Voices of NC Manufacturing, your host Phil Mintz, Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). We will be interviewing some of the manufacturers who have made North Carolina manufacturing the powerhouse it is today.
Gildan: Whitney Womack
Phil and Whitney discuss Whitney’s journey in HR, how she learns the crucial skills needed for each position, and the importance of educating high school students about the many opportunities in manufacturing and changing the perception there are only “dirty jobs” in manufacturing.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Lisa Shimkat, Mike Arriola, Dan Pisché
The conversation highlights the SBA’s renewed, hands-on approach—including plant tours and roundtables—to better understand and serve small manufacturers’ needs nationwide.
Dr. Michael L. Walden
Listen to Phil and Michael as they discuss the reasons the economic outlook for North Carolina is an optimistic one, covering topics from technology to immigration and tariffs.
CTI Systems: Dreama Pilson
Educated as a programmer, Dreama quickly shifted to the manufacturing industry because of her love of manufacturing processes and the people who “are out there making things happen.”
Piedmont Pennies: Becca Wright
In this episode of Clocking In, Mintz talks with Becca Jordan Wright, the CEO and founder of Piedmont Pennies, a gourmet cheesy snack manufacturer in Charlotte, North Carolina. The podcast conversation also touches on the importance of sustainable growth, customer-centricity, and the company’s commitment to quality and community support.
Queen City Engineering and Design: Ashley Carriker & Rex Carriker
Mintz and the Carrikers discuss the challenges of launching a new business, emphasizing the difficulties of navigating the startup phase while maintaining a balance between professional and family life. They share insights into identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities, stressing the importance of being adaptable and proactive in recognizing potential.
STI Fabrics: Jacob Englert & Matt Maples
In this episode of Clocking In, North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership director Phil Mintz sits down with Jacob Englert, senior vice president of operations and Matt Maples, senior vice president of product development.
Carolina Timberworks: Eric Morley
On this episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz talks to Carolina Timberworks founder Eric Morley. Mintz and Morley discuss the founding of Carolina Timberworks, Mass Timber, the sustainability initiatives that won Carolina Timberworks the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award and more.
Ziehl-Abegg: Jimmy Mitchell
In this episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz talks to ZIEHL-ABEGG, Inc Vice President of Operations Jimmy Mitchell. Mitchell previously worked as the organization’s director of quality and service and operations manager. He graduated with an associate’s degree from Surry Community College. Mintz and Mitchell discuss the new Ziehl-Abegg facility in Winston-Salem, the organization’s history of innovation, how it continues to develop markets, and more.
Teijin Automotive: Tracy Gray and Ryan Biddix
On this Episode of Clocking In, NCMEP director Phil Mintz talks to Teijin Automotive’s plant manager Tracy Gray, and continuous improvement manager Ryan Biddix. Gray has been at the forefront of Teijin’s “Our Way” culture. He has been with the organization since 2014 and helped pave the way to receiving the NCMEP Manufacturing Excellence Award and AME Award for Excellence.
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