Made in America with Ari Santiago

In this episode, Randy Hauser, President of Chicago Metal Fabricators, discusses the turnaround and growth of this metal fabricator company with roots dating back to 1908.

Randy shares his journey from joining the company as a turnaround specialist to leading it through transformative changes in sales, marketing, and operations. Discover how Chicago Metal Fabricators differentiated itself in a competitive market by investing in large-scale equipment and building a culture of professionalism.

Randy also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and fostering a team-oriented environment that encourages continuous improvement. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, manufacturing challenges, and the critical role of maintaining a strong customer focus.

Randy's favorite book: Competitive Strategy, Michael Porter

Randy Hauser, Chicago Metal Fabricators

Website: https://chicagometal.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagometalfabricators LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagometal Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicagoMetalFab YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChi9gc6xrBRotQtb3dOU9sw Randy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-hauser-27143016/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Randy and Ari talk about culture, continuous improvement, sales, capital investments

In this episode, Charlie Radcliff, President of Radcliff Wire, shares the impressive journey of his family-owned business. Radcliff Wire specializes in custom-shaped wire, serving diverse industries such as aerospace, medical, and electronics.

Charlie talks to Ari about the company's diversification strategy, which came down from his father, and continues today as a mainstay. He also discusses the importance of continuous innovation to stay competitive.

Learn how the company leveraged state grants to adopt advanced technologies, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve. Discover why understanding the end-use of their products is crucial for entering and thriving in multiple markets.

Charlie also emphasizes the importance of making smart investments in technology and personnel, which have been key to their sustained success. He reflects on the company's rich history and his passion for the business.

This episode is packed with good insights on thriving in manufacturing!

Charlie's favorite book: The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt

Charlie Radcliff, Radcliff Wire

Website: https://radcliffwire.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radcliff-wire-inc

Charlie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-radcliff-b1599948/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri

Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Charlie and Ari talk about innovation, technology, diversification, investments.

This week's episode is not only entertaining, it's also so educational.  Aneesa Muthana is a fantastic storyteller with a unique road into her roles.  

Aneesa is the CEO of both Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding, companies she took over from multiple family members and built to the successful organizations they are today. M&M produces precision centerless ground bar stock and Pioneer Services provides precision machining.  

Aneesa tells the stories of how she took over each company more than 20 years apart. She shares some of her leadership approach, her focus on manufacturing evangelism, and her thoughts about diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

There are a few twists and turns in this episode you certainly don't expect!  

Aneesa's favorite business book: Start with Why, Simon Sinek 

Aneesa Muthana, Pioneer Service and M&M Quality Grinding

Pioneer Service:Website: https://pioneerserviceinc.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pioneer-service-inc-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pioneerserviceinc.5993/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PioneerServiceInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/machinedparts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MachinedParts 

M&M Quality Grinding: Website: https://www.mmquality.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mmqualitygrinding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mmqualitygrinding/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmqualitygrind

Aneesa Muthana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneesamuthana/ 

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/  

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ 

Aneesa and Ari discuss:  Passion, employee engagement, culture, leadership, giving back, DEI

This week we welcome Rick Skidmore, Founder and CEO of Timberlane. Timberlane hand-crafts beautiful, high quality wooden shutters. They have also crafted an incredible company culture thanks to implementing some of the best current business theories on continuous improvement and organizational structure. 

On this episode, Rick shares how he puts theory into practice building a continuous improvement mindset into the company culture. He talks about scalability, goal setting, and chunking down those big goals into small actions. 

Rick and Ari also talk about how to think about marketing - which is a sticking point for many manufacturers. Finally they discuss the incredible value of executive peer-to-peer networking groups with one of the strongest statements of endorsement we've ever had on the podcast!   

A fantastic episode from beginning to end. 

Rick's favorite business books:  The E-Myth, Michael GerberFrom Strength to Strength, Arthur C. Brooks 

Rick Skidmore, Timberlane Website: https://www.timberlane.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/timberlane-inc- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimberlaneInc/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/timberlaneinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TimberlaneInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberlane_inc/  Rick Skidmore's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-skidmore-b386b69 

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/  

 Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ 

Rick and Ari discuss:  Quality, continuous improvement, company culture, executive peer-to-peer networking, and marketing  

There are so many fascinating niche businesses in manufacturing, and this week's episode is one of them. Park City Packaging manufactures specialty packaging for vital, large, and/or dimensionally complex aerospace parts so they can be safely and securely shipped across the country or across the world.

Owen Polzello, the next generation leader and current VP of Operations, talks to Ari about the risks and rewards the company has taken over the years. They discuss Owen's background and passion for the business. Owen shares lessons learned from his time in leadership, valuable company culture tips like encouraging idea sharing across multiple facilities, training and then promoting from within, and the incredible value of setting roles, expectations and goals for every employee.

This episode Is chock full of great advice from a young leader who will continue to make waves in the manufacturing space.

