Made in America with Ari Santiago

This week's Made in America podcast guest is Doug Rose, President and Founder of Aero Gear, who is known for his manufacturing success story and Italian table wine! Doug talks to Ari about the importance of keeping up with technology to compete in the global market, embracing change, and developing a philosophy of continuous improvement. He discusses the power of opportunity and how it led him to where he is now. Doug also expresses his excitement and passion towards Aero Gear's culture and explains how stimulating it is to always see your team engaged. By getting involved with the ACM and the manufacturing industry as a whole, Doug has learned what true teamwork looks like and how crucial it is to come together to get the job done! Aerospace Components Manufacturers (ACM): http://www.aerospacecomponents.org/ Doug Rose, President and Founder, Aero Gear Aero Gear's Website: https://www.aerogear.com/ Aero Gear's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerogearinc Aero Gear's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa

We are welcoming Cyndi Zoldy, Executive Director of MASC, back onto the Made in America podcast! Cyndi joins Ari to give updates on her career change from the Smaller Manufacturers' Association (SMA) to Manufacturing Alliance Service Corporation (MASC), what MASC's training capabilities look like, and how exciting it is to see students succeed. Cyndi also discusses the benefits of getting involved in manufacturing associations like the SMA, how she plans on expanding MASC into different communities, and how social media has played a key role in spreading awareness of manufacturing careers and resources. She is passionate about the work she does and loves being involved in the manufacturing education space. Her excitement and drive is contagious! SMA's website: https://sma-ct.com/ Cyndi Zoldy, Executive Director, MASC MASC's Website: https://www.mascttc.com/ MASC's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mascttc MASC's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-alliance-service-corporation-inc/ Cyn

On this week's Made in America episode, we are welcoming Russell Soder, Managing Director of Pilates Lineage! Russell talks to Ari about his journey from being an actor to a Pilates equipment manufacturer and how he ended up in New England. He discusses what their go to market strategy looks like, how they stand out amongst others in the Pilates community, and how he's built the products with his hands. Russell has always focused on bringing the original intentions of Joseph Pilates to life through their products and details what this process looks like. He also believes it is important to build relationships with those around you and get involved in great manufacturing associations like Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA). EAMA's website: https://eamainc.com/ Russell Soder, Managing Director, Pilates Lineage Pilates Lineage's Website: https://pilateslineage.com/ Pilates Lineage's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateslineage Russell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-soder-480914

We are very excited and honored to welcome Governor Ned Lamont onto the Made in America Podcast! In this Made in America episode, Governor Lamont and Ari cover some of the hot topics surrounding CT manufacturing including workforce development, programming and support, and business expansion. He shares why he became Governor and how we can continue to move manufacturing forward. Governor Lamont discusses what we can do to keep the momentum going, create stability in the state, and attract the best talent in CT. He believes there is a bright future ahead and that together we can successfully build and expand our entire community! There are strong manufacturing advocates in the state that can help answer your questions and get you the help you need: - Colin Cooper: CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer - Kelli Vallieres: Chief Workforce Officer - Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice Chair of the Governor's Workforce Council - David Lehman: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community develop

On this week's Made in America podcast, we welcome Norm Needleman, CEO of Tower Labs! Norm details his journey from cab driver and mathematician to effervescent products and the state senate. He shares advice on being open to the opportunities around you, how to utilize your skills to advance your career, and what it takes to grow a business. Norm also talks to Ari about their competitive strategy in the market and entire country and how important it is to find a skilled workforce that can get the job done. With a passion and focus on helping people, Norm takes pride in his role as a business leader, State Senator - 33rd District, and First Selectman for the town of Essex! Norm Needleman, CEO, Tower Labs Tower Labs's Website: https://www.towerlabs.com/ Tower Labs's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tower%20Laboratories/136222533094421/ Tower Labs's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tower-laboratories-ltd./ Norm's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norm-needleman-7ab039a/ Ari Santiago, CE

This week Greg Bloom, President and CEO of Capewell, is making his Made in America podcast debut and we are excited to welcome him! Greg shares his unique journey from working in corporate finance to manufacturing. He details how Capewell is a successful service provider for their customers and the U.S. and how to add significant value to products that can't fail. As an aviation and aerospace industry leader, Greg discusses what manufacturers need to do in order to compete - from leaning into technology to paring down your products and services. With workforce being near and dear to his heart, Greg believes in building a strong culture within the manufacturing community! Greg Bloom, President & CEO, Capewell Capewell's Website: https://www.capewell.com/ Capewell's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capewellaerialsystems Capewell's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5n95gMdRQFKJqIOLuaVGJg Capewell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capewell/ Greg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in

