Cast Polymer Radio: Recent Episodes
Jonathan Taylor
On this episode, Gus Perez of Marble-Lite joins the podcast to share how he’s using Claude Code to help run his business. Marble-Lite is our featured manufacturing member in the upcoming Summer issue of Cast Polymer Connection (coming out next week).
The post 272: How Business Owners Can Use Claude Code to Save Time and Get More Done first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Chris Hurdleston joins the show to talk about the 2026 Composites Fly-In up in Washington D.C.
Industry leaders had the opportunity to meet directly with Members of Congress, federal agencies, and key decision-makers who influence the policies shaping our industry’s future.
The post 271: Discussing the Composites Fly-In with Chris Hurdleston first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Kyle Jordan joins the show to share some updates on the ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician programs. Kyle is Director of Certifications with the ACMA. He’ll be discussing some of the new digital training options launched over the last couple of months, including those for CCT recertification.
You can learn more about these CCT training programs by visiting https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program.
The post 270: ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician Program: What’s New and What’s Next first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves through global supply chains—particularly across petrochemicals, resins, and other composite manufacturing materials.
Joining the podcast this week is Dawn Hersey, Ph.D., a combat veteran and subject matter expert in resilience, stability, and conflict. She owns Ferndon Consulting, an Intelligence firm. Her expertise is in international conflict, geopolitical dynamics, and predictive analytics. She works with manufacturers regarding supply chain considerations.
The post 269: Discussing the Strait of Hormuz Conflict and Supply Chain Disruptions with Dawn Hersey, PhD. first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Marty Johnson, VP of Product and Technical Fellow at 3D Systems, joins the show to take a clear-eyed look at additive manufacturing materials—what they can do, what they can’t, and what engineers should realistically expect when composites and filled materials enter the 3D-printing conversation.
The post 268: 3D Printing Boundaries – What Additive Manufacturing Can and Can’t Do first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature a previous interview with Derek Hill, VP of Syn-Mar Products, Inc. In this interview, Derek shares how he’s built a meaningful social media presence for their family-owned business using a smartphone, a $6-per-month editing app, and about an hour a day.
This is a simple, consistent strategy that any of our cast polymer manufacturing members can implement to gain more visibility on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat Spotlight.
The post 267: What to Post on Social Media When You’re Trying to Grow a Real Brand first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll play an interview with Jerry Pilman and Louis Gibson, the owners of Artistic Marble in Huntsville, Alabama. These two, along with their partner BJ purchased the company over a year ago, and with it inherited more than just manufacturing equipment and a customer list. They gained a team with decades of combined experience and a legacy dating back to 1992, when founder Kenneth Lane first established the company.
Their story was featured in the latest issue of Cast Polymer Connection.
The post 266: Interview with Jerry Pilman and Louis Gibson of Artistic Marble first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, copywriter Bill Mueller joins the podcast again to talk about “24 Ways to Tell a Story in an Email Without Telling a Story”. Bill has been writing story-based emails and email sequences since 2005. His emails have sold millions in digital and physical products, coaching programs, and more in just about every market.
His approach over the years has been simple: People love stories; therefore, use stories to communicate and sell.
The post 265: How to Tell a Story in an Email…Without Telling a Story first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins the show to discuss “The Buzz” and other events taking place in 2026. We’ll also be discussing the new Live Grout Free website designed by SpredX.
The post 264: What’s Happening in 2026? Discussing ICPA Events This Year with Jennifer Towner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Daniel Murphy, founder of Alcove Media, joins the podcast. His company helps companies turn trade shows from expensive branding exercises into measurable revenue engines. Daniel works closely with technology companies that invest heavily in expos but struggle to connect booth traffic to real sales outcomes.
Daniel breaks down why most trade shows fail to deliver ROI, how a lack of strategy quietly bleeds marketing budgets, and what it takes to generate qualified leads, engagement, and follow-through that converts.
You can learn more by visiting https://tradeshowsecrets.com.
The post 263: Trade Show ROI Strategies: How to Turn Booth Traffic into Business first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, ACMA president Cindy Squires talks about Composites Evolution, an event taking place October 22-23 in Knoxville, TN.
A major shift is underway in open molding, and the companies that prepare now will lead the future. This event will join leading manufacturers, suppliers, and technical experts to explore practical, profitable solutions to the EPA’s styrene regulations. This focused, forward-looking conference will show you how to turn compliance into a competitive advantage – boosting efficiency, improving processes, and unlocking new market opportunities.
You can learn more about it by visiting https://acmanet.org/event/composites-evolution/
The post 258: Discussing Composites Evolution with Cindy Squires first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Cindy Squires and Rebekah Stacha join the show to discuss CAMX 2025, taking place in just over a week in sunny Orlando, FL (September 8-11). CAMX is the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America.
It offers a robust education program and an expansive exhibit hall with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. You can still register by visiting https://www.thecamx.org.
The post 257: Previewing CAMX 2025 with Cindy Squires & Rebekah Stacha first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Joseph Salzman joins the podcast to talk about his background in the industry. He founded Cultured Marble of Tucson in 2018 following his service in the US Army.
They specialize in manufacturing high-quality cultured marble products for remodeling projects, wholesale distribution, and DIY enthusiasts. They serve Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and surrounding areas in the southwestern United States.
You can check out their website at https://culturedmarbleoftucson.com.
You can find their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Culturedmarbleoftucsonco.
The post 256: Interview with Joe Salzman of Cultured Marble of Tucson first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Lisa Ryan discusses lessons on transforming workplace culture from her most recent book Gear Up for Greatness. This book presents a timely framework for business leaders grappling with workforce challenges that have become increasingly critical in our industry.
As manufacturers face persistent labor shortages, rising turnover costs, and the need to attract skilled technicians, Ryan’s gratitude-based approach offers practical solutions rooted in proven business psychology. You can learn more about Lisa at https://lisaryanspeaks.com, and grab your copy at https://amzn.to/4l2wV3l.
The post 255: Transforming Workplace Culture Through “The 6 Gears of Grategy” first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Jim Custer of Corporate Business Solutions joins the podcast to discuss the importance of systems. Jim works with small business owners to identify and fix profit leaks, helping them maximize value, improve efficiency, and free up time for what truly matters.
His company offers a broad array of services, furnishing analytical, consulting, and strategic tax planning for small business owners.
The post 254: From Chaos to Control: How Systems Maximize Profits and Business Value first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This episode features an interview with Tato Corcoran, owner of Brandt Molded Marble. She shares some great lessons on the benefits of networking outside of our trade and how conversations with business leaders in other industries can lead to positive changes in your business.
This interview has been featured in the latest summer edition of Cast Polymer Connection.
You can read the latest issue at https://castpolymer.com/CPCsummer25.
The post 253: How Meaningful Conversations Can Fuel Business Growth – Interview with Tato Corcoran of Brandt Molded Marble first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Dan Neumann joins the podcast to discuss last week’s Composites Fly-In in Washington, DC. This event provided a unique setting for members of the Composites/ Cast Polymer industry to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership and educate them on the importance and capabilities of these materials.
