Irons in the Fire
Podcasts
Irons in the Fire is a podcast exploring, highlighting, and raising awareness to the exceptional manufacturing and aerospace companies in Spokane, WA and surrounding areas. Tune in to hear valuable, behind-the-scenes insights from leaders of the Inland Empire's top manufacturers! The name "Irons in the Fire" holds real significance for me. My father, a talented iron worker and metal fabricator, started a business in the Bay Area, CA in the 1980s called Irons in the Fire. Growing up I learned a ton about the trades of fabrication, welding, and manufacturing and this has fueled my passion for the Manufacturing industry today.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Podcasts
Description:
Irons in the Fire is a podcast exploring, highlighting, and raising awareness to the exceptional manufacturing and aerospace companies in Spokane, WA and surrounding areas. Tune in to hear valuable, behind-the-scenes insights from leaders of the Inland Empire's top manufacturers! The name "Irons in the Fire" holds real significance for me. My father, a talented iron worker and metal fabricator, started a business in the Bay Area, CA in the 1980s called Irons in the Fire. Growing up I learned a ton about the trades of fabrication, welding, and manufacturing and this has fueled my passion for the Manufacturing industry today.
Twitter:
@fire_irons
Language:
English
Contact:
5094967614
Email:
jkrejci5@icloud.com
Episodes
Season 2 Episode 5 - Tamarack Aerospace
2/5/2020
Imagine some of the most incredible advancements in aerospace fuel-saving technology and try to picture what that journey might look like. For Tamarack Aerospace Group this journey was wrought with excitement, hard work, disappointments, setbacks, and most of all success. The company has experienced all of these various stages in the development of their patented Active Winglet technology and have emerged with a highly demanded product. Listen as Nick Guida, Founder and CEO and Jacob Klinginsmith, President artfully describe the tremendous journey and growth of Tamarack Aerospace Group. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Duration:00:38:03
Season 2 Episode 4 - Proto Technologies
11/14/2019
When a company has a need for contract manufacturing services would they rather work with several companies or a single company with a broad range of expertise? The option to partner with a single company who can deliver timely, high-quality products from the design phase through completion is extremely attractive and look no further for such a partner than Proto Technologies in beautiful Liberty Lake, WA. CEO and President, Rory Nay has done a phenomenal job in creating a long-standing company with deep roots in the Greater Spokane Region and a culture/work environment that attracts and retains top talent in manufacturing so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Duration:00:28:08
Season 2 Episode 3 - Eide Bailly
9/24/2019
What comes to mind when you think of manufacturing? Episode 3 of this exciting season includes an insightful conversation with Steve Roark and Shayna Wood, of Eide Bailly, about former perceptions of manufacturing versus what the industry has become. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Duration:00:44:45
Season 2 Episode 2 - Tedder Industries
8/15/2019
What does life sound like at one of the nation's leading gun holster manufacturers, Tedder Industries? Season 2 continues to start off with a with a bang as newly appointed CEO, Tim Treto, walks us through the ins and outs of his journey to the top, including feats of engineering, operations, and leadership. Some of the concepts implemented by this company are wildly innovative and intriguing. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Duration:00:29:15
Season 2 Episode 1 - Northwest Aerospace News
6/25/2019
Season 2 of the podcast starts off with a sonic boom! In this dynamic episode listen as Dean Cameron, President and CEO of Top Drawer Media, clearly demonstrates his role as a valuable resource in the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Community. From make-believe dogfights in his childhood imagination, to his direct experience working in aerospace manufacturing, Dean has an unmatched background that leads to a premier newsprint product in the Northwest Aerospace News magazine. You'll be amazed to hear how wide-spread the magazine has become and the countless connections it's generated. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Duration:00:33:49
Episode 10 - Altek
12/11/2018
This is an episode you don't want to miss. Mike Marzetta, President of Altek, Inc., and I sit down over a Starbucks double-shot to discuss his passion for Robotics and Aerospace. Mike and I have an engaging discussion about the company's evolution from the family garage to its location today with over 200 employees. The journey that this company took is fascinating! Several times throughout the episode we discuss the need to be better next year than we were this year and Mike has certainly...
