Made in America with Ari Santiago

In this episode, Randy Hauser, President of Chicago Metal Fabricators, discusses the turnaround and growth of this metal fabricator company with roots dating back to 1908. Randy shares his journey from joining the company as a turnaround specialist to leading it through transformative changes in sales, marketing, and operations. Discover how Chicago Metal Fabricators differentiated itself in a competitive market by investing in large-scale equipment and building a culture of professionalism. Randy also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and fostering a team-oriented environment that encourages continuous improvement. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, manufacturing challenges, and the critical role of maintaining a strong customer focus. Randy's favorite book: Competitive Strategy, Michael Porter Randy Hauser, Chicago Metal Fabricators Website: https://chicagometal.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagometalfabricators LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagometal

In this episode, Charlie Radcliff, President of Radcliff Wire, shares the impressive journey of his family-owned business. Radcliff Wire specializes in custom-shaped wire, serving diverse industries such as aerospace, medical, and electronics.   Charlie talks to Ari about the company's diversification strategy, which came down from his father, and continues today as a mainstay. He also discusses the importance of continuous innovation to stay competitive.   Learn how the company leveraged state grants to adopt advanced technologies, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve. Discover why understanding the end-use of their products is crucial for entering and thriving in multiple markets.   Charlie also emphasizes the importance of making smart investments in technology and personnel, which have been key to their sustained success. He reflects on the company's rich history and his passion for the business.   This episode is packed with good insights on thriving in manufacturing!   Charlie's favorite

This week's episode is not only entertaining, it's also so educational.  Aneesa Muthana is a fantastic storyteller with a unique road into her roles.   Aneesa is the CEO of both Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding, companies she took over from multiple family members and built to the successful organizations they are today. M&M produces precision centerless ground bar stock and Pioneer Services provides precision machining.   Aneesa tells the stories of how she took over each company more than 20 years apart. She shares some of her leadership approach, her focus on manufacturing evangelism, and her thoughts about diversity, equity, and inclusion.  There are a few twists and turns in this episode you certainly don't expect!   Aneesa's favorite business book: Start with Why, Simon Sinek    Aneesa Muthana, Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding Pioneer Service:Website: https://pioneerserviceinc.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-service-inc-/ YouTube: https://

This week we welcome Rick Skidmore, Founder and CEO of Timberlane. Timberlane hand-crafts beautiful, high quality wooden shutters. They have also crafted an incredible company culture thanks to implementing some of the best current business theories on continuous improvement and organizational structure.  On this episode, Rick shares how he puts theory into practice building a continuous improvement mindset into the company culture. He talks about scalability, goal setting, and chunking down those big goals into small actions.  Rick and Ari also talk about how to think about marketing - which is a sticking point for many manufacturers. Finally they discuss the incredible value of executive peer-to-peer networking groups with one of the strongest statements of endorsement we've ever had on the podcast!      A fantastic episode from beginning to end.  Rick's favorite business books:  The E-Myth, Michael GerberFrom Strength to Strength, Arthur C. Brooks  Rick Skidmore, Timberlane Website: https://ww

There are so many fascinating niche businesses in manufacturing, and this week's episode is one of them. Park City Packaging manufactures specialty packaging for vital, large, and/or dimensionally complex aerospace parts so they can be safely and securely shipped across the country or across the world.   Owen Polzello, the next generation leader and current VP of Operations, talks to Ari about the risks and rewards the company has taken over the years. They discuss Owen's background and passion for the business. Owen shares lessons learned from his time in leadership, valuable company culture tips like encouraging idea sharing across multiple facilities, training and then promoting from within, and the incredible value of setting roles, expectations and goals for every employee.   This episode Is chock full of great advice from a young leader who will continue to make waves in the manufacturing space.     Owen Polzello, Park City Packaging Website: https://www.thepackcenter.com/ LinkedIn: https://ww

In sectors of manufacturing that remain "dirty jobs", like foundries and casting, it's even more important to have a fantastic company culture, where word of mouth brings in new employees and liking what you do is paramount. On this episode, Ari talks to Chris deGruchy, Principal and General Manager of Cast Rite Metal, about his company culture that keeps people engaged with transparency and care. Chris tells Ari about his business journey and they talk about the puzzle pieces that make up a great business. Chris shares that it took several years to really love what he does, but it was completely worth it. Together they discuss the importance of building and growing relationships throughout a career. You never know when someone you met years ago might become your best advocate, or your next customer. Chris has a passion for American Manufacturing and loves to share it!  Chris deGruchy, Cast Rite Metal Website: https://castritemetal.com/ Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-degruchy-ba1

Discover how AtmosAir's groundbreaking bipolar ionization technology has been a game-changer for indoor environments. President and CEO, Steve Levine, delves into the challenges of proving the technology's efficacy and its eventual adoption by professional sports teams.  Steve discusses the technology's significant impact on energy costs, absenteeism in schools, and improvements to work environments. With 300% growth in three years and successful tests against viruses, AtmosAir is making a substantial difference in indoor air quality and sustainability.  Tune in for an interesting conversation about innovation, supply chain resiliency, forecasting, and making a positive impact on the world.  Steve Levine, AtmosAir Website: https://atmosair.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atmosair-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtmosAir/\ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atmosair_solutions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Atmos_Air Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-levin