The post 252: Recapping the Composites Fly-In with Dan Neumann first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature an interview with Derek DeGeest, our POLYCON 2025 keynote speaker. He’ll share his thoughts about automation and advanced robotic technology in the composites industry.
Derek is the president at DeGeest Corporation, a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in automation and finishing. They’ve been helping manufacturers solve problems since 1976. You can learn more about their company at https://degeestcorp.com.
The post 251: Talking Composites Automation with POLYCON Keynote Speaker Derek DeGeest first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll feature an interview with Phil Jones, author of Exactly What to Say on the show to discuss the magic words for influence and impact.
Phil entered the world of business at the tender age of 14. With nothing more than a bucket and sponge, he went from single-handedly washing cars at weekends to hiring a fleet of friends working on his behalf, resulting in him earning more than his teachers by the time he was 15. Soon after, at just 18, Phil was offered the role of Sales Manager at fashion retailer Debenhams – making him the youngest Sales Manager in the company’s history.
Since then, Phil has made it his life’s work to completely demystify the sales process and bring both simplicity and integrity to a world that is often full of big egos and even bigger lies. With this as Phil’s core mission, he has gone on to deliver over 2,500 presentations in 57 countries across five continents, training more than two million people to learn how to have more influence, confidence, and control when steering their conversations.
You can check out his book at https://exactlywhattosay.com/books.
The post 250: Exactly What to Say: Magic Words for Influence and Impact – Interview with Author Phil Jones first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll be discussing the hidden drivers of consumer choice with guest expert Nika Kabiri. She has spent 25+ years studying decision-making, with 15 of those in consumer insights.
She has taught Decision Science at the University of Washington, and her expertise in decision-making has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Time, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, MarketQuest, Gizmodo, and more.
The post 249: Uncovering the Hidden Drivers Behind Consumer Decisions, Biases, and Social influences first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Jennifer Towner provides a highlight of our mid-year networking event, organized annually by the ICPA.
It takes place next week, April 3-4, and allows ICPA members to connect over two days, engaging in strategic discussions, exploring business solutions, and participating in fun social activities.
The post 248: Discussing the Buzz 2025 with Jennifer Towner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the release of the new Basic Composites Manual, now available in an enhanced, interactive Digital Edition. This latest update also includes a refined logo for the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program, reflecting the program’s refreshed content and commitment to excellence.
The new Digital Edition offers a highly engaging and user-friendly experience with interactive modules and digital enhancements. Designed with learners in mind, the platform is accessible 24/7 from any device, allowing participants to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.
You can check out Module 1 for free at www.compositesweekly.com/module1.
The post 247: ACMA Launches New Interactive Composites Manual first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Jeff Austad join the podcast to discuss the upcoming Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course on June 4-5 in Kansas City, MO at Polynt Composites Application Center.
This 2.5-day, Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course is an opportunity for current CCT certified individuals to become qualified instructors. The course will combine classroom training techniques with hands-on exercises in a composites manufacturing facility to reinforce and show practical ways to deliver instruction.
Space is limited. This course has a maximum registration of 16 candidates.
You can learn more at https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program/instructor-course/
The post 246: Discussing The Upcoming CCT Instructor Course in June first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode of Cast Polymer Radio, we feature an interview with Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Heinzen. They are the new owners of American Bluegrass Marble, a family-owned and operated business since 1978.
Louisa and Kim bought the business back in June of 2024 and will share what attracted them to this kind of company. American Bluegrass Marble will be featured in the upcoming issue of Cast Polymer Connection.
You can check out their website at https://www.americanbluegrassmarble.com.
The post 245: Interview with Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Heinzen of American Bluegrass Marble first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll discuss some exciting news in the world of closed mold technology. McCLARIN Composites has begun a development partnership with ExxonMobil’s Proxxima business aimed at accelerating the growth of high-speed closed-mold composite manufacturing. For mold manufacturers in our industry, this is a huge step in the adoption of RTM processes.
Mike Gromacki, CEO of McClarin Composites, and Simon Holmes, Vice President of Sales Marketing at Materia/ ExxonMobil join the show to discuss this new partnership and the unique advantages of Proxxima resin.
The post 244: McCLARIN Composites and ExxonMobil Join Forces to Revolutionize High-Speed Closed Mold Technology first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Dan Neumann of the ACMA joins us again for our final podcast of 2024. We’ll discuss the effect of the incoming administration’s policies on cast polymer and composite manufacturers in the US.
Listeners who want to stay up to date with regulations and other policy concerns, and are not a member of the ACMA can join at https://acmanet.org.
The post 243: How Will the New Administration in 2025 Impact Our Industry? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Drew Simmons of Magnum Venus Products (MVP) discusses their latest automated spray technology. It’s not your typical robot. There is no programming required! This technology is designed to simplify the automation process.
You can learn more about it at https://www.mvpind.com/product/self-learning-robotic-system.
The post 237: Discussing Magnum Venus Product’s New Automated Spray Technology first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Chris Hurdleston & Kay Rehberg join me to discuss some upcoming changes with ACS.
ACS International is a leading supplier of raw materials for composite industries such as cast polymer, solid surface (counter tops and more), and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). You can find them at https://www.acsinternational.com.
The post 236: Talking with Chris Hurdleston & Kay Rehberg of ACS International (Dorfner USA) first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
ACS International Products, a leading supplier of raw materials for the cast polymer, solid surface composites, epoxy flooring, and building materials industries, will officially transition to Dorfner USA by the end of this year. This transition marks an important milestone for the company, as Dorfner USA will further expand its’ operations across North America.
On this episode, Mirko Mondan, CEO of Dorfner joins the podcast to discuss what this means for our industry.
You can learn more by visiting https://www.dorfner.com/en.
The post 235: A New Era of U.S. Growth and Innovation – Interview with Mirko Mondan CEO of Dorfner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Rob Germann join me to discuss the ACMA’s work with the US Army Corps of Engineers on a personalized training program located at Creative Composites Group’s facility up in Dayton, OH.
The training is based off the CCT VIP program, and they’ll discuss how it is being used and how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is leveraging composite materials and the CCT program in future projects.
The post 234: ACMA’s CCT Training with the US Army Corps of Engineers first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we share a past interview with Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault, Inc.
His company has a rich history and goes back to Scott’s great-grandfather, John Mackenzie who made funeral coaches and caskets in the late 1800s. Today, MacKenzie Vault is proud to be a trusted name for cultured marble, granite, onyx, and stone-tone cremation urns.
You can learn more about their company by visiting https://www.mackenzievault.com.
The post 233: Interview with Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault Inc. first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature an interview with Josh Shires, CEO of Fyous discussing their latest technology for tooling.
