Speakers

Dr. Mo Abuali is a Partner at TechMahindra Consulting with 25 years of experience in providing services to manufacturing companies. Abuali is a transformative technology and business leader in driving and sustaining change in manufacturing. Abuali serves industrial clients with Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT and Artificial Intelligence technology solutions, services and training. Abuali has a PhD in Industrial Engineering and has worked with companies like IBM, P&G, Toyota, and GE.

Mark Albert is a Peabody- and 12-time EMMY award-winning master storyteller and former investigative journalist. He spent 25 years on TV news, including as a correspondent at CBS News and led a national investigative unit for Hearst. Now, as co-founder of Media Mastery Experts and CEO of Media Advisory Experts, Mark coaches entrepreneurs and leaders on media training, PR, strategic and crisis communications, and video production projects. Clients have included the U.S. Marine Corps, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, New Balance, National PAL, along with many other national organizations and their executives. He's also been to 97 countries.

Rex graduated from OSU with a BS and MS in Welding Engineering in 2016. His first introduction to handheld laser welding was in 2020 working on SpaceX’s Starship. What started as a personal curiosity and side project grew to an industry-leading HLBW program used to manufacture the world’s largest and most powerful space launch vehicle. As President of HLI, Rex is pushing the boundaries of HLBW through research and training.

Raaz Ali is the Founder of The Raivax Group, a leading & top 1% lower middle-market M&A advisory firm that has sold more fabrication and manufacturing businesses than any other American firm. Over two decades, Raivax has completed 850+ business exits totaling $3.5B+ in value, achieving a 95% close rate in an industry where most deals fail. Raaz is known for disciplined execution, principled advisory, and deep industry expertise.

Jon Ames is a Sr. Program Manager for Hypertherm, Inc. Formerly the Director of Engineering of Heavy Industrial plasma systems, his background includes the development of plasma systems and their use in broad cutting and gouging applications.

Sarah is the product manager for software solutions at Yaskawa Motoman. Earning her MBA in 2020, she brings her years of experience in project management, scrum, and lean six sigma to deliver innovative and user-friendly software solutions to industrial robotics.

Alfonso Aramburo, founder of Master of Ops and author of Lead in Chaos with Clarity, helps manufacturers scale 2X–10X without burning out their teams. A former manufacturing fixer turned global speaker and professor, he’s created over $150M in value through tough turnarounds. Alfonso turns complex technical ideas into simple, actionable lessons, helping leaders replace heroic effort with a steady, sustainable rhythm.

Baach is the immediate past CEO of Philpott and continues as a member of its Board of Directors. He has authored and presented throughout the world hundreds of articles, technical papers and industry peer roundtable discussions. He has authored and been awarded a number of patents on systems that have saved its users millions of dollars while increasing personnel efficiency and safety.

Alex is the President of ICS Tax, LLC (ICS). His expertise includes fixed asset reviews, cost segregation, energy efficiency incentives, accounting methods, research tax credits, and IC-DISC export incentives. His specialized planning ideas has saved his clients millions in tax dollars. He has given Continuing Professional Education on a variety of tax planning ideas throughout the country. Alex earned a BSBA in accounting from The Ohio State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, and a law degree from the Tulane School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alex is a licensed attorney with the U.S. Tax Court as well as a Certified Public Accountant. He is a Certified Cost Segregation Professional and was elected president and is a certified member of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). In his free time, he is a martial arts instructor in Judo and an avid car enthusiast.

30 years of experience in spindle repair services, new spindle sales and cost savings programs from customer service and inside sales roles to outside sales, business development as well as marketing.

Kumar Balan is a subject matter expert in blast cleaning and shot peening. He continues to help customers establish and optimize these processes with proper equipment selection, process development and monitoring. Kumar is an Applications Engineer with Ervin Industries.

As Director of Product Management for Manufacturing, Debbie Baldwin champions solutions that help businesses thrive. She draws upon 38 years of industry experience to empower users and stakeholders. Her unique perspective combines 23 years in the software industry with 15 years of hands-on manufacturing experience as an ERP user and project manager. This deep operational expertise allows her to design connected, collaborative solutions that address real-world needs and drive success.

Neil Ball is the CEO & CTO of Applied SciTech, of San Jose, California. Applied SciTech is a laser technology company serving the industrial, medical, and scientific laser communities worldwide. He has long-standing involvement in the industrial laser community, including participation in SME and the Laser Institute of America. Neil has served the laser industries with focuses on applied photonics—using different types of lasers (UV to infrared) for manufacturing across medical, aerospace, electronics, and other industries.

With experience in Vulnerability Management at Dell Technologies and Ethical Hacking at RSA Security, Yaamini has worked across penetration testing, threat intelligence, and security automation. She has been honored with various awards like SANS Difference Maker Award 2024, Top 50 Mentors in the U.S and so on.
Actively supporting women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity through platforms like Topmate.io. She enjoys speaking at conferences, sharing insights on AI-powered security automation.

Chad is the principal consultant at Bareither Group Consulting. His approach leverages 20+ years of experience in continuous improvement to enable change for transformational results. From mid-market manufacturers to fortune 500 companies, Chad and his team apply Lean and Six Sigma methods in a strcutred framework to acheive results and develop your team. Chad is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering. He and his wife reside in Southwest Michigan with their three children, but engagements have taken him across the country and the world.

A Sales Engineer in the roll forming industry, with over 15 years of experience in capital equipment design and engineering and two years in technical sales. Extensive background includes designing and building a wide range of production and support equipment, managing projects from concept through commissioning. This cradle-to-grave engineering experience supports practical, technically sound solutions tailored to customer needs.

James Barrett has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and is President of Link Electric & Safety Control in Nashville, TN. He has more than 30 years of experience designing and applying safety, control, and automation equipment for the metal stamping industry and is a member of the Precision Metalforming Association.

John Bates is a globally recognized Leadership Communication Expert, executive coach, bestselling author and keynote speaker on a mission to make your communication as mighty as your ideas. As one of the world’s most prolific TED-format coaches, John has trained hundreds of TED/TEDx speakers and thousands of executives from top organizations, including NASA (yes, even the astronauts), Johnson & Johnson’s JLABS, GE Aerospace, US Navy Special Operations, and Boston Scientific.

Lisa offers an experiential look into the practice of mindful leadership and how it can impact your perceived stress levels, your focus, and overall impact on the teams you lead. Lisa is committed to helping leaders shine as their brightest selves through individual and group coaching, training facilitation, and leadership consulting.

With over 10 years of experience as an internal and external coach, Lisa has built a reputation for empathetically challenging her clients. Her passion for helping leaders identify and overcome the root of their challenges is driven by seeing the benefits of inner work on her own self-development journey.

Krista Beljan sees what others miss—the unspoken norm blocking progress, the capacity gap masquerading as resistance, the cultural friction silently vetoing change. With 25+ years leading transformations in manufacturing, human services, and workforce development, she diagnoses the space between what organizations say and what they do. As Co-Founder of The BLU Arc Collective, Krista helps manufacturers build adoption architecture that matches operational reality. SPHR, MS in Organizational Development, Cornell-certified.

Jim Belosic is the CEO and Founder of SendCutSend, a company focused on expanding domestic manufacturing capacity by building a distributed network of high-tech facilities across the United States.

Jim Belosic is the CEO and Founder of SendCutSend, a software-driven manufacturing company modernizing American fabrication through speed, accessibility, and automation. Under his leadership, SendCutSend has surpassed a $110 million annual revenue run rate, serving more than 300,000 customers, including 59% of the Fortune 500.

A serial entrepreneur for over 25 years, Jim has founded and scaled multiple ventures across software, marketing, and manufacturing. His rare combination of software expertise and hands-on fabrication experience enabled him to design a vertically integrated manufacturing platform that delivers custom parts in as little as 24 hours.

Jim is focused on expanding domestic manufacturing capacity by building a distributed network of high-tech facilities across the United States. His emphasis on customer experience and continuous improvement has helped SendCutSend achieve a 92 Net Promoter Score and earn recognition as #131 on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

Author of Press Brake Technology SME 1996, Bending Basics FMA 2016, Columnist - Bending Basics in the Fabricator Magazine 2001 - present

Nina is the Head of Peakboard America, where she leads the expansion of Peakboard into the US market and manages a growing team in Chicago focused on helping manufacturers drive smarter, more connected operations through real-time data.
Nina joined Peakboard in 2018 while completing her Master’s studies. What began as a student role quickly evolved into a full-time position in Business Development, where she worked closely with German manufacturers. 2022, she relocated to Chicago to open and lead the US subsidiary.
She is passionate about optimizing manufacturing processes, improving communication, and helping organizations turn complex production data into actionable insights.

Ranjan Bhattacharjee is an operations and transformation executive with more than 30 years of experience improving profitability, productivity, and supply chain performance across manufacturing and fabrication businesses. He has led turnarounds, operational transformations, and growth initiatives across more than 70 manufacturing locations in North America, including roles with private equity-backed, public, and family-owned companies. Throughout his career, Ranjan has helped organizations improve cost visibility, strengthen execution discipline, reduce complexity, and expand margins. He brings a practical operator's perspective on how cost structures evolve and how leading manufacturers sustain performance in changing market conditions.

Jeff Blain is Regional Manager for Circle-Prosco, Inc. He holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, and master's degree in business administration both from the University of Southern California. Jeff has worked for Circle Prosco in China and North America for the past 10 years with current emphasis on sales and new business development for CPI's pretreatment and passivation technologies. He is a resourceful manufacturing nut that loves to meet new people, learn about their processes, and develop creative solutions to move them forward. His kids call him MacGyver for a reason, and as you can see it's not about the mullet.

Matt draws on extensive experience in the manufacturing industry to drive operational excellence through Lean methodologies. He specializes in measurable improvements that show up in the bottom line, while creating environments that foster efficiency, innovation, and leadership. Outside of his consulting role, Matt is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife and sons.

Josh Blankenship is VP of Business at OuterBox, where he helps manufacturers and industrial brands grow through stronger sales and marketing alignment. He works across digital strategy, lead generation, website conversion, and revenue process improvement to turn visibility into qualified opportunities and pipeline impact. Josh is a frequent speaker on digital marketing, AI, and commercial growth strategy, known for practical, no-hype frameworks.

I started with Amada in 1995 as a Laser Service Engineer, working with laser and combination machines for over 25 years. Around 2020, I served as a Laser Service Manager for two years. I am currently supporting the role of Product Manager for Blanking, including punch, laser, and combination machines.

Dr. Mark Boyle and his team focus on the development and support of products for a wide range of metal joining technologies, including laser welding, resistance welding, and microTIG welding. As a leader in micro welding processes, AMADA WELD TECH provides equipment solutions for a wide range of markets.

Vincent Bozzone has researched, written about, and advised job shops for 30 years. He is the author of “Speed to Market: Lean Manufacturing for Job Shops” and has published twenty articles in trade magazines. Vince created a revolutionary new paradigm for job shops that uncovers and addresses a hidden problem they are unaware of. That is the focus of this presentation. Vince is an MBA graduate of Columbia University.

Matt Bradbury founded Business Acquisition & Merger Associates, an investment bank that's helped more than 225 business owners navigate their business sales process to achieve their goals in the transaction. Transactions include management buyouts, sales to strategic buyers, financial buyers and relatives. With almost $2B in closed transactions, you'll get terrific insight on what drives value for fabrication and manufacturing companies. BTW, Matt's also an investor in several manufacturing companies.

Sanjay Brahmawar became CEO of QAD in March 2025, leading a bold repositioning of the company at the center of global manufacturing transformation. A seasoned technology executive, he previously served as CEO of Software AG and held senior leadership roles at IBM, PwC, FedEx, DSM, and Honda. Sanjay champions AI-powered “Systems of Action” to help manufacturers operate with greater agility, resilience, and intelligence.

Link Brown is Chief Revenue Officer of coatingAI, where he leads global commercial strategy and U.S. market expansion. He works with manufacturers to implement AI-driven process intelligence that delivers guaranteed powder savings and measurable performance improvements.

