Sal is joined by Chris Ulbrich, Chairman of Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc., for an eye-opening conversation on why employee wellness matters and how caring for your team beyond the workplace isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do. Chris shares stories from his own journey and how he's building a legacy through wellness initiatives and preventative healthcare. From offering diabetes classes and cancer screenings to supporting employees with retirement resources and health education, Chris explains how these efforts have strengthened company culture. With fewer than 1% employee turnover, Chris proves that investing in your people pays off.

Sal sits down with the founder of Alderman & Company, Bill Alderman, to cybersecurity compliance and business sales in the aerospace sector. Bill shares stories from his career, from jet-setting across the globe on his own plane he pilots, to working at GE, and why he ultimately chose to focus on family-run businesses. He explains the kinds of companies that come to him for help selling, the importance of CMMC compliance when dealing with DoD or Homeland Security contracts, and why being unprepared can cost sellers big during due diligence. Bill also emphasizes the value of being service-centric and why bringing in experts before an audit is crucial for a smooth sale.

Sal sits down with John Uliano, Chief Operating Officer of ACMT, Inc., to explore the concept of extreme ownership in leadership and what it means to take full responsibility for success. John shares how great leaders prioritize removing barriers for their teams to ensure that success is a shared achievement rather than an individual one. He also emphasizes that leadership isn’t about assigning blame but about owning both victories and failures, learning from mistakes, and continuously improving. Additionally, they discuss how a company’s culture is shaped by its leadership and the importance of shifting from a blame-focused environment to one where mistakes are acknowledged and used as learning opportunities.

Sal catches up with Ben Zachs, Founder of Fine Fettle, on how he built a high-achieving, mission-focused culture in the ever-changing cannabis industry. From navigating the complexities of a seed-to-sale business across different state regulations to breaking the stigma around cannabis use, Ben discusses the importance of hiring the right people, empowering his team, and encouraging a goal-oriented mindset. He emphasizes the need for leaders to listen to frontline employees, adapt to rapid industry changes, and create an environment where work brings joy.

Sal chats with the President (aka Head Coach) of Willington Nameplate, Brett Greene, to discuss his journey from finance to operations, learning the ropes of machining, and the lessons from mentors along the way. He shares his experience navigating career transitions, the importance of staying busy after setbacks, and how everything happens for a reason. They also dive into leadership, putting the right people in the right roles, and the challenges of stepping outside your comfort zone. From tackling the "Sunday scaries" to embracing change, this conversation is packed with insights on making the most of every opportunity.

Sal sits down with Jill Mayer, CEO of Bead Industries, to discuss her journey in leading her family’s manufacturing business. She shares how her transition with her father was smoother than his own, the role of long-term employees in succession planning, and the tight-knit nature of the industry. Jill additionally highlights the importance of setting work-family boundaries, preserving tribal knowledge as older employees retire, and having a strong board of directors. Her father had encouraged her to serve on boards as well, to open doors and reinforce her passion for helping others. Jill also explores the challenges of letting go of a business and how programs like Vistage support leadership growth.

Business growth can feel like an uphill battle, but the right strategies can make all the difference. In this episode, Sal sits down with Joseph Jaffe, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and EOS implementer, to explore the key reasons why companies fail and the impact of having the wrong people in the wrong roles. Joseph shares his insights on how businesses can overcome the ceiling effect and continue to grow. They discuss shifting goal posts and how oftentimes they should be embraced. Throughout the conversation, Joseph highlights how the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework can help businesses tackle these challenges and unlock their full potential.

Manufacturing is evolving, and automation is shaping the future of the workforce. In this episode, Sal sits down with Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, to discuss how AI and automation are transforming jobs without replacing human talent. They explore strategies for recruitment, retention, and upskilling, highlighting how grant funding and training programs can support workforce development. Paul also addresses common misconceptions about automation, emphasizing that it creates better opportunities rather than eliminating jobs. From accelerating tech adoption to improving workplace safety, this conversation sheds light on how Connecticut is leading the way in manufacturing innovation.

Sal is joined by Kris Kesting, Owner and CEO of DisplayCraft, Inc., to discuss their platinum rule for motivating employees. As the new owner of an established company, Kris also talked about the importance of getting to know your employees and their company culture, as well as why it’s essential to give employees a voice in the decision-making process. They also touch on the concepts of the old guard versus the new guard, hiring to balance a team, and the difference between management versus real leadership.

Sal and Isabela Piza Danielsen, the F135 Production Proposals and Affordability Director at Pratt & Whitney, share insights on achieving work-life harmony, including the importance of setting boundaries and embracing the power of saying no with confidence. They also discuss how to turn high performers into impactful leaders by encouraging curiosity as a key aspect of leadership.