It’s called Polymorphic Moulding, an automated rapid shapeshifting molding technology that allows users to create accurate molds for tooling and will reduce time to market for a huge array of products. Their technology uses 28,000 digitally controlled pins to create a shape from a 3D CAD shape in less than 20 minutes, achieving zero waste and enabling parts production 14 times faster than 3D printing.
You can learn more about this technology by visiting https://fyous.com.
The post 232: What is Polymorphic Moulding? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Nick Castelucci and Dave Palenchar join the podcast to give an update on Prestige Tooling, a custom composite mold shop. These guys have a great team who’ve built their lives around making the best
quality composite molds that money can buy. On any given day they’re making solid surface molds, cultured marble and molds, and thermoforming molds.
You can learn more about them by visiting https://prestigetooling.com.
The post 231: Talking Composite Molds with Nick Castelucci and Dave Palenchar first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Marilyn LaVergne joins me on the podcast to discuss sustainability trends in Kitchen and Bath Design. Marilyn holds a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and has earned a Certificate of Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City.
She has over 12 years of experience in Kitchen & Bath design and has a growing enthusiasm for delivering sustainable design solutions to current client projects.
The post 230: Sustainability Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I’ll highlight a brand new book that every business owner, sales professional, or marketer should be reading. The title is Made You Look: How to Use Brain Science to Attract Attention and Persuade Others. In it, Carmen Simon, a cognitive neuroscientist uses advanced technologies to study where people look, for how long, what type of attention leads to memories, and what keeps the brain coming back for more, to determine the effectiveness of sales pitches, marketing materials, training videos, and other business content.
I’ll also share some news about the new digital Cast Polymer Connection magazine coming out in October!
The post 229: An Update on the New Digital Cast Polymer Connection Magazine first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll feature an interview with Markus Buehler, McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT. He’ll be discussing how they are using AI & machine learning to create stronger materials.
For engineers developing new materials, there are billions of different possibilities to sort through. Lab tests & detailed computer simulations to determine their exact properties can take hours and even days for each variation.
Now, a new artificial intelligence-based approach developed at MIT could reduce that to milliseconds!
Polycon New England 2024 (October 7-9) Early bird registration ends June 30th! Save money and register to attend today!POLYCON is a full conference with an exhibit hall, networking and food, breakouts and roundtables, plant tours and technical sessions, receptions, awards, and more!
Register here – https://app.glueup.com/event/polycon-new-england-2024-108411/
The post 228: Can A.I. Be Used to Develop Stronger Composite Materials? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I feature an interview with Daniel Den. He’s the co-author of the new book Ideas That Influence. His book aims to help business owners discover successful marketing ideas that break through the noise of the 9,999 ads their customers are exposed to every single day. You can learn more by visiting https://www.bigideasbox.com.
The post 227: How to Create the Perfect Marketing Message That Cuts Through The Noise first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I feature an interview with Pravin Luthada, CEO of Addcomposites. He’ll be discussing AFP (automated fiber placement) technology and its applications for composite manufacturers.
The post 226: Discussing Advanced AFP (Automated Fiber Placement Technology) with Pravin Luthada first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature an interview with Vanessa Bohns. She is the author of the bestselling book You Have More Influence Than You Think.
In her book, Vanessa draws from her research to illustrate why we fail to recognize the influence we have, and how that lack of awareness can lead us to miss opportunities or accidentally misuse our power.
Vanessa is a social psychologist and professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. She holds a PhD in psychology from Columbia University and an AB from Brown University.
Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and other outlets, and her research has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Economist.
The post 225: Why You Have More Influence Than You Think – Interview with Vanessa Bohns first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, ACMA consultant Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss some key technologies driving Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0, often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, represents a seismic shift in the way manufacturing and production processes are managed.
With the advent of smart factories, the integration of cyber-physical systems, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and artificial intelligence, we are witnessing unprecedented levels of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. We’ll also be featuring a previous interview with Brian Fitzgeraldon of Augury discussing how A.I. is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry with its ability to predict machine and equipment failure, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime costs.
The post 224: Discussing Industry 4.0 with Andrew Pokelwaldt first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Jesse Henry, CEO of Heartland joins the podcast to discuss how their company is helping the composites industry with sustainable feedstock materials.
Heartland is a material science company that provides manufacturers with a sustainable source of additives like fillers, reinforcements, & mineral extenders to enhance products they already make. They work with local farmers to produce natural fiber materials, enabling manufacturers to create more sustainable products.
You can learn more by visiting their website at https://www.heartland.io.
The post 223: Supplying Manufacturers with Sustainable Materials – Interview with Jesse Henry of Heartland first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature a recent interview with Stephanie Scheller. Stephanie is the author of a recent book Marketing That Works for Small Business Budgets [Beyond Social Media]. She’ll talk about how she grew her business on a $0/month marketing budget during the pandemic.
The post 222: How to Grow Your Business on a Small Marketing Budget – Interview with Stephanie Scheller first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, John Schweitzer and Kyle Jordan of the ACMA join me to discuss a couple of topics. John will be discussing the ACMA’s Composites Sustainability Conference coming up June 4-6 in Denver, CO. You can learn more about this event by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/csft24.
Kyle Jordan will be discussing the CCT Instructor Course that took place last week in Kansas City, and explain why it’s so important, and what the new instructors can do with the designation.
The post 221: Discussing the ACMA’s Composites Sustainability Conference with John Schweitzer & Kyle Jordan first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode Blair Robbins joins me on the show to discuss the closure of the Port of Baltimore, and whether it will impact supply chains.
Blair is a partner in the Transportation and Logistics Group at EisnerAmper, and has nearly 30 years of experience helping companies cope with supply chain issues, and challenges in inventory management due to disruptions from the pandemic to infrastructure damage and natural, disasters, labor shortages, and terrorism. With the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, The Port of Baltimore is now closed with over 40 vessels stuck, and ships that were headed into port being rerouted.
It’s not known how long clearing the passage will take, but Blair will share his thoughts on how it might affect supply chains in the short term.
The post 220: Will the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affect Supply Chains Within Our Industry? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this podcast episode, I feature an interview with Elizabeth Chabe author of a new bestselling book called The Giant’s Ladder: The Science Professional’s Blueprint for Marketing Success. Her new book is a critical resource for entrepreneurs and technology professionals seeking effective marketing strategies to launch their innovations commercially.
This new book addresses the gap between innovation and commercial success, providing actionable strategies to navigate the unique challenges of marketing in the science and technology sectors.
Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Popular Science, and Fast Company. Elizabeth’s expertise offers a powerful blend of tactical skill and market foresight, and her influence is instrumental in shaping scientific product marketing.
You can learn more about Elizabeth, by visiting https://elizabethchabe.com.
The post 219: Climbing the Giant’s Ladder to Marketing Success – Interview with Best Selling Author Elizabeth Chabe first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Chris Hurdleston of ACS International and Dorfner joins me to discuss his perspective from the KBIS 2024 show in Las Vegas last week. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all kitchen and bath design aspects.
