Business is all about relationships, even in specialized tool manufacturing! In this episode, Ari and Jacob Litke talk about the relationships that have grown Skillcraft Machine Tool. Jacob tells Ari about the successful ownership transition from his Father as well as his relationships with employees. He discusses the success of their apprenticeship program as well. Ari and Jacob also dig into what Lean Manufacturing means in a low-mix, high volume setting - and it's pretty different than what w...
Sep 20, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast At nearly 150 years old, Penn Globe has both a fascinating history and an exciting future. President and CEO, Marcia LaFemina, covered tons of ground with our host, Ari Santiago, in this fast-paced episode. They talked all about the innovations that have kept Penn Globe strong and steady despite their small stature in the lighting world. Marcia told us all about their sustainability initiatives, refitting classic fixtures with current sustainable lighting sources, building new fixtures out of re...
Sep 13, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Laura Marasco took a winding path of leadership roles in finance that prepared her, brilliantly, but unwittingly, for a great career in Manufacturing! Listen as she tells Ari her story of going from banking to West-Conn Tool and how all her experiences lined up perfectly to bring her to her current CEO role (a role she took over from her husband, Dave). Without batting an eye, Laura has helped navigate West-Conn Tool from ISO 9000 certification, through a new ERP system, and then on to high-tech...
Sep 06, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Plastics can get a bad rap, but Bing Carbone, President of Modern Plastics, has a heart-felt way of telling the positive story of the high-tech plastics we count on every day. Bing talks to Ari about staying on top of the latest and greatest, whether it's ISO certification in 1997 or a TikTok account in 2022. Bing learned from his grandfather how to look ahead without fear to see what the future holds. Bing also shares his unique perspective on being acquired by a larger organization, but still ...
Aug 30, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is jam-packed with great lessons for manufacturers. Henry Siemon talks to Ari about his 5th generation company and their ability to stay relevant and innovative to continue on as a powerful technology manufacturer. Henry and Ari discuss the challenges of being a new CEO and the benefits of a long transition time. They round out the conversation talking about i4.0 technology and the benefits of automation. The Siemon Company is able to keep a lot of their manufacturing in the US whil...
Aug 23, 2022•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Steel might sound old-school, but Ulbrich Steel is cutting edge! Jon Ulbrich of Ulbrich Stainless Steel and Special Metals talks to Ari about their 98 year-old company and how they keep it feeling young and fresh. Constantly coming up with new ideas, planning succession to maintain success, and thinking green are just a few of the key topics today. Ari and Jon also talk a ton about the current state of the supply chain and how Ulbrich Steel works with it and around it. Company Website: https://w...
Aug 16, 2022•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode with Peter Mirabello, Chairman and CEO of Metal Finishing Technologies, focuses on learning about, valuing, and growing the resources around you - whether it's a previously hidden subset of your business, developing the right leaders, or learning about and taking advantage of the external resources offered in CT. Peter and Ari talked about travel, leadership, diversification, workforce development, sustainability, and even the periodic table! Metal Finishing Technologies' Website: h...
Aug 09, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Michael Polo, Founder and President, of ACMT has a unique story leading him to manufacturing and an even better story of building ACMT! In this episode of the podcast, Michael shares his many stories with Ari to show that risk pays off, creativity wins, and trying the impossible can sometimes be your best bet. This rapid fire episode is full of fun and laughter that leads to some great manufacturing wisdom along the way. ACMT's Website: https://acmt.aero/ ACMT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co...
Aug 02, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Made in America podcast has been around for not 1, not 2, but 3 years! In honor of our 3rd anniversary, we are excited to welcome Mike Ambrose, VP of Enterprise Business Transformation from Sikorsky! Mike joins Ari to share his unique journey into Sikorsky, how artificial intelligence has allowed them to make huge strides, and why collaboration with your workforce is key. He discusses how helicopter technology has allowed them to do business more efficiently and effectively. Mike also stress...
