Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing: Recent Episodes
NCMEP
Welcome to Clocking In—Voices of NC Manufacturing. Your host is Phil Mintz, Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). We will be interviewing manufacturers who have helped make North Carolina manufacturing the powerhouse it is today.
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Tony McCullough, Sales Manager at GRT Electronics, to discuss the evolving landscape of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and the advantages of domestic electronics production.
Tony shares how GRT Electronics helps customers bridge the gap between prototype development and full-scale production through quick-turn manufacturing, local support, and high-quality surface-mount PCB assembly. He also explores some of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today, including component obsolescence, supply chain disruptions, memory shortages, and tariff-related cost fluctuations.
The conversation highlights the growing opportunities for U.S.-based electronics manufacturers as industries such as biotechnology, data centers, medical devices, and advanced technologies continue to expand. Tony also discusses the company's expertise in ruggedized and high-reliability electronics designed for harsh environments, from military and automotive applications to smart plumbing systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | GRT Electronics
About the GuestTony McCullough is Sales Manager at GRT Electronics, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based electronics manufacturing company specializing in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, quick-turn prototypes, and low- to medium-volume production for industrial, medical, communications, and military applications.
With more than 20 years of experience in field sales and account management, Tony has worked closely with engineering, purchasing, management, and manufacturing teams to help bring innovative electronic products from concept to production. His expertise spans electronics manufacturing, supply chain management, component sourcing, and customer relationship development.
At GRT Electronics, Tony serves as a vital link between customers and the production floor, helping organizations navigate challenges such as component obsolescence, supply chain disruptions, product redesigns, and scaling production. He is passionate about supporting domestic manufacturing and helping companies leverage the advantages of U.S.-based electronics production, including quality, reliability, responsiveness, and faster turnaround times.
Tony enjoys working with innovators across a wide range of industries, from biotechnology and medical devices to industrial automation, automotive technologies, and emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications. He is committed to helping customers solve complex manufacturing challenges while advancing the future of electronics manufacturing in North Carolina and throughout the United States.
About the HostDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
About NC State University Industry Extension ServicesNC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.
IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.
Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz talks with Luke Taylor, owner of Omni Mold & Die, a high-precision machine shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in the design, machining, repair, and maintenance of plastic injection molds, metal stamping dies, and custom tooling.
Luke's path into manufacturing was anything but traditional. Armed with degrees from Princeton University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Luke entered manufacturing through entrepreneurship, purchasing Omni Mold & Die in 2020 after searching for the right small business opportunity. What began as a business acquisition quickly turned into a passion for manufacturing and problem-solving.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Omni Mold & Die
About the GuestLuke Taylor is the owner of Omni Mold & Die, a high-precision tooling and machine shop based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in plastic injection molds, metal stamping dies, and custom tooling repair. Since acquiring the company in 2020, Luke has led Omni through growth and modernization while preserving its 40+ year reputation for quality craftsmanship and responsive customer service. A graduate of Princeton University with an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Luke took an unconventional path into manufacturing through entrepreneurship and small business acquisition. He is passionate about operational excellence, workforce development, and helping manufacturers solve complex tooling challenges with speed and precision.
About the HostDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
About NC State University Industry Extension ServicesNC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.
IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.
Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Conrad Leiva, Vice President of Ecosystems and Workforce Development at CESMII (The Smart Manufacturing Institute), to discuss how smart manufacturing is becoming more accessible to manufacturers of all sizes, no matter how long you’ve been manufacturing.
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Conrad shares how advances in affordable sensors, wireless technologies, and digital platforms are helping small and mid-sized manufacturers begin their Industry 4.0 journey without massive capital investments. He explains why smart manufacturing is about more than technology—it requires a cultural shift toward data-driven decision-making, enterprise-wide connectivity, and continuous improvement.
The conversation also explores the powerful relationship between lean principles and digital technologies. Rather than choosing one approach over the other, manufacturers can achieve the greatest impact by combining lean methodologies with smart manufacturing tools and automation.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | CESMII
About the GuestConrad Leiva has served as Vice President of Ecosystems and Workforce Development for CESMII, the national Smart Manufacturing Institute, since March 2020. With more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing systems, he is a recognized expert in digital transformation, workforce development, and the integration of smart manufacturing technologies across the industrial sector.
Conrad holds an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, certifications in MES/MOM (Manufacturing Operations Management) methodologies, and is a certified Quality Auditor. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, and his writing includes guidebooks, whitepapers, online courses, and articles. His recent work has focused on Smart Manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and the digital thread among engineering, business, manufacturing, and sustainment systems.
About the HostDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
About NC State University Industry Extension ServicesNC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.
IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.
Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM
In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz sits down with Amber Coker Butler and Laurence Butler, third-generation leaders of Coker Feed Mill, a family-owned animal feed manufacturer based in Goldsboro, North Carolina. After careers in education and a life in Phoenix, the couple returned home to help transition the business as Amber’s father prepared for retirement.
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Coker Feed Mill produces high-quality feed for poultry, livestock, and horses, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, freshness, and nutritional value. Serving independent feed retailers across North Carolina and beyond, the company has built a loyal customer base largely through word of mouth and product performance.
Amber and Laurence share insights into managing rapid growth, maintaining quality while scaling, and staying true to their mission of supporting local agriculture—from backyard chicken owners to small-scale farmers.
This episode highlights the power of family legacy, smart partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way—even when that means growing carefully and intentionally.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Coker Feed Mill
About the GuestsAmber Coker Butler and Laurence Butler are the leaders of Coker Feed Mill, a third-generation, family-owned agricultural manufacturing business in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Together, they are focused on modernizing operations, expanding product offerings, and continuing the company’s legacy of supporting local farmers and agricultural communities.
About the HostDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
About NC State University Industry Extension ServicesNC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.
IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.
Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM
In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz, Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services, talks with Bogdan Ionescu, co-owner of OGC Stained Glass (Ordway Glass Company), a husband-and-wife–run stained glass studio based in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Bogdan walks us through how he and his wife Nicole built a thriving, award-winning business out of their garage—balancing art, family life, and purpose along the way.
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OGC Stained Glass was named the 2025 winner of the North Carolina Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina,” a remarkable achievement for a two-person operation focused entirely on hand-cut, one-of-a-kind stained glass art.
This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful—one piece of glass at a time.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Ordway Glass Company
About the GuestBogdan Ionescu is the co-owner of OGC Stained Glass, located in Fuquay-Varina, NC, alongside his wife Nicole—the primary artist behind the glass. Together, they create contemporary and traditional stained glass works that preserve heritage while pushing the craft forward.
🏅 2025 NC Chamber “Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina” Winner
About the HostDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Extension Services and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
About NC State University Industry Extension ServicesNC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow.
IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies.
Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Dr. Phil Mintz sits down with Tommy Ausheman, co-founder and president of Outrider USA. Based in Mars Hill, North Carolina, Outrider USA is a premier manufacturer of adaptive electric all-terrain vehicles designed to restore independence, adventure, and access to the "great outdoors" for individuals with mobility impairments.
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Tommy’s journey began at Appalachian State University, where his passion for mountain biking and rock climbing collided with his studies in Appropriate Technology. This discipline—focused on creating functional, repairable, and sustainable solutions without over-engineering—became the foundation of his design philosophy.
The company refers to itself as "Wing Builders," a title inspired by a moment of soul-searching and the myth of Icarus. Tommy explains that for many customers—particularly those with spinal cord injuries or veterans—an accident can feel like being stuck in a "dark place." Outrider machines act as "wings," providing the means to rise out of that space and rediscover freedom.
Listeners also get an inside look at Outrider’s manufacturing journey, from its humble beginnings in a small Fletcher workshop to its current 10,000-square-foot facility in a historic manufacturing building in Mars Hill. Tommy discusses the challenges and realities of American manufacturing, including supply chain complexity, scaling production, and the decision to sell direct-to-consumer to keep manufacturing in the U.S.
This inspiring conversation showcases how North Carolina manufacturers like Outrider USA combine engineering ingenuity, purpose-driven leadership, and local manufacturing to create life-changing products—and why NC manufacturing remains a powerful force for impact.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Outrider USA
ABOUTThe North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Extension Services and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
About NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES)NC State University Industry Extension Services is the extension operation outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NC State University Industry Extension Services provides services that help manufacturers to:
- Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships
- Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap
- Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
- Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity
- Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities
- Increase Sales and Profits
- Create and Retain Jobs
- Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market
Outrider USAOutrider USA is an innovative manufacturer of adaptive electric vehicles based in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The company’s mission—captured in the name “Wing Builders”—is about restoring freedom, independence, and adventure to people whose mobility has been limited by injury or illness.
Dr. Phil MintzDr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, NCMEP supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth.
Tommy AushermanTommy Ausherman is the President and Co-Founder of Outrider USA.
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Lindsey Crisp, President and CEO of Carver Machine Works—also known as CMW Global—a nearly 50-year-old manufacturing company located just steps from the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina.
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Lindsey shares how Carver Machine Works has evolved from repairing phosphate mining equipment in the 1970s to becoming a trusted supplier for the industrial and naval defense industries. With a background in accounting, Lindsey offers a unique perspective on manufacturing leadership, financial management, and how adaptability has fueled the company’s longevity and growth.
