Made in America with Ari Santiago

Colin Cooper is the state's first Chief Manufacturing Officer, an exciting position with a ton of potential value for the manufacturing community in CT. Colin's experience, background and clear passion for manufacturing makes him the perfect person for the role. Not only that, but he truly understands the concept: 'if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem'! In this episode, Colin and Ari first talk about stories and lessons learned from Colin's days running the Whitcraft Group. Then they delve into the challenges he faces in his CMO role and the solutions he is working to bring to the table. This is an episode every manufacturing leader should see/listen to! 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.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-d

This episode of the Made in America podcast is a fast-paced episode, full of incredible information and a super-positive outlook. It covers so much manufacturing goodness from selling the family business, to the CT Manufacturers' Collaborative, to listening to the voice of the customer. Chris DiPentima has accomplished so much for his employees, his company, and CT manufacturers - it's almost hard to keep track of all the great things he's got going on! Chris offers incredible information and advice right up to the end of the episode - so don't tune out early! Chris DiPentima, President, Pegasus Manufacturing and the Tube Division of Leggett and Platt Company Website: http://pegasusmfg.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/leggettaerospace/ Chris's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdipentima/ Chris's email: chris.dipentima@leggett.com Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdt

Ari and Tony Karlowicz, Co-founder of Back East Brewery, talk about beer, taste beer, and have a great time talking about brewing as what it truly is, a manufacturing business. They discuss topics any other manufacturer would need to learn: innovating, staying competitive in a crowded market, business strategy, and how to grow your capacity.   Tony and Ari also talk about Tony's background - moving from accounting to brewing - and how important it is to follow your dreams and just get started.   This episode gets into some interesting topics like brewing history and regulations, building relationships in the industry, the manufacturing technology and the challenges a brewery can face.   Grab yourself a beer and enjoy learning in this episode of the Made in America podcast.   Tony Karlowicz, Co-founder, Back East Brewery Company Website: https://www.backeastbrewing.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backeastbrewing/ Instagram: backeastbrewing Company phone: 860-242-1793 Or come visit

Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals has come a long way from its roots as a scrap metal company, through WWII making mess kit knives, through the 50s manufacturing cutlery for diners, and now creating over 160 metal alloys used in everything from basic consumer goods to cars to hi-tech medical equipment.   In this episode of the Made in America podcast, Ari talks to Chris Ulbrich, CEO of Ulbrich about how creating a culture of change has enabled their success for the last 96 years and well into the future. Chris talks about how they treat their employees, how they find new business and the challenges of building a family business.   Additionally, Chris touches on the concept of Conscious Capitalism, community engagement and the benefit of learning from others.   This is a great episode with the long-standing leader of a truly successful CT company.   Chris Ulbrich, CEO, Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Company Website: https://www.ulbrich.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linked

This episode of the Made in America podcast is truly outstanding. Scott Livingston, CEO of Horst Engineering is not only a powerhouse in the CT aerospace industry, but is a guiding light in his community as well. Scott's passion about the important things in his life comes across in every minute of this interview: developing his team, growing his company, peer learning, making an impact, cycling, and so much more. The conversation in this episode ranges from business to personal to philosophical. Ari and Scott have a great discussion that draws you right in and makes you want to hear more!      Scott Livingston, CEO, Horst EngineeringCompany Website: http://horstengineering.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horst-engineering/ Company Instagram: horstengHorst Cycling Instagram: horstcyclingScott Livingston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smlivingston/ Scott Livingston's personal blog: Scottlivingston.net Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT DirectCompany Website: https://www.gett

On this week's episode of the Made in America podcast, we are focusing on an important theme we've talked about with so many of our guests: Workforce Development. Each of our guests has had a different and unique take on how they find, recruit, and build manufacturing talent. Our guests talked about what they do in their own company, how they work within the community, programs they've worked with or created, and so much more. This episode pulls together the best of the best advice from some of the industry leaders we've had on the podcast. It truly hits CT manufacturing's hottest topic! Even if you've heard some of the podcasts these segments come from, you're going to pull something new and valuable from this focused highlights episode.  Special guests: Paul Lavoie, General Manager, Carey Manufacturing Jason Howey, President and CEO, Okay Industries Marty Guay, VP of Business Development, Stanley Black and Decker Glenn Ford, President, Phoenix Manufacturing Lynda Prigodich, CEO, Atlas Stamping and Manufactu

Special guests: Clive Cunliffe, President North America - Pietro Rosa Group (New England Airfoil Products) Tim Backus, President & CEO, Har-Conn Chrome Tim Ulles, CEO, Numet Machining Techniques, Inc Alyce Stiles, Associate Director of Experiential STEM Education, CCAT Recorded live at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow on November 20th, this episode covers some great ground like the benefit of the ACM to both international companies investing in the region and locally grown companies aiming to grow and flourish. Also on this episode, Ari talks to Alyce Stiles, Associate Director of STEM Education at CT Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) about how CCAT and the ACM, together, are encouraging students to learn more and know more about the future of manufacturing in our state. Alyce talks about how CCAT is scaling their programs to reach even more students!  Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is the President/CEO of IT Direct Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/

The Lee Company in Westbrook, CT has had incredible growth and success over the years. In this episode Marietta Lee, VP and Corporate Secretary, talks about her bumpy road to the family business and the value of starting from the bottom. Ari and Marietta discuss the importance of appreciating and investing in your employees to build a solid company culture. This episode has incredible advice on how to manage a family business in a way that enables growth and prosperity. They also talk about The Lee Company's ability to stay nimble over the years. With so many family owned manufacturers  in CT, there is tons to learn from Marietta Lee on how to manage transitions, how to factor in family dynamics, and how important it is for employees to believe the family has their best interests at heart. Ari and Marietta also touch on recruitment, retention, employee training, the role of risk in business growth, and the importance of giving back to your community. This is a great episode with a great manufacturing leader!

David Lehman, Commissioner of the DECD, is a dedicated public official working to create the best potential business atmosphere in CT. He not only understands the challenges, but believes in the possibilities! Commissioner Lehman shared with Ari his background in the private sector and discussed why that enables him to lead the DECD with a clear understanding of business needs. He also talked about the importance of the main pillars for growth: Transportation, Workforce/Education, Fiscal Stability, and a Focus on Cities. Commissioner Lehman spoke with enthusiasm about the new Chief Manufacturing Officer position, the man chosen to fill the position, Colin Cooper, and the important goals for the job. Agree or disagree with politics in our state at the moment, you can't help but note that Commissioner Lehman is intelligent, focused, dedicated, and a strong advocate for business. David Lehman, Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development Email: David.Lehman@ct.gov Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is

Special guests:Michael Polo, President, ACMT, 00:30Albert Pucino, Director of Incumbent Training, Goodwin College 12:09Brian Montanari, President and CEO, HABCO Industries, 18:11Jacqueline Gallo, General Manager, Whitcraft Group, 25:43Sal Menzo, Superintendent, Wallingford Schools, 40:30 This is our second of three episodes created from live recordings at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow. This episode has a fascinating mix of manufacturers sharing their stories and educators who focus on workforce development. Each manufacturer shares how they are working with their local municipalities to promote manufacturing as a great career option. Each educator shares how they ar expanding the programs in the state to promote workforce development and incumbent worker training for development of the manufacturing workforce. The guests each have their own unique stories and have some uplifting views on the state of manufacturing in Connecticut! Ari Santiago:Ari Santiago is the President/CEO of IT DirectWebsite: https://

Special guests: Pedro Soto, President of both Hygrade Precision Technologies and the Aerospace Component Manufacturers (ACM) 0:30-13:36 Michael Forrest, VP, Forrest Machine 13:37-22:14 Jeff Whittaker, President, American Cladding Technologies 22:15-27:57 Colin Cooper, Chief Manufacturing Officer, CT DECD 27:58-47:13 Recorded live from the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow, the fantastic guests on this episodes talk about the state of manufacturing in CT today, including the true benefits of an organization like ACM. They speak about their hopes for the future as they watch over 1500 students talking to over 100 companies and organizations representing the manufacturing industry in CT at the tradeshow. This episode culminates with a short interview with Colin Cooper, the newly installed Chief Manufacturing Officer for our state. Colin talks about the interconnectedness of the manufacturing industry in CT, the state's focus on Workforce Development, and his optimism for the current administration and his own new ro

Ron Angelo, President and CEO of Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology has an incredible vision for the future of both CCAT and manufacturing in our region. His pride in Connecticut's manufacturing outlook is clear and contagious. Listen to this fast-paced, super-insightful podcast episode to find out what CCAT is up to in the areas of technology, workforce development, incumbent worker training, bringing CT manufacturing together for a brighter future and so much more. Find out what CCAT can do to help your small manufacturing business improve processes and use technology to carry you into the future.   Ron Angelo, President and CEO, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. Ron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-angelo-2432242a/ CCAT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccat/ CCAT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCenterforAdvancedTech/ CCAT website: www.ccat.us   Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is the President/CEO of IT Direct Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.c

Most of our guests to-date have been from small to mid-sized manufacturing companies that are family or local owned. But, what happens to a family business when it can no longer stay "in the family". David Philbrick from MW Industries/Economy Spring discovered first-hand and tells the tale! This is a great success story about family, culture, growth, and investments. It's a different story than most, but then again, so is Dave's story! Dave Philbrick started in Manufacturing completely by accident. He shares his fun story and how it was the catalyst for a fantastic career in and a lifelong passion for manufacturing. Join Ari and Dave as they cover the importance of doing what you love, mentoring, and being part of your community.  David Philbrick, Tech Sales Business Development, MW Industries/Economy Spring: Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-philbrick-2ba9a312/ Dave's email: dphilbrick@mw-ind.com MW Industries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mw-industries-inc-/ MW Industries Facebo

What's a "Marc-ism"? On this episode of the Made in America podcast, Ari talks to Marc Nemeth, President of Jonal Laboratories and we get a glimpse into his list of "Marc-isms" - fantastic sayings and euphemisms that he uses regularly to guide his business! With years of manufacturing experience in his 2nd generation family business, Marc has an incredible depth of knowledge in working with OEMS, adopting his customers problems, making big decisions, and staying in front of the wave. But there was one idea Marc and Ari kept returning to that was the key lesson - the importance and ability to ignore 'the numbers' (whether that's ROI or bottom line) if what you're doing is right for the customer and right for the future of the company.   Ari and Marc also discuss the specifics of building your footprint before you need it, developing business relationships, hiring the right people and helping out in the community. Marc Nemeth, Jonal Laboratories Website: https://www.jonal.com/ Email: mnemeth@jonal.com LinkedIn:

This episode focuses on one of CT's greatest manufacturing dilemmas, workforce development, with a member of the community who is working to help find solutions, Bill Villano, President of Workforce Alliance. Workforce Alliance's "Skill Up for Manufacturing" program is a 5-week solution designed to quickly channel people into entry-level manufacturing jobs by providing the fundamentals that employers need.  Ari and Bill discuss all about workforce development in CT: where we've been, where we are now, the models we are developing within the state, and successful models being used outside of our state. They talk a lot about what employers can do to help and how the education system could help to foster more interest in manufacturing. This episode covers a lot of ground! Bill encourages employers to reach out, and outline their needs so Workforce Alliance and other constituents can develop the best programs that truly solve the needs of those companies seeking workers! Bill Villano, President, Workforce Allianc