Jul 26, 2022•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, we have a CT manufacturing advocate, friend, and President and CEO of Microboard, Nicole Russo, joining us on the Made in America podcast! Nicole joins Ari to discuss the 3 C's - credit, culture, and complexity, how they maintain close relationships with customers, and how regional sector partnerships can help workforce development challenges. She's passionate about providing solutions, building an uplifting culture, and growing the business. With technology at the forefront, Nicole a...
Jul 19, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's Made in America podcast episode features Bill Smith, President and CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen! Bill joins Ari to discuss why he enjoys working in the fuel cell industry, how they are using chemistry for space and underwater exploration and attracting talent for their exciting missions. He also discusses what is powering their growth and how they are addressing climate change challenges. He is confident that green hydrogen can help replace fossil fuels and lead to a more o...
Jul 12, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast In honor of the July 4th holiday, we are releasing a special edition Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests! With a theme focused around reshoring, our guests discuss what they are doing to address supply chain issues, get closer to customers, and focus on workforce development efforts. We also explore the ways manufacturers across our state are looking to keep operations and processes close to home. The United States has the capability to compete with those ove...
Jul 05, 2022•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are welcoming Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, onto the Made in America podcast! Dave joins Ari to discuss how they are handling overseas competition, using lights out technology to become more efficient, and using creative recruiting to attract and retain people. He highlights the importance of peer learning and how you can learn valuable business lessons from others in various industries. Dave also expresses his gratitude for his team and how hiring an HR professional...
Jun 28, 2022•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's Made in America episode showcases the story of BMS Aerospace through the eyes of their President, Tina Bracone! Tina joins Ari for an insightful conversation on business transformation, acquisitional growth, and team communication. She also explains how her focus on metrics has helped the company make strategic investments. By welcoming ROI opportunities and building up the culture, Tina is confident that they will be successful in the future ahead. BMS Aerospace's Website: https://b...
Jun 21, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we welcome Matt Tkac, Founder of Bad Dog Brewing, onto the Made in America podcast! Matt talks to Ari about finding a building that tells a story, how the town of Torrington helped guide their development, and how they are trying to continuously accommodate customers. Matt discusses the uniqueness of their flavors, historical flare, and family affair. He acknowledges the endless support of his family and community and believes that their involvement has been crucial to the brewery's su...
Jun 14, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are welcoming Paul Giangrave, VP of Frasal Tool, onto the Made in America podcast! Paul talks to Ari about what his manufacturing journey looked like, the collaboration that goes on between their engineers and OEMs, and how to make your employees feel appreciated. He also explains the company's shift from the bearing industry to aerospace and how they were able to stay competitive. Paul stresses the importance of cybersecurity and continuous improvement and why it's a must for manuf...
Jun 07, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's Made in America podcast, get ready for an insightful conversation with Justin Malley, Director of Economic and Community Development for Bristol, CT! Justin talks to Ari about what he is doing to engage and support manufacturers, how government plays a role in employment programming, and why marketing is the key to success. He discusses how Bristol is freeing up manufacturers' time by getting them connected to the right people and organizations. Justin also expresses the importanc...
May 31, 2022•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's episode features George LaCapra, President of UniMetal Surface Finishing, and his journey into manufacturing! George talks to Ari about the importance of enhancing customers' products, communication as the key to a strong family business, and standing out in the metal finishing space. George talks of the risks and leaps he took to get where he and his company are now. He finishes by talking about how a small hobby turned into a whole new manufacturing business with the Clocktown Brew...
May 24, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, John Lyman, Executive VP, Secretary & Treasurer, and Gary Jalbert, President & CEO, of Lyman Orchards! In the first segment, John discusses what it's like to be a part of the Lyman family, how to build on the tradition of the business, and how they've become a popular destination in CT. Innovation and opportunity has opened many doors for them. Gary then joins Ari to explain the way he views their leadership, strategy, and busin...
May 17, 2022•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of the Made in America podcast, we are highlighting Alan Ortner, CEO of Sirois Tool and Chairman of NTMA! Alan talks to Ari about the basics of growing a tool making business, the importance of maintaining relationships and giving back, and how involvement in the apprenticeship program helps tackle workforce challenges. Alan also explains how they take care of their team from the benefits package and 401k offerings to a welcoming gesture prior to Day 1. He believes the bes...
