Made in America with Ari Santiago

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 Program and how it has helped them develop innovative approaches to reducing costs and increasing productivity. Clayton Walters, President, Clayton Off-Road Clayton Off Road Website: https://www.claytonoffroad.com/ Clayton Off Road LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clayton-off-road-inc./about/ Clayton Off Road Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonOffroad Clayton Off Road YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ClaytonOffRoad Clayton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-walters-149b8841/ Ari Santiag

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 manufacturing associations, and investing in marketing, technology, and continuous improvement. There is so much to look forward to! As we lean into the new year, it is critical that we work together to make the future of CT manufacturing a successful one. With resilient people in the industry, 2021 will be a year of positivity and growth! Ari Santiago, President & CEO, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.

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 group and organization in the state, but we pulled out 6 of the most frequently discussed. It is so important to get involved and to learn, share and succeed together! We hope this episode inspires you to take advantage of these incredible opportunities all around you. Please share this episode with other manufacturing leaders and get them involved too!

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 around you. Throughout his time at Preferred, David has taken pride in working alongside his children and loves building up his community, both inside and outside of work. Book discussed in this podcast: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don't by James C. Collins David Bohn, President and CEO, Preferred Utilities Mfg. Corp. Preferred Utilities Mfg. Corp's Website: https://www.preferred-mfg.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAw_H-BRD-ARIsALQE_2OWpb5wM9QAl2K6oRsNZ2zX2k1JfJmtfv_Nb6UiZth3y8QohTl3cnkaAriNEALw_wcB Pr

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 manufacturing career, Doug has been a big proponent of servant leadership. He believes manufacturers should focus on creating future leaders and treating others with respect! Books discussed in this podcast: The Lean Turnaround: How Business Leaders Use Lean Principles to Create Value and Transform Their Company by Art Bryne and James P. Womack Doug Folsom, CEO, Whitcraft Whitcraft's Website: https://www.whitcraftgroup.com/ Whitcraft's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whitcraft-group/ Whitcraft's Facebook: https

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 1895! The company has changed and developed during the course of its long history, but Eric believes they need to keep up with technology and investments to continue moving forward. This company is doing something incredible for the environment, while providing true value to its customers and the CT manufacturing community! Books discussed in this podcast: -Practically Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, and Challenge Yourself by Bill Taylor -Mavericks at Work by Polly G Labarr

In this episode, John Leposky, Senior Manager of Optical Fabrication at ASML, speaks with Ari about closing workforce gaps and including your team in your Lean journey, all while producing hi-tech computer chips. John details ASML's Lean philosophy and encourages others to make the investment. He is excited to share that it has been the best solution for the company's growth and that the ROI has been phenomenal! With the Three C's in mind - Challenges, Collaboration, and Caring, John is hopeful that the manufacturing industry can bring in intelligent and skilled workers! John Leposky, ASML ASML's Website: https://www.asml.com/en ASML's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asml/ ASML Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASMLUS John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leposky-16023270/ 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-direc

In this episode, Kristen Gunther, Account Executive and 5th generation family at George Schmitt & Co., speaks with Ari about what it's like growing up and working in a family business, the importance of thinking on your feet, and the endless career opportunities in manufacturing. Kristen explains how the family business has given her purpose and a sense of belonging. She's excited about being part of the company lineage and is grateful for all of the families that have worked for them. Kristen is also hopeful about CT manufacturing community and believes that there is a career for everyone in the manufacturing industry! Kristen Gunther, Account Executive, George Schmitt & Co. George Schmitt & Co. Website: https://georgeschmitt.com/ George Schmitt & Co. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/george-schmitt-&-co/ Kristen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-gunther-5053445b/0 Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/

In this episode, CJ Bienia from Robotic Advantage, speaks with Ari about everything automation; how to get it started in your shop, crushing your ROI, and driving down costs. CJ details how automation has improved over the last decade and where it will be in the future. He also explains how to talk to employees about the benefits of automation - there's no reason to fear it! CJ is excited about where automation is headed and stresses the importance of starting small. You always want to make sure employees know what is coming! CJ Bienia, Robotic Advantage Robotic Advantage Website: https://roboticadv.com/ Robotic Advantage LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robotic-advantage/ Robotic Advantage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI87hwW4nWTzH6u2bIoqiNA Robotic Advantage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoboticAdv CJ's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-bienia-01132310/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook

In this pre-COVID episode, learn what CONNSTEP can do to help your business grow and thrive. Bonnie DelConte, President & CEO of CONNSTEP, speaks with Ari about the evolution of CONNSTEP and their 3 main services: growth, continuous improvement and technology. This fantastic nonprofit organization has done so much for so many of the manufacturers we've had on the podcast. We want our listeners to understand their full range of services. This episode is also a farewell to Bonnie as she moves towards her retirement from CONNSTEP at the end of the year! Bonnie DelConte, President & CEO, CONNSTEP CONNSTEP Website: https://www.connstep.org/ CONNSTEP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connstep/ CONNSTEP YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CONNSTEPMEP CONNSTEP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnstepInc/ CONNSTEP Twitter handle: connstep Bonnie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-delconte-cpa-85b7a816/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gett

Kathy Saint, President of Schwerdtle, talks to Ari about her optimism towards manufacturing and the educational opportunities the industry provides. They also dive into the concept of embracing technology and being ready for what comes next! Kathy discusses the challenges of adapting to industry needs and that a shift in educational programming is sometimes all it takes. She stresses the importance of learning by listening, building a family-oriented environment, and breaking down educational silos. Kathy is excited and hopeful for the future of manufacturing and believes that younger generations have the opportunity to learn and grow in the industry! Book discussed in this episode: Deming Management Method - Mary Walton Kathy Saint, President, Schwerdtle Company Website: https://schwerdtle.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schwerdtletechnologies Kathy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-saint-779aa013/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettin

Sal Menzo, Superintendent of Wallingford Public Schools, talks to Ari about his passion for watching students grow, building strong relationships with local manufacturing businesses, and getting involved with the community. They also discuss how diversity prepares students for life! Sal describes the Hubcap Wallingford program, what it takes to create an authentic manufacturing curriculum, and how important workforce development is in the town. Sal expresses his excitement towards manufacturing careers and the industry overall. He believes that students will have endless opportunities available to them post-high school! Sal Menzo, Superintendent, Wallingford Public Schools, Company Website: https://www.wallingford.k12.ct.us/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wallingfordschools Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WPSConnections Sal's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-menzo-a4644b31/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnect

Meredith Shay, CEO at InCord, talks to Ari about building a compassionate culture, creating a platform where people can be heard, and maintaining employee accountability. They also discuss the importance of a proper succession plan in a family business. Meredith describes her InCord journey, how she gained respect from the team, and how critical it is to learn from your mistakes. Meredith is excited about the manufacturing industry and brings that passion to her involvement with the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA). Meredith Shay, CEO, InCord, Company Website: https://incord.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/incordnetting Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/incord/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/incordnetting Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incord/?hl=en Meredith's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-shay-8124a04b/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company F

Pedro Soto, President and CEO at Hygrade Precision Technologies, talks to Ari about making decisions, developing strategies, and executing with perfection Pedro and Ari discuss the importance of personal touches like benefits, health care and even good coffee. They also talk about understanding the voice of the customer, building a meaningful career without college debt, and learning through listening. Pedro is passionate about manufacturing and wants others to understand the incredible careers available in the industry! He hopes the supply chain continues to work on developing a diverse workforce in an accepting and effective way. Books discussed in this podcast: Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You, John Warrillow Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business, Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters Pedro Soto, President and CEO, Hygrade Precision Technologies, Company Website: https://hygrade.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.fac

