Made in America with Ari Santiago

Wanna be inspired by the next generation of manufacturers? Watch this episode!    This week's guest discovered a passion for manufacturing that led not only to her current role at Accuturn Manufacturing, but also to designing programs that teach the next generation about manufacturing.   Rani Viroja, Quality Engineer and a 2nd generation leader at Accuturn talks about her company, her story, and the Advanced Manufacturing Employee Partnership (AMEP).   Rani tells Ari about Accuturn's focus on being more than a job shop - their ability to act quickly, and locally, means they can solve customers' supply chain issues in unique ways.   Rani's work with AMEP focuses on connecting students to manufacturing careers, demonstrating the power of early exposure to the field. Through innovative programs and personal engagement, Rani is at the forefront of inspiring the next generation to explore the diverse and exciting opportunities manufacturing has to offer.   Rani Viroja, Accuturn Website: https://accutur

A company that values good culture values its employees. In this episode we learn all about Dymotek, specialists in plastic molding, from their CEO, Shelley Fasano.   Shelley talks to Ari about the history of the company - how their entrepreneurial founders believed in finding the right people for the right job and continue that tradition today.   We learn about Shelley's manufacturing journey - a great women in manufacturing story. And we discover how she aligns the company's Core Values with everything from hiring to bonuses.   There's a lot to learn from this episode, including some great examples of using automation and new technology to improve jobs and productivity.   Shelley Fasano, Dymotek Website: https://www.dymotek.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dymotek-Corporation/130484690351110 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dymotek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dymotek-molding Shelley's LinkedIn:   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.c

Sustainability, customer focus, core values, and relationships are what this episode is all about.   This is a compelling conversation with Jaclyn Epstein, COO of MICA Corporation, a pioneer in water-based primers for sustainable flexible packaging solutions.   Discover how Mica Corporation is revolutionizing the industry with a customer-focused approach and a commitment to environmental stewardship ingrained in the company's DNA.   Jaclyn also shares insights into documenting the company's core values—customer focus, continuous improvement, and helping each other thrive —which  drive innovation and keep everyone rowing in the same direction.   Favorite book: Hug your Customers: Love the Results, Jack Mitchell   Jaclyn Epstein, Mica Corporation Website: https://mica-corp.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/micacorporation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mica-corporation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MicaCorporationShelton Jaclyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-epst

As technology like Augmented (AR), Virtual (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) as well as AI become better and better, the use cases for business continue to grow. In this week's fascinating episode, Ted Dinsmore from SphereGen Technologies explains what these technologies are and how they can be used to solve complex business challenges.   After initially serving the medical industry, Ted realized that AR/VR/MR and AI could make a big impact on manufacturing as well. In this episode, Ted walks Ari through some of the use cases of each technology to help our listeners imagine what could be done in their our facility.   Technologies like these are vital as the older manufacturing leaders must pass on vital information to a younger, more technically savvy generation. The uses of new technology are only limited by your imagination…so come imagine what can be accomplished.   Ted's favorite business book - his own…Partnering with Microsoft   Ted Dinsmore, SphereGen Website: https://www.spheregen.com/ Twitter: ht

Farrel Pomini is a 175 year old company that has been through multiple iterations of their manufacturing journey - and still survives! In their latest iteration, they are a leader in research, design and manufacture of compounding systems for the polymer processing industry.   In this episode, Ari talks to Paul Lloyd, President of Farrel Pomini, about the history of the company and Paul's role for the past 30+ years. They dive into the sustainability of the plastics industry and the innovation that must continue in order to make it a viable solution for the planet in addition to the economy.   Throughout the episode, we hear Paul's reflections on his path into manufacturing and see how that is mirrored by their new and very successful Engineering Development Program.   Ari and Paul cover both the past and future all in one episode!   Paul's favorite business book: Zero to One, Peter Thiel   Paul Lloyd, Farrel Pomini Website: https://www.farrel-pomini.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrelPomini

CCATs technology adoption programs and funding opportunities for small and medium sized manufacturers keep growing and developing, so we are always happy to hear from Ron Angelo, President & CEO about their latest and greatest programs.   Ron tells Ari about continuous improvement over the years at CCAT and how they are focusing in on areas like training and technology adoption.  They discuss programs like the Digital Thread Lab, Additive Adoption Program, and Digital Transformation Program - which focuses on areas like model-based definition and non-destructive testing.    At the end of the day, CCAT aims to help the regional supply chain stay competitive  and resilient!   Ron Angelo, President and CEO, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) CCAT's Website: https://www.ccat.us/ CCAT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccat/ CCAT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCenterforAdvancedTech Ron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronangelo/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMS

The manufacturing industry is constantly talking about workforce recruitment and retention. It's been a big topic on the podcast for several years, as well, and approaches are changing.   This week, we're sharing some of the recruitment and retention secrets that you may have missed during this year's episodes. We've pulled together some of the best tactics from great leaders across the state to help you make some additions or changes to your recruitment and retention strategy.   We also threw in some updated (and positive!) plans from Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development that are helping to support the growth of the CT workforce as both manufacturing and as a whole.   Kick off your 2024 recruitment with a bang!    Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-am