In this week's episode, discover how the multifaceted company, Virginia Industries - consisting of Hartford Technologies' (balls and bearings) and Bingham and Taylor (access solutions for water and gas) - has navigated nearly 100 years of twists and turns to stay relevant.    Laura and Ari discuss many tough decisions the company had to make along the way. They talk about a strategic shift to overseas production and shutting down segments of the business to stay competitive. On the flip-side, they also discuss bringing back manufacturing capabilities to meet customer needs and investing in new technologies to be prepared for upcoming market shifts.   With an eye on the future and an understanding of the past, Laura and Ari talk about the necessity to reinvent your company over and over through the years.   Laura Grondin, Virginia Industries Hartford Technologies Website: https://hartfordtechnologies.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hartford-technologies Facebook: https://www.facebook.

On this episode, Kate Hampford Donahue, CEO of Hampford Research, discusses the transformative journey of taking over her father's specialty chemical company.   Without a background in the chemical industry, Kate embraced a new kind of leadership, using skills gained throughout her early career. She recounts the pivotal support of Vistage, a CEO peer-to-peer group, that provided her with invaluable insights and support.   Kate shares her initial challenges from discovering the company was in a poorer shape than anyone realized to reshaping its culture and strategy in the face of that adversity. She managed to turn challenge into opportunity…and fell in love with manufacturing at the same time!   Kate's favorite book: Blue Ocean Strategy, Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim   Kate Hampford Donahue, Hampford Research Website: https://www.hampfordresearch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampford-research-inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/HampfordRsrch Kate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.

Adapting and thriving through uncertainty and change is one thing that Jack Birtwell, President and Owner of Porter Preston, knows well!   On this episode, Jack shares his journey and how he turned a career setback into a successful enterprise. He and Ari delve into the importance of supportive partnerships - both his business partner and his wife have been instrumental to the company's start and success. They talk about what makes a successful partnership.   Jack also talks about the fun and positive culture that propels Porter Preston forward. He highlights both his "harmony policy" and their innovative recruitment tactics that ensure a great workplace.   Jack's favorite business books: Customers for Life, Carl Sewell 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey   Jack Birtwell, Porter Preston Website: https://www.porterpreston.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porterprestoninc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjM-ltTIAneBYDjFjI21BA Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/po

Learn how you can save money on your electricity or even make money from it, while also making your power infrastructure more reliable and sustainable!   In this episode of Made in America, Ari talks to Christina Lampe-Onnerud, CEO of Cadenza Innovation, about the transformative potential of battery storage technology.   Christina discusses how Cadenza Innovation's approach to battery storage can significantly increase safety, reduce electricity costs, enhance grid resilience, and promote sustainable energy consumption. That's a lot of benefits!   From scientist to entrepreneur, Christina shares how she leveraged her experience and expertise to make a substantial impact on energy systems and efficiency.   This episode offers a deep dive into how innovative energy solutions like Cadenza's can make your business more profitable while also achieving environmental benefits. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of energy and manufacturing.   Christina's favorite business book: Good to Gre

Wanna be inspired by the next generation of manufacturers? Watch this episode!    This week's guest discovered a passion for manufacturing that led not only to her current role at Accuturn Manufacturing, but also to designing programs that teach the next generation about manufacturing.   Rani Viroja, Quality Engineer and a 2nd generation leader at Accuturn talks about her company, her story, and the Advanced Manufacturing Employee Partnership (AMEP).   Rani tells Ari about Accuturn's focus on being more than a job shop - their ability to act quickly, and locally, means they can solve customers' supply chain issues in unique ways.   Rani's work with AMEP focuses on connecting students to manufacturing careers, demonstrating the power of early exposure to the field. Through innovative programs and personal engagement, Rani is at the forefront of inspiring the next generation to explore the diverse and exciting opportunities manufacturing has to offer.   Rani Viroja, Accuturn Website: https://accutur

A company that values good culture values its employees. In this episode we learn all about Dymotek, specialists in plastic molding, from their CEO, Shelley Fasano.   Shelley talks to Ari about the history of the company - how their entrepreneurial founders believed in finding the right people for the right job and continue that tradition today.   We learn about Shelley's manufacturing journey - a great women in manufacturing story. And we discover how she aligns the company's Core Values with everything from hiring to bonuses.   There's a lot to learn from this episode, including some great examples of using automation and new technology to improve jobs and productivity.   Shelley Fasano, Dymotek Website: https://www.dymotek.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dymotek-Corporation/130484690351110 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dymotek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dymotek-molding Shelley's LinkedIn:   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.c

