Made in America with Ari Santiago

In light of the shortened holiday week, we wanted to share a special highlight episode of the Made in America podcast. On this episode, Ari has pulled over a dozen clips from podcast guests talking about the great resources and opportunities that are out there in CT's manufacturing community. We have incredible manufacturing associations and organizations that make our state so unique! Hear first from representatives of these organizations, and then from the manufacturing leaders that have gained so much insight from their work with these groups. Unfortunately, we were not able to highlight every manufacturing group and organization in the state, but we pulled out 6 of the most frequently discussed. It is so important to get involved in the community, share lessons learned and best practices, and succeed together! We hope this episode inspires you to take advantage of these incredible opportunities all around you. Please share this episode with other manufacturing leaders and get them involved too!

On this week's Made in America episode, we are featuring Jay Forte, Director of Finance and Human Capital from Light Metals Coloring! Jay talks to Ari about his unique journey as a CPA to a corporate educator who wound up in manufacturing. He discusses how critical it is to focus on engaging your people, create an effective customer and employee experience, and ask the question, 'is it me or is it you?' Jay taps into the manufacturing industry and believes that there is a need for a culture and mindset shift when it comes to team performance. He suggests that leaders and managers take time to recognize that there are talented people out there, who can help their organizations succeed. Accountability, self-awareness, and engagement are just some of the key points highlighted in this episode; don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Jay Forte, Light Metals Coloring Light Metals Coloring's Website: https://www.lightmetalscoloring.com/ Light Metals Coloring's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightMetalsC

In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, Doug Johnson, President, and Tyler Johnson, Journeyman Toolmaker, from Marion Manufacturing! In the first segment, Doug discusses his journey into manufacturing specifically into the family business, the idea of learning from mistakes in order to be successful, and the importance of embracing a younger workforce. He even mentions how he is setting up the business for Tyler! Tyler joins Ari to talk about his experience with the apprenticeship program, what it is like working with/for his father, and advice he would give to younger generations. He is a firm believer of change, creating something as a team, and hard work. You don't want to miss out on this father and son duo! Doug and Tyler Johnson, Marion Manufacturing Marion Manufacturing's Website: https://marionmfg.net/ Marion Manufacturing's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarionMfg Marion Manufacturing's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marion-manufacturing-company-inc-/

Join us for a special release of our 100th Made in America podcast episode! There's a bit of a twist; Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA and former podcast guest, takes over the show and puts Ari Santiago in the hot seat. Chris asks Ari some hard hitting questions including ones sent in from former podcast guests. The two highlight the story of how the Made in America podcast came about and the future of the show. Ari reflects on the past 100 episodes and covers topics related to CT's manufacturing ecosystem, mid-course podcast corrections, embracing manufacturing technology, and how manufacturing and business leaders can lean into the future. He discusses some golden nuggets and stories he's heard from podcast guests and details how the state of CT can continue to support manufacturing. Stick around for the rapid fire round of questions at the end; you will not be disappointed! Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA CBIA Website: https://www.cbia.com/ CBIA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa

This week, we are featuring Melanie Hoben, Director of Workforce Development for Goodwin University, onto the Made in America podcast! Melanie discusses her role within Goodwin University and how she is consistently assessing the needs of both manufacturers and incumbent workers. She focuses in on the great training programs available to students and how employers can take advantage of them. Melanie also talks to Ari about Goodwin's partnership with the Department of Labor, CCAT, and the CSCU system. She stresses the importance of building relationships, upskilling the manufacturing workforce, and preparing students for the working world! Melanie Hoben, Goodwin University Goodwin University's Website: https://www.goodwin.edu/ Goodwin University's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodwinUniversity Goodwin University's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/goodwincollegect Goodwin University's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/goodwinuniversity/ Melanie Hoben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in

This week's Made in America episode features an engineer and chocolatier at heart, Carmen Romeo. He's the President and Son-in-law of Fascia's Chocolates located in Waterbury, CT! Carmen shares the family business story and how their chocolate operation started out of a basement. He talks to Ari about transforming the company into a successful retail store, wholesale business, and tourist attraction! Carmen talks to Ari about what it's like doing things the old fashioned way, bringing his engineering background to the table, and experimenting with chocolate. He also covers how he thinks about implementation and manufacturing processes, diversification, and workforce development. Find out everything you need to know about the chocolate world from this passionate expert! Carmen Romeo, Fascia's Chocolates Fascia's Chocolates Website: https://fasciaschocolates.com/ Fascia's Chocolates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FasciasChocolates Fascia's Chocolates TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fasciaschocolates?lang=

This Made in America episode features Selim Noujaim from Noujaim Tool Company, and his story on becoming a manufacturing champion and well-known community leader! Selim talks to Ari about the importance of building customer relationships, engaging a young workforce, and making long-term investments. He details the company's positive experience working with the Department of Labor and how the CT apprenticeship program has become an integral part of the company culture. Selim is passionate about creating a manufacturing environment that is clean and innovative. He believes that all manufacturers should invest in their people and equipment in order to successfully deliver quality service to customers! Selim Noujaim, Noujaim Tool Company Noujaim Tool Company's Website: https://www.noujaimtools.com/ Noujaim Tool Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/noujaim-tool-company-inc-/about/ Selim Noujaim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selim-g-noujaim-mba-dlitt-81492a8/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO

This Made in America episode features John Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder of Datanomix, and uncovers the unique connection between data analytics and manufacturing technology! John talks to Ari about how their software can help manufacturers, the importance of embracing manufacturing technology for digital leverage, and how to take data and turn it into insights and actions for factory owners. His extensive manufacturing and data background results in an interesting perspective on the importance of data analytics in CT facilities. John is passionate about i4.0 technology and talks through a common misconception in manufacturing. He also believes that it is critical for CT companies to stay connected and create strong cultures for the future! John Joseph, CEO and Co-Founder, Datanomix Datanomix's Website: https://datanomix.io/ Datanomix's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/datanomix-inc./ Datanomix's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DatanomixInc Datanomix's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPX

This Made in America episode features Joel Camassar, VP and Owner of Chapman Manufacturing, and the story behind an iconic brand and products that customers love! Joel chats with Ari about his personal manufacturing journey. He talks about learning things the hard way, listening to customers' ideas, and building a business from the ground up with his parents. Joel details his operational success through modernizing and investing in technology. He also discusses the value of a diverse and dynamic workforce, full of different skillsets and knowledge. By working together, Chapman has been able to keep their original traditions going and successfully expand! Joel Camassar, VP and Owner, Chapman Manufacturing Chapman Manufacturing's Website: https://chapmanmfg.com/ Chapman Manufacturing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChapmanMFG Chapman Manufacturing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheChapmanMFGCompany Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ C

Our Made in America podcast was on the road at CCAT's Advanced Technology Center for this week's episode! We are so excited to welcome back one of our fan-favorites, Ron Angelo, President and CEO of CCAT. Ron talks to Ari about the new and exciting things happening in their new Advanced Technology Center and how manufacturing companies can utilize CCAT's capabilities. He covers the importance of technology adoption, utilizing training programs, and being cyber compliant and model based definition enabled. He shares his thoughts on CT's supply chain and discusses how we can truly move it forward with leading age technologies. Ron truly believes that CT has the resources needed to upskill our workforce, build partnerships with colleges and universities, and create a powerful manufacturing innovative ecosystem! Ron Angelo, President and CEO, CCAT CCAT's Website: https://www.ccat.us/ CCAT's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccat/ CCAT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTCenterforAdvancedTech Ron's L

This Made in America episode is truly a breath of fresh air and highlights the success story of a Shark tank contestant and CEO and Founder of Boost Oxygen, Rob Neuner! Rob talks to Ari about becoming a global market leader while staying profitable, focusing on customers and product development, and the importance of a digital pivot during challenging times. Rob details his surreal experience of being on Shark Tank and how they signed a deal with Mr. Wonderful! Rob discusses what their transition from contract manufacturing to in-house manufacturing looked like and how they are leveraging their connections across the state. He believes that by utilizing and expanding your manufacturing capabilities, you can create unique products! Rob Neuner, CEO and Founder, Boost Oxygen Boost Oxygen's Website: https://www.boostoxygen.com/ Boost Oxygen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boostoxygen/ Boost Oxygen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoostOxygenUSA Boost Oxygen's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c

This Made in America episode highlights the story of Boris Levin, Chairman and CEO of Mott Corporation, and his gravitation towards manufacturing! Boris talks to Ari about the importance of having a strong culture, developing unique products, and getting involved in the manufacturing community. He gives his top 3 tips on how to stay successful in manufacturing and discusses what it means to be an ESOP company. Boris enjoys creating a workplace where employees are committed to their mission and core values. He believes that innovation and creativity drives company success and helps them create collaborative solutions with their customers! Boris Levin, Chairman, Mott Corporation Mott Corporation's Website: https://mottcorp.com/ Mott Corporation's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mott-corporation/ Mott Corporation's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MottCorporation Mott Corporation's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy7xgNarXFnLf8t2Z0VPb1g Boris's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bori

This Made in America episode follows the life journey of Richard Rubenstein, Chairman of Plymouth Spring! Richard talks to Ari about the importance of work-life balance, knowing your business and industry, and how entrepreneurs can get their business started. He shares his experiences of turning around failing businesses and how this skill has helped him run Plymouth Spring. Richard believes that in order to be an expert in the industry you should focus on providing excellent customer service and turning opportunities into gold. He loves giving back and enjoys helping the community and his employees! Richard Rubenstein, Chairman, Plymouth Spring Plymouth Spring's Website: https://www.plymouthspring.com/ Plymouth Spring's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthSpring Plymouth Spring's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9qd0cEIqzs7lUahsaKSYCA Richard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-rubenstein-1696601b/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.get

We are so excited to welcome such a strong workforce leader, Dr. Kelli Vallieres, onto this week's Made in America episode! She serves as the Executive Director of CT's Office of Workforce Strategy. Kelli talks to Ari about some exciting updates happening within the Office Workforce Strategy, specifically the initiatives geared towards manufacturing and workforce development. She covers topics surrounding organizational culture, building up a manufacturing pipeline program, the importance of data and continuous improvement, and much more! She shares her story about working at Sound Manufacturing and how her background encouraged her to make a bigger impact at the state level. She believes in bringing communities together and preparing students for careers in manufacturing and beyond! Dr. Kelli Vallieres, Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy DECD's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD DECD's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ctdecd/ DECD's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTDECD K

This Made in America episode features Barry Alexander, CEO and Founder of Aquiline Drones, and his exciting story about being a pilot and running a successful drone company! Barry talks to Ari about the importance of treating drones as aircraft, how to vet the industry before starting an aviation business, and what it takes to create an uber-like drone ecosystem. He details how the drone industry has developed over the years and what their training program looks like. Barry shares his thoughts on the vibrant supply chain and aviation history right here in CT and how we can continue to successfully build it up. He believes that all CT manufacturing companies have the opportunity to foster a strong workforce with the right mix of support and effort! Books discussed in this episode: 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' by Jared Diamond Barry Alexander, CEO and Founder, Aquiline Drones Aquiline Drones's Website: https://www.aquilinedrones.com/ Aquiline Drones's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquiline-drones/ Aq

This Made in America episode features Kenneth Madsen, President of Dimension-Polyant, and his passion for sailing and manufacturing! Kenneth talks to Ari about the importance of learning about manufacturing excellence, focusing on environmental impact, and listening to customers. He discusses his journey into sailcloth manufacturing and how he started creating sails by learning from a library book. Kenneth shares his thoughts on bringing two companies and cultures together from both sides of the Atlantic. He believes that other manufacturers should think about long-term investments and technological advancements to improve performance and profitability! Books discussed in this episode: 'Reengineering the Corporation' by James A. Champy and Michael Martin Hammer Kenneth Madsen, President, Dimension-Polyant Dimension-Polyant's Website: https://www.dimension-polyant.com/?lang=en Dimension-Polyant's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dimensionpolyant Dimension-Polyant's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DI

This Made in America episode features Philip "PJ" Johns, CEO of Thermaxx Jackets, an engineer at heart with a successful manufacturing and technology story! PJ talks to Ari about rethinking technology to improve the business, developing an app that benefits customers, and pulling together as a team. He discusses how technology enabled a huge strategic shift in their processes and business as a whole. PJ believes CT has many valuable resources that manufacturers can take advantage of. By spreading the word about career opportunities to colleges, universities, and local technical schools, we can continue to grow our talented workforce! Books discussed in this episode: 'Business Adventures' by John Brooks Philip Johns, CEO, Thermaxx Jackets Thermaxx's Website: https://www.thermaxxjackets.com/ Thermaxx's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thermaxx/ Thermaxx's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThermaXX Thermaxx's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdloTq5qYqruUQuKVdNRUA PJ's LinkedIn: https://

This Made in America episode features Bill Hazard, President of Novo Precision, and his story of running a business on both sides of the street! Bill talks to Ari about ramping up their marketing and SEO process, focusing on quality, and investing in people and processes. He discusses the importance of using CT companies as suppliers and building strong relationships with them. Bill details what it takes to create a dynamic team and how it has benefited the company! Books discussed in this episode: 'The Infinite Game' by Simon Sinek Bill Hazard, President, Novo Precision Novo Precision's Website: https://www.novoprecision.com/ Novo Precision's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novoprecisionllc/ Novo Precision's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novoprecision Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-hazard-437aa016/ Ari Santiago, President/CEO/Founder, IT Direct Company Website: https://www.gettingyouconnected.com/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itdtech/ Company LinkedIn:

This Made in America episode highlights Brittany Isherwood, President of Burke Aerospace, and her journey as a successful woman in manufacturing! Brittany talks to Ari about the importance of taking risks in your career and the value of excellent communication, especially during tough times. She discusses her experience of having and being a mentor; how it has shaped her life and allows her to help other women grow in the industry as well. Brittany encourages women at all levels to get involved in manufacturing associations and organizations so that they can learn and grow as a community. This episode is full of many valuable lessons! Books discussed in this episode: 'Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It…and Why the Rest Don't' by Verne Harnish Brittany Isherwood, President, Burke Aerospace Burke Aerospace's Website: https://www.burkeaerospace.com/ Burke Aerospace's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burkeaerospace/ Brittany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-isherwood-a8685388/ Ari

This Made in America episode spotlights David Tuttle, Department Head - Precision Machining Technology at Platt Technical High School and his passion for teaching and mentorship! Dave talks to Ari about his manufacturing background and how it inspired him to teach. He is a strong advocate for project based learning and relationship-building and enjoys coaching his students throughout their high school career. He believes it is critical to get in front of parents and help them understand the strengths of the manufacturing industry. This will help technical schools grow across the state and increase the capabilities of a young manufacturing workforce! David Tuttle, Department Head - Precision Machining Technology, Platt Technical High School Platt Tech's Website: https://platt.cttech.org/ Platt Tech's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/platt-technical-high-school-precision-machining/ Platt Tech's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Platt%20Technical%20High%20School/109638529055343/ David's Link