Cast Polymer Radio

On this episode, Dan Neumann joins the podcast to discuss last week's Composites Fly-In in Washington, DC. This event provided a unique setting for members of the Composites/ Cast Polymer industry to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership and educate them on the importance and capabilities of these materials.  The post 252: Recapping the Composites Fly-In with Dan Neumann first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we feature an interview with Derek DeGeest, our POLYCON 2025 keynote speaker. He’ll share his thoughts about automation and advanced robotic technology in the composites industry.  Derek is the president at DeGeest Corporation, a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in automation and finishing. They've been helping manufacturers solve problems since 1976.... The post 251: Talking Composites Automation with POLYCON Keynote Speaker Derek DeGeest first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we’ll feature an interview with Phil Jones, author of Exactly What to Say on the show to discuss the magic words for influence and impact. Phil entered the world of business at the tender age of 14. With nothing more than a bucket and sponge, he went from single-handedly washing cars at weekends to hiring... The post 250: Exactly What to Say: Magic Words for Influence and Impact – Interview with Author Phil Jones first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we’ll be discussing the hidden drivers of consumer choice with guest expert Nika Kabiri. She has spent 25+ years studying decision-making, with 15 of those in consumer insights. She has taught Decision Science at the University of Washington, and her expertise in decision-making has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the...

On this episode, Jennifer Towner provides a highlight of our mid-year networking event, organized annually by the ICPA. It takes place next week, April 3-4, and allows ICPA members to connect over two days, engaging in strategic discussions, exploring business solutions, and participating in fun social activities. The post 248: Discussing the Buzz 2025 with Jennifer Towner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the release of the new Basic Composites Manual, now available in an enhanced, interactive Digital Edition. This latest update also includes a refined logo for the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program, reflecting the program's refreshed content and commitment to excellence. The new Digital Edition offers a highly engaging and... The post 247: ACMA Launches New Interactive Composites Manual first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Jeff Austad join the podcast to discuss the upcoming Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course on June 4-5 in Kansas City, MO at Polynt Composites Application Center.  This 2.5-day, Certified Composites Technician Instructor Course is an opportunity for current CCT certified individuals to become qualified instructors. The course will combine... The post 246: Discussing The Upcoming CCT Instructor Course in June first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode of Cast Polymer Radio, we feature an interview with Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Heinzen. They are the new owners of American Bluegrass Marble, a family-owned and operated business since 1978. Louisa and Kim bought the business back in June of 2024 and will share what attracted them to this kind of company.... The post 245: Interview with Louisa Lewandowski and Kim Heinzen of American Bluegrass Marble first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we'll discuss some exciting news in the world of closed mold technology. McCLARIN Composites has begun a development partnership with ExxonMobil's Proxxima business aimed at accelerating the growth of high-speed closed-mold composite manufacturing. For mold manufacturers in our industry, this is a huge step in the adoption of RTM processes.  Mike Gromacki,... The post 244: McCLARIN Composites and ExxonMobil Join Forces to Revolutionize High-Speed Closed Mold Technology first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Dan Neumann of the ACMA joins us again for our final podcast of 2024. We'll discuss the effect of the incoming administration's policies on cast polymer and composite manufacturers in the US.  Listeners who want to stay up to date with regulations and other policy concerns, and are not a member of the ACMA... The post 243: How Will the New Administration in 2025 Impact Our Industry? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

