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.
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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.
Central Carolina Community College: Dr. Lisa Smelser
Pfizer: Tracy Schoolcraft
From Pharmaceuticals to Biotech: How North Carolina is Leading the Way in Biomanufacturing The Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) BioWork program trains students for a career with biomanufacturing organizations like Pfizer. Listen to Phil, Lisa and Tracy as they discuss the need for individuals trained in biomanufacturing careers, why the BioWork program is in place, what it takes to work at a biomanufacturing organization like Pfizer and more.
North Carolina Community College System: John Loyack
NCMEP Partner, North Carolina Community College System, brings accessible customized training for businesses and individuals to counties across North Carolina. Listen to Phil and John as they discuss how NCCCS aids in economic development, how North Carolina Community College caters to the current needs of the workforce and more.
Triangle Brick: Christy Miceli
Triangle Brick is one of the country’s most highly automated brick manufacturers and has plants in Wadesboro and Moncure, North Carolina and Clay County, Texas. Listen to Phil and Christy as they discuss why brick is important, Christy’s journey to Triangle Brick, how Triangle Brick came to be and how bricks are made and more.
Bharat Forge: Casey Schaffer
The Sanford, North Carolina Bharat Forge facility continues to play a crucial role as the production of electric vehicles increases.
Listen to Phil and Casey as they discuss Casey’s journey to Bharat Forge, how Bharat Forge ended up in Sanford, North Carolina, how Bharat Forge is involved in the electric vehicle industry and more.