Listeners will hear insights on Carver’s transformation, its commitment to quality certifications, and innovative approaches to workforce development, additive manufacturing, and AI adoption.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Carver Machine Works
ABOUTThe North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions provides services that help manufacturers to:
- Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships
- Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap
- Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
- Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity
- Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities
- Increase Sales and Profits
- Create and Retain Jobs
- Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market
CMW GlobalCMW Global, formerly known as Carver Machine Works, is a Washington, North Carolina–based, engineering-driven metal fabrication and machine shop that delivers world-class services to aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing sectors. Their capabilities span precision machining, custom metal fabrication, mechanical assembly, welding, refurbishment, and reverse engineering. With a strong commitment to quality, CMW Global operates under ISO 9001 and other industry certifications. What sets them apart is their ability to tackle mission-critical, high-value, and complex components while ensuring tight control over process, cost, and schedule.
Dr. Phil MintzDr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP).
Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Lindsey CrispLindsey Crisp is President and CEO of Carver Machine Works (CMW Global). A graduate of East Carolina University with a background in accounting, Lindsey is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Under his leadership, Carver Machine Works has expanded its capabilities and market reach, becoming a model of resilience, innovation, and community-centered manufacturing.
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Jason Alexander, Business Development Manager at Alotech, Inc., a contract manufacturing company based in Goldston, North Carolina.
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Alotech’s journey—from its early roots in remanufacturing to its expansion into machining, engineering, logistics, and product development—reflects both the adaptability and innovation driving North Carolina’s manufacturing economy. The company was recognized with the 2019 NCMEP Manufacturing Leadership Award for innovative practices that improved customer profit margins through remanufacturing process improvements.
Jason shares his remarkable personal and professional path—from a college basketball standout to a leader in sustainable manufacturing—and discusses how determination, mentorship, and community relationships have shaped his career.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | Alotech
ABOUTThe North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions provides services that help manufacturers to:
- Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships
- Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap
- Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
- Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity
- Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities
- Increase Sales and Profits
- Create and Retain Jobs
- Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market
Dr. Phil MintzDr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP).
Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Jason AlexanderDr. Jason Alexander is the Business Development Manager for Allotech, Inc., where he leads efforts to match the company’s broad manufacturing capabilities to customer needs. A former college athlete and educator, Jason’s unique background spans entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, and leadership—earning him the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism in 2022.
In this episode of "Clocking In, Forces of NC Manufacturing," host Phil Mintz, director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), interviews John Weir, the founder and CEO of I2E Group ( I2E stands for "Innovation to Execution”). Based in High Point, North Carolina, the I2E Group specializes in the design, development, and production of a variety of electronic assemblies, including printed circuit boards, electromechanical assemblies, cable assemblies, and harness assemblies.
Weir founded his first company, Nimbus Technologies, in 1993, which was a contract manufacturing business. He later started the I2E Group to offer a more comprehensive service, ranging from early-stage innovation to final execution and manufacturing.
Listeners will gain insights into the status of the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, how I2E Group has succeeded by focusing on "high contact" projects, where they can protect customers' intellectual property and meet stringent quality standards for industries like medical, aerospace, and defense, the challenges of sourcing raw components, and the continued growth of domestic manufacturing.
LINKSNCMEP | IES | I2E Group
ABOUTThe North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions provides services that help manufacturers to:
- Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships
- Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap
- Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
- Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity
- Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities
- Increase Sales and Profits
- Create and Retain Jobs
- Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market
Dr. Phil MintzDr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
John WeirJohn Weir is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of i2E Group, LLC, based in High Point, North Carolina. With a career in manufacturing that began in 1993, he brings more than three decades of expertise in engineering, product development, and executive leadership. John earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and his Master of Business Administration from Cornell University, a foundation that has shaped his approach to innovative problem-solving and scalable manufacturing. Under his leadership, i2E Group has established itself as a trusted partner, supporting product design, prototyping, and low- to mid-volume electronics equipment production across diverse industries including aviation, life sciences, telecommunications, and defense.
From Classroom to Continuous Improvement: Clifton Dial’s Journey in Manufacturing Leadership.
In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Clifton Dial, Operations Manager at WePack Logistics in Laurinburg, North Carolina. From a start in biology and education to a leadership role in manufacturing, Dr. Dial shares his unconventional career path and how his passion for leadership development and continuous improvement ultimately led him to WePack.
WePack Logistics, a 2025 NC Manufacturing Leadership Award winner for Continuous Improvement, specializes in contract packaging, display assembly, and co-manufacturing services for major brands like Campbell’s. Clifton discusses how his background in teaching and consulting shaped his leadership style, the challenges and opportunities of working in a seasonal operation, and how WePack is building a culture of efficiency and standardization to support long-term growth.
Listeners will gain insights into leadership strategies, lean manufacturing practices, and the importance of investing in people and processes for sustainable manufacturing success.
LINKS: NCMEP | We Pack Logistics
ABOUT:
The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)
NCMEP is the official state representative of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and partners with the Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Polymers Center of Excellence, Manufacturing Solutions Center, Hangar6, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles. to help manufacturing companies develop and maintain efficient operations that are well-positioned to grow profitably.
Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, NCMEP provides solutions and services that help manufacturers to:
› Expand Local and U.S. Supply Chain Vendor Relationships
› Access Customized Training Programs to Narrow the Workforce Gap
› Realize the Efficiencies of Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Technology
› Save Time and Energy through Improved Processes, Productivity and Capacity
› Expand Facility and Equipment Capabilities
› Increase Sales and Profits
› Create and Retain Jobs
› Streamline New Product Design, Testing, Development and Time to Market
Dr. Phil Mintz
Dr. Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP).
Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders, and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists, and business development leaders, providing business engagement, assessment, and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Clifton Dial
Dr. Clifton Dial is Operations Manager at We Pack Logistics, located in Scotland County, North Carolina.
Dial’s primary focus at We Pack Logistics is to improve efficiencies and build a culture of continuous improvement through training and development of people and processes. Dial has earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and holds several certifications in lean manufacturing and leadership development. As an organizational consultant, Dial has over 12 years of experience in training and development, focusing on leadership and continuous improvement, specifically in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies across North Carolina. Before joining the We Pack Team, Clifton served as the lead trainer and curriculum developer for Dial Ventures LLC, where he provided customized leadership and continuous improvement training to over 100 industries across the state.
One woman turned a family recipe into an award-winning snack company, combining innovative branding, sustainable growth, and community support to deliver high-quality cheesy snacks and create new business opportunities.
Husband and wife duo of Queen City Engineering and Design launch an in-house manufacturing company to control the development process resulting in greater flexibility, quality, shorter project lead times, and new business opportunities.
Kings Mountain, North Carolina fabric manufacturer STI Fabrics holds up against the test of time.
West Jefferson, NC-based Carolina Timberworks received the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award.
Winston-Salem-based Ziehl-Abegg received the 2024 NCMEP Developing Markets Leadership Award.
Lenior, NC-based Teijin Automotive Technologies received the 2024 Continuous Improvement Leadership Award.
Burlington, NC climbing rope manufacturer wins the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina Award.
Located in Durham, NC, First Flight Venture Center Hangar 6 is an NCMEP partner that focuses on the entrepreneurial and startup space.
The Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) BioWork program trains students for a career with biomanufacturing organizations like Pfizer.
NCMEP Partner, North Carolina Community College System, brings accessible customized training for businesses and individuals to counties across North Carolina.
North Carolina-founded brick manufacturer Triangle Brick Company, produces hundreds of millions of bricks yearly to build America.
The Sanford, North Carolina Bharat Forge facility continues to play a crucial role as the production of electric vehicles increases.
Stanza Machinery owner’s experience paved the way for a successful industrial finishing manufacturer.
Burlington, North Carolina sustainable t-shirt manufacturer, TS Designs, works with natural fibers and earth-friendly printing. Always grown and made in the USA.
Aberdeen, North Carolina military communications manufacturer looks to grow in the industry.
Greenhill Anti-Ballistics Corporation looks to revolutionize how we think about blunt force trauma prevention.
As Emerging Technology Institute grows, the organization remains committed to helping its community flourish with them.
After three generations the Burlington-based electrical supply organization Southland Electrical continues to flourish.
Carolina Utility Customer Association (CUCA) provides a platform for customers to voice their concerns and works towards ensuring fair and affordable utility rates.
Davide Varze and Markus Rusznyak tell the story of how they helped transform Wieland Copper’s Pine Hall, NC plant
Since 2015, the EDPNC has helped North Carolina win more than 500 recruitment and expansion projects, resulting in 67,000 new jobs and $14 billion in announced new investments across the state.
Greensboro, NC manufacturer beachBUB has worked to revolutionize beach umbrella safety.
Lillington, NC-based security door manufacturer Boon Edam, strives to make buildings safer with “smart doors.”
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions’ (IES) North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP), creates opportunities for smart textile innovators.
As our lives become ever connected through smart phones, tablets and other devices, the way we interact has changed dramatically and that even applies to textiles. Textiles come in a wide variety of forms, from clothing to bedding to household items. Smart textiles include the next generation of wearable technologies. They combine textile design with advanced sensing capabilities. This new class of materials promises to revolutionize the future of wearable computing.
In 2021, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) awarded North Carolina State University IES a grant under the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP). The DMCSP is designed to support long-term community investments that strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the defense manufacturing industrial ecosystem. The program was created to recognize communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding defense manufacturing by bringing together key local stakeholders and using long-term planning that integrates targeted public and private investments across a community’s entire defense industrial ecosystem.
In this episode of Clocking In Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. William Reynolds and Dr. Casey Boutwell - two participants in the NC DMCSP sponsored propeller project looking to market their breakthrough smart textile technology.
