Bay Area Manufacturers Association Member Spotlight

J.B. Wright, Vice President, Manufacturing Engineering at McCORMICK STEVENSON

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:42:10 GMT

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member?
McCormick Stevenson has been a member for approximately 8 months.
2.      What do you like most about being a BAMA member?
I am grateful for the opportunities for engagement with other local companies.
3.      Tell us about your company.
McCormick Stevenson is a small, non-traditional defense contractor, supporting the Department of Defense through focused technical expertise in the Development and Production of armament systems. Our engineers support areas in design, analysis, manufacturing, quality, and test with a focus in all areas of product lifecycle; concept and requirement development, through full rate production, and into sustainment.
4.      What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
Early in my career as a manufacturing engineer, I helped a design team with transition to production of a cryptographic data transfer device used with COMSEC equipment. After multiple failures in testing and design validation, I implemented a new manufacturing method after completing full root cause analysis. This led to successful qualification and ultimate fielding of the device for the National Security Agency.
5.      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
You do not have to seek perfection right away. Focus on getting halfway to the wall every time. Continuous improvement is indeed continuous.
6.      What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
I believe my growth and development in problem solving has been beneficial in the different hats I have worn in my roles as a manufacturing engineer, manager, program manager, proposal developer, and business development.
7.      What are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of spending time with my 3 daughters and bride, I enjoy attending USF Athletics events and chasing a little white ball around a golf course.

Tony Cuda, Manufacturing Manager at DITEK

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:37 GMT

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member? Over 10 years
2.      What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Going to other manufacturing companies in the area and see how they manufacture their products. Also speaking the Manufacturing language with fellow BAMA members.
3.      Tell us about your company. DITEK is a proud, family-owned American company based in Largo, and has been leading the Surge Protection industry for over 30 years. In today’s digital age, where we rely on electronics and electricity more than ever, DITEK Surge Protection provides peace of mind by safeguarding your most valuable electronic and digital assets. Think of it as insurance for the devices you depend on—protecting communications, fire and security systems, home appliances, and virtually anything you plug in to power.
4.      What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Running and completing 2 full marathons.
5.      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? You are responsible for everything you do, good or bad, owned up to it, and reap the rewards for hard work. -My Dad’s advice to me when I was young.
6.      What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Communication, Communication, Communication! An informed Team is never left guessing what’s next.
7.      What are your hobbies or interests? Cruising, Camping, and working on my landscaping at home.

Rose Fasano, SVP/Retail Market Manager

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:35:29 GMT

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member?  One Year
2.      What do you like most about being a BAMA member?  What I enjoy most is the variety of businesses involved and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other local professionals.
3.      Tell us about your company.  Flagship Bank is a locally owned community bank with six branches across Pinellas and Pasco counties. While we offer a full range of banking services, we specialize in business banking and commercial lending and take pride in supporting the growth of local businesses.
4.      What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
Personally, my greatest accomplishment is my family, Professionally, I take pride in treating every customer with the same level of care and respect, no matter the size of their account. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years and have many customers who have trusted me since 1996. My relationships have played a big role in helping me do what I’m passionate about, both in my work and in the community. The support I’ve had over the years has enabled me to stay involved and give back where I can. For the last 15 years, I’ve been part of efforts like Toys for Tots, FEAST, and Oldsmar Cares. I just can’t stand the thought of a child going without, and I’ll always step up to help when I can.
5.      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  The best advice I’ve received is to treat every customer the same—whether they have one dollar or a million. Everyone deserves respect, and that mindset has stuck with me throughout my career.
6.      What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?  The most important skill I’ve developed in my career is sharing knowledge. I enjoy helping others learn and grow. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people succeed and know you played a part in it.
7.      What are your hobbies or interests?  I enjoy reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with my family. I also love cooking and if you come to my house, you’re leaving full, and probably with the best plate of spaghetti you’ve ever had! I’m active in my church and enjoy the occasional trip to the casino.

Russell Hamard, Sales Associate of United Scrap Metal, Inc.

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:35:09 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? One year, but my company has been involved for three years.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Getting exposure to the local manufacturing community, connecting with like-minded individuals and companies, plus educating myself on the expansiveness of the Bay Area’s manufacturing capabilities.

3. Tell us about your company. United Scrap Metal is a certified woman-owned, full-service recycling company with a local presence in Land O’ Lakes and Largo. We partner with manufacturers to create tailored scrap programs that maximize material value, meet ISO 14001 and RIOS standards, and support supplier diversity initiatives. With over 45 years of industry experience and a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement, we are a proven and trusted resource.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? I consider my greatest accomplishment to be stepping into a completely new industry, quickly gaining the knowledge and skills needed to hit the ground running, and becoming a trusted resource for anyone’s scrap metal needs.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? “Good things come with time.” It reminded me that change doesn’t happen overnight, and not everyone is ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Coming into this role with no prior understanding of scrap metal recycling, I’ve honestly developed so many skills along the way. However, the most exciting development has been learning how to take complex data and turn it into something simple and easy to understand. Early on, I realized that not everyone sees numbers the same way, so I’ve learned how to connect the dots between data, day-to-day operations, and a company’s bigger picture. Whether it’s highlighting inefficiencies or helping someone understand the impact of a process change, I’ve gotten better at framing information in a way that’s clear, practical, and actually useful for making decisions.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I’m passionate about giving back and serve on the Advisory Council for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay, helping create solutions for families facing tough times. Outside of work, I love traveling and immersing myself in new cultures and experiences.

Nicolas Cerf, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Polly Pack

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:51:53 GMT

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member? Since 2023
2.      What do you like most about being a BAMA member?Being a BAMA member brings a sense of community and collaboration in our area. It’s truly a network of professionals who are passionate about advancing the manufacturing industry.
3.      Tell us about your company.  Polypack specializes in manufacturing shrink wrap and corrugated packaging machines. We serve a wide range of industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. With over 65 years of experience, we take pride in delivering equipment that enhances productivity.
4.      What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date. Our greatest accomplishment as a company has been to stay on the forefront of innovation and sustainability in our industry. We continue to lead the way on sustainable packaging materials for shrink wrap and our machines manufacturing is done green initiatives in mind.
5.      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  The best advice comes from our customers. Their feedback allows Polypack to make machines built with their needs in mind.
6.      What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?  Adaptability is a key skill for our industry. The packaging industry is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot strategies and embrace new technologies has been crucial to maintaining success in sales and marketing.
7.      What are your hobbies or interests?  Polypack is proud to host the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum. It is a one of a kind museum focused on engin eering and innovation in automotive history.

Charles Vaccaro, Commercial Risk Advisor at The Baldwin Group

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:22:07 GMT

1.      How long have you been a BAMA member?  Over 3 years
2.      What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Being able to talk with manufacturers and learn about their businesses. Every organization that I’ve spoken to in BAMA is unique in the products that they manufacture, how their manufacturing floors operate, and the ways they conduct business.
3.      Tell us about your company. We are an entrepreneur-led advisory firm delivering tailored insurance, risk mitigation, and employee benefits solutions for businesses and individuals.
4.      What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
In 2016, a close family friend succumbed to his lifelong battle with addiction. To honor his life, I worked with the Non-Profit recovery center he attended to demolish their existing outdoor patio deck, which was quickly deteriorating, & led the fundraising and construction of a 700sqft outdoor meeting area complete with a thatch roof. Nearly a decade later, it is still used by hundreds of individuals as a safe haven in their recovery journey.
5.      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  Faith, Consistency, and Hard Work Pays Off
6.      What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?  Simplifying the Complex – Being able to demystify insurance for my clients so that they completely understand what they are insuring, the impact it has on their business, and creating a roadmap for them to reduce their cost of risk and reduce the time they spend dealing with insurance.
7.      What are your hobbies or interests? You can usually catch me watching basketball or enjoying the outdoors while golfing, shooting clays, camping, or being by the water.

Uriel Arroyo, MBA, SPHR Vice President of Human Resources at GA Foods

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:57:17 GMT

1.     How long have you been a BAMA member?
I have been a Bama Member for about 5 years now.
2.     What do you like most about being a BAMA member?
Community - BAMA fosters an exceptional sense of community, creating an environment where industry professionals come together to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices. More than that, the networking opportunities and camaraderie it cultivates are truly outstanding.
3.     Tell us about your company.
GA Foods, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a specialized provider of nutritious meals serving the unique needs of healthcare patients, seniors, children, the military, and emergency responders. Established in 1973, the company has grown from a local Florida business to a nationwide meal provider, delivering over 30 million meals annually across 40 states. We manufacture in Saint Pete and deliver across the nation.
4.     What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
I believe my greatest achievement is the ability I have cultivated to remain authentic in every role I play in life—whether as a husband, father, son, sibling, friend, neighbor, leader, or professional. I feel proud about this.
5.     What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? ‘’Do not mess with people. Always be nice no matter how far you get.’’
6.     What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Influential (if we can call it a skill, lol). Creativity.
7.     What are your hobbies or interests?
I’m a huge fan of professional wrestling (WWE) and baseball (MLB)—I love watching wrestling shows, catching baseball games, and visiting different ballparks. One of my biggest bucket list goals is to visit every MLB stadium! Spending time with my family means everything to me. We love going out to eat, spending time at the beach, and watching movies at the theater—with lots of popcorn, milkshakes, and all the good stuff! One of my favorite things is watching old-school cartoons with my 8-year-old daughter, and by now, she’s a huge Dragon Ball Z fan just like me! We also love to travel, whether it’s going back to our beautiful island of Puerto Rico or traveling to new places.

Tammy Redmond, vice president & Owner of Ayanna Plastics & Engineering, Inc.

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:09:20 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? 4 Years
What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I appreciate the community of people in manufacturing who all genuinely want to see each other succeed.
Tell us about your company. Ayanna Plastics & Engineering, Inc. is an ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified plastic injection molding company. Since 2001, Ayanna has focused on it’s core manufacturing strengths of mold design, mold building and part production. Ayanna serves a diverse and growing listing of industries including medical, industrial, consumer, aerospace, marine and defense. Our strategy allows us to offer globally competitive prices which reduces the risks of sourcing offshore for our customers. Based on design for manufacturing principles, our strategy for part design, mold design, mold building and processing allows us to consistently provide customers results that are so specific to their needs that many customers see us as an extension of their own company.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Without a doubt, my relationship with my husband and children. However, on a professional level, I share my greatest accomplishment with my husband who stands beside me to run a successful company. Our company has survived economic and political turmoil, a pandemic, overseas competition and the demise of our industry in our area. And, now, as our son becomes more and more involved in this endeavor we all share our excitement for the future together.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? There is power in silence. I truly believe in the value of listening and the power of showing results over sharing plans.
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Building meaningful connections with my family (most of whom I work with every day), team members and customers. These relationships are built on trust and our team knows that every decision, even the unpopular and tough decisions are made in the best interest of the company and them. Everyone on our team is truly part of the Ayanna family. And, just as importantly, our customers know our guidance is always based on what is best for them and not always what is most profitable for us.
What are your hobbies or interests? I love to be creative at home and work, from a flair for design so simply trying to creatively solve a problem. My husband and I both love animals and share our home with 4 mixed breed dogs and 2 cats. I’m always interested in learning and recently started taking a sewing class. When we travel, we spend time learning about the history and culture of an area so we enjoy it even more because of that knowledge.

Paula DeLuca, Director of Customer Success, ICG

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:23:57 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? I was the Business Advisor for BAMA for 2.5 years and with Innovative Consulting Group going on our second year as a member.
2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I love networking, meeting new people, and helping companies. My passion is manufacturing since that has encompassed the majority of my career. I have created many friendships from BAMA and feel a great sense of community. It’s a passionate group of people helping others.
3. Tell us about your company. ICG (https://www.icgtechnology.com) is the premier information technology (IT) and ERP software service provider in the manufacturing industry. As one of few companies hosting both IT and ERP under one roof, ICG is uniquely qualified to handle complex operational challenges for our customers and deliver the utmost value and performance every time. ICG’s team of consultants offers tailored support on IT platform and architecture, cybersecurity, IT & ERP managed services, private cloud hosting, ERP upgrades, manufacturing & financial consulting, shop floor & workflow automation, barcode & data collection, and more.
4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Raising my sons to be good men with a strong work ethic.
5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Be your genuine self and always maintain your integrity.
6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Always wear a smile, be fair, and strive towards continuous improvement.
7. What are your hobbies or interests? I love the beach, kayaking, music, and travel.

Benjamin Perez, CEO/President, TriNu Powder Coating

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 21:26:21 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? I have been a BAMA member for 3 Months.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I appreciate the strong sense of community and the valuable networking opportunities that BAMA provides, which helps cultivate growth and collaboration among local manufacturers.

3. Tell us about your company? TriNu LLC specializes in sandblasting and powder coating services. We are committed to delivering high quality and exceptional results, ensuring that our clients receive the best solutions for their coating needs.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? My greatest accomplishment to date is successfully building TriNu Powder Coating LLC from the ground up, growing it into a trusted and reputable business in the industry.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The best advice I have received is “You don’t live to work; you work to live”.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? The most important skill I have developed is creating a workplace culture that encourages joy.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? In my free time, I enjoy learning the piano, which helps me to stay balanced and inspired both personally and professionally.

Robin Reynolds, Corporate Strategy Advisor, MicroLumen

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 21:35:08 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? 4 years—since 2020.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? The ability to access new knowledge in the industry—all the webinars, roundtables, networking events are fantastic!

3. Tell us about your company? MicroLumen (https://www.microlumen.com/) is the leading manufacturer of high performance medical products since 1987. Our high performance medical tubing is used in a wide rants of minimally invasive, critical applications including catheters, stent delivery systems, urological devices and drug delivery. We are a family owned company with over 300 employees. We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we provide to our customers and our commitment to our employees. We believe that taking care of your employees ensures happy customers.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Personally, it’s my relationship with my husband and son. Professionally, it’s the feeling that I have contributed to the growth of MicroLumen to get us to where we are today.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? “Assume Positive Intent”— Don’t immediately ascribe bad motives to people for their actions when you don’t agree.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? The ability to listen before taking action. Sometimes there are important things you need to know before making a decision, you just need to give people the space to tell you.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? Golf and scuba diving with my family. My husband and I just went to Raja Ampat in Indonesia this year on a scuba liveaboard. It was magical!

James S. Moore, CSCP, PMP, CCMC, CardioCommand, Inc.

Mon, 13 May 2024 19:03:46 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? I have personally been involved with BAMA for many years however CardioCommand, Inc. has been a member of BAMA for 11 years.
What do you like most about being a BAMA member? What I like most about BAMA is it provides a forum to connect with other manufacturing industry professionals whom I can collaborate with on industry and community challenges.
Tell us about your company. CardioCommand, Inc. (http://cardiocommand.com) specializes in the development and manufacture of consumable medical products, advanced electronic cardiac monitoring devices, and pacing equipment. As an FDA-registered manufacturer, CardioCommand produces Class I, II, and III medical devices, and provides ISO 13485 certified Contract Manufacturing Services (CMS). We are also the proud manufacturers of petMAP (https://petmap.com) portable veterinary monitors.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Being a husband, father, and grandfather is my greatest accomplishment.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The best advice I have ever received is that “being right is not enough.” I received that advice early in my career. I’ve learned that It’s not just about the accuracy of one's knowledge or ideas, but also about how they are communicated, how others are engaged in the process, and how decisions align with broader organizational goals and culture. Throughout my career, this advice has served me well.
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Good question… If you look at my LinkedIn profile (http://linkedin.com/in/jmoore) you will see 99+ endorsements each for Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Program Management, Lean Manufacturing, Team Building, and Process Improvement. Who am I to question what others have endorsed?
What are your hobbies or interests? My wife loves to travel so we spend time cruising, skiing, and visiting our children and grandchildren. When I’m not working, traveling, or involved in ministry-related activities, I provide faith-based career coaching to people seeking employment. I also serve on local and national boards of directors and advisory boards. Additionally, I support back-office operations for my wife’s consulting practice.

