We had an insightful conversation on MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast with the Wittern Group about the future of automated retail. After 95 years in business, one lesson stands out: adapt or get left behind.

The discussion explored how the industry is evolving—from micro markets to AI-powered service systems, and from cash-based to fully contactless experiences. The Wittern Group isn’t just keeping up with change—they’re driving it.

From healthcare and smart dispensing to semi-controlled retail, the company is shaping the next wave of automated solutions. The message was clear: the coming decade will redefine how consumers interact with technology and how manufacturers power that transformation.

🎧 Listen to this episode of MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers to hear how Wittern Group is building tomorrow’s retail ecosystem today.

We just wrapped up an incredible Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast episode featuring Luminit — a company whose journey from providing a quick “Band-Aid solution” for the Ford Mustang to becoming a trusted automotive supplier is nothing short of inspiring.

The conversation highlights the mindset that fuels real progress in manufacturing: “Be who you want to become—don’t rinse and repeat.” Growth comes from proving what’s possible through action, innovation, and persistence.

If you’re in manufacturing or leadership, this episode is a must-listen. Hear how Luminit continues to redefine what it means to grow, adapt, and lead in the automotive industry.

Hosted by Katherine Seymour and presented by MacRAE’S, this episode features Mark Bargloff, President of Kinetic Technologies. Mark shares how his path through product development and agile engineering led him to notice critical bottlenecks in manufacturing. Driven by the need for faster iteration and higher scalability, Mark founded Kinetic Technologies, focusing on robotics and automation to help manufacturers innovate and grow.  Listen to the full podcast episode below!

She started in live entertainment. Now she’s making industrial automation actually interesting on social media.
In this episode of Growth Challenges for Manufacturers, we talk with Stacey Steele of Excel Automation about bridging two very different worlds—and why that’s exactly what manufacturing needs right now.
From funny intern videos to 400% LinkedIn growth, Stacey’s approach blends authenticity with serious results.
 Hear the story behind the strategy:

Proud to feature this incredible story on MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast — a journey from packing parts on the dock to leading a multi-generation manufacturing success story that continues to thrive and compete globally.

Episode highlights:
✅ People are everything – A diverse team from 30+ countries drives loyalty and innovation.
✅ Stability through diversification – Serving automotive, defense, aerospace, and industrial markets.
✅ 24-hour turnaround – Financial strength enables rapid response and customer satisfaction.
✅ Competing globally from America – Recently secured a major automotive contract against international suppliers.

Manufacturing’s biggest challenge today isn’t equipment—it’s people. Investing in talent is what drives real, lasting success.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode on Growth Challenges for Manufacturers to hear how this company is shaping the future of American manufacturing.

We recently hosted an insightful episode of the MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast featuring the founder of Arc Specialties.

He shared how the company grew from a garage project in 1983 to delivering advanced automation solutions across 33 countries. The conversation explored everything from building robots for drill ships to solving complex manufacturing challenges through curiosity, code, and a culture of fearless engineering.

It’s a powerful example of how innovation thrives when passion meets purpose in manufacturing.

I've built and transformed businesses for three decades. AI is the most exciting shift I've witnessed—but also the most misunderstood.

The reality? It's not a jackhammer for every problem. It's a surgeon's knife for specific challenges.

At Aithon, we believe in vertical AI, small language models, and keeping humans in the loop. We design for failure, anticipate edge cases, and never remove human expertise prematurely.

That's how we turn 90% failure rates into guaranteed ROI.

More on Growth Challenges podcast.

In this episode of the MacRAE’S Growth Challenge podcast, we sit down with the founder of EJR Management to explore what it takes to build a business from the ground up. The conversation dives into the realities of the affordable housing market, reshaping perceptions of rental communities, and how climate-driven migration is influencing future development.

One of the standout moments is the discussion on how AI tools like ChatGPT are empowering small businesses to compete in fast-changing markets—while emphasizing that skilled labor remains irreplaceable.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start your entrepreneurial journey, this episode makes one thing clear: the cost of waiting is far greater than the risk of beginning. Tune in to hear the full story!

From 10 to 50 employees, $1M to $10M—Cookshack’s story is one of relentless focus and innovation. On Growth Challenges for Manufacturers, Katherine Seymour of MacRAE’S sits down with Stuart Powell, President of Cookshack, to explore how a legacy brand scaled smartly while staying true to its roots. Tune in to learn how strategic digital marketing, lean manufacturing, and culture shifts fueled this remarkable growth.   Listen now:

Another inspiring conversation on our "Growth Challenges for Manufacturers" podcast!
We sat down with Jessica Young, CEO of CimTech, who shared how they've maintained excellence for 50 years while innovating for the future. From a 20-year average employee tenure to going patent-pending on their own proprietary solution - this is what manufacturing leadership looks like.
Key takeaways that resonated: ✅ Clear communication over hiding behind emails ✅ Proactive problem-solving, not just reactive responses
 ✅ Collaboration as the foundation for innovation ✅ Building the next generation while preserving institutional knowledge
Jessica's journey from banking to manufacturing proves that diverse perspectives drive industry growth. Her team's approach to turning customer challenges into patent-pending solutions shows exactly why manufacturers need strategic marketing partners.
At MacRAE'S, we help manufacturers like CimTech tell their story and attract the right opportunities. When you have 50 years of excellence, the world should know about it.