May 10, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are welcoming Carrie Carella, Owner of NoRA Cupcake Company, into the Made in America spotlight! Carrie and Ari talk about her journey into the cupcake world, how she thinks about maintaining quality control, and how business connections can help improve mass production techniques. Carrie also discusses how she thinks about their go to market strategy and how social media has had a big impact on their success. Experimentation, partnership, communication, and branding, are just a few...
May 03, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's Made in America podcast, we are welcoming Michele Etzel, Executive VP & CFO of National Graphics! Michele and Ari discuss the future of printing and how investments in people, technology, and equipment, helps drive the family business forward. She mentions her passion for what she does and how mail continues to be a door opener for many. Michele also details how they maintain relationships with customers and other firms, engage in the community around them, and balance family dyna...
Apr 26, 2022•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are on the road for a special episode at Goodwin University's Advanced Composites Center, featuring Jacquelynn Garofano, Chief Technology Officer at CCAT! Jackie and Ari tackle some of the hottest topics in the manufacturing industry including great career opportunities, workforce development, automation, and much more. She re-introduces CCAT and the impact this organization has across the state. Jackie discusses her journey being a first generation engineer and how she's taken the ...
Apr 19, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Spring season is in full swing and we are releasing a special edition Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests! With a theme focused on 'springing forward and investing in the future,' our guests discuss what they are doing to get ahead and how making investments in technology, equipment, people, and processes, helps drive their businesses. From developing core technology and diversifying the business to focusing on innovation and staying ahead of the curve, manuf...
Apr 12, 2022•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring Mike Lisowski, Executive Vice President and COO of FuelCell Energy! Mike talks with Ari about their advanced manufacturing capabilities, R&D efforts, and continuous improvement focus. He explores the history of FuellCell Energy, what a fuel cell truly is and its applications across the world. Mike details how they've gotten creative with their recruitment efforts and how they are always evaluating the market they are in. He believes develo...
Apr 05, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we welcome Jim Lombella, Regional President of Connecticut Community Colleges, into the Made in America spotlight! Jim and Ari reunite and discuss incumbent worker training, educational opportunities at CT's Community Colleges, and embracing diversity in manufacturing careers. Jim details his passion for education and helping students succeed and how he got to where he is today. He believes in the power of relationships and educating parents and students alike on the great things going...
Mar 29, 2022•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we welcome President of Belimo Americas, Jim Furlong, onto the Made in America podcast! Jim talks to Ari about his passion for manufacturing, the importance of differentiating your products, and what makes Belimo so unique in the marketplace. Jim details his leadership strategy for running a large division and how they break down communication barriers. He believes that the company needs to be on the same page, implement best practices, and invest in the future! Jim Furlong, President,...
Mar 22, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we are welcoming Robert Friedland, President and CEO of Columbia Manufacturing onto the Made in America podcast! Robert joins Ari for a full episode focusing on his aerospace journey, rebranding efforts for Columbia Manufacturing, and leadership and communication strategies. Robert discusses their strong partnerships with technical training schools in the state and how revamping their website helped steer their business in a positive direction. He believes in transparency and teamwork ...
Mar 15, 2022•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Exciting news!!! We are welcoming CT's Newest Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, onto the Made in America podcast. Paul joins Ari for a 2nd time and discusses strengthening the supply chain, the future of CT manufacturing, and 5 strategic initiatives he plans to implement. Paul describes his background with Carey Manufacturing, how the stars aligned with his new role, and how he plans on engaging and supporting manufacturers of all shapes and sizes. We wish Paul the best of luck and can't...
Mar 08, 2022•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Next up on the Made in America podcast is Gio Tomasi, CEO and CTO of RSL Fiber Systems! Gio and Ari's friendship has blossomed into a conversation focused on mentorship, community involvement, the development of fiber optic lighting for the U.S. Navy, and beyond. Gio talks to Ari about the importance of sharing knowledge with others to help solve problems and finding creative people to get the job done. In order to be successful in the manufacturing space, you have to be willing to learn, adapt,...
Mar 01, 2022•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
