Forged in Focus

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Joe Rodriguez, regional quality manager at IRISNDT, to discuss his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming an ASNT Level III professional and how mentorship shaped his career. They explore the role of nondestructive testing, the importance of quality culture, digital radiography, workforce development and the future of inspection techno...

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward talks with Mike Pischke about his remarkable journey from working as a pipe welder at a nuclear power plant to helping shape some of the most important standards in the pressure vessel industry. Mike discusses how hands-on field experience influenced his approach to engineering, quality management and code development.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Tony Swart of Webco to break down the fundamentals of steel tubing and why understanding the difference between welded and seamless products matters for cost and performance. Tony shares insights from decades in manufacturing, including how market shifts, tariffs and supply chain decisions are shaping today’s industry. The conversation al...

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Jeff Hock to explore the legacy behind Brighton Tru-Edge Heads and the leadership lessons that shaped its return to the market. Their conversation covers pressure vessel head manufacturing, global competition, tariffs, workforce development and the challenge of scaling growth without sacrificing quality, safety or culture.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon talks with eliability and mechanical integrity specialist Ed Naylor to break down the inspection hold points that matter most for heat exchangers, pressure vessels and API tanks. They discuss why hydrotesting is not enough, how bundle insertion can reveal hidden quality issues and what experienced inspectors look for beyond the checklist. Jon and Ed share re...

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon sits down with Jessica King of Palletized Trucking to break down how oversized and super heavy industrial loads are moved from fabrication to final delivery. Jessica shares the evolution of Palletized Trucking, the role of family leadership and the planning, permitting and specialized equipment required to transport large vessels and components.

In this episode of Forged in Focus , Jon speaks with Rita Byrd, a board member of the Institute for Supply Management, about the forces shaping modern supply chains and procurement leadership. Rita explains why the PMI remains one of the most closely watched indicators in manufacturing, how technology like AI is changing decision-making, and what skills the next generation of supply chain leaders...

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon talks with Andy Soprano of Lincoln Electric about how technology, training and workforce development are reshaping the future of welding. Andy shares insight on automation, AI, immersive training and the changing skill sets today’s welders need to succeed. The conversation highlights how innovative education models and advanced welding solutions are helping...

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon sits down with Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative, to explore the data and strategy behind America’s manufacturing comeback. Moser shares how reshoring and foreign direct investment are reshaping supply chains, creating jobs, and reducing risk for U.S. manufacturers. The discussion dives into Total Cost of Ownership, workforce dev...

In this conversation, Stephen Borg of Vogel Group breaks down how trade policy, Section 232 and 301 tariffs, and a forthcoming Supreme Court review of reciprocal tariffs are shaping cost and certainty for fabricators and manufacturers.   He and Jon discuss workforce development, the role of apprenticeships and CTE, and bipartisan ideas like the Dignity Act to expand a lawful labor pipeline while s...