Owen Polzello, Park City Packaging

Website: https://www.thepackcenter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/park-city-packaging/

Owen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-polzello-4670b812a/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri

Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Owen and Ari discuss employee retention, company culture, taking risks, and employee growth and training

In sectors of manufacturing that remain "dirty jobs", like foundries and casting, it's even more important to have a fantastic company culture, where word of mouth brings in new employees and liking what you do is paramount. On this episode, Ari talks to Chris deGruchy, Principal and General Manager of Cast Rite Metal, about his company culture that keeps people engaged with transparency and care.

Chris tells Ari about his business journey and they talk about the puzzle pieces that make up a great business. Chris shares that it took several years to really love what he does, but it was completely worth it.

Together they discuss the importance of building and growing relationships throughout a career. You never know when someone you met years ago might become your best advocate, or your next customer.

Chris has a passion for American Manufacturing and loves to share it! 

Chris deGruchy, Cast Rite Metal Website: https://castritemetal.com/ Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-degruchy-ba128530 

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSPCompany Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/ 

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Chris and Ari discuss casting, acquisition, workforce, culture, and networking

Discover how AtmosAir's groundbreaking bipolar ionization technology has been a game-changer for indoor environments. President and CEO, Steve Levine, delves into the challenges of proving the technology's efficacy and its eventual adoption by professional sports teams. 

Steve discusses the technology's significant impact on energy costs, absenteeism in schools, and improvements to work environments. With 300% growth in three years and successful tests against viruses, AtmosAir is making a substantial difference in indoor air quality and sustainability. 

Tune in for an interesting conversation about innovation, supply chain resiliency, forecasting, and making a positive impact on the world. 

Steve Levine, AtmosAir Website: https://atmosair.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atmosair-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtmosAir/\ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atmosair_solutions/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Atmos_Air Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-levine-a5784b25/ 

 Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/ Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari Podcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/    

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Steve and Ari discuss air quality, forecasting, innovation, and supply chain

In this week's episode, discover how the multifaceted company, Virginia Industries - consisting of Hartford Technologies' (balls and bearings) and Bingham and Taylor (access solutions for water and gas) - has navigated nearly 100 years of twists and turns to stay relevant. 

Laura and Ari discuss many tough decisions the company had to make along the way. They talk about a strategic shift to overseas production and shutting down segments of the business to stay competitive. On the flip-side, they also discuss bringing back manufacturing capabilities to meet customer needs and investing in new technologies to be prepared for upcoming market shifts.

With an eye on the future and an understanding of the past, Laura and Ari talk about the necessity to reinvent your company over and over through the years.

Laura Grondin, Virginia Industries

Hartford Technologies

Website: https://hartfordtechnologies.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hartford-technologies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartfordTechnologies/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hartfordtechnologies8969

Bingham and Taylor

Website: https://bandt-us.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bingham-taylor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandt.us/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BandT_US

Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-grondin-7226764/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri

Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Laura and Ari discuss reinvention, competition, reshoring, offshoring, and leadership

On this episode, Kate Hampford Donahue, CEO of Hampford Research, discusses the transformative journey of taking over her father's specialty chemical company.

Without a background in the chemical industry, Kate embraced a new kind of leadership, using skills gained throughout her early career. She recounts the pivotal support of Vistage, a CEO peer-to-peer group, that provided her with invaluable insights and support.

Kate shares her initial challenges from discovering the company was in a poorer shape than anyone realized to reshaping its culture and strategy in the face of that adversity. She managed to turn challenge into opportunity…and fell in love with manufacturing at the same time!

Kate's favorite book: Blue Ocean Strategy, Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim

Kate Hampford Donahue, Hampford Research

Website: https://www.hampfordresearch.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hampford-research-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HampfordRsrch

Kate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-donahue-7327007

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri

Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Kate and Ari discuss Leadership, Transition, Vistage, and Workplace Culture

Adapting and thriving through uncertainty and change is one thing that Jack Birtwell, President and Owner of Porter Preston, knows well!

On this episode, Jack shares his journey and how he turned a career setback into a successful enterprise. He and Ari delve into the importance of supportive partnerships - both his business partner and his wife have been instrumental to the company's start and success. They talk about what makes a successful partnership.

Jack also talks about the fun and positive culture that propels Porter Preston forward. He highlights both his "harmony policy" and their innovative recruitment tactics that ensure a great workplace.

Jack's favorite business books:

Customers for Life, Carl Sewell

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey

Jack Birtwell, Porter Preston

Website: https://www.porterpreston.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porterprestoninc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjM-ltTIAneBYDjFjI21BA

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/porterpreston/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porterprestoninc/

Jack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-birtwell-03950b2a/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company Website: https://compassmsp.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-msp/

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeinAmericaPodcast

Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-america-podcast-with-ari

Podcast YouTube:  https://youtube.com/c/MadeinAmericaPodcastwithAri

Ari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asantiago104/

Podcast produced by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/

Jack and Ari discuss:

Partnerships, company culture, interview process, business 101