Kay McKenzie, CEO, Check Before Hire LLC

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:34:07 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? I have been a member since December 2022

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? It is amazing how many kinds of Manufacturing companies there are in our backyards, and learning something new on every tour. I do get memorized watching robots and machines and how they work.

3. Tell us about your company. Check Before Hire, LLC offers Pre-employment Background Checks and Drug Screenings.

We believe!

CLIENT CARE FIRST... ALWAYS.Check Before Hire helps your business or organization build a firm foundation of trust and safety for your employees & customers.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Starting a new life here in the USA and starting my business. America is the land of opportunity.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Do not take it personally in business! It’s not about you. Keep Learning something new.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Make service & communication your priority, not success, and success will follow!

7. What are your hobbies or interests? Enjoying long relaxing rides with my husband on our motorcycles. Plus, it’s a must to have Flip Flop Vacation once a year.

Love to meet new people and travel to new destinations

Tim Robinson VP of Sales American Fabric Filter Co., Inc. Sifter Parts & Services Inc.

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:12:19 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? 2 Years

What do you like most about being a BAMA member? The chance to network with other local manufacturers which have the potential to become vendors or clients.

Tell us about your company? We are a manufacturer and distributor of filtration and screening products used by many industries. We started out focusing on food processing and woodworking but have branched out to many other areas including building materials manufactures, tissue banks (used for transplants), pharmaceuticals and much more. Something in our product line is used in a majority of manufacturing processes and we keep coming across more industries that we can help.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Thriving through the pandemic due to our ability to use all the resources at our disposal to keep our people working. We pivoted our product line to help plug the gaps where we had lost business. There was so much uncertainty yet we found a way to not only make it through but to grow the business as well.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Good times will come and when they do put something away for the bad times. This has helped us thrive through a major recession and the Covid crisis.

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? The most important skill I have developed in the last 20 years of working here is to not be afraid to take calculated risks. Starting out we were extremely conservative with deploying capital so much so that it hampered some of our early growth. I now have the confidence that we can bring on new product lines and that we will be successful. As cliché as it sounds it is grit. You have to power through to see your goals realized so you should not hesitate to take the first steps once you have done your research

What are your hobbies or interests? I have young children so most of my hobbies revolve around them and the sports and school work. I love golfing, fishing and working out and as I get older fitness has really become a huge part of my life.

Ryan Smith, Sales Manager, Smith Metal Source

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:17:44 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? 5 months as of December 31st, 2023

What do you like most about being a BAMA member? BAMA has so many great things to offer, but I love that they invest in our youth through scholarship programs to help the future of manufacturing and fabricating needs in the Tampa Bay Area.

Tell us about your company? Smith Metal Source was started in 2001 by Bill Smith, Sr., and Bob Smith. We are a metals distribution center carrying stainless, carbon, and aluminum flat rolled and long products. The company has grown over the last 23 years, but the focus will always remain the same. Provide first-in-class customer service to manufacturers and fabricators in the Tampa Bay Area and throughout Central Florida.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? My greatest accomplishment has been taking what I have learned in my sales and customer service career and teaching it to new employees. Knowing that our customers are in good hands and well taken care of by our employees gives me great confidence in the future of SMS.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? When I started at SMS, Donna told me, "Never give up! Outwork your competition, knock on doors, and show people you care. One of my favorite quotes is, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? To listen. Listening is crucial to all effective communication. Without the ability to listen effectively, things are easily misunderstood, and communication breaks down.

What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy traveling and visiting new cities and baseball stadiums across the country with my wife.

JC Blanco, Director of Operations, Le Blanc

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:24:51 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? Since March of 2023.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? It’s great to be a part of a community, to meet people with similar passions, and to help one another grow by exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge.

3. Tell us about your company? Our founding was a collaborative effort between my parents and grandparents. When my mom opened up her store, Villa Rosa Distinctive Linens, in 1984, there was no detergent on the market that could both clean and ensure a long lifespan for the fine linens she was selling. My grandfather was a chemist and, at her request, formulated a remedy. The following year, Linen Wash was launched in her store, and Le Blanc was born.