This is one of the sparkly sink bowls from Maestro Bath that Chris snapped a picture of while at the show.
The price tag is $3,500. He’ll share some other designs and trends he noticed from the show on this episode.
The post 218: Discussing KBIS 2024 with Chris Hurdleston first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss trends taking place in the manufacturing sectors and how technology is poised to play a significant role in handling challenges in 2024 and beyond.
The post 217: Discussing Technology and Manufacturing Outlooks with Andrew Pokelwaldt first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this marketing minute, I share a story of how halitosis became a medical condition with a “cure”. The story is a great marketing lesson for any business that seeks to differentiate its product or service with a USP.
The great businessman and advertiser Albert Lasker once said “There is no law that requires a problem to exist before a solution is created for it”. There are plenty of examples of this throughout the history of advertising.
The post 216: Marketing Minute- The Story of How Halitosis Became a Medical Condition With a “Cure” first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I share an interview I did with Tyler Alvarado. Tyler is the CEO of Continuous Composites, a company that’s on a journey to transform manufacturing.
Continuous Composites began with a realization that composite manufacturing was a problem waiting to be solved. Their vision is to break the mold of additive manufacturing and advance new platforms and processes using composite materials.
They’re now developing solutions directly with industry leaders to ensure efficient and effective market entry upon CF3D® commercialization.
You can learn more by visiting https://www.continuouscomposites.com.
The post 215: On a Journey to Disrupt Composites Manufacturing – Interview with Tyler Alvarado first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me again to discuss the 2024 Composites Fly-In taking place in Washington DC Feb. 26-28th. Dan is the Vice President of Government Relations for the ACMA.
The Composites 2024 Fly-In will provide a unique setting to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership to educate them on the valuable capabilities of composites and further open markets.
You can learn more by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/flyin2024.
The post 214: Discussing the Composites 2024 Fly-In with Dan Neumann of the ACMA first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Peter Hedger of the ACMA join me for a discussion on workforce development. Kyle is the director of certifications with the ACMA and Peter is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Membership.
We’ll be talking about a recent workforce development research survey that the ACMA completed and some of the data from it. As we share some of the feedback from companies, we’ll also discuss just how CCT training & certification can help improve employee retention.
For more info on the ACMA’s CCT certification programs, visit https://acmanet.org.
The post 213: Discussing CCT Training and Workforce Development with the ACMA’s Kyler Jordan and Peter Hedger first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this marketing minute episode, we’ll discuss be discussing features, advantages, benefits, and ultimate benefits. Understanding and using all four of these can amp up your marketing and advertising game.
The post 212: Marketing Minute- Four Levels to Talking About Your Products first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I share an interview with Phil Masiello, the co-founder of CrunchGrowth. Phil has a long history of success in the business world. He is the founder of 800razors.com, an E-commerce company selling high-quality American-made razors and shaving products for men and women. He’s also the author of a book called Think-Engage-Thrive: Marketing Actions To Skyrocket Your...
The post 197: Marketing Actions To Skyrocket Your Brand In The Digital Age – Interview with Phil Masiello of CrunchGrowth first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode’s marketing minute, I’ll share the 4 W’s of direct response advertising. These concepts are easy to understand. The skill is in their execution. Any small business that implements these principles will be ahead of 99% of the competition.
The post 196: The Four W’s of Direct Marketing first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
Customer testimonials are a powerful form of social proof, but collecting them can often be difficult, even for people who love doing business with you. On this episode, I’ll share a new software tool that allows you to collect text and video testimonials from your customers with no need for a developer or website hosting!
You can find this software tool at https://testimonial.to.
The post 195: How to Get Testimonials From Your Customers With Ease first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I share three questions to ask to help you create a better marketing story. This comes from the book The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell.
The post 194: Marketing Minute – 3 Questions to Improve Your Marketing Story first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Zach Sinz of Stoner Molding Solutions joins me. Known for superior performance and consistent quality, Stoner has been helping manufacturers mold more parts in less time since 1942. Every Stoner formulation is designed to optimize your production process and significantly improve your bottom line. Stoner’s brand portfolio offers solutions for any molding process. If...
The post 193: Redefining Mold Release – Interview with Zach Sinz of Stoner Molding Solutions first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
Today’s marketing minute on creating credibility in your marketing messages comes from the book, Secret Sauce: How to Pack Your Messages with Persuasive Punch.
The post 192: Marketing Minute – How to Create Credibility in Your Marketing Messages first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I share an interview with Nick Santhanam, author of the best-selling book, The Titanium Economy. While silicon valley tech companies tend to dominate today’s news headlines, many of the fastest-growing, most profitable companies in the United States are companies you’ve likely never heard of. These booming companies belong to a burgeoning sector—industrial tech....
The post 191: Is Industrial Tech Creating a Stronger Economic Future for the US? – Discussion with Nick Santhanam first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode of the Cast Polymer Radio “Marketing Minute”, I share a new A.I. tool that may save you some time and effort when it comes to writing memos, emails or just turning random thoughts into clear readable text. The tool is called AudioPen and you can find it at www.audiopen.ai.
The post 190: Marketing Minute – How to Save Time by Dictating Thoughts to Clear Text with This New A.I Tool first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This is the first episode of the Cast Polymer Radio “Marketing Minute”. These are quick sales and marketing tips to help you grow your business. Today’s episode is called The $250K Thank You Note. It’s a great example of how “snail mail” and personal touch still work in marketing.
The post 189: Marketing Minute – The $250K Thank You Note first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I welcome Kyle Jordan on the show. Kyle is the new director of certifications with the ACMA. Their CCT program supports professional development and facilitates uniform training and technical skills. It’s the only certification program of its kind in the industry. This program is completed online and provides enrollees with all the resources...
The post 188: Interview with Kyle Jordan, the New Director of Certifications at the ACMA first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Nick Ciparro joins me on the podcast. Nick is the founder and chief technology officer at ACCR, Advanced Composites of Carbon Rivers a global leader in the Research & Development of Graphene and Graphene related technologies. Graphene is a remarkable substance with a multitude of astonishing properties which earn it the title “wonder material”. Despite being...
The post 187: Discussing Graphene “The New Wonder Material” for Composite Applications first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll be discussing search engine marketing and SEO in the age of A.I with guests Brittany Filori and Michael Borgelt of 51Blocks. 51Blocks started in 2009 as an SEO company serving small businesses. By 2015, 51Blocks had moved to a Denver-based office with a small team helping businesses all across the US and was...
The post 186: Search Engine Marketing in the Age of A.I. first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we feature an interview with Joannie Harmon at IACMI’s annual member meeting discussing workforce education. The U.S. is facing a crisis when it comes to the workforce. Per a recent Deloitte report, US manufacturing is expected to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030. The Composites Institute has made workforce education and development a pillar of...
