Episode 17: Mary Buchzeiger

In this episode of the BLTnT podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International. Mary shares her tough and unique journey in the automotive industry, from her early days of "work camp" instead of summer camp, to driving her company to success through economic downturns and industry upheavals. With a candid recount of the highs and lows, for example relocating her family to China to oversee business expansion—just before a pandemic ensued! Mary's story is a testament to resilience. She dives into the complexities of international business, the effects of tariffs, and her recent ventures into reshaping Lucerne's operational strategies. Episode highlights: Building the Future in Detroit: Mary shares exciting developments about Lucerne International's forthcoming manufacturing plant in Detroit, projected to create approximately 375 jobs. Leadership During Crisis: Reflecting on global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary shares her approach to leadership during times of uncertainty. She talks about maintaining transparency, making difficult decisions to ensure business continuity, and the importance of caring for employee well-being during such times. Looking Ahead: Mary talks about the future of Lucerne International, including new ventures, potential markets, and her vision for the company’s continued growth and innovation in the automotive industry. This episode hits on all the areas of BLTnT – BUSINESS, LIFE, TECHNOLOGY, and TRANSFORMATIONS -- with an intimate glimpse into the personal life of a leader with grit navigating through the good, bad, and the ugly. Let’s dig in!!