Made in America with Ari Santiago

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:

Sharing best practices is one of the main goals of the Made in America podcast and right now CMMC compliance is top of the list for so many of our CT manufacturers in the Department of Defense supply chain. Today's episode is a spin into the tactical with Sammy De La O, IT Direct's Director of Quality and Compliance. Sammy has an incredible knack for taking very technical information and making it clear, concise, interesting, and even fun! Even if you're not in that supply chain, cybersecurity is a massive concern for the industry…we have seen companies big and small ravaged by cyber-breaches that could have either been avoided or contained with best practice cybersecurity protocols like those in the CMMC. As cybersecurity risks continue to grow, a CMMC certification shows employees, customers and potential customers that you are serious about the safety of their personal and industrial information. Today's Guest: Sammy De La O, IT Direct's Director of Quality and Compliance Sammy's LinkedIn: https://www.li

As the incoming President & CEO of the CBIA, the largest business association in the state, in the middle of a major economic shift, during a worldwide pandemic, Chris DiPentima has his hands full. But, you wouldn't know it from the positivity that Chris radiates as he speaks about the CBIA and the CT economy as a whole. Chris is no 'Pollyanna' - he knows what he's up against, but he also knows he's got a fantastic team to worth with, historical reference to learn from, and strong CT businesses with which to collaborate for the benefit of the state as a whole. Chris has learned a ton from former CBIA leader and Made in America podcast guest, Joe Brennan, and has a terrific understanding of where he can bring the most value to the organization and the state. Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ CBIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbia/ CBIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CBIAvideos CBIA Facebook:

Sean O'Brien is Vice President and the second generation in his family's Milford-based manufacturing company that supplies high precision machining components to diverse set of industries including medical, microelectronics, defense, and commercial. Sean talks to Ari about how starting at the bottom gave him a well-rounded view of the business and an appreciation for every single employee. They discuss PMP's lean journey and its effect on the company culture. Together Sean and Ari delve into diversification, sales practices, technology and so much more. Ari asks Sean about what he's like to see change in the CT landscape that could really help manufacturers across the state. Books mentioned on today's podcast: Learning to See: Value Stream Mapping to Add Value and Eliminate Muda, John Shook and Mike Rother Sean O'Brien, VP, Precision Metal Products Company Website: https://www.pmpinc.biz/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/precision-metal-products/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Please note that this episode was recorded pre-COVID 19. Jill Mayer, CEO, is bringing Bead Industries, a 90 year old company in Milford CT, to new heights. They are updating their marketing, technology, and management systems to empower their people, encourage a younger workforce, and take their company into the future. In this episode, Jill tells wonderful stories about the history of her family and the company and how they intertwine. She talks about her start in the manufacturing industry, her move into the CEO role, and how she views herself as the company visionary, rather than the integrator. Jill discusses her passion of being a servant-leader and teaching her team that everyone makes an impact. 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 Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/

Marcy Minnick is the 3rd generation running Excello Tool Engineering & Manufacturing, Co in Milford, CT. On today's podcast, Marcy and Ari discuss the background and history of Excello Tool. Marcy proudly touts the incredible artistry of her team and gives them credit not only for the success, but the actual existence of the company. Marcy talks to Ari about coming into the company with a business, rather than manufacturing, background and what she did to garner the respect of her team. Together Ari and Marcy discussed the power of asking for help, the importance of hiring the right experts and the need to maintain flexible at this time to meet a higher customer demand. Ari and Marcy also delved into the value of joining one of CT's manufacturing associations and what it's like to be a woman in today's manufacturing industry. Marcy Minnick, CEO, Excello Tool Company Website: http://www.excellotool.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excello-Tool-Engineering-and-Manufacturing-172670076153941

HABCO Industries has been at the forefront of Covid response in so many ways throughout the pandemic. Brian Montanari, President and CEO, shares some of the great things they've done both inside his company and in cooperating with the whole CT manufacturing industry during this time. Brian talks about the Covid testing process he developed for his employees (and shared with many other companies), the new air cleansing technology he will be implementing, and the communication that has been key to sharing what he's doing both internally and externally. Brian also talks about how Lean principles have been guiding every decision along the way to help the company stay strong and productive. Brian Montanari, President & 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

CONNSTEP has been mentioned many times throughout the history of this podcast by manufacturing leaders who have benefitted from their fantastic services. Today, Ari is joined by Bonnie Del Conte, President & CEO of CONNSTEP to discuss how CONNSTEP is meeting the needs of manufacturers a little differently at this time of uncertainty. Of course, they discuss the many incredible services CONNSTEP regularly offers, like continuous improvement advising, plant design, business growth services, quality management, etc. They also talk about CONNSTEP's work with the CBIA to directly improve the development and availability of PPE across the state. They also talk about manufacturer's biggest concerns right now and suggestions on how to address them. Bonnie Del Conte, 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/Connstep

David Rothberg, Chairman and CEO of Laticrete International, is full of great stories from his family business. From its beginning days in the 1950s in his parents' basement to working with the next generation, ensuring it stays as an "evergreen" company, David clearly enjoys the company history and is excited about its future. Ari and David discuss many parts of the business in this fun episode. David talks about changes to the company structure throughout the years, the Rothberg management style, and how Covid-19 has affected the business. They also touch on company culture and the importance of maintaining those close customer relationships. Stay on to the end to find out on which 5 continents David has traveled to the highest peak! David Rothberg, CEO and Chairman, Laticrete International Laticrete Website: https://laticrete.com/ Laticrete LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laticrete-international/ Laticrete YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/laticrete Laticrete Facebook: https://www.facebook.c

From its humble beginnings as the CT Society for the Encouragement of America Manufacturing to the business community's voice in the State Capitol, the CBIA has grown and changed substantially throughout the years. On the cusp of Joe Brennan's retirement as President & CEO of the CBIA, he reflects with Ari on the history of the organization, their present accomplishments, and what he sees for the future. This episode is fascinating! Joe and Ari talk about the CBIA's role during the different stages of the pandemic, the creation and accomplishments of the Connecticut Manufacturer's Collaborative, and the incoming President & CEO, Chris DiPentima. Joe Brennan, President & CEO of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ CBIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbia/ CBIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CBIAvideos CBIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBIAfb/ CBIA Twitter handle: cbianews Joe Brennan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com

Ari is honored to have our U.S. Senator of Connecticut, Chris Murphy, join him for this terrific episode of the Made in America podcast. Ari talks to Senator Murphy about everything manufacturers want to know:   • The importance of manufacturing jobs in CT   • How to increase the manufacturing workforce   • Bringing the defense supply chain back to the U.S.   • 'Buying American' and the role of both administration and legislation   • Trade wars and tariffs - working to stabilize the current state of trade uncertainty   • How the federal government can help to encourage U.S. manufacturing And so much more! Truly a great interview - make sure you stay to the end to hear the Senator's answers to Ari's rapid-fire round of questions! U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut Senator Murphy's Website: https://www.murphy.senate.gov/ Senator Murphy's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SenChrisMurphy Senator Murphy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senchrismurphy/ Senator Murphy's Instagram handle: senchrismurph

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