Made in America with Ari Santiago

ERPs can be extremely valuable, or a giant headache - it all depends on implementation! If you are considering investing in an ERP system, or you are struggling with your ERP and considering whether to find a new one…this is an episode you won't want to miss! Ari talks to Paul Tedford, CEO of Synergy Resources, about how to select the right ERP, the 5 reasons that ERP implementations fail, why you would buy new vs. fixing what you've got and so much more valuable info! Paul's Favorite Business Books: The Goal, Eliyahu M. Goldratt; Any book by John Doerr, The Radical Edge, Steve Faber Paul Tedford, Synergy Resources Company Website: https://synergyresources.net/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/synergyresources Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynergyResources/ Company Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sr_mfg_erp Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/synergy-resources/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tedford/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Web

In this episode, Denis Gagnon, President of Excel Dryer, shares the passion that has created the top selling hand dryer in the world. He risked it all and won by developing, along with his talented engineers, the best possible product on the market.  He is proud both of the company's Made in the US designation as well as the environmental impact of their product, which saves both trees and electricity.   Denis's Favorite book: 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey Denis Gagnon, Excel Dryer Website: https://www.exceldryer.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/xlerator Twitter: https://twitter.com/xleratorhd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheXLERATOR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-dryer Denis's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-gagnon-88595b12/ 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

This Ari-only Made in America podcast episode wraps up some great information from 2022 and gets you ready to succeed in 2023. Ari pulls together top ideas for workforce development from guests throughout the year and wraps it into a nice neat package in the first half of this episode. Then, he moves into the important topic of cybersecurity, to make sure YOU and your organization understand the continuous improvement mindset that needs to be applied to cybersecurity in order to keep reducing your risk profile. Moving on to CMMC, Ari explains the advantages to working with a framework and how it can actually make your life easier.  Lots of great ideas in this episode!   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/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago10

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -John Quincy Adams.   This episode of the Made in America podcast brings together some of the best leadership tips from hundreds of episodes to inspire you to learn and grow as a leader.   Hear from manufacturing leaders of both big and small companies as they discuss some of the lessons they've learned along the way.   Many thanks to all our guests, but in particular those featured in this episode: Don Allan, CEO, Stanley Black & Decker Rina Patel, VP of Operations, RSCC Wire and Cable Gary Jalbert, President & CEO, Lyman Orchards Ray Coombs, President, Westminster Tool Jill Mayer, CEO, Bead Industries Doug Folsom, CEO, Whitcraft Jay Forte, Director of Finance and Human Capital, Light Metals Coloring Justin Wolfanger, President of Systems, Electronics, and Controls; Triumph Group Meredith Shay, CEO, InCord Michele Etzel, Executive VP & CFO, National Graphics George Giering, Pre

This episode with Catherine Marx, SBA District Director, might be the most valuable way you can spend 45 minutes on your business (other than getting on a call with the SBA directly!) Learn all about the three C's of the SBA: Contracting, Capital, and Counseling and how they can help your business to start, grow, and succeed. The SBA helps larger businesses than you might think - if you're smaller than 1500 employees, your company might qualify for assistance! Catherine's Favorite Business Books: Anything by Malcolm Gladwell or Michael Lewis   Catherine Marx, SBA Website: https://www.sba.gov/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/SBAgov Instagram: https://instagram.com/sbagov Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbagov YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/sba LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sbaconnecticut/ Catherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-marx81/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmeri

"Manufacturing gets in your blood," says Steve Prout, President of Alpha Q Inc. Although Steve didn't start his career in manufacturing, he discovered an incredible passion for it that has lasted a lifetime, just like so many of our other guests.   Steve's passion comes across so clearly in this episode as he talks to Ari about both the history and future of manufacturing. From the initial measurement standards to high tech precision manufacturing to training the workforce of the future.   Steve Prout, Alpha Q, Inc Company Website: https://www.alphaqinc.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-q-inc-/ Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-prout-75448610/   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/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: htt

Grab a (non-alcoholic) beer and join host, Ari Santiago, as he talks to Jamie Lissette, COO, on this great episode all about Athletic Brewing Co and how they are changing the perception of non-alcoholic beer one can at a time. Learn how they are creating a new market, getting "cans in hands" and rising to the top as Inc 5000's 26th Fastest Growing Company in the US in 2022. Discover their secrets to a tiny, 2-3% employee churn rate, and find out more about their $50M investment from Keurig Dr Pepper. Jamie's Favorite Business Book: Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, Edwin Lefèvre Jamie Lissette, Athletic Brewing Co. Company Website: https://athleticbrewing.com/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthleticBrewing Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleticBrewing/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleticbrewing/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthleticBrewing Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlissette/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://comp