Founded in 2017, Onda Vision Technologies (OVT) is a North Carolina State University startup company. OVT is a spin-out company from the North Carolina State University’s Advanced Self-Powered Systems Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) Center, which is a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored Nanosystems Engineering Research Center (NERC).
Onda Vision has developed a wearable sensor for real-time hydration monitoring to optimize human performance and health. Onda Vision’s Founder, Dr. William D. Reynolds, Jr Ph.D, has over 20 years of experience in research and development between the commercial and government sector. His management experience extends over fifteen years of building and leading high-performing corporate science and engineering teams. Onda Vision are developing a wearable sensor that has the ability to monitor body hydration in real-time. Dr. Reynolds’ background and expertise cover signal processing, deep learning and algorithm development. Dr. Reynolds has attended the University of Delaware and the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Dr. Casey Boutwell, Ph.D MBA, is the chief executive officer of DermiSense Inc., a startup company commercializing a medical diagnostic technology developed at NCSU that uses a microneedle patch to extract and analyze interstitial fluids in the skin. DermiSense was founded in 2018 when the founding team licensed the underlying IP from NC State University. The company is extending their manufacturing and process optimization to increase patch area and reduce production time while continuing to collaborate with the originating lab at NCSU to explore new sensing applications.
Mintz, Reynolds and Boutwell discuss the history of Onda Vision and Dermisense, Onda Vision’s and Dermisense innovative smart textile technologies, how these technologies can help prevent things like heatstroke and detect diseases and more.
LINKSNCMEP
Onda Vision
DermiSense
ABOUTPhil MintzPhil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bill Reynolds Dr. William D. Reynolds, Jr., has over 20 years of experience in research and development between the commercial and government sector. His management experience extends over fifteen years of building and leading high-performing corporate science and engineering teams. Dr. Reynolds’ background and expertise cover signal processing, deep learning and algorithm development. Dr. Reynolds has attended the University of Delaware and the University of Illinois Chicago.
Casey BoutwellDr. Casey Boutwell, Ph.DMBA, is the chief executive officer of DermiSense. Dr. Boutwell contributes his technical expertise in micro-and nanofabrication, business experience in technology commercialization, intellectual property, and licensing strategy, and professional network in digital health and wearable biosensing systems.
Sanford, North Carolina-based company emerges as one of North Carolina’s leading precision machined components manufacturers
Central Carolina Community College strives to teach relevant skills needed in today’s technology and artificially intelligent-driven workforce.
Dr. Jenni Harris discusses the value the North Carolina Department of Commerce - Workforce Solutions Division provides to North Carolina workers.
In this episode, Phil Mintz sits down with Dyer Bennett, the senior vice president at Sirchie Corp. Bennett is responsible for leading all aspects of the business operation, including purchasing, manufacturing, engineering, inventory management, and order fulfillment/shipping. He also builds teams to meet the Sirchie goals of delivering world-class criminal investigation and security products with excellent customer service. Bennett has a Bachelor’s in textile engineering from Philadelphia University, a Master’s in textile science from the Institute of Textile Technology and an MBA from the Wake Forest School of Business.
An Asheville, North Carolina-based business boasts a 60% rate of repeat customers because of their excellent customer relations.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with Jason Dingess, president and owner of Quis Machinery. Jason began his career as an apprentice to a master furniture maker before attending Inside Passage School of Craftsmen.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz talks with Chris Rojas, the vice president of Fairystone Fabrics. Chris has been at Fairystone for over five years. He started as the plant manager and was later promoted to vice president. Chris is a part of the Wolfpack family and graduated from NC State with a Bachelor's in textile management.
In this episode, Mintz and Dr. Mack discuss the relationship between NCMEP and NCCCS, the journey Dr. Mack took to become the vice president of the NCCCS, what solutions NCCCS provides to North Carolina business and more.
Chapel Hill-based CPAP manufacturer Bleep Sleep is a breath of fresh air in the CPAP industry.
CPAP masks have been a long-standing nightmare for sleep apnea patients. Many CPAP masks on the market tend to leak, are too loud and can even result in the breaking of hair and bald spots due to headgear. On this episode of clocking in, I talked to a CPAP manufacturer who — through innovation — has eliminated many of the problems that are stereotypically associated with CPAP masks.
Established in 2019, CPAP manufacturer, Bleep Sleep is based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Bleep Sleep was rated a Top CPAP in 2019 and 2021 by CPAPAdvice.com. The organization was awarded the 2021 NIH SBIR Grant Award for PAP Innovation by the National Institute of Health.
Listen in as I speak with the Founder, Executive Chairman and Head of R&D/Product Design of Bleep Sleep, Stuart Heatherington and CEO and President of Bleep Sleep Rebecca Holland New. Stuart is the creator of Bleep’s DreamPort solution and a 30-year pioneer in the sleep industry securing approximately 15 sleep apnea product patents during the course of his career. Rebecca has served on the board of Bleep Sleep, LLC since 2019 and directs the company’s advisory board.
We discuss the invention of Bleep Sleep’s Dreamport, how Stuart came up with the concept of Bleep Sleep, how Rebecca optimizes her years of expertise to take Bleep Sleep to new heights and more.
LINKS
NCMEP Bleep Sleep
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Stuart Heatherington
Stuart Heatherington is the creator of Bleep’s DreamPort solution and a 30-year pioneer in the sleep industry securing approximately 15 sleep apnea product patents during the course of his career. As a certified sleep technician, researcher, and sleep apnea patient he has cultivated a deep domain expertise surrounding the 22 pain points that lead to poor CPAP compliance. He is a sleep lab owner with extensive experience in sales, product development and sleep apnea treatment. Stuart has been a DME and sleep apnea patient for 18 years. He has a BA in American History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is RPSGT certified.
Rebecca Holland New
Rebecca Holland New carries a history of helping healthcare and life sciences companies effectively scale operations to capitalize on rapidly growing market segments. Over the course of her career, she has helped several leading companies including Thermo Fisher Scientific/Patheon, Novo Nordisk and Bristol-Myers Squibb, expand market share, execute transformational business strategies and complete several public market transactions. Rebecca has served on the board of Bleep Sleep, LLC since 2019 and directs the company’s advisory board. Rebecca received an MS in Industrial Labor Relations and a BS in Economics, Marketing, and Finance from Cornell University.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Retired William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist Dr. Walden discusses the current supply chain and workforce issues.
Dr. Michael Walden
The pandemic has put the economy into a tailspin, leaving supply chain disturbances, workforce vacancies, and spiked inflation in its wake. But what is exactly going on and how long will it last? We’re speaking to a regular guest— economist Dr. Michael Walden, to make sense of current events.
Dr. Walden is a retired William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the graduate economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and he has been at N.C. State since 1978. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Duke University.
In this episode, we discuss where the NC and US economy stands today. Also, about how different factors including the continued global uncertainty of the virus may continue to have an impact for several months to come and more.
LINKS
Michael Walden NCMEP IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Michael Walden Dr. Michael Walden is a retired William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the graduate economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and has been at N.C. State since 1978. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Duke University.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Laurinburg, NC-based industrial thread manufacturer Service Thread is working hard for the people who work for them.
Service Thread According to a recent Gartner study of employees from across the U.S., only 13 percent of employees are largely satisfied with their work experiences. Additionally, nearly half (46 percent of employees) are largely dissatisfied with their work experiences. With the current labor crisis, many organizations are scrambling to find ways to appeal to the modern American workforce. On this episode of “Clocking In”, we speak with a manufacturer who invests in their employees and attracts talent in an unconventional way.
Established in 1942, Service Thread is a manufacturer based out of Laurinburg, NC that designs, develops and delivers engineered yarns and sewing threads specifically to solve product and processing problems and add value through longer running times or faster processing speeds. Service Thread has been awarded the NC Governor's Award for Workforce Development, Microsoft Award for Customer Service and NC Dept of Labor OSHA Sharp Award. In 2018, Service Thread was recognized with the IFF Greater Good Award. The Greater Good Award is given in recognition of member companies of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) that do good business and strive to be good neighbors, good citizens and good partners.
Phil speaks with the CEO of Service Thread, Jay Todd. Jay has been a part of Service Thread for 25 years and has formally held the positions of CFO and COO. He graduated from Saint Andrews Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s in business administration, marketing and management and Elon University with an MBA in management and finance.
We discuss the services the company provides, the unique way they care for their workforce, what they’re doing to try to remedy the labor shortage and more.
LINKS NCMEP
Service Thread
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jay Todd Jay Todd is CEO of Service Thread. Jay has been a part of Service Thread for 25 years and has formally held the positions of CFO and COO. He graduated from Saint Andrews Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s in business administration, marketing and management and Elon University with an MBA in management and finance. Jay currently serves as the Lumber River Workforce Development Board (LRWDB) Chairman and received the Board Member of the Year Award in 2009, 2013, and 2019. He also serves as the President of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (FIBCA), Chairman of the Laurinburg Scotland Chamber of Commerce in 2019, and as Chairman of the City of Laurinburg’s Downtown Advisory Committee and as Secretary for the Scotia Village Advisory Board. Jay also serves as a board member for the Cape Fear Boy Scouts Executive Council, North Carolina Manufacturing Advisory Partners (NCMEP), Richmond Community College (RCC) Foundation and the Scotland Memorial Foundation. Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Elastic Therapy, Inc., a compression wear manufacturer located in Asheboro, NC, strives to maintain its niche dominance in the hosiery industry.
