The Manufacturing Executive
Joe Sullivan
On The Manufacturing Executive podcast, we’ll explore the strategies and experiences that are driving midsized manufacturers forward. You’ll hear conversations with passionate manufacturing leaders who have compelling stories to share about their successes and struggles. You’ll also hear interviews with B2B Sales and Marketing experts about what’s working on the business development front and how to make these ideas actionable. Episodes will feature topics related to industrial marketing and lead generation, manufacturing sales strategy, technology, and industrial sector innovation.
Episodes
Let the Experts Be the Experts: Leading Without Every Answer w/ Amy Mercante
PPG's General Manager of Specialty Products, Amy Mercante, will tell you that leadership is not about proving you know more than the people who work for you. A research chemist turned business leader, she's often been the most senior person in the room without being the most knowledgeable. In this episode, we'll unpack what it looks like when a leader lets the experts be the experts. You'll hear what it means to flip the leadership pyramid, why she expects her team to bring a recommendation and not just research, and how to decide without waiting for every fact.
Why Manufacturing Marketing Is Different and The Event to Support Your Team w/ Wendy Covey
Manufacturing marketers are often isolated in their roles, working inside sales-driven organizations and sorting through marketing advice that wasn't written for them. That's why Gorilla 76 and TREW Marketing host the Industrial Marketing Summit, an annual in-person event in Austin, Texas, just for B2B marketers in the industrial sector. In this episode, originally recorded for TREW's Content Marketing Engineered podcast, TREW CEO Wendy Covey and I preview the fourth annual summit, February 23–25, 2027.You'll hear why the program goes past the basics into the nuances of reaching technical buyers, how 2027 pairs foundational work like messaging and product launches with AI search and AI for marketing teams, and why two agencies that sometimes compete decided to build it together. We'll also cover the three hands-on workshops, the new Industrial Marketing Awards, and what manufacturing leaders can do to give their marketers the education and peer network they need to stay ahead. Early bird pricing runs through October 16.
Always Be Exiting: How Manufacturers Build Value Years Before a Sale w/ Eric Wiklendt
When a private equity firm buys a manufacturing business, closing the deal isn't completion. It's commencement, the start of five to seven years of work to make the company worth more than it was. Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside Equity, has done that work from both sides, first as a plant manager and CEO inside manufacturers, now as the buyer. In this episode, he lays out the two-phase system Speyside runs on every company it owns: Fix the margins first, then Build the top line. He walks through what a buyer is really evaluating when they ask whether a business is scalable, why a company where every decision runs through the owner is hard to sell, how customer concentration gets priced, and the difference between creating value on paper and getting cash into your bank account. You'll also hear why Speyside starts planning an exit a full two years before it goes to market, his test for a sellable business, whether it's the kind of company Warren Buffett would want to buy from you, and why owners who may never sell should still operate by his rule: always be exiting. __ All expressions of opinion provided in this podcast are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. There is no assurance that the trends highlighted in this podcast will occur in the future or that the projections, if any, will be met.
Growing Women Leaders in Manufacturing w/ Allison Grealis
Manufacturing has spent years asking how to get more women into the industry. Allison Roberts Grealis, founder and president of the Women in Manufacturing Association, says the harder question is what happens after they get there. In this episode, she'll talk about why retention is where companies lose the people they worked hardest to hire, what it actually takes to grow someone into a leadership role, and why the women coming up need to see someone like themselves already in the room. We also get into how the leadership job in manufacturing has changed, and why stepping away from the daily grind has become part of doing it well.
The Next Chapter of SEO: How Manufacturers Get Recommended by AI w/ Grace Wright
There's a new acronym for it every week: AEO, GEO, LLMO, AI SEO. Grace Wright, VP of Innovation at Gorilla 76, will tell you that regardless of what you call it, the job is the same. Your buyers are searching for what you sell, and ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are answering with three or four company names. Yours is either on that list or it isn't. In this episode, we trace how 20 years of search engine optimization got us here. Then we get into what actually decides which manufacturers get recommended: whether AI can read your website, whether your content answers the question a buyer actually asked, and whether anyone outside your company vouches for you. You'll hear why the old tricks stopped working, what Grace found auditing manufacturer websites all summer and how to check your own visibility before this episode is over.
