The Think Factory Podcast

Join us as we sit down with Kim Keating, Director of Customer Success at Zago Manufacturing, an award-winning family and female-owned business. Kim shares the inspiring story of Zago's transformation from a small two-person shop into a global leader in specialty sealing solutions. We explore their commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the unique programs they offer to support bot...

Join Deborah Visconi, the CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, New Jersey's largest hospital as she shares insights into her journey from a lab tech to leading a major healthcare facility and discusses the hospital's innovative approaches to community care and health equity. Tune in to learn how Bergen New Bridge is addressing evolving public health needs and how Debora's leadership is shaping...

Join Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, as she shares her journey from a humble beginning to leading one of New Jersey's largest behavioral health organizations. With over 30 years in the field, she offers insights into her organization’s trauma-informed care philosophy and the evolving challenges in mental health care post-COVID. Dr. Chalakani also reflects on the uniqu...

Join us for an insightful episode with Tom Meehan, President of CONTROLTEK USA, a leading company in security and cash handling solutions based in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Tom discusses CONTROLTEK's innovative approaches, including their evolution in the banking supply industry and their focus on sustainability with products like EcoLOK, made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Tom shares insight...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alissa Randall, the passionate founder of All About Headshots, a headshot and lifestyle branding company. Alissa shares her remarkable journey from corporate life as a Chief Marketing Officer to starting her own successful business, finding her life's purpose along the way. Listen in to hear how she overcame challenges, embraced her inner moxie, and now h...

Join us as we sit down with Ralph Marucci, CEO and Co-Founder of Hydr8, to discuss the innovative ways his company is revolutionizing workplace hydration and sustainability. Ralph shares insights into the zero waste pantry initiative and how it aims to make corporate break rooms more environmentally friendly, all while providing top-quality coffee, water, and snacks. Discover how Hydr8's commitmen...

Join us as we sit down with Katie Fisher, Regional Sales Executive for XMPie Incorporated, to explore the company's innovative approach to personalization across various media. With over 25 years of pioneering work, XMPie has transformed the landscape of variable print and digital marketing, integrating advanced tools and AI to create personalized, impactful communications. Discover how XMPie cont...

Join us as we chat with Dr. Sandy Gibson, a professor at The College of New Jersey, who specializes in PTSD, social work, and addictions. Dr. Gibson shares her journey from addiction counseling to developing and evaluating addiction prevention programs, and now spearheading an innovative program for clinical mental health counseling. Tune in to hear about her efforts in promoting harm reduction, t...

Join us as we chat with Amanda Armendariz, the editor, and Ken Waddell, the publisher of Mailing Systems Technology magazine, as they share insights on the challenges and innovations in the mailing and parcel shipping industries, discussing everything from address hygiene to supply chain optimization. Tune in to learn how these experts keep the industry informed and efficient through their publica...

Join us for a conversation with Caroline Kirk of Kirk Rudy, a company known for its innovative solutions in the mailing and packaging industries. Caroline shares insights into the rich history of Kirk Rudy, from its founding by her grandfather in 1967 to its global presence today. Discover how Kirk Rudy's in-house manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, including RFID and inkjet systems, are se...

Join us as we talk with Megan Henderson, the dynamic energy storage communications lead at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a premier research center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Megan shares her insights on advancing the lab's mission to modernize the electric grid and her journey from creating renewable energy brands to leading communications in the energy sector. Discover how...

Join us as we chat with Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates, who is passionate about fostering growth through trust-based relationships. With extensive experience as both a consultant and a client, Noelle shares invaluable insights on how trust can enhance client satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth. Tune in to discover practical strategies for building trust and creating dee...

Join us as we dive into the world of student success and financing with Lauren Garner, Vice President of Demand Generation and Partnerships at Ascent Funding. Discover how Ascent is revolutionizing the nearly $2 trillion student loan industry by offering innovative, non-cosigned loans and resources like the college ROI calculator and Ultimate Guide to Paying for College , all aimed at empowering s...

