Company Culture Episodes

Sal is joined by Bill Hazard, President of Novo Partners, for a conversation about the power of steady, disciplined improvement and how it can transform a manufacturer into a true growth engine. Bill shares his path from engineer to business builder, and why operations—and the challenge of making things better week after week—became the through‑line of his career. He reflects on buying Novo in 2014 and seeing not just a stable shop but the potential for exponential growth, driven by small, relen...

Sal is joined by Michael Auletta, SVP of Sales, Marketing & Services at Bauer Inc., for a conversation about building relationships that go beyond borders. Michael shares his unconventional path from broadcast journalism at ESPN to joining his family’s exporting business, reflecting on the early challenges that tested his resolve and how his communication background became a powerful asset in global sales. He and Sal explore why relationships are the true currency of business—from leading teams ...

Sal sits down with Michael Kopsick, Managing Partner at Kahan Kerensky & Capossela LLP, for a candid conversation about what it takes to create a law firm where people not only want to work but choose to stay for the long haul. Drawing from his early experience at a high-pressure NYC firm, Mike shares how that chapter shaped his perspective on the importance of work-life balance, strong leadership, and a culture rooted in transparency and mentorship. He and Sal discuss how KKC’s open-door approa...

Episode Summary: Why Employee Wellness Matters: Caring for Your Team Beyond the WorkplaceIn this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino chats with Chris Ulbrich, Chairman of Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc., for an eye-opening conversation on why employee wellness matters and how caring for your team beyond the workplace isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do. Chris shares stories from his own journey and how he's building a legacy through wellness initiatives and preventative healthcare. From offering diabetes classes and cancer screenings to supporting employees with retirement resources and health education, Chris explains how these efforts have strengthened company culture. With fewer than 1% employee turnover, Chris proves that investing in your people pays off.Great for listeners interested in:employee wellness • healthcare • wellness initiatives • company culture • business • turnover

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Ben Zachs, Founder of Fine Fettle, to explore how he’s built a purpose-driven, high-performance culture in the fast-growing cannabis industry. Ben shares how navigating complex seed-to-sale regulations across multiple states has required not just operational precision, but a strong team aligned with a clear mission.From hiring for mindset over résumé to listening closely to frontline employees, Ben reveals how leaders can foster a culture where people feel empowered, adaptable, and genuinely fulfilled at work. Whether you’re in a regulated industry or scaling a startup, this conversation is full of actionable insights on leadership, growth, and building a team that thrives through change.Perfect for listeners interested in:Cannabis industry leadershipBuilding mission-focused cultureEmployee empowerment strategiesAdapting to regulation changesPurpose-driven business growth

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Kris Kesting, Owner & CEO of DisplayCraft, Inc., to talk about what it really takes to step into leadership at an established company. Kris shares the lessons he learned from the company’s “old guard” while modernizing operations, building trust, and shaping a culture that supports long-term success.From balancing legacy with innovation to empowering employees and leading with empathy, Kris offers valuable insights for any business leader navigating change. This episode is all about how the right leadership mindset—and a strong company culture—can drive lasting impact.Perfect for listeners interested in:Leadership transitions, company culture, legacy vs. innovation, people-first leadership, employee empowerment, manufacturing leadership, business growth strategy

Striking the right work-life balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about protecting your time, setting priorities, and building a sustainable path forward. In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino is joined by Isabela Piza Danielsen, F135 Production Proposals and Affordability Director at Pratt & Whitney, to explore practical strategies for thriving in demanding leadership roles without burning out.From setting boundaries and saying “no” with confidence to embracing curiosity as a leadership superpower, this conversation offers actionable insights for professionals navigating modern hybrid work environments. Whether you're an executive, team leader, or high performer, you’ll walk away with tools to build resilience and redefine success on your own terms.Perfect for listeners searching for:work-life balance tips, leadership and burnout prevention, career growth podcast, setting boundaries at work, women in leadership, how to avoid burnout, hybrid work strategies

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino is joined by Colby Coombs, CFO at Westminster Tool, for a candid conversation on one of the biggest hidden drains on your business—employee turnover. Colby breaks down the financial impact of losing great people and explains how hiring for cultural alignment, not just skills, is critical for long-term retention.From identifying burnout before it’s too late to understanding what really motivates your team, this episode is packed with practical insights for business leaders looking to build resilient, high-performing teams that last.Perfect for listeners interested in:employee retention strategies, hiring best practices, reducing turnover costs, company culture, burnout prevention, CFO insights, and team leadership in manufacturing.

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Emily Wood, Partner and Chief Client Officer at Connecticut Wealth Management, to unpack what it really takes to attract, grow, and retain top talent in today’s competitive job market. From managing Gen Z expectations to designing offices that actually boost retention, Emily shares actionable strategies that go beyond salary.They explore the shift from hustle culture to work-life harmony, why culture-first hiring leads to better long-term results, and how data-driven compensation is key to building trust. Whether you’re leading HR or managing a growing team, this episode is filled with insights on creating a workplace that top performers want to stay in.Perfect for listeners interested in:Workforce retention, hiring strategies, Gen Z in the workplace, company culture, office design for employee engagement, compensation trends

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Mike O’Rourke, Nasdaq’s Head of AI & Emerging Technology, to explore what makes a company culture truly thrive. Over a glass of Thomas H. Handy bourbon, they discuss how empathy, clear values, and a sense of fun create a workplace where people feel empowered to grow and contribute.From the expectations of younger generations to the importance of balancing productivity with play, this conversation breaks down how culture isn’t just about perks—it’s about purpose. Whether you’re building a team or evolving your leadership style, you’ll walk away with actionable takeaways to strengthen your organization from the inside out.Perfect for listeners interested in:company culture, workplace leadership, Gen Z workforce, empathy in business, Nasdaq, creating strong teams

In the premiere episode of One Pour Problems, host Sal Marino is joined by Foster Charles, CEO of Charles IT, to introduce the podcast and share their vision for blending business, cybersecurity, and bourbon. They discuss why they launched the show, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and how conversations over a good pour can unlock big insights.From cybersecurity myths to leadership lessons and the importance of company culture, this episode lays the foundation for the topics and tone of the series. Whether you're an entrepreneur, IT leader, or just here for the bourbon, this is your perfect starting point.Perfect for listeners interested in:Cybersecurity for business, IT leadership, bourbon and business culture, MSP growth, small business strategy.