Medical device reprocessing is a fascinating niche of medical manufacturing that we haven't yet discussed on the podcast!   In this episode, Craig Allmendinger, CEO of Northeast Scientific (NES), shares the remarkable journey of NES. This a story of some serious perseverance!   Discover how NES navigated substantial early challenges, overcame massive regulatory hurdles, and established credibility in a tough market. Ari and Craig talk about the innovation needed to continue and to compete, as well as the added complexity of quality control required of any medical manufacturer.     Finally, learn about the impact of World Pace, NES's non-profit arm, that collaborates with the University of Michigan to provide affordable pacemakers globally.   Craig has been on a wild ride to success and he shares it all on this episode!   Craig Allmendinger, Northeast Scientific Website: https://www.smarthealth-care.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nescientific/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pr

What does it mean to make mechanical watches the traditional way? Think made-by-hand, incredibly tight tolerances, and exceptional attention to detail!  That's what you get with Love Hunter Watches, an exclusive luxury watch manufacturer bringing back American watch manufacturing.   On this episode, we welcome Love Hunter owner of Love Hunter Watches and learn about his fascinating journey and his obsession with watchmaking. Love talks about his unique road to entrepreneurship, the inspiration his father gave him, and the inspiration he passes along to his high school students as a manufacturing instructor in Derby, CT.      This one-of-a kind manufacturing story is 100% worth watching or listening to!   Love's favorite business book:   The Management Bible, Bob Nelson & Peter Economy    Love Hunter, Love Hunter Watches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carey-manufacturing-inc- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareyManufacturing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careymanufacturing90

Carey Manufacturing is a 2nd generation manufacturing company specializing in latches, catches, and handles. With 10-15000 unique parts, their catalog is massive!   On this episode, Ari and talks to Alison Carey-Lynch about coming into manufacturing and learning her way through the company.   Alison talks about her time working with Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, and how his leadership helped move Carey forward and inspired her.    Ari and Alison talk about the value of manufacturing community outreach and the ability to change things for the better. Alison discusses her role in AMEP and the Training Pathways Program. She also talks about the role of orgs like ManufactureCT in making a community of like-minded leaders.      Finally, Alison and Ari discuss two other big topics: succession planning and reshoring.   This is a chock-full episode you won't want to miss!   Alison Carey-Lynch, Carey Manufacturing Website: https://careymfg.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/

When you combine entrepreneurial spirit, customer collaboration, and technology, you get a well-run company that leans into technological advancements. That's what we're learning about in this episode with Sam Simons, President of OEM Controls    On this episode, Ari and Sam talk about OEM Controls, which specializes in industrial joystick controllers as well as Internet of Things (IOT) hardware that allows data from the customers' machines to be collected and analyzed.   Ari and Sam talk about what IOT is, how OEM is harnessing it, and the many applications that will help their customers' machinery be more efficient, cost effective, and safe. They discuss how OEM Controls collaborates with other companies and their customers to be sure that end users get the products they need. They also dive into OEM Controls' Agile/Lean journey.    It's a technology-forward, lively conversation!   Sam's favorite book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey and Plan to Pivot, Gerry Starsia    Sam Simon

This week, join us for two more excellent interviews recorded live at the Aerospace Components Manufacturers Aerospace Alley tradeshow on November 1. Dorothy Carlone, General Machine and John Bau, Quinnipiac University steal the show with their great positive energy!   Dorothy Carlone, VP of General Machine, talks to Ari about coming into her families company after her father's sudden passing 13 years ago and falling in love with manufacturing. She discusses her involvement with ACM as well as her passion for sharing manufacturing with the next generation.    John Bau, Director of Career Development at Quinnipiac, talks to Ari all about how educators are working to teach students not only about the opportunities available to them in manufacturing, but how they can be successful in the process of landing those roles. Additionally, John talks about the importance of working together with other schools, businesses and the government to meet the future needs of the industry.   General Machine website: http

This week, join us for 3 fantastic interviews recorded live at the Aerospace Components Manufacturers Aerospace Alley tradeshow on November 1. Chris Kielb from Advance Welding, Amy Thompson from CCAT and Jim Reeser from Production Metals share their views on the value of the event, as well as what their organizations are involved in.   Chris Kielb, President of Advance Welding, talks about the value of getting involved in the ACM, his background, and Advance Welding. He shares some secrets to getting great employees - and it involves investing a lot of time and energy in developing young talent.   Amy Thompson, Chief Training Officer at CCAT, introduces CCAT's new Digital Thread Training program. She explains what the program is, why it's vitally important for smaller manufacturers, and how CCAT is training the workforce of the future.   Jim Reeser, President of Production Metals, talks to Ari at the ACM tradeshow about their 5 year old full-line metal distribution business that is growing like crazy a

