Made in America with Ari Santiago
246 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsEach week Ari interviews a thriving manufacturing leader and discovers the secrets to their success. He uncovers each guests' 'manufacturing story' - their path into and through the industry,
Ari digs into successes and best practices of each company and leader, as well as challenges and discoveries, to help listeners and guests learn from each other. Discover the strategies these great leaders have used to start, develop, and grow their business - workforce development, leadership, sales/marketing, investments, technology, mergers, workplace culture and so much more!
Ari Santiago is the CEO of CompassMSP a Technology Managed Service Provider with offices up and down the eastern seaboard and into the Midwest. He has a passion for the manufacturing industry and the incredible impact it makes on our economy.
Do you know someone who would be a great guest or have a topic you'd really like to learn about? Let us know! Reach out to our podcast producer at [email protected]
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Episodes
Building up a National Manufacturing Workforce with Carolyn Lee, The Manufacturing Institute
April 04, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 116 MBCarolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, shares her passion for promoting the incredible careers in manufacturing and ensuring that manufacturers of all sizes have the workforce they need to compete. This is no easy task, but it is vital to the success of thousands upon thousands of manufacturers across the country. In fact, Carolyn states that by 2030 nearly 4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled. The Manufacturing Institute...
Best of Made in America: Technology that's changing manufacturing
March 28, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 57.6 MBThis podcast episode pulls together the best clips from the podcast over the past few years all related to the technology that's changing the face of manufacturing. Whether it's new manufacturing technology, robotics and automation, model-based definition, or even marketing tech, technology is extremely important for the growth and development of a modern manufacturer. In this week's highlight episode, we've got clips from 11 manufacturers and the Connecticut Center for Advan...
Making the CT Economy Better with Alexandra Daum, CT-DECD
March 21, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MBAlexandra Daum, the new Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, joins Ari to talk about what the DECD's plans are to improve the economy for all of CT, and what they are doing specifically for our manufacturing audience. The DECD has a big job which includes job creation, supporting small businesses, community development, and marketing the state to internal and external audiences. Alexandra is helping to drive the solutions forward, but als...
Listen and Act with Bob Luther, Lex Products
March 14, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 99.6 MBThe story of Lex Products goes from MTV to PGA to the Iraqi desert and back again! In this episode, Bob Luther, Founder and Co-CEO of Lex Products talks to Ari about the start of Lex Products and the sustainability innovations that are bringing them into the future. Ari and Bob also discuss supply chain challenges, employee retention, company culture and much more before they deep dive into energy storage and it's potential for providing incredible power efficiency. Bob ...
Creating Joy and Love with Pasta, Carl Zuanelli - Nuovo Pasta
March 07, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 119 MBIn this episode, Carl Zuanelli, Founder and CEO of Nuovo Pasta, tells the origin story of Nuovo Pasta from learning pasta-making at a So. Norwalk restaurant to starting manufacturing. He says 'naïve confidence' allowed him to follow his dream - but we know it was hard work that made it happen! Carl talks to Ari about research & development and innovation. They discuss how learning to cook became a valuable experience that allows Carl to speak the 'language' needed to support his tea...
The History and the Future of Witch Hazel with Bryan Jackowitz, Dickinson Brands
February 28, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 119 MBIn this episode, Ari talks to Bryan Jackowitz, President of Dickinson Brands. Bryan has an incredible passion for his business. Between the Witch Hazel product itself, the history of the industry, the sustainable nature of their production, and the growth of the company along the way, what's not to be excited about? Bryan enjoys talking to Ari about the cool history of the product, but then dives into upgrades in processes, automation, and marketing that are allowing American Distill...
Fail fast and learn faster with Charles Coristine, LesserEvil Snacks
February 21, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MBIn this episode, Ari talks to Charles Coristine, President and CEO of LesserEvil Snacks. Charles isn't afraid to admit how little he knew when he started manufacturing snacks. But he learned something from each and every "failure" to pivot, make changes, and take the next steps with more knowledge. Lesser Evil started making "healthy snacks" and now they just make great snacks that happen to also be healthy. Charles talks about why they decided to bring manufacturing in-house and how...
Helping CT Manufacturers to Thrive with Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer
February 14, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MBIn this episode, Ari and Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, wrap up what Paul accomplished in 2022 and look ahead to the strategic plan for 2023 and beyond. They talk about Paul's goal to "relentlessly communication with all stakeholders" and his "L4" tour: lean-in, listen, learn, and link. They also discuss the key strategic pillars for 2023 and beyond: Workforce growth and development Supply chain resiliency Industry growth Innovation This episode is full of a pos...
