distributors and service providers will dive into the biggest trends shaping the roofing landscape this year. From sustainability innovations and emerging technologies to workforce challenges and economic impacts, this engaging session will provide actionable insights to help contractors, suppliers and professionals stay ahead in an evolving market. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from Las Vegas, Nevada on January 21, at 2 p.m. PT!    Learn more at RoofersCoffeeShop.com!  https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/     Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up     Sign up for the Week in Roofing!  https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/sign-up     Follow Us!   https://www.facebook.com/rooferscoffeeshop/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooferscoffeeshop-com   https://x.com/RoofCoffeeShop   https://www.instagram.com/rooferscoffeeshop/   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAQTC5U3FL9M-_wcRiEEyvw   https://www.pinterest.com/rcscom/   https://www.tiktok.com/@rooferscoffeeshop   https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rss     #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #RoofingProfessionals #RoofingContractors #RoofingIndustry 

JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

Show: West Coast Women Rising (also airing on: Spirit, Purpose & Energy • Nutrition Alternative Medicine • Fit 2 Love • Women, Men & Relationships • Health & Wealth) Host: JJ Flizanes Guest: Sheila Donohue, Founder of Verovino (based in Ventura, CA; living in Bologna, Italy) Overview JJ welcomes back Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto (Links can be added to your show notes page.) Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

JJ welcomes back Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

JJ welcomes Sheila Donohue for a conversation that blends entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and the art of curated Italian wines and foods. Sheila shares how her company, Verovino, sources small-batch, farm-made wines, olive oils, and specialty foods—many not readily available in the U.S.—and delivers them to both consumers and businesses across America. In This Episode Meet Sheila in Bologna: Sheila shares her life in Bologna, Italy, where she's lived since 2001, and how Italy shaped her expertise and relationships with producers. What Verovino does: Verovino curates and imports authentic, sustainably made, small-batch products—primarily from Italy, plus select producers from other countries and California—selling B2B and direct-to-consumer. From fintech to food & wine: Sheila explains her background in financial technology (fintech), her sommelier training in Italy, and how her personal immersion in artisan food culture inspired the company. Starting from a "clean slate": In 2017, after major life changes, Sheila began building Verovino—funded through savings—and took early action by importing product and going door-to-door to find customers. How the business grows: Sheila emphasizes the importance of continuity (repeat business), building scale, and covering operating expenses. She explains how an omni-channel strategy helps stabilize the business: Distributors nationwide Wine stores & restaurants (especially in California) Direct-to-consumer shipping across the U.S. Corporate gifting & events Marketing & education that compounds: Verovino invests in education and storytelling through digital marketing—especially their blog and YouTube channel—to build long-term brand trust and demand. Product philosophy: As a sommelier-led team, Sheila curates for variety and distinction: reds, whites, rosés, orange wines, sparkling (dry and sweet), plus standout olive oils—including single-varietal olive oils with specific pairing profiles. Events as a growth engine: Sheila shares how tastings, fundraisers, private events, and collaborations introduce people to the products—because tasting creates appreciation and connection. Specialty foods: The conversation highlights a Piedmont hazelnut producer offering toasted hazelnuts, caramelized hazelnuts, hazelnut creams, pasta, and pestos—plus JJ's enthusiasm for pistachio cream and clean ingredients. Wine club & gifting: Sheila describes Verovino's monthly or quarterly wine club, curated shipments with insider notes and stories, and a growing trend of gifting memberships (including personalized letters). Gift sets: Verovino offers curated gift sets—popular in December—and a standout option that pairs wine + olive oil, plus expanded options for non-wine drinkers. A second brand line for broader appeal: To avoid being pigeonholed and to meet different market needs, Sheila shares how Verovino expanded into a separate line for more "recognizable" wines, including Prosecco and kegs—ideal for events and high-volume restaurant service. Advice for new producers: Sheila emphasizes the need to stand out in a crowded market—especially as the wine industry faces headwinds—and to clearly differentiate your product and message. Memorable Moments JJ connects her own journey as a winemaker (High Vibrational Wines) and discusses why she values small-batch, purpose-driven production over mass distribution. A fun community collaboration emerges: JJ invites Sheila to co-create a March event in Ojai with "Women Behind the Business: Real Conversations," potentially adding a wine tasting experience—and they discover their birthdays are both in March. Connect with Sheila / Verovino Website: Verovino.com YouTube: Vero Vino Instagram & Facebook: VeroVinoGusto Closing: JJ encourages listeners to explore Verovino for personal discovery, gifting, and creating meaningful food-and-wine experiences that bring "a taste of Italy" home.

In this episode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is about to get cut off from an emergency-response fund he raided to rush construction of an immigrant detention facility in the Everglades. There's a showdown brewing between Republican leaders in the state House and Senate over whether he should get to keep it. Plus: The DeSantis administration admits spending opioid settlement money on anti-marijuana TV ads; car dealers are once again using the Legislature to keep themselves between consumers and new cars; and Uber and Lyft want to spend less money insuring their drivers. An update from Day 30 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 7040 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the GovernorPassed the Florida Senate by a 29-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7040 amendmentFailed in the Florida Senate by a 12-27 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1562 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the Senate Transportation Committee by a 7-0 vote (vote sheet)Passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 9-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee by a 16-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 632 — Transportation Network Company, Driver, and Vehicle Owner InsurancePassed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the Senate Governmental and Oversight Accountability Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1119 — Materials Harmful to MinorsPassed the Florida House of Representatives by an 84-28 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida emergency agency ran up $405 million immigration tab in six monthsAn immigrant detention camp in the Everglades, financed with hurricane-response fundsFlorida state official acknowledges opioid money funded anti-weed campaignFlorida's top cop uses his power to prop up car dealersThe billionaires financing union-busting in FloridaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you drop an LLM on top of five ERPs and a decade of M&A? Aaron Sheehan and analyst Heather Hershey map the practical path: B2B use cases that work, risks that don't, and why chunk-by-chunk modernization beats “robot, take the wheel.”Highlights01:06 – Welcome back and introducing Heather Hershey03:35 – Defining AI, LLMs, and RAG 09:30 – Why probabilistic AI makes ops teams nervous 11:58 – Is LLM an overkill compared to ‘boring' machine learning and rule-based systems?15:19 – The real blocker: fragmented data across ERPs and other systems19:40 – The strangler pattern: modernize in chunks instead of ripping everything out21:13 – Why commerce platforms become the orchestration layer for AI/NLP24:37 – If you had $100K for AI: where to spend it 27:27 – Prisoner's dilemma: agentic shopping and the disintermediation trap34:53 – Agentic commerce predictions for B2B 40:30 – Are people replacing Google with LLMs?

