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
On this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with Dreama Pilson, the HR manager for CTI Systems in Goldston, North Carolina. Today, the workforce has grown to exceed 82 employees. 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.
FJORD was incorporated in North Carolina as a small business entity in 1997. The climbing protection manufacturer based in Burlington often operates under their US & EU registered* trade name – Chafe-Pro®. Fjord won the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina Contest for the Small Business Category for their STREP, Static Rope Edge Protectors.
Phil Mintz, Michael Ratigan and Jasmine Krask discuss the history of Fjord, the importance of reliable climbing rope, the Coolest Thing Made in NC award and more.
First Flight Venture Center Hangar 6: Emil Runge and Ben Provan
Located in Durham, NC, First Flight Venture Center Hangar 6 is an NCMEP partner that focuses on the entrepreneurial and startup space. Phil Mintz, Emil and Ben discuss the importance of prototyping labs, the state-of-the-art services and tools Hangar 6 provides and more.
