I2E Group: John Weir
John started the I2E Group to offer a more comprehensive service, ranging from early-stage innovation to final execution and manufacturing.
Clocking In Podcast
Voices of NC Manufacturing, your host Phil Mintz, Executive Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). We will be interviewing some of the manufacturers who have made North Carolina manufacturing the powerhouse it is today.
Latest Episodes
E-66: From Classroom to Continuous Improvement
We Pack Logistics: Dr. Clifton Dial
From a start in biology and education to a leadership role in manufacturing, Dr. Dial shares his unconventional career path and how his passion for leadership development and continuous improvement ultimately led him to WePack.
E-65: Building the North Carolina Textile Workforce
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.
E-64: The SBA is boosting small manufacturers Made in America
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.
E-63: From Textiles and Tobacco to Technology
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.
E-62: Even Programmers Can Fall in Love with the Manufacturing Environment
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.”
E-61: A Family Tradition Inspired A Unique Business Opportunity
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.
E-60: Secrets to Success
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.
E-59: Weaving Textile Advancements
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.
E-58: Timber!
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.
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