On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring Jay Forte, Director of Finance and Human Capital from Light Metals Coloring! Jay talks to Ari about his unique journey as a CPA to a corporate educator who wound up in manufacturing. He discusses how critical it is to focus on engaging your people, create an effective customer and employee experience, and ask the question, 'is it me or is it you?' Jay taps into the manufacturing industry and believes that there is a need for a culture and ...
Jun 29, 2021•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, Doug Johnson, President, and Tyler Johnson, Journeyman Toolmaker, from Marion Manufacturing! In the first segment, Doug discusses his journey into manufacturing specifically into the family business, the idea of learning from mistakes in order to be successful, and the importance of embracing a younger workforce. He even mentions how he is setting up the business for Tyler! Tyler joins Ari to talk about his experience with the a...
Jun 22, 2021•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a special release of our 100th Made in America podcast episode! There's a bit of a twist; Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA and former podcast guest, takes over the show and puts Ari Santiago in the hot seat. Chris asks Ari some hard hitting questions including ones sent in from former podcast guests. The two highlight the story of how the Made in America podcast came about and the future of the show. Ari reflects on the past 100 episodes and covers topics related to CT's ma...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, we are featuring Melanie Hoben, Director of Workforce Development for Goodwin University, onto the Made in America podcast! Melanie discusses her role within Goodwin University and how she is consistently assessing the needs of both manufacturers and incumbent workers. She focuses in on the great training programs available to students and how employers can take advantage of them. Melanie also talks to Ari about Goodwin's partnership with the Department of Labor, CCAT, and the CSCU sy...
Jun 08, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's Made in America episode features an engineer and chocolatier at heart, Carmen Romeo. He's the President and Son-in-law of Fascia's Chocolates located in Waterbury, CT! Carmen shares the family business story and how their chocolate operation started out of a basement. He talks to Ari about transforming the company into a successful retail store, wholesale business, and tourist attraction! Carmen talks to Ari about what it's like doing things the old fashioned way, bringing his engine...
Jun 01, 2021•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Selim Noujaim from Noujaim Tool Company, and his story on becoming a manufacturing champion and well-known community leader! Selim talks to Ari about the importance of building customer relationships, engaging a young workforce, and making long-term investments. He details the company's positive experience working with the Department of Labor and how the CT apprenticeship program has become an integral part of the company culture. Selim is passionate about c...
May 25, 2021•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features John Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder of Datanomix, and uncovers the unique connection between data analytics and manufacturing technology! John talks to Ari about how their software can help manufacturers, the importance of embracing manufacturing technology for digital leverage, and how to take data and turn it into insights and actions for factory owners. His extensive manufacturing and data background results in an interesting perspective on the importance of ...
May 18, 2021•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Joel Camassar, VP and Owner of Chapman Manufacturing, and the story behind an iconic brand and products that customers love! Joel chats with Ari about his personal manufacturing journey. He talks about learning things the hard way, listening to customers' ideas, and building a business from the ground up with his parents. Joel details his operational success through modernizing and investing in technology. He also discusses the value of a diverse and dynamic...
May 11, 2021•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our Made in America podcast was on the road at CCAT's Advanced Technology Center for this week's episode! We are so excited to welcome back one of our fan-favorites, Ron Angelo, President and CEO of CCAT. Ron talks to Ari about the new and exciting things happening in their new Advanced Technology Center and how manufacturing companies can utilize CCAT's capabilities. He covers the importance of technology adoption, utilizing training programs, and being cyber compliant and model based definitio...
May 04, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode is truly a breath of fresh air and highlights the success story of a Shark tank contestant and CEO and Founder of Boost Oxygen, Rob Neuner! Rob talks to Ari about becoming a global market leader while staying profitable, focusing on customers and product development, and the importance of a digital pivot during challenging times. Rob details his surreal experience of being on Shark Tank and how they signed a deal with Mr. Wonderful! Rob discusses what their transitio...