Kate Brown is a business intelligence and analytics leader with more than 10 years of experience helping manufacturers gain timely insight into operational performance. She specializes in translating data into information teams need to make informed decisions across organizations. Kate educates manufacturers on data-centered decision-making frameworks, speaks regularly at manufacturing trade shows and events, and writes frequently on analytics and business intelligence topics for the manufacturing sector worldwide audiences today.

Nelson Bruton is President of ManufacturingChats.com, a lead generation firm helping industrial manufacturers turn website traffic into qualified sales conversations through human-powered live chat. With over 20 years of experience in B2B industrial digital marketing, Nelson specializes in driving measurable ROI. He helps manufacturers capture more leads, improve buyer engagement, and convert overlooked website visitors into real-time conversations, quote requests, and booked sales meetings aligned with modern buyer behavior.

David Bryson is a communications professional and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping leaders and teams improve performance through practical, real-world communication strategies. His background spans leadership, sales, and training in fast-paced, results-driven environments. Known for his engaging and actionable style, David equips audiences with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen professional relationships, collaboration, and execution.

Dirk Burrowes is President and Founder of Vytek Industrial Laser Systems, a U.S. manufacturer of industrial laser marking, engraving, cutting, and welding systems. Since founding the company in 1989, he has led the development of laser technologies used across a broad range of manufacturing industries requiring permanent marking, traceability, precision processing, and automated production workflows.

Over the past 30+ years, Burrowes has specialized in laser marking automation, helping manufacturers integrate laser systems into high-throughput production environments for

serialization, compliance marking, UID implementation, branding, and product identification. His experience spans system integration, motion control, machine vision alignment, robotic handling, and industrial software workflows.

Under his leadership, Vytek has grown from a small engraving operation into an internationally recognized laser systems manufacturer with equipment installed worldwide. Vytek systems are designed, manufactured, and supported in the United States.

Burrowes brings a highly practical, application-focused perspective to laser technology, with deep experience solving real-world manufacturing challenges involving reliability, throughput, and production scalability.

Alex Cairns is Founder & CEO of multi-award-winning Move Marketing, a B2B agency specialising in manufacturing and industrial markets, based in Manchester (UK) and Chicago (USA). Over 25 years he has helped manufacturers improve commercial performance by aligning marketing with how modern industrial buyers research and select suppliers. He developed the “8 Moves” framework after leading 200 marketing audit and planning engagements for manufacturers typically ranging from $20M to $200M.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Joel spent 3 years working as a Manufacturing Engineering at Tesla's factory in Fremont, CA gaining valuable experience in everything Paint Finishing, from new plant launches to new model launches. He then moved to the supplier side, first joining Eisenmann as an engineer then to the commercial group at Taikisha. As Business Development Manager, he is responsible for targeted customer sales and liaising with Taikisha R&D for product development.

David Caputo is the Co-Founder of Harmoni, a factory orchestration platform that unifies people, machines, and processes to improve productivity on the shop floor. David is also the Founder of RVE Partners, a NY-based private equity firm that makes investments in the manufacturing sector. David serves as Chairman of WHI, an aerospace and defense manufacturing platform, and is a Director of KeyData, a cybersecurity services firm. David holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

As President of Capitol Engineering, John leads the company’s strategic initiatives and oversees all operational aspects of the business. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 20 years of technical sales, manufacturing, fabrication, and construction experience, primarily focused in mining and minerals, food/beverage, sanitary, and water/wastewater industries. John holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in administration and project management from Northern Arizona University. Outside of the Office: You can find John camping, dirt bike riding and hiking. He is a native New Englander who grew up in the beautiful state of Maine and loves spending as much time with his family in New England.

Heather Carroll is Chief Revenue Officer at Path Robotics, where she is helping define the future of manufacturing through Physical AI — focusing on automation, supply chain resilience, and national competitiveness. With over a decade of experience in industrial robotics and supply chain systems, she previously held senior roles at Dematic, Covariant, and Takeoff Technologies, connecting emerging technology to the real-world systems that power the global economy.

Chris Carter is an OEM Market Leader. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in manufacturing, Chris is a proven sales professional known for delivering exceptional customer service, meticulous attention to detail, a consultative approach, and innovative problem-solving skills. Chris’s commitment to client satisfaction, coupled with an in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, has consistently been able to deliver results for customers and client partners.

Anupam Chakraborty, Commercial Sales Director USMCA for Lantek, directs sales and business development in North America. Mr. Chakraborty has more than 25 years of experience in project, product and business management for continuous process plants, software and integrated solutions.

Mr. Chakraborty holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from T A Pai Management Institute and a BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India.

My journey in the field of robotics began nearly two decades ago when I co-founded UGOBE, creating one of the first advanced life-like consumer robots. From building telepresence robots for companies like BMW and NASA at Anybots, and leading Panasonic, I would be honored to share with you my view on humanoid robotics in manufacturing.

Candace Cline is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc., working with business owners to help them navigate the financial complexities that come with building, owning, and eventually transitioning a business. She recognizes that for many owners, their business represents a lifetime of effort, personal sacrifice, and responsibility to employees, family, and community.

Dan joined ESAB three decades ago as an Equipment Specialist and steadily advanced through leadership positions; Sales Director and Director of Automation. His experience also includes managing international business for an industrial software firm, adding a unique dimension to his expertise. As VP of Robotics and Digital Solutions and a lifetime of industry involvement, Dan provides expertise in welding and cutting automation technologies and an understanding of customers and applications.

Mustafa Coskun is Senior Director and Global Head of Beam Delivery & Subsystems at IPG Photonics. He holds BS and MS degrees in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree from the Simon School of Business Administration, and has spent his career working extensively in high power laser technology. Prior to IPG, he led the industrial and high power laser scanning business at Novanta and earlier was responsible for the optical design and implementation of the short pulse front end of the Omega EP petawatt laser system at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

Gary Covert is the founder of Southwest Leadership, where he works with owners and leadership teams to design environments that drive consistent execution, higher productivity, and stronger bench strength. With more than a decade of experience advising manufacturing, construction, and operations-driven organizations, Gary is known for translating leadership behavior into measurable business outcomes. His work focuses on reducing operational friction and unlocking discretionary effort at scale.

-B.S in Mechatronics and Robotics at Trine University
-Application Engineer for Continuous Process Group at FANUC Rochester Hills
-Support specialist for laser seam tracking applications for robotics and automation

I began my career at Cincinnati Incorporated in 2011 in the Service Department, gaining hands-on experience solving customer issues. I advanced into Engineering, designing press brakes and studying tooling under Dan Cormican, who trained under Press Brake Fundamentals author Ben Rapien. I am currently the Press Brake Product Manager, with extensive experience delivering practical, customer-focused bending solutions.

Josh Curcio is the CRO and Partner at protocol 80, helping technical B2B companies—especially manufacturers and industrial firms—modernize marketing, sales, and CRM without overwhelming the teams using it. With 20+ years of experience, he is a HubSpot Community Champion, Manufacturing HUG Leader (East Coast), and HubSpot Certified Trainer. Josh is an 8x FABTECH speaker, 2x INBOUND speaker, and 2x Partner Day speaker.

Angella Dagenhart sees the invisible architecture underneath organizational dysfunction. With two decades leading transformations in manufacturing, workforce development, and operations, she diagnoses why smart initiatives fail—not because of "resistance," but because systems weren't designed for how work actually happens. As Co-Founder of The BLU Arc Collective, Angella helps manufacturers prevent automation and process change failures by redesigning broken systems before scaling them. Six Sigma Green Belt, SPHR, Prosci-certified.

Greg Danko, PE, is a Quality Engineer & Manager with 40-yrs of experience in manufacturing environments, specializing in ISO/IATF compliance, audit readiness, and corrective action effectiveness. Leading cross-functional teams to reduce repeat non-conformances by over 20%, cut scrap and rework costs by double digits, and improve CAPA cycle time via root cause validation. Greg’s current focus is reframing CAPA with a CA-first, digitally enabled approach that prioritizes verified correction before prevention.

Steve Darnell is well-known for his success on the Discovery Channel hit series Vegas Rat Rods and as the creative mastermind behind Welder Up, the Las Vegas rat rod and fabrication shop. Steve is passionate about bringing history back to life, showing that his creativity knows no limits. Besides designing the craziest rat rods, Steve also enjoys interior design, set design, producing music videos, and short films. He created the post-apocalyptic set design, props, and vehicles in Five Finger Death Punch’s music video for “House of the Rising Sun.” Currently, he is restoring his historic property in Goodsprings, NV, which will be the new home of Welder Up, aka the “Carnival of Rust,” all while creating content for his popular YouTube channel and social media.

Steve was born in Las Vegas but spent part of his childhood in Montana. He learned to weld and fabricate early on while working with his dad at the family’s steel company in Las Vegas. After selling the family business, Steve started his own fabrication shop, which fueled his passion for cars. When the famous D-Rod rolled out of his shop featuring a twin-turbo 12-valve diesel engine that produced 1000 hp, the automotive world took notice of the unique builds Steve and his team were creating; so did the Discovery Channel. In 2013, the popular series Vegas Rat Rods took the world by storm. Steve’s creations soon appeared in multiple national publications like Hot Rod Magazine, Diesel World Magazine, Mopar Magazine, and more. He slowly but surely became known as the king of badass rat rods.

Today, Steve’s passion has expanded from rat rods to cover all aspects of the design-build industry. Besides revitalizing the Goodsprings, NV property, he is also restoring pre-war traditional hot rods to match the new location's theme. As a committed supporter of the welding industry, he is eager to share his years of experience and hard-won wisdom with aspiring welding students attending the WelderUp workshops.

Steve has always been dedicated to exceeding everyone’s expectations.

Been in the welding industry for 30+ years, doing mechanical automation for heavy fabricators. My job is to make fabricators more efficient at their jobs through product flow, better tools, better methods, weld process, mechanization, and ultimately automation. I learned early on in my career, that there is a lot more to fabrication than just welding, material handling in itself will make up more than 50% of your overhead.

Robert Davidson was building AI marketing tools well before the launch of ChatGPT. As an AI pragmatist, he's guided manufacturers, industrial brands, and logistics companies through real digital transformations. Robert specializes in translating AI's complexity into practical strategies that drive measurable growth.

Nick Dawson is a Sales Account Manager with Koch Finishing Systems. Based in Jacksonville, FL, Nick covers the U.S. Nick is an authorized industry speaker, holding positions within the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). He has presented at industry trade shows and customer training seminars nationwide.

Dr. Charles (Chuck) DeBettignies has more than 20 years experience in the design, implementation, and use of gainsharing systems. He has helped more than 300 corporations in the US and Europe develop their own gainsharing systems.
Nationally recognized as an authority on the subject, he has worked with companies of three to 1,600 employees to achieve lasting success with gainsharing, and is the President of Gainsharing Inc.

Brandon Dempsey is Managing Partner at GBG Marketing, an AI-powered firm helping manufacturers grow through smarter, sales-aligned marketing. He’s spent 20+ years turning cold calls into million-dollar accounts and now helps mid-level leaders turn marketing from a cost center into a sales weapon. Expect real stories, no fluff, and tactics you can use immediately. Also: he rides motorcycles with his daughters and rebuilds carburetors for fun.

A proven SVP of Sales for multiple Hundred Million-Plus and one 5 Billion dollar transportation companies, Leah Despain is a change management agent who implements strategies for success using a simple methodology: People, Processes, Systems and Execution. As an adjunct professor, she saw the next generation of industry professionals. Leah holds an MBA from Arkansas State University and is a member of Transportation Intermediaries Association, SMC3, and Women In Trucking.

Steve Detweiler has 25 plus years of experience providing Practical and Safe systems for slit coil, master coil logistics and storage. He is a life-time resident of N.E. Ohio graduating from the University of Findlay and holder of a US Patent. His solutions have been implemented by Aluminum and Steel flat roll mills, Metal Stampers, Pipe and Tube mills and Steel Service centers across the US and Canada.