Elastic Therapy, Inc. It may come as no surprise that a state with a rich textile history also has deep roots in the hosiery industry. According to IBIS World, North Carolina leads the nation in the state with the most hosiery manufacturing mills with 64 mills as of 2021. On this episode of Clocking In, we’re sitting down with a hosiery manufacturer in Randolph county that is paving the way in compression wear.
Established in Asheboro, North Carolina in 1989, Elastic Therapy, Inc. (ETI) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of private label medical compression products. Their products are worn to aid in the treatment and prevention of vein-related disorders. ETI started with 25 associates working to manufacture medical compression products on 30 knitting machines. Today, ETI maintains 250 employees working with more than 200 knitting machines and producing millions of medical hosiery products annually.
Phil speaks with the director of operations and general manager of Elastic Therapy, Chris Harrington. His previous leadership positions include general manager at Technicolor, vice president of operations at Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation and the head of North American operations at Draeger Safety. Chris has a bachelor’s in organizational management from Crichton College, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate of philosophy in Leadership Studies from NC A&T State University.
We discuss the history of ETI, how Chris got into the hosiery industry, how the pandemic has impacted ETI’s game plan, the future of the hosiery industry and more.
LINKS NCMEP
Elastic Therapy Incorporated
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Chris Harrington Chris Harrington is the director of operations and general manager of Elastic Therapy. His previous positions include general manager at Technicolor, vice president of operations at Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation and the head of North American operations at Draeger Safety. Chris has a bachelor’s in organizational management from Crichton College, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate of philosophy in Leadership Studies from NC A&T State University. Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
The NC State University Wilson College of Textiles uses modern technology to take textile manufacturing into the future.
NC State University Wilson College of Textiles What does the healthcare, fashion, defense and advanced material industry have in common? They all utilize textiles as a way to invent. Long gone are the days where the word “textile” exclusively refers to woven fabric. Heart valves, cells and organs and vein grafts are now being created with the use of textiles. Institutions like the NC State University Wilson College of Textiles use cutting-edge technologies to discover innovative uses for textiles.
Located on the NC State campus, the Wilson College of Textiles is the only one of its kind in the United States devoted entirely to textiles. In recent years, companies worldwide have used the assistance of Wilson College to begin or expand operations in North Carolina, bringing hundreds of new jobs and investing more than $100 million — mainly due to access to superior textiles education, research and development.
The Wilson College of Textiles is a member of the North Carolina Extension Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) which uses federal program assistance to provide increased access to technical and management support for smaller manufacturers across the state. Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), one of the Wilson College of Textiles’ units, works with textile manufacturers to advance economic development, educate the workforce, provide testing services, and promote quality improvement.
Phil Mintz speaks with the associate director of Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), Melissa Sharp. Phil and Melissa discuss how Melissa got into the textile industry, highlights of the Wilson College of Textiles’ services, some of the breakthroughs being made with textile innovation, thoughts on where the textiles industry is headed and more.
LINKS NCMEP
NC State University Wilson College of Textiles
Zeis Textiles Extension
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Melissa Sharp Melissa Sharp is the associate director of Zeis Textiles Extension, one of the units of the Wilson College of Textiles. While working with the Wilson College of Textiles, Melissa has been business development coordinator and interim director of marketing and communications. She has experience in business development, economic development, marketing strategies, lean six sigma, textiles, and sustainability. Melissa has a bachelor’s in molecular biology and structural biochemistry.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
NCMEP partner, North Carolina A&T State University collaborates with NC manufacturers to cultivate the engineers of tomorrow.
North Carolina A&T State University Industrial engineers are professional problem solvers. Their role in manufacturing is to find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. In this episode of Clocking In, we sit down with a North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership partner working to connect promising industrial engineering students with NC manufacturers.
The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University is well known for its innovative research, transformational teaching, learning and impactful community engagement. The department completes projects with local industry around topics including process improvement, ergonomics, in-plant logistics and layout. The ISE department has a long-standing capstone senior design project requirement for all BSISE students, plus graduate student project requirements.
Phil Mintz speaks with associate professor and interim chair in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the university, Dr. Paul Stanfield. Dr. Stanfield has consulted, taught, and advised leaders across many government and private sector organizations.While at NC A&T, Dr. Stanfield has taught over 35 different courses in the areas of systems engineering, supply chain/production systems, and leadership development.Dr. Stanfield has a bachelor's in electrical engineering, MBA in business administration, M.S. in industrial engineering and operation research and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering.
In this episode of Clocking In we discuss the solutions NC A&T provides for North Carolina manufacturers, Dr. Stanfield’s professional background, what manufacturers can expect when working with NC A&T students on their senior design projects and more.
LINKS NCMEP
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Paul Stanfield Dr. Paul Stanfield is the associate professor and interim chair in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Stanfield has consulted, taught, and advised leaders from all DoD services, all DHS, and over 30 private sector organizations. He is past president of ABCO Automation, an engineering and consulting firm. While at NC A&T, Dr. Stanfield has taught over 35 different courses in the areas of systems engineering, supply chain / production systems, and leadership development. He has received the Goody’s Powders, College of Engineering, and multiple department teaching awards. Dr. Stanfield has served as principal investigator on over 30 projects and published in Operations Research, European Journal of Operations Research, Computers and Operations Research, Computers and Industrial Engineering, IISE Transactions and International Journal of Production Research. He won the NC A&T Young Investigator award and the IISE UPS Minority Advancement, Young Industrial Engineer in Education, Pritsker Dissertation, and Graduate Research awards.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A second-generation family business located in Charlotte, NC, is keeping the family legacy alive.
Tropical Foods Family businesses are great. They can help transfer family values, grow leaders, strengthen inter-generational bonds and they’re also a large part of the American economy. According to the Family Business Alliance, family enterprises employ 63% of the U.S. workforce. In addition, 75% of all new jobs are generated by family businesses. In this episode of Clocking In, we’re highlighting a second-generation family business that shows no signs of slowing down.
Tropical Foods is a woman-owned family food manufacturer based out of Charlotte, NC. Tropical Foods, established in 1977, manufactures nuts and snack mixes and distributes a wide variety of convenience food products with more than 3,000 selections in their product line. The organization maintains additional operating centers in Orlando, Atlanta, Washington DC, Dallas and Reno.
Phil Mintz speaks with the co-owner and CEO of Tropical Foods, Angela Bauer. Before joining the family business, Angela worked as a marketing specialist for Scientific Atlanta and a logistics coordinator for AJC International. Angela graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in International studies and again with a master’s degree in business administration.
We discuss how Tropical Foods came to be, what Angela Bauer learned from her parents about the family business, how the organization was affected by the pandemic, the process of manufacturing nuts and candies and more.
Watch Tropical Foods video "We Are Truly Good Foods"
LINKS NCMEP
Tropical Foods
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Angela Bauer Angela Bauer is the co-owner and CEO of Tropical Foods in Charlotte, NC. Prior to joining the family business, Angela worked as a marketing specialist for Scientific Atlanta and a logistics coordinator for AJC International. Angela graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in International studies and again later with a master’s degree in business administration.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
High Point furniture manufacturer, Custom Contract Furnishings, pivots to making gowns to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Custom Contract Furnishings According to AARP, the leisure and hospitality industry was the hardest hit by the pandemic. Our guest, whose business has been focused on supplying a booming hospitality industry, saw three months’ worth of orders dry up—virtually—overnight in March 2020. In this episode, we speak with a leader from Custom Contract Furnishings about how they discovered how to utilize their talents and technology to create a competitive protective gown solution for the healthcare industry.
Custom Contract Furnishings is a furniture manufacturer located in High Point, North Carolina. Established in 1989, the organization makes high-quality upholstered seating for the hospitality, healthcare and senior living industries. Custom Contract Furnishings has been featured in national publications such as Network of Executive Women in Hospitality magazine, Hospitality Design magazine and Boutique Design magazine.
Phil Mintz speaks with the vice president of Custom Contract Furnishings, Chris Morris. Chris has worked many years in the hospitality furniture industry and previously worked for a furniture company in Oakland, California as the director of contract furnishing sales. Chris is a locally grown leader who attended Guilford Technical Community College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
In this episode, we discuss how Custom Contract Furnishings has been affected by the pandemic, views of the furniture business, the organization’s pivot to making personal protective equipment (PPE), what the future looks like for the organization and more.
LINKS NCMEP
Custom Contract Furnishings
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Chris Morris Chris Morris is the vice-president of sales at Custom Contract Furnishings in High Point, NC. Chis has worked many years in the hospitality furniture industry and previously worked for a furniture company in Oakland, California as the director of contract furnishing sales. Chris attended Guilford Technical Community College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Spindale North Carolina tissue manufacturer, Cardinal Tissue, works overtime to aid the tissue shortage.
Cardinal Tissue The pandemic caused a sudden surge in hoarding. As a result of people buying tissue in bulk and manufacturers not being able to keep up with the demand, toilet paper became one of the many products that was hard to find during the pandemic. Today I’m talking to a North Carolina tissue manufacturer that rose to the challenge to get tissue back on grocery store shelves.
Founded in 2018, Cardinal Tissue is a specialized contract tissue manufacturer located in Spindale, North Carolina. The organization specializes in providing tissue suppliers with solutions for contract converting, training and supply chain optimization.