Why Your Toughest Parts Still Use 50-Year-Old Materials w/ Fazal Mahmood
Co-founder and CEO of Phaseshift Technologies, Fazal Mahmood, will tell you that much of modern industry still runs on metal alloys introduced half a century ago. Better ones are possible. Proving one works is harder and far more expensive than inventing it, and that's where most new materials die. In this episode, we explore why that's finally changing. You'll hear where additive manufacturing landed after the hype burned off, how technologies like nuclear fusion and hotter-running aircraft engines have outrun the materials they were built from and why a supply shock in tungsten pushed some of the most change-resistant industries in the world to start looking for alternatives. We'll also get into what a small-to-midsize manufacturer should actually do with any of this.
How Safety Drives Your Bottom Line and Why It Starts With You w/ Brian Fielkow
Ask everyone in your company one question: who's responsible for safety? About half will say the safety manager, and Brian Fielkow, consultant and author of Making Safety Happen, will tell you that half has it wrong. In this episode, we'll unpack why safety is a bottom-line business decision that starts with the leader, and why a safety failure really costs about five times what your insurance loss runs show. You'll hear how to harness the frontline leaders you already have, how to market safety to your own people, and a smarter way to respond when something goes wrong.
It's Not a Workforce Issue, It's a Workflow Issue w/ Alex Torrey
The headlines say American manufacturing has a workforce crisis. Alex Torrey, co-founder and CEO of AIC, America's Innovation Corporation, will tell you the real constraint is workflow. He sees component shops running at 20 to 50 percent utilization when world class is north of 90, held back by decision-making infrastructure built for a world that doesn't exist anymore. In this episode, we'll explore physical AI, the shift from software that moves data to software that moves matter, and the small, founder-led manufacturers whose components make it possible. You'll hear why Alex calls those shops national treasures, why he thinks the goal is outmaneuvering dependence on China rather than outproducing it and what owner-operators nearing a transition should know about the third option most of them have never been offered.
When Your Shop Is No Longer Bound by Geography w/ Sanjeev Singh Sahni
Books are more than 80% bought online. Electronics, more than 50%. Custom manufactured parts? Less than 1%. CEO of Xometry, Sanjeev Sahni, believes that gap makes custom parts the most underpenetrated e-commerce category in the world, and that closing it has less to do with manufacturing capability than with speed and data. In this episode, we'll explore why an engineer can design a part in an afternoon and then lose days to manual RFQs and hit-or-miss supplier matching. You'll hear how online marketplaces are dissolving the 30 to 50 mile radius that defined machine shops for generations, why a Houston shop built on oil and gas is now doing aerospace work, and what changes for a shop owner who would rather make parts than chase sales. We'll also touch on why Sanjeev insists his company call manufacturers partners rather than suppliers.
Six Facilities, Three Countries, One Culture w/ Darragh de Stonndún
Robots rarely break. Vision systems keep getting smarter. In automation, the technology has gotten so good that it's no longer what separates one company from another. Darragh de Stonndún, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics, will tell you what does: the people and the culture behind it. In this episode, we unpack how he built AIR across six facilities in the US, UK and Ireland by evaluating every acquisition on culture first and walking away from impressive companies when the fit wasn't right. You'll hear what he looks for in a capital partner beyond the capital itself, how he gets a customer the identical experience no matter which facility touches the project and why he assembles the best experts across the whole company rather than handing the work to the nearest plant. We'll also get into where he expects AI to earn its keep in manufacturing, and the line he draws between using a new tool to do better work and using it as a shortcut.
The Success Trap: How Winning the Big Contract Can Also Break You w/ Chris Hale
Founder and CEO of Klear, Chris Hale, will tell you that companies rarely fail for lack of demand. They fail when capital falls out of sync with operations. In this episode, we dig into what Chris calls the success trap: the moment a manufacturer finally lands the transformational contract it's been chasing for years and discovers that's where the hard part begins. You'll hear why a career-making order is often the most dangerous moment for a business, what actually has to change inside a company to scale 10x into a massive backlog and how to turn tough payment terms with a much larger customer into a moment of leverage instead of weakness. We'll also get into why traditional bank tools are built to look backward and why the smartest teams build a capital strategy before the big order lands rather than after.