What looks like a novelty on the shelf can be a very real business when the fundamentals are right.In this episode of Business of Drinks, we sit down with John King, co-founder and owner of The Original Pickle Shot, to unpack how a bartender-born ritual turned into a nationally scaled spirits brand.The numbers tell the story. The Original Pickle Shot is now selling roughly 110K 9-liter cases annually, growing ~15% year over year, and ranks as the 10th largest flavored vodka in the U.S. — all without outside investment. What many assume is a niche product is, in reality, a high-velocity business driven by occasion, community, and repeat purchase.John walks through what product-market fit actually looked like for the brand — not hype or marketing spend, but watching depletions rise organically as consumers pulled the product through retail. Early success came off-premise first, with 50 mL bottles driving trial and 750 mLs becoming the fastest-growing format as the brand earned its place in party and tailgate occasions.For founders, this episode is a candid look at the trade-offs of staying self-funded. John shares how reinvesting every dollar back into the business forced discipline around expansion, prevented “false volume,” and slowed state rollouts until the company had the operational backbone to support them. The cost: Years of personal sacrifice and saying no to capital. The benefit: Control, speed of decision-making, and sustainable velocity.Distributors and retailers will appreciate John's clear-eyed take on partnerships — why beer vs. spirits houses matter less than alignment on expectations and margins — and how fun, irreverent brands still need hard data to win shelf space.If you're building, selling, or scaling a drinks brand and want a grounded example of how a so-called niche becomes a category leader, this conversation delivers real-world lessons.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Most recently, he was the Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

Want to Start or Grow a Successful Business? Schedule a FREE 13-Point Assessment with Clay Clark Today At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com   Join Clay Clark's Thrivetime Show Business Workshop!!! Learn Branding, Marketing, SEO, Sales, Workflow Design, Accounting & More. **Request Tickets & See Testimonials At: www.ThrivetimeShow.com  **Request Tickets Via Text At (918) 851-0102   See the Thousands of Success Stories and Millionaires That Clay Clark Has Helped to Produce HERE: https://www.thrivetimeshow.com/testimonials/ Download A Millionaire's Guide to Become Sustainably Rich: A Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Successful Money-Generating and Time-Freedom Creating Business HERE: www.ThrivetimeShow.com/Millionaire   See Thousands of Case Studies Today HERE: www.thrivetimeshow.com/does-it-work/  

Episode #137 of Electrical Wholesaling's Today's Electrical Economy podcast series explores distributor forecasts for 1Q 2026 market conditions and the fastest-growing U.S. counties in estimated electrical contractor sales potential. Sponsored by Champion Fiberglass.

బుక్ రివ్యూయర్స్ మీద రివ్యూ మరియు డిస్ట్రిబ్యూటర్స్ మీద రివ్యూ.రచయితను కాపాడండి.

Europe's chemical distributors' margins are under pressure as geopolitics roils the global economy, but they are also flexing to new business models for future growth.-          Cost inflation impacting margins for distributors – logistics, energy, labor, working capital -          Tougher to pass price increases to customers-          Intense competition from cheap imports into Europe-          Economic uncertainty affecting customer confidence-          New business models needed as the old global world order changes -          Distributors, being less asset-heavy, are well placed to adapt to changing trade flows and tariffs-          Unstable tariff regimes are bad for demand due to the uncertainty they create-          Tariffs can cause a whiplash as flows redirected to other regions

Distributors often bemoan the AI "revolution" for its lack of practicality. Fair enough. No one likes an endless loops of recorded prompts or laborious input tasks. Workd helps businesses build AI agents that drive B2B growth in the real world.  Jason caught up with Chris Van Ittersum, CEO and co-founder, and Ryan Carroll, director of development, to learn more. Queue up for the conversation about AI agent solutions for everything from customer relationships to supply chain logistics. Stay for the live AI agent demo! CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn CONNECT WITH CHRIS Workd LinkedIn CONNECT WITH RYAN Workd LinkedIn *** For full show notes and services visit: https://www.distributionteam.com Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth, and achieve personal goals.    This episode was edited by The Creative Impostor Studios  Special thanks to our sponsors for this episode: Profit2, helping distributors charge the right price; and INxSQL Distribution Software, an integrated distribution ERP software designed for the wholesale and distribution industry.

In the final episode of “Mastering the Hidden Margin", a special series on Build Better Work, our cast reveals where margin is truly lost—after the SPA agreement is signed. Join Tony Pericle,  Kara DeGraff, Scott Sinning, and Rick Wells as they break down how broken data flows, manual reconciliation, and missed renewals quietly drain 1–3% of SPA revenue every year. The conversation explores the full SPA lifecycle: digitizing supplier data, normalizing inconsistent formats, managing claim reconciliation, and enforcing renewal discipline. The panel shares side-by-side distributor and manufacturer perspectives, along with war stories from decades in pricing and contract administration. Practical guidance is offered on standardized templates, tolerance-based reconciliation, aging reports, centralized renewals, and preventing pricing chaos when SPAs expire unexpectedly.Time Stamps:0:00 - Intro2:54 - SPA Life Cycle4:01 - Consolidating and Internalize Data9:00 - Claims and Disputes11:27 - Reconciliation of Claims13:28 - Renewing Contracts19:19 - Leveraging “White Space”22:05 - The Hidden Margin24:22 - New Customers/ New SPAs29:02 - AI in Distribution30:41 - 3 Most Important Features for Distributors to Know31:52 - How to Prevent Leakage33:02 - Most Important Characteristics for SPA Leadership36:49 - ClosingGuests:Tony | tony@profitoptics.com: Tony Pericle is the founder of ProfitOptics and one of the most innovative minds in the distribution industry. With over 30 years of experience—from frontline sales to leading AI-powered transformations—he's helped major distributors unlock hidden margin, optimize operations, and scale pricing strategies. Cara | linkedin.com/in/caradegraff: Cara DeGraff is a VP of Production Management at Vistex and leads a global team that manages all aspects of product management and product education. Since joining Vistex in 2007, Cara welcomes the challenge of solving companies' problems and optimizing their processes through Vistex solutions. Prior to Vistex, Cara worked for both manufacturers and distributors with SAP as their ERP, and across a variety of industries managing and implementing a myriad of business processes.Scott | scott@pricingfordistributors.com: Scott Sinning founded Pricing For Distributors in 2022 after a 30-year career in wholesale distribution with Graybar Electric. As former VP of Pricing Strategy, he knows about the margin challenges and opportunities faced by distributors. He is a "business guy" that came up through the ranks, but his career also included lead roles on ERP and pricing software projects where he learned how to drive successful change at scale.ABOUT BUILD BETTER WORK PODCAST Build Better Work by ProfitOptics is a podcast about the power of technology to transform work and lives with our host Greg Stivers. The show is produced by ProfitOptics, a technology consulting firm that builds software and engineers data solutions to drive business performance for mid-size and enterprise companies. CONNECT WITH PROFITOPTICS ProfitOptics.com Follow us on LinkedIn