In this installment of Clocking In, I speak with the owner and president of Cardinal Tissue, Vince Reese. Vince has been in the tissue-making business for over 25 years and has previously worked as an executive for another North Carolina tissue company.
In this episode, we discuss how Cardinal Tissue came to be, how the organization has worked to get tissue back into stores, the reason behind the shortage and decreased tissue shortage and more.
LINKS NCMEP Cardinal Tissue
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Vince Reese Vince Reese is the founder and president of Cardinal Tissue. Vince has been in the tissue-making business for over 25 years and has previously worked as an executive for another North Carolina tissue company.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A distillery in Statesville, NC, uses their equipment to produce highly sought-after hand sanitizer.
Southern Distilling Company Baking flour, paper towels, bicycles and canning jars. What do all these things have in common? They were all scarce at one point during the pandemic. Another item that was really hard to find on market shelves early in the pandemic and came recommended as a means to slow down the spread of COVID-19 was hand sanitizer. In this interview, I talk to one of the hundreds of distilleries who answered the call to assist with the extreme hand sanitizer shortage of 2020.
Founded in 2013, the Southern Distilling Company is an award-winning distillery located in Statesville, NC. Their product line, Southern Star, was awarded thirteen medals in their first year of production by prestigious international spirits competitions. The company supports farms in their community by making their bourbon, rye whiskey and liqueurs with locally-sourced grain.
In this installment of Clocking In, I speak with the co-owner of Southern Distilling Company, Vienna Barger. Vienna has over 20 years of experience working in the health field. Vienna holds a bachelor’s in child development and family studies from Humboldt State University and a master’s in social work and master's of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina.
In this episode, we discuss how Southern Distilling Company came to be, the legislative obstacles in place throughout the country concerning the production and distribution of liquors, why they began producing hand sanitizer to combat the spread of COVID-19 and more.
LINKS NCMEP Southern Distilling Company
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Vienna Barger Vienna Barger is the co-owner of Southern Distilling Company. Before founding the company in 2013 with her husband Pete Barger, Vienna has over 20 years of experience working in the health field. Vienna holds a bachelor’s in child development and family studies from Humboldt State University and a master’s in social work and master's of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
NCMEP Partner, UNC Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab, collaborates with North Carolina industries to develop solutions
UNC Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab No one likes to waste time, especially manufacturers. If there is a more efficient and faster way to conduct operations, manufacturers want in. This is why the Industrial Solutions Lab at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) works hand-in-hand with NC manufacturers to create processes that make them more productive.
The UNC Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab is one of the nine partners that make up the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). The Industrial Solutions Lab is an extension of the UNC Charlotte Lee College of Engineering which is designed to provide low-cost innovative solutions for North Carolina industries through advanced facilities, technical expertise, senior and graduate student educational projects, research and development and consulting with faculty.
In this installment of Clocking In, I speak with Industrial Solutions Lab director, Jim Hartman. Jim has been with UNC Charlotte since 2017, has more than 20 years in technical businesses across multiple industries and has a background in marketing and business development. Jim has a Bachelor's degree in engineering from Wayne State University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.
In this episode, we discuss the services Industrial Solutions Lab provides, the job responsibilities of Industrial Solutions Lab director, Jim Hartman, how North Carolina organizations have benefited from working with UNC Charlotte engineering students and more.
LINKS NCMEP UNC Charlotte Industrial Solution Lab
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jim Hartman Jim Hartman is the director of the UNC Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab. Jim has been with UNC Charlotte since 2017 and has more than 20 years in technical businesses across multiple industries. Jim has a Bachelor's degree in engineering from Wayne State University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Durham-based NCMEP partner, Hangar6, is working to assist North Carolina manufacturing in achieving their product design goals.
Hangar6
Imagine you manufacture a product advertised to help install doorknobs. Customers order the product, but there’s a major problem. It doesn’t work. Embarrassingly, you recall the product and your organization’s customer loyalty suffers. You do a deep dive and track all your product’s defects back to the fact you missed steps in the prototyping and testing process. This is why prototyping is so important. Proof that a product works as intended in the form of a prototype is the foundation of every successful product. Today, we’re talking to an organization that helps inventors get their designs off of the napkin and onto the assembly line.
Hangar6, a First Flight Venture Center program and NCMEP partner, is the Research Triangle region’s premier prototyping and design assistance space for technology-based companies. Hangar6 enables designing, building and modeling product prototypes using tools, such as 3D scanners, CO2 lasers, metal fiber lasers, CNC mill, 3D printers and more. Hangar6’s partnership with NCMEP provides North Carolina manufacturers access to Hangar6’s additive manufacturing machines with various design capabilities.
In this installment of Clocking In, I speak with Hangar6 shop manager, Sam Dirani. Sam manages the day-to-day operations, equipment at Hangar6. He also trains and works directly with all members to help ensure their project success. In the latter part of the episode, we talk to the program manager, Emil Runge from Hangar6’s parent company, First Flight Venture Center.
In this episode, we discuss the services and technologies Hangar6 provides, what to expect when working with Hangar6, the steps it takes to create a prototype, First Flight Venture grant initiatives and more.
LINKS NCMEP Hangar6 First Flight Venture Center
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Sam Dirani Sam Dirani has been the shop manager at Hangar6 since 2017. He has previously worked as a structural designer and lead fabricator in the industrial design industry. In 2008, Sam created a non-profit children’s science program, Light Up Education LLC, the program has reached 3000+ kids in four states. Sam graduated from North Carolina State University with a BS in Biological Science and a Masters in Industrial Design.
Emil Runge Emil Runge is a program manager at First Flight Venture Center. He has consulted, advised and assisted elected and appointed officials in capacities at the federal, state and local level for nearly 20 years. Emil graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Dr. Michael Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist, discusses how the economy and jobs have been affected by the pandemic.
Dr. Michael Walden
The pandemic has done a number on our economy. The shut down necessary to stem the spread of COVID-19 caused the economy to recede and led to massive layoffs. To dissect the status of the economy, the manufacturing industry and the possible track to recovery, we're talking to someone we had on the podcast a year ago under different circumstances—economist Dr. Michael Walden.
Dr. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist at North Carolina State University. Dr. Walden’s role at NC State is composed of teaching, research and extension responsibilities in consumer economics, economic outlook and public policy. He’s an accomplished author who has published eleven books and over 300 articles and reports.
In this episode, we discuss how the pandemic has affected our economy and North Carolina manufacturing, our economic recovery outlook, the positives and negatives of the US trade deals, Dr. Walden’s new publications and more.
LINKS
Michael Walden NCMEP IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dr. Michael Walden Dr. Michael Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and extension economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the graduate economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and has been at N.C. State since 1978. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Duke University. He has served on several local and state level commissions. He currently teaches ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Mooresville, North Carolina manufacturer, Roush Yates, continuously strives for the competitive advantage.
Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions
Automotive racing is a lot like manufacturing. The team with the best crew, finest parts and most skilled driver often has a competitive advantage. Just like the manufacturer with the best workforce, equipment and leadership has a one-up on their competition. No one knows this better than a manufacturing company that was created to initially support a world-class race engine company that would compete at the highest levels of the motorsports industry, Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions.
In this installment of Clocking In, I sit down with Bob Ucman, director of business development at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions. Bob is responsible for keeping Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions competitive by expanding their reach into various industries. He has over 20 years of manufacturing experience.
Out of the passion for power and performance excellence, Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions was formed. This unit provides world-class CNC machining of complex parts for critical applications into the aerospace, defense, automotive and other high-tech industries. The company is located in Mooresville, North Carolina. It also delivers expertise in multi-axis and waterjet processing of metal and plastic parts with complex geometries.
In this episode, we discuss how the pandemic has affected the work Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions does, how Bob Ucman came to work in the manufacturing industry, how Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions grew from support Roush Yates Engines to become a manufacturing powerhouse of its own and more.
LINKS NCMEP Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bob Ucman Bob Ucman is the director of business development at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions with over 20 years of manufacturing experience. He previously served as a technical sales specialist, application specialist and division manager for several different manufacturing organizations. Bob graduated from Valparaiso University with a BA in Recreation Land Use Planning.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Raleigh-based electronic switch manufacturer, Electroswitch Electronic Products, strives for quality and innovation.
Electroswitch Electronic Products
In business, flexibility is a strength, especially in times of uncertainty. The range of standard and custom products our next guest can design and produce has helped his company find their way through the pandemic. We talk with a manufacturer who takes pride in its product line’s versatility and quality.
In this installment of Clocking In, I sit down with Kyle Martin, the vice president and general manager of Electroswitch Electronic Products. Kyle’s experience covers a broad range of industries with concentrations in design, manufacturing and continuous improvement. Kyle has previously held leadership positions with Bob Barker Company, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Americal Corporation, Chesapeake Display and Packaging, International Jensen/Jensen Sound Labs, and United Technologies. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University Technologies. Kyle serves as the Advisory Board Chair of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
The Electronic Products Unit of Electro Switch Corp is recognized for quality and best-in-class lead-times for their industry-leading switch brands including Stackpole, Shallcross, CRL/Centralab, Eaton Miniature, ASM, OakGrigsby, Gaynor and CW Industries.
In this episode, we discuss how the pandemic has affected the production at Electroswitch Electronic Products, the variety of their products, the importance of electrical switches and how Kyle’s background has prepared him for the leadership role at Electroswitch and more.
