Made in America with Ari Santiago

We love a good manufacturing start-up story and this one is filled with ups and downs! In this episode, Ari talks to Milton & Goose Founder & CEO, Shari Raymond. Milton & Goose is a high-end children's toy manufacturer that makes heirloom-quality wooden play kitchens.   Shari and Ari talk about all the struggles that starting and growing a new business can bring - from the initial design to contract manufacturing to marketing to  bringing manufacturing in-house and becoming a full-fledged CT manufacturing business.   Shari talks of learning through mistakes…an important concept that entrepreneurs know well. She also talks about how to avoid the overwhelm of everything that needs to happen - "Think about what is right in front of you, what you have to work on right in that moment"   This is an inspiring story of taking an idea to bringing it to action.   Shari's favorite book: Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller   Shari Raymond, Milton & Goose Company Website: https://miltonandgoo

In this episode, Ari talks to Marc Navarre, CEO of Talalay Global, about Talalay’s unique manufacturing process and the relationships they’ve built with their OEM customers.   Talalay Global is a 45-year-old company that produces high-quality latex foam for mattresses and pillows. Their unique process involves trapping air in the latex foam to produce a consistent, durable and top-quality product with good airflow.   Marc discusses the benefits of having strong OEM relationships. He then explains how he leveraged those relationships to grow their own direct-to-consumer pillow brand, Juvea, and how, in-turn, this brand will actually benefit his OEM customers.   Marc talks about the competition Talalay and its customers felt from “bed in a box” brands – but tells of how they managed to stay ahead until the market leveled out for those new companies.   Finally, Ari and Marc discuss the company’s investments in the future, such as their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and upgrading their fac

In this episode, Ari talks to Jonathan Fife, CEO of Bright Feeds about the company's mission to tackle the global food waste problem. This CT-based start-up is using creative engineering and technology to convert food waste to nutritious and consistent animal feed. It's not too often we get a manufacturing start-up on the podcast, so this is one episode to catch!   As a start-up there are lots of challenges that are fresh on Jonathan's mind, like finding their first customers without business cards or even a website! Getting funding for their high-tech facility. And getting used to the big life changes that come along with this kind of venture.   Bright Feed's unique business model means that the organization not only needs to manufacturer a great product, but they need to win over a supply chain too. They've had to find steady streams of food waste from the likes of food manufacturers, colleges, and organizations that collect the waste from restaurants, shops and supermarkets.   This is a fascinating ep

This episode is all about finding your niche! Ari speaks with Dave Marcil from Reno Machine about both finding his own personal niche in the manufacturing industry and how Reno Machine found their valuable machining niche as well.   Dave shares his background in tinkering, trade school, and his career path through multiple manufacturing roles. He shows how careers can twist and turn before landing on something you truly love.   Dave then talks about Reno Machine, which provides high-quality contract machining and support services, and specializing in Large-Format Gantry 5-Axis Machining.   Dave speaks to the challenges and upsides of being in a niche market, including capacity limits, finding and training good people, and scaling the business.   Finally, Dave talks about Reno Machine's initiatives to connect with trade schools and inspire the next generation of makers.   Dave Marcil, Reno Machine Company Website: https://reno-machine.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reno-ma

In this episode we welcome Stephen Mazzarelli, Partner at Commercial Sewing, the manufacturer of the Outer Armor brand of covers for recreational vehicles in the power sport and marine industries.   Stephen talks to Ari about their family-owned business and how they have successfully transitioned from traditional hand-craftsmanship to modern technology so they can remain competitive (and thrive!) in today's international manufacturing ecosystem.   The transition required their craftsmen to pivot to learning new machines. Luckily, most of their employees viewed the changes as a positive step, and were able to learn new skills and grow together in order to remain competitive.   Stephen talks about the company's pride for innovation - especially in their engineering capabilities. And he discusses the valuable relationships they have built with OEMs.   Finally, Ari and Stephen also talk about EOS - the Entrepreneurial Operating System - which Commercial Sewing used to set their core values and organizatio

Jack Lukasik, President of Satellite Tool, has workforce issues like most other manufacturers, but he's combatting them with conscious efforts in leadership and processes.   In this episode, Ari and Jack talk about how Satellite Tool has fostered transparency, open communication, accountability and compassion and how this has led to better retention outcomes - as well as more productivity.   Jack gives tips for getting good feedback at all ranks, what a family atmosphere actually means, and even talks about the development of strong communication amongst his family members.   Another set of great ideas, from another growing manufacturer.   Jack Lukasik, Satellite Tool Company Website: https://www.satellitetoolmachine.net/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satellite-tool-machine-co-inc Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078336820665 Jack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-lukasik-b50159127/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: http

Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, shares her passion for promoting the incredible careers in manufacturing and ensuring that manufacturers of all sizes have the workforce they need to compete.   This is no easy task, but it is vital to the success of thousands upon thousands of manufacturers across the country. In fact, Carolyn states that by 2030 nearly 4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled.   The Manufacturing Institute has a wide variety of programs that are designed to engage students, change perceptions, train skilled workers, and encourage others to join the manufacturing workforce.   Learn how to get involved with everything The Manufacturing Institute is doing and how their programs can help you.   Carolyn's Favorite books: Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community, Jeffrey D. Korzenik Give and Take, Adam Grant   Carolyn Lee, The Manufacturing Institute The Manufacturing Institute Website:

This podcast episode pulls together the best clips from the podcast over the past few years all related to the technology that's changing the face of manufacturing.   Whether it's new manufacturing technology, robotics and automation, model-based definition, or even marketing tech, technology is extremely important for the growth and development of a modern manufacturer.   In this week's highlight episode, we've got clips from 11 manufacturers and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology talking about investments in new technology that have really paid off. Find out some things you can do to move your facility forward using technology.   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Company YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   Podcast pro

Alexandra Daum, the new Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, joins Ari to talk about what the DECD's plans are to improve the economy for all of CT, and what they are doing specifically for our manufacturing audience.   The DECD has a big job which includes job creation, supporting small businesses, community development, and marketing the state to internal and external audiences. Alexandra is helping to drive the solutions forward, but also loves to dig into the details, especially as it concerns communications and housing.   From workforces to brownfields to the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, this episode covers a lot of ground!       Alexandra's favorite business book: The Real Estate Game   Alexandra Daum, DECD State of Connecticut's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/ State of Connecticut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofconnecticut/ Alexandra's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-daum-3156b421/   Ari Santiago, CEO, Com

The story of Lex Products goes from MTV to PGA to the Iraqi desert and back again! In this episode, Bob Luther, Founder and Co-CEO of Lex Products talks to Ari about the start of Lex Products and the sustainability innovations that are bringing them into the future.   Ari and Bob also discuss supply chain challenges, employee retention, company culture and much more before they deep dive into energy storage and it's potential for providing incredible power efficiency.       Bob also tells Ari with pride about the impact their products have in the world, and the good they've done for disaster relief and in war torn areas.       Bob's favorite business book: Good Profit by Charles Coke   Bob Luther, Lex Products Company Website: https://lexproducts.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lex-products-llc Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexProductsLLC/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexproducts Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexproducts/ Company YouTu

In this episode, Carl Zuanelli, Founder and CEO of Nuovo Pasta, tells the origin story of Nuovo Pasta from learning pasta-making at a So. Norwalk restaurant to starting manufacturing. He says 'naïve confidence' allowed him to follow his dream - but we know it was hard work that made it happen!   Carl talks to Ari about research & development and innovation. They discuss how learning to cook became a valuable experience that allows Carl to speak the 'language'  needed to support his team of chefs in the best way.    Carl talks about the recession and how it forced Nuovo to pivot onto a different path that set them on a completely different, but ultimately successful, trajectory.   Carl shares his important work with the 100 Billion Meals Challenge (https://100billionmeals.org/) and his goal for Nuovo to make a local and global impact.       Carl's favorite book: Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda   Carl Zuanelli, Nuovo Pasta Company Website: https://www.nuovopasta.com/ Company Linke

In this episode, Ari talks to Bryan Jackowitz, President of Dickinson Brands. Bryan has an incredible passion for his business. Between the Witch Hazel product itself, the history of the industry, the sustainable nature of their production, and the growth of the company along the way, what's not to be excited about?   Bryan enjoys talking to Ari about the cool history of the product, but then dives into upgrades in processes, automation, and marketing that are allowing American Distilling and Dickinson Brands to launch into the future.   Organic, natural, local, and native isn't a marketing gimmick, it's truly the way they've been creating their products since the beginning.       Bryan's favorite book: Good to Great, Jim Collins   Bryan Jackowitz, Dickinson Brands Bryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-jackowitz-93b8468   American Distilling Website: https://americandistilling.com/ ---- Dickinson Brands Website: https://dickinsonbrands.com/ Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Skincare Website:

In this episode, Ari talks to Charles Coristine, President and CEO of LesserEvil Snacks. Charles isn't afraid to admit how little he knew when he started manufacturing snacks. But he learned something from each and every "failure" to pivot, make changes, and take the next steps with more knowledge.   Lesser Evil started making "healthy snacks" and now they just make great snacks that happen to also be healthy. Charles talks about why they decided to bring manufacturing in-house and how it allowed them to be innovative in both the product and the packaging.   Ari and Charles also talk about a few of the great things the organization does that help find and retain great employees     Charles' favorite book: Lean Startup, Eric Ries   Charles Coristine, Lesser Evil Snacks Company Website: https://lesserevil.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lesserevil-snack-foods/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesserEvilSnacks Company Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lesserevilsnacks?