This is why we started the Made in America podcast…episodes like this that provide incredible value to anyone who listens! Westminster Tool has quickly become known throughout CT for their incredibly forward thinking solution to workforce development and business in general: focus on growing your people and the rest will take care of itself! Ray Coombs, President of Westminster Tool, describes how this change started, what they've done, the investments they've made, and how it has made and continues to make them a stronger company. Ray and Ari discuss every aspect of Westminster's employee growth strategy: emotional intelligence, culture, core values, Westminster Academy, individual growth plans and more. Learn about Westminster Tool's improvement teams and how the entire company spends 45 minutes every day working on the business. In between these nuggets of gold, Ray tells personal stories he calls "electric fence" moments - moments that change the way you think about things forever. This episode makes you

There is not much we don't cover in this interview with Jamison Scott, VP of Air Handling Systems and Executive Director of the New Haven Manufacturer's Association. Jamie talks about Air Handling Systems as a family business - where they came from and where they're going. He talks about some of the great things they've done with their technology and marketing, the importance they place on customer service, and how they retain a younger workforce. Jamie has so much respect and belief in the incredible value of trade organizations that he even became the Executive Director of the New Haven Manufacturer's Association! Jamie walks us through the role of the NHMA in the CT manufacturing community and his passion for working together to solve some of the biggest problems facing it.       Jamison Scott, Air Handling Systems Air Handling Systems Website: https://airhand.com/ Email: jscott@airhand.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamison-scott-5bab2a2/ Phone: 203.389.9595 New Haven Manufacturer's Association

This incredible interview covers so much manufacturing ground! Glenn Ford, President of Phoenix Manufacturing has an incredible background in and knowledge of the aerospace industry. Ari and Glenn talk about the history of precision machining, the capabilities of CT's aerospace valley, and the importance of globalization to small aerospace. Then they move on to ways to improve your company, from uncovering your core values, to developing company culture, to recruiting and training talent.   Ari and Glenn have an in-depth discussion on the state of the manufacturing community in CT and the importance of bringing all constituents together to do incredible things. They discuss some of the great things happening to improve workforce development, as well as some ideas that may further the cause.     A great episode with an energetic and positive guest! Glenn Ford is a powerhouse in the industry who is helping to drive CT manufacturing forward!   Glenn Ford, Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc. Website: https://wnpinc.com/

Willington Nameplate has done incredible work changing with the times to keep their business in the forefront of manufacturing. In this episode, Brett Greene, President of Willington Nameplate, talks to Ari about their successful efforts to rebrand the company and modernize its marketing. They also discuss the company's search for continuous growth in areas like recruitment, employee growth, and  communication.    Brett discusses his own unique career development and how he began to focus on working with people. His goal for the company is to all move in one direction, learn from each other, and keep growing. A thread that is unique to this podcast is Ari and Brett's discussion about company acquisitions. Brett talks about Willington Nameplate's strategic approach, what each acquisition has brought to the company, and what they are looking for in the future. Brett Greene: Willington Nameplate Website: https://wnpinc.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-greene-0903849/ Phone: 877-967-4743 Ari Santi

Severine Zygmont, President of OPM Biomedical, has the passion, curiosity and patience required to be a great leader. In today's episode of Made in America with Ari Santiago, Severine dives into her own background, the history of Oxford Performance Materials (OPM), and the innovations that have brought OPM to the forefront of medical manufacturing technology. On top of that, Severine shares her clear excitement and passion for the technology and manufacturing communities in CT. She talks to Ari about the great work of organizations such as the Connecticut Technology Council and the investments of Connecticut Innovations and other state organizations which helped get OPM to where they are today. This episode covers everything from PEKK to patents and so much more in between. Learn all about the world of medical device manufacturing! Severine Zygmont: Oxford Performance Materials/OPM Biomedical Website:  http://www.oxfordpm.com/Phone: 860.698.9300 Ari Santiago: Ari Santiago is the President/CEO of IT Direct Ari