Made in America with Ari Santiago

In honor of the holiday season, we are releasing a special Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests. With a theme focused on 'giving back to the community and helping others,' our guests detail what they have done in and around their communities and businesses to make a greater impact in the manufacturing space. Whether it's from a state or local level, manufacturers are doing great things for our school systems, workforce, general public, and beyond. These leaders are taking an active role in creating and building a strong future workforce for generations to come. Their continuous efforts will allow manufacturing to prosper and grow in CT. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season and look forward to all the new and exciting updates and stories we can share in the new year. We hope you enjoy this episode! Featured Guests: • Richard Rubenstein - Plymouth Spring • Matt Fleury - Connecticut Science Center • Norman Needleman - Tower Labs • Mark Auletta - Bauer, Inc. • Cyndi Zold

Special guests: · Robert Friedland: President & CEO - Columbia Manufacturing · Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch: Director of College of Technology - Asnuntuck Community College · Mark Lloyd: President - A-1 Machining This week we are releasing the final part of our compilation episodes created from live recordings at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow. This episode particularly focuses on turbines and engines, marketing, supply chain, diversity, and CT's apprenticeship program. Robert Friedland details the products they make, how they are marketing to clients with current supply chain issues, and the importance of getting involvement in your local community. Karen Birch-Wosczyna offers a different perspective through her work with Asnuntuck and discusses the stackable credentials available to students as well as how we can move CT manufacturing forward. Mark Lloyd wraps up the episode explaining the gas turbine parts they produce, what his experience with the apprenticeship program was like and how COVID impacted

This week we are welcoming Alex Smith, General Manager of Swift Textile Metalizing, onto the Made in America podcast! Alex talks to Ari about how to remain relevant as a small business, the success of an employee referral program to find talent, and how to efficiently focus on customers' needs. Alex details their shifts in ownership and how a private equity approach has helped build the business. He also discusses what it's like to work at STM and how teammates can see the impact of what they are doing! Alex Smith, General Manager, Swift Textile Metalizing STM's Website: http://www.swift-textile.com/index.html STM's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swift-textile-metalizing-llc/ STM's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swifttextilemfg Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-smith-b41868107/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAABsAcmEB4ASK2Wi3pGK56kBZlQoQGGPPuyQ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://

Special guests: • Mark Auletta - COO, Bauer, Inc. • Susan Kasa - CO and President, Boulevard Machine & Gear • Nick Zandonella - General Manager, Leggett & Platt This week we are releasing Part 2 of our compilation episodes created from live recordings at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow. This episode particularly focuses on three strong companies that create products for the space, military, and aerospace industries. Mark Auletta details the sectors they serve, their international capabilities, and how they are effectively recruiting talent from universities and colleges across CT. Susan Kasa describes her experience working her way up in the company, how critical their business is to the space sector, and why it's important to engage with parents. Nick Zandonella explains their tubing manufacturing processes, how they focus on attitude over aptitude when hiring young talent, and the importance of ACM events. Enjoy this ACM compilation episode! Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://

Special guests: • Glenn Ford - President of Phoenix Manufacturing and President of the ACM • Colin Cooper - CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, State of Connecticut We are kicking off the first of three episodes created from live recordings at the ACM Aerospace Alley Tradeshow, with 2 close friends and former podcast guests. This episode particularly focuses on the impact of the ACM tradeshow on students, schools, and communities. Glenn details what his ACM presidency through COVID was like and how communication has been key. He talks with Ari about linking what the state is doing for manufacturing to the schools and building up the workforce. Colin then talks through the history of the ACM, how it has helped grow some member companies, and the benefits of getting students into manufacturing careers. He discusses the abundance of aerospace companies in the state and what his plans are after his position ends. Enjoy our valuable ACM compilation episodes! Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://ww

This week, we are kicking off the holiday season with a special episode featuring a few of the 'what do you make and why do you make it' stories told by former Made in America podcast guests. We are grateful to live in a state with so much variety in manufacturing such as aerospace, defense, space, tooling and machining, medical, commercial, automation and beyond. We are thankful to all our guests for all they do for our state, their hard work and dedication, and for going on this podcast journey with us. The Made in America podcast team wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 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 Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/itdirect151 Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/ Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

On this week's episode of the Made in America podcast, we are featuring Richard Lott, CEO of North Sails Group! Richard talks to Ari about his passion for sailing, how he's navigated leadership strategies for a global company, and the importance of innovation and having the right investor. Richard shares the value behind their partnership with CCAT and how they've been able to improve their processes. He also explains the lessons he's learned in business and private equity and how innovation is all about having passionate people on your team. There is so much to learn from an entrepreneurial and manufacturing standpoint in this episode, so don't miss out! Richard Lott, CEO, North Sails Group North Sails Group's Website: https://www.northsails.com/ North Sails Group's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-sails/ North Sails Group's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthSailsWorldwide North Sails Group's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthSailsGlobal Richard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin

In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, Vikram Butani, Founder and CEO, and Preeti Butani, Founder, from Kubtec! In the first segment, Vikram talks about the importance of Kubtec's X-ray in a box, how their products help hospitals be more efficient, and how they fought back after getting knocked down. He is passionate about what they make and believes in the power of technology and marketing! His wife, Preeti, then joins Ari to discuss how they think about building culture for younger generations, how to attract talent, and what they can do to make everyone feel welcome. She is very appreciative for their team and makes sure they are taken care of. You don't want to miss out on this husband and wife duo! Vikram and Preeti Butani, Kubtec Kubtec's Website: https://kubtec.com/ Kubtec's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kubtec Kubtec's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3T5Cwv_9bCH2oy2Yy14vvw Kubtec's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kubtec/ Vikram's LinkedIn: htt

This week we welcome Mark Hill, CEO of Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), onto the Made in America podcast! Mark talks to Ari about EWIB's passion for helping people, the success of their manufacturing pipeline initiative, and how collaboration and partnership helps drive their program efforts. Mark shares the challenges and opportunities they see from a workforce development standpoint and how they plan on expanding manufacturing across the state. He believes it is important to engage with students, parents, and employers, and to get involved in great industry associations like EAMA. Mark Hill, CEO, EWIB EWIB's Website: https://www.ewib.org/ EWIB's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasternCTWIB EWIB's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCudkpadeAhw-9LqkKM4NLhw 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 Company YouTube: https://www.you

Joining us this week on the Made in America podcast is Ed Planeta, VP of Sales and Owner of Acme Wire Products Co., Inc.! Ed talks to Ari about the importance of figuring out what you are good at, making business videos to engage with customers, and how to differentiate yourself in the marketplace. He details what his transition was like from the restaurant industry to their family business and how well they work together. Ed also shares what Acme Wire Products sees from a workforce perspective and how quickly they get qualified people in the doors to start working. He expresses how they are always making sure the people they employ and the customers they serve are a good fit! Ed Planeta, VP of Sales and Owner, Acme Wire Products Acme Wire Products's Website: https://acmewire.com/ Acme Wire Products's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcmeWireProductsCoInc Acme Wire Products's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOQVTi9h99xNRm9x66Qt8g Acme Wire Products's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a

This week's Made in America podcast guest is Doug Rose, President and Founder of Aero Gear, who is known for his manufacturing success story and Italian table wine! Doug talks to Ari about the importance of keeping up with technology to compete in the global market, embracing change, and developing a philosophy of continuous improvement. He discusses the power of opportunity and how it led him to where he is now. Doug also expresses his excitement and passion towards Aero Gear's culture and explains how stimulating it is to always see your team engaged. By getting involved with the ACM and the manufacturing industry as a whole, Doug has learned what true teamwork looks like and how crucial it is to come together to get the job done! Aerospace Components Manufacturers (ACM): http://www.aerospacecomponents.org/ Doug Rose, President and Founder, Aero Gear Aero Gear's Website: https://www.aerogear.com/ Aero Gear's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerogearinc Aero Gear's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa

We are welcoming Cyndi Zoldy, Executive Director of MASC, back onto the Made in America podcast! Cyndi joins Ari to give updates on her career change from the Smaller Manufacturers' Association (SMA) to Manufacturing Alliance Service Corporation (MASC), what MASC's training capabilities look like, and how exciting it is to see students succeed. Cyndi also discusses the benefits of getting involved in manufacturing associations like the SMA, how she plans on expanding MASC into different communities, and how social media has played a key role in spreading awareness of manufacturing careers and resources. She is passionate about the work she does and loves being involved in the manufacturing education space. Her excitement and drive is contagious! SMA's website: https://sma-ct.com/ Cyndi Zoldy, Executive Director, MASC MASC's Website: https://www.mascttc.com/ MASC's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mascttc MASC's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-alliance-service-corporation-inc/ Cyn

On this week's Made in America episode, we are welcoming Russell Soder, Managing Director of Pilates Lineage! Russell talks to Ari about his journey from being an actor to a Pilates equipment manufacturer and how he ended up in New England. He discusses what their go to market strategy looks like, how they stand out amongst others in the Pilates community, and how he's built the products with his hands. Russell has always focused on bringing the original intentions of Joseph Pilates to life through their products and details what this process looks like. He also believes it is important to build relationships with those around you and get involved in great manufacturing associations like Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (EAMA). EAMA's website: https://eamainc.com/ Russell Soder, Managing Director, Pilates Lineage Pilates Lineage's Website: https://pilateslineage.com/ Pilates Lineage's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilateslineage Russell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-soder-480914