In this episode, Ari and Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, wrap up what Paul accomplished in 2022 and look ahead to the strategic plan for 2023 and beyond. They talk about Paul's goal to "relentlessly communication with all stakeholders" and his "L4" tour:  lean-in, listen, learn, and link.  They also discuss the key strategic pillars for 2023 and beyond: Workforce growth and development Supply chain resiliency Industry growth Innovation This episode is full of a positive outlook on the growth of the manufacturing industry in CT, and what we can all accomplish together. Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut State of Connecticut's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/ State of Connecticut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofconnecticut/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulslavoie/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.li

In this episode, Ari talks to Tiny Tine, co-owner of Waypoint Spirits. They discuss the challenges of developing a local distillery, using their taproom as a testing ground, and expanding their reach through sports team partnerships.   This local craft distillery is making a name for themselves starting in CT but aiming nationwide. Tony talks about their R&D process, their high-level business plan, and how they thinking about expansion. They are looking at 2023 as their "breakout year" and we're here for it!   Tony Tine, Co-Owner, Waypoint Spirits Company Website: https://drinkwaypoint.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waypoint-spirits/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3d5SpLRsriNPWQr2fTEQNg Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaypointSpirits/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/drinkwaypoint Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waypointspirits/ Tony's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tine-7a777029/   Ari Santiago, CEO, Comp

In this episode, Ari and Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA, talk about the current state of the CT economy and how the "Transform Connecticut 2023 Policy Solutions" will help unlock Connecticut's true economic potential.   These policy solutions sit in 3 main buckets: Cost of doing business Workforce development Investment in the future   From tax credits to immigration to housing, Ari and Chris cover a ton of ground on policies that CBIA is pushing forwarding and the work they are doing to get legislators on board.   In the end, we love to hear Chris say: "I'm feeling good about where we are and where the state is."   Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ CBIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbia/ CBIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CBIAvideos CBIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBIAfb/ CBIA Twitter handle: cbianews Chris's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdipentima/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company

In this episode, Gavin Watson, Chairman of Conscious Capitalism CT, talks about Conscious Capitalism and how it uses our current understanding of evolutionary biology to enable business to run in a way that makes people happier and more productive, while still making a profit.   Gavin talks in depth about the 4 main principles: Conscious culture Conscious leadership Stakeholder orientation Higher purpose beyond making profit   Gavin's Favorite book: This View of Life: Completing the Darwinian Revolution, David Sloan Wilson   Gavin Watson, Conscious Capitalism CT Website: https://connecticut.consciouscapitalism.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Consciouscapitalismct Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConsciousCapCT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZhwu9_u8FjKcb6hzA7CMw/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-capitalism-ct/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concapct/ Gavin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-watson-225420163/   Ari Santiago, CEO,

ERPs can be extremely valuable, or a giant headache - it all depends on implementation! If you are considering investing in an ERP system, or you are struggling with your ERP and considering whether to find a new one…this is an episode you won't want to miss! Ari talks to Paul Tedford, CEO of Synergy Resources, about how to select the right ERP, the 5 reasons that ERP implementations fail, why you would buy new vs. fixing what you've got and so much more valuable info! Paul's Favorite Business Books: The Goal, Eliyahu M. Goldratt; Any book by John Doerr, The Radical Edge, Steve Faber Paul Tedford, Synergy Resources Company Website: https://synergyresources.net/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/synergyresources Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynergyResources/ Company Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sr_mfg_erp Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/synergy-resources/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tedford/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Web

In this episode, Denis Gagnon, President of Excel Dryer, shares the passion that has created the top selling hand dryer in the world. He risked it all and won by developing, along with his talented engineers, the best possible product on the market.  He is proud both of the company's Made in the US designation as well as the environmental impact of their product, which saves both trees and electricity.   Denis's Favorite book: 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey Denis Gagnon, Excel Dryer Website: https://www.exceldryer.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/xlerator Twitter: https://twitter.com/xleratorhd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheXLERATOR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-dryer Denis's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-gagnon-88595b12/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

This Ari-only Made in America podcast episode wraps up some great information from 2022 and gets you ready to succeed in 2023. Ari pulls together top ideas for workforce development from guests throughout the year and wraps it into a nice neat package in the first half of this episode. Then, he moves into the important topic of cybersecurity, to make sure YOU and your organization understand the continuous improvement mindset that needs to be applied to cybersecurity in order to keep reducing your risk profile. Moving on to CMMC, Ari explains the advantages to working with a framework and how it can actually make your life easier.  Lots of great ideas in this episode!   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Company YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago10