Made in America with Ari Santiago

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 Brewing Company in Thomaston, CT!

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 business development efforts. By empowering their leaders, focusing on their strong suits, and building their brand, Gary believes Lyman Orchards will have a bright future ahead! John Lyman and Gary Jalbert, Lyman Orchards Lyman Orchards's Website: https://lymanorchards.com/ Lyman Orchards's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lymanorchards Lyman Orchards's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lyman-orchards/ Lyman Orchards's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lymanorchards/?hl=en Lyman Orchards's YouTu

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 best ideas come from the shop floor and that learning from those around you can help drive success!     Alan Ortner, CEO, Sirois Tool Sirois Tool's Website: https://www.siroistool.com/ Sirois Tool's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siroistool.co Sirois Tool's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sirois-tool/ Alan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaneortner/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company

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 things that have boosted up this cupcake shop!     Carrie Carella, Owner, NoRA Cupcake Company  NoRA's Website: https://www.noracupcake.com/ NoRA's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noracupcakeco NoRA's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noracupcakeco/?hl=en Carrie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-carella-05139114/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/

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 dynamics. She is a big proponent of reverse mentoring and believes in the value of learning from others! Favorite business book: How Women Decide, Terese Huston Michele Etzel, Executive VP and CFO, National Graphics National Graphic's Website: https://natgraphics.com/ Michele's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemetzel/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compan

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 next step as CTO. She acknowledges the high tech environment at Goodwin and how they are continuously inspiring and educating younger generations of manufacturing talent.   Jacquelynn Garofano, Chief Technology Officer, CCAT CCAT's Website: https://www.ccat.us/ CCAT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCenterforAdvancedTech CCAT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccat/ Jackie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkmgarofano/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ C

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, manufacturers across the state are making an impact on the community around us.  So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode!  Featured Guests:  • Alex Smith - Swift Textile Metalizing  • Richard Lott - North Sails Group   • Don Droppo - Curtis Packaging   • Sabrina Beck - Altek Electronics  • Doug Rose - Aero Gear  • Norman Needleman - Tower Labs  • Greg Bloom - Capewell  • Meredith Shay - InCord  • Kenneth Madsen - Dimension-Polyant  • Paul Thornberg - Petron Automation  • Keith Corneau - United Steel  • Kathy Saint - S

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 developing strong supply chain partners will help mitigate global risks and grow their business!   Mike Lisowski, Executive Vice President and COO, FuelCell Energy FuelCell Energy's Website: https://www.fuelcellenergy.com/ FuelCell energy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fuelcell-energy/ FuelCell Energy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fuelcell-Energy/152361658139280 Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-john-lisowski/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https:/

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 on in manufacturing!   Jim Lombella, Regional President, Connecticut Community Colleges CSCU's Website: https://www.ct.edu/ Connecticut Community Colleges's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTStateEdu Connecticut Community Colleges's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connecticut-community-colleges/ Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslombella/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company

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, Belimo Americas Belimo's Website: https://www.belimo.com/ Belimo's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belimo/ Belimo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/belimo/  Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-furlong-31271212/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Company YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmeric

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 in order to solve problems and making things better for tomorrow!   Robert Friedland, President and CEO, Columbia Manufacturing Columbia Manufacturing's Website: https://columbiamanufacturing.net/ Columbia Manufacturing's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMI.Aviation Columbia Manufacturing's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/columbia-manufacturing-inc-/ Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfriedlandct/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company F

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 wait to see what he does for manufacturing at the state level! Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut  State of Connecticut's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/ State of Connecticut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofconnecticut/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulslavoie/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-i

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, and think outside of the box! Gio Tomasi, CEO and CTO, RSL Fiber Systems  RSL Fiber Systems's Website: https://www.rslfibersystems.com/ RSL Fiber Systems's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsl-fiber-systems/ Gio's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-tomasi-088628b/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Company YouT

On this week of the Made in America podcast, we welcome Melissa Grosso, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service! Melissa talks to Ari about their involvement in the community, how the U.S. Commercial Service brings value to manufacturers, and the common misconceptions of exporting. Melissa describes how they engage with businesses, provide educational opportunities focused on trade finance, and listen to the feedback their clients provide. Their work with local partners and businesses around the world helps drive their success! Melissa Grosso, Director, U.S. Commercial Service  U.S. Commercial Service's Website: https://www.trade.gov/us-commercial-service U.S. Commercial Service's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uscommercialservice/ Melissa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-grosso-b214b27/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-