Using AI to Right-Size Inventory and Kill Shortages w/ Richard Lebovitz
Founder and chief strategy officer of LeanDNA, Richard Lebovitz, will tell you that one of the biggest causes of part shortages isn't what you'd expect. It's failing to tell your suppliers what you don't need. In this episode, we dig into why supply chain teams get stuck firefighting shortages while executives chase working capital, and how those two goals drift out of sync. Richard makes the case for running a supply chain the way a good marketer runs a campaign: short, targeted and measured, then adjusted. You'll hear the difference between predictive and prescriptive AI, why the prescriptive kind is so much harder to get right, and the mistake he sees manufacturers make when they hand AI a decision it isn't ready for. Underneath all of it runs a simple idea he picked up early from the partners who taught him Lean: the point of any technology is to make the work easier for the people doing it.
Turning the E-Waste Stream Into a National Asset w/ Matt Bedingfield
CEO of Mint Innovation, Matt Bedingfield, will tell you there's a gap in America's reshoring push that almost nobody's talking about. We're rebuilding the muscle to make things again, but we skipped the raw materials those plants run on, and the country now faces a million-ton copper shortfall it fills by exporting scrap and re-importing the same metal refined. In this episode, we explore why a sovereign supply chain matters as much as the factories themselves, how the "urban mine" of electronic waste could become a national asset instead of a landfill problem, and why solving this takes an ecosystem rather than one company at a time.
Governance: Aligning Product, Project and the Plant Floor w/ Richard Broo
Most manufacturers are good at planning a product and good at planning a project. Where launches fall apart is everything in between. Founder and principal of True North PMP Consulting, Richard Broo, will tell you that operations, quality, logistics and finance get left out of the room until it's too late. By the time manufacturing hears about a launch, the line's already booked out for months. In this episode, we dig into what Richard calls governance: getting every function aligned from day one, before anybody flips the switch. You'll hear why growth amplifies whatever's already broken, how to spot a project drifting off track while you can still fix it, and what it looks like when a team gets it right. Along the way, Richard shares real turnaround stories from decades in plastics, medical packaging and industrial manufacturing.
Building Stronger Relationships With Your Manufacturing Reps w/ Chris Atwell
Leadership coach Chris Atwell, founder of Mindset Conquest, will tell you that 100 sales calls a month proves your reps are busy. It doesn't prove your business is growing. After two decades selling through and alongside manufacturers rep agencies, he's seen the same trap over and over: activity reports that look productive but never tie back to revenue. In this episode, we dig into how manufacturers and their independent reps can build predictable growth together. You'll hear why tracking calls is the wrong place to start, how a shared revenue target and a real sales pipeline change the relationship, and what it takes to enable reps who already know your market better than you do. We'll also touch on the three pillars behind his new book, Momentum by Design.
The Real Threat to Tribal Knowledge Isn't Just Retirement w/ Jamie Marzilli
Most manufacturers are bracing for the silver tsunami: the wave of retiring veterans taking decades of know-how out the door. Founder of Marzilli Machine and host of the Raw Material podcast, Jamie Marzilli, will tell you that's only part of the problem. In this episode, we explore the bigger piece most shops overlook: the tribal knowledge that slips away every day in what you don't write down. You'll hear how Jamie's shop already puts AI to work on the floor, why he's convinced AI will create manufacturing jobs rather than erase them, and what a machine shop looks like five years out.
Turning Around a Struggling Manufacturing Operation w/ George Murray
Business transformation expert and author of nine books, George C. Murray, will tell you that most manufacturing turnarounds fail before they even start. And often, it's because leaders ignite fear of change with the wrong language and wrong approach. In this episode, we’ll unpack what it really takes to revive a struggling operation, from assessing cash flow and margins to building genuine trust and rallying teams behind new goals. You’ll hear why reframing “change” is critical, how open dialogue accelerates results, and which metrics matter most. We’ll also touch on harnessing AI to drive improvements, and why those willing to learn will rise with their organizations.
When Legacy Thinking Gets in the Way of Manufacturing Innovation w/ Annie Lu
What happens when the experts tell you something can't be done? Today's guest built a company by questioning assumptions that had gone largely unchallenged inside a massive legacy industry for decades. Annie Lu, co-founder and CEO of Laminar, joins me to talk about challenging conventional wisdom, earning credibility as an outsider, and why manufacturers who stay open to new ways of solving old problems will be the ones best positioned for the future.
