Irons in the Fire
Irons in the Fire
James Krejci
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.
Season 2 Episode 5 - Tamarack Aerospace
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!
Feb 6, 2020
38 min
Season 2 Episode 4 - Proto Technologies
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!
Nov 14, 2019
28 min
Season 2 Episode 3 - Eide Bailly
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!
Sep 25, 2019
44 min
Season 2 Episode 2 - Tedder Industries
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!
Aug 15, 2019
29 min
Season 2 Episode 1 - Northwest Aerospace News
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!
Jun 26, 2019
33 min
Episode 10 - Altek
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 instilled this culture throughout the company over the years. An example of this was when the company shifted from offering basic, commodity products to offering a diverse set of complex products. Episode 10 will be sure to capture and hold your interest from start to finish. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax, but be sure to enjoy!
Dec 11, 2018
41 min
Episode 9 - Novation
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 company is one of several that are making the "I-90 Corridor" a prominent place in the world of Manufacturing and Aerospace. Come to find out, these two used to publish a podcast of their own so they definitely know their way around the recording studio. Tune in to hear more while you work, exercise, or relax, but be sure to enjoy!
Nov 26, 2018
41 min
Episode 8 - Continuous Composites
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 company, a stone's throw from Lake Coeur d'Alene, is tough to beat. Tune in to hear more while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Nov 14, 2018
50 min
Episode 7 - Sonderen Packaging
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 Company Culture, but it has allowed them to continue to weather economic cycles and maintain a sterling reputation in the industry. You won't want to miss a single detail of this episode, which includes a lengthy discussion on succession planning within family-owned businesses. These two are living a success story about what it looks like when a company is properly passed to the next generation. Tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Sep 24, 2018
36 min
Episode 6 - Ground Force Worldwide
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 strategy, international business, and customer engagement and don't miss the fun question at the end of the show! This is a fantastic episode not only for those within the manufacturing industry but those who enjoy studying leadership as well so tune in while you work, exercise, or relax but be sure to enjoy!
Sep 11, 2018
33 min
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