Brian Dodsworth is a senior operations and sales leader at Bluco, where he helps manufacturers unlock step-change improvements in productivity, adaptability, and speed to market. With more than two decades of experience spanning consulting, operations, and manufacturing leadership, he specializes in identifying hidden constraints that limit performance. Prior to Bluco, Brian held leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and U.S. Cellular. He holds a B.S. in Business from Indiana University Bloomington.

Alex Doerner is the Product Owner for Profile Cutting and Nesting at SigmaNEST, where he has spent 12 years working closely with fabrication organizations to improve how work moves from engineering to the shop floor. His time at SigmaNEST has spanned technical support, project management, and operations management, giving him visibility into customer challenges from implementation through daily production use. He offers practical, experience‑driven perspective grounded in real production challenges.

A Sales Engineer with First Choice Robotics, a company with robotic integration, support and service. Her background includes a BS in Robotics Engineering from Lawrence Technological University. She has over 5 years of experience in the Finishing and Coating industry including robot development support, product management, sales technical support as well as integration. Hope has been a member of the CCAI National Board of Directors for 3 years and is a member of Women in Finishing.

Colin is an experienced leader, guiding manufacturing and distribution companies through strategic growth and operational transformation. As Senior Manager of Industry Strategy at Armanino, he helps clients navigate complex challenges, using data-driven insights to drive efficiency and growth. As a byline author in several industry publications, Colin shares a deep understanding of the industry's landscape and a proven ability to translate data into strategies that streamline operations.

Kyle Drummer is General Manager, Pre-Engineered Automation of Lincoln Electric Automation, leading a business focused on industrial robotic and cobot solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in automation with Lincoln Electric, he has worked with a wide variety of industry segments to implement advanced mechanized and robotic welding solutions. Kyle holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Memphis.

Steve is the President of Roll Form Solutions located in Grand Haven Michigan.

He worked in sales, helping his customers with product development and design, along with quoting roll form tooling and systems. For 12 years he held the position of Chief Engineer with a large custom roll forming company.

Steve has a degree in Applied Science Industrial Engineering and over 50 years of experience in the roll form industry,

Daniel Earley is a Senior Product Line Manager at IPG Photonics. He has helped to create innovative laser material processing solutions for diverse applications across a wide range of industries. Dan has been an expert speaker at industrial and educational conferences. He is now responsible for IPG’s LightWELD line of handheld laser welding and cleaning products.

Matt Eichmann is a former Marine officer and global industry leader with 25+ years of experience helping organizations scale, teams thrive, and leaders deliver real results. He founded Catalyst Point Leadership Advisors to equip next‑generation leaders with practical, people‑first tools for navigating complexity. A certified executive coach and frequent industry speaker, Matt blends real‑world experience with evidence‑based coaching to develop high‑impact, resilient leaders and teams.

Uriel Eisen delivers transformative efficiency through design for manufacturability and process improvement. A Forbes 30 Under 30 (Social Entrepreneurship) honoree, he designed space suits for NASA and open-sourced a face shield used to produce over three million units within three months of COVID. He’s helped multiple businesses double revenue and founded Arda to help manufacturers adopt best-in-class workflows by making the easiest way to work also the best.

Jerimy Erickson is the Global Product Director at Sherwin Williams; he has responsibility for the General Industrial Product Portfolio and Innovation at Sherwin Williams in all regions of the globe. Jerimy joined the company in 1997, as a chemist in the Industrial Wood Group in Minneapolis. Over the last 27 years Jerimy has held a variety of positions including, Chemist, Group Leader, Technical Manager, Account Manager, Strategic Account Manager, Global Account Manager, Marketing Director and Global Product Director. Jerimy holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC – Chapel Hill.

Mark Ernst
BIO
Mark Ernst is the founder of Ernst Enterprises, LLC. He has been the trusted advisor to CEO's and senior business leaders for over 30 years.
Mark earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, his BA and MS from Lewis University
Mark resides So Cal. He enjoys traveling abroad, writing, and training in martial arts earning his black belt in Karate in 2019.

Paul Farrell is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in product strategy and development for midmarket organizations and Global 1000 companies. Currently the Senior Vice President of Product Management at ECI Software Solutions, helping to support their manufacturing offerings. He previously held roles at the Epicor Software Corporation, Netsuite, and Oracle.

Tim Felbinger is the Founder and CEO of StartProto, a manufacturing software company focused on modernizing production operations through data-driven systems and agentic AI. He brings a cross-disciplinary background shaped by early exposure to software development and industrial automation from both his parents and grandparents. Tim began his career at BMW where he worked closely with suppliers and manufacturers, gaining firsthand insight into the inefficiencies, manual processes, and labor constraints.

Ashkan Ferozepurwalla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Classical Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2006. In January of 2025, he received his Professional Engineering license in Mechanical Engineering in the state of California. In 2023, Ashkan joined the Strategic Leadership Team as the Head of Engineering and now oversees Tri Tool's entire Engineering Department.

Jim has 45 years of experience in the metal stamping industry, specifically helping manufacturers to implement die protection programs. Jim is the Product Manager for Wintriss Controls. He is responsible for new product development as well as die protection and sensor technology. Jim has presented at countless trade shows, conventions, and technology conferences, and authored dozens of articles on controls and monitoring technology for the stamping industry.

Leonard Fioroni is a product manager specializing in fiber laser welding automation, leading the development and implementation of robotic and cobot welding systems for industrial manufacturers. With over 11 years in welding applications and system integration, he helps fabricators improve weld quality, throughput, and consistency.

David Fisher is Head of Global Marketing at IPG Photonics. He holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University and an MBA from University of

Massachusetts. Prior to IPG, he served as Sr. Global Marketing Manager for Schneider Electric - Data Center & Network Solutions, twice as a Sr. Product Marketing Manager for B2C & B2B technology companies, twice as a Creative Director for retail & out-of-home global advertising, and has been an avid musician and filmmaker for most of his life.

Eric Flato is a Senior Director at Simon-Kucher in San Francisco, advising industrial B2B companies on profitable growth. He specializes in pricing, sales strategy, go-to-market execution, and commercial transformation across manufacturing, technology, and services. Eric maintains a presence in the broader market via speaking engagements and workshop presentations including PPS, PE leadership summits & topical webinars. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale and an MBA from UCLA Anderson.

As Senior Key Account Manager for Scansonic, he specializes in laser optic joining applications. His work involves providing technical solutions for laser processing in industries.

Christian Flynn is a Director in Simon-Kucher’s New York City office, where he advises industrial, services and manufacturing companies on pricing, commercial strategy, and profitable growth. He leads engagements across Industrials, Industrial Services, and Technology sectors for both publicly listed and privately held clients, helping teams improve price realization, strengthen go-to-market models, and capture value in complex B2B markets. Christian frequently speaks at pricing conferences & graduate programs and publishes on growth-focused topics. Previously, he was a manufacturing engineer at Lockheed Martin supporting aircraft development domestically and internationally. He holds engineering degrees from Notre Dame and NYU.

With over 35 years of business leadership experience, Mark is a life-long learner and sought after public speaker. He has studied the building blocks of adult learning, based on experiential techniques that engage large and small audiences alike. His range of topic interests include, but are not limited to, strategic change, organization development, leadership development, and business growth process. Mark enjoys spending time with family, especially his first grandchild, Benjamin.

Ryan Frederick is an AI advisor, investor, and national speaker who presented at 50+ conferences in 2025. As Principal at Transform Labs, he helps executives and boards turn AI, automation, and intelligent systems into practical strategy and measurable outcomes. Through the AI Transform Fund, he invests in category-defining AI companies, giving him a pragmatic view of what’s working now—and what’s coming next.

David Garza, Founder & CEO of COMPASS Human Capital Advisors, brings 30+ years of military and corporate leadership and 25 years in HR. He has worked in pharma, real estate, manufacturing, and distribution, and advises leaders on human capital readiness. A decorated combat veteran, Garza holds an MBA from UT Austin, is a West Point graduate, a certified Gallup Coach and Stanford Project Manager, and author of Disrupting HR.

Maxwell George is the Industrial Solutions Portfolio Director for DuBois Chemicals, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. He has is bachelors in Materials Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has a combined 14 years experience in finishing and metalworking fluids industry.

Maxwell George is the Industrial Solutions Portfolio Director for DuBois Chemicals, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. He has is bachelors in Materials Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has a combined 14 years experience in the finishing industry, specializing in paintable pretreatments.

Seth Getz is a seasoned business strategist and merger and acquisition veteran. He currently serves as the Business Exit Strategist, Growth Coach, and Partnership Developer for NuVescor, a trusted advisor for manufacturing business owners navigating the M&A process. Previously, Seth founded Business Mastery, where he worked for nearly 24 years, coaching organizations on business and financial strategy, strategic development, and transitions, including mergers and acquisitions.

Keyur Gohel is a Staff Mechanical Engineer specializing in scalable smart manufacturing and modular automation for advanced electromechanical systems. He develops reusable test and validation platforms for complex vehicle electronics, enabling the shift from prototype workflows to data-driven production. An invited speaker at Automate 2026, Keyur focuses on system-level automation, Industry 4.0, and strategies that reduce scaling risk while improving manufacturing resilience.

Shantanoo is a natural leader with a passion for customer service and getting things done.

For the last 30 years, he has successfully demonstrated his revenue generation, leadership, relationship, and delivery management skills.

Wayne Green is a principal-level solutions engineer with a physics degree and deep experience across manufacturing, automation, capital equipment, and industrial software. At AMS Controls, he leads solution architecture and customer engagement for Eclipse MES, helping manufacturers optimize production systems and guide product direction. A former manufacturing CEO and patent holder, Wayne is a frequent national speaker known for translating real-world operations into practical, data-driven automation strategies.

Pei Liang Guo is advancing next-generation robotic automation at Mesoware. His previous work spans artificial intelligence, camera, 3D printing, and wearable technologies. He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Sam Gupta brings more than two decades of expertise advising executives on business, AI, ERP and technology transformation. He has been involved with over 200 digital transformation strategies and implementation projects. Sam is rated as #1 thought leader in the ERP and CRM categories and #15 in the digital transformation category on Thinkers 360. He is also among the top 100 thought leaders across all categories.

Cullen Hackler brings more than 50 years of real‑world experience across manufacturing, association management, and materials science consulting roles. With BS and MS degrees in Ceramic Engineering from Virginia Tech, Cullen has spent his entire career in technically complex, globally connected industries giving him a unique, multidimensional perspective on effective leadership. His experience demonstrates how leaders build trust, shape culture, make difficult decisions, and align people around shared values.

Jeff Halonen is the CEO and co-founder of Steelhead Technologies. Before founding Steelhead, Jeff worked as a Mechanical Engineer at General Motors, gaining firsthand experience with complex manufacturing systems and large-scale production. Jeff has walked shop floors nationwide, listening to owners, managers, and production teams as they tackle bottlenecks, boost profitability, and pursue sustainable growth. Under Jeff’s leadership, Steelhead partners with customers to turn shop-floor challenges into powerful, easy-to-use solutions.

With more than two decades of experience, Jeremiah has led some of the nation’s highest‑stakes projects, from defense missile silos to nuclear energy safety and critical infrastructure. In environments defined by pressure and tough decisions, he rallied teams, restored momentum, and helped people regain confidence. He doesn’t lecture. He equips. His sessions leave people with clarity, confidence, and practical steps they can apply immediately to move work forward.

Sunny Han is the Founder and CEO of Fulcrum, connecting more than 600 U.S. manufacturers with the technology they need for a competitive future.

Patrick Hanlon is a seasoned economic development and business incentives consultant with more than 20 years of experience in credits and incentives, site selection, economic development, and real estate advisory services. Based in St. Louis, he has advised companies, developers, and government entities nationwide. As a Director at KBKG, he leads the launch of State Incentives and Location Advisory services, advising on multi-state expansions, incentive negotiations, compliance, and site selection.