The post 185: Helping to Revitalize American Manufacturing – Discussing Workforce Education with Joannie Harmon first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I feature an interview with Haley Marie Keith, the CEO of Mito Material Solutions. MITO’s technology is the “first and only” process to functionalize substances like graphene oxide and biomaterials—creating hybrid additives that give composites and thermoplastics lab-verified improvements in strength, durability, flexibility, and sustainability. You can learn more about their company by...
The post 184: Improving Composite Materials With Graphene Additives – Interview with Haley Keith of MITO Material Solutions first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Tobi Ferguson, CEO of Magnum Venus Products, joins me to discuss their new $20 million expansion in Knoxville, TN. Magnum Venus Products (MVP), a global manufacturer of fluid movement and production solutions for industrial applications, is expanding its footprint and capabilities with the purchase of this new facility and land in East...
The post Interview with Tobi Ferguson, CEO of Magnum Venus Products – Discussing Their New $20 Million Expansion first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss the topic of industry consolidation; we’ll explore the impact of some recent mergers & acquisitions. Like any sector in the global market, the composites & cast polymer industry isn’t immune to the forces of change. In an era defined by digital disruption, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges, businesses...
The post 182: Exploring the Effects of Industry Consolidation with Andrew Pokelwaldt first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Brian Fitzgerald, the CRO at Augury joins me to discuss how A.I. is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by using their software to predict & prevent industrial machine failure. Augury is a billion-dollar tech company that is unlocking production capacity, predictability, and sustainability while transforming how manufacturing teams work. You can learn more about Augury...
The post 181: A.I.’s Hidden Superpower in Revolutionizing Manufacturing Efficiency first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This week, Jesus Zozaya and James Pickard of Voltera join me on the show to discuss the future of additive electronics and how it is revolutionizing so many industries. Their company Votera, makes rapid prototyping platforms for printed electronics — from traditional circuit boards to the flexible, stretchable, conformable, and biocompatible electronics of tomorrow. The best and brightest...
The post 180: Harnessing Additive Electronics Technology for a Variety of Applications first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This week I welcome Pete Havel to the show. Pete is the bestselling author of the book The Arsonist in the Office: Fireproofing Your Life Against Toxic Coworkers, Bosses, Employees, and Cultures. His book is a survival guide for enduring the toxic workplace (and toxic people) and a call to action for a bold new approach to addressing...
The post 179: How to Deal with Toxic Workplaces (and Toxic People) – Interview with Pete Havel Author of The Arsonist in the Office first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I welcome best-selling author Mark Mears to the show. He is the author of the new book The Purposeful Growth Revolution.
In this book, Mark brings together 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies using scientific studies to create practical strategies for how leadership needs to evolve to help employees and businesses thrive in the new economy and beyond.
Today we are facing “The Great Resignation.”
People are resigning from the workforce or, possibly worse, resigning themselves to an unsatisfying status quo and being disengaged at work. They’ve quit…but stayed. Neither outcome is “great.”
On the podcast, Mark will share how to apply 4 holistic and revolutionary processes found in nature to help individuals, teams, and organizations find purpose, fulfill their true growth potential, and leave a living legacy―what Mears calls “paying it backward”.
You can learn more about Mark and take his free assessment on fulfilling your purposeful growth potential as both a leader and legacy builder at https://www.markamears.com.
The post 178: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This week I welcome Nick Castelucci to the show. He is the managing partner at Prestige Tooling, one of the newest members of the ICPA based out of Elkhart, IN.
Nick and his team have over 25 years of experience in mold making with over 6,000 completed molds.
Ont this episode, he will share some of the history of their company, as well as some of their specialties that include bathtub molds, shower pans, drop-in bowls, floating bowls, undermount bowls, modular molds, and wall paneling molds.
In addition, their company is one of the first mold makers in North America to bring in a cutting-edge new additive manufacturing 3D printer.
You can learn more about their company by visiting https://prestigetooling.com.
The post 177: Old School Work Ethic, Modern Technology- Interview with Nick Castelucci of Prestige Tooling first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, we’ll be discussing how to use ai platforms like ChatGPT to create better story brands. The interview is with Brian Hennessy, CEO and Co-founder of Talkoot, a company that helps brands create deeper connections with customers on every product page through deeper product storytelling.
You can learn more by visiting https://talkoot.com.
The post 176: How to Use AI to Craft Compelling Product Stories that Resonate with Consumers first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This week I welcome Cary Martin, VP of research & technology with Hexcel to the podcast. Cary will be sharing some of the latest news on Hexcel’s new Center of Research & Technology Excellence in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The 100,000-square-foot building is home to a state-of-the-art laboratory where company scientists and researchers collaborate with customers on the latest composite technology developments for industrial applications.
This new building is the company’s largest center for innovation and product development in North America.
You can learn more by visiting www.Hexcel.com.
The post 175: Hexcel Opens a Brand New Center of Research & Technology Excellence in Utah first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
This week, Scott Stephenson joins me to discuss SAMPE 2023 taking place next week (April 17-20) in Seattle, WA. Scott is the director of strategic initiatives and events at CompositesWorld, and also president & acting CEO of SAMPE North America.
This conference is where the advanced materials community comes together for face-to-face meetings, top-level education sessions, and panels led by the industry’s leaders and innovators. Scott will be sharing some of the events happening at this year’s event. You can learn more by visiting https://www.sampeamerica.org.
The post 174: Discussing SAMPE 2023 – North America’s Premier Advanced Materials & Process Engineering Conference first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
In the world of cast polymer and composites manufacturing, the ability to swiftly and accurately transform innovative ideas into products is crucial.
3D printing technology has unlocked some incredible possibilities in tooling and mold-making, that can revolutionize the way we approach the fabrication process.
This week I feature an interview with Fadi Abro, the Global Director of Transportation at Stratasys. Stratasys provides complete polymer 3D printing solutions for every stage of the product life cycle, across design and manufacturing.
On this episode, Fadi will be sharing how 3D printing technology is not only, improving processes in the automotive industry, but in time these innovations can be beneficial to the Cast Polymer industry as well for proto-typing and tooling that can be done in a day or two.
You can learn more by visiting https://www.stratasys.com.
The post 173: From Imagination to Fabrication: The Power of 3D Printing in Streamlining Prototyping, Tooling and Mold-Making – Interview with Fadi Abro of Stratasys first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Genilee Parente, the executive editor of Cast Polymer Connection joins me again to discuss the upcoming spring issue. We’ll be discussing her profile story of Coni Marble as well as design trends from this year’s Kitchen and Bath Show.
The post 172: Discussing Design Trends and the Latest Issue of Cast Polymer Connection first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I welcome Brandon Cornuke author of the new book The Value Proposition Matrix: An Innovator’s Guide to Four Questions That Separate Success from Failure.
In it, Brandon proposes a simple framework for founders to honestly assess the viability of their ideas. It is full of real-life stories that illustrate the Matrix and make it digestible for all types of learners.