Karen McWhirt, President at Prospect Machine Products, talks to Ari about implementing lean and making those changes stick! Karen and Ari talk about the benefits of getting help from CONNSTEP and how these programs changed many of Prospect Machine's practices. She shares how to break down communication barriers within a company, leverage technology in sales and marketing, and succeed in making real change. Karen has an incredible "we can do it" mindset and believes her team can overcome challenges together when they communicate, listen, and share both their challenges and successes. Karen McWhirt, President, Prospect Machine Products, Company Website: https://pmpdeepdraw.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Prospect-Machine-Products-623124241070185 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospect-machine-products-inc-/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PMPDeepdraw Karen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mcwhirt-417b6aa3/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT

Melissa Biggs, Partner at DNB Lobby, shares her experience as a lobbyist for the manufacturing industry and specifically with the Connecticut Manufacturers Collaborative (CMC). In this episode, she discusses great ideas on how to engage with legislators and build powerful relationships over time. She encourages manufacturers to get involved in the legislative process and make their voices heard in order to drive real impact. Melissa is hopeful that the legislative successes she's had while working with the CMC will encourage others that real change is possible if you take a little time to be part of the process. Melissa Biggs, Partner, DNB Lobby, Company Website: https://dnblobby.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DNBlobby Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/depino-nu%C3%B1ez-biggs-llc/ Melissa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabiggs/ DNB Lobby phone: 203.466.5188 Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ C

Nancy Traver, Industry Specialist at Traver IDC, highlights her experience growing up in a family business and the passion she has endured along the way. Nancy shares thoughts on the value of the organization, women in manufacturing, operating under a decision tree, and her involvement in Smaller Manufacturers Association of CT. She is super excited to share her family story and believes that it has played a key role in her growth as a woman in the industry. Despite a winding career path, she was drawn right back to Traver IDC and has been there since. Nancy speaks to Ari about her love and motivation for tackling challenges, providing educational support for students, and the opportunity to make connections during difficult times. She is all about learning, growing, and making an impact on the manufacturing community in CT. Nancy Traver, Industry Specialist, Traver IDC, Company Website: https://www.traveridc.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveridc Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Tom Matulaniec, Owner and President of TOMZ Corporation, highlights how important it is to get ahead of the curve through innovation. His ideas on reinvigorating an older workforce and using social media to strengthen the business are terrific! Tom clearly appreciates growing up in a manufacturing family and believes that it has enabled him to be a passionate and open-minded individual within the company. Tom and Ari discuss topics related to mentorship, establishing a workforce training school, and overcoming workforce challenges. Tom also mentions how to leverage the use of technology and be efficient when shifting common machine processes. Tom Matulaniec, Owner and President, TOMZ Corporation, Company Website: https://tomz.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOMZCorp/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomz-corporation/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomzcorp/?hl=en Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcIIkW2P1RXjcMxDUpoKtSw Tom's LinkedIn: https:

George Giering, President of Giering Metal Finishing Inc, understands the value of taking risks in order to maintain the success and growth of his company. He touts having family support and a great mentor as keys to helping him navigate the ebbs and flows of the business. Ari and George also talk about sales processes, learning to run a business, being a good leader, industry diversification and so much more! George Giering, President Giering Metal Finishing Inc, Giering Metal Finishing Website: https://gieringmetalfinishing.com/ Giering phone number: (203) 248-5583 George's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-giering-5920332/ 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:

Rina Patel, VP of Operations at RSCC Wire and Cable, has had a phenomenal manufacturing career with some top companies. This welcoming and engaging manufacturing leader attributes her success to her family, her personal growth, and her leadership style. Rina talks to Ari about engaging the workforce, listening to employees and following-through on their input. They also talk about the many benefits and uses of i4.0 in manufacturing and how Rina and her teams have put improvements in place while managing ROI. Rina Patel, VP of Operations, RSCC Wire and Cable RSCC Website: http://www.r-scc.com/ RSCC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rscc-wire-&-cable/ Rina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinapatel1/ 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: