Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing

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.

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.

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.

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

In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of North Carolina Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Conrad Leiva, Vice President of Ecosystems and Workforce Development at CESMII (The Smart Manufacturing Institute), to discuss how smart manufacturing is becoming more accessible to manufacturers of all sizes, no matter how long you’ve been manufacturing.

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In this episode, Dr. Phil Mintz sits down with Amber Coker Butler and Laurence Butler, third-generation leaders of Coker Feed Mill, a family-owned animal feed manufacturer based in Goldsboro, North Carolina. After careers in education and a life in Phoenix, the couple returned home to help transition the business as Amber’s father prepared for retirement.

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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. Bogdan walks us through how he and his wife Nicole built a thriving, award-winning business out of their garage—balancing art, family life, and purpose along the way.

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In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Dr. Phil Mintz sits down with Tommy Ausheman, co-founder and president of Outrider USA. Based in Mars Hill, North Carolina, 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.

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In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz 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.

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In this episode of Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing, host Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Jason Alexander, Business Development Manager at Alotech, Inc., a contract manufacturing company based in Goldston, North Carolina.

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In this episode of "Clocking In, Forces of NC Manufacturing," host Phil Mintz, director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), interviews John Weir, the founder and CEO of I2E Group ( I2E stands for "Innovation to Execution”). Based in High Point, North Carolina, the I2E Group specializes in the design, development, and production of a variety of electronic assemblies, including printed circuit boards, electromechanical assemblies, cable assemblies, and harness assemblies.

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