Making a name in distilled liquors with Tony Tine, Waypoint Spirits
February 07, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 90.3 MBIn this episode, Ari talks to Tiny Tine, co-owner of Waypoint Spirits. They discuss the challenges of developing a local distillery, using their taproom as a testing ground, and expanding their reach through sports team partnerships. This local craft distillery is making a name for themselves starting in CT but aiming nationwide. Tony talks about their R&D process, their high-level business plan, and how they thinking about expansion. They are looking at 2023 as their "breakout year"...
Policy solutions that will transform Connecticut with Chris DiPentima, CBIA
January 31, 2023 13:31 - 43 minutes - 100 MBIn this episode, Ari and Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA, talk about the current state of the CT economy and how the "Transform Connecticut 2023 Policy Solutions" will help unlock Connecticut's true economic potential. These policy solutions sit in 3 main buckets: Cost of doing business Workforce development Investment in the future From tax credits to immigration to housing, Ari and Chris cover a ton of ground on policies that CBIA is pushing forwarding and...
Higher purpose beyond making profit with Gavin Watson, Conscious Capitalism CT
January 24, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBIn this episode, Gavin Watson, Chairman of Conscious Capitalism CT, talks about Conscious Capitalism and how it uses our current understanding of evolutionary biology to enable business to run in a way that makes people happier and more productive, while still making a profit. Gavin talks in depth about the 4 main principles: Conscious culture Conscious leadership Stakeholder orientation Higher purpose beyond making profit Gavin's Favorite book: This View of Life: C...
ERP implementation best practices with Paul Tedford, Synergy Resources
January 17, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBERPs can be extremely valuable, or a giant headache - it all depends on implementation! If you are considering investing in an ERP system, or you are struggling with your ERP and considering whether to find a new one…this is an episode you won't want to miss! Ari talks to Paul Tedford, CEO of Synergy Resources, about how to select the right ERP, the 5 reasons that ERP implementations fail, why you would buy new vs. fixing what you've got and so much more valuable info! Paul's Favorite Bu...
Finally…a fast hand dryer! with Denis Gagnon, Excel Dryer
January 10, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 90.5 MBIn this episode, Denis Gagnon, President of Excel Dryer, shares the passion that has created the top selling hand dryer in the world. He risked it all and won by developing, along with his talented engineers, the best possible product on the market. He is proud both of the company's Made in the US designation as well as the environmental impact of their product, which saves both trees and electricity. Denis's Favorite book: 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey Denis G...
Kickin' off 2023 with Ari Santiago
January 03, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 66.8 MBThis Ari-only Made in America podcast episode wraps up some great information from 2022 and gets you ready to succeed in 2023. Ari pulls together top ideas for workforce development from guests throughout the year and wraps it into a nice neat package in the first half of this episode. Then, he moves into the important topic of cybersecurity, to make sure YOU and your organization understand the continuous improvement mindset that needs to be applied to cybersecurity in order to keep red...
The Best of…Leadership Lessons, a Highlight Episode
December 27, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 49.4 MB"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams. This episode of the Made in America podcast brings together some of the best leadership tips from hundreds of episodes to inspire you to learn and grow as a leader. Hear from manufacturing leaders of both big and small companies as they discuss some of the lessons they've learned along the way. Many thanks to all our guests, but in particular tho...
Helping small businesses succeed with Catherine Marx, SBA Connecticut
December 20, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 82.1 MBThis episode with Catherine Marx, SBA District Director, might be the most valuable way you can spend 45 minutes on your business (other than getting on a call with the SBA directly!) Learn all about the three C's of the SBA: Contracting, Capital, and Counseling and how they can help your business to start, grow, and succeed. The SBA helps larger businesses than you might think - if you're smaller than 1500 employees, your company might qualify for assistance! Catherine's Favorite ...
Where Quality Comes First with Steve Prout, Alpha Q Inc
December 13, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 96.9 MB"Manufacturing gets in your blood," says Steve Prout, President of Alpha Q Inc. Although Steve didn't start his career in manufacturing, he discovered an incredible passion for it that has lasted a lifetime, just like so many of our other guests. Steve's passion comes across so clearly in this episode as he talks to Ari about both the history and future of manufacturing. From the initial measurement standards to high tech precision manufacturing to training the workforce of the f...