Patrick Harrigan serves as Vice President of Partnerships at CADDi, where he builds and leads a strategic partner ecosystem that expands the reach of the company’s AI data platform. Over the past decade, he has guided Fortune 500 manufacturers through enterprise digital transformation spanning IT and OT convergence, mobility, AR and VR, cloud architecture, edge computing and applied AI.

Wendy Hartley is a Global Product Manager at Graco, Inc., where she has spent 22 years helping shape the company’s Liquid Finishing product portfolio. In her role, she leads product strategy and lifecycle management, partnering across engineering, sales, and operations to deliver solutions that meet customer needs.

Josh has spent over 20 years in the steel industry, building a career rooted in precision, problem-solving, and collaboration. His experience spans steel detailing, joist and deck detailing, checking, project management, training, and even teaching drafting at a local community college. As a Sales Engineer, Josh combines his deep industry knowledge with a passion for innovation, helping customers streamline workflows, improve productivity, and get the most out of their software investment.

Will Healy III is an enthusiastic Purdue University engineer who loves to share his passion for automation. He is a global leader at Teradyne Robotics driving product & industry marketing for both Universal Robots & Mobile Industrial Robots. With an easy-to-follow style, Will is known for his technology insights, sharing manufacturing trends and creating value through automation. Widely published & presenting internationally, Will is an active Fabtech advisor for years.

John Henderson is a 34-year AWS member that currently serves in an advisory capacity for the C-4 Committee (Oxyfuel Gas Welding and Cutting). John has worked with ESAB for 19 years in Marketing, Product Management, Product Development, and Sales leadership. John is currently the Sales Director for ESAB’s Gas Equipment. His prior experience includes global manufacturing and distribution in related fields.

Tim Heston, The Fabricator print and online senior editor, has covered the metal fabrication industry since 1998, starting his career at the American Welding Society's Welding Journal. Since then he has covered the full range of metal fabrication processes, from stamping, bending, and cutting to grinding and polishing. He joined The Fabricator's staff in October 2007.

Mr. Adam Scott Hicks is a Senior Physicist and a Branch Technical Advisor (BTA) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RXM). Mr Hicks has over 15 years of experience in defense manufacturing, which includes directing the strategic vision for a $350 million Air Force ManTech portfolio focused on advanced manufacturing.

As part of his Air Force duties, he previously served as the Government Program Manager and Chief Technical Advisor for America Makes, managing a $290 million national portfolio and directing over 90 collaborative projects. An expert in lasers and additive manufacturing, he holds a Master of Science in Physics.

Mike Hill is the founder and General Manager of Big Rocks Engineering, bringing a wealth of experience from his background in physics and aerospace defense. With a passion for innovation, Mike leads the company with a focus on helping organizations develop cutting-edge products and solutions. His leadership emphasizes strong business relationships, collaboration, and consistently delivering high-quality results.

Corie Hoffman is a Leadership Coach & Culture Consultant dedicated to transforming workplace experiences & empowering teams to reach new heights. Blending practical tools with inspirational insights, she equips leaders to confidently tackle challenges & elevate their impact. Her mission: help organizations prioritize their people & drive success through continuous growth.

Marshall Honeyman is a member of Avek IP, a patent firm in Overland Park, Kansas. He represents numerous manufacturing clients, mostly in the aircraft and automotive fields. He’s been a regular speaker at FABTECH, and a contributor for The Fabricator magazine. He assists clients in getting patents and advises clients regarding infringement.

Emma is a Research and Development Supervisor at IPG Photonics Canada, where her work focuses on development of laser weld monitoring technology. She currently works on the LDD product line of OCT-based in-situ process measurement and monitoring technology, with a focus on the pushing the boundaries of process monitoring.

Aaron has been at GAT for over 20 years. In that time he has served roles of sales engineering, project management and vice president.

HR is a business and leadership keynote speaker,
organizational strategist, author, business
executive coach, and business leadership
consultant.
HR’s passion as a speaker, coach, and leader
stems from his backstory of overcoming early
childhood struggles then going on to building
successful, and impactful businesses. HR now
shares many of the life and leadership principles
he learned in his 30+ years of leadership with
other leaders. .

Jordan, is the founder of Cornucopia-Business-Consulting and creator of the Modern-Management-Operating-System™, a framework that helps manufacturing executives scale operations with structure, accountability, and measurable performance. With over two decades of leadership experience across military, enterprise retail, and industrial sectors, Jordan works with precision manufacturers and industrial firms to align strategy with execution. A military academy graduate and PMP, known for disciplined, system-driven approaches that drive predictable growth and scalability.

A previous FABTECH speaker and business process transformation strategist with specialization in sourcing, procurement, supply chain planning and negotiation, Amy leverages insights across data, tools, people and processes to recommend changes and lead hands-on transformations. She helps clients with projects involving M&A-related changes, functional redesigns, business leadership for system integrations and change management.

Rory Kalac is the Director of Paid Media at Protocol80, where she works with industrial and manufacturing teams to improve how value is communicated and validated through paid media. She helps sales, marketing, and subject matter experts align around buyer truth, replacing vague messaging with clarity that improves lead quality, shortens sales cycles, and makes paid media a real-time proving ground for what actually drives demand.

I’m a Strategic Solutions Consultant at DivIHN Integration Inc, drawing on my education in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management from IIT and my hands-on experience in ServiceNow development, solution design, and sales enablement. My work centers on helping organizations streamline operations, strengthen security, and unlock measurable business value.

Dr. Sudesh “Dr. K” Kannan CISSP, AIGP is a manufacturing and foundry consultant with over 30 years’ experience helping metalcasters and industrial firms improve yield, cut scrap, and accelerate new product development. A PhD metallurgist, AFS Certified Instructor, and cybersecurity/AI specialist, he translates advanced analytics into practical shop-floor improvements and measurable financial results for plants worldwide.

Omar Kayed is an accomplished business and technology executive with over 40 years of experience in technology and operations. As Founder and CTO of FN Immersive Innovation, he addresses critical workforce challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including VR, AI, and Digital Twins. With a distinguished career, B.Com. and an M.Sc. in Operations Research, Omar is a recognized thought leader and speaker on immersive technologies, AI, and workforce development.

Michael has a BS in Engineering' MS in Management; MS in Finance with 3 overseas assignments - Australia / UK / Italy.

Montez King is the Executive Director of NIMS, the nationally recognized organization helping to build a globally competitive American workforce through the establishment of industry standards, proven training frameworks and processes, and cloud-based technologies to support these initiatives. Mr. King is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the NIMS operation including administration, programs, and strategic planning.

Connie King is Director of Workforce Development at the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), where she leads training, apprenticeship, and workforce strategy initiatives for metalforming manufacturers across North America. With more than 35 years of experience and an MBA, she helps companies close skill gaps, build stronger shop-floor leaders, and align workforce strategy with production performance to drive measurable business results.

Andrew provides comprehensive wealth management solutions to closely held business owners and corporate executives. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), he advises entrepreneurs and affluent families on ownership transitions of privately held companies. His experience with liquidity events, mergers and acquisitions, and exit planning positions him among a select group of advisors with deep insight into the “owner-to-investor” transition. Andrew is also a Certified Investment Management Analyst

Alexander Klimov is an engineering leader with 20+ years of experience building large-scale cloud platforms and core operating system technologies. Formerly a principal engineering manager at Microsoft, he led teams delivering real-time monitoring and distributed systems used globally. As CEO and co-founder of Skody AI, he applies deep technical expertise to create practical solutions that solve meaningful industrial problems.

Tom Knauer has extensive experience in industrial automation, with companies including Balluff, Omron STI, Parker Hannifin and GE Fanuc. His focus is on strategy, business development and product management for sensors, safety and networking. Tom works closely with customers, sales, product management and product development to create and execute Balluff’s solutions and strategies for robotics, automation and condition monitoring.

Mark brings a broad knowledge of multifaceted IT systems, including hardware, software, and networking equipment. His clients know him best for developing compliance solutions for complex software development processes. Recently featured, on the Security Breach podcast, Mark is a risk advisory leader specializing in cybersecurity and CMMC compliance standards.

Finishing industry professional for 40+ years. Fire Officer for 4 decades, Member of the National Fire Protection Association for 20+ years. Safety Officer for the Chemical Coaters Association International.

Rick Kreczmer is an industrial air filtration industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in sales and executive management. As President of RoboVent, he has led the company through new product innovation and market initiatives to lay the foundation for continued growth and profitability in an evolving manufacturing environment.

Dr. Mike is an experienced industrial chemist specializing in metal pretreatment and surface-treatment technologies for automotive and manufacturing applications. He focuses on optimizing processes such as zinc phosphating, cleaning, and e-coat systems through data-driven analysis, plant trials, and advanced process control. With decades of practical and technical expertise, he is dedicated to improving corrosion performance, coating quality, and operational efficiency across complex production environments.

Max Krug, owner of Future State Engineering, has 40 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, with a focus on job shops in a make-to-order or engineer-to-order environment. He assists companies to develop operational excellence strategies and implementation support to achieve high performance. His education is in Industrial Engineering, and he utilizes Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing, and Total Quality Management to achieve breakthrough performance improvement for organizations.

Dr. Sunil Kulkarni has 12+ years of experience in resin chemistry, powder and liquid formulation, and performance optimization for automotive, architectural, and industrial applications. He is an expert in structure-process-property relationships, corrosion and durability mechanisms, and has contributed to patented, OEM-qualified coatings systems. At AkzoNobel, he managed powder coating products for automotive, ACE and CV market segments. Currently, he is an Innovation Manager focused on bringing groundbreaking technologies to the market to fill long-lasting unmet needs in the market.

Ed LaBruna was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He first graduated as an Electronic Technician and later earned a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology.
His passion for electronics began at the age of six, and he has been working with computers since he was nine.
He is currently a partner and co-owner of Janus Automation, a company specializing in automation and IT solutions.

Frank Laster is the owner and president of A1 Paint, Powder & Sandblasting, a Kansas City–based company specializing in coating large and heavy industrial parts. With the ability to handle pieces up to 60 feet in length and 10,000 pounds, A1 serves customers across manufacturing, construction, and industrial markets. Since acquiring the business, Frank has led steady growth by focusing on building the right team, improving operations, and strengthening long-term customer relationships. Today, A1 continues to expand its capacity and capabilities while maintaining a reputation for consistent quality and dependable turnaround times.

Dr JP Lavoie is Senior Director of Laser Process Innovation at Laserax, where he leads the laser applications and product line management teams. His teams develop laser solutions for demanding materials and industrial challenges. With over 25 years of experience in laser materials processing and photonics, JP brings deep technical and market expertise. He holds a degree in Physics Engineering and a Ph.D. in Physics from Laval University, specializing in lasers and spectroscopy.

Nicole provides strategic counsel to global industrial brands, including ESAB and Arrow Fastener. She specializes in integrating advanced research and analytics into account planning to drive measurable market growth. By bridging the gap between customer data and actionable strategy, Nicole helps manufacturers navigate complex landscapes. She leads Crowley Webb's account team with a focus on using emerging technology to cultivate resilient brands.

Josh joined Yaskawa as product manager for thermal robotics at Yaskawa Motoman in 2017 with a background in Product, Marketing, and Economics. His development approach targets input from end users to create a better solution. His experience with a variety of different customers helps distill challenges that can be forged into products. He shares that wisdom with customers and partners to drive the most value out of their solutions.

Mark’s passion is helping manufacturing companies improve their business performance using the latest technology. Leveraging his degree from Cornell in computer science and psychology, his 35 years experience working directly with manufacturers, and the latest Industry 4.0, IIoT, and Machine Learning/AI knowledge, Mark is eager to show where Manufacturing’s true potential for improvement lies.

Abby Liu is General Manager of Kebei Laser Co., Ltd. and Project Director of Hubei Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Welding & Cutting Equipment in Construction Engineering. She holds dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business from the University of Rochester. Her work is dedicated to the R&D, manufacturing, and industrial adoption of full-process intelligent laser equipment, with a focus on laser cutting and welding technologies for structural steel fabrication.

