On this episode, we turn the tables on host Ethan Karp, and he becomes our guest. Producer Margaret Kashmir chats with Ethan about the best moments and most insightful wisdom from our interviews with Hallie Stewart (Bee Valve), Tony Mazzella (Mazzella Companies), Wendy Slone (bTECH), and Paulo Ruiz (Eaton). Don’t miss our frankest conversation yet about some of the most searingly honest and “didn’t see that coming” moments on the podcast this year. Send comments and ideas to...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with scientist, manufacturer, innovator - and MAGNET Board Member - Dr. Vinod Purayath. He’s had an incredible career around the world, working on everything from making plastic more eco-friendly to building the semiconductor chip that powered the first iPhone! He's such a prolific innovator, he’s named as an inventor in more than 150 patents! We talk about why permission to fail is critical to innovation, why polymers matter, and how he believes we can keep...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella Companies. He's grown the family business 100x by expanding across 45 locations and diversifying from lifting and rigging into building massive overhead cranes, metal roofing, and a whole host of other things. We talk about how he achieved that phenomenal growth, his "dream come true" of having three sons working alongside him in the business, and why he thinks politics sometimes stands in the way of manufacturing growth. ...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with Dr. Wendy Slone, CEO and Founder of bTECH, a med-tech startup out to revolutionize the way we treat and heal chronic wounds. We talk about the very personal reason she’s passionate about helping millions of people with her light therapy patch, why she’s invested every cent of her retirement savings in her invention, and the wake-up call Cleveland needs if it wants to be a hub for medical manufacturing start-ups. Send comments and ideas to...

On today's episode, Ethan sits down with Paulo Ruiz, President and COO of the Industrial Sector at Eaton, an iconic power management company headquartered in Cleveland. We talk about why Eaton is investing $1 billion in North America, the mega trends driving a massive spike in electrical demand, how Eaton’s culture and values power its success, and why Paulo believes technology is the only way manufacturing can win the war for talent. Send comments and ideas to...

On this episode, we turn the tables on host Ethan Karp, and he becomes our guest. Producer Margaret Kashmir chats with Ethan about the best moments and most insightful wisdom shared in our interviews with Eric Logan (KPMG), Felix Brueck (Reflection Point), and Jim Cavoli (Swagelok). Plus, Ethan gets very frank about the funny, touching, and surprising things that happen behind-the-scenes. Ethan connects the dots and shares the top takeaways that manufacturers can use to fuel the journey to...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with Hallie Steward, CEO of Bee Valve (fluid handling components) about the immense grit and resilience you need to survive as a small manufacturer in today’s uber competitive world, the challenges of investing in technology when meeting payroll is the priority, and why her family is so devoted to this industry. Watch the video of this conversation here. Send comments and ideas to [email protected]. Make It is brought to you by MAGNET: The...

On this episode, Ethan Karp goes from host to guest! Producer Margaret Kashmir sits down with Ethan to find out what he’s learned on the last four episodes of the podcast with Tom Lix (Cleveland Whiskey), Andew Hurst (Delivered), Jack Schron (Jergens, Inc.) and Carey Jaros (GOJO, Makers of Purell). Ethan gets very frank about the funny, touching, and surprising things that happen behind-the-scenes. Ethan also shares the top pieces of advice that manufacturers can use to jumpstart innovation...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with James Cavoli, President of Swagelok, a global company that makes products and parts to help other companies deal with often dangerous fluids like gas and chemicals. We talk about the importance of unshakeable values, why every employee owns a piece of the company, how they’re getting rid of dull, dirty, and dangerous work and how Swagelok is finding new talent in unexpected places. Watch the video of this conversation here. Send comments and ideas...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with his mentor (and the reason he became a CEO at 28!) Felix Brueck. The Board Chair at Reflection Point, owner of a manufacturing company, and Director Emeritus at McKinsey & Company – Felix is an incredible advocate for manufacturing. We talk about everything from how ego is the enemy of great leadership, why this is the moment to redefine manufacturing and why the industry needs a serious wake-up call on Industry 4.0. Watch the video of this...

