In this special episode, Chad Ackerman, Senior Manager of Strategic Accounts at Flexco, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive. Chad shares stories from his upbringing, family life, and educational background, while reflecting on the work he did before entering the belting industry. He walks us through the journey that brought him into the business and discusses how those early experiences helped shape the career he has built today. We'll also hear about Chad's time with Ammeraal Beltech (Ammega) and the responsibilities he held there, before diving into his current role with Flexco and the work he does today as Senior Manager of Strategic Accounts. Chad offers insight into the products, people, and relationships that make the industry unique and rewarding. From his involvement with NIBA and the impact it has had on his career, to the lessons learned along the way, Chad shares thoughtful perspectives on both professional growth and industry leadership. Outside of work, we get to know the person behind the title—what he enjoys doing for fun, any nicknames he's picked up over the years, a few guilty pleasures, and the accomplishments he finds most rewarding. And because every great conversation deserves a little humor, we'll wrap things up by putting Chad on the spot for what may be his greatest challenge of all: delivering a memorable Dad Joke. From career milestones to personal stories and plenty of laughs along the way, Chad brings an engaging and authentic perspective to this episode.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Jessica Stroup, Product Specialist at LGG Industrial, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive. Jessica shares stories about where she grew up, her family background, and her education, while reflecting on any work experiences she had before entering the belting industry. She also gives us insight into her roots in the business through Stroup Belting, discussing the family business, the markets it served, and the products that helped shape her early experiences in the industry. We'll hear about Jessica's responsibilities during her time at Stroup Belting and her transition to LGG Industrial, where she now serves as a Product Specialist. Jessica walks us through LGG Industrial, the markets they serve, their focus on heavy and lightweight belting solutions, and what her role looks like today as part of a larger organization. From discussing what she enjoys most about the work she does—and whether she considers herself a true "belt nerd"—to explaining how she describes her career to people outside the industry, Jessica offers a unique and relatable perspective on life in the belting world. Outside of work, we get to know Jessica on a more personal level as she shares her hobbies and interests, any collections she may have accumulated over the years, and even reflects on what career path she might have pursued had she not found her place in the belting industry. From family business roots to new opportunities and industry expertise, Jessica brings an engaging and refreshing perspective to this episode. Links: www.empirerubber.com www.newwavemediapdx.com Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13 iheart radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/ Pandora https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/ Podcast Index https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600 Listen Notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Eric O’Connor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Derco USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Eric talks about his upbringing, family, and education, as well as the work he did before entering the belting industry. He shares the story of how his dad inspired him to join the business, what it’s been like working alongside both his father and his brother, and what he finds most rewarding about building a family-driven career.

We’ll also hear about Derco and Derco USA—the markets they serve, their product lines, and their unique capabilities. Eric reflects on how NIBA and other organizations have supported the company and its growth.

Outside of work, Eric opens up about the best advice he’s ever received and offered, some of the hardest lessons learned, and a few nicknames—both good and bad. And because no conversation with Eric would be complete without it, we dive into his passion for music, especially his love for Pearl Jam, and what music has meant to him throughout his life.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Jackie Robb Britt, Chief Executive Officer of Rubber & Accessories, Inc. and 2008 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Jackie shares about her upbringing, family, and education, along with the work she did before entering the belting industry. She reflects on what ultimately led her to join the family business and gives us a look into Rubber & Accessories—the markets they serve and what makes the company unique.

We’ll also hear Jackie’s thoughts on what she finds most rewarding about her work, as well as her involvement with NIBA. As the first female President of NIBA and the first second-generation President, Jackie offers an inspiring perspective on leadership, progress, and legacy.

Outside of the professional world, Jackie opens up about what she enjoys for fun, the best advice she’s ever received and offered, and some of the hardest lessons she’s faced.

From family roots to industry leadership, Jackie’s story offers a powerful and personal look at a career built on resilience, dedication, and trailblazing achievements.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, John H. Green, Owner of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

John shares where he grew up, his family background, and education, along with the work he did prior to entering the belting industry. He reflects on what led him into the business, the origins of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, and how the company has grown over time.

