Made in America with Ari Santiago

 Host Ari Santiago welcomes back Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer*, Paul Lavoie, for his fourth appearance and a deep dive into the newly updated statewide manufacturing strategic plan. The conversation unpacks the Office of Manufacturing’s clear focus on four pillars—developing talent, building sustainable companies, driving innovation, and improving collaboration—all in service of two bold goals: doubling manufacturing’s share of state GDP to 20% by 2030, and achieving full employment within the sector.   Lavoie candidly addresses the visibility gap still present across Connecticut’s 4,800 manufacturers and explains the state's evolving role—not to dictate solutions, but to enable, coordinate, and amplify existing efforts across the ecosystem. He outlines practical initiatives, such as the CONNEX Marketplace, workforce pipeline development from “K to Gray,” and sector-specific collaboration efforts that include strategic partnerships with NASA, Airbus, and major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).   Key Points: Four Strategic Focus Areas: Talent development, sustainable business growth, innovation, and sector-wide collaboration. Two Ambitious Goals: Reach 20% of Connecticut’s GDP from manufacturing and achieve full employment in the sector by 2030. Innovation Engine: Focus on digital transformation, additive manufacturing, automation, and AI—especially through CT’s CCAT and a potential AI manufacturing institute. Workforce Pipeline: Campaigns like “I Got It Made” and efforts to meet the next generation where they are, paired with a push for more “workforce housing.” Public-Private Partnership Model: Lavoie emphasizes building long-term capacity in the nonprofit sector over expanding government bureaucracy.   This episode is both a candid assessment of current challenges and an energizing vision for how Connecticut can lead the country in advanced manufacturing.  * At the time of this podcast recording and podcast publication, Paul Lavoie continues to be CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer. Paul has accepted a position at the University of New Haven starting in July 2025. For any questions on the plan after Paul leaves this position, please direct requests to the CT Office of Manufacturing.    CT Office of Manufacturing: https://manufacturing.ct.gov/?language=en_US   CT Office of Manufacturing: https://manufacturing.ct.gov/?language=en_US CONNEX Marketplace: https://manufacturing.ct.gov/connex?language=en_US Paul Lavoie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulslavoie/ CompassMSP/Made in America: https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about 

  In this insightful episode of Made in America, Jill Mayer, CEO of Bead Industries, shares how she's steering a fifth-generation, 111-year-old company into the future. From embracing EOS to bring structure and accountability, to leveraging the Culture Index for smarter hiring, Mayer breaks down the systems and mindsets that are helping Bead evolve beyond legacy thinking. Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss: How EOS created a cadence for strategic planning and execution Why the Culture Index helped her build better teams with complementary strengths What it really takes to retain young talent in manufacturing today How transparency and autonomy drive engagement across generations The bold steps Bead is taking toward innovation—including expansion into India Jill’s practical, candid approach offers valuable lessons for leaders balancing tradition with transformation. Whether you’re scaling a startup or modernizing a century-old business, this conversation is packed with takeaways. Bead Industries: https://beadelectronics.com/ Jill Mayer - LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbmayer/ CompassMSP/Made in America: https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/ https://blog.compassmsp.com/ https://compassmsp.com/about Ari Santiago's LinkedIn CompassMSP Website CompassMSP LinkedIn Made in America Podcast Facebook Made in America Podcast LinkedIn Made in America Podcast YouTube Podcast produced by Miceli Productions.

In this Made in America podcast episode, Nelson Bruton, President of Manufacturing Chats, shares insights on how manufacturers can boost their sales and business growth through practical, effective communication tools like live chat. The discussion covers the evolution of Manufacturing Chats from a full-service digital marketing agency to a specialized provider of live chat solutions tailored for industrial manufacturers. Nelson emphasizes the importance of real-time customer engagement, drawing parallels between live chat and trade show interactions. He also explores the potential of AI in chat services while highlighting the continued need for human interaction in complex sales environments. This episode is a valuable resource for manufacturers looking to enhance their sales strategies and improve customer engagement.  Youtube: https://youtu.be/SIXhUjWBpA4 Podcast Website: https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/nelson-bruton-manufacturing-chats Nelson Bruton's LinkedIn Manufacturing Chats Website  Manufacturing Chats LinkedIn Ari Santiago's LinkedIn CompassMSP Website CompassMSP LinkedIn Made in America Podcast Facebook Made in America Podcast LinkedIn Made in America Podcast YouTube Podcast produced by Miceli Productions.  

