Made in America with Ari Santiago

This episode is chock full of great information on the growth and development of the electric vehicle market, how it has been affected by Covid-19 and what the future looks like in this part of the manufacturing industry. On this episode, Ari talks to Jeffrey Mayer, Executive Chairman of Oasis Charger Corporation, which runs JuiceBar EV, premium electric vehicle charging stations. Jeffrey talks to Ari about the benefits of sourcing parts locally as well as the strength of the manufacturing industry in the region. There's so much to learn from in this terrific episode! Jeffrey Mayer, Executive Chairman, Oasis Charger/JuiceBar EV JuiceBar EV Website: https://www.juicebarev.com/ JuiceBar EV LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/juicebar/ JuiceBar EV YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JuiceBarEV JuiceBar EV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarageJuiceBar JuiceBar EV Instagram handle: juicebarev JuiceBar EV Twitter handle: JuiceBarEV Jeffrey Mayer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-mayer-692

On this episode of the Made in America podcast, Gean Tremaine, President of Q-Tran Inc in Milford, CT, talks to Ari about the value of increasing investment in technology and marketing to stay strong, especially during the Covid-19 crisis. Gean and Ari also discuss topics like management, recruitment, and peer learning during this challenging period. Gean Tremaine, President, Q-Tran, Inc. Q-Tran's Website: https://www.q-tran.com/ Q-Tran's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/q-tran-inc/ Q-Tran's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtdae5FdVNaIqzMYwIqD09g Gean's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gean-tremaine-334b441/ 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 Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itdirect151 Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/ Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://

Ari and David Griggs, President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, have an inspirational conversation about both the current and future 'story of Hartford'. They talk about the MetroHartford Alliance's role in telling that story, retaining current businesses, attracting new businesses, and bringing together the entire Hartford region for the benefit of us all. Together, they discuss the economic development needs of the region and what the Alliance and the Hartford Chamber of Commerce have done and continue to do to meet those needs - before, during and after the Covid-19 crisis. The MetroHartford Alliance is both pulling together communities and marketing those communities to regions outside of Hartford to promote the region and continue our growth. David talks about how the manufacturing industry is set to become a big factor in their strategy to bring more interest to the region. David Griggs, President and CEO, MetroHartford Alliance Website: https://www.metrohartford.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linke

As we begin to return to some (ab)normalcy after Covid-19 entered our lives, the Made in America podcast will be sprinkling in some of the episodes recorded just before the pandemic hit. (We'll still be releasing Covid-19 related episodes too.) This episode was released right when the craziness began - Dean Cocarro, VP of Operations at Zendex Tool. This was such a terrific episode, we'd hate to have it lost in the shuffle. Dean talks to Ari about the customer service, marketing, technology, and continuous improvement that goes into their awesome product line. He also talks about how he got into the business in the first place - a great story. 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-corporat

Jill Mayer, CEO of Bead Industries talks to Ari about how they are using this slower time to prepare for the future. From implementing new organizational procedures to investing in equipment and automation, Bead plans to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic in a better and stronger position. In this episode, Jill and Ari talk about how Bead has maintained strong communication no matter where their workers are. They discussed the benefits of the PPP funds and how Bead Industries will use them as a cushion to protect their workers and move the business forward. Finally, as the VP of the NHMA and a member of the Connecticut Manufacturing Collaborative, Jill talks about how these organizations have been working hard to support and bring together their communities. Jill Mayer, CEO, Bead Industries Company Website: https://beadindustries.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bead-industries-inc-/ Jill Mayer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbmayer/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct

Lynn Welding in Newington CT has an incredible handle on their Covid-19 response. They are doing things for communication, safety, and future planning that we haven't heard anywhere else. On this episode, Ari talks to Ibrahim Ibrahim, Operations Manager, who has been a central figure in the company's planning, preparation and follow-through. He gives so many great details on what they are doing to keep their essential employees both safe and happy. Ibrahim talks about at-risk employees that are now working from home and how they continue to be valuable team members by a smart shift in responsibilities. He also talks to Ari about how Lynn Welding is providing more value to their customers at this unstable time. Ibrahim Ibrahim, Operations Manager, Lynn Welding Company Website: https://lynnwelding.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lynn-welding-co-inc-/ Ibrahim Ibrahim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimibrahim91/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: htt

This week, Ari Santiago talks to Mark Burzynski, President of the Arthur G Russell Company in Bristol CT. This growing company has a strong company culture defined by teamwork, as well as respect and appreciation for each employee. During these Covid-19 times, this culture has kept them going and working well together. Mark discusses the extreme importance he places on keeping, training and expanding his workforce, despite and because of the Covid crisis. He talks about the impact of the skills gap and the silver tsunami overall as well as keeping up relationships with colleges and technical schools through this time. Mark and Ari also talk about the new ERP system that Arthur G. Russell has put in place over the last two years. Mark is emphatic about the benefits it has provided the company, improving quoting, cost analysis, accounting, and providing them excellent data. Mark Burzynski, President, Arthur G Russell Company Company Website: https://www.arthurgrussell.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin

ACM, the Aerospace Component Manufacturers organization, has been pulling together the aerospace industry in CT for years. Now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, that incredible cooperative spirit is even more pertinent and important than ever. On this episode, Ari talks to Paul Murphy, Executive Director, about the high-level impact this health crisis is having on companies and the manufacturing industry throughout CT. After years of running businesses and now the ACM, Paul has terrific insight on what companies can focus on now to be prepared for the uncertain future. They discuss the role that the ACM is playing for their members and the role Paul has taken on to help drive their member companies forward during this tough time. Paul Murphy, Aerospace Component Manufacturers (ACM), Executive Director ACM website: http://www.aerospacecomponents.org/ Paul LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmurphy1211/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Compa

On this episode of the Made in America podcast, Ari and Colin talk all about the government's response to the Covid-19 crisis, in particular how it relates to the manufacturing industry. He and Ari talk about the changes in priorities to cover the different response stages and the current most important projects. Colin talks about some of the incredible work being done by manufacturers around the state who are stepping up to help in the most amazing ways. Changing production lines, redirecting supply chains, rethinking products and much more to provide PPE for frontline workers and ventilators to help the critically ill. Colin also recommends some actionable steps that CT manufacturers can take now to continue being prepared for what's to come. 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.c

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