This episode features an interview with Darren Suggs, co-owner of Marble Masters. Darren was this year’s Royce Newsom Pioneer Award Winner, becoming the 9th recipient of this honor. He and his brother purchased their business during the summer of 1980 and have been at it ever since. The post 242: Interview with Darren Suggs, This Year's Royce Newsom Pioneer Award Winner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we feature an interview with Aleasha Bahr. She is the founder of the Black Sheep Sales Method™ and hosts a podcast called Sales is NOT a Dirty Word. Aleasha has over 15 years of experience customizing sales strategies to your personality, audience, and service. Her methods empower business owners to effortlessly convert up to 80%... The post 241: Black Sheep Ideas to Make Sales Effortless – Interview with Aleasha Bahr first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I feature an interview with Maurice Conti. He is among the architects of cutting-edge emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, immersive reality (AR/VR/XR), advanced robotics and manufacturing, and technology for sustainability.  Maurice was also the keynote speaker at CAMX 2024 this year.  The post 240: Discussing AI with Futurist, and Technology Strategist Maurice Conti first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Paul Fayad joins the podcast. He is the co-author of a new book called Shaping a Winning Team: A Leader’s Guide to Hiring, Assessing and Developing the People You Need to Succeed. Companies and organizations cost themselves more than a quarter of their annual earnings with each bad hire. They rely on failed interview... The post 239: Interview with Paul Fayad, Author of “Shaping a Winning Team” first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this epsiode, Karl Wadensten joins me to discuss lean manufacturing and the “science of vibration”. Karl is the president and CEO of VIBCO Vibrators with offices in Rhode Island and Canada, and licensors in the United Kingdom and Australia. VIBCO serves over 360,000 customers worldwide. Karl was also our keynote speaker at POLYCON 2024.  The post 238: Interview with Karl Wadensten of VIBCO Vibrators first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Drew Simmons of Magnum Venus Products (MVP) discusses their latest automated spray technology. It’s not your typical robot. There is no programming required! This technology is designed to simplify the automation process. You can learn more about it at https://www.mvpind.com/product/self-learning-robotic-system.  The post 237: Discussing Magnum Venus Product's New Automated Spray Technology first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Chris Hurdleston & Kay Rehberg join me to discuss some upcoming changes with ACS. ACS International is a leading supplier of raw materials for composite industries such as cast polymer, solid surface (counter tops and more), and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). You can find them at https://www.acsinternational.com. The post 236: Talking with Chris Hurdleston & Kay Rehberg of ACS International (Dorfner USA) first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

ACS International Products, a leading supplier of raw materials for the cast polymer, solid surface composites, epoxy flooring, and building materials industries, will officially transition to Dorfner USA by the end of this year. This transition marks an important milestone for the company, as Dorfner USA will further expand its' operations across North America.  On... The post 235: A New Era of U.S. Growth and Innovation – Interview with Mirko Mondan CEO of Dorfner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Rob Germann join me to discuss the ACMA's work with the US Army Corps of Engineers on a personalized training program located at Creative Composites Group's facility up in Dayton, OH. The training is based off the CCT VIP program, and they'll discuss how it is being used and... The post 234: ACMA's CCT Training with the US Army Corps of Engineers first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we share a past interview with Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault, Inc. His company has a rich history and goes back to Scott's great-grandfather, John Mackenzie who made funeral coaches and caskets in the late 1800s. Today, MacKenzie Vault is proud to be a trusted name for cultured marble, granite, onyx, and stone-tone cremation... The post 233: Interview with Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault Inc. first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we feature an interview with Josh Shires, CEO of Fyous discussing their latest technology for tooling. It's called Polymorphic Moulding, an automated rapid shapeshifting molding technology that allows users to create accurate molds for tooling and will reduce time to market for a huge array of products. Their technology uses 28,000 digitally... The post 232: What is Polymorphic Moulding? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Nick Castelucci and Dave Palenchar join the podcast to give an update on Prestige Tooling, a custom composite mold shop. These guys have a great team who've built their lives around making the bestquality composite molds that money can buy. On any given day they're making solid surface molds, cultured marble and... The post 231: Talking Composite Molds with Nick Castelucci and Dave Palenchar first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Marilyn LaVergne joins me on the podcast to discuss sustainability trends in Kitchen and Bath Design. Marilyn holds a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and has earned a Certificate of Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She has over 12 years of experience in Kitchen &... The post 230: Sustainability Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I’ll highlight a brand new book that every business owner, sales professional, or marketer should be reading. The title is Made You Look: How to Use Brain Science to Attract Attention and Persuade Others. In it, Carmen Simon, a cognitive neuroscientist uses advanced technologies to study where people look, for how long, what type... The post 229: An Update on the New Digital Cast Polymer Connection Magazine first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we’ll feature an interview with Markus Buehler, McAfee Professor of Engineering at MIT.  He’ll be discussing how they are using AI & machine learning to create stronger materials.  For engineers developing new materials, there are billions of different possibilities to sort through. Lab tests & detailed computer simulations to determine their exact properties... The post 228: Can A.I. Be Used to Develop Stronger Composite Materials? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I feature an interview with Daniel Den. He’s the co-author of the new book Ideas That Influence. His book aims to help business owners discover successful marketing ideas that break through the noise of the 9,999 ads their customers are exposed to every single day. You can learn more by visiting https://www.bigideasbox.com. The post 227: How to Create the Perfect Marketing Message That Cuts Through The Noise first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I feature an interview with Pravin Luthada, CEO of Addcomposites. He’ll be discussing AFP (automated fiber placement) technology and its applications for composite manufacturers.  The post 226: Discussing Advanced AFP (Automated Fiber Placement Technology) with Pravin Luthada first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we feature an interview with Vanessa Bohns. She is the author of the bestselling book You Have More Influence Than You Think. In her book, Vanessa draws from her research to illustrate why we fail to recognize the influence we have, and how that lack of awareness can lead us to miss opportunities... The post 225: Why You Have More Influence Than You Think – Interview with Vanessa Bohns first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, ACMA consultant Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss some key technologies driving Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0, often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, represents a seismic shift in the way manufacturing and production processes are managed.  With the advent of smart factories, the integration of cyber-physical systems, the Industrial Internet of... The post 224: Discussing Industry 4.0 with Andrew Pokelwaldt first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Jesse Henry, CEO of Heartland joins the podcast to discuss how their company is helping the composites industry with sustainable feedstock materials. Heartland is a material science company that provides manufacturers with a sustainable source of additives like fillers, reinforcements, & mineral extenders to enhance products they already make. They work with local farmers to... The post 223: Supplying Manufacturers with Sustainable Materials – Interview with Jesse Henry of Heartland first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, we feature a recent interview with Stephanie Scheller. Stephanie is the author of a recent book Marketing That Works for Small Business Budgets [Beyond Social Media]. She’ll talk about how she grew her business on a $0/month marketing budget during the pandemic.  The post 222: How to Grow Your Business on a Small Marketing Budget – Interview with Stephanie Scheller first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, John Schweitzer and Kyle Jordan of the ACMA join me to discuss a couple of topics. John will be discussing the ACMA’s Composites Sustainability Conference coming up June 4-6 in Denver, CO. You can learn more about this event by visiting https://acma-org.my.site.com/csft24.  Kyle Jordan will be discussing the CCT Instructor Course that took... The post 221: Discussing the ACMA's Composites Sustainability Conference with John Schweitzer & Kyle Jordan first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode Blair Robbins joins me on the show to discuss the closure of the Port of Baltimore, and whether it will impact supply chains.  Blair is a partner in the Transportation and Logistics Group at EisnerAmper, and has nearly 30 years of experience helping companies cope with supply chain issues, and challenges in inventory management due to disruptions from... The post Will the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affect Supply Chains Within Our Industry? first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this podcast episode, I feature an interview with Elizabeth Chabe author of a new bestselling book called The Giant's Ladder: The Science Professional's Blueprint for Marketing Success. Her new book is a critical resource for entrepreneurs and technology professionals seeking effective marketing strategies to launch their innovations commercially. This new book addresses the gap between innovation and commercial... The post 219: Climbing the Giant's Ladder to Marketing Success – Interview with Best Selling Author Elizabeth Chabe first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Chris Hurdleston of ACS International and Dorfner joins me to discuss his perspective from the KBIS 2024 show in Las Vegas last week. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America's largest trade show dedicated to all kitchen and bath design aspects.  This is one of the sparkly sink bowls from Maestro Bath that... The post 218: Discussing KBIS 2024 with Chris Hurdleston first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me to discuss trends taking place in the manufacturing sectors and how technology is poised to play a significant role in handling challenges in 2024 and beyond.  The post 217: Discussing Technology and Manufacturing Outlooks with Andrew Pokelwaldt first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this marketing minute, I share a story of how halitosis became a medical condition with a “cure”. The story is a great marketing lesson for any business that seeks to differentiate its product or service with a USP. The great businessman and advertiser Albert Lasker once said “There is no law that requires a... The post 216: Marketing Minute- The Story of How Halitosis Became a Medical Condition With a “Cure” first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I share an interview I did with Tyler Alvarado. Tyler is the CEO of Continuous Composites, a company that’s on a journey to transform manufacturing. Continuous Composites began with a realization that composite manufacturing was a problem waiting to be solved. Their vision is to break the mold of additive manufacturing and advance... The post 215: On a Journey to Disrupt Composites Manufacturing – Interview with Tyler Alvarado first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Dan Neumann joins me again to discuss the 2024 Composites Fly-In taking place in Washington DC Feb. 26-28th. Dan is the Vice President of Government Relations for the ACMA. The Composites 2024 Fly-In will provide a unique setting to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership to educate them on the valuable... The post 214: Discussing the Composites 2024 Fly-In with Dan Neumann of the ACMA first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Peter Hedger of the ACMA join me for a discussion on workforce development. Kyle is the director of certifications with the ACMA and Peter is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Membership.  We’ll be talking about a recent workforce development research survey that the ACMA completed and some of... The post 213: Discussing CCT Training and Workforce Development with the ACMA's Kyler Jordan and Peter Hedger first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this marketing minute episode, we’ll discuss be discussing features, advantages, benefits, and ultimate benefits. Understanding and using all four of these can amp up your marketing and advertising game. The post 212: Marketing Minute- Four Levels to Talking About Your Products first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this first episode of 2024, we’ll be discussing the topic of the 85 Percent Rule. If you’ve never heard of the 85% rule, it runs counterintuitive to what most of us have been taught – which is to give your maximum output. Operating at 100% all of the time is not sustainable, and eventually... The post 211: The 85 Percent Rule and How to Create Opportunities for Breakthrough Innovation first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

This week, John Melilli of Composite Automation LLC joins me on our last podcast episode of 2023. John has over 30 years of experience in the application of mechanical, electrical & industrial automation components and systems for manufacturing. He's been working with composite part manufacturers since 2004. Composite Automation is the only manufacturer's representative firm in North America that... The post 210: Discussing Fiber Patch Placement (FPP) with John Melilli of Composite Automation first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Thomas Helfrich joins the podcast to discuss LinkedIn lead generation and business growth. Thomas is the founder and CEO of InstantlyRelevant.com, a company renowned for their innovative marketing services driven by AI, and social media strategy & coaching. He is the author of the book series “Never Been Promoted” and hosts a podcast of the... The post 209: How to Use LinkedIn Effectively for Business Growth first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Lucas Dillingham of Brighton Science joins the podcast to highlight their company’s technology – a system that manufacturers to confidently assess surface readiness for bonding, coating or sealing at the point of preparation. You can learn more about their technology by visiting https://www.brighton-science.com.  The post 208: Innovative Technology That Measures Surface Readiness for Bonding, Coating or Sealing at Any Point in The Production Process first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, Carlos Alvarenga joins me for a discussion on how great communicators are so effective. He is the author of a brand new book called The Rules of Persuasion: How the World's Greatest Communicators Convince, Inspire, Lead—and, Sometimes, Deceive.  His new book not only explains exactly how persuasion works in all forms of human... The post 207: Rules of Persuasion: How the Greatest Communicators Convince, Inspire, Lead, and Sometimes Deceive first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I interview business consultant and copywriter David Garfinkel about his brand new book The Persuasion Story Code.  In it, David reveals the types of stories that have proven to make millions of dollars, create important agreements, and even change billions of minds, across a variety of industries and situations. You can grab your copy here, and... The post 206: The Magic of Conversational Storytelling – Interview with David Garfinkel first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this episode, I share some podcast interviews I had the opportunity to do at CAMX 2023 in Atlanta, GA last week. CAMX is the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America. The post 205: Interviews from CAMX 2023 in Atlanta GA first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

This week Ryan Oner of AKPA Chemicals joins me to share some of the latest news from their company. AKPA Chemicals specializes in the production of organic peroxides & initiators. They will be featuring at CAMX in Atlanta next week at booth T44.  You can visit their website at https://akpachemicalus.com.  The post 204: Discussing the Latest News From AKPA Chemicals with Ryan Oner first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

This week, John H Moore joins me on the podcast. John is the president of JHM Technologies and he’ll be discussing a new piece of technology their company has developed to assist gel coat spray operators in maintaining proper catalyst levels during temperature changes inside the plant.  You can learn more by visiting www.rtmcomposites.com. The post 203: Discussing JHM Technologies New Product Development with John Moore first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.

On this marketing minute episode, I share the story Schlitz Beer, and how the brand went from last in beer sales in the early 20th century to becoming the number one beer company in America. How did they do this? They hired advertising expert Claude Hopkins. After taking a tour of their facility, he suggested... The post 202: Why Storytelling Wins In Marketing – A Lesson From Schlitz Beer first appeared on Cast Polymer Radio.