Leadership Episodes

Sal is joined by Marietta Lee, President and CEO of The Lee Company, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, workforce strategy, and why putting people first is essential to the future of manufacturing. Marietta shares her unconventional path from investigative journalism into her family’s business and how starting at the ground level shaped her approach to earning trust and building credibility. She reflects on the company’s long-standing commitment to strong employee benefits and how that...

In this episode, Sal sits down with Ed Gilchrest, President and Owner of Gyre9 & President of G9EV, and Frank von Holzhausen, Chief Research and Design Officer of Gyre9 & Chairman of G9EV, for a deep dive into the delicate balance between courage and caution in business. From their distinct yet complementary paths, they explore the challenges of being “guns for hire” versus creating and selling their own products. Ed and Frank reflect on how luck and timing have shaped their journey, sharing key...

Sal is joined by Mario D’Aquila, Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Living Home Care Services, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, communication, and the evolution of a family business built on compassion and purpose. Mario shares his journey helping grow a small Meriden-based operation into one of Connecticut’s leading home care providers, now serving thousands across three major locations with more than 700 caregivers. He opens up about aligning employees with a company’s mission ...

Sal is joined by Drew DiSilvestro, President of AmeriTech Contracting, for a high-impact conversation on persistence, leadership, and scaling with intention. Drawing from his military background, Drew unpacks how trust, accountability, and a strong team dynamic are essential to execution. Sal and Drew explore the shift from being mentored to mentoring others, navigating the complexities of government contracts, and why patience and mindset matter as much as talent. For leaders building teams and...

Sal is joined by Brent Robertson, Founder of Be Generative, for a powerful conversation on reimagining leadership in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. They explore the hidden costs of traditional leadership narratives, the trap of indispensability, and how these mindsets can limit team potential. Brent introduces the concept of Generative Listening—an approach that moves beyond active listening to spark new conversations and breakthroughs—and shares how leaders can tap into community intellige...

Episode Summary: Extreme Ownership in Leadership with John Uliano In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with John Uliano, Chief Operating Officer of ACMT, Inc., to unpack what it truly means to lead with extreme ownership. John shares how the most effective leaders remove roadblocks for their teams, take full responsibility for outcomes, and foster a culture of accountability—not blame. From owning both wins and losses to using failures as learning tools, John emphasizes how leadership shapes company culture and long-term success. If you're navigating a leadership role or looking to strengthen your team dynamic, this episode delivers practical insights into creating a high-trust, high-performance environment. Ideal for listeners searching for: extreme ownership leadership, leadership accountability, team success strategies, leadership culture, executive mindset

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Jill Mayer, CEO of Bead Industries, to discuss her experience taking over the family manufacturing business. Jill opens up about the smoother transition she had with her father compared to generations before, the value of tribal knowledge from long-term employees, and how succession planning is more than just handing over the keys. She shares insights on balancing family dynamics with business operations, why board involvement shaped her growth, and how letting go of a business—at the right time—is a powerful act of leadership. Whether you're in a family business or navigating leadership development, this episode delivers actionable wisdom. Perfect for listeners interested in: Succession planning, family business leadership, preserving company culture, leadership development, manufacturing industry, and strategic growth planning.

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino chats with Joseph Jaffe—entrepreneur, author, speaker, and EOS implementer—about what really holds businesses back from scaling. From the challenges of hitting the growth “ceiling” to the importance of having the right people in the right seats, Joseph shares practical advice and lessons learned from guiding companies through transformation. They dive into how the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) provides a framework for sustained growth, how shifting goals is actually a sign of strategic maturity, and why stubborn leadership can stall momentum. If you're leading a growing business or planning your next move, this conversation offers powerful, actionable insights. Perfect for listeners interested in: EOS implementation, breaking growth plateaus, leadership strategy, people management, scaling a business, business structure and operations.

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Paul Lavoie, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, to discuss how technology and workforce development are reshaping the manufacturing landscape. As automation and AI redefine traditional roles, Paul explains how the industry can adapt through innovation, training, and a renewed focus on employee retention. From improving job quality to debunking myths around automation, this conversation highlights how manufacturers can stay competitive while creating meaningful career paths. Paul also dives into the importance of upskilling, safety improvements, and how state-funded programs can support long-term growth. Perfect for listeners interested in: Manufacturing workforce development AI and automation in industry Hiring and retention strategies Manufacturing innovation Upskilling and job training programs Business strategy in regulated industries

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

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.

Meetings don’t have to be a waste of time. In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal sits down with Nick Dagenais, CFO and Treasurer at Obsidian Insurance Holdings, to explore how leaders can make meetings more efficient, engaging, and worthwhile. Over a glass of fruit juice, they dig into how to define a meeting's purpose, decide who should be in the room, and strike the right balance between in-person and virtual formats. Plus, they explore how even off-topic moments can spark innovation—if managed well. Perfect for listeners interested in: meeting productivity, leadership communication, virtual meeting tips, CFO insights, business operations

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Brian Montanari, President & CEO of HABCO Industries, to unpack how AI is transforming regulated industries—and what leaders need to do to keep up. Over a pour of Whistlepig, Brian shares how AI is being implemented in real-world manufacturing, why leadership still matters in a tech-driven world, and how to retain top talent amid rapid change. Whether you’re a CEO, team leader, or just navigating AI in your own business, this episode delivers actionable strategies on innovation, compliance, and creating a clear leadership framework to scale successfully. Perfect for listeners interested in: AI in regulated industries Talent retention and leadership strategy Innovation and digital transformation Building a scalable company culture Manufacturing and aerospace business growth

In this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Bryn Tindall, Founder and CEO of Rebellion Group, to explore how businesses can build impactful brands without blowing the budget. From billboard strategy to post-pandemic relationship building, Bryn shares real-world marketing insights that resonate with today’s business leaders. They also discuss the mental health side of entrepreneurship—including managing anxiety—and why great branding is about much more than just a logo. Whether you're running a startup or scaling a business, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Perfect for listeners interested in: budget branding strategies, billboard marketing, small business growth, post-COVID business dynamics, entrepreneur mindset, leadership under pressure

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.