Designing a flat roof that can stay on during high winds is no small feat, but Tom Kelly has done it using basic science principles and a new kind of sustainable construction board called Kelly Green Board.   On this episode, Ari talks to Tom Kelly, Owner of 2001 Company and Kelly Green Products about his roof design that vacuum seals onto a building. Then they discuss the new board (like plywood) that Kelly Green Board is manufacturing out of recycled and unused plastics that is changing the face of roof (and other) construction.   At a time when we are running out of space for trash, and need to find alternative uses for our 'single-use' plastics, sustainable and recycled products are a vital part of our economy.   Tom Kelly, 2001 Company / Kelly Green Products Website (Kelly Green Products): https://www.kellygreenproducts.com/ Website (2001 Company): https://2001company.com/ Tom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-kelly-6bab077a/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https:

The only constant in life is change! What would you do if your product or service was made obsolete by new technology? Throw in the towel or take a deep look at the business to pull together an entirely new business idea?   In this week's episode, Ari speaks with Ryan Bower of Verico Technology about the history and future of this company that took an innovative look at their capabilities to discover they have untapped and unique expertise to bring to the market.   This is a story of discovery, innovation, trial and error and building an entirely new company from the remnants of an older era.   Air and Ryan talk about contract manufacturing, finding new customers, working with start-ups, marketing through networking and tradeshows, leveraging acquisitions to gain new equipment and space…and so much more!   Ryan's favorite business book: Who Moved My Cheese, Spencer Johnson   Ryan Bower, Verico Technology Website: https://www.vericocontractcoating.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ver

Architectural lighting may not be something you think about often- but most people notice when it's really great or really bad!   In this episode, Allie Schieffelin, Owner and CEO of The Lighting Quotient, talks about lighting design and engineering and how this 100+ year old company has shifted with the times and trends.   Did you know that LEDs made a HUGE shift in the world of lighting? Neither did we…but the pendulum swings both ways and the direct lighting sources which dominated early LED lighting are now swinging back to reflective lighting that is more decorative and easier on the eyes.     Allie and Ari also talk about topics like "machine envy", respect for tradespeople and the training needs that every manufacturer faces.   Allie's favorite business book:  Start with Why, Simon Sinek   Allie Schieffelin, The Lighting Quotient Website: http://www.thelightingquotient.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lighting-quotient Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLightingQuotie

When your business becomes known for handling tough engineering challenges, you might find that growth follows! Peter Paul makes solenoid valves for some of the most challenging flow solution applications.   In this episode, Ari talks to Mark Mangiafico, President of Peter Paul about growing up in and around his family business. They talk about the benefits of spending time outside of the business to learn valuable skills and processes you can bring back to the team.   Mark and Ari then talk about the company's growth over the years, which Mark attributes to being great at application engineering. Their growth has been 100% organic while their go to market strategy is a simple one of web presence and tradeshows.   Mark also talks to Ari about the power of Lean Manufacturing and how it has helped their business as well as their customers. They discuss how Peter Paul has implemented Lean and have taught their customers the best ways to integrate with Peter Paul's Lean systems to improve their own supply c

Rich Milici, President &CEO of Blackstone Industries wanted to control his own fate after his job was moved to another state - so he started his entrepreneurial journey.   In 2013, Rich purchased Blackstone Industries, a group of brands that manufacturers tools for artisan markets. With 3 brands that are over 100 years old, he knew this would be a strong building block for growth.   Ari and Rich talk about the initial purchase process and Blackstone's M&A aspirations. Then they go deep into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which Rich says changed everything!     If you're looking to be an entrepreneur, or a business owner that wants to gain more control over your business operations, this is the episode for you.   Rich's favorite books: Benjamin Hardy - The Gap and the Gain, Who Not How, 10x is easier than 2x.   Rich Milici, Blackstone Industries Website: https://blackstoneind.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackstone-industries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.c

This is an incredible Made in America story of bringing woolen textile manufacturing back to the US - specifically back to New England. In this episode, Ari talks to Jacob Long, President of American Woolen Company, about his passion for creating a story and a community around the American wool industry.   They discuss the idea of 'craft' manufacturing - similar to the craft beer movement, Jacob believes there is a sizeable market for craft textiles. Not only can it be a source of pride for an area, but a way to bring back old traditions and make new ones.   Ari and Jacob discuss the commoditization of apparel with its economic, social, and environmental implications. Jacob also talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship, having the tenacity to stick through the challenges, and finding the right core audience for your product.   A fascinating episode - and a ton to learn from!   Jacob Long, American Woolen Company Website: https://americanwoolen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a

This episode takes you through the history of the construction industry and its resistance to industrialization, and brings you to modern-day manufacturing of modular construction. While everything else in our modern world is manufactured…construction has had a tough time making the transition.   Roger Krulak, President and Founder of FullStack Modular, talks with Ari about the incredible need for more development and how it will take every kind of construction technique to keep up…including the consistent and quick model of manufactured or industrialized construction using modular building processes.   FullStack Modular is working to prove that modular construction is no longer boxy and boring - it can fit all needs and allows architects to do work creatively.   Industrialized construction enables higher productivity, more consistent quality, and a dependable supply chain.   Roger Krulak, FullStack Modular Website: https://www.fullstackmodular.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fullst