LINKS NCMEP Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) Electroswitch Electronic Products
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Kyle Martin Kyle Martin is the vice president and general manager of Electroswitch Electronic Products in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kyle previously held leadership positions with Bob Barker Company, Goodyear Tire &Rubber just to name a few. Kyle serves as the Advisory Board Chair of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
The award-winning injection molding manufacturer in Greensboro, NC, Core Technology, continues to expand despite the pandemic.
Core Technology Molding Corporation
The pandemic has brought an abrupt end to the last 10 years of business and economic growth in the United States, resulting in many manufacturers suffering short and long-term damage. In spite of the situation, we talk with a North Carolina manufacturer that has found opportunities in the face of this adversity.
In this segment of Clocking In, I sit down with Geoff Foster, CEO, president and founder of Core Technology Molding Corporation. Foster has been involved in the manufacturing industry for over 25 years. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Applied Engineering Technology from North Carolina A & T State University. He later went on to be awarded the US Patent # 6,024,591 for a Sealed Electric Connector for Ford Motor Company while working for AMP Corporation in Greensboro. Geoff founded Core Technology Molding Corporation in 2006 and has since turned it into a highly recognized growth company winning many awards including the 2015 and 2018 North Carolina M/WBE Outstanding Achievement Awards and the 2017 BMW Minority Success Story of the Year. In 2019, Foster was named the Greensboro Entrepreneur of the Year.
The company, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, manufactures injection molding solutions for its customers across 150 countries in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, consumer goods, gaming, medical device and outdoor lawn equipment industries.
In this episode, we discuss the founding of Core Technology, how the company has found a way to expand in spite of the pandemic, how the company’s supply chain has been affected by the pandemic, how Foster, being an adjunct professor at NC A & T State University, has given his organization a pipeline to talented, young professionals and more.
LINKS NCMEP Core Technology Molding Corporation
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Geoff Foster Geoff Foster is the President and CEO of Core Technology Molding Corporation and founded the company in 2006. Geoff earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Applied Engineering Technology from North Carolina A & T State University. He was employed as an Engineer with AMP Inc. and Tyco Electronics in roles of Quality Engineering, Product Engineering, Product Manager and Global Product Management. He was awarded US Patent 6,024,591 for a Sealed Electric Connector for Ford Motor Company. Foster went on to complete his MBA at Wake Forest University’s Babcock Graduate School of Business in May 2001.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
In this episode, we talk to someone whose mission it is to help create jobs for North Carolina.
NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development
Jobs are the foundation of any thriving economy. When people have jobs, they get paid. When they get paid, they spend money. When they spend money, it bolsters the economy. This is precisely why organizations like NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development (EAPED) are so vital.
EAPED is instrumental in positioning the university as one of the top public research universities in the state as well as across the country. Their strategic focus towards building and managing relationships and economic partnerships enhances local and global engagement, resulting in new jobs and investment for the state of North Carolina. The group works with a variety of internal and external constituencies to advocate for NC State in achieving its three-tiered mission of teaching, research and extension and engagement.
Specifically, the Economic Development Partnership works across the state to attract new businesses and industries to North Carolina. Director Tom White is instrumental in helping recruit companies to the state while providing real-world opportunities for students and faculty. During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the group brought $1.35 billion in capital investment to North Carolina and helped create 5305 jobs.
In this interview, I sit down with Tom who has been in the commerce industry for over 30 years. Tom has been the director of NC State’s Economic Development Partnership since 2008. He’s previously worked as Department of Commerce, Employment and Training Division and Vice President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
In this episode, Tom explains goals of the Economic Development Partnership, his role, how his mentors shaped who he is today and how the pandemic is affecting economic development in North Carolina.
LINKS NCMEP North Carolina State External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Tom White Tom White has been the director of NC State’s Economic Development Partnership since 2008. He has a long history of working in commerce, serving as director of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Employment and Training Division and Vice President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. White graduated from Duke University with an English degree and later earned his Master’s degree in Public Affairs from North Carolina State University.
Tom White also serves on a variety of boards focused on economic development across North Carolina, including Coalition for Global Competitiveness; Kenan Fellows Advisory Council; Capital Area Workforce Development; UNC System Economic Transformation Council; NC Japan Center; LC Industries for the Blind; Triangle J Council of Governments; Wake County Economic Development; NC Defense Industry; Boundless Impact Community Development and the Institute for Emerging Issues.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Mertek Solutions founder Jerry Pedley combines his love for mechanics, work ethic and turns it into a thriving business.
Mertek Solutions According to Gallup, 70% of Americans view the American Dream as personally achievable. Our next Clocking In guest was a farm boy from Iowa who worked his way through the manufacturing industry and created a prosperous business in which he’s proud to go to every day. He is a manifestation of that dream, showing it is achievable to anyone.
In this interview, I sat down with Jerry Pedley, president and founder of Mertek Solutions. Pedley has been in the manufacturing industry for over 45 years, previously working as an automation engineer, manufacturing manager, division manager and electrician for several different companies. Pedley is well respected in his community, earning a reputation for his compassion as a leader and getting results. He sits on both the NCMEP and Industry Expansion Solutions Advisory Boards.
Mertek Solutions is based in Sanford, North Carolina and provides machine design for manufacturing automation and manufacturing equipment design. Mertek serves as a manufacturing solution consultant to Fortune 500 corporations and start-ups alike. Since its inception, Mertek has only grown, earning over 40 awards in its ten years. Some of these awards include: NC SMT Business and Industry Award 2016; IAF Award for Advisory Board Champion 2017; Superintendent Extra Effort Award 2017 and NC Small Business of the Year 2017.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the creation of Mertek Solutions, Pedley’s outreach efforts, how Mertek Solutions is working through the pandemic and how Mertek Solutions has pivoted to make PPE and more.
LINKS NCMEP Mertek Solutions
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jerry Pedley Jerry Pedley is the founder and president of Mertek Solutions. Pedley founded Mertek Solutions in 2010. Prior to its inception, Pedley worked as a automation engineer, manufacturing manager, division manager and electrician for several different companies. Pedley sits on both the NCMEP and Industry Expansion Solutions Advisory Boards. Pedley is an instrument rated pilot and has a plane at the Raleigh Executive airport.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
In this uncertain time, Ben Kinney from Business North Carolina helps shed light on the current business climate in North Carolina.
Business North Carolina According to North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, there are 179,773 employer businesses in North Carolina. 98.1% of them are small businesses. As of March 24, 2020, many of those businesses were deemed “non-essential” and had to temporarily close to limit the spread of COVID-19. This has resulted in mass layoffs and some businesses are facing the threat of having to permanently close their doors.
For this interview, I sat down with Ben Kinney. Kinney has been a publisher at Business North Carolina (BNC) since 2003 and started his career in advertising sales working for The News & Observer. He is a 1992 graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA in History. Kinney is also the publisher of Southpark Magazine.
BNC is the largest business industry magazine in North Carolina. Located in Charlotte, the magazine has provided relevant business news to North Carolinians for over 35 years. BNC partners with NCMEP every year to help host the annual manufacturing convention, mfgCON. Over the last several weeks, BNC has been reporting on the effects the pandemic is having on North Carolina businesses.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the current manufacturing climate, how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting business, how the small business loan included in the government stimulus package can help NC businesses and more.
LINKS NCMEP Business North Carolina
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Ben Kinney Ben Kinney has been a publisher at Business North Carolina since 2003 and has worked for The News & Observer and South Park Magazine. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1992 with a BA in History.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A small start-up that began in the home of Alisha Navarro, transforms into one of the most respected dog accessory manufacturers in the pet industry.
2 Hounds Design There are almost 90 million dogs currently owned in the US. As dogs have become a more integral part of American life, their owners have sought more quality and variety in their little friend’s accessories. Our next Clocking In guest invested just $500 dollars into starting a company that could supply this new demand.
I had the pleasure of interviewing founder and president of 2 Hounds Designs, Alisha Navarro and several members of her organization's workforce. Alisha founded the company in 2003. She was tired of looking at the same four walls at her white collar job and started sewing dog collars part-time. As she saw increased demand for her products, she was able to quit her job and focus on 2 Hounds Design full time.
The organization is located in Indian Trail, North Carolina, a small suburban town located 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina. 2 Dogs Designs’ no-pull harnesses have been rated as one of the best by professional dog trainers. The company has been mentioned in prestigious magazines such as New York Magazine and Business Insider, as well as pet industry networks.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the founding of 2 Hounds Designs, trends within the pet industry, the growth of 2 Hounds Designs workforce, what’s in 2 Hounds Design’s future and more.
LINKS NCMEP 2 Hounds Designs
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Alisha Navarro Alisha Navarro is the founder and president of 2 Hounds Designs in Indian Trail, North Carolina. She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 2001 where she double majored in physics and mathematics. She went on to Appalachian State where she earned her masters in physics in 2003. Alisha was named Woman of the Year in the Corporate Category by the Women in the Pet Industry Network.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
What started as an engineer’s basement invention has grown into one of the world’s most in-demand pressure regulators.
Equilibar
Pressure control technologies are an integral part of many products and industries. They assist in supplying important operations with the appropriate amount of fluid or gas.Our next guest’s valves and regulators have been dubbed gold standard within pressure control technology manufacturing.
I sat down and talked with Jeff Jennings, inventor, founder and president of Equilibar. Jeff founded the company in 2007. What started in his basement grew into a company whose products are in-demand across the globe. Jeff obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and has been in the manufacturing industry for over 20 years.
