The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast by Ballantine Digital
The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast features casual conversations with manufacturing and industrial professionals about their journeys, lessons learned, and more. Your host is Ryan Cote, Managing Partner at Ballantine Digital.
Episodes
34 episodes
Rick Van Rikxoort: How Focus and Inventory Scaled an FRP Grating Business
Rick Van Rikxoort explains how focus and inventory became the engine that scaled his FRP grating business across North America. He shares the specific decisions behind stocking deep, expanding branch locations to reduce freight friction, and bu...
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Episode 34
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15:20
Spencer Loveless: The $4 Part That Sparked a 3D Manufacturing Breakthrough
A $4 part stuck overseas stopped sales of a $400 vacuum and pushed Spencer Loveless to find a better way. In this episode, Spencer - CEO of Dustless Technologies and Merit3D - shares how that moment led to scalable 3D printing for mass producti...
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Episode 33
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25:13
Dave Swain: Persistence, Pivots and Ag-Tech Progress
Ryan Cote sits down with ag-tech founder Dave Swain to unpack his journey from an Indiana farm to leading Vision Technology Management. They talk about adapting to change, surviving a full year with zero revenue, and why communication and relat...
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Episode 32
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20:50
Robert Weiss: Nail B2B Video by Leading With Your Message
Video pro Robert Weiss joins Ryan Cote on the Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast to share how manufacturers win with message-first videos, smarter planning, and AI polish. Learn to turn one shoot into sales, training, and industry-specific assets t...
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Episode 31
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22:01
Paul Kiesche: Build a Manufacturer Brand That Boosts Sales and Hiring
In this episode, we speak with Paul Kiesche from Aviate Creative about real world lessons on branding, AI, and resilience. Specifically, how a focused manufacturer brand boosts sales and hiring, how to show up in Google and ChatGPT, and why AI ...
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Episode 30
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25:31
Don Fuchs: Keep Shoveling and Outlast the Competition
In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote talks with Don Fuchs, CEO of Harris Thermal Transfer Products. Don shares his unique career journey from law and legal tech entrepreneurship to leading a 140-year-old family-owned...
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Episode 29
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19:40
Makenzie Morrill: "Look for the Duct Tape" in Marketing and Customer Success
In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Morrill, Marketing Mgr at Spartronics, about her journey into manufacturing, networking, and "looking for the duct tape" when solving customer challenges. She shares lessons from being a one-person marketi...
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Episode 28
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19:55
Ben Hanfling: How Understanding Customer Needs Drives Product Development & Revenue Growth
In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Ben Hanfling, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cities Metal Products, a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in roofing and building products. Ben discusses the importance of li...
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Episode 27
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20:06
Mike Womack: Elevating Manufacturers with Marketing and Advocacy
In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Mike Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications at NJMEP. We discuss how manufacturers can utilize marketing, adapt to AI, and thrive despite limited resources.
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Episode 26
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22:34
Jon M. Williams: The Evolution from EV Batteries to Broader Energy Solutions
In this episode, we speak with Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente, a company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jon offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and t...
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Episode 25
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20:39
Sky Huddleston: Lessons Learned from Innovating the Internal Combustion Engine
In this episode we sit down with Sky Huddleston, a technologist and engineer specializing in precision machining and fabrication. Sky shares his journey from fixing engines as a teenager to developing a highly efficient internal combustion engi...
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Episode 24
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18:28
Corey Pickett: The Role of MEP and How ITAC Supports NYC Manufacturers
In this episode, Ryan Cote sits down with Corey Pickett from ITAC, the NYC chapter of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Corey discusses the importance of niche specialization, adapting to industry changes, and the rewarding aspects of su...
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Episode 23
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24:26
Nick Duff: Fueling the Future of Manufacturing
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Duff, co-founder and CEO of Pure Prime Solutions, an engineering firm specializing in innovative solutions for industrial manufacturing. Nick shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of pe...
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Episode 22
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27:34
Todd Miller: How Collaborating With Other Manufacturers Grew His Business
In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote sits down with Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, a family-owned business specializing in the manufacturing of metal roofing and other building materials.
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Episode 21
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21:21
Tracey Wiedmeyer: From Farming to Industrial Software Development
In this episode, we speak to Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder and CEO of Gripp, a software solution designed for manufacturers, farmers, and warehouse operators to streamline their operations. Tracey shares insights on his journey, the challenges o...
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Episode 20
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19:07
John Jerit: Bringing 3D to Life
In this episode we sit down with John Jerit, CEO of American Paper Optics, the world’s largest manufacturer of paper 3D glasses. From the Super Bowl to NASA, John shares the fascinating story of how he started his business, the challenges of sc...
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Episode 19
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29:03
Dennis Earley: Solving Critical Challenges for OEMs in Aerospace & Industrial Sectors
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Earley, the President of Premier Magnetics. With nearly two decades in the company, Dennis shares his journey from the surf industry to electronics, insights on leadership, and strate...
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Episode 18
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20:38
Cris Wingate: How Maxivolt Safeguards Industry from Voltage Surges
This podcast interview features Cris Wingate, the Vice President of Maxivolt, a 35+ year manufacturer of transient voltage surge suppressors. With 20 years of experience in the family-owned business, Cris shares valuable insights on leadership,...
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Episode 17
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27:06
Cathy and Lauren Rinne: Mother-Daughter Duo in Robotics & Automation
This podcast episode features a conversation with Cathy Rinne and her daughter Lauren, who work together at their family business, Flex-Line Automation. The company specializes in custom-designed automation solutions and was co-founded by Cathy...
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Episode 16
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33:45
Scott Sadowski: Finding Purpose in Reducing Plastic Waste
This podcast episode features a conversation with Scott Sadowski, the co-founder of SEE Forming, a company that works in the thermal forming industry, specializing in the production of hard, rigid plastic products.
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Episode 15
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25:44
Pete Widry: Navigating the Aviation Industry as an Entrepreneur
In this episode, we speak with Pete Widry, founder of P6 Aviation. From leaving behind a career in New York advertising to becoming a commercial pilot, Pete’s story is one of bold decisions, calculated risks, and building a business from the gr...
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Episode 14
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28:13
Robert Oswald Jr: Navigating the Future of Heating and Energy Solutions
Our latest podcast episode features a conversation with Robert Oswald Jr., the fourth-generation Owner and President of Oswald Supply. Robert shares the joys and challenges of running a family business and how the company is adapting to modern ...
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Episode 13
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22:32
Joe Selvik and Duncan Lowder: From Software to Manufacturing - the Evolution of FixturFab
In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, host Ryan Cote sits down with Duncan Lowder and Joe Selvig, co-founders of FixturFab, to explore their entrepreneurial journey. Together, they dive into the origins of FixturFab—a company s...
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Episode 12
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24:01
Collin Taylor: Lessons Learned from Robotics Manufacturing
Our latest podcast episode features a conversation with Collin Taylor, a serial entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the drone industry since 2013. He shares his journey and insights into the world of robotics manufacturing via his company Revolut...
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Episode 11
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22:58
Julie Conway: The Art of Manufacturing Beautiful Glass Products
In this podcast episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Julie Conway, a master glass artist and lighting designer who has been manufacturing molten glass products for over 26 years. Get ready to be inspired by Julie's remarkable journey, he...
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Episode 10
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23:41