Michelle Lo leads teams that deliver AI-powered robotic automation to manufacturers across North America. She has overseen deployments across specialty vehicle builders, aerospace OEMs, and Fortune 100 manufacturers, helping customers drive 7-figure operational savings. Prior to GrayMatter Robotics, Michelle held manufacturing quality and engineering roles at Tesla and Faraday Future. She holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from Western University and Ivey Business School.

Rob Longfellow is a manufacturing technology leader with over 30 experience driving strategic change and solving business problems. As CTO of Juxtum, he develops manufacturing solutions that simplify digitalization, helping manufacturers connect, protect, and optimize operations. Rob serves on the MTConnect Standards Committee, was a 2025 C-Suite Award honoree, and previously led IIoT initiatives at TechSolve. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA.

Tyler is passionate about making a positive impact on people, businesses, and communities. For more than 15 years, Tyler has worked alongside business owners and executives to help them execute revenue-growth plans by creating compelling marketing strategies that drive sales.

Over the years, Tyler and the Marketing Essentials team have lived by the mantra ‘Strategy First, Tactics Second’ – Tactics need purpose, passion, and a driver-STRATEGY.

John Lucci is the Co-Founder and President of FTE Factory Advisors (formerly FTE Performance Consulting), where he serves as the visionary behind the firm’s strategy, innovation agenda, and hands-on transformation approach.

With more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, and consulting, and a lifelong passion for making things. He believes U.S. manufacturing is more than a sector: it’s a foundation for economic strength, community stability, and national competitiveness.

Adam Marsh is the President of Ledge Inc., where he helps manufacturers build quality systems that don’t just satisfy requirements — but actually make organizations stronger. A proud Penn State Industrial Engineering alumnus, Adam founded Ledge in 2012 and has since grown it into a 10-person consulting team supporting 300+ companies across industries with QMS implementation, training, and long-term compliance support.

Joe has spent over a decade building robots. Before cofounding Mesoware, he led and developed hardware and software products at Splunk and Uber. He holds an MBA and MS from Harvard and a Mechatronics Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo.

Jim Mayer has spent 25 years inside the manufacturing industry, witnessing firsthand how it builds families, strengthens communities, and shapes identity. As The MFG Connector, he helps manufacturers capture the pride behind their work through story and film. Jim translates legacy into language employees believe in and customers respect—protecting the culture, credibility, and backbone that keep American manufacturing strong.

Josh Mayse is an automation leader transforming metal fabrication through innovative, customer-focused solutions. Inspired by machinery and engineering, he built his career automating CNC systems across industries, later leading engineering teams and earning an MBA. Now Vice President of Mid Atlantic Automation and co-creator of the AutoTend system, he develops technologies, holds patents, and drives advancements that boost productivity and modernize manufacturing. He also champions lifelong learning and practical innovation.

Michael McBride is a project manager and organizational leader in operational excellence. He has successfully implemented a wide array of advanced planning systems across a breadth of industries. Michael also managed the systems implementation for the grand opening of the $300M Georgia Aquarium in 2005 and has served as the founding pastor of churches in San Diego and Indianapolis. He holds a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

Todd McClanahan is a Senior Application Engineer with AutoForm Engineering USA, and supports users in developing methodologies to simulate the sheet metal forming and assembly processes. Prior to AutoForm, he spent over 18 years in the automotive stamping industry with Honda Engineering, North America. His responsibilities included tooling design, manufacturing feasibility, and engineering and project management for automotive programs. There he recognized the importance of efficiency in design and manufacturing.

Currently, Sr. Business Development Manager at Heiche Surface Technology, a Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive supplier in Jasper AL. Also, currently on the Board of Directors for AAMA, Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. Previously, President of Scotsman Ice Systems and GM of Hoshizaki America in the Food Service Equipment business segment. Began career as a Manufacturing Engineer and progressed to Operations Manager with General Motors at Saginaw Steering Gear, now a division of Nexteer.

Holly Jobe is passionate about helping manufacturers make marketing work with real teams and real constraints. As COO of protocol 80, she helps design marketing strategies built for execution, not theory. A six-time FABTECH speaker (2019–2025) and author of "Inbound Immortal", Holly brings a grounded, systems-driven approach to marketing that is proven to work even for the most niche industrial companies.

Josh McKain is a seasoned manufacturing leader, strategist, and coach who’s spent his career helping businesses bridge the gap between operational performance and leadership development. He’s worked with shops of every size, from small family-run operations to large-scale manufacturers, guiding leaders to simplify their systems, clarify their priorities, and empower their teams.

Abagail McKiernan is a speaker, author, and social-impact entrepreneur focused on workplace culture, employee well-being, and practical leadership in high-pressure environments. Founder of HelpLink, a tech-enabled nonprofit that has connected employees and communities to rapid, dignified support since 2017, addressing more than 120,000 individual needs and author of The Culture We Carry: Lead from Any Seat. She is an AWS Social Entrepreneur Accelerator and Meta Community Impact Accelerator Fellow.

Scott is the President/Owner of Ferret, Inc., a 45-year-old custom roll forming company located in Elkhart, Indiana. Scott has 3 years’ experience as a setup man/operator, 10 years in purchasing and finance, and 25 years in sales and executive ownership. He is active in the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council of Elkhart County, a past chair and current member of the FMA’s Roll Forming Council, and an investor in local restaurants. He is a current member and Past Chair of Fabricators and Manufacturers Association’s Roll Forming Technology Council. Scott is married with three children and three grandchildren, and enjoys traveling to unique locations, singing and playing the drums.

Thomas McMeekan is the Quality Manager at Ferret Inc., a steel roll forming manufacturer in Elkhart, Indiana, where he works alongside his father. He graduated from Purdue University in 2021 with a degree in Supply Chain Management and Engineering Sales Technology and previously worked as a Supply Chain Analyst at Lippert Components. Thomas focuses on quality systems and continuous improvement and is married, bringing both a personal and practical perspective to his work in manufacturing.

Faraz Mehdi is a Senior Staff Engineer at Hypertherm with over 10 years of experience in plasma and laser consumables. He specializes in fluid mechanics, machine learning, and advanced analytics and has led several NPD and technology initiatives to develop innovative, high-impact engineering solutions.

Erika Melander is the Manufacturing Industry Leader at Nationwide and is passionate about helping protect manufacturers from unintended risk. After over 20 years in various underwriting and manufacturing-specific capacities, Erika is a recognized leader in providing protection solutions for manufacturers. At Nationwide, Erika works diligently to help ensure manufacturers are best prepared to prevent and mitigate their exposure to disruptive losses and keep their people safe. 

Corey has 8 years of experience in software development and embedded systems, focusing on industrial control and line-of-business applications. His work includes developing AGV control systems using technologies such as CAN, MQTT, and Wi-Fi, combining hardware and software for reliable, safe operation. Corey also builds full-stack solutions using C#, .NET, and SQL Server, connecting shop-floor systems with enterprise applications. He also leverages 3D printing and rapid prototyping to solve mechanical and integration challenges, enabling fast iteration between design, hardware, and software.

Brandy Milazzo is the founder of a boutique transactional law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, built on the belief that exceptional legal counsel should feel personal, trusted, and human. Brandy leads her team in M&A transactions across all market sizes, finance matters, commercial real estate deals, supply-chain transactions across industries, and a broad spectrum of corporate work, proudly representing clients on either side of the table.

Andrew is a data-driven marketer and speaker passionate about helping manufacturers achieve their growth goals. As co-founder and VP of Client Services at Workshop Digital, he specializes in developing and implementing B2B digital marketing strategies that drive strong results. Andrew is a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing his expertise on topics such as analytics, demand generation, and AI in manufacturing marketing.

Frank Mohar is the Sales Manager for Nordson Corporation covering the Northeast US and Canada. He has held a variety of different positions within Nordson for almost 30 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Porcelain Enamel Institute. Frank is also a presenter at numerous trade shows throughout the country, as well as training seminars within Nordson.

William Moore has over 30 years of experience with Honda Motor in automotive stamping. At Honda Canada Manufacturing, he held roles in die maintenance, engineering, new model leadership, and departmental management. In the U.S., he served as R&D lead for North American stamping and plastics strategy, and Assistant Division Manager for the Die & Mold Division. He is currently the Strategy Leader for North American stamping.

Chris is a Senior Regional Sales Manager for Thermatool Corp. Prior to working at Thermatool, he studied at Western New England University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As a Senior Regional Sales Manager, he supports numerous customers within multiple industries. Chris has been with Thermatool since 2018.

Dr. Nassiri earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 2015. Prior to joining the Department of Integrated Systems Engineering at The Ohio State University (OSU) as an Assistant Professor, he worked as a Research Scientist at the Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center (SIMCenter) at OSU. He also serves as Co-Director of the NSF IUCRC Center for Industrial Metal Forming (CIMF).

Linda Newman is the Senior Product Application Manager for Quaker Houghton. In this role, Linda's primary function is working with Quaker Houghton's anodizing and surface treatment product lines and field support teams. Linda has over 20 years in the finishing business.

As owner and president of Launch Team, Inc., Michele leads a team that helps advanced manufacturing companies compete, change and grow. Launch Team provides marketing and sales strategy and outsourced marketing for companies looking to grow sales, launch new products, enter new markets, and create competitive advantage.

Matthew began working in his family’s fifth-generation welding shop at age eight, learning the trade and core values alongside his father and grandfather. He joined full time in 2004 after earning a Welding Technology certification from Vincennes University and later completed an Executive Business Administration certificate at the University of Notre Dame. Today, he is President and CEO of Nix Companies, leading 100X growth while building a people-first, purpose-driven company.

Erin is Founder and CEO of Pegasus Capital Inc., a Boston-based sell-side M&A advisory serving lower middle market business owners across the Northeast. With 20+ years of M&A experience plus an MBA and CM&AA credential, she helps founders run a professional, transparent process to maximize value and achieve the right exit. Erin is President of the Board for Penn State’s business school, a Board Member at AM&AA, and EXP.

Marco Opitz holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart with a specialization in laser manufacturing. He began his career in laser application research at TRUMPF headquarters in Germany in 2018, focusing on laser welding and additive manufacturing processes. Since 2021, he has served at TRUMPF's US laser application center, where he leads technical efforts on a range of e-mobility projects and advanced manufacturing applications.

Mike Osterling is a Lean coach, facilitator, and author with 25+ years of experience helping organizations turn strategy into measurable performance. He’s led transformations across a variety of industries including manufacturing, service, energy, and construction.
Mikes the President of Osterling Consulting; co-authored, the Shingo Award–winning book Value-Stream Mapping, and The Kaizen Event Planner. He specializes in developing leaders who can think, solve, and improve - not just deploy tools.

Theodore Patchel, Sales Manager at ANDRITZ Schuler Inc., is responsible for new equipment sales specific to hydraulic applications and composite part production. Patchel has over eight years of experience delivering value-added equipment solutions for the automotive and aftermarket industries as a Sales Engineer. His strong distributor relationships, customer‑focused approach, and commitment to quality have contributed to a consistent 20% increase in sales among leading automotive OEM and Tier 1–2 suppliers.

Shalin has spent the last 10 years across the robotics, automotive and consumer products industries integrating cutting-edge AI into high performance products and systems. Shalin is now building the future of manufacturing automation with Mesoware.

Josh Pawley is a founding partner of Vectis Automation and leads Vectis’ business development and application engineering teams. Josh has 15+ years of industry experience, having visited thousands of fabricators and helping implement hundreds of automated welding systems; giving him both the passion and the know-how to help manufacturers identify how to improve weld processes with automation.

Jason Pedersen is the owner and lead fabricator at Titan Forge LLC, a custom metal fabrication shop in Utah specializing in structural steel, stair systems, railings, and complex one-off projects. As a hands-on shop owner, he manages fabrication, estimating, and operations firsthand, with direct experience in how changes in buyer discovery affect which fabrication shops get work.

