This week, we have a CT manufacturing advocate, friend, and President and CEO of Microboard, Nicole Russo, joining us on the Made in America podcast!

Nicole joins Ari to discuss the 3 C's - credit, culture, and complexity, how they maintain close relationships with customers, and how regional sector partnerships can help workforce development challenges.

She's passionate about providing solutions, building an uplifting culture, and growing the business. With technology at the forefront, Nicole and her team, have not only built the only indoor shot-detection system, but are impacting the lives of others around the world!

Microboard's Website: https://microboard.com/ Microboard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microboard-processing-inc./ Microboard's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicroboardToday Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-hoekenga-russo-2436654/

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

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

This week's Made in America podcast episode features Bill Smith, President and CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen!

Bill joins Ari to discuss why he enjoys working in the fuel cell industry, how they are using chemistry for space and underwater exploration and attracting talent for their exciting missions. 

He also discusses what is powering their growth and how they are addressing climate change challenges. He is confident that green hydrogen can help replace fossil fuels and lead to a more optimistic future!

Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's Website: https://infinityfuel.com/ Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinity-fuel-cell-&-hydrogen/ Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfinityFuelCellHydrogen Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-smith-4a79a41a/

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

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

In honor of the July 4th holiday, we are releasing a special edition Made in America episode highlighting some of our previous podcast guests!  

With a theme focused around reshoring, our guests discuss what they are doing to address supply chain issues, get closer to customers, and focus on workforce development efforts. 

We also explore the ways manufacturers across our state are looking to keep operations and processes close to home. The United States has the capability to compete with those overseas, but we need to be more efficient and effective in order to do so. 

Together, we can set our country up for success! 

Featured Guests:  • Paul Lavoie - State of Connecticut   • Dave Cremin - Straton industries   • George LaCapra - UniMetal Surface Finishing   • Doug Rose - Aero Gear  • John Joseph - Datanomix  • Greg Bloom - Capewell  • Don Allan - Stanley Black and Decker   • Chris Murphy - U.S. Senate  • George Giering - Giering Metal Finishing  • Sabrina Beck - Altek Electronics  • Mike Lisowski - FuelCell Energy   • Marty Guay - Stanley Black and Decker  • Joel Camassar - Chapman Manufacturing 

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

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

This week we are welcoming Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, onto the Made in America podcast!

Dave joins Ari to discuss how they are handling overseas competition, using lights out technology to become more efficient, and using creative recruiting to attract and retain people. 

He highlights the importance of peer learning and how you can learn valuable business lessons from others in various industries. Dave also expresses his gratitude for his team and how hiring an HR professional has been one of the best moves they have made!

Straton Industries's Website: https://straton.com/ Straton Industries's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/straton-industries/ Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cremin-75b15a12/

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

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

This week's Made in America episode showcases the story of BMS Aerospace through the eyes of their President, Tina Bracone!

Tina joins Ari for an insightful conversation on business transformation, acquisitional growth, and team communication. 

She also explains how her focus on metrics has helped the company make strategic investments. By welcoming ROI opportunities and building up the culture, Tina is confident that they will be successful in the future ahead. 

BMS Aerospace's Website: https://bmsaerospace.com/ BMS Aerospace's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bms-aerospace/ Tina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-bracone-05a534124/

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

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

Matt talks to Ari about finding a building that tells a story, how the town of Torrington helped guide their development, and how they are trying to continuously accommodate customers.

Matt discusses the uniqueness of their flavors, historical flare, and family affair. He acknowledges the endless support of his family and community and believes that their involvement has been crucial to the brewery's success. 

Bad Dog's Website: https://www.bdbrewco.com/ Bad Dog's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baddogbrewingco/ Bad Dog's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baddogbrewco/?hl=en Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tkac-esep-0185b22a/

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

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

This week we are welcoming Paul Giangrave, VP of Frasal Tool, onto the Made in America podcast! 

Paul talks to Ari about what his manufacturing journey looked like, the collaboration that goes on between their engineers and OEMs, and how to make your employees feel appreciated. 

He also explains the company's shift from the bearing industry to aerospace and how they were able to stay competitive. Paul stresses the importance of cybersecurity and continuous improvement and why it's a must for manufacturers around the world! 

Frasal Tool's Website: http://www.frasaltool.com/ Frasal Tool's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frasal-tool-co-inc-/ Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-giangrave-48630a71/

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

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

On this week's Made in America podcast, get ready for an insightful conversation with Justin Malley, Director of Economic and Community Development for Bristol, CT! 

Justin talks to Ari about what he is doing to engage and support manufacturers, how government plays a role in employment programming, and why marketing is the key to success.

He discusses how Bristol is freeing up manufacturers' time by getting them connected to the right people and organizations. Justin also expresses the importance of stabilizing businesses through investments, certifications, grants, and more. There's so much out there!

Bristol's Website: http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/151/Economic-and-Community-Development Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-malley-b9613977/

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

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

This week's episode features George LaCapra, President of UniMetal Surface Finishing, and his journey into manufacturing!

George talks to Ari about the importance of enhancing customers' products, communication as the key to a strong family business, and standing out in the metal finishing space.

George talks of the risks and leaps he took to get where he and his company are now.

He finishes by talking about how a small hobby turned into a whole new manufacturing business with the Clocktown Brewing Company in Thomaston, CT!

In this week's Made in America episode we are welcoming two guests, John Lyman, Executive VP, Secretary & Treasurer, and Gary Jalbert, President & CEO, of Lyman Orchards! 

In the first segment, John discusses what it's like to be a part of the Lyman family, how to build on the tradition of the business, and how they've become a popular destination in CT. Innovation and opportunity has opened many doors for them.  

Gary then joins Ari to explain the way he views their leadership, strategy, and business development efforts. By empowering their leaders, focusing on their strong suits, and building their brand, Gary believes Lyman Orchards will have a bright future ahead!

John Lyman and Gary Jalbert, Lyman Orchards Lyman Orchards's Website: https://lymanorchards.com/ Lyman Orchards's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lymanorchards Lyman Orchards's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lyman-orchards/ Lyman Orchards's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lymanorchards/?hl=en Lyman Orchards's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LymanOrchards1 Gary's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyjalbert/

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

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