The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast by Ballantine Digital

Frank Lamb joins The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast to share his unconventional path from uncertainty to a 40-year career in industrial automation. He explains what manufacturers should know about PLCs, robotics, AI, and the risks of scaling too fast, offering practical advice for engineers, entrepreneurs, and the next generation of technical talent.

Jeff Steele shares how a series of career experiences prepared him to step in, buy a manufacturing company during a chaotic period, and lead it forward. In this episode, you’ll pick up lessons on navigating uncertainty, leading through crisis, and building a business that lasts.

In this episode, Ryan Cote talks with Steven Reif of Roof Maintenance Systems about what it really takes to succeed in sales. Steven shares practical lessons on cold calling, persistence, listening, and building trust, with real-world advice that sales and business development professionals can put to work right away.

Valerie Menges, CEO of Walenta Grinding, shares how she led a fourth-generation precision grinding company through succession, modernization, and ISO-driven quality. You’ll learn how to prioritize talent and accountability, earn respect through expertise, and build a business that lasts.

Eric Seiberling (VP of Sales & Marketing at MXD Process) joins Ryan Cote to share practical lessons on industrial marketing, leadership, and using AI without the fluff. They cover MXD’s “most helpful” brand promise, how custom GPTs helped speed up quoting, and why “simplicity wins” when you’re trying to grow in manufacturing.

Rick Van Rikxoort explains how focus and inventory became the engine that scaled his FRP grating business across North America. He shares the specific decisions behind stocking deep, expanding branch locations to reduce freight friction, and building a reputation around speed and reliability. You will also hear his approach to hiring and leadership, including why he prioritizes attitude over resume when building teams to run new branches.

A $4 part stuck overseas stopped sales of a $400 vacuum and pushed Spencer Loveless to find a better way. In this episode, Spencer - CEO of Dustless Technologies and Merit3D - shares how that moment led to scalable 3D printing for mass production, when additive beats injection molding, and why the next decade could reshape U.S.-based manufacturing. He also reflects on leadership, legacy, and building modern manufacturing jobs in Utah.

Ryan Cote sits down with ag-tech founder Dave Swain to unpack his journey from an Indiana farm to leading Vision Technology Management. They talk about adapting to change, surviving a full year with zero revenue, and why communication and relationships matter just as much as the latest tools. 

Video pro Robert Weiss joins Ryan Cote on the Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast to share how manufacturers win with message-first videos, smarter planning, and AI polish. Learn to turn one shoot into sales, training, and industry-specific assets that drive revenue. 

In this episode, we speak with Paul Kiesche from Aviate Creative about real world lessons on branding, AI, and resilience. Specifically, how a focused manufacturer brand boosts sales and hiring, how to show up in Google and ChatGPT, and why AI is a tool not a replacement. He also covers losing six clients in two days, the power of niching, and simple brand upgrades.

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote talks with Don Fuchs, CEO of Harris Thermal Transfer Products. Don shares his unique career journey from law and legal tech entrepreneurship to leading a 140-year-old family-owned manufacturing company.

In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Morrill, Marketing Mgr at Spartronics, about her journey into manufacturing, networking, and "looking for the duct tape" when solving customer challenges. She shares lessons from being a one-person marketing team, how AMA fuels her growth, and why AI is best as an assistant (not a replacement).

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Ben Hanfling, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cities Metal Products, a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in roofing and building products. Ben discusses the importance of listening to customers, empowering employees, and the strategic thinking required to increase revenue in a competitive market.

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Mike Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications at NJMEP. We discuss how manufacturers can utilize marketing, adapt to AI, and thrive despite limited resources.

In this episode, we speak with Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente, a company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jon offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the evolving landscape of battery technology.

In this episode we sit down with Sky Huddleston, a technologist and engineer specializing in precision machining and fabrication. Sky shares his journey from fixing engines as a teenager to developing a highly efficient internal combustion engine. He discusses his approach to innovation, overcoming regulatory challenges, and the importance of pursuing excellence in business.

In this episode, Ryan Cote sits down with Corey Pickett from ITAC, the NYC chapter of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Corey discusses the importance of niche specialization, adapting to industry changes, and the rewarding aspects of supporting local manufacturers.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Duff, co-founder and CEO of Pure Prime Solutions, an engineering firm specializing in innovative solutions for industrial manufacturing. Nick shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance, and how he’s leveraging AI and other technologies to drive innovation in the manufacturing space.