Crafting award-winning non-alcoholic beer with Jamie Lissette, Athletic Brewing Co.
December 06, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MBGrab a (non-alcoholic) beer and join host, Ari Santiago, as he talks to Jamie Lissette, COO, on this great episode all about Athletic Brewing Co and how they are changing the perception of non-alcoholic beer one can at a time. Learn how they are creating a new market, getting "cans in hands" and rising to the top as Inc 5000's 26th Fastest Growing Company in the US in 2022. Discover their secrets to a tiny, 2-3% employee churn rate, and find out more about their $50M investment from Keur...
Lasting 190 years with cultural relevance with Cici Bevin, Bevin Brothers Manufacturing
November 29, 2022 09:00 - 40 minutes - 93.3 MBCici Bevin is 6th generation, and the Chief Growth Officer, in her family's 190 year old manufacturing business. Although Bevin Brothers Manufacturing also manufactures compressed gas cylinders, they are most famous for their brand, Bevin Bells - the last standing American bell manufacturer. Cici talks to Ari about the incredible history of the company and their many pivots from making sleigh bells (back when sleighs were standard transportation!) to bells for household machines lik...
Creating new products to solve customer problems with Tim Kane, Goodway Technologies
November 22, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 104 MBIn his twenties, Tim Kane, President and CEO of Goodway Technologies, got a taste of patenting new products that solved problems he knew he could fix - he never looked back! Over the years, Tim has found holes in the industrial cleaning market and has used ingenuity and a great team of engineers to build the solutions his customers need. In the process he has taken Goodway Technologies from zero to 85 patents! Tim credits peer communities like YPO for helping him learn skills along the w...
Part 2- Live from the 2022 ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow!
November 15, 2022 09:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBHere's another set of phenomenal interviews from the floor of the Aerospace Component Manufacturer's Aerospace Alley Tradeshow. It's a high energy location with some high energy guests. Ari starts out talking to Paul Lavoie, Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer about the excitement surrounding the tradeshow and the high interest level of the students who attended the morning program. They then do a deeper dive into the state's 4 major initiatives for the Aerospace industry. At 15:...
Part 1- Live from the 2022 ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow!
November 08, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBWe love taking the tradeshow live to the Aerospace Component Manufacturer's Aerospace Alley tradeshow! This episode was recorded with guests from the tradeshow floor and has all the energy you'd expect from a tradeshow. Ari starts out with the President of the Aerospace Components Manufacturer's organization, and President of ACMT, Inc, Michael Polo. Michael is so passionate about getting students involved in manufacturing and talks all about how they do that in the ACM and at ACMT, Inc as...
Why you should take a seat at the table, with Jim Gildea - Bigelow Tea
November 01, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 90.3 MBThis episode is a great conversation w Jim Gildea, Director of Manufacturing at Bigelow Tea. Jim talks about getting involved in the educational system and encourages other companies to take a seat at the table to help develop curriculum needed for tomorrow's jobs. Jim and Ari talk about the great people-first culture at Bigelow and its effect on employee retention. Jim also tells us all about the really cool manufacturing technology and robotics that make Bigelow run smoothly, but neve...
The Next Big Thing with Mark Sullivan, Element 119
October 25, 2022 08:00 - 42 minutes - 96.3 MBIn this episode, Ari talks to Mark Sullivan, COO of Element 119 about his progression from ski bum to business consultant to COO. They discuss the interesting background of Element 119 and how the company moved from solving problems to growing small businesses all with ceramic coating. Ari and Mark dig into some chemistry and environmental impact, but overall this episode is about fast growth and making an impact! Mark's Favorite Business Book: Byron Walker - Small Business Turnaroun...
It's All About People with Scott Law, Argo EMS
October 18, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 74.3 MBIn this episode, Ari talks to Scott Law, General Manager of Argo EMS. They focus on education, workforce, and go to market strategy - all from a people perspective. Ari and Scott talk about Scott's progression from CT trade school grad to manufacturing leader. Connecticut has an incredible tech school system that is the envy of many states in the country and Scott is proof of its success. They discuss workforce issues like sourcing talent, retaining employees, and making strong and mean...