Apr 27, 2021•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode highlights the story of Boris Levin, Chairman and CEO of Mott Corporation, and his gravitation towards manufacturing! Boris talks to Ari about the importance of having a strong culture, developing unique products, and getting involved in the manufacturing community. He gives his top 3 tips on how to stay successful in manufacturing and discusses what it means to be an ESOP company. Boris enjoys creating a workplace where employees are committed to their mission and c...
Apr 20, 2021•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode follows the life journey of Richard Rubenstein, Chairman of Plymouth Spring! Richard talks to Ari about the importance of work-life balance, knowing your business and industry, and how entrepreneurs can get their business started. He shares his experiences of turning around failing businesses and how this skill has helped him run Plymouth Spring. Richard believes that in order to be an expert in the industry you should focus on providing excellent customer service an...
Apr 13, 2021•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are so excited to welcome such a strong workforce leader, Dr. Kelli Vallieres, onto this week's Made in America episode! She serves as the Executive Director of CT's Office of Workforce Strategy. Kelli talks to Ari about some exciting updates happening within the Office Workforce Strategy, specifically the initiatives geared towards manufacturing and workforce development. She covers topics surrounding organizational culture, building up a manufacturing pipeline program, the importance of dat...
Apr 06, 2021•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Barry Alexander, CEO and Founder of Aquiline Drones, and his exciting story about being a pilot and running a successful drone company! Barry talks to Ari about the importance of treating drones as aircraft, how to vet the industry before starting an aviation business, and what it takes to create an uber-like drone ecosystem. He details how the drone industry has developed over the years and what their training program looks like. Barry shares his thoughts o...
Mar 30, 2021•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Kenneth Madsen, President of Dimension-Polyant, and his passion for sailing and manufacturing! Kenneth talks to Ari about the importance of learning about manufacturing excellence, focusing on environmental impact, and listening to customers. He discusses his journey into sailcloth manufacturing and how he started creating sails by learning from a library book. Kenneth shares his thoughts on bringing two companies and cultures together from both sides of the...
Mar 23, 2021•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Philip "PJ" Johns, CEO of Thermaxx Jackets, an engineer at heart with a successful manufacturing and technology story! PJ talks to Ari about rethinking technology to improve the business, developing an app that benefits customers, and pulling together as a team. He discusses how technology enabled a huge strategic shift in their processes and business as a whole. PJ believes CT has many valuable resources that manufacturers can take advantage of. By spreadin...
Mar 16, 2021•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode features Bill Hazard, President of Novo Precision, and his story of running a business on both sides of the street! Bill talks to Ari about ramping up their marketing and SEO process, focusing on quality, and investing in people and processes. He discusses the importance of using CT companies as suppliers and building strong relationships with them. Bill details what it takes to create a dynamic team and how it has benefited the company! Books discussed in this episo...
Mar 09, 2021•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode highlights Brittany Isherwood, President of Burke Aerospace, and her journey as a successful woman in manufacturing! Brittany talks to Ari about the importance of taking risks in your career and the value of excellent communication, especially during tough times. She discusses her experience of having and being a mentor; how it has shaped her life and allows her to help other women grow in the industry as well. Brittany encourages women at all levels to get involved ...
Mar 02, 2021•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode spotlights David Tuttle, Department Head - Precision Machining Technology at Platt Technical High School and his passion for teaching and mentorship! Dave talks to Ari about his manufacturing background and how it inspired him to teach. He is a strong advocate for project based learning and relationship-building and enjoys coaching his students throughout their high school career. He believes it is critical to get in front of parents and help them understand the stre...
Feb 23, 2021•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode highlights Don Droppo, President & CEO of Curtis Packaging! Don talks to Ari about the importance of acting fast when times are tough, the benefits of switching to 100% renewable energy, and how a B corporation is the gold standard for any organization. He believes that a focus on social responsibility: people, planet, and profits can turn your company up a notch. Don also talks about work-life balance, marketing, and their dramatic increase in customer sales. This v...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are welcoming back a fan-favorite in this Made in America episode, with David Lehman, Commissioner of the DECD! Commissioner Lehman talks to Ari about some exciting updates happening within DECD and throughout government to support the economy and manufacturing, in particular. He covers how CT has navigated the pandemic, why manufacturing was deemed essential, and how reforming and eliminating the Transfer Act is a huge win for the economy. Commissioner Lehman also highlights the great work b...
