Made in America with Ari Santiago

Plastics can get a bad rap, but Bing Carbone, President of Modern Plastics, has a heart-felt way of telling the positive story of the high-tech plastics we count on every day. Bing talks to Ari about staying on top of the latest and greatest, whether it's ISO certification in 1997 or a TikTok account in 2022. Bing learned from his grandfather how to look ahead without fear to see what the future holds. Bing also shares his unique perspective on being acquired by a larger organization, but still maintaining autonomy.   Company Website: https://modernplastics.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-plastics/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernplastics/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernplastics_distributor/ Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/Modern_Plastics Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBtpOwViht_3Ax79xe3927g Company TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/modern_plastics Bing's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bingjcarbone/   Ari

This episode is jam-packed with great lessons for manufacturers. Henry Siemon talks to Ari about his 5th generation company and their ability to stay relevant and innovative to continue on as a powerful technology manufacturer.   Henry and Ari discuss the challenges of being a new CEO and the benefits of a long transition time.   They round out the conversation talking about i4.0 technology and the benefits of automation. The Siemon Company is able to keep a lot of their manufacturing in the US while giving their workers higher skills and a better livelihood.   Company Website: https://www.siemon.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-siemon-company/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siemoncabling Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/siemon/ Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SiemonNetworkCabling Henry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-siemon-73b52710   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook:

Steel might sound old-school, but Ulbrich Steel is cutting edge!    Jon Ulbrich of Ulbrich Stainless Steel and Special Metals talks to Ari about their 98 year-old company and how they keep it feeling young and fresh. Constantly coming up with new ideas, planning succession to maintain success, and thinking green are just a few of the key topics today. Ari and Jon also talk a ton about the current state of the supply chain and how Ulbrich Steel works with it and around it. Company Website: https://www.ulbrich.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ulbrich-stainless-steels-&-special-metals/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UlbrichSteel   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/asantiago104/   P

This episode with Peter Mirabello, Chairman and CEO of Metal Finishing Technologies, focuses on learning about, valuing, and growing the resources around you - whether it's a previously hidden subset of your business, developing the right leaders, or learning about and taking advantage of the external resources offered in CT.    Peter and Ari talked about travel, leadership, diversification, workforce development, sustainability, and even the periodic table!   Metal Finishing Technologies' Website: https://www.mftech.com/ MFT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metal-finishing-technologies-llc/ MFT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Metal-Finishing-Technologies-102014982498244 MFT's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mft_plating Peter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mirabello-94067516/   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-p

Michael Polo, Founder and President, of ACMT has a unique story leading him to manufacturing and an even better story of building ACMT! In this episode of the podcast, Mike shares his many stories with Ari to show that risk pays off, creativity wins, and trying the impossible can sometimes be your best bet. This rapid fire episode is full of fun and laughter that leads to some great manufacturing wisdom along the way.   ACMT's Website: https://acmt.aero/ ACMT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adchem-manufacturing-technologies-inc-/ Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-polo-81260912/ 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/asantiago104/ Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceli

The Made in America podcast has been around for not 1, not 2, but 3 years! In honor of our 3rd anniversary, we are excited to welcome Mike Ambrose, VP of Enterprise Business Transformation from Sikorsky! Mike joins Ari to share his unique journey into Sikorsky, how artificial intelligence has allowed them to make huge strides, and why collaboration with your workforce is key. He discusses how helicopter technology has allowed them to do business more efficiently and effectively. Mike also stresses the importance of digital transformation and how it helps their team understand how to improve modeling and design processes! Sikorsky's Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/sikorsky.html Sikorsky's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sikorsky/ Sikorsky's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SikorskyAircraft Mike's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ambrose-151b56a/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

This week, we have a CT manufacturing advocate, friend, and President and CEO of Microboard, Nicole Russo, joining us on the Made in America podcast! Nicole joins Ari to discuss the 3 C's - credit, culture, and complexity, how they maintain close relationships with customers, and how regional sector partnerships can help workforce development challenges. She's passionate about providing solutions, building an uplifting culture, and growing the business. With technology at the forefront, Nicole and her team, have not only built the only indoor shot-detection system, but are impacting the lives of others around the world! Microboard's Website: https://microboard.com/ Microboard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microboard-processing-inc./ Microboard's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicroboardToday Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-hoekenga-russo-2436654/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAm

This week's Made in America podcast episode features Bill Smith, President and CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen! Bill joins Ari to discuss why he enjoys working in the fuel cell industry, how they are using chemistry for space and underwater exploration and attracting talent for their exciting missions.  He also discusses what is powering their growth and how they are addressing climate change challenges. He is confident that green hydrogen can help replace fossil fuels and lead to a more optimistic future! Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's Website: https://infinityfuel.com/ Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinity-fuel-cell-&-hydrogen/ Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfinityFuelCellHydrogen Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-smith-4a79a41a/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Company LinkedIn: htt

In honor of the July 4th holiday, we are releasing a special edition Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests!   With a theme focused around reshoring, our guests discuss what they are doing to address supply chain issues, get closer to customers, and focus on workforce development efforts.  We also explore the ways manufacturers across our state are looking to keep operations and processes close to home. The United States has the capability to compete with those overseas, but we need to be more efficient and effective in order to do so.  Together, we can set our country up for success!  Featured Guests:  • Paul Lavoie - State of Connecticut   • Dave Cremin - Straton industries   • George LaCapra - UniMetal Surface Finishing   • Doug Rose - Aero Gear  • John Joseph - Datanomix  • Greg Bloom - Capewell  • Don Allan - Stanley Black and Decker   • Chris Murphy - U.S. Senate  • George Giering - Giering Metal Finishing  • Sabrina Beck - Altek Electronics  • Mike Lisowski - FuelCell

This week we are welcoming Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, onto the Made in America podcast! Dave joins Ari to discuss how they are handling overseas competition, using lights out technology to become more efficient, and using creative recruiting to attract and retain people.  He highlights the importance of peer learning and how you can learn valuable business lessons from others in various industries. Dave also expresses his gratitude for his team and how hiring an HR professional has been one of the best moves they have made! Straton Industries's Website: https://straton.com/ Straton Industries's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/straton-industries/ Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cremin-75b15a12/ 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/MadeinAmer

This week's Made in America episode showcases the story of BMS Aerospace through the eyes of their President, Tina Bracone! Tina joins Ari for an insightful conversation on business transformation, acquisitional growth, and team communication.  She also explains how her focus on metrics has helped the company make strategic investments. By welcoming ROI opportunities and building up the culture, Tina is confident that they will be successful in the future ahead.  BMS Aerospace's Website: https://bmsaerospace.com/ BMS Aerospace's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bms-aerospace/ Tina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-bracone-05a534124/ 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/asantiago104/ Podcast prod

This week we welcome Matt Tkac, Founder of Bad Dog Brewing, onto the Made in America podcast!  Matt talks to Ari about finding a building that tells a story, how the town of Torrington helped guide their development, and how they are trying to continuously accommodate customers. Matt discusses the uniqueness of their flavors, historical flare, and family affair. He acknowledges the endless support of his family and community and believes that their involvement has been crucial to the brewery's success.  Bad Dog's Website: https://www.bdbrewco.com/ Bad Dog's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baddogbrewingco/ Bad Dog's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baddogbrewco/?hl=en Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tkac-esep-0185b22a/ 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/Madei

This week we are welcoming Paul Giangrave, VP of Frasal Tool, onto the Made in America podcast!  Paul talks to Ari about what his manufacturing journey looked like, the collaboration that goes on between their engineers and OEMs, and how to make your employees feel appreciated.  He also explains the company's shift from the bearing industry to aerospace and how they were able to stay competitive. Paul stresses the importance of cybersecurity and continuous improvement and why it's a must for manufacturers around the world!  Frasal Tool's Website: http://www.frasaltool.com/ Frasal Tool's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frasal-tool-co-inc-/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-giangrave-48630a71/ 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

On this week's Made in America podcast, get ready for an insightful conversation with Justin Malley, Director of Economic and Community Development for Bristol, CT!  Justin talks to Ari about what he is doing to engage and support manufacturers, how government plays a role in employment programming, and why marketing is the key to success. He discusses how Bristol is freeing up manufacturers' time by getting them connected to the right people and organizations. Justin also expresses the importance of stabilizing businesses through investments, certifications, grants, and more. There's so much out there! Bristol's Website: http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/151/Economic-and-Community-Development Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-malley-b9613977/ 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

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