Slowing U.S. job growth alongside rising labor productivity highlights how organizations are replacing hiring with automation and AI-driven systems. Government labor data shows job growth in 2025 fell to roughly 584,000 positions, while productivity rose nearly five percent in the third quarter, allowing output to increase without additional staff. According to CompTIA, demand for AI-related skills rose more than 100 percent year over year, even as overall tech employment declined. For MSPs, this signals a shift where customers rely less on internal teams and more on external providers to absorb operational responsibility when automated systems fail.Survey data from TechAisle indicates that small and midmarket businesses are redirecting technology spending away from basic digitization toward autonomous, outcome-driven systems. The research, based on responses from 5,500 firms, shows profitable growth and cost control as top priorities for 2026, with increased adoption of generative AI, agentic automation, and managed security services. At the same time, rising RAM and storage prices—driven by AI data center demand, according to TrendForce—are delaying PC refresh cycles and pushing workloads into cloud environments, changing where performance, security, and cost risks surface.Vendor signals remain mixed. Kaseya reported layoffs affecting five percent of its workforce, following earlier reductions, while TD Synnex and Samsung reported strong revenue growth tied to AI infrastructure, memory, and server demand. Distributors cite continued hardware refresh activity, yet repeated workforce cuts at vendors suggest internal cost corrections rather than demand collapse. For MSPs, this combination increases environmental complexity, with longer device lifecycles, higher component costs, and more heterogeneous platforms to support.Operational AI announcements further extend decision-making authority into automated systems. New healthcare, printing, and service desk tools embed AI into intake, routing, authorization, and workflow execution, often acting before human review. For MSPs and IT service providers, the central issue is not efficiency gains but accountability: when AI-driven processes misroute work, generate compliance errors, or escalate incidents incorrectly, responsibility frequently defaults to the operator. The episode underscores the need for clearer governance, pricing, and contractual boundaries as AI assumes functional authority inside managed environments. Four things to know today 00:00 Slowing Job Growth, Rising Productivity, and AI Adoption Shift Operational Responsibility to Providers05:26 TechAisle Data Shows SMB Focus Moving From Digitization to Autonomous, Outcome-Driven Systems09:19 Kaseya Cuts Staff as Distributors and Chipmakers Report Strong AI-Driven Demand14:27 Operational AI Advances as Vendors Embed Automation Into Intake, Routing, and Authorization This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

“Distributors of Fire!” from www.vopwc.org by Pastor N. R. Taylor, Jr.. Released: 2026. Genre: Vocal. The post Distributors of Fire! appeared first on Voice Of Praise Worship Center.

For our final episode in the Holiday Series we are returning to our chat about creating a brand made for loyal customers. Klein Tools has been manufacturing tools made for trades people for over 165 years. In today's episode, we sat down with Greg Palese, Vice President of Marketing at Klein Tools, to discuss how they continue to grow engaged customer relationships. By speaking directly with end users, Klein Tools is able to deepen relationships and increase sales. Even more, Greg discusses how they focus on solving end user problems by visiting job sites to see first-hand how Klein Tools can help their customers.

What if the fastest route to meaningful growth isn't about launching another ad campaign, hiring more salespeople, or optimizing your funnel? What if the real accelerator is simply listening—really listening—to what's already happening around you? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Oscar Barrera, PhD—a brilliant corporate anthropologist and innovation strategist based in Mexico. Oscar and I share a core conviction: anthropology isn't just something you do; it's a way of seeing the world. It allows leaders to notice subtle patterns—those taking shape in their markets, inside their own companies, and in the everyday lives of their customers—even when the clues are hiding in plain sight. Oscar's work drives home a powerful point: the real obstacles to growth are often hidden. Not because they're imaginary, but because we haven't been trained to spot them. Meet Dr. Oscar Barrera: An Anthropologist Forging His Own Path Oscar's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. He earned his doctorate in social and cultural anthropology at the University of Washington, with years of fieldwork in Guatemala's highlands. But like so many academics, he realized that the expected career path—university teaching—wasn't really available. So Oscar got creative. He returned home to Mexico and started his own consulting practice from the ground up. He learned the language of business by reading voraciously, listening intently, and immersing himself in the entrepreneurial world—joining business groups, building relationships, and cultivating a brand that helped business leaders understand how anthropology could transform what they do. Through his firm, Anthropology Corp Cooperativa, Oscar helps organizations unlock deep understanding about their customers, employees, and markets—then turn those insights into human-centered strategies for growth and innovation. He also hosts a fantastic podcast called Nuevas Posibilidades ("New Possibilities"), which explores innovation, anthropology, and the future of work. A Real-World Case: Sourdough in a Sweet Bread Nation Oscar shared a wonderful story that brings anthropology to life. A bakery owner in Mexico was crafting sourdough bread: wholesome, preservative-free, and free of additives. But he was up against a market where bread is usually sweet, steeped in tradition, and sold cheaply. Here's the twist: the bakery wasn't struggling with demand. Instead, something unexpected was happening—distributors (mostly women) were approaching the bakery on their own, asking if they could resell the bread in their hometowns. The owner's question wasn't theoretical—it was urgent: Who are these women, and how can I grow this kind of distribution model intentionally? As he put it, he wanted "the formula." Why Anthropology Was Essential Oscar's first instinct was to do what anthropologists do best: ethnography. Go to the site, observe, listen, and understand the full context. But travel simply wasn't possible. So he adapted, because good anthropology is all about flexibility. He used remote interviews—speaking with distributors and customers over the phone and online. And what he learned should be a wake-up call for every leader: People will tell you what matters to them—if you listen with the right kind of attention. Oscar was surprised that sometimes meeting online made people more comfortable. It was safe, structured, and time-limited—there was no lingering vulnerability once the conversation ended. Watch our Podcast on YouTube The Discovery: A Purpose-Driven Sales Network The bakery owner assumed his distributors were motivated by money. Oscar found something far richer. These women were selling bread not just for income, but because they: Had personal or family health concerns Wanted to support and uplift their communities Believed deeply in natural, preservative-free foods Had stories that connected them emotionally to the product They weren't just pushing a product—they were sharing a solution and part of their own identities. They were savvy, too, introducing the bread at workplaces, gyms, and local events. Tasting led to trust—and more sales. This was no "features and benefits" transaction. This bread was an experience—one that resonated with values and stories. Five Key Ingredients for Scalable Growth Oscar translated these insights into actionable steps. He identified five elements that would determine whether the bakery's model could truly scale: Shared values and philosophy: The top distributors believed in a mission: boosting health and helping people, not just selling bread. Time and logistics: Without preservatives and in a hot climate, bread spoiled quickly. Delivery schedules and pickups became hidden bottlenecks. Packaging matters: Flimsy boxes led to crushed loaves—hurting both trust and credibility. Social selling support: Distributors used WhatsApp and Facebook, but needed better tools and content. The company needed to provide easily shareable visuals and educational materials. Customer experience and sampling: People didn't buy from a description—they bought after tasting. Real-life sampling was the engine of growth. What I love here is that Oscar didn't need a formal operations report to uncover these constraints. He surfaced them by deeply listening to lived experience—by drawing out stories. Bigger Than Bread: How Meaning Moves Markets One of the most profound insights was symbolic. Sourdough isn't "traditional Mexican bread." Yet, through the personal stories of these women, it became a bridge: a way to enjoy bread as part of daily life, to choose health without abandoning cultural identity, and to stay connected to tradition while eating differently. That's not just good marketing—it's anthropology in action. Lessons for Leaders Everywhere Oscar summed it up beautifully: Success often hides in plain sight, in details we overlook. Anthropology equips leaders and companies to see what's invisible and hear what's unsaid. True innovation doesn't always mean inventing something totally new—it often means listening to what your customers are already telling you. So here's my bottom line: If you're chasing growth, don't just ask, "How do we sell more?" Instead, ask, "What's actually happening in the lives of the people we want to serve that we haven't noticed yet?" When you listen for those answers, real transformation can begin. Connect with Oscar Barrera, PhD If you'd like to connect with Oscar, you can find him on LinkedIn, Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.net Email: info@simonassociates.net Learn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Watch for our new book, Rethink Retirement: It's Not The End--It's the Beginning of What's Next. Due out Spring 2026. Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk!