Brandon has dedicated his career to helping innovators turn their ideas into growing businesses. He is a speaker, writer, educator, and entrepreneur. He has co-founded a consumer products company, served hundreds of startups and established companies as an innovation consultant, and led transformation and innovation efforts inside multi-billion-dollar businesses.
He also teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Design & Innovation at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.
You can learn more about Brandon by visiting https://www.valuepropmatrix.com.
The post 171: The Four Questions That Drive Innovation Success first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, I share an interview with Robert Bly, author of the book The Big Book of Words That Sell: 1200 Words and Phrases That Every Salesperson and Marketer Should Know and Use.
Bob is a professional writer, speaker, and marketing consultant with over 3 decades of experience in business-to-business, high-tech, and direct-response marketing. He became a self-made multi-millionaire while still in his 30s.
Bob is the author of more than 90 published books including Careers for Writers (McGraw-Hill/VGM), Secrets of a Freelance Writer (Henry Holt), The Copywriter’s Handbook (Henry Holt), and The Elements of Business Writing (Alyn & Bacon). McGraw-Hill calls Bob Bly “America’s top copywriter,” and he was named 2007 Copywriter of the Year by American Writers and Artists, Inc.
In this recent book, he draws back the curtain to reveal hundreds of proven words and phrases that can help you:
- Grab the reader’s attention.
- Convey a sense of urgency.
- Communicate what’s special, different, and unique about your product.
- Boost response with proven time-tested offers.
- Arouse the reader’s curiosity.
- Overcome buyer objections.
- Announce something new.
- Move the reader emotionally.
- Create a perception of the superior product value.
- And much more.
You can learn more, by visiting bly.com.
Also, we give a shoutout to the team at Marble Masters for a great commercial – Give Up That Grout!
The post 170: The 1200 Words & Phrases That Every Salesperson & Marketer Should Know and Use first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.
On this episode, Derek Hill of Syn-Mar Products joins me to share his experience attending the ACMA’s Fly-In last week up in Washington DC. He and some other ICPA board members attended to make sure Washington knows what issues are important for our businesses and the cast polymer industry through engagement with members of Congress, and agency leaders.
You can learn more about the ACMA’s Infrastructure & Sustainability Fly-In by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/flyin2023.
On this episode, I welcome two guests to discuss this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas.
My first interview is with our own Marc Vidal of ACS International. He attended the big show last month and he’ll be sharing what stood out to him.
And for the 2nd interview, I welcome Kendal Cavalieri, who owns an award-winning residential interior design firm in NY. Kendal was one of the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Thirty Under 30s this year and was awarded at this year’s KBIS show.
Kendal was born and raised in Lockport, New York. After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in the U.S. Navy. During her seven years of honorable service, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. Fast forward a few years, and Kendal decided to combine all of her knowledge & passion into creating her own business.
She owns and operates Kendal Cavalieri Design, a residential design firm in Buffalo, NY. You can see her work at https://kendalcavalieridesign.com.
On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me to discuss the ACMA’s Infrastructure & Sustainability Fly-In that’s taking place in Washington DC this week(Feb 15-16). Dan is the Vice President of Government Relations with The ACMA, and he’ll be filling us in on some of the activities and meetings from day one.
Several ICPA board members will be participating in ACMA’s 2023 Infrastructure & Sustainability Fly-In, this week.
The ACMA asked the ICPA to attend in order to make sure Washington knows what issues are important for your business and the cast polymer industry through direct engagement with Members of Congress, agency leaders, and other key decision-makers.
This week, Chris Bolte, president of Agean Bath and Spa joins me on the show to discuss their company- a family business that started back in 1946. Chris represents the third generation of his family to run the business.
This week Rick Steranko joins me on the podcast to discuss how to boost your web presence to the Top of the Google Rankings in 2023. Rick is the founder of Spredx, a digital marketing agency based out of Sarasota, Florida.
You can learn more about their company by visiting https://spredx.com.
Don’t forget to register for the Buzz – the annual networking event held in late April by the ICPA.
Cast Polymer manufacturers and suppliers come together for a weekend of fun, strategic business solutions, and impactful industry discussions. All ICPA member companies are welcome to attend. You can register at https://theicpa.com/the-buzz.
This is part 2 of my interview with Dr. Lisa Lang. She is one of the foremost Theory of Constraints experts in the world and has been named the “Manufacturing Trendsetter” by USA Today and “Manufacturing Champion” by Newsweek.
On this follow-up interview, we’ll be discussing the psychology behind the Mafia Offer.
On this episode, I welcome Dr. Lisa Lang to the show. She is one of the foremost Theory of Constraints experts in the world. She’s been named the “Manufacturing Trendsetter” by USA Today and “Manufacturing Champion” by Newsweek.
She is the president of The Science of Business, specializing in increasing profits for manufacturers by applying the Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma for their operations and using what is called “Mafia Offers” to help their sales and marketing.
A Mafia offer is simply the offer you make to your market, to make them desire your products or services. But a Mafia offer is not to be confused with a USP or customer value proposition. A Mafia offer requires that you do something different to address your prospect or customer’s core problem.
On this 2-part podcast episode, we’ll discuss what a Mafia offer is and how to develop one that your prospects can’t refuse.
Dr. Lisa worked closely with Dr. Eli Goldratt, who is known as the father of the Theory of Constraints and author of the bestselling book The Goal.
On this episode, Ajay Goel joins me to discuss how AI can be used to help create email marketing campaigns.
Ajay is the founder of GMass, an established and innovative solution that seamlessly integrates into GMail, creating mass email, mail merge, and follow-up email services possible within the world’s most popular email service.
Ajay has been creating software to improve the email-sending process for over 20 years.
He recently published a blog on how he and his colleagues recently put ChatGPT to the test to see how well the technology could craft cold emails and reviewed its capabilities.
You can read about it here – https://www.gmass.co/blog/chatgpt-cold-email-copywriting/
You can learn more about GMass by visiting https://www.gmass.co.
On this episode, Dennis Fink of AKPA Chemical joins me to share some tips on how to troubleshoot gelcoat & resin curing problems related to the below-freezing cold weather we’ve all experienced recently.
His diverse experience runs the gamut – from production supervision and management, research and development, to field technical service in polyester resins and gel coats, with companies such as Freeman Chemical, Interplastics, Coatings and Plastics, Sherex Chemical, and Cargill/McWhorter.
Denny’s passion for his work and desire to give back to the community has driven his involvement in numerous industry organizations that further polymer science, applications, and acceptance. He is active in several ACMA committees and boards.
He is also a proud contributor to the CCT program, helping write many of the modules, and maintaining his CCT-I status. He has published several industry research articles over the years, and in 2007 earned a “Best Paper” award from the ACMA. You can learn more about AKPA by visiting akpachemicalus.com. If you have questions for Dennis, you can reach him at dennis.fink@akpachemicalus.com.