What the Last Four Industrial Revolutions Teach Us About Today w/ Paul Lachance
Chief Industry Strategist, Technologist and Evangelist at Software Equity Group, Paul Lachance, believes the AI revolution we're living in belongs in the same conversation as steam power, electricity and robotics. In this episode, we explore the lessons manufacturers can learn from past eras of disruption, why some companies emerge stronger while others get left behind and how leaders can cut through the AI hype to focus on the opportunities that create real business value.
From Make-Use-Throw Away to Circular: Plastics Manufacturing’s Next Chapter w/ Ross Eisenberg
In today’s conversation, we’re exploring a shift in the plastics industry – from the old “make, use, throw away” model to a future focused on circularity. At the heart of this transformation is the rise of advanced, or chemical, recycling technologies. My guest today, President of America’s Plastic Makers, Ross Eisenberg, will tell you why these innovative processes are key to tackling plastics that traditional recycling leaves behind, and why the industry itself is leaning into this change as a path for growth rather than just regulatory compliance. He'll break down what’s driving the move, the hurdles still ahead and what real success might look like in a truly circular plastics economy.
7 Steps for Manufacturing Leaders to Take Off the Sales Hat w/ Mike Huey
In today’s conversation, we’re tackling a challenge manufacturing leaders know all too well: wearing too many hats. In particular, we'll be talking about the sales hat, and why taking it off is often harder than it sounds. My guest, author and sales advisor Mike Huey, will share a proven framework to help you transition from founder-led sales to a scalable, repeatable system that doesn’t depend on you. Whether your company is gearing up for growth or eyeing a future exit, this conversation offers a road map for making your business both scalable and saleable.
Advancing Battery Innovation for a Power Grid Under Pressure w/ Arwed Niestroj
In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical bottlenecks in the electrification revolution: batteries. With the rapid explosion of AI and the data centers powering it, the strain on our power grid has never been greater. Yet, beneath the surface, few realize just how challenging and intricate battery manufacturing really is – in a world where chemistry is king, precision is everything, and the tiniest defect can derail an entire product line. My guest today, President and COO of Sakuu, unpacks why battery limitations dictate the lifespan of everything from EVs to smartphones, and what true innovation in manufacturing means for reshoring production and overcoming global cost barriers.
Moving From Generative to Physical AI on the Manufacturing Floor w/ Etienne Lacroix
In this conversation, Founder and CEO of Vention, Etienne Lacroix, points to two fast-moving trends that are impacting manufacturing: the growth of “physical AI,” which brings autonomy to machines on the factory floor, and the real-world impact of software-defined automation. In this episode, you’ll hear what’s actually working with these technologies, and what still falls short. We’ll get into the specific tasks AI handles well, the practicalities of implementation and ROI and what manufacturing leaders should expect in the near future as AI adoption accelerates across production environments.
Supporting Advanced Manufacturing at a State Level w/ Bryce Carpenter
In today’s conversation, we dive into what it takes for digital adoption to take root in the manufacturing sector. More specifically, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, Bryce Carpenter, will tell you how state-level organizations like Conexus are stepping up to support manufacturers of all sizes, why simply chasing the latest technology rarely works and how we need to focus first on solving real business problems and aligning workforce for change.
Thinking in Decades Rather Than Quarters: Leading with a Long-Term View w/ Kelly Thomas
President & CEO of Vista Metals, Kelly Thomas leads her manufacturing organization with a different mindset – thinking in decades rather than quarters. In this episode, she'll tell you how building for the long term impacts company culture, strengthens resilience and prepares teams for industry shocks. She’ll share real-world lessons in leading through uncertainty, from adapting to global market changes to investing in people – even in tough times.
The Hard Truths About Reshoring American Manufacturing w/ Eddy Azad
We hear a lot about reshoring these days. But bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. In today's conversation, CEO at Parsec Automation, Eddy Azad, will talk about the real-world complexities and strategic decisions manufacturers face when considering reshoring. He'll offer his perspective on where reshoring actually makes sense, why manufacturing leaders need to think beyond cost alone and how innovation and technology can play a crucial role.