Precision, Momentum, and Communication with Jason Jarvis, Jarvis Airfoil
October 11, 2022 08:00 - 56 minutes - 128 MBThis episode follows the wide-spanning career of Jason Jarvis, President of Jarvis Airfoil, from his early years as a political reporter to radio broadcasting with his fascinating mom to landing at Jarvis Airfoil 17 years ago. Jason explains that the key to his career has been his aptitude for and belief in communication as a vital part of good business. Jason and Ari talk about how airfoils make an aircraft work; the history of how Jarvis got into airfoils; the precision ne...
From Engineer to Leader with Justin Wolfanger, Triumph Group
October 04, 2022 08:00 - 36 minutes - 84.4 MBThis episode, with Justin Wolfanger, President of Systems, Electronics, and Controls - Triumph Group, starts off digging into some of Justin's really cool background working on Sikorsky helicopters. But soon, Ari and Justin are discussing the complexity of working as a Tier 1 supplier and the intricate nature of the Aerospace supply chain. You'll learn a lot from this episode as Justin and Ari really go deep into business culture and leadership. Justin talks about the value he's found in ...
Hard Work, Life lessons, and Big Changes with George Podlasek, Winslow Automatics
September 27, 2022 08:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MBThis week's episode runs through the early (very early!) manufacturing career of George Podlasek, President of Winslow Automatics, through his legal career and back to manufacturing again. In this episode, Ari and George talk about the George's Dad's hard work ethos and how it molded the Podlasek family and business. George took lessons learned in his youth and through his legal career to continue growing and developing the business his grandfather started in 1956. In fact, he saw a wh...
Building relationships and specialized tools with Jacob Litke, Skillcraft Machine Tool Company
September 20, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 93.8 MBBusiness is all about relationships, even in specialized tool manufacturing! In this episode, Ari and Jacob Litke talk about the relationships that have grown Skillcraft Machine Tool. Jacob tells Ari about the successful ownership transition from his Father as well as his relationships with employees. He discusses the success of their apprenticeship program as well. Ari and Jacob also dig into what Lean Manufacturing means in a low-mix, high volume setting - and it's pretty different th...
Using Innovation to Make the World a Little Better with Marcia LaFemina, Penn Globe
September 13, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 95 MBAt nearly 150 years old, Penn Globe has both a fascinating history and an exciting future. President and CEO, Marcia LaFemina, covered tons of ground with our host, Ari Santiago, in this fast-paced episode. They talked all about the innovations that have kept Penn Globe strong and steady despite their small stature in the lighting world. Marcia told us all about their sustainability initiatives, refitting classic fixtures with current sustainable lighting sources, building new fixtures o...
Bamboozled into a Manufacturing Career with Laura Marasco, West-Conn Tool
September 06, 2022 08:00 - 38 minutes - 88.8 MBLaura Marasco took a winding path of leadership roles in finance that prepared her, brilliantly, but unwittingly, for a great career in Manufacturing! Listen as she tells Ari her story of going from banking to West-Conn Tool and how all her experiences lined up perfectly to bring her to her current CEO role (a role she took over from her husband, Dave). Without batting an eye, Laura has helped navigate West-Conn Tool from ISO 9000 certification, through a new ERP system, and then o...
How High-Tech Plastics Impact Lives with Bing Carbone, Modern Plastics
August 30, 2022 08:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MBPlastics can get a bad rap, but Bing Carbone, President of Modern Plastics, has a heart-felt way of telling the positive story of the high-tech plastics we count on every day. Bing talks to Ari about staying on top of the latest and greatest, whether it's ISO certification in 1997 or a TikTok account in 2022. Bing learned from his grandfather how to look ahead without fear to see what the future holds. Bing also shares his unique perspective on being acquired by a larger organization, bu...
Survive and thrive over multiple generations with Henry Siemon, The Siemon Company
August 23, 2022 08:00 - 46 minutes - 85.3 MBThis episode is jam-packed with great lessons for manufacturers. Henry Siemon talks to Ari about his 5th generation company and their ability to stay relevant and innovative to continue on as a powerful technology manufacturer. Henry and Ari discuss the challenges of being a new CEO and the benefits of a long transition time. They round out the conversation talking about i4.0 technology and the benefits of automation. The Siemon Company is able to keep a lot of their manufac...