On this episode, Sean McCool joins me to show how to use ChatGPT, a new AI platform to improve your content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and advertising. This new AI software is really amazing and we’ll be walking through some examples of how to use it in your own business.
To sign up for a free account and start using this new platform in your own business, just go to https://chat.openai.com/chat.
This week, Tato Corcoran joins me on the show. Tato is the proud owner of Brandt Molded Marble, a new ICPA member. Tato graduated from the University of California at Davis in 2014 and then started a career in the Silicon Valley tech industry serving as an Executive Assistant to a Fortune 200 executive.
Several years in, she decided to pursue her true path as an entrepreneur. I started out in Real Estate and eventually purchased Brandt Molded Marble, a company that has been producing & installing cultured marble countertops, shower pans, and tub surrounds of the highest quality for the past 35 years.
You can learn more about Brandt Molded Marble by visiting https://www.brandtmarble.com.
On this week’s episode, we’ll be discussing how to increase engagement, response, and ROI by harnessing
hardwired human behavior and instinctive responses.
I share an interview with Nancy Harhut. She is the author of the new book Using Behavioral Science in Marketing.
This week I welcome Jen and Chris Hudak founders of Escapod on the podcast. This couple started a business out of a garage back in 2016 and now have over 70 employees on staff. Their company was just listed as America’s 9th fastest growing manufacturing company in the recent Inc. 5000 list. On this episode, you’ll...
This week Steven Howard joins me on the podcast show. Steven is an award-winning author of 22 leadership, business, and motivational books. We’ll be discussing a couple of his latest books. His most recent book is Humony Leadership: Mindsets, Skills, and Behaviors for Being a Successful People-Centric Leader. Humony is a created word comprising human, humanity, and harmony...
On this episode, I feature an interview I did at CAMX that highlights an innovative approach that allies composites, fiber optics, and electricity safely. With the marriage of Guardtex’s high-tech textile lighting solution Kanvaslight and Structural Composites‘ groundbreaking resin CoCure, LamLight was born. With LamLight, lighting can be integrated into any composite structure, bringing the...
This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me on the podcast again this month to tackle some common problems in your manufacturing process that can lead to quality issues.
Last week, I attended CAMX 2022 in Anaheim, CA, and while there had the opportunity to interview a number of companies in the composites and advanced materials industry, including a few ICPA members who serve the cast marble industry. Marcos Vidal from ACS International & Dorfner stopped by my table for a quick interview and...
This week I welcome Nick Santhanam to the show. Nick is the CEO of Fernweh Group, and the co-author of a brand new book The Titanium Economy coming out October 25th in bookstores and available for pre-order on Amazon. While Silicon Valley titans dominate the headlines nowadays, many of the fastest-growing, most profitable companies in the US are firms...
This week, I welcome Kevin Donlin to the podcast. Kevin is the author of Marketing Multipliers: 11 Simple Tools to Grow Your Business. Kevin has been in marketing since 1994, when he sold one of the first ebooks — on Usenet, for $10, payable by check. From 1995 to 1998, he was Webmaster for FedEx.com,...
On this episode, Todd Werstler joins me at Polycon to discuss his presentation on day one of “Selling Labor and Product Diversification”.
This episode features a couple of interviews from Day 1 at POLYCON 2022 hosted by Tower Industries. For the first interview, Zach Sinz of Stoner Molding Solutions joined me to talk about the benefits of water-based mold releases.
This week, Larry Branan of The R.J. Marshall Company joins me on the show to discuss the Polytech training schedule for POLYCON22. This 3-day event will be packed with some great training at Tower Industries and American Marble Industries.
On this episode, I share an inspirational entrepreneur story from an interview I did a few years ago. At the time, this interview was geared toward my Composites Weekly podcast audience highlighting a startup company that had designed some new carbon fiber framed backpacks. The company is KUIU, an outdoor performance hunting gear manufacturer started...
This week, I welcome Lisa Ryan back to the show to share some takeaways from her brand new book Thank You Very Much. Lisa will be the keynote speaker at POLYCON22 and attendees will receive a free signed copy. Because of Lisa’s experience in a variety of industries including executive recruiting, healthcare, industrial sales, and welding, she relates easily to attendees at...
Many entrepreneurs hope to grow a business that will one day run without them. This was the theme of Michael Gerber’s classic book the E-Myth. Too often, business owners get trapped working inside the business on all of the technical details rather than working on the outside of the business. As Gerber famously said, “Technicians suffering...
This week, Andrew Pokelwaldt, the director of certifications & training with the ACMA joins me to discuss what buyers at every company need to know when making the best decisions on material substitutions – whether it be resins, initiators, or gelcoats.
On this episode, Amanda Read of Read Mobile Marketing joins me on the show to discuss mobile advertising strategies that small businesses can use to create better engagement and drive more sales.
This week on the podcast show I feature a recent interview with Stu Heineck, bestselling author of How to Grow Your Business Like a Weed: A Complete Strategy for Unstoppable Growth. Stu is a Hall-of-Fame-nominated marketer, and Wall Street Journal cartoonist and has authored other bestselling books including one of my favorites How to Get a Meeting with Anyone. ...
This week I welcome Megan Multanen, one of the founders of Women in the Composites Industry. Megan is the co-CEO at Bestbath based in Caldwell, Idaho. The rapid growth of composites holds great promise for many current and emerging market segments. Members of Women in the Composites Industry are an integral part of a fast-growing and committed network of women that...
This week Bobby and Tim Brooks join me on the podcast to discuss one of their newest product designs. This product is a new tile mold that they have been working on developing for months. You can see a video of it below. Brooks Molds has been a family-owned and operated business since 1999. From...
This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me on the show to discuss the Composites Certification Training programs that are offered to help improve quality production and boost employee development at every level of an organization. The ACMA’s standardized composite process training with CCT Certifications are designed for technicians, engineers, quality, safety, and technical sales personnel. Nine certification specialties...
This week I welcome Dennis Fink of Akpa Chemical to the show. Dennis is a veteran with over 40 years in the polymer industry. He is the president of Resin Research & Recovery and a consultant for Akpa Chemical. AKPA Chemical was established in 1997 and specializes in the production of Organic Peroxides, Initiators, Accelerators,...
This week I welcome Robert Grede on the podcast. Robert is the author of the book Rebuilding the Brand: How Harley-Davidson Became King of the Road. In the early 1980s, Harley-Davidson was on the verge of bankruptcy. In the public’s opinion, the quality was substandard. Harleys leaked oil and were often broken down. Today, Harley-Davidson is...
This week I welcome Daniel Claxton and Pete Ritchie of Blue Ridge Marble on the show to share their story as a recent business startup, and new ICPA member. We’re super excited to have them as a part of our association.
This week Chris Hurdleston of ACS joins me on the show to discuss some takeaways from last month’s networking event for ICPA members in Atlanta and some of the feedback he received. We’ll also discuss Polycon which is coming up right around the corner. You can get registered at https://polyconevent.com/polycon-2021-registration. Plus, I reference a great book...
