Why the Best B2B Product Innovation Starts With Using Your Own Product

What does real B2B product innovation actually look like inside a long-standing U.S. manufacturing company? In this episode of The Marketing Blender Show, Dacia Coffey sits down with Ryan McConnell, President of Matic and the manufacturer behind the Maxx Air and QAire brands, to talk about what it takes to stay relevant, competitive, and customer-focused in today’s market. From 75+ years of manufacturing history to modern brand building, customer feedback, and product development, this conversation explores how B2B companies can evolve without losing what made them successful in the first place. Ryan shares how hands-on product use, direct customer insights, social media feedback, and even AI-powered review analysis are shaping the future of innovation at Matic. One of the biggest takeaways: sometimes the best ideas do not come from a boardroom. They come from getting on the roof, installing your own product, and seeing firsthand where the customer experience breaks down. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why B2B leaders should regularly use their own products -How customer feedback can uncover product gaps faster than expensive research -What U.S.-based manufacturing makes possible for faster innovation and prototyping -How Amazon and global competition are changing product launch strategy -Why authentic brand content still matters in the age of AI -What today’s B2B manufacturers need to do to stay relevant with younger buyers This episode is packed with insights for B2B marketers, manufacturers, brand leaders, and business owners who want to build stronger brands, create smarter products, and market with more confidence.   🔗 Find out more about The Marketing Blender   themarketingblender.com