Keeping a 98-year-old company young with Jon Ulbrich, Ulbrich Stainless Steel and Special Metals
August 16, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 72.5 MBSteel might sound old-school, but Ulbrich Steel is cutting edge! Jon Ulbrich of Ulbrich Stainless Steel and Special Metals talks to Ari about their 98 year-old company and how they keep it feeling young and fresh. Constantly coming up with new ideas, planning succession to maintain success, and thinking green are just a few of the key topics today. Ari and Jon also talk a ton about the current state of the supply chain and how Ulbrich Steel works with it and around it. Company Websi...
Using all the Right Resources with Peter Mirabello, Metal Finishing Technologies
August 09, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 86 MBThis episode with Peter Mirabello, Chairman and CEO of Metal Finishing Technologies, focuses on learning about, valuing, and growing the resources around you - whether it's a previously hidden subset of your business, developing the right leaders, or learning about and taking advantage of the external resources offered in CT. Peter and Ari talked about travel, leadership, diversification, workforce development, sustainability, and even the periodic table! Metal Finishing Technol...
Letting Optimism Lead You to the Best Risks with Mike Polo, ACMT
August 02, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 81.5 MBMichael Polo, Founder and President, of ACMT has a unique story leading him to manufacturing and an even better story of building ACMT! In this episode of the podcast, Mike shares his many stories with Ari to show that risk pays off, creativity wins, and trying the impossible can sometimes be your best bet. This rapid fire episode is full of fun and laughter that leads to some great manufacturing wisdom along the way. ACMT's Website: https://acmt.aero/ ACMT's LinkedIn: https://www....
Letting Optimism Lead You to the Best Risks with Michael Polo, ACMT
August 02, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 81.5 MBMichael Polo, Founder and President, of ACMT has a unique story leading him to manufacturing and an even better story of building ACMT! In this episode of the podcast, Michael shares his many stories with Ari to show that risk pays off, creativity wins, and trying the impossible can sometimes be your best bet. This rapid fire episode is full of fun and laughter that leads to some great manufacturing wisdom along the way. ACMT's Website: https://acmt.aero/ ACMT's LinkedIn: https://w...
3rd Anniversary Special: Sikorsky's Digital Transformation Journey with Mike Ambrose
July 26, 2022 08:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBThe Made in America podcast has been around for not 1, not 2, but 3 years! In honor of our 3rd anniversary, we are excited to welcome Mike Ambrose, VP of Enterprise Business Transformation from Sikorsky! Mike joins Ari to share his unique journey into Sikorsky, how artificial intelligence has allowed them to make huge strides, and why collaboration with your workforce is key. He discusses how helicopter technology has allowed them to do business more efficiently and effectively. Mike als...
The Most Important Purpose - Changing Lives Through Technology with Nicole Russo, Microboard
July 19, 2022 08:00 - 48 minutes - 88.1 MBThis week, we have a CT manufacturing advocate, friend, and President and CEO of Microboard, Nicole Russo, joining us on the Made in America podcast! Nicole joins Ari to discuss the 3 C's - credit, culture, and complexity, how they maintain close relationships with customers, and how regional sector partnerships can help workforce development challenges. She's passionate about providing solutions, building an uplifting culture, and growing the business. With technology at the forefront, ...
How Chemistry Can Help Solve Global Problems with Bill Smith, Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen
July 12, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 75.6 MBThis week's Made in America podcast episode features Bill Smith, President and CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen! Bill joins Ari to discuss why he enjoys working in the fuel cell industry, how they are using chemistry for space and underwater exploration and attracting talent for their exciting missions. He also discusses what is powering their growth and how they are addressing climate change challenges. He is confident that green hydrogen can help replace fossil fuels and lead to...
A Special 4th of July Made in America Episode: Bringing Manufacturing Back to the U.S.A.
July 05, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 46 MBIn honor of the July 4th holiday, we are releasing a special edition Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests! With a theme focused around reshoring, our guests discuss what they are doing to address supply chain issues, get closer to customers, and focus on workforce development efforts. We also explore the ways manufacturers across our state are looking to keep operations and processes close to home. The United States has the capability to compete wit...
Why Peer Learning is Crucial in the Manufacturing Space and Beyond with Dave Cremin, Straton Industries
June 28, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutes - 72 MBThis week we are welcoming Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, onto the Made in America podcast! Dave joins Ari to discuss how they are handling overseas competition, using lights out technology to become more efficient, and using creative recruiting to attract and retain people. He highlights the importance of peer learning and how you can learn valuable business lessons from others in various industries. Dave also expresses his gratitude for his team and how hiring an HR pro...