The company is located in Fletcher, North Carolina, a town located 25 minutes south of Asheville, NC. Nestled in between the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Equilibar designs innovative flow control, sanitary, back pressure and vacuum control devices.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the founding of Equilibar, how the internet assisted the expansion of Equilibar's customer base, Jeff’s invention of patented pressure control products, how Jeff helped found the DuPont State Forest and more.
LINKS
NCMEP Equilibar
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jeff Jennings Jeff Jennings is the founder and president of Equilibar. Jeff has more than 30 years of engineering experience in manufacturing. He graduated from Clemson University in 1985 Magna Cum-Laude with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. Jeff was the founding president and board member for Friends of Dupont Forest from 2001 to 2007 and is currently a member of a state-appointed committee on the DuPont State Forest Advisory Committee.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Founded by an ex-Navy pilot, VX Aerospace strives to be more than an aerospace manufacturer
VX Aerospace Dynamic composites are extremely useful in the advancement of the aerospace industry. The use of composites can reduce the weight of aerospace vehicles up to 20 to 50%. They have a high thermal stability and are resistant to fatigue and corrosion. With the ever growing demand within the industry for something state-of-the-art, it is vital that aerospace manufacturers be both adaptable and innovative.
VX Aerospace is a dynamic, advanced composites design and manufacturing company located in Morganton, North Carolina. Their facility sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range, an hour’s drive east of Asheville, North Carolina. But VX Aerospace is more than its name would suggest. The organization is beginning to branch out into ATV manufacturing.
I sat down and talked with Robert Skillen, founder and chief engineer of VX Aerospace. He founded the company in 2007, following his stint in the Navy as an F-14 aviation pilot. Robert obtained an aerospace engineering degree while attending the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy.
In this episode of Clocking In, we discuss Robert's background and role within the organization, the philosophy he uses with training the company’s workforce and whether pilots may become obsolete in the future and more.
LINKS NCMEP VX Aerospace
ABOUT Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Robert Skillen is the founder and chief engineer of VX Aerospace. Robert has a degree in aerospace engineering which he obtained from the U.S. Naval Academy. Robert spent his time in the Navy as an F-14 aviator. He has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience which includes work in both Navy depot operations and on the MIL-Handbook-5 and NAS standards committees.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Going 50 years strong, Hoffer Flow Controls hopes to maintain their influence across a broad array of industries
Hoffer Flow Controls Measurements make a difference. The wrong measurement of fluids could make or break a product or operation. In your home, a flow meter determines the difference between a $50 water bill and a $250 water bill. In the aerospace industry, a flow meter determines whether a space shuttle receives enough rocket fuel to launch into outer space.
Hoffer Flow Controls is a flow meter manufacturer in Elizabeth City, North Carolina less than an hour’s drive away from the Atlantic Ocean. From custom designed flow meters made exclusively for the US Navy to standard products made for a wide array of industries, Hoffer Flow emphasizes and prioritizes quality in all of their products.
I sat down and talked with Bob Carrell, President and COO of Hoffer Flow Controls. Bob has been with the company for over 20 years with a background in Mechanical Engineering. From 2014 to 2015, Bob served as the Chairman of the Measurement Control and Automation Association, the largest association of process management, control manufacturers and distributors in North America.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the origins of Hoffer Flow, the core purpose of their organization, how Hoffer Flow sources the workforce they need, Hoffer Flow’s innovative work within the aerospace industry and more.
LINKS NCMEP Hoffer Flow Controls
ABOUT
Phil Mintz Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bob Carrell Bob Carrell is the President and COO of Hoffer Flow Controls. Bob has been apart of the organization for over 20 years. From 2014 to 2015, Bob served as the Chairman of the Measurement Control and Automation Association. Bob graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1979 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Manufacturing packaging in the era of online shopping
Virtually every item we receive comes in a package... whether it’s a brand new computer, clothes you ordered online or food you bought last minute for dinner. Probably most of us put little or no thought into where the packaging is actually manufactured and how it’s made.
Package Craft, located in the sleepy town of Bethel, North Carolina, specializes in manufacturing packaging for various businesses and organizations locally and across the nation. Founded in the 1980s with the help of an economic grant from the town of Bethel, Package Craft has evolved over the years and extended its capabilities like: unique, custom boxes; pads; build-up blocks; die-cuts and partition assemblies.
On this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, we talk to Bryon Murphy, Controller at Package Craft since 2016. His career started as a Controller at an Aerospace organization in Wichita, Kansas where he worked for seven years.
When the organization moved to Kinston, NC, he moved with it. Byron grew up in Greenville, NC, went to East Carolina University and was elated to be back. He worked there for six more years before landing his current job at Package Craft.
In this episode, we discuss the growth of the packaging industry, Byron’s role in the organization, workforce retention strategy, how Package Craft can track the future fate of the local and national economy based on sells, and more.
LINKS
Package Craft
NCMEP
IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Byron Murphy
Byron Murphy has been the Controller and Senior Leader at Package Craft since 2016. Byron graduated from East Carolina University in 2008 with an MBA in Accounting. He worked in the Aerospace industry in Kansas for seven years. Bryon sits on the IES Advisory Board.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
North Carolina State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES)
Established in 1995, the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) is the official representative of the MEP Network in the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms.
Our mission, at NCMEP, is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve their performance. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, we provide solutions and services that help organizations all around our great state.
I got the chance to sit down with a few of NCMEP’s partners during this year’s mfgCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, I talked to Barbara Williams, Associate Executive Director at NC State’s Industry Expansion Solutions (IES).
LINKS
NCMEP
IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Barbara Williams
Barbara Williams is the Associate Executive Director at NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions. Barbara provides implementation, facilitation and training for management system implementation to businesses across North Carolina. Barbara is a senior facilitator with over 20 years of manufacturing and engineering experience; fifteen of those years directly related to training and implementing quality management systems. Barbara has an office in Greensboro, NC. Before joining IES, Barbara worked for the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for seven years as a nuclear safety engineer, where she led teams that improved safety at three nuclear materials processing laboratories. After leaving DOE Barbara started an ISO 9000 consulting business and served companies in the metal fabrication, industrial painting, rubber products, medical/industrial gases, and textiles industries. Barbara has a B.S. in mechanical engineering.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
Established in 1995, the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) is the official representative of the MEP Network in the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms.
Our mission, at NCMEP, is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve their performance. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, we provide solutions and services that help organizations all around our great state.
I got the chance to sit down with a few of NCMEP’s partners during this year’s mfgCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, I talked to Maureen Little, Vice-President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).
LINKS
NCMEP
North Carolina Community College System
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Maureen Little
Maureen Little is the Vice-President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System. She began her work in economic development in 1987 as Director of Business and Industry Services at Stanly Community College, serving her native Union County. After eleven years at the local college level, she joined the North Carolina Community College System in a Regional Director for Economic Development position, working specifically with the colleges in the Charlotte Region. In 2005, she was promoted to the Senior Regional Director position and began working with the 58 North Carolina Community Colleges. Maureen graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Polymers Center of Excellence (PCE)
Established in 1995, the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) is the official representative of the MEP Network in the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms.
Our mission, at NCMEP, is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve their performance. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, we provide solutions and services that help organizations all around our great state.
I got the chance to sit down with a few of NCMEP’s partners during this year’s mfgCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, I talked to Phil Shoemaker, Executive Director of the Polymers Center of Excellence (PCE).
LINKS
NCMEP
Polymers Center of Excellence
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Phil Shoemaker
Phil Shoemaker is the Executive Director of the Polymers Center of Excellence, a NCMEP Partner located in Charlotte, NC. Phil has been at the Polymers Center of Excellence since 2015 where he is in charge of all the center’s operations. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1975 with a BA in History and he went on to get a PhD in History of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)
Established in 1995, the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) is the official representative of the MEP Network in the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms.
Our mission, at NCMEP, is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve their performance. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, we provide solutions and services that help organizations all around our great state.
I got the chance to sit down with a few of NCMEP’s partners during this year’s mfgCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, I talked to Dan St. Louis, Executive Director at The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC).
LINKS
NCMEP
Manufacturing Solutions Center
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Dan St. Louis
Dan St. Louis is the Executive Director at The Manufacturing Solutions Center in Catawba, North Carolina. Dan worked in the sock industry, automotive textiles and yarn industry for 30 years. Member of the NC District Export Council, US Dept. of Commerce Export Trade Advisory Committee, the Hosiery Association Board of Directors. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a BS in Textile Technology.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
Established in 1995, the North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership (NCMEP) is the official representative of the MEP Network in the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms.
Our mission, at NCMEP, is to help small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve their performance. Through combined resources and collaboration efforts, we provide solutions and services that help organizations all around our great state.
I got the chance to sit down with a few of NCMEP’s partners during this year’s mfgCON in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this episode, I talked to John Loyack, Vice President of Global Business Services at The Economic Development Partnership of NC (EDPNC).
LINKS
NCMEP
EDPNC
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
John Loyack
John Loyack is the Vice President of Global Business Services at The Economic Development Partnership of NC (EDPNC). In this role, John leads the department composed of the EDPNC regional offices, the International Trade Division and the small business counseling team known as Business Link North Carolina. This team supports North Carolina businesses in everything from starting up a new enterprise to expanding an existing business to the development of export strategies aimed at increasing international sales. John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Spanish from Gettysburg College and holds an MBA in International Business Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A service disabled veteran owned company manufactures and supplies the military with unique vehicles
Carolina Growler, a father and son business founded by a veteran, has an important mission: Ensure the US military has safe, appropriate and high-performance forms of transportation. It is their utmost priority.