What happens when economic volatility, tariff pressure, AI disruption, and shifting distributor behavior all collide in the same quarter?In this episode, Kevin and Tom unpack a whirlwind week inside wholesale distribution, revealing how new data, emerging AI workflows, and tariff rulings are reshaping strategy across the channel.Listeners gain a front-row view into the real conversations shaping 2025: revenue headwinds, inventory tightening, economic softening, distributor risk posture, and how AI agents are redefining customer-facing operations.What You'll Learn:Why distributors are tightening inventory positions heading into 2025, and what “flat inventories” actually signal about downstream demand.How upcoming tariff rulings and active lawsuits (like Costco's) may reshape pricing models, contract structures, and channel profitability.Why AI agents from Amazon, Salesforce, and emerging tools will transform inside sales, service platforms, counter operations, and multi-branch workflows.How economic signals, PCE, sentiment scores, personal spending, and Fed pacing, will shape capital planning into mid-2025.The competitive gap forming between distributors who unify data vs. those still operating silo-based systems.Episode Highlights:03:11 – Why this past holiday week felt like a 3-week sprint for operators and sales teams10:44 – Breaking down the PCE report, sentiment data, and the Fed's rate-cut trajectory18:26 – Are mortgage rates returning to the “fours”? A practical take on borrowing costs27:15 – Mohamed El-Erian's latest economic lens and why 2 percent inflation may be the wrong benchmark40:02 – Flat U.S. inventory levels and what that means for 2025 distributor demand53:19 – Costco's bold lawsuit over tariffs, and whether refunds to consumers are even logistically possible01:05:12 – Why Amazon's new AI agents increase competitive pressure on distributors01:17:50 – The rise of blueprint-driven AI takeoff tools (Home Depot, Lowe's, and the coming B2B wave)Tools, Frameworks & Strategies Mentioned:AI Agents for Distribution Ops (Amazon Connect, Salesforce Agentforce)Data Unification for AI Readiness (LeadSmart Platform + Data Cloud methodology)Synthetic Data for forecasting and demand simulationB2B Digital Takeoff Systems used by contractors and enterprise distributorsTariff Litigation Modeling driven by channel economicsClosing Insight:“AI isn't replacing distributors, AI is replacing the distributors who refuse to modernize.” This episode makes one message clear: the teams who unify their data, modernize their workflows, and embrace AI-assisted operations will define the next decade of competitive advantage.Leave 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.

In our latest Off the Cuff episode, PHC News Editor Steve Smith is joined by Christine Boehm, Communications and Events Team Lead at SupplyHouse!Recorded live from the PHCC CONNECT trade show floor this fall, the duo explore how SupplyHouse is helping shape the future of the skilled trades with its Track to the Trades initiative. Now in its second year, Track to the Trades is poised to deliver $100,000 in scholarships, grants, and in-kind donations, benefiting accredited trade schools and organizations such as Tools & Tiaras and Operation Tiny Home. The conversation highlights how SupplyHouse's GRIT philosophy — Generosity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork — guides the program's design, while real-life success stories illustrate the tangible difference this support makes for students pursuing careers in the trades.About Christine: Christine began her career at SupplyHouse in Customer Service and Product Support, where she developed a deep understanding of the company's customers, products, and values — a foundation that continues to inform her approach to communication and engagement today.Christine holds an advanced degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and her academic and professional experiences are rooted in a passion for mission-driven work that builds connection and community. She is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that reflect SupplyHouse's culture of care - both for its employees and for the tradespeople who power the industry.

Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts, and today I'm speaking with filmmaker Sara Alessandrini about her powerful and controversial documentary, This Is What New Yorkers Say. Sara created the film out of frustration with how the media portrayed Andrew Cuomo and what she saw as a lack of due process in the public discourse surrounding him.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:07 - Guest Introduction00:00:32 - Guest Background00:01:19 - Guest's Early Life and Influence of Cinema00:03:04 - Guest's Views on Movies and Society00:03:24 - Discussion on Political Correctness in Movies00:08:31 - Guest's Journey into Filmmaking00:09:51 - Guest's Experience with Acting and Theatre00:14:37 - Guest's Film School Experience00:15:32 - Guest's Experience in Film School00:18:15 - Guest's Post-School Experiences and Projects00:20:29 - Guest's Previous Education in Telecommunications and Engineering00:26:51 - Guest's View on Education Systems00:27:41 - Guest's Approach to Problem Solving in Filmmaking00:31:12 - Guest's Practical Approach to Filmmaking00:33:25 - Guest's Views on Director's Role in Filmmaking00:36:00 - Guest's Learning Experience in Film School00:37:25 - Guest's Approach to Learning Multiple Roles in Filmmaking00:39:22 - Guest's Frustration with the Movie Industry00:39:33 - Guest's Experience in Music Videos00:41:25 - Origin of 'This is What New Yorkers Say' Project00:46:39 - Guest's Experience with Netflix and Theaters00:52:15 - Guest's Interaction with Dario Gento00:56:10 - Guest's Frustration with COVID and Politics00:59:06 - Guest's Aspiration to Improve Society01:02:09 - Guest's Frustration with Theatre Management01:02:16 - Guest's Experience with Business and Theatre Reopening01:02:30 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics01:03:05 - Guest's Views on Safety in Theatres01:06:49 - Guest's Decision to Move to Albany01:08:55 - Guest's Views on Cancel Culture and Offense01:10:40 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Complaints01:14:20 - Guest's Views on Due Process and Weaponization of Offense01:15:25 - Guest's Experience with Filming Documentary01:16:28 - Guest's Views on Society's Fickle Affection01:17:35 - Guest's Experience with Social Media and Its Influence01:18:40 - Guest's Views on Social Media Algorithms and Content01:19:16 - Origin of the Cuomo Documentary Project01:22:01 - Guest's Views on Political Movements and Questioning01:24:50 - Guest's Experience with Content Promotion and Platform Bias01:26:21 - Guest's Experience with Documentary Production and Challenges01:27:36 - Guest's Views on the Importance of Policy in Politics01:30:37 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics in Filmmaking01:32:43 - Challenges and Threats During Documentary Production01:34:20 - Dealing with Legal Threats and Bullying01:36:00 - Last Minute Changes and Meeting Deadlines01:36:48 - Dealing with Financial Constraints and Legal Issues01:37:17 - Experiences with Bullies and Legal System01:39:27 - Documentary Screening and Unexpected Challenges01:40:06 - Facing Accusations and Defending Ownership01:43:36 - Aftermath of the Documentary and Dealing with Fame Seekers01:43:46 - Facing False Claims and Media Manipulation01:44:18 - Reflections on the Movie Industry and Unfinished Projects01:44:27 - Experiences with Donation Scams and Misrepresentation01:48:02 - Challenges in Editing and Legal Review01:49:56 - Experience with Distributors and Aggregators01:52:47 - Experience with Subtitles and Closed Captioning01:57:19 - Future Aspirations and Current Focus01:59:11 - Personal Routines and Interests02:03:46 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

