Episode Description:

Manufacturing innovation often happens where the physical world meets the digital one—and few places reveal that intersection better than the surfaces we design around us. In this episode of the Pittsburgh Startup Podcast, Charles Mansfield sits down with Tevis Jacobs, founder of Surface Design Solutions, to explore the surprisingly complex world of surface design and its role in modern manufacturing.

From coatings and materials science to performance, durability, and aesthetics, Tevis breaks down why surfaces are far more than a finishing touch—they’re often the difference between a product that works and one that fails. The conversation dives into how startups are innovating in manufacturing, why surface engineering is deceptively difficult, and how Pittsburgh’s deep-tech and industrial roots make it an ideal place to build companies solving real-world problems.

Whether you’re a founder, engineer, or just curious about the hidden complexity behind everyday materials, this episode offers a fascinating look at the science—and startups—behind the surfaces we rely on every day.