Sustainability, customer focus, core values, and relationships are what this episode is all about.   This is a compelling conversation with Jaclyn Epstein, COO of MICA Corporation, a pioneer in water-based primers for sustainable flexible packaging solutions.   Discover how Mica Corporation is revolutionizing the industry with a customer-focused approach and a commitment to environmental stewardship ingrained in the company's DNA.   Jaclyn also shares insights into documenting the company's core values—customer focus, continuous improvement, and helping each other thrive —which  drive innovation and keep everyone rowing in the same direction.   Favorite book: Hug your Customers: Love the Results, Jack Mitchell   Jaclyn Epstein, Mica Corporation Website: https://mica-corp.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/micacorporation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mica-corporation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MicaCorporationShelton Jaclyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-epst

As technology like Augmented (AR), Virtual (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) as well as AI become better and better, the use cases for business continue to grow. In this week's fascinating episode, Ted Dinsmore from SphereGen Technologies explains what these technologies are and how they can be used to solve complex business challenges.   After initially serving the medical industry, Ted realized that AR/VR/MR and AI could make a big impact on manufacturing as well. In this episode, Ted walks Ari through some of the use cases of each technology to help our listeners imagine what could be done in their our facility.   Technologies like these are vital as the older manufacturing leaders must pass on vital information to a younger, more technically savvy generation. The uses of new technology are only limited by your imagination…so come imagine what can be accomplished.   Ted's favorite business book - his own…Partnering with Microsoft   Ted Dinsmore, SphereGen Website: https://www.spheregen.com/ Twitter: ht

Farrel Pomini is a 175 year old company that has been through multiple iterations of their manufacturing journey - and still survives! In their latest iteration, they are a leader in research, design and manufacture of compounding systems for the polymer processing industry.   In this episode, Ari talks to Paul Lloyd, President of Farrel Pomini, about the history of the company and Paul's role for the past 30+ years. They dive into the sustainability of the plastics industry and the innovation that must continue in order to make it a viable solution for the planet in addition to the economy.   Throughout the episode, we hear Paul's reflections on his path into manufacturing and see how that is mirrored by their new and very successful Engineering Development Program.   Ari and Paul cover both the past and future all in one episode!   Paul's favorite business book: Zero to One, Peter Thiel   Paul Lloyd, Farrel Pomini Website: https://www.farrel-pomini.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrelPomini

CCATs technology adoption programs and funding opportunities for small and medium sized manufacturers keep growing and developing, so we are always happy to hear from Ron Angelo, President & CEO about their latest and greatest programs.   Ron tells Ari about continuous improvement over the years at CCAT and how they are focusing in on areas like training and technology adoption.  They discuss programs like the Digital Thread Lab, Additive Adoption Program, and Digital Transformation Program - which focuses on areas like model-based definition and non-destructive testing.    At the end of the day, CCAT aims to help the regional supply chain stay competitive  and resilient!   Ron Angelo, President and CEO, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) CCAT's Website: https://www.ccat.us/ CCAT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccat/ CCAT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCenterforAdvancedTech Ron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronangelo/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMS

The manufacturing industry is constantly talking about workforce recruitment and retention. It's been a big topic on the podcast for several years, as well, and approaches are changing.   This week, we're sharing some of the recruitment and retention secrets that you may have missed during this year's episodes. We've pulled together some of the best tactics from great leaders across the state to help you make some additions or changes to your recruitment and retention strategy.   We also threw in some updated (and positive!) plans from Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development that are helping to support the growth of the CT workforce as both manufacturing and as a whole.   Kick off your 2024 recruitment with a bang!    Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-am

Medical device reprocessing is a fascinating niche of medical manufacturing that we haven't yet discussed on the podcast!   In this episode, Craig Allmendinger, CEO of Northeast Scientific (NES), shares the remarkable journey of NES. This a story of some serious perseverance!   Discover how NES navigated substantial early challenges, overcame massive regulatory hurdles, and established credibility in a tough market. Ari and Craig talk about the innovation needed to continue and to compete, as well as the added complexity of quality control required of any medical manufacturer.     Finally, learn about the impact of World Pace, NES's non-profit arm, that collaborates with the University of Michigan to provide affordable pacemakers globally.   Craig has been on a wild ride to success and he shares it all on this episode!   Craig Allmendinger, Northeast Scientific Website: https://www.smarthealth-care.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nescientific/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pr

What does it mean to make mechanical watches the traditional way? Think made-by-hand, incredibly tight tolerances, and exceptional attention to detail!  That's what you get with Love Hunter Watches, an exclusive luxury watch manufacturer bringing back American watch manufacturing.   On this episode, we welcome Love Hunter owner of Love Hunter Watches and learn about his fascinating journey and his obsession with watchmaking. Love talks about his unique road to entrepreneurship, the inspiration his father gave him, and the inspiration he passes along to his high school students as a manufacturing instructor in Derby, CT.      This one-of-a kind manufacturing story is 100% worth watching or listening to!   Love's favorite business book:   The Management Bible, Bob Nelson & Peter Economy    Love Hunter, Love Hunter Watches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carey-manufacturing-inc- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareyManufacturing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careymanufacturing90