What does it take to navigate tariffs, rate cuts, and AI disruption all at once?Hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the week's headlines that matter most to manufacturers and distributors, from the U.S. government shutdown and Fed policy to the emerging reality of AI‑driven decision‑making and agentic commerce. Discover why contextual intelligence is now a core leadership skill and how data strategy can turn economic uncertainty into competitive advantage. What You'll Learn:Why the shutdown's “fix” is really a delay until January 31, and how prediction markets like Polymarket quantify that risk The truth about tariffs and refund rumors, and why smart pricing beats policy guessworkWhat the Fed's next decision means for capital, lending, and distribution growth plans How AI‑enabled CRM and customer intelligence platforms deliver clarity from chaos Why leaders who blend economic awareness + data fluency will own the next decade of wholesale innovation Episode Highlights:03 : 12 –  The shutdown “ends”… or does it? Budget reset and political realities behind the deal 16 : 40 –  Prediction markets vs. traditional polls: how Polymarket nailed its forecast 31 : 25 –  Rate‑cut drama: inside the Fed meeting math and the Burton Market prediction 48 : 07 –  Tariff talk decoded, methodology matters more than headlines01 : 03 : 14 – Refunds or fantasy? Legal complexity of tariff paybacks explained01 : 14 : 58 –  AI and contextual intelligence: from theory to tool sets inside LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ 01 : 28 : 47 –  Final takeaways, leadership, data literacy, and the new rules of economic resilience Meet the Hosts:Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are co‑founders of LeadSmart Technologies, creators of LeadSmart Channel Cloud™, an AI‑enabled Customer Intelligence and Smart CRM platform purpose‑built for manufacturers and distributors. They bring decades of experience in distribution operations, software engineering, and data strategy to help leaders turn siloed information into growth insight.Tools & Frameworks Mentioned:LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ — Unified AI CRM for distributors & manufacturers Context Engineering — Aligning AI systems with business intent Agentic Commerce — Autonomous AI workflows for B2B transactions Prediction Markets (Polymarket) — Crowdsourced economic signal analysis Customer Intelligence Framework — Transforming ERP and CRM data into actionable insight Closing Insight:“AI doesn't replace relationships, it reinforces them by removing friction.” — Kevin Brown Leave 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.

What happens when tariffs, rate cuts, and AI forecasting collide in the world of wholesale distribution?In this episode, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton break down the latest economic, technological, and policy shifts affecting distributors and manufacturers.From the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to the Supreme Court's pending tariff ruling, they unpack what these changes mean for margins, pricing, and the role of AI-driven customer intelligence in building resilient distribution networks.What You'll Learn:How government shutdowns and rate changes create ripple effects across distributionThe true meaning of a 17.9% average tariff rate, and why not everyone feels it equallyWhy tariff refunds could take years (or never happen at all)How AI-enabled CRM and contextual intelligence are helping distributors gain visibility into customers and pricing gapsWhat smart distributors are doing to balance efficiency, inventory, and profitability heading into 2026Episode Highlights:03:10 – The U.S. government shutdown “ends”… or just gets delayed until January 3115:25 – How prediction markets like Polymarket are shaping economic forecasting27:40 – The Fed's next move: dissenters, inflation targets, and “The Burton Market”43:05 – Tariff talk: why the Supreme Court ruling isn't really about tariffs55:18 – Mark Brohan's article on the 17.9% effective tariff rate and what it means for distributors01:07:34 – Why smaller distributors dependent on wholesalers face steeper challenges01:16:55 – Final thoughts: AI, efficiency, and the future of pricing powerMeet the Hosts:Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are co-founders of LeadSmart Technologies, creators of LeadSmart Channel Cloud™, the industry's first AI-enabled Customer Intelligence and Smart CRM platform built exclusively for manufacturers and distributors.Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ – Unified customer intelligence platform for distributors and manufacturersPolymarket – Decentralized prediction market for economic forecastingYale Budget Lab Study – Analysis of U.S. tariff rates and macroeconomic effectsContext Engineering – Aligning AI systems with business intentCustomer Intelligence Framework – Turning siloed ERP, CRM, and eCommerce data into actionable insightsClosing Insight:“AI doesn't replace relationships, it reinforces them by removing friction.” — Kevin BrownFrom tariff volatility to AI-driven opportunity, this episode explores how distributors can navigate uncertainty with smarter strategy, deeper data, and stronger customer connections.Leave 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.

In this episode of the Pet Shop Girls Podcast, we sit down with Clayton Payne — the Pet Business Disruptor himself — to dig into the side of the industry that doesn't always get enough airtime: distribution. With nearly 20 years of experience, Clayton brings a no-fluff perspective on what it really takes for retailers, brands, and distributors to succeed together.We get real about the challenges smaller brands face getting on shelves, why understanding consumer mindsets is the starting line for success, and how retailers can sharpen their negotiation tactics without losing relationships. We also dive into evolving market trends (spoiler: cats are stealing the spotlight) and the importance of authenticity in every corner of this business.This conversation is loaded with practical advice — whether you're a retailer looking to gain an edge, a brand trying to break into distribution, or just curious about how the pet industry ecosystem really works.✨ Key TakeawaysUnderstanding consumer mindsets is non-negotiable for distribution success.Retailers shouldn't chase trends — they should lead them.Authenticity builds customer trust that lasts.Smaller brands face steep challenges with pricing and distribution access.Distributors must stress test pricing models for viability.Strong communication and relationship-building matter more than one-off deals.Brands need a clear marketing pipeline to get into — and stay in — distribution.Premium cat products are becoming a major growth category.Negotiation works best as a collaboration, not a battle.Healthy partnerships between retailers, brands, and distributors fuel mutual success.Connect with the Pet Shop Girls!Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/petshopgirlsConnect with Carly (House of Paws):https://www.instagram.com/houseofpawsboutiquehttps://www.tiktok.com/@houseofpawsboutiquehttps://www.facebook.com/houseofpawsboutiqueConnect with Sherry (Odyssey Pets):https://www.facebook.com/odysseypetshttps://www.instagram.com/odysseypetshttps://linktr.ee/odysseypetsdallasThe Pet Shop Girls Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any sponsors or partners. Any business, marketing, or pet care advice shared on this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. The Pet Shop Girls Podcast and its hosts are not liable for any outcomes related to the use of the information discussed.

