Made in America with Ari Santiago

MakerspaceCT is a place to learn, create, innovate, and educate in a wide variety of areas: art, manufacturing, business, electronics, IoT, virtual reality, woodworking, metal fabricating and so much more. It combines traditional "making" skills with newer technologies. Devra is passionate about the Makerspace and the community that has developed to promote, support, build and learn from it. During this Covid-19 crisis, the Makerspace has taken on the important task of designing and producing PPE for our local community. They have also been working hard to continue providing value to its members with virtual classes. Devra Sisitsky, Makerspace CT, Founder and CEO Donations website: https://app.makerspacect.com/covidresponse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/makerspacect/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makerspacect/ Organization Website: https://makerspacect.com/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.faceb

Communication is a two-way street at Okay Industries. Listen to Jason Howey, President and CEO, talk about how they are keeping their 3 manufacturing facilities safe while continuing not only to produce their important medical products, but also helping their community start a new production line for PPE. Ari and Jason talk about facility setup, accountability, communication, and looking into the future. They also discuss the public-private partnership that Okay Industries is facilitating with the City of New Britain to provide PPE to our front-line medical workers. Jason Howey, President/CEO, Okay Industries: Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/okay-industries/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okayindustries/ Company Website: https://www.okayind.com/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-direct-llc Ari's LinkedIn: htt

We could all use some help navigating the fast-moving changes of the Covid-19 crisis. In today's episode, Glenn Ford, President of Phoenix Manufacturing, offers some excellent strategies in use in his facility to manage the business, employee, technology and so much more. Phoenix has instituted some terrific policies that you might be able to learn from.   As always, Glenn Ford's positive outlook on life and business is always a pleasure to hear. Glenn discusses the state of the aerospace manufacturing industry in CT and what he still sees as a positive future. Working together, we can accomplish so much more.   Learn from one of the best in today's episode.

Today's Made in America with Ari Santiago is an extremely important and timely episode. Learn all about the Paycheck Protection Program, a governmental program through the SBA that is part of the CARES Act, from Frank Milone, Partner at Fiondella, Milone & Lasaracina. Frank talks to Ari about the details of the program and the application process.   Thanks to this program, some businesses may be eligible to receive a loan of up to $10 million. There is also potential for loan forgiveness that would essentially turn this loan into a government grant. Learn more right now! The application period begins tomorrow and ends June 30th, 2020.   Frank Milone, Partner, Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina Company Website: http://www.fmlcpas.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fml-cpas-fiondella-milone-lasaracina/   Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: ht

We're back and are ready to bring you tons of value to help you and your manufacturing company learn and adapt during the Covid-19 pandemic. On today's episode, Ari speaks to Scott Livingston, CEO of Horst Engineering. They talk real specifics about HORST's response to the Covid-19 crisis. Compare and contrast HORST's response to your company's, you may discover new ideas. Sharing our best practices, especially in times of trouble, helps us all come out stronger on the other side. Today, Scott discusses how they are increasing flexibility in some ways, while creating more structure in others. He talks about safety policies, cleaning, communicating, and planning for the future. Listen, learn and please reach out with questions you'd like us to ask upcoming guests! Scott Livingston, CEO, Horst Engineering Company Website: http://horstengineering.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horst-engineering/ Company Instagram: horsteng Horst Cycling Instagram: horstcycling Scott Livingston LinkedIn:

There are some great stories in this episode of the Made in America podcast with special guest, Dean Coccaro, VP of Operations at Zendex Tool. Dean talks about his life before getting involved in his dad's company, how he got involved, and what they are doing now to grow and improve the company. Dean has learned a ton about the manufacturing industry in a short period of time and has a unique perspective into continuous improvement, robotics, marketing, product competition, and so much more. Zendex Tool produces some really great car jacks for professional and home use. Check them out! https://zendextool.com/ Books discussed on the podcast: Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill Toyota Way - Jeffrey K Liker Dean Coccaro, VP of Operations, Zendex Tool Company Website: https://zendextool.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zendex-tool-corporation/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GojakZendexTool/ Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-coccaro-06933815/ Ari Santiago, Presiden

Tom McGwire is 4th generation in this dynamic, nearly 100 year old company! On this episode, learn about the beginning of the company, back in 1921 and how it has survived, grown, and thrived up to today.   Tom talks about the strategy behind their acquisitions, their launch into Kaizens and continuous improvement, and how they are planning for and managing the transfer of knowledge from one generation of workers to the next.   Books discussed on the podcast: The Intelligent Investor, Benjamin Graham Lean Thinking, James Womack   Tom McGwire, VP Business Development, Industrial Heater Company Website: https://www.industrialheater.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-heater-corp Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/industrialheatercorp Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mcgwire-16958518/   Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Comp