How Quality and Innovation Roles are Changing in Data-Rich Manufacturing Environments w/ Daniel First
In today's conversation, Founder and CEO of Axion, Daniel First, will share his observations about how data-rich manufacturing environments are transforming the roles of quality and innovation. He'll tell you how manufacturing leaders are starting to leverage AI to turn overwhelming streams of customer, device and service data into opportunities for faster product development and smarter collaboration. And he'll explain how quality teams are moving beyond the plant floor to become strategic partners across engineering, marketing and supply chain.
The Arrival of High-Volume Metal Additive Manufacturing w/ James DeMuth
In today's conversation, Co-Founder & CEO at Seurat Technologies, James DeMuth, will share how a different approach metal additive manufacturing can radically increase throughput, disrupt industry economics and reshape supply chains. He’ll offer his perspective on where additive manufacturing stands today, discus applications and share his perspective on what’s needed for U.S. manufacturing to stay competitive.
Getting Out of Break-Fix Mode: Using Maintenance Data for Better Manufacturing Decisions w/ Paul Ross
So many manufacturers find themselves stuck in break-fix mode, constantly reacting to machine maintenance problems instead of staying ahead of them. If this sounds familiar, what's it costing your business, your team and your ability to plan for the future? In this episode, CMO of Limble, Paul Ross, shares insights not only from his own experiences, but also from an extensive survey of manufacturing maintenance teams, revealing eye-opening gaps between data collection and how it influences decision making. We’ll dig into why manufacturers struggle to trust their maintenance data, what that means for capital expenditures and how to break free from reactive habits. Find a link the the survey referenced in this episode, The Data Discipline Gap: Inside Limble’s 2026 Maintenance Benchmark Report, here: https://limble.com/blog/cmms-data-quality-2026-benchmark-report/
AMRs in Manufacturing Environments: Safety, Data Security and Other Considerations w/ Shari Brown and Krystal Mattich
Imagine robots moving freely alongside your team, navigating unpredictable spaces and handling tasks once reserved only for people. In this conversation, Shari Brown and Krystal Mattich of Brain Corp pull back the curtain on the role autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, can play in manufacturing environments. More specifically, they'll talk about safety considerations, data security and earning the trust of your human workforce.
Surging AI and Data Center CapEx: Are We on the Verge of a Bubble? w/ Wasif Khan
Manufacturers everywhere are doubling down on data centers and AI infrastructure, fueling a surge in investment that has many asking: are we living in a bubble, or is this the start of long-term, transformative growth? In today’s conversation, CFO and Co-Founder of viaPhoton, Wasif Khan, will share his perspective about what's really driving this wave of capital, where the risks (and opportunities) truly lie and how manufacturing leaders can navigate the inevitable swings of the market.
From Paper and Spreadsheets to Connected Data: Making the Digital Leap w/ Ian Burns
Why do so many manufacturers still rely on paper, spreadsheets and disconnected systems to run complex operations? And what unfolds when they step into fully integrated, data-driven environments? In this episode, President at Applied Control Engineering, Inc, Ian Burns, will answer these questions. He'll also explain how digital twins are impacting everything from operator training to faster, safer process improvements. And he'll share candid insights on the unique cybersecurity challenges facing modern manufacturers as their systems become increasingly interconnected.
Solving Labor Challenges the Simpler Way: A Fresh Look at Robotics w/ Ken Macken
Manufacturing automation isn’t what it used to be. Today, robots can be controlled from an iPad, set up with zero training and be up and running almost immediately – even in high-mix, high-variability manufacturing environments that once seemed impossible to automate. In this episode, CEO and Founder of Workr Labs, Kevin Macken, will tell you how they're eliminating traditional automation barriers – shifting the focus from complicated tech to practical workforce transformation. Ken will explain how they're empowering operators – allowing teams to adapt faster, increase capacity and focus on more valuable tasks.
Systematizing Machine Shops to Strengthen National Security w/ Justin Baucum
Justin Baucum of Isembard brings a unique perspective shaped both by years of military service and a passion for the resurgence of American manufacturing. In this conversation, he’ll tell you why veterans are uniquely equipped for careers in manufacturing, how teamwork and mission-driven execution are more critical than ever and why our national security depends on revitalizing domestic supply chains. He’ll also give us a look into an unconventional model for systematizing and scaling machine shops in a way that supports defense readiness.
