The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast

<p> The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast features casual conversations with manufacturing and industrial professionals about their journeys, lessons learned, and more. Your host is Ryan Cote, Managing Partner at Ballantine Digital. </p>

Robert Weiss: Nail B2B Video by Leading With Your Message

Video pro Robert Weiss joins Ryan Cote on the Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast to share how manufacturers win with message-first videos, smarter planning, and AI polish. Learn to turn one shoot into sales, training, and industry-specific assets that drive revenue.

10-31
22:01

Paul Kiesche: Build a Manufacturer Brand That Boosts Sales and Hiring

In this episode, we speak with Paul Kiesche from Aviate Creative about real world lessons on branding, AI, and resilience. Specifically, how a focused manufacturer brand boosts sales and hiring, how to show up in Google and ChatGPT, and why AI is a tool not a replacement. He also covers losing six clients in two days, the power of niching, and simple brand upgrades.

10-14
25:31

Don Fuchs: Keep Shoveling and Outlast the Competition

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote talks with Don Fuchs, CEO of Harris Thermal Transfer Products. Don shares his unique career journey from law and legal tech entrepreneurship to leading a 140-year-old family-owned manufacturing company.

09-22
19:40

Makenzie Morrill: "Look for the Duct Tape" in Marketing and Customer Success

In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Morrill, Marketing Mgr at Spartronics, about her journey into manufacturing, networking, and "looking for the duct tape" when solving customer challenges. She shares lessons from being a one-person marketing team, how AMA fuels her growth, and why AI is best as an assistant (not a replacement).

09-04
19:55

Ben Hanfling: How Understanding Customer Needs Drives Product Development & Revenue Growth

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Ben Hanfling, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cities Metal Products, a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in roofing and building products. Ben discusses the importance of listening to customers, empowering employees, and the strategic thinking required to increase revenue in a competitive market.

08-14
20:06

Mike Womack: Elevating Manufacturers with Marketing and Advocacy

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Mike Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications at NJMEP. We discuss how manufacturers can utilize marketing, adapt to AI, and thrive despite limited resources.

07-23
22:34

Jon M. Williams: The Evolution from EV Batteries to Broader Energy Solutions

In this episode, we speak with Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente, a company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jon offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the evolving landscape of battery technology.

06-26
20:39

Sky Huddleston: Lessons Learned from Innovating the Internal Combustion Engine

In this episode we sit down with Sky Huddleston, a technologist and engineer specializing in precision machining and fabrication. Sky shares his journey from fixing engines as a teenager to developing a highly efficient internal combustion engine. He discusses his approach to innovation, overcoming regulatory challenges, and the importance of pursuing excellence in business.

05-30
18:28

Corey Pickett: The Role of MEP and How ITAC Supports NYC Manufacturers

In this episode, Ryan Cote sits down with Corey Pickett from ITAC, the NYC chapter of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Corey discusses the importance of niche specialization, adapting to industry changes, and the rewarding aspects of supporting local manufacturers.

05-13
24:26

Nick Duff: Fueling the Future of Manufacturing

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Duff, co-founder and CEO of Pure Prime Solutions, an engineering firm specializing in innovative solutions for industrial manufacturing. Nick shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance, and how he’s leveraging AI and other technologies to drive innovation in the manufacturing space.

04-25
27:34

Todd Miller: How Collaborating With Other Manufacturers Grew His Business

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote sits down with Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, a family-owned business specializing in the manufacturing of metal roofing and other building materials.

04-02
21:21

Tracey Wiedmeyer: From Farming to Industrial Software Development

In this episode, we speak to Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder and CEO of Gripp, a software solution designed for manufacturers, farmers, and warehouse operators to streamline their operations. Tracey shares insights on his journey, the challenges of implementing new technology, and the lessons learned from his farming roots that shaped his career.

03-14
19:07

John Jerit: Bringing 3D to Life

In this episode we sit down with John Jerit, CEO of American Paper Optics, the world’s largest manufacturer of paper 3D glasses. From the Super Bowl to NASA, John shares the fascinating story of how he started his business, the challenges of scaling it, and the lessons learned from 34 years of growth.

02-28
29:03

Dennis Earley: Solving Critical Challenges for OEMs in Aerospace & Industrial Sectors

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Earley, the President of Premier Magnetics. With nearly two decades in the company, Dennis shares his journey from the surf industry to electronics, insights on leadership, and strategies for business growth.

02-11
20:38

Cris Wingate: How Maxivolt Safeguards Industry from Voltage Surges

This podcast interview features Cris Wingate, the Vice President of Maxivolt, a 35+ year manufacturer of transient voltage surge suppressors. With 20 years of experience in the family-owned business, Cris shares valuable insights on leadership, employee retention, and personal growth.

01-24
27:06

Cathy and Lauren Rinne: Mother-Daughter Duo in Robotics & Automation

This podcast episode features a conversation with Cathy Rinne and her daughter Lauren, who work together at their family business, Flex-Line Automation. The company specializes in custom-designed automation solutions and was co-founded by Cathy, her husband Rhett, and her in-laws Orville and Dorothy back in 1984.

01-09
33:45

Scott Sadowski: Finding Purpose in Reducing Plastic Waste

This podcast episode features a conversation with Scott Sadowski, the co-founder of SEE Forming, a company that works in the thermal forming industry, specializing in the production of hard, rigid plastic products.

12-23
25:44

Pete Widry: Navigating the Aviation Industry as an Entrepreneur

In this episode, we speak with Pete Widry, founder of P6 Aviation. From leaving behind a career in New York advertising to becoming a commercial pilot, Pete’s story is one of bold decisions, calculated risks, and building a business from the ground up.

12-06
28:13

Robert Oswald Jr: Navigating the Future of Heating and Energy Solutions

Our latest podcast episode features a conversation with Robert Oswald Jr., the fourth-generation Owner and President of Oswald Supply. Robert shares the joys and challenges of running a family business and how the company is adapting to modern demands.

11-18
22:32

Joe Selvik and Duncan Lowder: From Software to Manufacturing - the Evolution of FixturFab

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, host Ryan Cote sits down with Duncan Lowder and Joe Selvig, co-founders of FixturFab, to explore their entrepreneurial journey. Together, they dive into the origins of FixturFab—a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of custom circuit board test fixtures. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs Duncan and Joe encountered while building FixturFab from the ground up, along with actionable advic...

10-29
24:01

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