Forged in Focus

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Ross Hartmann, Founder and CEO of Kiingo AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate and what manufacturers should be doing now to prepare for what comes next.

Ross breaks down why leaders need to stop thinking about AI as simply another piece of software and start looking at it as a new form of digital labor. The conversation explores AI agents, connecting AI to company data, the race toward artificial general intelligence, the growing role of robotics and where manufacturers can find practical opportunities to put AI to work today.

Jon and Ross also discuss how leadership teams can build an AI-ready culture, why successful adoption has to start at the executive level and what a practical 12-month AI roadmap can look like for a manufacturing company. They also look ahead at how AI could reshape jobs, skilled trades, the factory floor and the role humans will continue to play as the technology advances.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Scott Draudt of New Castle Stainless Plate to break down what it actually takes to turn raw slab into finished stainless plate. Scott shares insights from 37 years at the same mill through three ownership changes, including the mill's role developing the original "Code Plus Two" 2205 duplex spec back in the early '90s and where duplex grades are headed next, from small modular reactors to bridge infrastructure.

The conversation also explores workforce development in a multi-generational Indiana workforce, material surcharges and supply chain volatility, and lessons from advocating for the pressure vessel industry on Capitol Hill.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Stephen Borg of The Vogel Group to discuss what manufacturers need to know following the latest STI/SPFA Washington fly-in.

They cover tariffs, workforce development, the Dignity Act, ARPA funding, OSHA's proposed heat standard and how manufacturers can build stronger relationships with Congress ahead of the midterm elections. Stephen also shares why consistent advocacy is critical to protecting American manufacturing and strengthening the industry's future.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Joe Rodriguez, regional quality manager at IRISNDT, to discuss his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming an ASNT Level III professional and how mentorship shaped his career.

They explore the role of nondestructive testing, the importance of quality culture, digital radiography, workforce development and the future of inspection technologies across the industrial sector. Jon and Joe also examine how IRISNDT supports refineries, fabrication shops, pipelines and other critical industries while maintaining high standards for safety and asset integrity.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward talks with Mike Pischke about his remarkable journey from working as a pipe welder at a nuclear power plant to helping shape some of the most important standards in the pressure vessel industry.

Mike discusses how hands-on field experience influenced his approach to engineering, quality management and code development.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Tony Swart of Webco to break down the fundamentals of steel tubing and why understanding the difference between welded and seamless products matters for cost and performance.

Tony shares insights from decades in manufacturing, including how market shifts, tariffs and supply chain decisions are shaping today’s industry. The conversation also explores leadership, workforce development and the concept of building “forever companies” that prioritize people, partnerships and long term value.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon Ward sits down with Jeff Hock to explore the legacy behind Brighton Tru-Edge Heads and the leadership lessons that shaped its return to the market.

Their conversation covers pressure vessel head manufacturing, global competition, tariffs, workforce development and the challenge of scaling growth without sacrificing quality, safety or culture.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon talks with eliability and mechanical integrity specialist Ed Naylor to break down the inspection hold points that matter most for heat exchangers, pressure vessels and API tanks.

They discuss why hydrotesting is not enough, how bundle insertion can reveal hidden quality issues and what experienced inspectors look for beyond the checklist. Jon and Ed share real-world lessons on catching problems early, protecting schedules and building reliability step by step during fabrication.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon sits down with Jessica King of Palletized Trucking to break down how oversized and super heavy industrial loads are moved from fabrication to final delivery.

Jessica shares the evolution of Palletized Trucking, the role of family leadership and the planning, permitting and specialized equipment required to transport large vessels and components.

In this episode of Forged in Focus, Jon speaks with Rita Byrd, a board member of the Institute for Supply Management, about the forces shaping modern supply chains and procurement leadership.

Rita explains why the PMI remains one of the most closely watched indicators in manufacturing, how technology like AI is changing decision-making, and what skills the next generation of supply chain leaders must develop. The conversation also explores ethics, sustainability and why strategic supplier relationships matter more than ever.