Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing

In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing, host Dr. Phil Mintz talks with Chandler Brown, agency owner and terminal manager for Patriot Freight Group's Lake Norman office, about the critical role freight brokerage and logistics play in manufacturing. Brown shares how his family's four generations in the trucking industry shaped his career and explains how Patriot connects manufacturers with transportation solutions that meet their shipping needs. ----more---- Every manufactured product has a journey, from the raw materials used to make it to the finished goods delivered to customers. Behind that journey is a complex network of freight carriers, logistics professionals and supply chain partners working to keep businesses moving. The conversation explores how technology, artificial intelligence and real-time truck tracking are changing freight management, along with the challenges of fluctuating transportation costs, driver shortages and growing demand. Brown also explains how freight brokers help smaller carriers stay competitive by matching available trucks with shipping opportunities, including backhauls that reduce empty miles. From coordinating urgent hospital deliveries to moving components used in automobiles and large industrial equipment, freight logistics is essential to keeping manufacturing operations running. Brown offers a behind-the-scenes look at an industry that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role in North Carolina's manufacturing economy and the broader supply chain. LINKS IES | NCMEP | Patriot Freight Group About the Guests Chandler Brown is the agency owner and terminal manager for Patriot Freight Group's Lake Norman, North Carolina, office. A fourth-generation member of the trucking industry, Brown brings a family legacy of transportation experience to his work in freight brokerage and supply chain management. Patriot Freight Group, founded in 2014, is a full-service third-party logistics and freight brokerage provider offering transportation and supply chain solutions across the United States, Canada, Alaska and Mexico. Its Lake Norman office oversees approximately $20 million in annual freight spend for manufacturing and distribution companies across North America. About the Host Dr. Phil Mintz is the host of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing and serves as Executive Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). The podcast features North Carolina manufacturers and industry experts who share their experiences, business insights, innovations and strategies for success. About NC State University Industry Extension Services NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES) helps North Carolina manufacturers strengthen operations, improve competitiveness and navigate business challenges through expert technical assistance, training and manufacturing solutions. Visit ies.ncsu.edu to learn more about IES services and support for North Carolina businesses.

In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Melissa Spittel, President of Inpro WT Commercial Window Treatments, to discuss her unique journey from marketing executive to manufacturing leader and how Inpro WT is expanding its footprint in North Carolina. ----more---- Formerly WT Shade, Inpro WT specializes in high-quality, customized commercial window treatments—including roller shades, sliding panels, and motorized shading systems—for hospitals, universities, hospitality venues, and other commercial buildings. Melissa shares how a strategic acquisition and company growth led to the creation of Inpro’s first subsidiary and a growing manufacturing operation in Mint Hill, North Carolina. LINKS NCMEP | IES | Inpro WT About the Guests Melissa Spittel is President of Inpro WT Commercial Window Treatments, where she leads the company’s growing manufacturing operations and commercial window treatment business. With more than 17 years at Inpro, Melissa has advanced through leadership roles in marketing, communications, and executive management before being selected to lead Inpro’s first subsidiary. Based in the Charlotte region, she oversees strategic growth, operations, and customer experience for customized commercial shading solutions serving healthcare, hospitality, education, and commercial markets. Melissa is passionate about driving innovation, supporting customer success, and advancing U.S.-based manufacturing. About the Host Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth. About NC State University Industry Extension Services NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow. IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies. Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM

In this episode, Giovanni Triana shares how Stephen Gould helps manufacturers navigate every stage of the product journey—from initial concept and package design to sourcing, fulfillment, and final delivery. He explains why successful supply chain management goes far beyond purchasing materials, requiring trusted partnerships, engineering expertise, and end-to-end solutions that help companies reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and bring products to market faster. With a global network of manufacturing partners, Stephen Gould supports businesses of every size, from startups launching their first product to global brands seeking innovative packaging and supply chain solutions. ----more---- The conversation also explores the future of packaging, including the growing demand for sustainable materials such as molded fiber, FSC-certified paper products, and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Giovanni discusses the challenges manufacturers face in balancing sustainability goals with cost and performance, why the Carolinas have become a thriving hub for manufacturing and supply chain innovation, and how emerging technologies—including AI—are helping companies stay competitive. He also offers valuable career advice for the next generation of manufacturing and supply chain professionals. Whether you're a manufacturer, product developer, supply chain professional, or simply curious about what it takes to get products safely and sustainably into consumers' hands, this episode offers valuable insights into one of manufacturing's most essential—and often overlooked—industries. LINKS NCMEP | IES | Stephen Gould About the Guest Giovanni Triana is an Account Executive at Stephen Gould, one of the nation's largest independent supply chain and packaging solutions providers. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he partners with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to develop end-to-end supply chain solutions, helping companies move products from concept and design to sourcing, packaging, fulfillment, and retail distribution. His expertise includes sustainable packaging, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing, and helping businesses improve efficiency while bringing innovative products to market.Recognized as one of Charlotte's 30 Under 30 Future Leaders, Giovanni is passionate about advancing manufacturing through collaboration, innovation, and customer-focused problem-solving. He works closely with organizations of all sizes—from startups launching new products to global brands seeking to streamline complex supply chains. An advocate for sustainability and emerging technologies, Giovanni enjoys helping manufacturers navigate evolving consumer demands while building resilient, future-ready supply chains. About the Host Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth. About NC State University Industry Extension Services NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow. IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies. Your IES-dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM

In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Tony McCullough, Sales Manager at GRT Electronics, to discuss the evolving landscape of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and the advantages of domestic electronics production. ----more---- Tony shares how GRT Electronics helps customers bridge the gap between prototype development and full-scale production through quick-turn manufacturing, local support, and high-quality surface-mount PCB assembly. He also explores some of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today, including component obsolescence, supply chain disruptions, memory shortages, and tariff-related cost fluctuations. The conversation highlights the growing opportunities for U.S.-based electronics manufacturers as industries such as biotechnology, data centers, medical devices, and advanced technologies continue to expand. Tony also discusses the company's expertise in ruggedized and high-reliability electronics designed for harsh environments, from military and automotive applications to smart plumbing systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. LINKS NCMEP | IES | GRT Electronics About the Guest Tony McCullough is Sales Manager at GRT Electronics, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based electronics manufacturing company specializing in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, quick-turn prototypes, and low- to medium-volume production for industrial, medical, communications, and military applications. With more than 20 years of experience in field sales and account management, Tony has worked closely with engineering, purchasing, management, and manufacturing teams to help bring innovative electronic products from concept to production. His expertise spans electronics manufacturing, supply chain management, component sourcing, and customer relationship development. At GRT Electronics, Tony serves as a vital link between customers and the production floor, helping organizations navigate challenges such as component obsolescence, supply chain disruptions, product redesigns, and scaling production. He is passionate about supporting domestic manufacturing and helping companies leverage the advantages of U.S.-based electronics production, including quality, reliability, responsiveness, and faster turnaround times. Tony enjoys working with innovators across a wide range of industries, from biotechnology and medical devices to industrial automation, automotive technologies, and emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications. He is committed to helping customers solve complex manufacturing challenges while advancing the future of electronics manufacturing in North Carolina and throughout the United States. About the Host Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth. About NC State University Industry Extension Services NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow. IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies. Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM

In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz talks with Luke Taylor, owner of Omni Mold & Die, a high-precision machine shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in the design, machining, repair, and maintenance of plastic injection molds, metal stamping dies, and custom tooling. ----more---- Luke's path into manufacturing was anything but traditional. Armed with degrees from Princeton University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Luke entered manufacturing through entrepreneurship, purchasing Omni Mold & Die in 2020 after searching for the right small business opportunity. What began as a business acquisition quickly turned into a passion for manufacturing and problem-solving. LINKS NCMEP | IES | Omni Mold & Die About the Guest Luke Taylor is the owner of Omni Mold & Die, a high-precision tooling and machine shop based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in plastic injection molds, metal stamping dies, and custom tooling repair. Since acquiring the company in 2020, Luke has led Omni through growth and modernization while preserving its 40+ year reputation for quality craftsmanship and responsive customer service. A graduate of Princeton University with an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Luke took an unconventional path into manufacturing through entrepreneurship and small business acquisition. He is passionate about operational excellence, workforce development, and helping manufacturers solve complex tooling challenges with speed and precision. About the Host Dr. Phil Mintz is the Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). Through his leadership, IES supports manufacturers across the state with resources in innovation, process improvement, workforce development, and business growth. About NC State University Industry Extension Services NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES), established in 1955 as the outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering, provides resources, tools, and customized training programs to help businesses survive, thrive, and grow. IES delivers comprehensive training and development programs tailored for a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, educational and research institutions, healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, defense contractors, aerospace, automotive, energy, and government agencies. Your IES dedicated Regional Manager is available to assist in identifying and implementing customized solutions, tools, and resources designed to optimize your organization’s productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability. ncstateies.com/RM