On this episode, we turn the tables on host Ethan Karp, and he becomes our guest. Producer Margaret Kashmir chats with Ethan about the best moments and most insightful wisdom shared on the podcast so far. Plus, Ethan gets very frank about the funny, touching, and surprising things that happen behind-the-scenes. Ethan connects the dots and shares the top takeaways that manufacturers can use to fuel the journey to smart manufacturing. Send comments and ideas to [email protected]. ...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with Neal Restivo, CEO of global plumbing manufacturer Oatey. Neal has built an amazing corporate culture at Oatey, one strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. A place where everyone feels respected and lives the company’s values. We talk about the importance of empathic leadership, making plumbing a career of choice again, and meeting people where they are so they can do their best work. Watch the video of this conversation here. Send comments and...

On today’s episode Ethan sits down with the CEO of one of Northeast Ohio’s most storied companies –GOJO, the makers of Purell. Carey Jaros stepped into the role weeks before COVID hit and demand for hand sanitizer exploded. We talk about that incredible journey and how GOJO’s values, a strong innovation culture, and years of investment in Industry 4.0 technology made it possible to increase production by 300%, virtually overnight. Watch the video of this conversation here (LINK). Send...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with his manufacturing hero, Jack Schron, CEO of Jergens Inc. Jack is a legend in Cleveland. In addition to running a successful 80-year-old tool company he grew by 500%, he’s a fixture in local government, a tireless volunteer, and a beloved boss. Jack explains his “big tent” vision that makes room for everyone in manufacturing, why he’s creating the “Gucci” of screwdrivers as a cornerstone to his company’s Industry 4.0 vision, and how he thinks Northeast...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with Andrew Hurst, who is CEO of three different logistics companies – Ark Transportation, Veroot, and Delivered. A traditional third-generation, family-owned trucking company. A disruptive compliance solution for logistics operators. And a brand-new start-up that’s turning the way we ship things upside down. Mr. Hurst shares his millennial philosophy of leading with heart and purpose, his disruptive approach to innovation and why he believes there’s no better...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with Cleveland Whiskey CEO Tom Lix. In a wide-ranging conversation Tom shares how he learned the tricks of the distillery trade by making hooch during a stint in the navy, how Cleveland Whiskey started with blowing up mason jars in his basement, why his distillery is actually a technology company, and how he’s gone from a Boston transplant to Cleveland’s greatest champion. Watch the video of this conversation here. Send comments and ideas to...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with his friend and MAGNET Board Member, Kevin Johnson who is quietly transforming companies all over Northeast Ohio with Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing as Managing Partner at NexGen Interactive. Kevin explains why it’s no longer enough “just” to lead in smart manufacturing, why he's personally betting big on EV smart chargers and robots, and how he's using the power of philanthropy and diversity to change the future of manufacturing. Watch the video of...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with Brian Gale to hear the amazing story of how he grew revenue 20x at his label manufacturing company, I.D. Images and then sold the company to allow it to grow even more. Brian recently bought part of the iconic Cleveland company Malley's Chocolates and he shares frank insights on the pressure of taking a beloved 90-year-old brand into the future, the perils of ego in leadership, and his belief that Cleveland is a great city with a marketing problem. Watch...

On this episode, Ethan sits down with Rebecca Liebert, President & CEO of Lubrizol. She shares the story of how she went from a tiny town in Kentucky to leading a global chemical manufacturer and how some of the lessons she learned on the family farm still inspire her leadership today. Rebecca also gives frank insights on how sustainability is driving innovation, how chemistry will shape our future, and why you should always quickly “pay the bill” for your mistakes. Watch the video of...

On the premier episode of Make It, Ethan sits down with the head of one of the largest welding companies in the world. Lincoln Electric Chairman, President & CEO Chris Mapes shares his take on how the region can lead in smart manufacturing, why Lincoln is betting on EV fast chargers and additive manufacturing, his unique philosophy on managing talent (Lincoln hasn’t laid off a single worker in Cleveland since the 1950s!), and what makes him most proud of his leadership tenure as he...