In a field that has historically had extensive environmental impact, the work that allnex-Wallingford has done to both clean up their processes and to change the perceptions of their community, has been incredible! In this episode, Frank DiCristina, Site Manager of allnex-Wallingford talks to Ari about automation, data analytics and continuous improvement. Then they go deep into the environmental systems, processes, and updates at the facility, as well as the company's plans for future environmental improvements. Such a terrific episode, with a great manufacturing leader! Book discussed on the podcast: Who move my cheese? by Spencer Johnson Frank DiCristina, Site Manager, allnex-Wallingford Company Website: https://www.allnex.com/en/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allnex/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allnexresins/ Frank's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgdicristina/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/

Cyndi Zoldy, Executive Director of the SMA and Chairwoman of Women in Manufacturing CT, believes the role of CT's manufacturing organizations is to prepare their members for the future of manufacturing. Everything she does in her two leadership roles contributes to this idea. She plans important programming that touches topics many others aren't covering. She gets deeply involved in legislation, working with lobbyists for the needs of the manufacturing community. But, overwhelmingly, she spends her time promoting workforce development initiatives. In her role as Chairwoman of Women in Manufacturing CT, Cyndi aims to not only get more women interested and involved in manufacturing, but creates a community for women already working in the industry to learn from and support each other. Cyndi Zoldy - ED of the SMA and Chairwoman of Women in Manufacturing CT Small Manufacturers Association (SMA): http://sma-ct.com/ Women in Manufacturing (WiM) National: https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/ Women in Manufacturing

Peer-learning has never been so much fun. This episode with David Parmelee, President of Wepco Plastics, is another great learning experience! Ari and David talk about some really different topics. Of course, they talk about continuous improvement, workforce development, the history of Wepco plastics and how they recruit. But, they also talk about work-life balance, millennials in the workplace, the value of apprenticeship, the importance of peer-learning and sharing, and Wepco's incredible social media presence. Get out your notebook, you're gonna want to write some of this down! David Parmelee, President, Wepco Plastics Company Website: https://www.wepcoplastics.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wepco-plastics-inc-/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wepcoplastics/ David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-parmelee-9858713b/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Brian Montanari talks to Ari about his rise through the manufacturing industry, learning from the best, taking on new skills at every turn, and ultimately becoming the President and CEO of HABCO Industries. As a former teacher of and consultant for LEAN manufacturing principles, Brian shares some great insights into how to apply them to your business, your processes, and your life! Brian offers some incredibly insightful tips on management, recruitment, culture, thinking lean, and looking at your business in different ways to make sure you are in a great position for growth. A great episode to learn a lot from!  Brian Montanari, President and CEO, HABCO Industries Company Website: https://habco.biz/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habco-industries-llc/ Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-montanari-835562 Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: ht

Colin Cooper is the state's first Chief Manufacturing Officer, an exciting position with a ton of potential value for the manufacturing community in CT. Colin's experience, background and clear passion for manufacturing makes him the perfect person for the role. Not only that, but he truly understands the concept: 'if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem'! In this episode, Colin and Ari first talk about stories and lessons learned from Colin's days running the Whitcraft Group. Then they delve into the challenges he faces in his CMO role and the solutions he is working to bring to the table. This is an episode every manufacturing leader should see/listen to! Colin Cooper, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Department of Economic and Community Development Colin's email: Colin.Cooper@ct.gov Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-d

This episode of the Made in America podcast is a fast-paced episode, full of incredible information and a super-positive outlook. It covers so much manufacturing goodness from selling the family business, to the CT Manufacturers' Collaborative, to listening to the voice of the customer. Chris DiPentima has accomplished so much for his employees, his company, and CT manufacturers - it's almost hard to keep track of all the great things he's got going on! Chris offers incredible information and advice right up to the end of the episode - so don't tune out early! Chris DiPentima, President, Pegasus Manufacturing and the Tube Division of Leggett and Platt Company Website: http://pegasusmfg.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/leggettaerospace/ Chris's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdipentima/ Chris's email: chris.dipentima@leggett.com Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdt

Ari and Tony Karlowicz, Co-founder of Back East Brewery, talk about beer, taste beer, and have a great time talking about brewing as what it truly is, a manufacturing business. They discuss topics any other manufacturer would need to learn: innovating, staying competitive in a crowded market, business strategy, and how to grow your capacity.   Tony and Ari also talk about Tony's background - moving from accounting to brewing - and how important it is to follow your dreams and just get started.   This episode gets into some interesting topics like brewing history and regulations, building relationships in the industry, the manufacturing technology and the challenges a brewery can face.   Grab yourself a beer and enjoy learning in this episode of the Made in America podcast.   Tony Karlowicz, Co-founder, Back East Brewery Company Website: https://www.backeastbrewing.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backeastbrewing/ Instagram: backeastbrewing Company phone: 860-242-1793 Or come visit

Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals has come a long way from its roots as a scrap metal company, through WWII making mess kit knives, through the 50s manufacturing cutlery for diners, and now creating over 160 metal alloys used in everything from basic consumer goods to cars to hi-tech medical equipment.   In this episode of the Made in America podcast, Ari talks to Chris Ulbrich, CEO of Ulbrich about how creating a culture of change has enabled their success for the last 96 years and well into the future. Chris talks about how they treat their employees, how they find new business and the challenges of building a family business.   Additionally, Chris touches on the concept of Conscious Capitalism, community engagement and the benefit of learning from others.   This is a great episode with the long-standing leader of a truly successful CT company.   Chris Ulbrich, CEO, Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Company Website: https://www.ulbrich.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linked

This episode of the Made in America podcast is truly outstanding. Scott Livingston, CEO of Horst Engineering is not only a powerhouse in the CT aerospace industry, but is a guiding light in his community as well. Scott's passion about the important things in his life comes across in every minute of this interview: developing his team, growing his company, peer learning, making an impact, cycling, and so much more. The conversation in this episode ranges from business to personal to philosophical. Ari and Scott have a great discussion that draws you right in and makes you want to hear more!      Scott Livingston, CEO, Horst EngineeringCompany Website: http://horstengineering.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horst-engineering/ Company Instagram: horstengHorst Cycling Instagram: horstcyclingScott Livingston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smlivingston/ Scott Livingston's personal blog: Scottlivingston.net Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT DirectCompany Website: https://www.gett

On this week's episode of the Made in America podcast, we are focusing on an important theme we've talked about with so many of our guests: Workforce Development. Each of our guests has had a different and unique take on how they find, recruit, and build manufacturing talent. Our guests talked about what they do in their own company, how they work within the community, programs they've worked with or created, and so much more. This episode pulls together the best of the best advice from some of the industry leaders we've had on the podcast. It truly hits CT manufacturing's hottest topic! Even if you've heard some of the podcasts these segments come from, you're going to pull something new and valuable from this focused highlights episode.  Special guests: Paul Lavoie, General Manager, Carey Manufacturing Jason Howey, President and CEO, Okay Industries Marty Guay, VP of Business Development, Stanley Black and Decker Glenn Ford, President, Phoenix Manufacturing Lynda Prigodich, CEO, Atlas Stamping and Manufactu

Special guests: Clive Cunliffe, President North America - Pietro Rosa Group (New England Airfoil Products) Tim Backus, President & CEO, Har-Conn Chrome Tim Ulles, CEO, Numet Machining Techniques, Inc Alyce Stiles, Associate Director of Experiential STEM Education, CCAT Recorded live at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow on November 20th, this episode covers some great ground like the benefit of the ACM to both international companies investing in the region and locally grown companies aiming to grow and flourish. Also on this episode, Ari talks to Alyce Stiles, Associate Director of STEM Education at CT Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) about how CCAT and the ACM, together, are encouraging students to learn more and know more about the future of manufacturing in our state. Alyce talks about how CCAT is scaling their programs to reach even more students!  Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is the President/CEO of IT Direct Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/

The Lee Company in Westbrook, CT has had incredible growth and success over the years. In this episode Marietta Lee, VP and Corporate Secretary, talks about her bumpy road to the family business and the value of starting from the bottom. Ari and Marietta discuss the importance of appreciating and investing in your employees to build a solid company culture. This episode has incredible advice on how to manage a family business in a way that enables growth and prosperity. They also talk about The Lee Company's ability to stay nimble over the years. With so many family owned manufacturers  in CT, there is tons to learn from Marietta Lee on how to manage transitions, how to factor in family dynamics, and how important it is for employees to believe the family has their best interests at heart. Ari and Marietta also touch on recruitment, retention, employee training, the role of risk in business growth, and the importance of giving back to your community. This is a great episode with a great manufacturing leader!

David Lehman, Commissioner of the DECD, is a dedicated public official working to create the best potential business atmosphere in CT. He not only understands the challenges, but believes in the possibilities! Commissioner Lehman shared with Ari his background in the private sector and discussed why that enables him to lead the DECD with a clear understanding of business needs. He also talked about the importance of the main pillars for growth: Transportation, Workforce/Education, Fiscal Stability, and a Focus on Cities. Commissioner Lehman spoke with enthusiasm about the new Chief Manufacturing Officer position, the man chosen to fill the position, Colin Cooper, and the important goals for the job. Agree or disagree with politics in our state at the moment, you can't help but note that Commissioner Lehman is intelligent, focused, dedicated, and a strong advocate for business. David Lehman, Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development Email: David.Lehman@ct.gov Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is