Join Phil and Kenny as they hit the road with Simran Kaur, Sales Manager for Western Canada at Chiba Organics, for an unfiltered conversation about navigating the Canadian CPG and retail landscape.From her start handling national accounts for McDonald's and Starbucks at Zomato in Delhi to building relationships with independent grocers across Western Canada, Simran shares hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to succeed in this business. Recorded on a marathon road trip, this episode dives into the realities of selling into retail: managing out-of-stocks honestly, building authentic store relationships, understanding that it's never about you—it's about helping stores serve their customers better, and why owning your mistakes is non-negotiable.Whether you're breaking into the industry, managing accounts, or just trying to understand how products make it onto shelves, this conversation delivers practical insights and real talk about the challenges and rewards of life in Canadian retail and CPG.You can find Simran here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaur-mansimran/In case you're interested in working with Jiva Organics: https://www.jivaorganics.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Switching digital distributors can feel terrifying — what if you lose your Spotify streams, your playlists, or your hard-earned momentum? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I safely transferred one of my own tracks (with over 200,000 streams and dozens of playlist placements) from CD Baby to LANDR… without losing a single play. I'll share the simple 4-step process to move your release to a new distributor while keeping your existing ISRCs, metadata, and playlists intact. It's easier than you think — and yes, I tested it myself so you don't have to.

What do rate cuts, tariffs, and the rise of agentic AI mean for the future of wholesale distribution?In this episode, Kevin Brown and Tom Burton dissect the week's biggest economic shifts, from the Federal Reserve's policy moves to AI's rapid integration across manufacturing, logistics, and B2B commerce. Learn how forward-thinking distributors are preparing for 2026, where automation meets leadership and contextual intelligence defines competitive advantage.What You'll Learn:Why AI literacy and contextual intelligence are essential leadership skills in 2025How tariffs, prediction markets, and Fed rate cuts are shaping industrial investmentThe emerging impact of agentic commerce on B2B buying behaviorThe business risks of ungoverned generative AI in enterprise settingsHow distributors can balance data automation with human trust in decision-makingEpisode Highlights:04:18 – How the U.S. government shutdown is influencing the Fed's economic playbook18:32 – What the latest rate cuts reveal about manufacturing, inflation, and capital investment33:27 – Tariffs, Supreme Court delays, and the uncertain trade horizon for distributors51:08 – The “AI slop” problem: when generative tools create risk instead of efficiency01:04:22 – Amazon and PayPal move toward agentic commerce, what B2B can learn01:14:10 – The rise of humanoid robotics and physical AI in supply chain operations01:26:55 – Why courage and clarity will define the next generation of distribution leadersMeet the Hosts:Kevin Brown and Tom Burton are the co-founders of LeadSmart Technologies, creators of LeadSmart Channel Cloud™, an AI-enabled CRM and customer intelligence platform for distributors and manufacturers. With decades of combined experience in digital transformation, leadership strategy, and industrial data systems, they help B2B leaders thrive in the age of AI-driven distribution.Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:LeadSmart Channel Cloud™ – AI-powered CRM + Customer Intelligence for distributionAgentic Commerce – The next evolution of AI-driven transactional systemsContext Engineering – Framework for aligning AI with business intentIndustrial Supply Association (ISA) – Leadership development and AI fluency initiativesSection 232 & 301 Tariff Mechanisms – Understanding how U.S. trade rules impact sourcingClosing Insight or CTA:“AI doesn't replace relationships, it reinforces them by removing friction.” — Kevin BrownAs AI redefines how businesses operate, leadership must evolve alongside it.Leave 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.

The diversity of perspectives on the wine industry is something we love most about the business and something we want most to share with others, so we're extremely delighted to bring this group to the mics! Emily, who as the Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, is working not only on the marketing side, but also working closely with producers. Kaira represents the consumer facet, running a wine social club that not only drinks wine, but gets members out in the world to visit wineries, explore dining, and really engage with the lifestyle of wine. Mike owns M4 Distributing, a speciality wine wholesaler focused on natural/organic wines supplying top restaurants and shops across Michigan. Distributors are a critical link in the chain from producer to consumer in 3-tier states like Michigan, so their unique perspective literally shapes what's available.We had a great chat, filled with humor and insight, and think you'll enjoy these three as much as we did! Thanks for listening in!

Send us a textOpening a salon can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions in your career. It's easy to get caught up in the aesthetic side of things: paint colors, décor, logos, and brand vibes. But the truth is, those are the least important decisions you'll make. What determines whether your salon thrives or becomes a financial and emotional burden comes down to the foundations you build before you ever pick up a paintbrush.In this episode, we walk through a real planning process behind opening a salon you'll still be proud of years from now. We talk about business structure, pricing strategy, hiring and training, building your systems and standards, and how to set yourself up with the right support network, "your bench," so you aren't trying to figure everything out alone.Whether you're:A stylist dreaming of your own space,A current booth renter thinking of transitioning to ownership,Or a salon owner looking to stabilize or reset your business,This conversation will help you avoid the most common (and painful) mistakes salon owners make. This isn't just about opening a salon — it's about opening one you won't regret.Your business should serve you so that you can serve others.When we build from a position of strength instead of survival mode, we create salons that uplift our clients, our teams, and our lives.Let's build something that lasts!Key TakeawaysStart with foundations (mission/vision/values) before leases or logos.Build your infrastructure and cost model upfront; surprises kill cash flow.Create a living Playbook so standards aren't “assumed.”Price like a business: know breakeven, include profit, review yearly.Hiring ≠ onboarding: map growth paths for each role to reduce churn.Maintain a bench (lawyer, accountant, trades, mentor) to buy speed.Think lifetime value, not single tickets.Hybrid/renter/commission lines blur easily—avoid misclassification traps.Episode Timestamps[00:00] Opening + why early months aren't always “fun” for new stylists[03:00] Lifetime value thinking vs. “$200 today” mindset[06:00] What new owners obsess over (logos/paint) vs what actually matters[07:00] Foundations first: mission, vision, core values → business plan[10:00] Infrastructure checklist: banking, payroll, taxes, software, utilities, insurance[12:00] Distributors, licensing, and aligning products with values[15:00] Write your Playbook: roles, tasks, client issues, emergencies[23:00] Posts & Perspectives: hybrid pitfalls, renter/commission confusion[24:00] Pricing reality: breakeven, profit first, yearly reviews (not $5 bumps)[28:00] People plan: hiring, onboarding, growth paths, retention[31:00] Training cadence: six-month outlines, monthly/annual reviews[33:00] Build your bench: lawyer, accountant, trades, mentor—why speed wins[36:00] Define success & your North Star; plan before you signLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Ep 89: Do Distributors do Tradeshows Anymore? That's the question the boys are kicking around today after Mike went to Printing United recently. Also, surprise pickleball rematches, gripes, and eating too much when you're on the road.Check out the featured products:Arlon DPF V9500Nekoosa NextBond Nekoosa RTapeMetaMark Products"Your podcast is the best podcast in the business." - Jared Granberry, President, GSG (Graphic Solutions Group)The Slightly Serious Sign Podcast is now the #1 Most Fact Checked Podcast in the United States. Voted #1 by Signman (standing on a van on top of 18 pallets changing a lightbulb over a movie theater sign)https://www.wensco.com/company/slightly-serious-sign-podcast616.785.3333 W.A.R. (Wensco Automotive Restyling) Slightly Serious Sign Podcast Theme Song Courtesy of Joe Morreale© 2025 Joe MorrealeThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wensco Sign Supply. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "Wensco Sign Supply" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, prod...