Duration:00:41:44
Episode 9 - Novation
11/26/2018
What makes a company who specializes in anodizing, powder coating, and finish painting more like a hospital than a manufacturer? Be sure to listen to this upbeat episode with Andy and Spencer Le Friec of Novation, Inc. as they describe the intricacies of their company, which provides integral support to the Manufacturing industry here in the Inland Northwest and beyond. It's amazing to hear the number of different products and components that depend on the services of Novation, Inc. This...
Duration:00:41:04
Episode 8 - Continuous Composites
11/14/2018
What does it look like to build a successful portfolio of intellectual property? Tune in to this episode as Tyler Alvarado, CEO of Continuous Composites provides an excellent overview and strategies related to successfully securing patents. Tyler and his team have not only developed a revolutionary process for 3D printing composite components but they've managed to do so while creating a fun and energetic working environment. Plus, working for a cutting edge manufacturing and technology...
Duration:00:50:15
Episode 7 - Sonderen Packaging
9/24/2018
What companies come to mind when you think about the 'Best Places to Work Award' for the Inland Northwest? As a long-time, family-owned, manufacturing business here in Spokane, WA there are many reasons revealed in this episode as to what makes Sonderen Packaging an exceptional place to work! Keva Sonderen and Matt Sonderen, co-Presidents of the company, have kept a laser-focus on taking care of employees and customers alike. This has not only caused them to rise to the top in terms of...
Duration:00:36:56
Episode 6 - Ground Force Worldwide
9/11/2018
When you think of a company that manufactures large-scale, heavy mining equipment, what images come to mind? Don't miss this conversation with Luke Stavros, President of Ground Force Worldwide. Luke has a laser focus on creating and maintaining a company culture that's enjoyable and engaging. His leadership approach and style is raising the bar for the industry as he focuses on things that are inside the control of the company. The dialogue also includes information about social media...
Duration:00:33:44
Episode 5 - Scanivalve
8/27/2018
What do Airliners, F1 racecars, and wind turbines have in common? Be sure to tune in to this fascinating episode where Addison Pemberton, President of Scanivalve Corporation reveals the answer. Mr. Pemberton also reveals a serious hobby of restoring classic airplanes in his hangar at Felts Field near Spokane, WA - a hobby that not only produces stunning airplanes but it produces amazing talent from our area's youth. The conversation also includes dialogue about the ins and outs of...
Duration:00:47:29
Episode 4 - MacKay Manufacturing
8/12/2018
Is there a limit to the types of companies and industries in which lean manufacturing can be applied? Take a moment to listen to Mike MacKay (owner) and his daughter, Katie MacKay (owner) talk about the flexibility of lean manufacturing and how to go about implementing these concepts in almost any setting. This great father-daughter duo also describes their opinion on the education system and its influence on trade labor in the United States. The pair wraps up the episode by discussing what...
Duration:00:33:48
Episode 3 - Pearson Packaging Systems
7/30/2018
Do you find yourself wondering how powerful robotics and automation can be when integrated into the manufacturing industry? In this dynamic episode, Michael Senske, CEO and President of Pearson Packaging Systems, describes his journey in assuming the leadership position and taking a solid company to the next level by injecting robotics and automation. He also describes the exceptional company culture that's been created at Pearson Packaging Systems - a culture that has led to low turnover...
Duration:00:31:03
Episode 2 - Vaagen Timbers
7/16/2018
Have you ever wondered when a new idea will revolutionize the construction industry? My guest, Russ Vaagen, Founder and CEO of Vaagen Timbers, addresses this topic while introducing his new company in this dynamic episode. Vaagen Timbers will be producing Cross Laminated Timber, Glulam Beams, and Glue Laminated Timber to revolutionize the way we build in the United States. Mr. Vaagen also introduces the new philosophy of Forest to Structure. Much akin to the Farm to Table movement, this...
Duration:00:53:13
Episode 1 - Mayor Condon
7/4/2018
Why is Spokane, WA such a great place for manufacturing and aerospace? Listen to an in-depth conversation with our guest and Spokane's Mayor, David Condon. In this episode Mayor Condon describes what it was like to grow up in the Inland Empire and make the journey into his current role as the mayor of the city of Spokane. Mayor Condon has had a unique opportunity to tour m the city's most successful companies and reinforces the fact that the Inland Empire is one of the country's top...
Duration:00:23:55