Feb 09, 2021•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast This Made in America episode spotlights Victor DaCruz, Owner and President of DaCruz Manufacturing, and his unique company story. Victor talks to Ari about using technology to drive business forward, getting involved in the Precision Machine Parts Association (PMPA), and the value behind CT apprenticeship programs. He believes that taking advantage of robotics and newer technology, will increase your capabilities and help attract young talent! Victor also highlights how the company went through ...
Feb 02, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode with Shannon Marimón, Executive Director of ReadyCT, is loaded with valuable information on the state of educational programming, career pathway opportunities, and higher ed partnerships in CT. She covers ReadyCT's connection with the CBIA, how we can do a better job of educating our youth, and the importance of student development in the state. Shannon talks to Ari about educator externships and how this will help students understand and appreciate the career opportunities that are...
Jan 26, 2021•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode with Keith Corneau is filled with terrific business insight. Keith talks to Ari about learning from others, whether it's from the mentors throughout his life, or his Vistage peer group. He talks to Ari about career growth as a recruitment tactic and working with the Entrepreneurial Operation System (EOS) to improve accountability and time management throughout the entire organization. There is much more to unpack in this episode! Book discuss in this episode: Traction by Geno Wickma...
Jan 19, 2021•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, learn how Clayton Walters, President of Clayton Off Road, turned his hobby and passion for Jeeps into a business. Clayton speaks with Ari about the substantial growth in his business during the pandemic, the impact of digital marketing, and the benefits of building your own machines and robotics. Clayton emphasizes the importance of thinking outside of the box and coming up with more efficient ways to do business. He touches on the CT Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Progra...
Jan 12, 2021•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a unique 'home alone' episode of the Made in America podcast with our very own podcast host, Ari Santiago! In this 2020 wrap up and 2021 kick-off episode, Ari talks about the successes and challenges of the manufacturing industry during an unprecedented year and the tremendous work of manufacturers in the state. Ari reflects on the past year and a half and covers topics related to workforce development, educational opportunities, the importance of getting involved in local manufactur...
Jan 05, 2021•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to a special highlight episode of the Made in America podcast. On this episode Ari has pulled over a dozen clips from podcast guests talking about the great resources in our state. We have manufacturing associations and organizations that other states would love to have! Hear first from representatives of these organizations, and then from the manufacturing leaders that have gained so much from their work with these groups. Unfortunately, we were not able to highlight every manufacturing...
Dec 29, 2020•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, David Bohn, President and CEO of Preferred Utilities Mfg. Corp., speaks with Ari about his forward thinking approach, how to build an efficient internship program, and what makes a strong engineering team. David emphasizes the importance of meeting customer needs by creating quality products. He also focuses on developing a culture full of consideration and giving. He wants employees to be there for one another, think ahead, and understand how individual work can impact those ar...
Dec 22, 2020•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Doug Folsom, CEO of Whitcraft, speaks with Ari about his passion for manufacturing, how to treat the people around you, and how to build company culture after an acquisition. Doug focuses in on the concept of Kaizen; how it removes waste, brings value to an organization, and leads to employment growth. Doug and Ari also talk about CT's incredible talent pipeline and the importance of getting younger generations and more women into the manufacturing industry! Throughout his manuf...
Dec 15, 2020•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Eric Albert, President of Albert Bros. Inc., speaks with Ari about the importance of safety in the workplace, how to retain your employees, and the value of lifelong customers. Their longest customer has been with them for over 100 years! Eric tells Ari all about the history and the many generational transitions that have occurred in this 125 year old company! Safety, community involvement, and exceptional customer service have been at the forefront of the company's goals since ...
Dec 08, 2020•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
