The Manufacturer’s Mindset Podcast by Ballantine Digital

Gabriela Miraglia of FormuNova shares her journey of building a cosmetic contract manufacturing company focused on small-batch production, innovative product development, and strong team culture. She also talks about the leadership lessons she learned from her entrepreneurial family, the challenge of managing finances as a business owner, and how her team is using AI.

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.

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.