We’ll also hear John’s perspective on working with family—what it has meant to him personally and professionally—as well as the role NIBA has played in his career. From the strong relationships he’s built within the industry to the lessons he’s learned, John offers valuable insight into the connections that matter most.

Beyond his professional journey, John opens up about life outside of work, the best advice he’s ever received and offered, and the hardest lessons he’s had to face along the way. From family legacy to industry leadership, John brings a thoughtful and personal look at his path in the belting world.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Don Garner, Owner and CEO of Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co. and 2010 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Don shares about his upbringing, family, and education, along with the work he did before stepping into the belting industry. He reflects on what first drew him to the industry, the history of Nashville Rubber and when it was founded, and how the company has grown over the years. Beyond Nashville Rubber, Don opens up about the other businesses he’s built, giving us a full picture of his entrepreneurial journey.

We also hear about Don’s involvement with NIBA—his time on the Program Committee, his experience serving as President, and what the organization has meant to him over the years. He speaks to the deep relationships he’s developed in the belting community and the value those connections continue to bring.

Don shares what life looks like outside of work, always finding ways to have fun, and offers some personal reflections, from the best advice he’s ever received, to the wisdom he hopes to pass on.

Links: www.empirerubber.com www.newwavemediapdx.com Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13 iheart radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/ Pandora https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/ Podcast Index https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600 Listen Notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Mark Jadwin, Training & Business Development at MIR / Ammega and 2025 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive. Mark shares about his upbringing, family, and education, and reflects on the work he did before entering the belting industry. He walks us through what led him into the industry, his journey with MIR / Ammega, and the variety of responsibilities he has held throughout his career. We’ll also hear Mark’s perspective on his involvement with NIBA, the importance of training—whether technical, sales, or manuals—and what being part of this organization means to him. Beyond his professional role, Mark opens up about what he enjoys outside of work, his guilty pleasures, nicknames he’s picked up along the way, and even how many pairs of pants he’s managed to destroy throughout his career. From leadership to lighthearted stories, Mark offers thoughtful insights and a personal look at his path in the belting industry.

Links: www.empirerubber.com www.newwavemediapdx.com Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13 iheart radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/ Pandora https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/ Podcast Index https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600 Listen Notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Mark Jadwin, Training & Business Development at MIR / Ammega and 2025 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Mark shares about his upbringing, family, and education, and reflects on the work he did before entering the belting industry. He walks us through what led him into the industry, his journey with MIR / Ammega, and the variety of responsibilities he has held throughout his career.

We’ll also hear Mark’s perspective on his involvement with NIBA, the importance of training—whether technical, sales, or manuals—and what being part of this organization means to him. Beyond his professional role, Mark opens up about what he enjoys outside of work, his guilty pleasures, nicknames he’s picked up along the way, and even how many pairs of pants he’s managed to destroy throughout his career.

From leadership to lighthearted stories, Mark offers thoughtful insights and a personal look at his path in the belting industry.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Pedro Liriano, Outside Sales at INO USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Pedro shares where he grew up, his family background, and education, and reflects on the work he did before stepping into the belting industry. We’ll hear about his early adventures in the industry, the path that eventually led him to INO USA, and the role he plays today.

He also walks us through who INO USA is, the products and services they provide, and what his responsibilities look like day to day. From his current involvement with NIBA, to what he enjoys most about his work, Pedro offers thoughtful insights into both his career and personal passions.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Drew Felix, VP of Sales and Unit Handling at Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI), joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

We’ll explore where Drew grew up, his family background, and education, and hear about the work he did before stepping into the conveyor industry. He shares the story of how he landed at PPI, and gives us an inside look at the company’s product offerings, capabilities, and the diverse markets they serve.

From discussing the art of relationship sales to explaining his role to people outside the industry, Drew offers thoughtful insights into what drives his success.

Whether you’re curious about the world of pulleys and idlers, or you simply enjoy hearing the stories behind industry leaders, this conversation with Drew promises both valuable takeaways and a few good laughs.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/