Ordway Glass Company: Bogdan Ionescu
In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz, Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services, talks with Bogdan Ionescu, co-owner of OGC Stained Glass (Ordway Glass Company), a husband-and-wife–run stained glass studio based in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful—one piece of glass at a time.
Outrider USA: Tommy Ausherman
Outrider USA is a premier manufacturer of adaptive electric all-terrain vehicles designed to restore independence, adventure, and access to the “great outdoors” for individuals with mobility impairments.
Carver Machine Works: Lindsey Crisp
Phil sits down with Lindsey Crisp, President and CEO of Carver Machine Works—also known as CMW Global—a nearly 50-year-old manufacturing company located just steps from the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina.
Alotech, Inc.: Dr. Jason Alexander
Jason shares his remarkable personal and professional path
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.
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.
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.