We are very excited and honored to welcome Governor Ned Lamont onto the Made in America Podcast! In this Made in America episode, Governor Lamont and Ari cover some of the hot topics surrounding CT manufacturing including workforce development, programming and support, and business expansion. He shares why he became Governor and how we can continue to move manufacturing forward. Governor Lamont discusses what we can do to keep the momentum going, create stability in the state, and attract the best talent in CT. He believes there is a bright future ahead and that together we can successfully build and expand our entire community! There are strong manufacturing advocates in the state that can help answer your questions and get you the help you need: - Colin Cooper: CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer - Kelli Vallieres: Chief Workforce Officer - Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice Chair of the Governor's Workforce Council - David Lehman: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community develop

On this week's Made in America podcast, we welcome Norm Needleman, CEO of Tower Labs! Norm details his journey from cab driver and mathematician to effervescent products and the state senate. He shares advice on being open to the opportunities around you, how to utilize your skills to advance your career, and what it takes to grow a business. Norm also talks to Ari about their competitive strategy in the market and entire country and how important it is to find a skilled workforce that can get the job done. With a passion and focus on helping people, Norm takes pride in his role as a business leader, State Senator - 33rd District, and First Selectman for the town of Essex! Norm Needleman, CEO, Tower Labs Tower Labs's Website: https://www.towerlabs.com/ Tower Labs's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tower%20Laboratories/136222533094421/ Tower Labs's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tower-laboratories-ltd./ Norm's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norm-needleman-7ab039a/ Ari Santiago, CE

This week Greg Bloom, President and CEO of Capewell, is making his Made in America podcast debut and we are excited to welcome him! Greg shares his unique journey from working in corporate finance to manufacturing. He details how Capewell is a successful service provider for their customers and the U.S. and how to add significant value to products that can't fail. As an aviation and aerospace industry leader, Greg discusses what manufacturers need to do in order to compete - from leaning into technology to paring down your products and services. With workforce being near and dear to his heart, Greg believes in building a strong culture within the manufacturing community! Greg Bloom, President & CEO, Capewell Capewell's Website: https://www.capewell.com/ Capewell's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capewellaerialsystems Capewell's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5n95gMdRQFKJqIOLuaVGJg Capewell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capewell/ Greg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in

This week, we welcome Neil Tremaglio, President of Waterbury Swiss Automatics, onto the Made in America podcast. Neil talks to Ari about being a bigger part of the business, what working with his father was like, and what lessons he learned along the way. He discusses business cycles and the importance of making strategic decisions and how to consistently satisfy customers. Neil also details the manufacturing generation gap here in CT and how the tide seems to be changing. Community involvement, investing in technology, and business development, are all important topics explored in this episode! Neil Tremaglio, President, Waterbury Swiss Automatics Waterbury Swiss Automatic's Website: https://waterburyswiss.com/ Waterbury Swiss Automatic's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterbury-swiss-automatics/about/ Waterbury Swiss Automatic's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Waterbury-Swiss-Automatics-510180922401014 Neil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-tremaglio-94a07617/ Ari Santiago, CEO

This week we are excited to welcome Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the CT Science Center, onto the Made in America podcast! Matt details the history of the CT Science Center and his involvement, how crucial it is for younger generations to engage with science, and what types of educational engagement and learning experiences are available to their visitors. As a long-time friend of Ari's, Matt details how he is inspired by the messaging of the podcast and how important it is to build a strong and innovative community here in CT. Their Annual Gala is also right around the corner. Visit: https://ctsciencecenter.org/support/annual-gala/ for more information! Matt Fleury, President & CEO, CT Science Center CT Science Center's Website: https://ctsciencecenter.org/ CT Science Center's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutScienceCenter CT Science Center's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CTScienceCenter CT Science Center's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ct-science-center/ Matt's

This week we are joined by, Austin McChord, Founder and Former CEO of Datto and current CEO of Casana. Austin brings an interesting yet valuable leadership perspective onto the Made in America podcast. Austin talks to Ari about his time at Datto and how his experience shaped him into the individual he is today. He discusses leadership strategies, how he turned a friend's toilet seat dream into a reality, and what it takes to bring your 'A' game as CEO. Austin also mentions the importance of teamwork, how to make tough decisions, and the idea of attracting talent in Norwalk. He's a passionate leader who gives back and enjoys helping those around him! Austin McChord, CEO, Casana Casana's Website: https://casanacare.com/ Casana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/casana-care/ Austin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcchord/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linked

This week we are welcoming a positive leader and advocate for CT manufacturing, Sabrina Beck, Vice President of Altek Electronics, onto the Made in America podcast! Sabrina talks to Ari about her transition into a business with her father, how she had to learn manufacturing concepts from the ground up, and how they are thinking about sustainability and climate change. She discusses the workforce challenges the company has recently faced and how to think about product diversification. As the new President of the Smaller Manufacturers Association (SMA), Sabrina is excited to continuously learn and collaborate with manufacturers across the state. Sabrina Beck, Vice President, Altek Electronics Altek Electronic's Website: https://www.altekelectronics.com/ Altek Electronic's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltekElectronicsInc Altek Electronic's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-ff94V9f0gZglbkqLDDtg Altek Electronic's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altek-electronics/ Sabrina's LinkedIn