On this week of the Made in America podcast, we are welcoming Petron Automation's VP of Business Development, Paul Thornberg! Paul talks to Ari about career development, being patient when doing business, and understanding customers' needs. He expresses the importance of listening to the industry and wearing multiple hats to get the job done. Paul explains how his current role at Petron Automation has been the right fit for him from a personal and cultural standpoint. He believes a culture full of open ideas helps the company stay connected and motivated!  Paul Thornberg, VP of Business Development, Petron Automation  Petron Automation's Website: https://petronautomation.com/ Petron Automation's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/petron-automation-inc/ Petron Automation's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Petron-Automation-548908661887645 Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thornberg-91918314/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: ht

On this week's Made in America episode, we welcome Mike Larson, Co-Founder of Alvarium Beer, into the podcast spotlight!  Mike talks to Ari about how his aerospace career transitioned into a passion for craft beer, their go to market strategy, and creating products that tell a story. Mike discusses the focus on branding and driving their messaging on social media. He details the story behind their location in New Britain and how fun manufacturing can be when you come and work for a brewery! Mike Larson, Co-Founder, Alvarium Beer Co.  Alvarium's Website: https://alvariumbeer.com/ Alvarium's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alvarium-beer-company/ Alvarium's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlvariumBeer Alvarium's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8IrNCrOkgAN4Rpx7s5l3g Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari C

This week we are welcoming Mark Auletta, COO of Bauer, Inc., onto the Made in America podcast! Mark talks to Ari about what critical components they manufacture, their continuous partnership with the University of Hartford, and how they drive culture in the organization. Mark discusses how their team is focused on serving customers and how tough times can impact these interactions. He is passionate about employee engagement, making interns feel supported in the family business, and finding great talent in the community! Mark Auletta, COO, Bauer, Inc. Bauer's Website: https://www.bauerct.com/ Bauer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauer-inc./ Bauer's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bauer%20Inc/376943542381747/ Bauer's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC653c09j9twMQyXqE1LJnaA Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-auletta-ab3b6015/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Com

We are excited to welcome, Don Allan, President and CFO of Stanley Black and Decker to the Made in America podcast! Don talks with Ari about the 'why behind' SB&D, how they effectively integrate iconic brands like DeWALT and CRAFTSMAN, and what their product strategy efforts look like. Don discusses important topics like innovation, Industry 4.0, and changing the perception of manufacturing across the state. Through industry partnerships, Don believes that manufacturers alike can learn from one another and continue to prosper. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Don Allan, President and CFO, Stanley Black and Decker SB&D's Website: https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/ SB&D's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanley-black-decker-inc/ SB&D's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanleyblackanddecker SB&D's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StanleyBlackDecker Don Allan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-allan-jr-330732112/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Com

This week we are welcoming Clive Cunliffe, President of Pietro Rosa - North America, onto the Made in America podcast! Clive talks to Ari about how they've been able to turnaround a CT business, incorporate Italian heritage into their company, and stay connected during tough times. Clive discusses corporate culture and how they creatively inspire their engineers. By moving Pietro Rosa into CT, they have been able to engage in the community, access strong talent, and promote manufacturing to younger generations! Clive Cunliffe, President, Pietro Rosa - North America Pietro Rosa's Website: https://www.pietrorosatbm.it/ Pietro Rosa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-england-airfoil-products-inc.-pietro-rosa-tbm-company/ Pietro Rosa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newenglandairfoilproductsinc Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-direct-llc

Join us for Part 2 of our 'home alone' episode of the Made in America podcast with our very own podcast host, Ari Santiago! In this 2021 wrap up and 2022 kick-off episode, Ari talks about the broader embrace of manufacturing in 2021 and what we should be focusing on in the new year. Ari reflects on the past year and details the challenges manufacturers face including workforce development and supply chain disruptions. He then discusses how we can take advantage of opportunities such as finding better ways to get people together, upskilling our workforce, focusing on cybersecurity and new technologies, and so much more! As we lean into the new year, it is important for us to continue to embrace manufacturing in the state of CT and band together to make the future a bright one. 2022 will be a year of change and growth! Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/292205