On this episode, we feature an interview with Derek DeGeest, our POLYCON 2025 keynote speaker. He'll share his thoughts about automation and advanced robotic technology in the composites industry. 

Derek is the president at DeGeest Corporation, a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in automation and finishing. They’ve been helping manufacturers solve problems since 1976. You can learn more about their company at https://degeestcorp.com.

On this episode, we'll feature an interview with Phil Jones, author of Exactly What to Say on the show to discuss the magic words for influence and impact.

Phil entered the world of business at the tender age of 14. With nothing more than a bucket and sponge, he went from single-handedly washing cars at weekends to hiring a fleet of friends working on his behalf, resulting in him earning more than his teachers by the time he was 15. Soon after, at just 18, Phil was offered the role of Sales Manager at fashion retailer Debenhams – making him the youngest Sales Manager in the company’s history.

Since then, Phil has made it his life’s work to completely demystify the sales process and bring both simplicity and integrity to a world that is often full of big egos and even bigger lies. With this as Phil’s core mission, he has gone on to deliver over 2,500 presentations in 57 countries across five continents, training more than two million people to learn how to have more influence, confidence, and control when steering their conversations.

You can check out his book at https://exactlywhattosay.com/books. 

In this episode, we'll be discussing the hidden drivers of consumer choice with guest expert Nika Kabiri. She has spent 25+ years studying decision-making, with 15 of those in consumer insights.

She has taught Decision Science at the University of Washington, and her expertise in decision-making has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Time, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, MarketQuest, Gizmodo, and more. 

On this episode, Jennifer Towner provides a highlight of our mid-year networking event organized annually by the ICPA. The event provides the opportunity for ICPA members to connect over two days, engaging in strategic discussions, exploring business solutions, and participating in fun social activities.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the release of the new Basic Composites Manual, now available in an enhanced, interactive Digital Edition. This latest update also includes a refined logo for the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program, reflecting the program’s refreshed content and commitment to excellence.

The new Digital Edition offers a highly engaging and user-friendly experience with interactive modules and digital enhancements. Designed with learners in mind, the platform is accessible 24/7 from any device, allowing participants to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.

You can check out Module 1 for free at www.compositesweekly.com/module1. 

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Jeff Austad join the podcast to discuss the upcoming Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course on June 4-5 in Kansas City, MO at Polynt Composites Application Center. 

This 2.5-day, Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course is an opportunity for current CCT certified individuals to become qualified instructors. The course will combine classroom training techniques with hands-on exercises in a composites manufacturing facility to reinforce and show practical ways to deliver instruction.

Space is limited. This course has a maximum registration of 16 candidates.  

You can learn more at https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program/instructor-course/

On this episode, we feature an interview with Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Heinzen. They are the new owners of American Bluegrass Marble, a family-owned and operated business since 1978.

Louisa and Kim bought the business back in June of 2024 and will share what attracted them to this kind of company. American Bluegrass Marble will be featured in the upcoming issue of Cast Polymer Connection. 

You can check out their website at https://www.americanbluegrassmarble.com. 

On this episode, Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Rietze Heinzen join the podcast for a interview. They are the new owners of American Bluegrass Marble, a company that has a rich tradition of making high-quality marble products since 1978. 

On this episode, we’ll discuss some exciting news in the world of closed mold technology. McCLARIN Composites has begun a development partnership with ExxonMobil’s Proxxima business aimed at accelerating the growth of high-speed closed-mold composite manufacturing. For mold manufacturers in our industry, this is a huge step in the adoption of RTM processes. 

Mike Gromacki, CEO of McClarin Composites, and Simon Holmes, Vice President of Sales Marketing at Materia/ ExxonMobil join the show to discuss this new partnership and the unique advantages of Proxxima resin.

On this episode, Dan Neumann of the ACMA joins us again for our final podcast of 2024. We’ll be discussing the effect of the incoming administration’s policies on composite manufacturers in the US. 

Listeners who want to stay up to date with regulations and other policy concerns, and are not a member of the ACMA can join at https://acmanet.org.