Rust Belt Rundown

Our guest this week is John Austin, an educator, leading advocate, and a fellow at several of the nation’s premier policy and research institutions. In this episode, John shares his perspective on the evolution of manufacturing in the Midwest and why the future of economic growth depends on innovation, education, and workforce development. John also offers insight into the evolution of skills requ...

This week our guest is Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles . In this episode, Amy shares how she built MMI into a nationally recognized industrial textile brand. She discusses the evolution of the U.S. textile industry, the importance of domestic manufacturing, and why solving problems and building trusted relationships have been the foundation of MMI’s success. Amy also reflects...

Our guest this week is Lorne Novick, CEO of JumpStart , an entrepreneur support organization that equips tech startups and small businesses with the support they need to thrive. Lorne shares how his deep connection to JumpStart’s clients shape his leadership approach. He discusses the importance of building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio, the role of grit in both startups a...

This week our guest is Scott Colosimo, the CEO of ⁠LAND⁠ , a Cleveland-based electric motorcycle manufacturer. In this episode, Scott shares how his interest in motorcycles started and how it led him to discovering design and eventually entrepreneurship as a way to pursue his passions. He reflects on the role that hands-on experience, design education, and Cleveland’s manufacturing roots have play...

Our guest this week is Shakorie Davis, President and Owner of Next Generation Construction , a Cleveland-based construction company. In this episode, Shakorie shares his journey from carpenter to business owner. He talks about the power of mentorship and his commitment to ensuring the construction industry better reflects the communities it serves. He also discusses leading major projects with top...

This week our guest is Tyler Adams, Vice President of Development at Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland . In this episode, Tyler shares his personal journey with Junior Achievement—from participating as a young student to now helping lead the organization’s mission. He explains how JA empowers students to shape their futures through confidence-building, real-world experiences. He offers insig...

Our guest this week is Sara Swisher, Vice President, Talent & Workforce for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce . In this episode, Sara shares her career journey with the Chamber and the key initiatives that the organization is focusing on, aimed at strengthening talent pipelines and supporting both employers and young job seekers. She offers her perspective at the current talent landscape...

This week our guest is Melissa Dittmer, the Head of Place at Michigan Central, a 30-acre tech and cultural hub where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. In this episode, Melissa shares how her work at Michigan Central goes beyond architecture and design, focusing on creating inclusive, authentic spac...

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Michael Baston, President of Cuyahoga County Community College . In this episode, Dr. Baston shares how Tri-C continues to shape Northeast Ohio’s workforce, particularly in manufacturing. He highlights the importance of soft skills and lifelong learning. He also shares more about valuable partnerships they have with local manufacturers to cultivate real...

Welcome back to the Rundown, featuring our new host, Kevin Morron ! Our guest for this week is Adam Artman, President & Executive Director of Manufacturing Works , a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. In this episode, Adam reflects on the organization’s decades-long role in connecting and educating manufacturers, and how they’re tackling today’s new challenge...

This week our guest is Todd McCracken, President and CEO of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) . NSBA is the nation’s first small business advocacy organization and is proud to be staunchly nonpartisan.  In this episode, Todd discusses his 37-year career with NSBA and how their advocacy work has evolved. He shares his insights into the Corporate Transparency Act, workforce retention, h...

On this week’s episode, we’re wrapping up the Rundown for 2024! Inspired by Spotify Wrapped , here are some top highlights from this year’s episodes: Most Popular Episode - Episode 81 featuring Frank “Sully” Sullivan of DayGlo Color Corp Best Local Spotlight - Episode 78 featuring Rosemary Mudry of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation   Most Personable Episode - Episode 69 featuring Joe Cimperm...

Our guest this week is Caleb Townsend, Co-Founder of Factur , an agency that provides marketing and sales services to B2B manufacturers and industrial distributors.  In this episode, Caleb delves into the common challenges industrial companies face with their sales and marketing efforts. He shares Factur's industry-specific approach to lead generation, content strategy, and business development an...