This week, we welcome Neil Tremaglio, President of Waterbury Swiss Automatics, onto the Made in America podcast. Neil talks to Ari about being a bigger part of the business, what working with his father was like, and what lessons he learned along the way. He discusses business cycles and the importance of making strategic decisions and how to consistently satisfy customers. Neil also details the manufacturing generation gap here in CT and how the tide seems to be changing. Community involvement, investing in technology, and business development, are all important topics explored in this episode! Neil Tremaglio, President, Waterbury Swiss Automatics Waterbury Swiss Automatic's Website: https://waterburyswiss.com/ Waterbury Swiss Automatic's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterbury-swiss-automatics/about/ Waterbury Swiss Automatic's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Waterbury-Swiss-Automatics-510180922401014 Neil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-tremaglio-94a07617/ Ari Santiago, CEO

This week we are excited to welcome Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the CT Science Center, onto the Made in America podcast! Matt details the history of the CT Science Center and his involvement, how crucial it is for younger generations to engage with science, and what types of educational engagement and learning experiences are available to their visitors. As a long-time friend of Ari's, Matt details how he is inspired by the messaging of the podcast and how important it is to build a strong and innovative community here in CT. Their Annual Gala is also right around the corner. Visit: https://ctsciencecenter.org/support/annual-gala/ for more information! Matt Fleury, President & CEO, CT Science Center CT Science Center's Website: https://ctsciencecenter.org/ CT Science Center's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutScienceCenter CT Science Center's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CTScienceCenter CT Science Center's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ct-science-center/ Matt's

This week we are joined by, Austin McChord, Founder and Former CEO of Datto and current CEO of Casana. Austin brings an interesting yet valuable leadership perspective onto the Made in America podcast. Austin talks to Ari about his time at Datto and how his experience shaped him into the individual he is today. He discusses leadership strategies, how he turned a friend's toilet seat dream into a reality, and what it takes to bring your 'A' game as CEO. Austin also mentions the importance of teamwork, how to make tough decisions, and the idea of attracting talent in Norwalk. He's a passionate leader who gives back and enjoys helping those around him! Austin McChord, CEO, Casana Casana's Website: https://casanacare.com/ Casana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/casana-care/ Austin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcchord/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linked

This week we are welcoming a positive leader and advocate for CT manufacturing, Sabrina Beck, Vice President of Altek Electronics, onto the Made in America podcast! Sabrina talks to Ari about her transition into a business with her father, how she had to learn manufacturing concepts from the ground up, and how they are thinking about sustainability and climate change. She discusses the workforce challenges the company has recently faced and how to think about product diversification. As the new President of the Smaller Manufacturers Association (SMA), Sabrina is excited to continuously learn and collaborate with manufacturers across the state. Sabrina Beck, Vice President, Altek Electronics Altek Electronic's Website: https://www.altekelectronics.com/ Altek Electronic's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltekElectronicsInc Altek Electronic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-ff94V9f0gZglbkqLDDtg Altek Electronic's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altek-electronics/ Sabrina's LinkedIn

On this week's Made in America podcast episode, we are taking a turn and learning about the journey of Ted Dumbauld, Founder of SoNo 1420. Ted talks to Ari about the meaning behind SoNo 1420, the advantages their distillery has in the marketplace, and how they are thinking about ROI for the future. He explains their unique combination of hemp seed and alcohol which makes this CT distillery stand out from the crowd. Ted also discusses how they think about implementing lean practices and shares his appreciation towards CCAT and the manufacturing community overall! Ted Dumbauld, Founder, SoNo 1420 SoNo 1420's Website: https://www.sono1420.com/ SoNo 1420's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoNo1420Distillers SoNo 1420's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sono-1420-artisan-distillers-llc/ Ted's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddumbauld/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: http

On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring John Mendicino, Owner of Ramdy Corp, and his journey from education to the manufacturing world! John talks to Ari about the importance of using solid modeling and technology to drive your business forward, how to think about efficiency, and what it takes to turnaround a business. John discusses how a strong partnership turned into a successful business deal and the steps he had to take along the way. He believes that Ramdy Corp has proven themselves to their customers and continue to make great products! John Mendicino, Owner, Ramdy Corp Ramdy Corp's Website: https://www.ramdycorp.com/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-direct-llc Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itdirect151 Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/ Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://micel

This week we are so excited to release our 2 year anniversary episode which celebrates the Made in America podcast and highlights some of our former podcast guests! Over the past 2 years we have had over 100 guests on the show, who share their success stories and words of wisdom. Ari's last two questions are the ones that stick out the most: "What has propelled you to the success you've had and what advice would you give your young self?" We are highlighting a few of these answers in hopes that it inspires others to do great things in the manufacturing community and help build a future of success. Please share this episode with other manufacturers and business leaders, so we can learn and grow together! Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-direct-llc Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itdirect151 Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asan

This week we are featuring, Jeff Wihbey, Superintendent of Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), on the Made in America podcast! Jeff talks to Ari about his 23 year background in education as a teacher, department head, principal, and now superintendent. He details the endless opportunities CTECS offers, how they are spreading awareness about career technical education across the state, and what their efforts look like from a manufacturing perspective. Jeff discusses the need for more manufacturing teachers to keep up with the manufacturing workforce demand in CT. He encourages students to engage in work based learning experiences, so they can learn more about the working world and career expectations. Jeff is passionate about his CTECS kids and believes that together we can change the perception of CT manufacturing for students and parents alike! Jeff Wihbey, CTECS CTECS's Website: https://www.cttech.org/ CTECS's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTTechHS CTECS's LinkedIn: https://www.

On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring Molly Kellogg, President and CEO of Hubbard Hall, and her unique story about learning how to strategically run a generational family business! Molly talks to Ari about the life lessons her father taught her and how she applied them to the specialty chemical business. She also covers how they incorporate environmental planning, think about strategic acquisitions for business growth, and focus on product development for the future. Molly discusses how important it is to value your people first and how great it feels to make an impact on their lives. The focus on people, customer relations, and succession planning, will help take Hubbard Hall to the next level! She's not only a star business leader but a great hockey player too! Don't miss out on this great episode highlighting a successful CT manufacturer. Molly Kellogg, Hubbard Hall Hubbard Hall's Website: https://www.hubbardhall.com/ Hubbard Hall's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hubbard-Hall-Inc-15

In light of the shortened holiday week, we wanted to share a special highlight episode of the Made in America podcast. On this episode, Ari has pulled over a dozen clips from podcast guests talking about the great resources and opportunities that are out there in CT's manufacturing community. We have incredible manufacturing associations and organizations that make our state so unique! Hear first from representatives of these organizations, and then from the manufacturing leaders that have gained so much insight from their work with these groups. Unfortunately, we were not able to highlight every manufacturing group and organization in the state, but we pulled out 6 of the most frequently discussed. It is so important to get involved in the community, share lessons learned and best practices, and succeed together! We hope this episode inspires you to take advantage of these incredible opportunities all around you. Please share this episode with other manufacturing leaders and get them involved too!

On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring Jay Forte, Director of Finance and Human Capital from Light Metals Coloring! Jay talks to Ari about his unique journey as a CPA to a corporate educator who wound up in manufacturing. He discusses how critical it is to focus on engaging your people, create an effective customer and employee experience, and ask the question, 'is it me or is it you?' Jay taps into the manufacturing industry and believes that there is a need for a culture and mindset shift when it comes to team performance. He suggests that leaders and managers take time to recognize that there are talented people out there, who can help their organizations succeed. Accountability, self-awareness, and engagement are just some of the key points highlighted in this episode; don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Jay Forte, Light Metals Coloring Light Metals Coloring's Website: https://www.lightmetalscoloring.com/ Light Metals Coloring's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightMetalsC

In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, Doug Johnson, President, and Tyler Johnson, Journeyman Toolmaker, from Marion Manufacturing! In the first segment, Doug discusses his journey into manufacturing specifically into the family business, the idea of learning from mistakes in order to be successful, and the importance of embracing a younger workforce. He even mentions how he is setting up the business for Tyler! Tyler joins Ari to talk about his experience with the apprenticeship program, what it is like working with/for his father, and advice he would give to younger generations. He is a firm believer of change, creating something as a team, and hard work. You don't want to miss out on this father and son duo! Doug and Tyler Johnson, Marion Manufacturing Marion Manufacturing's Website: https://marionmfg.net/ Marion Manufacturing's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarionMfg Marion Manufacturing's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marion-manufacturing-company-inc-/

Join us for a special release of our 100th Made in America podcast episode! There's a bit of a twist; Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA and former podcast guest, takes over the show and puts Ari Santiago in the hot seat. Chris asks Ari some hard hitting questions including ones sent in from former podcast guests. The two highlight the story of how the Made in America podcast came about and the future of the show. Ari reflects on the past 100 episodes and covers topics related to CT's manufacturing ecosystem, mid-course podcast corrections, embracing manufacturing technology, and how manufacturing and business leaders can lean into the future. He discusses some golden nuggets and stories he's heard from podcast guests and details how the state of CT can continue to support manufacturing. Stick around for the rapid fire round of questions at the end; you will not be disappointed! Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ CBIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa

This week, we are featuring Melanie Hoben, Director of Workforce Development for Goodwin University, onto the Made in America podcast! Melanie discusses her role within Goodwin University and how she is consistently assessing the needs of both manufacturers and incumbent workers. She focuses in on the great training programs available to students and how employers can take advantage of them. Melanie also talks to Ari about Goodwin's partnership with the Department of Labor, CCAT, and the CSCU system. She stresses the importance of building relationships, upskilling the manufacturing workforce, and preparing students for the working world! Melanie Hoben, Goodwin University Goodwin University's Website: https://www.goodwin.edu/ Goodwin University's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodwinUniversity Goodwin University's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/goodwincollegect Goodwin University's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/goodwinuniversity/ Melanie Hoben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in