The Manufacturing Executive

President & CEO of Vista Metals, Kelly Thomas leads her manufacturing organization with a different mindset – thinking in decades rather than quarters. In this episode, she'll tell you how building for the long term impacts company culture, strengthens resilience and prepares teams for industry shocks. She’ll share real-world lessons in leading through uncertainty, from adapting to global market c...

We hear a lot about reshoring these days. But bringing manufacturing operations back to the U.S. isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. In today's conversation, CEO at Parsec Automation, Eddy Azad, will talk about the real-world complexities and strategic decisions manufacturers face when considering reshoring. He'll offer his perspective on where reshoring actually makes sense, why manufacturing l...

In today's conversation, Founder and CEO of Axion, Daniel First, will share his observations about how data-rich manufacturing environments are transforming the roles of quality and innovation. He'll tell you how manufacturing leaders are starting to leverage AI to turn overwhelming streams of customer, device and service data into opportunities for faster product development and smarter collabora...

In today's conversation, Co-Founder & CEO at Seurat Technologies, James DeMuth, will share how a different approach metal additive manufacturing can radically increase throughput, disrupt industry economics and reshape supply chains. He’ll offer his perspective on where additive manufacturing stands today, discus applications and share his perspective on what’s needed for U.S. manufacturing to sta...

So many manufacturers find themselves stuck in break-fix mode, constantly reacting to machine maintenance problems instead of staying ahead of them. If this sounds familiar, what's it costing your business, your team and your ability to plan for the future? In this episode, CMO of Limble, Paul Ross, shares insights not only from his own experiences, but also from an extensive survey of manufacturi...

Imagine robots moving freely alongside your team, navigating unpredictable spaces and handling tasks once reserved only for people. In this conversation, Shari Brown and Krystal Mattich of Brain Corp pull back the curtain on the role autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, can play in manufacturing environments. More specifically, they'll talk about safety considerations, data security and earning the...

Manufacturers everywhere are doubling down on data centers and AI infrastructure, fueling a surge in investment that has many asking: are we living in a bubble, or is this the start of long-term, transformative growth? In today’s conversation, CFO and Co-Founder of viaPhoton, Wasif Khan, will share his perspective about what's really driving this wave of capital, where the risks (and opportunities...

Why do so many manufacturers still rely on paper, spreadsheets and disconnected systems to run complex operations? And what unfolds when they step into fully integrated, data-driven environments? In this episode, President at Applied Control Engineering, Inc, Ian Burns, will answer these questions. He'll also explain how digital twins are impacting everything from operator training to faster, safe...

Manufacturing automation isn’t what it used to be. Today, robots can be controlled from an iPad, set up with zero training and be up and running almost immediately – even in high-mix, high-variability manufacturing environments that once seemed impossible to automate. In this episode, CEO and Founder of Workr Labs, Kevin Macken, will tell you how they're eliminating traditional automation barriers...

Justin Baucum of Isembard brings a unique perspective shaped both by years of military service and a passion for the resurgence of American manufacturing. In this conversation, he’ll tell you why veterans are uniquely equipped for careers in manufacturing, how teamwork and mission-driven execution are more critical than ever and why our national security depends on revitalizing domestic supply cha...

At this point, we've all seen our share of entertaining videos where humanoid robots are doing backflips or taking on opponents in the boxing ring. But what about production-ready humanoid robots operating alongside people, driving measurable results and transforming daily operations inside of real businesses? In this conversation, Founder/CEO of Avatar Robotics, Colin Webb, and CFO of Productiv 3...

What does it take for a third-generation manufacturer to thrive for a full century in a market where so many competitors have packed up and left? In today’s conversation, cousins and Co-Presidents of Yula Corporation, Matthew and Michael Feldman, dig into the strategies and mindset shifts that have fueled growth, modernization and resilience for their family manufacturing business. You’ll hear abo...