In 2004, Carolina Growler was awarded a contract to produce over 600 Internally Transported Vehicles (ITVs), Light Attack Vehicles (LAVs). In 2011, Carolina Growler was awarded a $50 million dollar grant from the US government to assist in manufacturing specialized vehicles for the military. Their modified vehicles have been on display in Center Court of The Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Currently, Carolina Growler owns four facilities comprising over 134,000 square feet of production and warehousing space. Since 2007, as a company in a HUB-zoned, Carolina Growler has employed over 150 full-time locals.
On this episode of Clocking In, we speak to John Crews, son of founder Terry Crews and current President of Carolina Growler. I talk with John about the story of the inception of Carolina Growler, what kind of vehicles Carolina Growler makes and what goes into those vehicles and the continued growth of their organization and more.
LINKS
- NCMEP
- IES
- Growler
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
John Crews
John Crews is the President of Carolina Growler, Inc. He’s been apart of the organization since 2010 where he started out as Vice President and Director of Operations. He was promoted to President in 2016. John earned a Bachelors from Roanoke College in 1993 and went on to get his Masters at George Washington University in 2000.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A NC camping gear manufacturer is looking to create cutting edge camping supplies for 21st century campers.
At SylvanSport, “originality” is the name of the game. National Geographic Adventure dubbed their Go Camping Trailer the “Coolest.Camper. Ever.” Founded in 2004, SylvanSport wanted to make outdoor adventure accessible to everyone. They have reinvented the pop-up camper and that product has become one of the best constructed camping and gear trailers on the market.
Through the years, SylvanSport has been awarded the #1 RV for Outdoor Adventure; Men’s Journal Gear of the Year; Internal Aluminium Design Extrusion Grand Prize; AdvantageWest Lone Eagle Award and has been an Edison Award Finalist.
While their headquarters is in Brevard, North Carolina, SylvanSport is represented by more than 50 distributors around the US. They also host camping, outdoor and RV-related events throughout the year, across the country.
On this episode of Clocking In, I sit down with Patrick Kennedy Vice President of Operations at SylvanSport and chat with Patrick about the kind of work SylvanSport does, Patrick’s professional journey in working with SylvanSport, the origins of SylvanSport and more.
LINKS
NCMEP
IES
SylvanSport
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Patrick Kennedy
Patrick Kennedy has been the Vice President of Operations at SylvanSport since 2012. He develops, optimizes, and maintains manufacturing and business processes for a forward-thinking company that strives to help make people's outdoor experiences easier and more comfortable. Patrick graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a BSME in Engineering and went on to earn an MBA from James Madison University.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A FABRIC MANUFACTURER HOPES TO EXPAND ON NORTH CAROLINA’S TEXTILE RICH PAST
Their values are: “Quality, innovation and reliability” and since Fairystone Fabrics has been in business for a little more than 50 years, I’d say they’ve executed their values well. Fairystone Fabrics is a textile manufacturer located in Burlington, North Carolina.
Fairystone Fabrics takes pride in taking care of their human workforce. The organization currently has 55 employees that have been with them for over 10 years, that’s a 47% retention rate.
Fairystone Fabrics specializes in tricot warping, knitting and sueding. The company’s machinery operated 24/7 or 24/6, working around the clock to create quality textiles. 0% of Fairystone Fabrics waste ends up in landfills; all of the waste products are reused, recycled or used as fuel for power plants.
On this episode of Clocking In, I speak with Jim Bryan, President of Fairystone Fabrics about how Fairystone got started, what kind of fabrics they make, how they’re able to continuously expand their organization and more.
LINKS
- NCMEP
- Fairystone Fabrics
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Jim Bryan
Jim Bryan has been the President of Fairystone Fabrics since 1996. He has a history of working in textiles, having worked previously at Burlington Industries and Klopman International. Jim has been recently recognized in the Triad Business Journal, Business NC, Burlington Times – News, Alamance News, Greensboro News & Record for business accomplishments and celebration of our 50th year Anniversary for Fairystone Fabrics, Inc. Jim earned a BA in Marketing from Florida Southern College in 1975.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Discover how a North Carolina fishing rod manufacturer is hoping to take the fishing rod industry by storm.
The economy was rough after Matthew Cashion graduated from Virginia Tech in 2009. With a doctorate in chemistry and concentration in advanced materials science, he was having no luck finding full-time employment.
Frustrated and unemployed Matthew received a $2,000 loan from his father and decided to put it all on the line and start a fishing rod business in Stanford, NC. He called the new startup Cashion Fishing Rods. He then used his knowledge of chemistry and advanced materials science to create a fishing rod like no other—one that increases physical performance while maintaining extreme sensitivity.
Today, Cashion Fishing Rods has over 45 distributors in the US. The manufacturer hosts annual fishing tours and has award-winning professional fishermen using Cashion rods in fishing tournaments.
On this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, Matthew discusses what motivates him in the business world, the intricate details that go into Cashion products and how Cashion has grown their brand. We also go on the floor to talk to some of their workforce who are assembling Cashion fishing rods by hand.
LINKS
Cashion Fishing Rods
NCMEP
IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Matthew Cashion
Matthew Cashion is the owner and president of Cashion Fishing Rods. Matthew Cashion founded Cashion Fishing Rod in 2009 after he received a Ph.D in chemistry with a concentration in advanced materials from Virginia Tech. Matthew earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from East Carolina University and went on to get his Master’s at the University of Texas at Austin. credits help from his father and faith among reason for his thriving business.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
A sit-down interview with economist, Dr. Michael Walden to discuss the current and future condition of North Carolina manufacturing
When people talk about the general economy and the economics surrounding the manufacturing industry, we may get lost in all the technical and jargon-riddled analysis. We want answers, but due to the variable nature of the economy and especially the manufacturing industry, that might not be so easy. But what we can do is talk to someone who can simplify the most complicated economic concepts and current events. That’s why I sat down with the guy who has the scoop, N.C. State University economist Dr. Michael Walden.
Dr. Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the Graduate Economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and he has been at N.C. State since 1978.
Dr. Walden has teaching, research and extension responsibilities at NC State in the areas of consumer economics, economic outlook and public policy. He has published eleven books and over 300 articles and reports, including the books North Carolina in the Connected Age and North Carolina Beyond the Connected Age: The Tar Heel State in 2050 in 2017, both published by the UNC Press.
As a result of his extensive expertise, Dr. Walden has a bird’s-eye view on various economic outcomes. I was eager to pick his brain about the issues that matter to us as North Carolinians and especially for those in the manufacturing sector.
In this episode of Clocking In, Dr. Walden explains, in layman's terms, the current state of our national economy, the condition North Carolina Manufacturing is currently in, the ongoing trade war and more.
LINKS
Michael Walden
NCMEP
IES
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Dr. Michael Walden
Dr. Michael Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the Graduate Economics faculty with The Poole College of Management. His Ph.D. degree is from Cornell University and he has been at N.C. State since 1978. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Duke University. He has served on several local and state level commissions. He currently teaches ARE 201 Introduction to Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Rocky Mount based Tri-County Industries works to enhance the lives of people who are disabled or disadvantaged through work assessment, job training and placement. The organization has been in business for more than 50 years and touches the lives of many in their community.
Tri-County Industries is a unique blend of private enterprise, government funding and local volunteers working together since 1966. Its philosophy of rehabilitation is to help people develop a strong work discipline and a sense of self-worth while obtaining hands-on job experience in a realistic work environment.
We helped Tri-County Industries with a Lean implementation and their ISO 9001 certified management system awhile back, so I wanted to get back and see their 85,000 square feet of workspace and their amazing recovery after Hurricane Matthew. I got to chat with their President Brenda Cogdell and meet some of their workforce that is ready to tackle almost any assembly job, whether it’s fiber-optic kits, sales sample kits, product assembly or direct mail operations.
LINKS
Tri-County Industries
Rebuilding After Hurricane Matthew
NCMEP
IES
ISO 9001
Lean
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Brenda Cogdell
Brenda Cogdell has been President of Tri-County Industries since 2000. She is dedicated to helping others reach their maximum potential and truly understands the unique needs of others.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.
Find out how one NC manufacturing company is helping architects and interior designers make a statement with their trend-setting designs.
Laminate is no longer your grandmother's gold fleck formica countertops. There is one innovative North Carolina company helping you change the way you think about laminates, one solution at a time.
ATI Laminates is a family owned and operated manufacturing facility located in Greensboro, North Carolina. They are maniacally focused on developing innovative surfaces for the hospitality, retail, healthcare and institutional markets.
We had helped the company with their certified management system awhile back, so I was curious to share with others how a company that started out as a hinge distributor for a German company could now be operating as a leading, international laminate giant. I decided to return to their offices in Greensboro to find out.
You’ll understand why architects and interior designers who want to create spaces with eye catching color, texture and design turn to ATI for their innovative and decorative surface solutions.
You’ll also catch a glimpse of how a successful leadership transition happens in a family owned and operated manufacturing business. Plus, get some tips about maintaining a committed workforce.
LINKS
ATI Laminates
NCMEP
IES
ISO 9001
ABOUT
Phil Mintz
Phil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state.
Tara Burgio
Tara Burgio is President of ATI Laminates. She has held that role since 1994. Her focus is continuous improvement through continual training, process improvements, being an advocate for community service and maintaining environmentally friendly manufacturing. During her time as president, the company earned both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.