This week's Open Mic guest is Patrick Ewan, Chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology and General Manager, Helena Products Group. This group of industry representatives continues to work for innovative products to balance the objectives of productivity growth and crop protection for the environment and consumers. Ewan shares how industry is working with the Environmental Protection Agency on regulatory reform as well as approval for new chemistries. He laments the economic challenges producers are facing and calls on leaders in Washington to respond with favorable legislation and regulations to help weather the cyclical downturn facing many crop producers. 

Host Frank Sohn welcomes Marc de Mey of Merkato Group—the team behind Merkato CPQ and brands Quootz, CPQ Belgium, Sell It Easy, CPQing Solutions, and DOK.legal. Marc shares his path from aircraft mechanics to CPQ leadership and explains how Merkato's low-code/no-code, API-first, headless architecture helps manufacturers move from complex requirements to accurate quotes fast. We compare hands-off vs. hands-on implementation models across the group, and why an external ecosystem of Merkato experts accelerates adoption. You'll hear practical integration patterns with Salesforce, SAP, Epicor, Infor, Odoo, Zoho and CAD tools like PTC Creo and Solidworks. We also cover three buying drivers—capturing hard product knowledge, creating a single source of truth that eliminates double entry, and delivering modern visualization. Best for manufacturers, OEMs, distributors, and EPCs (50–1000 employees), primarily in Europe but with global reach.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers long-awaited tax clarity for distributors — but only for those who know how to use it. In this sponsored MDM Amplify Podcast, Grant Thornton leaders explain the OB3's biggest implications, from bonus depreciation to new production deductions, and share how distributors can turn tax certainty into a strategic advantage.

In this episode of the Transform Sales Podcast: Sales Software Review Series, Eddie Bello ☁, Marketplace Specialist at CloudTask, is joined by Jonas Hammarberg, CEO & Founder at SP CE, a powerful Sales Acceleration Software designed to boost SMB sales through enhanced collaboration with partners and distributors. SP CE offers secure digital rooms for streamlined content sharing, actionable insights, and consistent stakeholder alignment. Jonas shares how SP CE empowers SMBs to manage their indirect sales channels effectively by centralizing marketing materials, product training, and sales enablement resources in one intuitive platform. He highlights the common challenges SMBs face when scaling their partner channels—like fragmented communication, inconsistent brand messaging, and limited visibility into partner activities—and demonstrates how SP CE provides a unified solution. Listeners will discover how SP CE simplifies the management of complex partner networks by offering clear visibility and control, enabling better forecasting and stronger partner engagement. Jonas emphasizes the ease of onboarding, intuitive interface, and robust analytics that deliver immediate insights into partner effectiveness and engagement. Try SP CE here: https://software.cloudtask.com/sp-ce-f71f24 #TransformSales #SalesSoftware #SPCE #CloudTask #PartnerEnablement #SalesAcceleration #ChannelSales #SMBs

We've officially hit 100 episodes of the Helena “FieldLink Podcast”! Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in since the beginning and to our guests for insightful conversations in each episode. In this milestone episode, Andrew Walmsley, Vice President of Government Relations for the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology, discusses how the Endangered Species Act, the Big Beautiful Bill and the restructuring of the Environmental Protection Agency will impact growers in 2026. (00:59) Jody Lawrences closes the episode with a Department of Agriculture quarterly stocks report update. (35:37)   Follow Helena Agri on social media to stay informed:   Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pq8XVJ Instagram: https://bit.ly/347QAO8 X: https://bit.ly/3hwvWdG LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3pwWLTh YouTube: https://bit.ly/35pLLQJ

Today's crossword is a debut for Brian Keller -- and it checks all the boxes as far as Mondays are concerned.Fun theme? ✅Not too hard? ✅Interesting clues? ✅15x15 or thereabouts? ✅In addition to a fine Monday, we've also hand-picked our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) for the last week, which goes to ... a crossword that will be revealed in today's episode, so do have a listen.A reminder that studies have shown that the NYTimes crossword is a fabulous way to improve your vocab, keep those neurons sparking, and make yourself more appealing to whomever you want to be more appealing to! All you need to do is wander over to the NYTimes subscription page, and they'll take it from there: tell 'em Jean & Mike sent ya!Show note imagery: The first meeting of the MPPDA (Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America), the ancestor of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

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.

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is the largest alcohol wholesaler in the United States. We caught up with Mark Chaplin, John Wittig, and David Chaplin, three of Sourthern's senior executives, to discuss the toughest issues facing alcohol distribution in 2025 and increasing pressure to become a total beverage distributor.  Note: This episode was recorded only a few days prior to Southern's acquisition of AB InBev's wholly owned New York City distribution operations. In the coming weeks, we will have the Southern team back on the show to discuss that transaction.  Catch up on our additional coverage of route-to-market strategy: REPORT: National alignment: How US wine and spirits brands can get the most out of their wholesaler PODCAST: How to negotiate a better distribution agreement PODCAST: What is driving wholesaler consolidation? PODCAST: Do wine and spirits wholesalers need to be more like beer distributors? Want to sign up for our written research? Have a question, qualm, or story to tell, reach out via email: Bourcard.Nesin@Rabobank.com  Check out the rest of our written research: rabobank.com/knowledge  Note: The content and opinions presented within this podcast are not intended as investment advice, and the opinions rendered are that of the individuals and not Rabobank or its affiliates and should not be considered a solicitation or offer to sell or provide services. Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast.

