Episodes

Episode Summary: Why Employee Wellness Matters: Caring for Your Team Beyond the Workplace In 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 Alderman In 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 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 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 leadership Building mission-focused culture Employee empowerment strategies Adapting to regulation changes Purpose-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 development AI and automation in industry Hiring and retention strategies Manufacturing innovation Upskilling and job training programs Business strategy in regulated industries