This week our guest is Dana McCallum, the Vice President of North American Sales and Partnerships at Xact Metal . Dana’s career has always been within the manufacturing industry but she shares how she transitioned from marketing to sales and tells about her current sales role with Xact Metal.  She offers insight into the rapid evolution of 3D printing and the advancements it’s making for manufactu...

Our guest this week is Joe Manofsky, Co-Founder of One Step Ahead Ohio ! In this episode, he shares the inspiration behind One Step Ahead Ohio, the nonprofit he helped to launch in 2021. He offers insight into the varied ways they support the Northeast Ohio community and how OSAO sets itself apart from traditional nonprofits.  Joe joins during Manufacturing Month, so he also elaborates on one of t...

This week our guest is Ron Bower, Founder and President of InterviewPath.  In this episode, Ron shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and explains how his two talent management ventures, InterviewPath and Brickpath Group , complement each other.  He offers his seasoned take on all things talent—from overcoming common recruiting challenges to refining your interview process, an...

Our guest this week is Jim Vinoksi, the Host of Manufacturing Talks ! In this episode, Jim offers us insight into his career journey and how he became a prominent thought leader in the manufacturing industry.  He shares how his contributions to Forbes inspired his podcast, Manufacturing Talks. Jim and Paul also discuss current manufacturing trends as they relate to the upcoming election, reshoring...

This week our guest is Jeffrey Stern, Principal at The O.H.I.O. Fund.  Jeffrey joins us to discuss his latest venture, The O.H.I.O. Fund , a unique investment fund focused on driving Ohio’s economic future. He explains the concept of the industrial renaissance that Ohio is undergoing and emphasizes how strategic investments in manufacturing and technology position our state for long-term growth. ...

Our guest this week is Frank “Sully” Sullivan, President of DayGlo Color Corp . In this episode, Sully walks us through the colorful history of DayGlo and its impact on various industries, from safety to fashion.  Since being named President in 2023, he shares how he’s worked to navigate an iconic brand through a competitive market. He also shares how they prioritize a culture of transparency and...

This week our guest is Torino Fitzgerald, Vice President of Talent and Cultural Transformation, at Process Technology. Headquartered in Willoughby, Ohio, Process Technology is a global manufacturer of thermal and power supply products. Torino joined their team in 2023 and has played a pivotal role in transforming and scaling their company culture initiatives.  In this episode, Torino offers his ex...

Our guest this week is Hector Hernandez, Inside Sales Specialist at Xaloy! Xaloy is a global leader in screw, barrel, and front-end component manufacturing. Headquartered in Austintown, Ohio, they have been a long-time partner of Rust Belt Recruiting. ( Listen to Episode 71 featuring Trudy Cheney of Xaloy ) Hector was recently placed in his new role with Xaloy through Rust Belt Recruiting. We are...

This week our guest is Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC), a non-profit focused on Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market.  In this episode, we learn about the roots of the West Side Market, what makes it so unique, and how CPMC is working to preserve that.  Rosemary offers us insight into why the shift to a non-profit happened and how it allows CPMC...

Our guest this week is Terrence Southern, Founder & CEO of Robotopia , an Advanced Automation Systems Integrator and Workforce Development company.  Terrence is a nationally recognized thought leader, strategist, and consultant in the manufacturing automation industry and we are thrilled to have him on the podcast!  In this episode, Terrence shares his career journey, his dedication to making...

This week our guest is Jason Therrien, the President & CEO of thunder::tech , an integrated marketing agency.  In this episode, Jason shares how thunder::tech has expanded over the past 25 years, including how he’s evolved as an entrepreneur and leader.  He shares his expert insight into the dynamic world of modern marketing with us, focusing on employer branding. He offers actionable advice f...

Our guest this week is Lindsay Fleuriet, the Creative Director of Postindustrial Media . We are thrilled to have our second guest from Postindustrial Media join us to give an update on all things Postindustrial. (Listen to Episode 64 featuring Carmen Gentile of Postindustrial Media )  In this episode, Lindsay offers us insight into her role as Creative Director and how she helps to shape the artis...