How Humanoid Robots Are Already Transforming Production Lines w/ Colin Webb and Paul Baker
At this point, we've all seen our share of entertaining videos where humanoid robots are doing backflips or taking on opponents in the boxing ring. But what about production-ready humanoid robots operating alongside people, driving measurable results and transforming daily operations inside of real businesses? In this conversation, Founder/CEO of Avatar Robotics, Colin Webb, and CFO of Productiv 3PL, Paul Baker, will tell your how they've left the humanoid robotics pre-party and are putting this technology to use in real-world environments today. We’ll explore what sets humanoid robots apart from traditional automation, how they’re changing roles for people and what their presence means for the future of work in manufacturing.
A 100-Year Manufacturing Journey: Navigating Change While Honoring Legacy w/ Matthew Feldman and Mike Feldman
What does it take for a third-generation manufacturer to thrive for a full century in a market where so many competitors have packed up and left? In today’s conversation, cousins and Co-Presidents of Yula Corporation, Matthew and Michael Feldman, dig into the strategies and mindset shifts that have fueled growth, modernization and resilience for their family manufacturing business. You’ll hear about making the pivot from commodity products to high-spec engineering, the impact of digitizing legacy workflows and how culture, leadership and family values drive employee retention, and ultimately business success.
Hosting a Niche Event and Building a Community Around It w/ Wendy Covey
In today’s episode, CEO of TREW Marketing, Wendy Covey, and host, Joe Sullivan use their upcoming event, The Industrial Marketing Summit, as an example to talk about the benefits of designing a niche event for your specific audience. Specifically, they dive into how hosting an in-person gathering can create a sense of community, spark meaningful conversations and build valuable relationships. Learn more about the event and register the marketer from your organization here: https://industrialmarketingsummit.com/
The 6-Step Framework for Rescuing a Manufacturing Business w/ Dean Svarc
Author and consultant Dean Svarc rebuilt himself after his multimillion-dollar business collapsed, rising to develop a framework that’s now rescued multiple struggling companies. From overlooked basics to culture missteps, he'll share how hidden threats often lurk within a business – undermining growth from the inside out. And one at a time, he'll take you through his six-step blueprint for turning chaos into clarity.
How Employee Financial Literacy Supports a Healthy Culture w/ Natalie Kaddas
Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises, believes investing in employees means empowering them with lifelong skills. After discovering financial literacy gaps were holding her team back, she launched a transformative program focused on helping them understand money, set goals, and build financial stability. In this episode, she shares how teaching essentials like budgeting and credit scores led to dramatic improvements in retention, morale, and even business performance. She’ll explain the impact of removing financial anxiety and why supporting employee financial health can be a powerful catalyst for success
Building a High-Value, Buyer-Ready Manufacturing Operation w/ Renita Wolf
Founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, Renita Wolf, will tell you that exit planning isn’t just a final step before selling your business. It’s something smart owners build toward from the very beginning. She’ll explain why building transferable value and reducing owner dependency are crucial from the start, setting the stage for higher valuations and a smoother sale when the time comes. You’ll hear her insights on the most common gaps, deal killers and the practical actions business owners can take now to strengthen their companies. She’ll also discuss why the hardest part of exiting is often personal, and how to prepare yourself for both the financial and emotional sides of what comes next. Free resource: 7 Essentials Every Business Owner Must Have Before Exiting (preparing for a high-value, low-regret business transition): https://www.poewolfpartners.com/seller/
Preserving Brand Legacy While Expanding Global Footprint w/ Todd Smith
With supply chain disruptions, shifting geopolitical risks and increasing pressure for efficiency, today’s manufacturing leaders face operational challenges that go far beyond simply making parts. In today's conversation, President and CFO of Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), Todd Smith, explores the opportunities and complexities of weaving multiple specialized legacy brands into a unified platform to help address those challenges, without losing the trust and expertise that made those brands successful.
Bringing Lean Manufacturing to Life Through Visual Workspaces w/ Steve Riley
Why do so many continuous improvement and lean initiatives start with excitement, only to stall out or disappear entirely months later? What distinguishes organizations that truly embed these principles into their culture from those that just go through the motions? In today’s episode, COO of Bespoke, Steve Riley, will share his firsthand perspective from decades in manufacturing leadership. Specifically, he'll tell you why visual systems matter, where most lean rollouts go off track and what it really takes to make progress stick.