Product Professional with over 15 years of international experience in computer and software across multiple tech industries delivering products and services customers like. Proven ability in strategic planning, project management, product launches, innovation, portfolio growth, operational efficiency improvements and team leading. Passionate and creative leader with solid business acumen, capable of building strong relationships and motivating teams to achieve common goals and success.

Audie Penn is an Enterprise Operations Executive and Transformation Leader known for driving rapid performance stabilization and sustainable operational excellence across complex manufacturing environments. He helps organizations deliver measurable results within compressed executive cycles while strengthening the leadership behaviors that make improvement durable.

Donna Peterson is President of World Innovators, a family and women-owned B2B marketing company with over 45 years of experience helping industrial companies align marketing and sales to build trust and drive growth. A podcast host and frequent industry speaker, Donna helps companies identify trusted industry sources and use AI, including AI agents, to strengthen their brand, improve follow-up, and support long sales cycles by building relationships that instill trust.

Edwin K. Pfisterer has been with Welser Profile for over 27 years, bringing deep expertise in roll-forming technology and its application across diverse industries. Since 2008, Edwin has served as a Sales Engineer, supporting multiple market segments. Currently, Edwin plays a key role in driving growth in the Automotive segment and collaborates closely with the U.S. sales team to deliver tailored profile solutions that meet complex engineering and performance requirements.

I have been in the powder coating industry since 1994. Over my 32 years in powder coatings, I have held several positions from Manufacturing Operator, Quality Control Technician, Formulator, Quality Control Manager, Production Manager, Commercial and Commercial Manager. I am currently a Business Development Manager with the Industrial Coatings business of PPG, focusing on powder, liquid, Ecoat, and pretreatment growth.

Dean Phillips, DTM, is Technical Director at the Precision Metalforming Association, designing workforce training to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness. Active since 2002, he has served in leadership, government relations, and education roles, and co-created PMA’s Safety Green Book. President of Longevity Industries, he advances AR/VR training with Purdue University Northwest. Author of Stamping Press Guide, he specializes in IIoT, AI strategy, and fabrication training. SME in Safety, Fab & Metalforming.

David Pietrocola is Co-Founder and CEO at Cohesive Robotics, a developer of smart, adaptive robotic workcells for welding and surface finishing in high-mix environments, serving manufacturers across industries and sectors. He holds multiple patents, graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Trinity College, and earned a M.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Christopher Platt is the Sales Manager for Elcometer Inc. Working for Elcometer for the last 12 years, Christopher started as the repair tech, advanced to lab manager, and eventually transitioned into an outside sales role where he has been supporting Midwest the last 9 years, meeting with companies to help educate and consult on coating inspection equipment and the importance of data collection. Christopher is a member of AMPP, a speaker for the Powder Coating Institute, and helped rewrite POWDER COATING: The Complete Finisher's Handbook. He has also appeared on multiple technical podcasts and talks on YouTube about coatings. These accomplishments are what eventually led to Christopher becoming sales manager of Elcometer Inc.

John Pohl is a former Chief Marketing Officer who generated exceptional results at several market-leading corporations. For the past 18 years his strategic marketing firm has developed branding strategies and marketing campaigns that have helped over 50 B2B clients ranging from startups to multi-billion dollar corporations reinvigorate existing businesses and successfully launch new businesses. He holds an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Marie Pompili, owner of Gorman Pompili Communications, brings 30 years expertise in manufacturing marketing and PR. Starting her career as a trade press editor, Mrs. Pompili transitioned to public relations, working with clients in the paints and coatings and mechanical components markets. Her agency specializes in content creation, media relations, branding, and social media strategies. She is a member of Women in Manufacturing and the Public Relations Society of America.

Kristen Pope is a seasoned operations leader with 30+ years in manufacturing and oil & gas. As General Manager of Gates Machine Tool Repair, Inc. in Manvel, Texas, she directs daily operations, strategic growth, and innovation. Her expertise in business continuity was proven during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when she played a pivotal role in protecting her organization’s operations and employees.

Justin Poplin is a registered patent attorney and a member of Avek IP. He served as Chair of the Intellectual Property Prosecution & Transactions department in a national law firm from 2013 to 2016, and he is a founding member of his current firm. Companies of all sizes rely on Justin’s legal advice on patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, licensing, and confidentiality issues.

Hank Portney is a Product Manager at Paperless Parts.  Hank is deeply involved in research and design for the Paperless Parts platform, constantly talking with estimators about their work and designing the features that help them quote easily, predictably and efficiently as well as train junior estimators.  Hank earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering & Product Design, as well as a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University.

Dr. Pourboghrat received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1990. From 1990 to 1998, he worked as a staff scientist at Alcoa. From 1998-2015 he served as a faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Michigan State University. Currently, he is chair of the Integrated Systems Engineering Department at the Ohio State University and serves as a Director of Center for Industrial Metal Forming (CIMF).

Marty has 45 years in finishing; design/sales/installation of equipment, of turnkey finishing systems; spray booths, ovens for pharmaceutical and heat treating; finishing, pumping equipment, conveyors, and auxiliary equipment associated with these systems. He has been published in trade journals and speaks at trade shows, association meetings on Code Compliance, product finishing concepts.

Taylor is the COO of Industrial Motor Service, a family-owned electric motor repair shop in Anderson, SC, where she works alongside her father, who has been in the trade for over thirty years. With only a background in accounting, she builds digital systems for their shop — and advises manufacturers of all sizes on practical approaches to digital transformation, workforce development, and operational strategy.

National Sales Manager of fabrication machinery at United Precision in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Over 25-years of engineering and manufacturing experience in executive level and sales
management positions at leading metal fabrication OEM's and service providers. Bachelor
of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Dayton
(Dayton, OH) and MBA from St. John Fisher University (Rochester, NY).

CJ Quehl is a Software Engineering Manager, holding both a BFA and an Executive MBA, CJ bridges the critical gap between technical innovation and practical business strategy. With a patent in AI, his work focuses on ROI-driven AI implementations for the manufacturing floor. A passionate advocate for servant leadership, CJ helps fabricators navigate digital transformation by turning complex algorithms into accessible tools that empower, rather than replace, the skilled workforce.

Douglas Raff has served the machinery safeguarding industry 30+ years, and is Principal of Paragon Industrial Controls, Inc., a safety systems integrator specializing in safeguarding metalworking machinery. He frequently lectures on machine guarding best practices, press and press brake safeguarding, machine guarding risk assessment.. Doug serves on the FMA Safety Council and the ANSI B11.1 and B11.2 subcommittees, and holds an International MBA from ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Michael Redd JD worked at Cooper Lybrand as a Tax Accountant 1981-1984. After Law School Michael was a practicing Tax Attorney providing general business, commercial, Tax and Estate Planning services to clients for 30 years. Michael joined TAVAS, LLC in January 2017. All his experience representing the owners of small to medium sized businesses provides Michael with a well rounded but unique skill set extremely useful for business owners.

Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice is widely regarded as the best wide receiver to ever play in the National Football League, and arguably the greatest player of all time. During his 15-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, Rice won three Super Bowls (Super Bowl XXIII (’88), Super Bowl XXIV (’89) and SB XXIX (’94)) and one Super Bowl MVP. He enjoyed three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, including a Super Bowl appearance and one season with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2005. Rice was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in January 2010, his first year of eligibility.

Rice’s meticulous preparation and work ethic during his 20-year NFL career became legendary. He holds 36 NFL records – a record in itself. Has scored the most touchdowns in NFL history (208) and holds virtually every significant career receiving record, including receptions (1,549), yards receiving (22,895), all-purpose yards (23,546), touchdown receptions (197) and consecutive games with at least one catch (274).

After his retirement, Rice’s celebrity grew beyond the football field. He finished second in the second season of the ABC hit reality show Dancing with the Stars, led his team to victory on the golf course against other NFL legends on Big Break NFL Puerto Rico and has appeared on numerous other television shows. He has extensive broadcasting experience including as an analyst for ESPN, NBC and is a contributor on 95.7 The Game FM radio in the Bay Area. He co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Super Bowl 50: 50 years 50 Moments as well as, America’s Game: The NFL at 100 with Randy O. Williams and published by Harper Collins.

This success off the field and renowned work ethic has appealed Rice to numerous corporations, including NIKE, Mitchell & Ness and Panini, where he is working as a brand ambassador and spokesperson. He is also an Honorary Chairman for the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, whose mission is to educate and empower Bay Area youth.

In 2020, Rice and his family launched G.O.A.T. Fuel, a privately held lifestyle brand that empowers individual and collective greatness. G.O.A.T. stands for “Greatest of All Time”, a nickname that has been widely used when describing Rice. G.O.A.T. Fuel promotes the unstoppable strength of a hopeful mindset through energy infused products, content and experiences.

Born in Crawford, Mississippi, Rice did not start playing football until he was a sophomore in high school. He was not recruited by many major college football programs and attended Mississippi Valley State University, public, historically black university and Division I-AA school. As a senior, he broke NCAA records for receptions, yards and touchdowns and acquired the nickname “World” because there wasn’t a ball in the world he couldn’t catch. He was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rice was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh as the 16th overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft. During his career, Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 times, won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1987 and was Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXIII. In 1999, he was ranked No. 2 in The Sporting News’ list of 100 Greatest Football Players – the highest-ranked active player and receiver – and in 2010, was voted the No. 1 player in the NFL Network's The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players. In 2019, he was voted Greatest Player in NFL History by USA Today Sports and was also named to the NFL’s All Time Team.

Rice resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Latisha, and has four children.

Tim Riethmiller is Principal and Lead Marketing Strategist at North Star Marketing, where he helps manufacturers align pricing, positioning, and messaging with operational reality. A former Chief Commercial Officer, he brings a marketing lens shaped by go-to-market strategy, internal audits, and real-world manufacturing environments. His work focuses on replacing slogans with clarity and helping marketing carry its weight at the pricing table.

Andrell Roberts brings a decade of hands-on experience delivering monitoring strategies that help manufacturers run more reliably and efficiently. As a Senior Solutions Architect at AssetWatch, he oversees the deployment of our sensor technology and network infrastructure, enabling customers to transition from reactive work to predictive maintenance.

Tom has had a comprehensive career in technology, spanning roles from help desk support at EDS to consulting for Accenture. He has held significant positions enabling Manufacturing, Procurement, and Shared Services Operations for Johnson Controls, and served as VP & CIO for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.

Currently, Tom leverages his experience to advise client leadership on how QAD's cloud-based technology and artificial intelligence deliver substantial value to manufacturers of all sizes.

Bob Rochelle is the Principal at ArtsNRobots LLC based near Ann Arbor MI. With 40 years in Factory Automation as an engineer, project manager and sales professional, Bob has a vast knowledge of most manufacturing processes and is recognized by the robotics industry as an authority on the positive impact that automation has on manufacturing. He is a regular speaker at conferences and is a freelance author for technical journals.

Christopher Rockwell is a global business executive with 20 years’ experience across Oil & Gas, heavy trucking, high-performance sealing, and alcoholic beverage industries. He has led multiple businesses and acquisitions to a culture of ownership and operational excellence, including global responsibility for EnPro Industries’ Oil & Gas group. A Lean Black Belt and McColl School of Business graduate, Chris delivers practical insights on leadership, workforce development, and building high-performing teams.

Brian Rodgers, Senior Applications Sales Engineer at Formtek, is an esteemed professional known for his deep understanding of cutting-edge roll forming manufacturing technologies. With years of experience in the industry, Rodgers has witnessed firsthand customers understand, incorporate, and benefit from roll forming. Passionate about solving complex production challenges, improving processes, and helping customers achieve better performance and profitability through smart engineering.

Miguel Rodriguez is a Senior Programs Manager at the ARM Institute. In this role, Miguel is responsible for managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio of ARM’s Technology and Workforce Development projects and supporting the process by which they are selected. Through this work, Miguel helps to fulfill ARM’s mission of increasing U.S. global competitiveness by accelerating innovative technologies and workforce programs that make robots more accessible to U.S. manufacturers.