In this week's Made in America episode, Grant Branch III, CEO of the Kamflex Corporation, shares how the company offers more than just conveyors—they provide complete solutions for their customers by integrating robotics, conveyors, and data analytics.   Grant explains how being a system integrator allows them to build a vertically integrated system that delivers the full package, solving complex challenges for industries that rely on precision and efficiency.   Learn more here: Youtube link: https://youtu.be/fh2Agjoaa9k Podcast page: https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/grant-branch-iii-camflex   #MadeInAmerica #SystemIntegration #Innovation #AmericanManufacturing #Robotics #DataAnalytics

This episode is packed with tips on how manufacturers can improve their bottom lines. From analyzing inventory management, to tax incentives, M&A opportunities, R&D credits and grant opportunities, you don't want to miss this episode! https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/ https://blog.compassmsp.com/ https://compassmsp.com/about  

In our newest Made in America episode, Ari sits down with Adam Rodrigues, Vice President of FORGE, to discuss hard tech innovation and startup success. With only 3% of hard tech startups making it to market, FORGE is helping founders overcome challenges through funding, education, and manufacturing connections.

In our newest Made in America episode, Ari sat down with Ed Rodríguez, President and CEO of Penmar Industries. Discover his thoughts on leadership, the power of patience, and how Penmar is making waves in American manufacturing with labels and tapping into technology.

In this episode of Made in America, we’re joined by Mike Calorossi, VP of Manufacturing Operations at MannKind Corporation, to discuss the transformative power of pharmaceutical manufacturing. From recognizing the value of diverse teams to always staying a step ahead in operations, Mike shares lessons that have shaped his leadership philosophy and career success. Tune in to hear why staying proactive and playing to your team’s strengths is a “superpower” in today’s fast-paced manufacturing world. https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about 

What role do technology and automation play in shaping the future of manufacturing? Recorded live at ACM Aerospace Alley, the latest episode of the Made in America Podcast features insights from Brian Montanari (Hapco Industries), Jackie Garafano (CCAT), and Nick Delick (New England Airfoil Products). Together, they explore how technology roadmaps and partnerships like the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) are driving innovation in aerospace and beyond. https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about 

Recorded live from ACM Aerospace Alley, we bring you an insightful panel discussion on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Join Ari Santiago, CompassMSP CEO and Made in America Host, alongside industry leaders Michael Polo, President of ACMT Inc., and Carleton Birk, President of Birk Manufacturing, as they explore why CMMC is crucial for manufacturers and how to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about 

Monique Iken from PMC-STS, Inc. sits with Ari Santiago to talk about her career journey, off-shoring and fostering the next generation workforce in Manufacturing. https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/ https://blog.compassmsp.com/ https://compassmsp.com/about

In this episode, Randy Hauser, President of Chicago Metal Fabricators, discusses the turnaround and growth of this metal fabricator company with roots dating back to 1908. Randy shares his journey from joining the company as a turnaround specialist to leading it through transformative changes in sales, marketing, and operations. Discover how Chicago Metal Fabricators differentiated itself in a competitive market by investing in large-scale equipment and building a culture of professionalism. Randy also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and fostering a team-oriented environment that encourages continuous improvement. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, manufacturing challenges, and the critical role of maintaining a strong customer focus. Randy's favorite book: Competitive Strategy, Michael Porter Randy Hauser, Chicago Metal Fabricators Website: https://chicagometal.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagometalfabricators LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagometal Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicagoMetalFab YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChi9gc6xrBRotQtb3dOU9sw Randy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-hauser-27143016/ Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/ Randy and Ari talk about culture, continuous improvement, sales, capital investments https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about 

In this episode, Charlie Radcliff, President of Radcliff Wire, shares the impressive journey of his family-owned business. Radcliff Wire specializes in custom-shaped wire, serving diverse industries such as aerospace, medical, and electronics.   Charlie talks to Ari about the company's diversification strategy, which came down from his father, and continues today as a mainstay. He also discusses the importance of continuous innovation to stay competitive.   Learn how the company leveraged state grants to adopt advanced technologies, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve. Discover why understanding the end-use of their products is crucial for entering and thriving in multiple markets.   Charlie also emphasizes the importance of making smart investments in technology and personnel, which have been key to their sustained success. He reflects on the company's rich history and his passion for the business.   This episode is packed with good insights on thriving in manufacturing!   Charlie's favorite book: The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt   Charlie Radcliff, Radcliff Wire Website: https://radcliffwire.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radcliff-wire-inc Charlie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-radcliff-b1599948/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about      Charlie and Ari talk about innovation, technology, diversification, investments.

This week's episode is not only entertaining, it's also so educational.  Aneesa Muthana is a fantastic storyteller with a unique road into her roles.   Aneesa is the CEO of both Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding, companies she took over from multiple family members and built to the successful organizations they are today. M&M produces precision centerless ground bar stock and Pioneer Services provides precision machining.   Aneesa tells the stories of how she took over each company more than 20 years apart. She shares some of her leadership approach, her focus on manufacturing evangelism, and her thoughts about diversity, equity, and inclusion.  There are a few twists and turns in this episode you certainly don't expect!   Aneesa's favorite business book: Start with Why, Simon Sinek    Aneesa Muthana, Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding Pioneer Service:Website: https://pioneerserviceinc.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-service-inc-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pioneerserviceinc.5993/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PioneerServiceInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/machinedparts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MachinedParts  M&M Quality Grinding: Website: https://www.mmquality.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mmqualitygrinding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmqualitygrind Aneesa Muthana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneesamuthana/  Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about  Aneesa and Ari discuss:  Passion, employee engagement, culture, leadership, giving back, DEI

This week we welcome Rick Skidmore, Founder and CEO of Timberlane. Timberlane hand-crafts beautiful, high quality wooden shutters. They have also crafted an incredible company culture thanks to implementing some of the best current business theories on continuous improvement and organizational structure.  On this episode, Rick shares how he puts theory into practice building a continuous improvement mindset into the company culture. He talks about scalability, goal setting, and chunking down those big goals into small actions.  Rick and Ari also talk about how to think about marketing - which is a sticking point for many manufacturers. Finally they discuss the incredible value of executive peer-to-peer networking groups with one of the strongest statements of endorsement we've ever had on the podcast!      A fantastic episode from beginning to end.  Rick's favorite business books:  The E-Myth, Michael GerberFrom Strength to Strength, Arthur C. Brooks  Rick Skidmore, Timberlane Website: https://www.timberlane.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/timberlane-inc- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimberlaneInc/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/timberlaneinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TimberlaneInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberlane_inc/  Rick Skidmore's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-skidmore-b386b69  Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about  Rick and Ari discuss:  Quality, continuous improvement, company culture, executive peer-to-peer networking, and marketing  

There are so many fascinating niche businesses in manufacturing, and this week's episode is one of them. Park City Packaging manufactures specialty packaging for vital, large, and/or dimensionally complex aerospace parts so they can be safely and securely shipped across the country or across the world.   Owen Polzello, the next generation leader and current VP of Operations, talks to Ari about the risks and rewards the company has taken over the years. They discuss Owen's background and passion for the business. Owen shares lessons learned from his time in leadership, valuable company culture tips like encouraging idea sharing across multiple facilities, training and then promoting from within, and the incredible value of setting roles, expectations and goals for every employee.   This episode Is chock full of great advice from a young leader who will continue to make waves in the manufacturing space.     Owen Polzello, Park City Packaging Website: https://www.thepackcenter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/park-city-packaging/ Owen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-polzello-4670b812a/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about  Owen and Ari discuss employee retention, company culture, taking risks, and employee growth and training

In sectors of manufacturing that remain "dirty jobs", like foundries and casting, it's even more important to have a fantastic company culture, where word of mouth brings in new employees and liking what you do is paramount. On this episode, Ari talks to Chris deGruchy, Principal and General Manager of Cast Rite Metal, about his company culture that keeps people engaged with transparency and care. Chris tells Ari about his business journey and they talk about the puzzle pieces that make up a great business. Chris shares that it took several years to really love what he does, but it was completely worth it. Together they discuss the importance of building and growing relationships throughout a career. You never know when someone you met years ago might become your best advocate, or your next customer. Chris has a passion for American Manufacturing and loves to share it!  Chris deGruchy, Cast Rite Metal Website: https://castritemetal.com/ Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-degruchy-ba128530  Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSPCompany Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/  https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about    Chris and Ari discuss casting, acquisition, workforce, culture, and networking

Discover how AtmosAir's groundbreaking bipolar ionization technology has been a game-changer for indoor environments. President and CEO, Steve Levine, delves into the challenges of proving the technology's efficacy and its eventual adoption by professional sports teams.  Steve discusses the technology's significant impact on energy costs, absenteeism in schools, and improvements to work environments. With 300% growth in three years and successful tests against viruses, AtmosAir is making a substantial difference in indoor air quality and sustainability.  Tune in for an interesting conversation about innovation, supply chain resiliency, forecasting, and making a positive impact on the world.  Steve Levine, AtmosAir Website: https://atmosair.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atmosair-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtmosAir/\ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atmosair_solutions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Atmos_Air Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-levine-a5784b25/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/     https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about  Steve and Ari discuss air quality, forecasting, innovation, and supply chain

In this week's episode, discover how the multifaceted company, Virginia Industries - consisting of Hartford Technologies' (balls and bearings) and Bingham and Taylor (access solutions for water and gas) - has navigated nearly 100 years of twists and turns to stay relevant.    Laura and Ari discuss many tough decisions the company had to make along the way. They talk about a strategic shift to overseas production and shutting down segments of the business to stay competitive. On the flip-side, they also discuss bringing back manufacturing capabilities to meet customer needs and investing in new technologies to be prepared for upcoming market shifts.   With an eye on the future and an understanding of the past, Laura and Ari talk about the necessity to reinvent your company over and over through the years.   Laura Grondin, Virginia Industries Hartford Technologies Website: https://hartfordtechnologies.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hartford-technologies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartfordTechnologies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hartfordtechnologies8969   Bingham and Taylor Website: https://bandt-us.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bingham-taylor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandt.us/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BandT_US   Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-grondin-7226764/   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about    Laura and Ari discuss reinvention, competition, reshoring, offshoring, and leadership

On this episode, Kate Hampford Donahue, CEO of Hampford Research, discusses the transformative journey of taking over her father's specialty chemical company.   Without a background in the chemical industry, Kate embraced a new kind of leadership, using skills gained throughout her early career. She recounts the pivotal support of Vistage, a CEO peer-to-peer group, that provided her with invaluable insights and support.   Kate shares her initial challenges from discovering the company was in a poorer shape than anyone realized to reshaping its culture and strategy in the face of that adversity. She managed to turn challenge into opportunity…and fell in love with manufacturing at the same time!   Kate's favorite book: Blue Ocean Strategy, Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim   Kate Hampford Donahue, Hampford Research Website: https://www.hampfordresearch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampford-research-inc Twitter: https://twitter.com/HampfordRsrch Kate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-donahue-7327007   Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/   https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/  https://blog.compassmsp.com/  https://compassmsp.com/about     Kate and Ari discuss Leadership, Transition, Vistage, and Workplace Culture