Cici Bevin is 6th generation, and the Chief Growth Officer, in her family's 190 year old manufacturing business. Although Bevin Brothers Manufacturing also manufactures compressed gas cylinders, they are most famous for their brand, Bevin Bells - the last standing American bell manufacturer.   Cici talks to Ari about the incredible history of the company and their many pivots from making sleigh bells (back when sleighs were standard transportation!) to bells for household machines like washers, to cow bells and Salvation Army holiday bells and more.   The business has been through some amazing ups and downs, and Cici and Ari talk about many of them. This is a fascinating episode!   Cici's Favorite Business Book: Who moved my cheese? Spender Johnson, MD (And a side note, her favorite non-business book is Altas Shrugged!)   Cici Bevin, Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company Website: https://bevinbells.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bevinbells/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.

In his twenties, Tim Kane, President and CEO of Goodway Technologies, got a taste of patenting new products that solved problems he knew he could fix - he never looked back! Over the years, Tim has found holes in the industrial cleaning market and has used ingenuity and a great team of engineers to build the solutions his customers need. In the process he has taken Goodway Technologies from zero to 85 patents! Tim credits peer communities like YPO for helping him learn skills along the way to make himself and his business stronger.    Tim's Favorite Business Podcast: How I Built This Tim Kane, Goodway Technologies Company Website: https://www.goodway.com/ Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodway-technologies Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodwayTechnologies Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodwaytechnologies/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodwayMachines Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GoodwayTechnologies Tim's LinkedIn: https://www.linked

Here's another set of phenomenal interviews from the floor of the Aerospace Component Manufacturer's Aerospace Alley Tradeshow. It's a high energy location with some high energy guests. Ari starts out talking to Paul Lavoie, Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer about the excitement surrounding the tradeshow and the high interest level of the students who attended the morning program. They then do a deeper dive into the state's 4 major initiatives for the Aerospace industry.   At 15:46 Kevin Vicha, CEO of Bromford Group, joins Ari to talk about his cool history in the aerospace industry, the growth of Bromford Group and his positivity about getting young students interested in the aerospace field. Then, join Ari at 33:07 when he speaks to Susan Kasa, CO & President of Boulevard Machine and Gear about her involvement in the ACM organization and it's work with student as well as the work her company is doing in the space sector. Finally, at 44:08 Ari talks to Lou Melluzzo, President and CEO or Air Indus

We love taking the tradeshow live to the Aerospace Component Manufacturer's Aerospace Alley tradeshow! This episode was recorded with guests from the tradeshow floor and has all the energy you'd expect from a tradeshow. Ari starts out with the President of the Aerospace Components Manufacturer's organization, and President of ACMT, Inc, Michael Polo. Michael is so passionate about getting students involved in manufacturing and talks all about how they do that in the ACM and at ACMT, Inc as well. At 18:10 Jack Lukasik, President of Satellite Tool & Machine Co, Inc joins Ari to talk about the cool things they are making , the growth of the organization, and their new VP of Engineering. Finally, join Ari at 34:37 to hear Paul Surowaniec, General Manager of J&P Manufacturing, talk about their small, but growing turning shop, what it's like working with family, and his excitement about being at his very first ACM tradeshow. ACMT Inc: Company Website: https://acmt.aero/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linked

This episode is a great conversation w Jim Gildea, Director of Manufacturing at Bigelow Tea. Jim talks about getting involved in the educational system and encourages other companies to take a seat at the table to help develop curriculum needed for tomorrow's jobs. Jim and Ari talk about the great people-first culture at Bigelow and its effect on employee retention.  Jim also tells us all about the really cool manufacturing technology and robotics that make Bigelow run smoothly, but never displace a worker. Jim's Favorite Business Book: One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson Jim Gildea, Bigelow Tea Company Website: https://www.bigelowtea.com/ Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/bigelow-tea/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigelowtea Company Instagram: https://instagram.com/bigelowtea Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigelowtea Company YouTube: https://youtube.com/bigelowtea Company Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bigelowtea/ Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.

In this episode, Ari talks to Mark Sullivan, COO of Element 119 about his progression from ski bum to business consultant to COO. They discuss the interesting background of Element 119 and how the company moved from solving problems to growing small businesses all with ceramic coating. Ari and Mark dig into some chemistry and environmental impact, but overall this episode is about fast growth and making an impact!   Mark's Favorite Business Book: Byron Walker - Small Business Turnaround Plan Mark Sullivan, Element 119 Company Website: https://www.element119.com/ Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/element-119-system-x-ceramic-coatings/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/systemx Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systemxceramic/ Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksullivan1/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/

In this episode, Ari talks to Scott Law, General Manager of Argo EMS. They focus on education, workforce, and go to market strategy - all from a people perspective. Ari and Scott talk about Scott's progression from CT trade school grad to manufacturing leader. Connecticut has an incredible tech school system that is the envy of many states in the country and Scott is proof of its success.  They discuss workforce issues like sourcing talent, retaining employees, and making strong and meaningful connections with your team. Finally they discuss the supply chain issues with microchips and how Argo EMS works around them thanks to great relationships with their customers. Scott Law, Argo EMS Company Website: http://argoems.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/argo-transdata-corp Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-law-b28331149/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn:

This episode follows the wide-spanning career of Jason Jarvis, President of Jarvis Airfoil, from his early years as a political reporter to radio broadcasting with his fascinating mom to landing at Jarvis Airfoil 17 years ago.   Jason explains that the key to his career has been his aptitude for and belief in communication as a vital part of good business.   Jason and Ari talk about how airfoils make an aircraft work; the history of how Jarvis got into airfoils; the precision necessary to both make and inspect aircraft in today's manufacturing environment. And so much more!   They even dig deep to discuss a few solutions to the workforce issue. Don't miss this wild ride - it's one hell of an episode!   Company Website: https://jarvisairfoil.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jarvis-airfoil Jason's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jarvis-2b52a410/     Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

This episode, with Justin Wolfanger, President of Systems, Electronics, and Controls - Triumph Group, starts off digging into some of Justin's really cool background working on Sikorsky helicopters. But soon, Ari and Justin are discussing the complexity of working as a Tier 1 supplier and the intricate nature of the Aerospace supply chain.  You'll learn a lot from this episode as Justin and Ari really go deep into business culture and leadership. Justin talks about the value he's found in having a business coach, both for himself and his team. He also talks about the importance of giving back to the community and taking care of the families that are all part of his team.    Justin's favorite business book: Start with Why, Simon Sinek Company Website: https://www.triumphgroup.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/triumph-group Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriumphGroup/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/triumphgroup Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-wol

This week's episode runs through the early (very early!) manufacturing career of George Podlasek, President of Winslow Automatics, through his legal career and back to manufacturing again. In this episode, Ari and George talk about the George's Dad's hard work ethos and how it molded the Podlasek family and business.   George took lessons learned in his youth and through his legal career to continue growing and developing the business his grandfather started in 1956. In fact, he saw a whole new opportunity in evolving the business through technology and engineering. Changing a company culture is no small feat. Listen to George talk to Ari about how he did it and what the future hold for technological advancement at Winslow.  George's favorite business book: Art of War, Sun Tzu Company Website: https://www.winslowautomatics.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winslow-automatics-inc./ Company Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WinslowAutomatics/ George's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.co

Business is all about relationships, even in specialized tool manufacturing! In this episode, Ari and Jacob Litke talk about the relationships that have grown Skillcraft Machine Tool. Jacob tells Ari about the successful ownership transition from his Father as well as his relationships with employees. He discusses the success of their apprenticeship program as well.  Ari and Jacob also dig into what Lean Manufacturing means in a low-mix, high volume setting - and it's pretty different than what we've heard from a lot of other manufacturers! We learn something new from every podcast episode!   Jacob's favorite business book: Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business, Gino Wickman   Company Website: https://skillcraftmachine.com/  Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillcraft-machine-tool-company-inc. Company Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063638154652 Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skillcraft_machine_tool/  Jacob's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-

At nearly 150 years old, Penn Globe has both a fascinating history and an exciting future. President and CEO, Marcia LaFemina, covered tons of ground with our host, Ari Santiago, in this fast-paced episode. They talked all about the innovations that have kept Penn Globe strong and steady despite their small stature in the lighting world. Marcia told us all about their sustainability initiatives, refitting classic fixtures with current sustainable lighting sources, building new fixtures out of recycled materials, and fitting current light fixtures with wifi and surveillance    capability. All of this with some lighting education thrown in the mix!     Marica's favorite business book: Beautiful Swimmers, William W. Warner: Watermen, Crabs and the Chesapeake Bay - a unique choice for a business book, this Pulitzer Prize winner brings the humanity back into business   Company Website: https://www.pennglobe.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pennsylvania-globe-gaslight-co-/ Company Facebo

Laura Marasco took a winding path of leadership roles in finance that prepared her, brilliantly, but unwittingly, for a great career in Manufacturing! Listen as she tells Ari her story of going from banking to West-Conn Tool and how all her experiences lined up perfectly to bring her to her current CEO role (a role she took over from her husband, Dave).   Without batting an eye, Laura has helped navigate West-Conn Tool from ISO 9000 certification, through a new ERP system, and then on to high-tech additive manufacturing.   Laura's favorite business books: Infinite Game, Simon Sinek Principles, Ray Dalio   Company Website: https://www.westconntool.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-conn-tool-and-die-inc/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestConnTool/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLaoVnybs7hHMkmccHsldoQ Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marasco-45704915/     Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compa