Justin Bergner shares his take on the current market landscape, where AI-driven stocks, such as Nvidia (NVDA), are driving gains, but inflation and job market concerns, as highlighted by Fed Chair Powell, create a tug-of-war. Despite the S&P 500's expensive valuation, Bergner sees value in the "pick and shovel" space, particularly in industrial distribution, citing Westco International (WCC) and GXO Logistics (GXO) as compelling plays.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Yellonjello, nerds! Welcome to episode 195 of Up Yours with More! Your friendly neighborhood BC is back again with the froggy-voiced MODOK, and they are all set to talk about comic book and pop culture headlines, the top books from last week, books they're excited for this week, and the Nerd Hole question of the week: What's the most iconic cover ever drawn? Find our answers in the back-half of the show!NewsRobert Redford Dead at 89Diamond Name Change!'Batman' #1 By Fraction And Jiménez Tops 500k SoldDC K.O. Update: December is All Fight Month!Marvel To Include Signed Originals In 'True Believer Blind Bags'‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Coming to Digital and Blu-rayFriend of UUA Kyle Starks To Release A New Wrasslin' Comic This DecemberMarc Silvestri Will Relaunch His Iconic ‘The Darkness' As A New Ongoing Series This DecemberFrank Frazetta 'Conan' 'Man Ape' Painting Hammers At $13.5 MillionFind Us Online at the Following Outlets Website :: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠upupandawaycomics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube :: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@upupawaycomics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ::  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/upupawa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠y and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/uuablueash⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram :: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/upupawaycomics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter :: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/upupawaycomics⁠⁠

Thinking hard about tariffs, AI tech, reshoring and keeping stock on the shelves, the fastener industry heads to Vegas for its largest annual conference of the year.  Director of strategic sourcing for Würth Industry USA, Brian Schommer explains the critical role of sourcing and the reboot of the Würth Knowing podcast (14:11).  Young Fastener Professional of the Year, Tim Vath of LSG shares his formula for success (37:49). On the Fastener News Report, Hans Fuller of Canadian distributor Fuller Metric joins Mike McNulty to compare notes on the surprising FDI numbers (47:39). Marco Rodriguez of Cresa discloses the 5 hottest markets for industrial warehouse space (1:20:14). Carmen Vertullo talks ASTM A193 B7 on the Fastener Training Minute (1:27:14). PLUS: Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy talks AI from the Applied AI for Distributors conference (1:38:35).  Brian and Eric ignore irritating bird noises and think about their new AI-enabled Scrubber. Run time: 02:00:58

Thinking hard about tariffs, AI tech, reshoring and keeping stock on the shelves, the fastener industry heads to Vegas for its largest annual conference of the year.  Director of strategic sourcing for Würth Industry USA, Brian Schommer explains the critical role of sourcing and the reboot of the Würth Knowing podcast (14:11).  Young Fastener Professional of the Year, Tim Vath of LSG shares his formula for success (37:49). On the Fastener News Report, Hans Fuller of Canadian distributor Fuller Metric joins Mike McNulty to compare notes on the surprising FDI numbers (47:39). Marco Rodriguez of Cresa discloses the 5 hottest markets for industrial warehouse space (1:20:14). Carmen Vertullo talks ASTM A193 B7 on the Fastener Training Minute (1:27:14). PLUS: Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy talks AI from the Applied AI for Distributors conference (1:38:35).  Brian and Eric ignore irritating bird noises and think about their new AI-enabled Scrubber. Run time: 02:00:58

Bryan has returned to LA to his torn apart kitchen and gets advice from EMTs about a bad batch of drugs in town. Erin's back from her quick trip to NYC where she saw some theater and families wearing merch from punk rock bands you forgot about. Erin talks about GOP shenanigans in Texas where lawmakers are attempting to pass a bill that would allow doctors, distributors and manufacturers of abortion pills to be sued for sending those medications into the Lone Star State. Bryan shares insights from trans journalist Erin Reed about how politicians like Gavin Newsom are pivoting to a bullying Republican playbook, and how Democrats are trying to minimize the efforts for pro-trans legislation because of conservative pushback. Bryan is bringing his show Are You Mad At Me?? to LA for one night only on 9/25! For tickets click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The managed services provider (MSP) market is experiencing a paradoxical trend where revenue is increasing while the number of providers is decreasing. According to Canalys data, global managed services revenue surpassed half a trillion dollars in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 9.7%. However, the number of channel partners has slightly declined by 0.6%, with large MSPs rapidly acquiring smaller ones. This consolidation trend has led to a significant shift in the market dynamics, where smaller MSPs struggle to compete against larger firms that possess superior resources and pricing power.To survive in this competitive landscape, smaller MSPs must adopt focused strategies, targeting specific customer segments or industries. By doing so, they can achieve higher profit margins, with specialized MSPs reporting EBITDA percentages between 15% to 30%, compared to just 7% for those lacking focus. The article emphasizes that smaller MSPs have several options: they can sell to larger firms, acquire smaller peers, focus on niche markets, or leverage partnerships to remain competitive. The reality is that the middle tier of MSPs is rapidly disappearing, and those who attempt to serve everyone may find themselves at a disadvantage.In addition to the MSP market dynamics, the podcast discusses recent legislative developments, including Michigan's new laws addressing deepfakes, which make it illegal to create AI-generated sexual imagery without consent. This reflects a growing trend across the U.S. to combat nonconsensual abuse imagery, with most states now having similar laws. Furthermore, the U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to North Korea's illicit IT worker schemes, highlighting the security risks posed by fraudulent practices in the tech industry.The episode also covers the latest advancements in AI-powered security solutions from various vendors, including Thrive, Addigy, Arctic Wolf, and Acronis. These companies are rolling out new services and products designed to enhance security operations and protect data. The overarching theme is that as technology evolves, the risks associated with it are also increasing, and IT service providers must adapt to these changes by offering value-added services that help clients navigate the complexities of compliance and security in a rapidly changing environment. Four things to know today 00:00 MSP Market Expands to $500B as Provider Count Shrinks Amid Rapid Consolidation04:10 From Abuse Imagery to Supply Chain Threats, Regulation Struggles to Keep Up With Emerging Risks07:45 AI Everywhere: Thrive, Security Vendors, OpenAI, and Microsoft Redefine Service Provider Playbook12:39 D&H and Nutanix Growth Signals Services-Led Future as Distributors and Vendors Push Into MSP Territory This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://scalepad.com/dave/ https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship  All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Ben Schlichter is no ordinary YouTuber. He doesn't do challenges or video essays. He talks about appliances and makes a LOT of money doing it, but not in the way you think. In this episode, we talk about, what you're missing out on by not using YouTube Shop, how to effectively use your videos to sell products, and when you should start making your own products. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benjamin's ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ *** TIMESTAMPS (00:00) The Appliance Repairman Making Millions (01:16) The Economics of an Appliance Channel (04:20) The YouTube Shopping Program (13:33) How to Use Affiliate Links to Sell (19:33) Ideation Strategy to Sell More Effectively (21:46) What Content Converts the Best? (23:58) Secret to Getting People to Click Links (27:19) SEO Oriented Packaging and Descriptions (29:12) Creators Are the Distributors of Attention (32:25) Traffic Source Data and Chapter Title Importance (35:09) The Maytag Uniform (38:05) When to Start Diversifying Your Channel *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#179: Justin Moore – A step-by-step strategy to get anyone sponsored, regardless of audience size. *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY