Irons in the Fire

Imagine some of the most incredible advancements in aerospace fuel-saving technology and try to picture what that journey might look like. For Tamarack Aerospace Group this journey was wrought with excitement, hard work, disappointments, setbacks, and most of all success. The company has experienced all of these various stages in the development of their patented Active Winglet technology and have emerged with a highly demanded product. Listen as Nick Guida, Founder and CEO and Jacob Klinginsmith, President artfully describe the tremendous journey and growth of Tamarack Aerospace Group. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

When a company has a need for contract manufacturing services would they rather work with several companies or a single company with a broad range of expertise? The option to partner with a single company who can deliver timely, high-quality products from the design phase through completion is extremely attractive and look no further for such a partner than Proto Technologies in beautiful Liberty Lake, WA. CEO and President, Rory Nay has done a phenomenal job in creating a long-standing company with deep roots in the Greater Spokane Region and a culture/work environment that attracts and retains top talent in manufacturing so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

What comes to mind when you think of manufacturing? Episode 3 of this exciting season includes an insightful conversation with Steve Roark and Shayna Wood, of Eide Bailly, about former perceptions of manufacturing versus what the industry has become. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

What does life sound like at one of the nation's leading gun holster manufacturers, Tedder Industries? Season 2 continues to start off with a with a bang as newly appointed CEO, Tim Treto, walks us through the ins and outs of his journey to the top, including feats of engineering, operations, and leadership. Some of the concepts implemented by this company are wildly innovative and intriguing. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

Season 2 of the podcast starts off with a sonic boom! In this dynamic episode listen as Dean Cameron, President and CEO of Top Drawer Media, clearly demonstrates his role as a valuable resource in the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Community. From make-believe dogfights in his childhood imagination, to his direct experience working in aerospace manufacturing, Dean has an unmatched background that leads to a premier newsprint product in the Northwest Aerospace News magazine. You'll be amazed to hear how wide-spread the magazine has become and the countless connections it's generated. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

This is an episode you don't want to miss. Mike Marzetta, President of Altek, Inc., and I sit down over a Starbucks double-shot to discuss his passion for Robotics and Aerospace. Mike and I have an engaging discussion about the company's evolution from the family garage to its location today with over 200 employees. The journey that this company took is fascinating! Several times throughout the episode we discuss the need to be better next year than we were this year and Mike has certainly instilled this culture throughout the company over the years. An example of this was when the company shifted from offering basic, commodity products to offering a diverse set of complex products. Episode 10 will be sure to capture and hold your interest from start to finish. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax, but be sure to enjoy!

What makes a company who specializes in anodizing, powder coating, and finish painting more like a hospital than a manufacturer? Be sure to listen to this upbeat episode with Andy and Spencer Le Friec of Novation, Inc. as they describe the intricacies of their company, which provides integral support to the Manufacturing industry here in the Inland Northwest and beyond. It's amazing to hear the number of different products and components that depend on the services of Novation, Inc. This company is one of several that are making the "I-90 Corridor" a prominent place in the world of Manufacturing and Aerospace. Come to find out, these two used to publish a podcast of their own so they definitely know their way around the recording studio. Tune in to hear more while you work, exercise, or relax, but be sure to enjoy!

What does it look like to build a successful portfolio of intellectual property? Tune in to this episode as Tyler Alvarado, CEO of Continuous Composites provides an excellent overview and strategies related to successfully securing patents. Tyler and his team have not only developed a revolutionary process for 3D printing composite components but they've managed to do so while creating a fun and energetic working environment. Plus, working for a cutting edge manufacturing and technology company, a stone's throw from Lake Coeur d'Alene, is tough to beat. Tune in to hear more while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

