Episodes

Sal is joined by Ellen Feldman Ornato and Jenny Drescher, founders of The Bolder Company and co-hosts of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, for an insightful conversation on leadership, emotional intelligence, and driving meaningful change in manufacturing. Filmed on location at Torrison Stone & Garden in Durham, CT, Ellen and Jenny share how their unlikely start in improv comedy helped shape their approach to workplace development and communication. They reflect on their experiences as women in tradit...

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...

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 Ron Angelo, President & CEO of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), for a thoughtful conversation about agility, relevance, and what it takes to thrive in an era of nonstop technological change. Ron shares what’s fueling CCAT’s rapid growth and why adaptability now matters more than rigid long-term planning as the U.S. industrial base evolves. Drawing on his own journey across four careers, he explains what staying relevant really looks like in real time—and ...

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 Cathy Awwad, President & CEO of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB), to explore what it takes to build a future-ready workforce across 41 diverse communities. From addressing critical skills gaps in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare to partnering with local businesses to align training with real-world demands, Cathy shares how NRWIB goes beyond job placement to support long-term career growth. They dive into the importance of soft skills, leade...

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...

In this episode, Foster is joined by Ramsey Goodrich, Managing Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich, to explore a people-first approach to mergers and acquisitions. Ramsey shares his journey from Pace Bank’s management training program to leading a boutique investment bank focused on family and founder-led businesses. Drawing on three decades of experience—from navigating the tech bubble to advising hundreds of companies—he explains why prioritizing people over price creates more meaningful, lasti...

Sal is joined by Douglas Johnson, President at Marion Manufacturing Company, Inc., to unpack what it really takes to transition a company to a younger, energized workforce. From overcoming technology gaps and generational communication challenges to rethinking hiring around attitude and curiosity instead of just skills, our guest shares lessons learned through COVID and beyond. We dive into how coaching strengthened leadership and family dynamics, why letting younger employees make mistakes help...

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...

Sal is joined by Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA, for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of Connecticut business. Chris shares his winding journey from Boston College to manufacturing to heading one of the oldest business organizations in the country—older than even the U.S. Chamber. He opens up about his family’s roots in both manufacturing and law, and why he’s committed to staying in Connecticut to drive local solutions. Chris and Sal discuss how small b...

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

Episode Summary: CMMC Compliance & Business Sales in Aerospace with Bill AldermanIn this episode of One Pour Problems, Sal Marino sits down with Bill Alderman, founder of Alderman & Company, to discuss cybersecurity compliance and business sales in the aerospace and defense sector. Bill shares fascinating stories from his career—including his time at GE and flying his own plane—and dives deep into the challenges family-owned aerospace businesses face when preparing for a sale.From the critical role of CMMC 2.0 compliance in defense contracts to the hidden pitfalls uncovered during due diligence, Bill explains why aligning your cybersecurity strategy with business goals isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you're considering selling your company or simply want to improve your audit readiness, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Ideal for listeners searching for:CMMC compliance, selling a business in aerospace, cybersecurity due diligence, DoD contract requirem…

Episode Summary: Extreme Ownership in Leadership with John UlianoIn 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 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 Brett Greene, President (and self-proclaimed Head Coach) of Willington Nameplate, to talk about career pivots, leadership, and personal growth. Brett shares his transition from finance to manufacturing operations, how he learned the ropes of machining, and the mentors who shaped his path.They dive into navigating uncertainty, finding purpose after setbacks, and the importance of putting the right people in the right roles. From overcoming the “Sunday scaries” to embracing discomfort as a path to growth, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone rethinking their career or leadership style.Perfect for listeners searching for:career pivots, leadership development, manufacturing operations, mentorship lessons, small business culture, navigating change in business

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 developmentAI and automation in industryHiring and retention strategiesManufacturing innovationUpskilling and job training programsBusiness 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

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