Join us as we dive into the world of healthcare innovation with Deena Cohen, a seasoned expert in maternal child health and substance-use disorders. Discover her journey from clinical treatment to leveraging technology at Gomo Health, where she's spearheading groundbreaking initiatives like the Tigger program, a gamified approach to educating youth on harm reduction. Explore how Gomo Health's pers...

Join us in this insightful episode featuring Derry Holland, the CEO of Oaks Integrated Care, a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization that offers over 230 programs for individuals with mental illness, addiction, or developmental disabilities. Derry shares the expansive range of services provided by Oaks Integrated Care, including mental health support, addiction treatment, and developmental disab...

Join us as we dive into the journey of Alan Rich, the President of Nova Label in Cheverly, Maryland. Alan shares the fascinating history of the company, from its inception by his father-in-law in 1982 to its evolution into a key player in the label industry. Discover how Nova Label navigated challenges, embraced innovation, and continues to thrive by prioritizing quality and customer relationships...

Join us as we talk with Samantha Roman, the President of the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey. Samantha shares her journey of leading a traditionally male-dominated industry, discussing innovative programs like the state's largest apprenticeship initiative that caters to diverse populations and fosters workforce development. Discover her vision for an inclusive construction indust...

Join us on our podcast as we delve into the world of automation and innovation with Bill O'Donnell from FlexLink. Discover how FlexLink's revolutionary conveyor systems are shaping the future of manufacturing, optimizing processes, and increasing efficiency across various industries. From connecting high-speed machines to incorporating cutting-edge robotics and vision systems, learn how FlexLink i...

Join us for a conversation with Karen Brooker, the Vice President of Growth Strategy at Marketing Card Technology (MCT) in Downers Grove, Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in card manufacturing and print, Karen shares insights into MCT's innovative approaches to direct mail and card production, including their focus on security, sustainability, and boosting response rates through interact...

Join us as we chat with Cassandra Gluyas, the CEO of Thomas Instrumentation, a leading electronics company based in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey. With over 50 years of expertise in printed circuit board design, embedded software development, and electronics manufacturing, Thomas Instrumentation is a family-owned business delivering 100% U.S.-made products. Discover how Cassandra continues the l...

Join us as we talk with Larry Delesio, the Business Development Manager at DAF Products in Wyckoff, New Jersey, where he has been instrumental since 2009. Larry delves into his extensive career in the printing industry, sharing insights from his early days at Tech Graph to his pivotal role at DAF Products, a family-owned business known for its high-quality, flexible printable materials and innovat...

Join us as we dive into the world of commercial printing with Jim Myers, Executive Vice President at Art & Negative Graphics, Inc. Jim shares the fascinating evolution of his family business, from its origins in 1981 to becoming a leader in direct mail and signage. Discover how strategic investments in cutting-edge technology and a focus on innovation have propelled their success in a rapidly...

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Brad Kugler, the CEO and co-founder of Direct Mail 2.0. Brad shares insights into the power of direct mail combined with digital strategies, explaining how their innovative approach can amplify marketing results and deliver a significant return on investment. Discover the unique techniques and technologies Direct Mail 2.0 employs to enhance traditional m...

Join us as we sit down with Noel Hiers, Owner and Therapist at Collaborative Perspectives LLC, a women-owned small business in New Jersey specializing in educational training, professional consultations, and therapeutic services. With over 25 years of experience, Noel shares her journey from working in stressful crisis environments to founding her own practice, emphasizing the importance of collab...

Join as we dive into the inspiring journey of Robert "Bob" Budsock, CEO of Integrity House, a Newark-based addiction service provider. Bob shares the comprehensive services offered by Integrity House, from addiction treatment and mental health care to supportive programs like job training and family groups. Learn how Integrity House transforms lives through a full continuum of care and Bob's perso...