5 Strategic Manufacturing Marketing Plays for 2026 w/ Peyton Warren
In this conversation with Gorilla 76 Marketing Director, Peyton Warren, we'll dive deep into five things we believe b2b manufacturers should consider doing to move the needle through marketing in the new year. They are: 1. Events and in-person opportunities 2. Building an audience you own through community development 3. Distribution and reach 4. Streamlined content creation (repurposing and AI efficiency) 5. Clear vision of what success looks Like
Finding Manufacturing’s Invisible Workforce w/ Simba Jonga
What if every skilled worker in manufacturing suddenly became searchable? In today's episode, Founder and CEO of Laborup, Simba Jonga, shares his perspective on how the manufacturing labor gap might be less about a lack of people, and more about a lack of access to those individuals. He'll talk about why millions of machinists, welders, and technicians remain hidden from traditional job boards, and how his team is working to make them visible and accessible for the first time.
Scaling a Family Manufacturing Business to $100M with Jenn Barlund
How do you scale a family-owned manufacturing business to $100M in sales without losing the family feel? From building a culture where employees feel seen and valued, to transforming the customer experience, to raising the bar for operational excellence, in this episode, President of Falcon Plastics, Jenn Barlund, shares what it means to focus on both people and profitability. You’ll hear why choosing the right partners and sometimes saying no are critical, how transparency shapes trust and why innovation matters in an otherwise stale industry.
Creating Manufacturing Environments Where Engineers Can Thrive w/ Josh Tarbutton
What happens when engineers have the space and freedom to actually solve problems their way? And what does that mean for innovation on the factory floor? In today's conversation, Chairman and Chief Innovator of Bravo Team, Josh Tarbutton, will get into the real challenges and rewards of giving engineering teams more agency, why trust matters and how even small changes can have a big impact on your culture.
Leveraging Government as Regulator, Funder and Customer w/ Terry Szmagala
Manufacturers often see government as a nuisance. Or, at best, a rescuer in times of trouble. But my guest today, Founder and Principal of TGS Advisory, Terry Szmagala, will argue that we need to instead think about government as a key stakeholder. Specifically, he'll share his perspective on three ways government can play a role in your business: 1) as a regulator 2) as a funder and 3) as a customer. He'll offer actionable tips for making government work for you, not against you, and explain why your voice matters more than you might realize. Let’s jump into it.
How Extended Reality Can Revolutionize Operator Training and Equipment Service w/ Gilad Tzori
COO of Frontline.io, Gilad Tzori, has spent years inside of manufacturing organizations, witnessing firsthand how complexity, workforce shifts and rapid technological change have upended traditional service and training models. In today’s conversation, he’ll explain why step-by-step PDFs and classroom lectures are no longer sufficient, and what a new era of immersive training looks like for the manufacturing sector. He'll also share real-world examples of virtual and extended reality tools in action and discuss how AI and digital twins can transform the way teams learn, collaborate and solve problems on the shop floor.
The Dirty Little Secret of Digital Manufacturing: Why People Still Matter w/ Rush LaSelle
As the manufacturing sector faces both a generational workforce shift and rapid advancements in AI and automation, today’s conversation reveals the “dirty little secret” behind digital manufacturing, and why human-centered thinking remains the heart of successful change. My guest today, CEO of Fathom Digital Manufacturing, Rush LaSelle, will discuss the realities of labor shortages, explain what digital enablement really means and share what a future with humanoid robots on the factory floor might look like.
Chocolate Castings, Apprenticeships and the Future of Manufacturing Careers w/ Mike Kubacki
The workforce crisis in US manufacturing isn’t just a challenge – it’s a national security risk. This is particularly true in casting and forging, where today's guest Mike Kubacki has spent two decades. In our conversation, he explores the urgent need to rebuild America’s industrial base, the reality behind modern manufacturing environments and how innovative programs are connecting hands-on learning with next-generation careers. We’ll learn why engaging students early, supporting employee growth and linking frontline work to real-world impact are key to the future of US manufacturing.