This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me again on the show to discuss the ACMA’s CCT Certification and Training Content resource center that is available to members and non-members. This Education Hub is a great destination for composites resources for CCT training & testing, recorded webinars, conference proceedings, ANSI standards, regulatory information, customized manufacturing training, and...
On this short episode, I spend a few minutes sharing my thoughts on “the Buzz” in Atlanta this past weekend. We had a great turnout and the breakout roundtable discussions were well done. Thanks to all who participated and made this weekend event possible. I’ll also share some thoughts on a great new book I’ve...
This week, Blaine Thiederman MBA, CFP, founder of Progress Wealth Management joins me on the show to discuss the possibility of a mild recession as the Fed continues to raise interest rates. Blaine’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Business Insider, and MSN. You can learn more about their services...
This week I interview Kelsey Britton on the podcast to talk about the work they are doing at IYRS School of Technology & Trades – a non-profit, post-secondary experiential learning institution in Newport, Rhode Island. It is the premier trades and modern manufacturing school in the United States. On-campus, Kelsey is the primary Rhino 3D computer graphics...
This week, I welcome Sophie Bowman, author of the new book How to Convert Your Social Media Followers Into Customers: A Step by Step Guide.
Sophie is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur & Forbes and is the founder of convertyourfollowers.com. Her latest book is a step-by-step guide that will show how to convert your followers to customers (at little to no cost) while growing your email database and increasing sales.
On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins me to discuss “the Buzz” – the ICPA’s spring networking event coming up April 29th and 30th. If you haven’t registered already you can still do so at https://theicpa.com/the-buzz-april-in-atlanta-networking-event.
This week I welcome Jen Nash to the podcast show. Jen is the author of the best-selling new book The Big Power of Tiny Connections: How Small Interactions Spark Awesome Outcomes. Using amazing true-life stories and scientific research on how we listen, talk, and crave connection, her new book demonstrates that making time to connect is...
This week Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault, Inc. joins me on the show to discuss the history of their company. It’s a company rich in history and goes all the way back to Scott’s great grandfather, John Mackenzie who made funeral coaches and caskets in the late 1800s. Today MacKenzie Vault is proud to be...
This week, I welcome Ed Stapleton to the podcast show. Ed is the president of Clicks Geek, a PPC Agency that works with local businesses helping them get more customers. Ed will be discussing how they market their services & their proven system for bringing in more targeted prospects. You can learn more about their agency...
This week, Andrew Pokelwaldt, director of certifications for the ACMA joins me to discuss mold and tool care, prep, and setup for FRP composite production. Andrew will be joining me each month on the show to discuss different topics related to composites training and education. The ACMA’s education hub can be accessed at http://www.acmaeducationhub.org. There you’ll...
This week I welcome Paul Ester and Charley Skinner on the podcast to talk about their company Artistic Marble LLC, one of the ICPA’s newest members. Founded in 1993, Artistic Marble manufactures custom cultured marble products including vanity tops, tubs, and showers. Paul and Charley took over the business last year and have a real...
This week I welcome two guest experts on the podcast from the design industry who share some trends from this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
KBIS wrapped up its first in-person show in two years last week. It’s the largest North American trade show for the kitchen and bath industry that showcases the latest industry products, trends, and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors.
This year’s show featured 375 exhibitors, and the ratio of attendees to exhibitors was up 9% over 2020, the last and one of the strongest in-person KBIS events pre-pandemic, according to a release. Of the KBIS attendees, 48% were brand new to the show, the release states.
My guests on this episode are Crysta Hailes and Knikki Grantham.
Crysta Hailes is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Eldorado Stone and Cultured Stone.
Website:
www.eldoradostone.com
https://www.culturedstone.com
Knikki Grantham, is director of Style & Ambassador of Brand at Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions. She was one of eight experts chosen to speak at KBIS for their DesignBites program. She spoke on a design trend she refers to as “PROCLAMATION”; the trend of wanting your aesthetic appearance, belongings, home to stand out, to be unique, to make a declaration of your personality.
Website:
https://belwith-keeler.com/
This week I welcome a special guest to the podcast show. Major General James L. Dozier joins me on the show to discuss his new book Finding My Pole Star: Memoir of an American hero’s life of faithful military service.
December 17, 2021, marked the 40th anniversary of the kidnapping of then Brigadier General James Dozier in Verona, Italy by Red Brigade terrorists. At the moment news of his rescue broke, everyone was asking: How did he manage to survive this?
On this episode, General Dozier will share his story along with some great lessons on leadership and maintaining resilience during difficult times.
This week Kelly Debusk joins me on the podcast to discuss some basics for resolving ventilation issues. In today’s environment, manufacturers face growing regulations from the EPA and OSHA; regulations that have the potential to hinder the operations of companies in our industry.
Understanding the basics of the systems affected is critical. Kelly wrote a great article for the winter issue of Cast Polymer Connection and if you haven’t read it, I’d encourage you to do so along with listening to our interview on this podcast.
Kelly is an ICPA Board Member as well as the owner of Composites Compliance. If you have questions, she can be reached at k_debusk@compositescompliance.com, or you can visit www.compositescompliance.com.
This week Mike Jones, author of the new book You are Remarkable: Unlock your authentic brand to win loyal customers joins me on the podcast to share some tactical advice on how to unlock your company’s brand based on your values and vision.
Remarkable brands require authenticity and a die-hard commitment to values and purpose. Mike Jones passionately pursues these beliefs as the CEO of his brand agency – Resound. (He also gets kinda preachy about branding as co-host of the podcast AZ Brandcast.)
In recognition of the work he’s done, this Arizona native has been named one of the state’s top entrepreneurs under the age of 35. He lives in the very sunny city of Mesa with his wife and two kids.
You can connect with Mike on Twitter – @remarkamike.
This week Mark McGraw, co-author of the new book 21st Century Prospecting The Authoritative Playbook for New Business Development joins me on the show to discuss how to connect and engage effectively with prospective buyers in today’s complex, multi-platform selling environment.
Mark is Sandler Sales Trainer and is passionate about helping salespeople and sales leaders achieve their very best through sales training, coaching, and mastery of the sales process.
You can learn more about Mark’s book and download a free chapter at https://www.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/21st-century-prospecting-3/.
This week I welcome Jared Tendler on the podcast show to discuss sports psychology & the mental game, and what business leaders can learn from it.
Jared is an expert in the field of sports psychology and has worked with poker players, financial traders, PGA Tour players, MMA fighters, Pool players, and entrepreneurs from 45 countries.
He’s written three highly acclaimed books: The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, and The Mental Game of Trading.
You can learn more by visiting his website at https://jaredtendler.com.
This week Brad Crutchleo of Custom Marble Solutions in Dayton Ohio joins me on the podcast to discuss their story as a company in this industry.
They recently rejoined the ICPA as a member and you can learn more about their company by visiting https://www.custommarblesolutions.com.