He earned a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Bradley University and an MBA from Roosevelt University. With more than 25 years of experience in the finishing industry, including eight years at TTX, Brian has built a strong reputation as a sales engineer specializing in the design and development of powder, e-coat, and liquid coating systems. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating efficient system layouts and detailed proposals that help customers achieve reliable, high-quality finishing operations.

Jake Rohrer is a digital strategist at Wipfli who helps manufacturers evaluate, implement, and optimize enterprise technology. He architects digital strategies and roadmaps grounded in process improvement, data, and integration, drawing on Lean Six Sigma training and a background in IT and supply chain. His work spans ERP selection, operational technology, IIoT, and business intelligence for mid‑market companies.

Nick is the Director of Growth and Marketing for SolutionsX, LLC specializing in Infor CloudSuite Industrial/SyteLine ERP implementations. Nick helps bridge the gap between current capabilities and future-ready infrastructures while empowering businesses to unlock innovation, automate processes, and achieve long-term success. With over 20 years in the Manufacturing industry, Nick has a proven track record with organizations looking to align people, processes, and technology.

For more than two decades, Randy Rua has orchestrated hundreds of successful business merger and acquisition transactions. His focus is on navigating and implementing complex deals and finding innovative solutions that benefit all parties involved. In an effort to enable transactions to close in a shorter timeframe and increase customer satisfaction, Randy developed the Rua Transaction Process to increase mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process efficiency.

Mike Ruediger rejoined SafanDarley as a Senior Robotics Applications Engineer in September of 2024. Mike has an extensive manufacturing background, specializing in industrial robotic automation and metal forming. He has experience with fabrication, robotic end effector design and robotic programming which helped him in his previous role as a successful Manufacturing Engineer. His extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and metal forming help support his current role and fellow professionals.

Matt started in the powder coating industry in 1997 and has since held several commercial and commercial management roles. He is currently Senior Manager, New Business Development with the Industrial Coatings business of PPG, focusing on powder, liquid, Ecoat, and pretreatment growth.

Mark Rushton is Principal Product Manager at aPriori Technologies. He has been involved with Product Development, namely 3D CAD and Manufacturing for over 22 years in R&D through to consulting for the likes of Rolls Royce, GE, JCB, Dyson. Prior to aPriori, he managed the team of Product Managers at SOLIDWORKS, introducing the AI-powered "Design Assistant". When not working, he is most likely out playing softball, snowboarding, wakeboarding, or mountainbiking.

Alex Ryan is CEO of Ryshe, an Data & AI consulting firm backed by Wiley|Wilson, a 125-year-old Architecture and Engineering company. He built his previous firm's AI and cloud practice from zero to $4.5M in revenue working with manufacturers, defense contractors, and engineering firms. His team specializes in helping mid-market companies figure out where AI actually fits and where it doesn't.

Vince Sassano is the President of Strategic Performance Company, Inc. (SPC), a technology provider specializing in cost-effective, low-risk digital transformation. SPC meets manufacturers where they're at to improve productivity and drive frontline worker engagement, leading to data-driven decisions, greater profitability, and sustainable cultural change. Vince has 30+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including numerous certifications in data integration technologies.

Mike Schaafsma is the founder of OEM Solutions, helping manufacturing organizations eliminate communication breakdowns between engineering and the shop floor. With over 40 years of experience in engineering, fabrication, and technical education, he brings practical insight to reducing rework, improving throughput, and strengthening alignment. Mike holds a BSME, EIT, PMP, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and has presented at industry events including FABTECH.

Kris is ESAB’s Global Business & Product Director of Manual Plasma Cutting & Gouging Equipment. In addition to many innovations to welding technology, Kris is deeply involved in the welding industry, including serving the next generation of welders, a member of AWS since 1995 and sitting on the C7 laser committee for 2 years. Kris holds a double degree in Welding Engineering & Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Finance.

Kris is ESAB’s Global Business & Product Director of Manual Plasma Cutting & Gouging Equipment. In addition to many innovations to welding technology, Kris is deeply involved in the welding industry, including serving the next generation of welders, a member of AWS since 1995 and sitting on the C7 laser committee for 2 years. Kris holds a double degree in Welding Engineering & Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Finance.

David Schimpff has been with DuBois Chemicals since 1992. Starting his career as a product development chemist, he later spent time in marketing, project management, business development and sales management roles. For the past 18 years, Dave has been directed the Research and Application Technology activities of DuBois. He holds degrees from Miami University and The Ohio State University. He holds patents and has been published in industry and academic journals.

Rick has been in the manufacturing industry for 30+ years working at many different levels with all major US
manufacturing companies. He has broad, but deep experience with machining processes, automation, and modern
software solutions. Rick's background and perspective focuses on how to improve the entire manufacturing process
rather than a narrow focus on a specific product or single process.

Parth Shah is a Senior Technical Implementation Specialist at Paperless Parts. Parth works closely with manufacturers to implement and customize the Paperless Parts platform, helping teams streamline their quoting workflows and improve operational efficiency. He regularly collaborates with customers to configure pricing logic, workflows, and integrations that enable faster and more predictable quoting processes. Parth earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Management and Technology from Syracuse University.

Over 30 years application, product, market experience from high power CW to femtosecond industrial lasers and laser systems for welding, cutting, marking, micromachining and additive manufacturing. Currently as Principal for Laser Markets and Laser Welding U.

Michael Sharpe is a results-driven leader at FANUC, bringing a strong background in industrial automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and customer-focused solutions. In his role, Michael works closely with customers and partners to deploy robotics and CNC systems that improve productivity, efficiency, and operational performance across a wide range of industries.
With experience in automation strategy and technical collaboration, Michael is known for translating complex manufacturing challenges into practical, scalable solutions.

Shanna Sigerson is a fabricator, welder, and manager at a woman-owned fabrication shop, leading operations and workforce development. Starting as a single mother, she built a thriving career in skilled trades and actively promotes the trades to the next generation. Shanna shares her expertise through marketing, public speaking, and community events, advocating for workforce growth, inclusion, and the trades as a path to personal and professional freedom.

Mike Simmons is the Founder of Catalyst and a seasoned manufacturing, operations, and leadership expert with 22+ years experience helping teams improve clarity, communication, and execution. From UPS and Intel to MIT and high-growth startups, Mike has worked across manufacturing, operations, leadership, and business strategy. He helps leaders simplify complex challenges, align teams, and turn ideas into practical, repeatable action. Known for his practical and relatable approach, Mike leaves audiences with tools they can immediately apply inside their organizations.

Since graduating from Illinois State in 2015, Corey Skolek has specialized in robotic and laser-integrated automation at IPG Photonics. Moving from Applications Engineer to roles like Principal Engineer and Sr Laser Applications Engineer, he now serves as the Applications Lab Manager in Davenport, IA. Corey oversees daily operations and customer trials, driving technical excellence and innovative, turnkey automation solutions through advanced process optimization and strategic collaboration.

Kyle G. Smith is the Business Manager of Laser Automation at The Lincoln Electric Company. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio Northern University and joined Lincoln Electric in 2013. He has worked in laser processing since 2014, performing application development and designing laser welding machinery. He has led Lincoln Electric’s laser processing automation business unit since 2018 and frequently contributes at industry events and customer workshops.

Dr. Sorbo has many years of experience in a wide range of research and development in several technical areas. He has directed the design and manufacturing of numerous automated CO2 Spray cleaning systems and been instrumental in developing the dense phase CO2 process technology for extraction of botanicals, sterilization, garment cleaning, firefighter gear cleaning, precision cleaning and degreasing. He has made countless presentations, authored numerous papers and reports, and has many patents in the CO2 technology field.

Gary Specter is the CEO of Limble, the modern maintenance and asset management platform, leading the company into its next chapter of innovation and expansion. Gary brings over 20 years of extensive experience guiding B2B SaaS companies through accelerated growth and scaled customer value creation. Specter had previously served as CEO of Simpro Group and President of Cart.com, and held senior leadership roles at Adobe, Magento, NetSuite, IBM, and Baynote.

Ami Spira is the General Manager of Civan Lasers USA, overseeing the company's operations throughout North America as of January 2024. Before stepping into this position, Ami was the VP of Marketing at Civan Lasers, where he accumulated over 6 years of B2B marketing and business development experience, specifically in the Photonic products sector. Throughout his career, Ami has embraced various leadership and marketing roles across multiple companies.

Sidd Srivatsa is Co-Founder and CTO at Cohesive Robotics, where he leads the development of smart robotic workcells for manufacturing in high-mix environments. In addition to an M.S in Robotics and AI from the University of Pennsylvania and multiple patents, he has over a decade of experience deploying robotics and automation to mission-critical environments like deep sea and space.

Diana has over 35 years of experience in the metal finishing industry, focusing on cleaning, conversion coatings, electroless nickel and rust preventatives. She joined DuBois Chemicals from the acquisition of Heatbath Corporation and over the years has been involved in many aspects including quality control, production support, technical service and R&D. She is currently the Director of R&D for DuBois' Surface Finishing Group.

Denise Stafford is a thought-leader in Industry 5.0, bridging shop floor and strategy with 25+ years of industrial experience. A Dipl.-Ing. Industrial Engineer with an M.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics, she spent 17+ years at KUKA in Sales and Business Development, focusing on strategic robotics implementation in global manufacturing. Now at Organiksol, she helps manufacturers and integrators develop human-centric systems where employees help drive technical innovation.

Dr. Derrick Standifer is an educator, leadership strategist, and framework builder. A former two-time college dropout who earned a PhD while raising two children as a single father, he developed Life Is Like a Rubik’s Cube to help leaders solve complex problems without burnout. His work translates systems thinking into practical tools used in classrooms, organizations, and leadership development settings.

Danny Steyn is a productivity expert in Steel Fabrication. With a BSCMechEng degree and post graduate experience in highly productive assembly lines, Danny has focused his attention to refining structural steel production.

His company, Ocean Machinery has introduced several unique automated CNC products, and their latest innovation utilizes powered laser cutting to cut, cope and drill full size heavy beams in an incredibly small and efficient footprint.

Michelle's career has always been guided by a simple but powerful principle: helping the customer. She takes the time to understand each customer’s application, desired results, and the materials they work with, recognizing that these details are essential to solving their challenges. By combining technical insight with a customer‑first approach, she focuses on delivering the most efficient path to achieving the highest‑quality finish.

John has been in the finishing industry for over 30 years and have presented at FABTECH for many years

As Co-founder of Zenera, I empower enterprise apps with superhuman capabilities—no rewrite required. We turn natural language into complex, reliable workflows. I previously co-founded Qik (#1 video app globally, acquired by Skype) and helped launch UW–Madison’s College of Computing and AI. My mission at FABTECH? Helping industrial leaders transform legacy systems into AI-driven powerhouses to achieve 100X ROI.

Dean Svarc is a veteran turnaround specialist and author of Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems. After his multimillion-dollar business crashed to $10,000, he rebuilt himself and developed the proven B.A.S.I.C.S. framework that has since rescued multiple failing companies. Dean helps leaders identify and defeat the hidden threats destroying their businesses from within.

With over 12 years of experience in protective coatings, Amanda Swanberg partners with customers and industry partners to protect our critical infrastructure from corrosion. As the chairperson of the Galvanize Your Campus Subcommittee and active member of the Market Development Committee through the AGA, she is passionate about educating current and future specifiers about the extensive benefits of galvanizing.

Merrick Taraska is a Technical Sales and Support Specialist at the DeFelsko Corporation, a U.S. manufacturer of coating thickness gages and inspection instruments, where he provides technical guidance and after-sales support across industries including commercial painting, quality assurance, and manufacturing. He is the author of “Digital Inspection Tools Transform Powder Coating Quality” in Powder Coated Tough magazine, an authorized speaker and member of the Powder Coating Institute, a member of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, and a returning presenter at FABTECH. Merrick also conducts training seminars supporting DeFelsko’s global dealer and customer network, helping professionals enhance inspection accuracy and coating quality.

Seasoned engineer with 30 years of experience in hard surfacing applications, technological and consumables solutions. Earned his engineering degree from National Superior Engineer School of Industrial Ceramic in Limoges, France, and further enriched his knowledge with internships at Rutgers University’s sol-gel laboratory and Sandvik (tungsten carbide).
Currently Business manager for Fusion Technology (division of HarBach), providing equipment and consumables solutions for wear protection in drilling, mining and other industrial applications

I am a results-driven sales and operational leader with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, helping fabricators, manufacturers, and industrial leaders optimize their steel profiling and cutting processes. With deep expertise in profile cutting solutions, I work with customers to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and scale their operations using cutting-edge automation.

Melissa is a visionary in rethinking the employee experience. Having worked across multiple industries including hospitality, healthcare, technology, and education, Melissa partners with clients to capture their culture, mission, and values to drive organizational performance. Her ability to connect with people allows her the unique perspective of understanding how to build high performing teams. Melissa understands the importance of developing people and investing in their growth.

Product Manager at Wintriss ISB, Kevork Torosian has more than 30 years experience in the development and certification of safety equipment and controls for the metalforming industry, including safety light curtains, press controls and automation products. He's is a Functional Safety Engineer (TÜV Rheinland), specialized in the safeguarding of press brakes.

I have over 40 years of experience in the Finishing Industry. This includes all aspects of the industry including application equipment, coatings and total system design and implementation.

David is the President for SolutionsX, LLC with a strong track record helping manufacturing companies evaluate processes, remove barriers and implement effective profitability and growth strategies. With over 25 years in accounting, operations, materials management, and inventory control, and over 200 ERP implementations, David brings operational expertise to every engagement. He partners with leadership teams to remove barriers, solve complex challenges, and foster continuous improvement that delivers measurable results.

Sasha has received her B.S. from Prydniprovsk State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (PSACEA) in Materials Engineering. Furthering her study, she received her Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Sasha joined Thermatool Corp where she manages Thermatool Labs and is deeply involved in scientific research involving induction solid-state welding, heating process development, and quality assessment for tube and pipe producers globally.

Peter has over 45+ years of experience working with the metal forming companies and toll & die shops, including 9 years with PMA as technical director. He currently servies as an independent PMA technical consultant.

He established Pace Technologies, LLC in 2008 as a technical training and consulting company to serve the tool & die and metal stamping industries. He also writes the monthly column “Tooling By Design” for MetalForming Magazine (230+ articles since 2006),

Tim Van Mieghem doesn’t just improve businesses; he exposes the profit hiding in plain sight. As a founding partner of The ProAction Group, he works with middle market companies, family-owned businesses, and private equity firms to cut through complexity and unlock measurable, lasting value.

Known for his sharp operational insight and strong bias for action, Tim has built a career helping leaders identify hidden inefficiencies across pricing, inventory, and operations, then turn those insights into clear, executable strategies that drive immediate impact. His work does not live on slide decks. It shows up on the shop floor, in financial performance, and in stronger, more aligned teams.

Tim is a keynote speaker and the author of Shocking Profit, a practical and provocative guide that challenges conventional thinking around margin and growth. As host of the Shocking Profit Podcast, he extends that mission by engaging with operators, executives, and investors who are actively transforming their organizations.

He is also the creator of the proprietary 9 Box Inventory and Pricing Tool, a powerful framework designed to help companies quickly pinpoint where profit is being lost and how to capture it. The tool reflects Tim’s broader approach, which is simple, actionable, and grounded in real world results.

At the core of everything Tim does is a belief that enduring success starts with people. Companies do not scale. Leaders do. By developing leaders at every level, organizations build the capability to sustain performance, adapt to change, and thrive for the long term. For Tim, operational excellence is not an initiative. It is a discipline, and when embraced fully, it becomes a lasting competitive advantage.

Micki is the President of Lakeview Consulting, Inc., a team of four experienced grant professionals who have collectively obtained over $245 million in grant funding for its for profit clients.  The Lakeview team provides grant/incentive research, readiness, and writing services to help those in the manufacturing and for-profit business communities address financial constraints to growth and success.  Micki has over 15 years’ experience performing grant consulting services for clients in the manufacturing community, including trade association foundations, college and university technical/vocational programs, Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers, and manufacturing companies.  Her engineering and business degrees, as well as over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing, provide a sound technical foundation for her grant writing services.  She has personally obtained over $75 million in grant funding for her clients. Micki published the book, “THE For-Profit Grant Writing Guide”, in 2014.  Micki is the Past Chair of the Grant Professionals Foundation Board and Past President of the St. Louis Grant Professionals Association Chapter. She regularly volunteers for her church, school and a local non-profit providing radio content for sight impaired individuals. 

Patrick is an automation industry veteran with over 35 years of automation experience including systems integration, robot & vision system manufacturers and distribution. In his role as Industry Marketing Manager (Robotic Systems) at Mitsubishi Electric’s Industrial Automation Division, he is driven by the challenge of solving customers’ needs through innovative and durable automation solutions with an emphasis on machine tending..

Paul Vragel founded 4aBetterBusiness over 25 years ago and has deep experience leading process, technology and cultural transformations in complex manufacturing businesses. Previously, Mr. Vragel was in charge of new technology evaluation for the computer group at BP (formerly Amoco Corporation). BSc from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, ISO 9001 lead auditor.

Dan leads the automation team at EWI where his work supports technology assessments and implementation projects for regional manufacturers. He is also involved in the development of training courses, design, and prototyping across a variety of applications. Before joining EWI, Dan worked for the University at Buffalo (SUNY) where he served as Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Robotic Technologies (SMART) Fabrication Factory.

Charlie Wakefield is the Vice President of Systems Engineering at Flow International Corporation, where he leads the development of industry-defining waterjet solutions. With over 30 years of waterjet experience, Charlie drives Flow’s engineering teams to push the boundaries of precision, reliability, and performance. His leadership ensures Flow remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, delivering solutions that empower customers to create without constraint.

Dustin Walker is a General Manager with over 24 years of experience in automated storage and material handling. He has held leadership roles spanning sales, operations, and dealer development, with deep expertise in Vertical Lift Modules, vertical carousels, and horizontal carousels. Dustin specializes in helping organizations evaluate and implement storage automation solutions, including government and regulated environments, through practical, results-driven strategies.

Bob Wallis is a strategist, consultant, and creative leader who makes complex ideas not just clear, but surprisingly fun to engage with. As a speaker, Bob mixes calm authority with a dry wit and a storyteller’s sense of rhythm. His talks explore project success, leadership, talent development, collaboration, and adaptive strategy with equal parts substance and humor, reminding audiences that serious progress doesn’t have to feel so serious.

Keven Wang is the co-founder & CEO of UnitX, a leading AI machine vision company automating visual inspection in factories. Keven graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Computer Science concentrating on AI. Keven has visited 190+ factories world wide helping to improve yield and quality, and holds patents in AI technology for visual inspection.

Tim Watkins is a highly accomplished sales executive in the software and technology industry, currently serving as VP of Integrated Solutions at ECI Software Solutions. He has led the M1 Manufacturing division to record-breaking sales and revenue growth, helping small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt the M1 ERP system. With leadership roles at ECI, Buxton, and FedEx, Tim consistently drives success.

Determined, honest and passionate individual specialized in the fields of Marketing, Management and Sales. Broad knowledge in the metal fabrication industry with focus on leveling, deburring and coil line technologies. Helping fabricators and service centers all across North America optimizing their metal processing.

Don brings over 35 years of experience spanning coatings development and testing laboratories, application, process engineering, sales, and system design. His expertise includes liquid, e-coat, and powder coating technologies across automotive, industrial, agricultural, and other manufacturing sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Emily Wilkins is the founder of Marketing Metal and a lifelong Michigander with deep roots in manufacturing. She works alongside job shop leaders across the U.S., helping them tell better stories about the work they already do exceptionally well. Known for her candid honesty, sharp wit, and shop-floor-tested perspective, Emily brings equal parts strategy, empathy, and energy to every room she’s in.

Paul has over 42 years’ experience in the tool and die, rollforming industries as a toolmaker, field service technician, die designer, sales application engineering, product line manager, regional sales manager, director of sales, and currently VP of Business development for Formtek and Principle of the Hill Engr / Formtek facility.

Paul started with Hill Engineering in1988 and past speaker / conference chairman for FMA, PMA and SME conferences

Tanya Associated Business Services, a rapidly scaling Delaware firm specializing in Real Estate, Business Development, and Construction, is poised to become the state's first African American Woman Prime Contractor. After a decade of strategic planning, Tanya now tackles the skilled labor shortage by partnering with CDCs and Vo-Techs. She creates a funded Co-Op pipeline, developing the next generation, offering a blueprint for resilience and innovative workforce development.

15 years in the powder coating industry with experience in R&D, QA, Tech Support and Business Development. Currently accelerating the adoption of laser processing in the paint and coatings industry.

Rutherford Wilson is the Chief Product Officer of MachineMetrics, the Manufacturing Operations Platform delivering real-time intelligence to the heart of shop floor execution. With two decades of product leadership across Amazon, Trulioo, and multiple startups, he's solving manufacturing's biggest problem: decisions made on data that's already wrong. At FABTECH, Rutherford will show how real-time intelligence helps job shops and contract manufacturers do more with the people and machines they have.

Michael A. Wittenhagen is a seasoned quality and technical leader with extensive experience in QA/QC management, technical support, and manufacturing operations across the powder coatings industry. He has led ISO-17025 accredited laboratory implementation, driven measurable improvements in productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction. Michael is recognized for building high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence.

Jason Woolley is an industrial laser Welding and Brazing specialist and is Managing Director of Scansonic LLC. With over 30 years experience, Mr. Woolley is widely respected for his extensive expertise in laser processing, and automated systems.

Aric Yarosz has nearly 10 years' experience in formulating, testing, and application of powder coatings, with a passion for educating the industry on powder coatings. Currently, he supports the sales team at AkzoNobel as a Technical Service Representative and is a regular presenter at industry training events.

Matthew Yatsko is a Product Consultant for Cincinnati Incorporated. He has an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and 11 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. His expertise is in fabrication equipment and how to utilize the equipment to its maximum potential.

Jordan Yost of Las Vegas Nevada founded Precision Tube Laser, a high mix, mid-volume job shop in 2018. Yost, a successful businessman and former professional race car driver, did not come from the world of manufacturing but saw a glaring need for a faster, more efficient solution to manufacturing. Precision Tube Laser was one of the first companies that pioneered the idea of on demand manufacturing. Yosts’ concept was simple; offer customers no minimum orders, fast lead times, at affordable costs. Yost decided to start with the least known and under utilized service: laser tube cutting. Through a strategic and consistent use of social media Precision Tube Laser began to change the manufacturing world and expose it to the masses. PTL has rapidly grown over the past 8 years and continues to expand its capabilities and services. The company now produces parts for customers all across the country and in almost every industry. Their flexible and accessible approach to manufacturing has helped companies with R&D, scaled business, and develop complete product lines. The company's approach is that no customer or job is too small or not important enough to take on. This has led to a customer base ranging from garage hobbyists all the way to aerospace and defense. Listening to his business sense has paid off, while other manufacturers were chasing big contracts he provided a resource that wasn’t available to the smaller customers. He turned small customers into big business. Precision Tube Laser plans on continuing to stay on the forefront of the industry by investing in the latest technology and forging partnerships with key equipment manufacturers.

David is a Product Manager for Prefabrication, bringing extensive experience in customer success, sales and product management within the steel, concrete, reinforcing steel, and construction software industries. Known for his ability to bridge technical expertise with client needs, David is passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and efficiency in construction. His collaborative approach and industry insight enable him to deliver impactful solutions and foster strong professional relationships.

Todd is a co-founder of Athena SWC. He has more than 20 years of experience in hands-on sales, lead-generation processes, tactical marketing, return-on-investment models, value-added message development and management, and, more recently, in applying SEO, AEO, and GEO strategies to improve visibility in AI-driven search. He has successfully implemented Athena’s outsourced marketing process model in various Business-to-Business and metal-forming manufacturing sales environments.