In today’s episode, CEO of TREW Marketing, Wendy Covey, and host, Joe Sullivan use their upcoming event, The Industrial Marketing Summit, as an example to talk about the benefits of designing a niche event for your specific audience. Specifically, they dive into how hosting an in-person gathering can create a sense of community, spark meaningful conversations and build valuable relationships. Lear...

Author and consultant Dean Svarc rebuilt himself after his multimillion-dollar business collapsed, rising to develop a framework that’s now rescued multiple struggling companies. From overlooked basics to culture missteps, he'll share how hidden threats often lurk within a business – undermining growth from the inside out. And one at a time, he'll take you through his six-step blueprint for turnin...

Natalie Kaddas, CEO of Kaddas Enterprises, believes investing in employees means empowering them with lifelong skills. After discovering financial literacy gaps were holding her team back, she launched a transformative program focused on helping them understand money, set goals, and build financial stability. In this episode, she shares how teaching essentials like budgeting and credit scores led...

Founder and CEO of Poe Wolf Partners, Renita Wolf, will tell you that exit planning isn’t just a final step before selling your business. It’s something smart owners build toward from the very beginning. She’ll explain why building transferable value and reducing owner dependency are crucial from the start, setting the stage for higher valuations and a smoother sale when the time comes. You’ll hea...

With supply chain disruptions, shifting geopolitical risks and increasing pressure for efficiency, today’s manufacturing leaders face operational challenges that go far beyond simply making parts. In today's conversation, President and CFO of Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), Todd Smith, explores the opportunities and complexities of weaving multiple specialized legacy brands into a un...

Why do so many continuous improvement and lean initiatives start with excitement, only to stall out or disappear entirely months later? What distinguishes organizations that truly embed these principles into their culture from those that just go through the motions? In today’s episode, COO of Bespoke, Steve Riley, will share his firsthand perspective from decades in manufacturing leadership. Speci...

In this conversation with Gorilla 76 Marketing Director, Peyton Warren, we'll dive deep into five things we believe b2b manufacturers should consider doing to move the needle through marketing in the new year. They are: 1. Events and in-person opportunities 2. Building an audience you own through community development 3. Distribution and reach 4. Streamlined content creation (repurposing and AI ef...

What if every skilled worker in manufacturing suddenly became searchable? In today's episode, Founder and CEO of Laborup, Simba Jonga, shares his perspective on how the manufacturing labor gap might be less about a lack of people, and more about a lack of access to those individuals. He'll talk about why millions of machinists, welders, and technicians remain hidden from traditional job boards, an...

How do you scale a family-owned manufacturing business to $100M in sales without losing the family feel? From building a culture where employees feel seen and valued, to transforming the customer experience, to raising the bar for operational excellence, in this episode, President of Falcon Plastics, Jenn Barlund, shares what it means to focus on both people and profitability. You’ll hear why choo...

What happens when engineers have the space and freedom to actually solve problems their way? And what does that mean for innovation on the factory floor? In today's conversation, Chairman and Chief Innovator of Bravo Team, Josh Tarbutton, will get into the real challenges and rewards of giving engineering teams more agency, why trust matters and how even small changes can have a big impact on your...

Manufacturers often see government as a nuisance. Or, at best, a rescuer in times of trouble. But my guest today, Founder and Principal of TGS Advisory, Terry Szmagala, will argue that we need to instead think about government as a key stakeholder. Specifically, he'll share his perspective on three ways government can play a role in your business: 1) as a regulator 2) as a funder and 3) as a custo...

COO of Frontline.io, Gilad Tzori, has spent years inside of manufacturing organizations, witnessing firsthand how complexity, workforce shifts and rapid technological change have upended traditional service and training models. In today’s conversation, he’ll explain why step-by-step PDFs and classroom lectures are no longer sufficient, and what a new era of immersive training looks like for the ma...

As the manufacturing sector faces both a generational workforce shift and rapid advancements in AI and automation, today’s conversation reveals the “dirty little secret” behind digital manufacturing, and why human-centered thinking remains the heart of successful change. My guest today, CEO of Fathom Digital Manufacturing, Rush LaSelle, will discuss the realities of labor shortages, explain what d...