What companies come to mind when you think about the 'Best Places to Work Award' for the Inland Northwest? As a long-time, family-owned, manufacturing business here in Spokane, WA there are many reasons revealed in this episode as to what makes Sonderen Packaging an exceptional place to work! Keva Sonderen and Matt Sonderen, co-Presidents of the company, have kept a laser-focus on taking care of employees and customers alike. This has not only caused them to rise to the top in terms of Company Culture, but it has allowed them to continue to weather economic cycles and maintain a sterling reputation in the industry. You won't want to miss a single detail of this episode, which includes a lengthy discussion on succession planning within family-owned businesses. These two are living a success story about what it looks like when a company is properly passed to the next generation. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

When you think of a company that manufactures large-scale, heavy mining equipment, what images come to mind? Don't miss this conversation with Luke Stavros, President of Ground Force Worldwide. Luke has a laser focus on creating and maintaining a company culture that's enjoyable and engaging. His leadership approach and style is raising the bar for the industry as he focuses on things that are inside the control of the company. The dialogue also includes information about social media strategy, international business, and customer engagement and don't miss the fun question at the end of the show! This is a fantastic episode not only for those within the manufacturing industry but those who enjoy studying leadership as well so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

What do Airliners, F1 racecars, and wind turbines have in common? Be sure to tune in to this fascinating episode where Addison Pemberton, President of Scanivalve Corporation reveals the answer. Mr. Pemberton also reveals a serious hobby of restoring classic airplanes in his hangar at Felts Field near Spokane, WA - a hobby that not only produces stunning airplanes but it produces amazing talent from our area's youth. The conversation also includes dialogue about the ins and outs of International Business including Intellectual Property, Foreign Exchange, and Tarrifs. You'll be blown away by this wonderful episode so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

Is there a limit to the types of companies and industries in which lean manufacturing can be applied? Take a moment to listen to Mike MacKay (owner) and his daughter, Katie MacKay (owner) talk about the flexibility of lean manufacturing and how to go about implementing these concepts in almost any setting. This great father-daughter duo also describes their opinion on the education system and its influence on trade labor in the United States. The pair wraps up the episode by discussing what makes Spokane an excellent place for manufacturing and also promoting Women in Manufacturing. You won't want to miss this episode so tune in while you work, exercise or relax but be sure to enjoy!

Do you find yourself wondering how powerful robotics and automation can be when integrated into the manufacturing industry? In this dynamic episode, Michael Senske, CEO and President of Pearson Packaging Systems, describes his journey in assuming the leadership position and taking a solid company to the next level by injecting robotics and automation. He also describes the exceptional company culture that's been created at Pearson Packaging Systems - a culture that has led to low turnover and a high level of employee engagement. This episode is well worth your time as you'll not only hear great tips on lean manufacturing, but you'll capture successful leadership lessons from an internationally renowned company and CEO. Tune in while you work, exercise or relax but be sure to enjoy!

Have you ever wondered when a new idea will revolutionize the construction industry? My guest, Russ Vaagen, Founder and CEO of Vaagen Timbers, addresses this topic while introducing his new company in this dynamic episode. Vaagen Timbers will be producing Cross Laminated Timber, Glulam Beams, and Glue Laminated Timber to revolutionize the way we build in the United States. Mr. Vaagen also introduces the new philosophy of Forest to Structure. Much akin to the Farm to Table movement, this philosophy is about knowing where construction materials and products come from and that the forests they come from are being well-maintained and cared for. The conversation continues with great discussion about time management and about talent attraction/retention in the manufacturing industry and wraps up with more of the great benefits of being a manufacturer in the Inland Empire. This episode is well worth the time so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!

Why is Spokane, WA such a great place for manufacturing and aerospace? Listen to an in-depth conversation with our guest and Spokane's Mayor, David Condon. In this episode Mayor Condon describes what it was like to grow up in the Inland Empire and make the journey into his current role as the mayor of the city of Spokane. Mayor Condon has had a unique opportunity to tour m the city's most successful companies and reinforces the fact that the Inland Empire is one of the country's top locations for manufacturing success.