How a Numbers Junkie Made Her Mark on the Manufacturing Industry with Tina Bracone, BMS Aerospace
June 21, 2022 08:00 - 47 minutes - 87 MBThis week's Made in America episode showcases the story of BMS Aerospace through the eyes of their President, Tina Bracone! Tina joins Ari for an insightful conversation on business transformation, acquisitional growth, and team communication. She also explains how her focus on metrics has helped the company make strategic investments. By welcoming ROI opportunities and building up the culture, Tina is confident that they will be successful in the future ahead. BMS Aerospace's Websit...
How a CT Brewery Became a Historical Destination For All To Gather with Matt Tkac, Bad Dog Brewing Co.
June 14, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 69.4 MBThis week we welcome Matt Tkac, Founder of Bad Dog Brewing, onto the Made in America podcast! Matt talks to Ari about finding a building that tells a story, how the town of Torrington helped guide their development, and how they are trying to continuously accommodate customers. Matt discusses the uniqueness of their flavors, historical flare, and family affair. He acknowledges the endless support of his family and community and believes that their involvement has been crucial to the brewe...
From Bearings to Aerospace - A Manufacturing Shift Worth Making with Paul Giangrave, Frasal Tool
June 07, 2022 08:00 - 37 minutes - 68.2 MBThis week we are welcoming Paul Giangrave, VP of Frasal Tool, onto the Made in America podcast! Paul talks to Ari about what his manufacturing journey looked like, the collaboration that goes on between their engineers and OEMs, and how to make your employees feel appreciated. He also explains the company's shift from the bearing industry to aerospace and how they were able to stay competitive. Paul stresses the importance of cybersecurity and continuous improvement and why it's a must...
How to Make Your Community A Great Place for Manufacturers with Justin Malley, City of Bristol
May 31, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 65.4 MBOn this week's Made in America podcast, get ready for an insightful conversation with Justin Malley, Director of Economic and Community Development for Bristol, CT! Justin talks to Ari about what he is doing to engage and support manufacturers, how government plays a role in employment programming, and why marketing is the key to success. He discusses how Bristol is freeing up manufacturers' time by getting them connected to the right people and organizations. Justin also expresses the ...
Open New Doors by Taking Risks - in Business and Life with George LaCapra Jr., UniMetal Surface Finishing
May 24, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 81.5 MBThis week's episode features George LaCapra, President of UniMetal Surface Finishing, and his journey into manufacturing! George talks to Ari about the importance of enhancing customers' products, communication as the key to a strong family business, and standing out in the metal finishing space. George talks of the risks and leaps he took to get where he and his company are now. He finishes by talking about how a small hobby turned into a whole new manufacturing bus...
How 8 Generations Have Taken a Farming Business to New Heights with John Lyman and Gary Jalbert, Lyman Orchards
May 17, 2022 08:00 - 53 minutes - 97.6 MBIn this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, John Lyman, Executive VP, Secretary & Treasurer, and Gary Jalbert, President & CEO, of Lyman Orchards! In the first segment, John discusses what it's like to be a part of the Lyman family, how to build on the tradition of the business, and how they've become a popular destination in CT. Innovation and opportunity has opened many doors for them. Gary then joins Ari to explain the way he views their leadership, strategy...
How a Tool Box Can Leave An Everlasting Impression with Alan Ortner, Sirois Tool
May 10, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 75.4 MBOn this week's episode of the Made in America podcast, we are highlighting Alan Ortner, CEO of Sirois Tool and Chairman of NTMA! Alan talks to Ari about the basics of growing a tool making business, the importance of maintaining relationships and giving back, and how involvement in the apprenticeship program helps tackle workforce challenges. Alan also explains how they take care of their team from the benefits package and 401k offerings to a welcoming gesture prior to Day 1. He belie...
The Sweet Story of a Connecticut Cupcake Business with Carrie Carella, NoRA Cupcake Company
May 03, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 75.1 MBThis week we are welcoming Carrie Carella, Owner of NoRA Cupcake Company, into the Made in America spotlight! Carrie and Ari talk about her journey into the cupcake world, how she thinks about maintaining quality control, and how business connections can help improve mass production techniques. Carrie also discusses how she thinks about their go to market strategy and how social media has had a big impact on their success. Experimentation, partnership, communication, and branding, are j...