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, Ryan Cote sits down with Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, a family-owned business specializing in the manufacturing of metal roofing and other building materials.

In this episode, we speak to Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder and CEO of Gripp, a software solution designed for manufacturers, farmers, and warehouse operators to streamline their operations. Tracey shares insights on his journey, the challenges of implementing new technology, and the lessons learned from his farming roots that shaped his career.

In this episode we sit down with John Jerit, CEO of American Paper Optics, the world’s largest manufacturer of paper 3D glasses. From the Super Bowl to NASA, John shares the fascinating story of how he started his business, the challenges of scaling it, and the lessons learned from 34 years of growth.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Earley, the President of Premier Magnetics. With nearly two decades in the company, Dennis shares his journey from the surf industry to electronics, insights on leadership, and strategies for business growth.

This podcast interview features Cris Wingate, the Vice President of Maxivolt, a 35+ year manufacturer of transient voltage surge suppressors. With 20 years of experience in the family-owned business, Cris shares valuable insights on leadership, employee retention, and personal growth.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Cathy Rinne and her daughter Lauren, who work together at their family business, Flex-Line Automation. The company specializes in custom-designed automation solutions and was co-founded by Cathy, her husband Rhett, and her in-laws Orville and Dorothy back in 1984.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Scott Sadowski, the co-founder of SEE Forming, a company that works in the thermal forming industry, specializing in the production of hard, rigid plastic products. 

In this episode, we speak with Pete Widry, founder of P6 Aviation. From leaving behind a career in New York advertising to becoming a commercial pilot, Pete’s story is one of bold decisions, calculated risks, and building a business from the ground up.

Our latest podcast episode features a conversation with Robert Oswald Jr., the fourth-generation Owner and President of Oswald Supply. Robert shares the joys and challenges of running a family business and how the company is adapting to modern demands.

In this episode of The Manufacturer's Mindset Podcast, host Ryan Cote sits down with Duncan Lowder and Joe Selvig, co-founders of FixturFab, to explore their entrepreneurial journey. Together, they dive into the origins of FixturFab—a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of custom circuit board test fixtures. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs Duncan and Joe encountered while building FixturFab from the ground up, along with actionable advice on entrepreneurship, persistence, and thriving in a niche market. 

Our latest podcast episode features a conversation with Collin Taylor, a serial entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the drone industry since 2013. He shares his journey and insights into the world of robotics manufacturing via his company Revolute Robotics.

In this podcast episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Julie Conway, a master glass artist and lighting designer who has been manufacturing molten glass products for over 26 years. Get ready to be inspired by Julie's remarkable journey, her commitment to sustainability, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of glass artists.

The podcast episode features an interview with Wayne Woodard, the founder and CEO of Argonaut Manufacturing Services, a contract manufacturing company that serves the life sciences industry. Wayne shares the story of starting Argonaut after a long career in operations and supply chain management.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Patrick Anquetil, CEO of Portal Instruments, a medical device manufacturer. We discuss insights, challenges and lessons learned from his journey of revolutionizing needle-free injections.

This podcast episode features a conversation with German Sanchez, President of Allied Tool Products, a company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of cutting tools. 

This podcast episode features a conversation with David Allen, the owner of Allen Manufacturing, a family-owned business in Lewiston, Maine. Specializing in cutting and sewing custom products such as dog collars, leashes, tote bags, and duffel bags from leather and other materials, Allen Manufacturing has grown by prioritizing people, innovative problem-solving, and a genuine passion for their work.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Angela Phillips, the CEO of Phillips Tube Group, a family-owned steel tube manufacturing company based primarily in Ohio. Angela's story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep passion for both her family's legacy and the manufacturing industry.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Austin Malm, the CTO of HID SIPS (currently rebranding as SYPS). They manufacturer products that help quench the nighttime hydration needs of those who need it the most.

The podcast episode features a conversation with Mike Cunningham, the National Business Development Manager for Litania Sports Group, a company that manufactures sporting goods equipment in Illinois. Latania is made up of two major brands - Gill Athletics and Litania Athletics.

This podcast episode features a conversation with Roderick Eslinger,  Director of Sales and Marketing for California Air Tools, a small manufacturing company based in San Diego, California.  Roderick has been with the company for about 3 years, having previously worked in the Navy as a sub-hunter and then in various technical and sales roles in the printing and manufacturing industries. 

This podcast episode features a conversation with Doug Sherman, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HBControls, a small manufacturer based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Doug has been in the industrial electronics industry for around 30 years, starting his career after the military.