This episode is all about finding your niche! Ari speaks with Dave Marcil from Reno Machine about both finding his own personal niche in the manufacturing industry and how Reno Machine found their valuable machining niche as well.

Dave shares his background in tinkering, trade school, and his career path through multiple manufacturing roles. He shows how careers can twist and turn before landing on something you truly love.

Dave then talks about Reno Machine, which provides high-quality contract machining and support services, and specializing in Large-Format Gantry 5-Axis Machining.

Dave speaks to the challenges and upsides of being in a niche market, including capacity limits, finding and training good people, and scaling the business.

Finally, Dave talks about Reno Machine's initiatives to connect with trade schools and inspire the next generation of makers.

Dave Marcil, Reno Machine

Company Website: https://reno-machine.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reno-machine-company-inc-/

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

Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-marcil-58254b47/

Ari Santiago, CEO, CompassMSP

Company website: https://compassmsp.com/

Podcast website: https://madeinamerica.compassmsp.com/

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/

Dave and Ari discuss:

Workforce

Trade school

Contract machining

Scaling

Niche markets

In this episode we welcome Stephen Mazzarelli, Partner at Commercial Sewing, the manufacturer of the Outer Armor brand of covers for recreational vehicles in the power sport and marine industries.

Stephen talks to Ari about their family-owned business and how they have successfully transitioned from traditional hand-craftsmanship to modern technology so they can remain competitive (and thrive!) in today's international manufacturing ecosystem.

The transition required their craftsmen to pivot to learning new machines. Luckily, most of their employees viewed the changes as a positive step, and were able to learn new skills and grow together in order to remain competitive.

Stephen talks about the company's pride for innovation - especially in their engineering capabilities. And he discusses the valuable relationships they have built with OEMs.

Finally, Ari and Stephen also talk about EOS - the Entrepreneurial Operating System - which Commercial Sewing used to set their core values and organization goals and plans.

Stephen's favorite business book: The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone

Stephen Mazzarelli, Commercial Sewing

Company Website: https://commercialsewing.com/

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outerarmor/

Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CommercialSewing

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommercialSewing

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-sewing-inc/

Outer Armor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outer-armor/

Stephen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mazzarelli-8b864617/ 

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/

Stephen and Ari discuss:

Automation

Robotics

Manufacturing Technology

Information Technology

Customer relationships

Jack Lukasik, President of Satellite Tool, has workforce issues like most other manufacturers, but he's combatting them with conscious efforts in leadership and processes.

In this episode, Ari and Jack talk about how Satellite Tool has fostered transparency, open communication, accountability and compassion and how this has led to better retention outcomes - as well as more productivity.

Jack gives tips for getting good feedback at all ranks, what a family atmosphere actually means, and even talks about the development of strong communication amongst his family members.

Another set of great ideas, from another growing manufacturer.

Jack Lukasik, Satellite Tool

Company Website: https://www.satellitetoolmachine.net/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satellite-tool-machine-co-inc

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078336820665

Jack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-lukasik-b50159127/

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/

Jack and Ari discuss:

Workforce

Compassion

Accountability

Company culture

Career growth

Employee motivation

Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of The Manufacturing Institute, shares her passion for promoting the incredible careers in manufacturing and ensuring that manufacturers of all sizes have the workforce they need to compete.

This is no easy task, but it is vital to the success of thousands upon thousands of manufacturers across the country. In fact, Carolyn states that by 2030 nearly 4 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled.

The Manufacturing Institute has a wide variety of programs that are designed to engage students, change perceptions, train skilled workers, and encourage others to join the manufacturing workforce.

Learn how to get involved with everything The Manufacturing Institute is doing and how their programs can help you.

Carolyn's Favorite books:

Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community, Jeffrey D. Korzenik

Give and Take, Adam Grant

Carolyn Lee, The Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute Website: https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/

The Manufacturing Institute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-manufacturing-institute-mi/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMfgInstitute

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

Carolyn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlee-mi/

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/

Carolyn and Ari discuss:

Workforce

Veteran training

Second Chance

FAME USA

Manufacturing Day

Women MAKE America

This podcast episode pulls together the best clips from the podcast over the past few years all related to the technology that's changing the face of manufacturing.

Whether it's new manufacturing technology, robotics and automation, model-based definition, or even marketing tech, technology is extremely important for the growth and development of a modern manufacturer.

In this week's highlight episode, we've got clips from 11 manufacturers and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology talking about investments in new technology that have really paid off. Find out some things you can do to move your facility forward using technology.

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 episode covers:

Manufacturing technology

Robotics and automation

Model-based definition

Marketing technology

Social media

Alexandra Daum, the new Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, joins Ari to talk about what the DECD's plans are to improve the economy for all of CT, and what they are doing specifically for our manufacturing audience.

The DECD has a big job which includes job creation, supporting small businesses, community development, and marketing the state to internal and external audiences. Alexandra is helping to drive the solutions forward, but also loves to dig into the details, especially as it concerns communications and housing.

From workforces to brownfields to the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, this episode covers a lot of ground!

Alexandra's favorite business book: The Real Estate Game

Alexandra Daum, DECD

State of Connecticut's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/

State of Connecticut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofconnecticut/

Alexandra's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-daum-3156b421/

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/

Alexandra and Ari discuss:

Workforce

Job creation

Economic development

Community development

Affordable housing

The story of Lex Products goes from MTV to PGA to the Iraqi desert and back again! In this episode, Bob Luther, Founder and Co-CEO of Lex Products talks to Ari about the start of Lex Products and the sustainability innovations that are bringing them into the future.

Ari and Bob also discuss supply chain challenges, employee retention, company culture and much more before they deep dive into energy storage and it's potential for providing incredible power efficiency.    

Bob also tells Ari with pride about the impact their products have in the world, and the good they've done for disaster relief and in war torn areas.

Bob's favorite business book: Good Profit by Charles Coke

Bob Luther, Lex Products

Company Website: https://lexproducts.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lex-products-llc

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexProductsLLC/

Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexproducts

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexproducts/

Company YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcMTgS-Rr6qATaO6IUUhFhg

Bob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-luther-69999a10/

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/

Bob and Ari discuss:

Innovation

Supply chain

Growth

Company culture

Employee retention

Electrical power distribution

Energy storage

In this episode, Carl Zuanelli, Founder and CEO of Nuovo Pasta, tells the origin story of Nuovo Pasta from learning pasta-making at a So. Norwalk restaurant to starting manufacturing. He says 'naïve confidence' allowed him to follow his dream - but we know it was hard work that made it happen!

Carl talks to Ari about research & development and innovation. They discuss how learning to cook became a valuable experience that allows Carl to speak the 'language'  needed to support his team of chefs in the best way. 

Carl talks about the recession and how it forced Nuovo to pivot onto a different path that set them on a completely different, but ultimately successful, trajectory.

Carl shares his important work with the 100 Billion Meals Challenge (https://100billionmeals.org/) and his goal for Nuovo to make a local and global impact.

Carl's favorite book: Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda

Carl Zuanelli, Nuovo Pasta

Company Website: https://www.nuovopasta.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuovo-pasta-productions-ltd/

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nuovopasta

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NUOVOPasta/

Carl's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-zuanelli-88523230/

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/

Carl and Ari discuss:

Food manufacturing

R&D

Innovation

Distribution

Impact

In this episode, Ari talks to Bryan Jackowitz, President of Dickinson Brands. Bryan has an incredible passion for his business. Between the Witch Hazel product itself, the history of the industry, the sustainable nature of their production, and the growth of the company along the way, what's not to be excited about?

Bryan enjoys talking to Ari about the cool history of the product, but then dives into upgrades in processes, automation, and marketing that are allowing American Distilling and Dickinson Brands to launch into the future.

Organic, natural, local, and native isn't a marketing gimmick, it's truly the way they've been creating their products since the beginning.    

Bryan's favorite book: Good to Great, Jim Collins

Bryan Jackowitz, Dickinson Brands

Bryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-jackowitz-93b8468

American Distilling Website: https://americandistilling.com/

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Dickinson Brands Website: https://dickinsonbrands.com/

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Skincare Website: https://dickinsonsusa.com/

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dickinsonswitchhazel/

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Humphreys Witch Hazel Premium Skincare Website: https://humphreysusa.com/

Humphreys Witch Hazel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humphreyswitchhazel/

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T. N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel First Aid & Personal Care Website: https://tndickinsons.com/

T. N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tndickinsons/

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/

Bryan and Ari discuss:

Witch Hazel

Business roll-up

Consolidation

Automation

Sustainability

Organic

Marketing

Branding

In this episode, Ari talks to Charles Coristine, President and CEO of LesserEvil Snacks. Charles isn't afraid to admit how little he knew when he started manufacturing snacks. But he learned something from each and every "failure" to pivot, make changes, and take the next steps with more knowledge.

Lesser Evil started making "healthy snacks" and now they just make great snacks that happen to also be healthy. Charles talks about why they decided to bring manufacturing in-house and how it allowed them to be innovative in both the product and the packaging.

Ari and Charles also talk about a few of the great things the organization does that help find and retain great employees  

Charles' favorite book: Lean Startup, Eric Ries

Charles Coristine, Lesser Evil Snacks

Company Website: https://lesserevil.com/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lesserevil-snack-foods/

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesserEvilSnacks

Company Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lesserevilsnacks?lang=en

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesserevilsnacks/?hl=en

Charles's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-coristine-7b611b13/

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/

Charles and Ari discuss:

Innovation

Food manufacturing

Distribution

Employee retention

Market growth