Now, 38 years later, we manufacture and sell 10 laundry care product lines nationwide, still adhering to our value proposition of long-term care for your linens, towels, and clothes. And despite a year-to-year growth of 10% and $2 million in revenue, we’re still making our products in small batches in my grandfather’s mixing tanks from the ‘60s.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? I’m really proud that I’ve gotten to where I am. In full transparency, I was a poor student for most of my life – I wasn’t one to get into trouble, but I didn’t understand or care very much, was an awful test-taker, and had no focus. After high school I was in and out of four colleges through my early-mid 20s while working as a cook, completely lacking any purpose or direction. In late 2016, my family offered me a position here, asking that I try school one more time. Something clicked. I finally got my AA and a business degree from SPC, went on (of my own volition) to get an MBA from UF, and am now the Director of Operations here – and I’m loving it.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? There is no such thing as multi-tasking. Now, that may be slightly hyperbolic, but I think the notion is very true – and often much more so than we want to acknowledge. Being aware of this has helped my focus to a tremendous extent, thus improving timeliness and quality.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Being happy, but never content. This is the basis for efficiency, for maximizing productivity. These principles started to blossom during my time working in the high-octane environment of restaurants, which I would later learn were really mild Lean strategies, and I’m always working at them. It’s important to know that it’s a constant work in progress. There is no finish line, each type of task requires a nuanced approach. And when you make an improvement, improve it again next time, and again and again; don’t become complacent or apathetic. That said, it’s important to celebrate victories and be happy with progress. Without some positivity there, you’ll burn out.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I love learning about and discovering music. Different genres and the histories of how various styles traveled, creating the branches of one giant tree. On that note, history in general, and reading – all different things, though I can be kind of particular about my specific interest at any given time. I really enjoy cooking. And my wife is my best friend, doing anything with her is awesome.

Sean Hurr, Regional Sales Manager, PuzzleHR

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:27:38 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? A year and six months.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I enjoy interacting and helping the hard- working employees and owners in the manufacturing industry and meeting new people. Manufacturing and small business is so important for our local economy.

3. Tell us about your company? PuzzleHR is national provider of managed services for Human Resources, Payroll administration and Benefits administration. We attach to clients existing HR technology and provide HR administrative lift or fill gaps for existing HR departments. PuzzleHR can also become the HR, payroll, benefits, and talent department for new or small businesses.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Raising three children and 25 years of marriage to my wife Elizabeth.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Seek God first.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? As simple as it sounds, slowing down, listening, and asking questions consistently. As an HR consultant, it is critical to listen and learn about how a company is managing their employees, payroll, and benefits to determine their needs to present a solution specific to the challenges they are facing. Our solution is not a one size fits all, it is customized and specific to each client’s needs.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy riding my Trek Road Bike for exercise on the Suncoast trail, going to EOS fitness gym, coaching my son’s baseball team, reading, and building relationships.

Kevin McLoone, Vice President, Anclote Manufacturing Co.

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:56:19 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? Anclote Manufacturing has been a member since October 2022.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Networking with other manufacturers within the BAMA network.

3. Tell us about your company? Anclote Manufacturing Co. specializes in the precision production of CNC machined metal components and plastic injection molded parts with many secondary operation capabilities available to offer a component or a complete packaged product. We are a product development and project management company that enjoys bringing production products to market.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Being recognized with an “Operational Performance Award” for manufacturing products by one of the largest healthcare clinical providers in the United States.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? FOCUS. FINISH.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Working with customers to bring products to market.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.

John Diaz, V.P. Strategic Accounts, Stellar Industrial Supply

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:03:04 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? 2 months
What do you like most about being a BAMA member? The opportunity to work and help Manufacturer’s in the Tampa Bay Area with improving their profitability.
Tell us about your company? Stellar Industrial Supply is a Distributor of MRO and Safety Supplies to the manufacturing industry, we have branches throughout the US that support our customer with Supply Chain Management , Process improvements and Safety Initiatives to name a few of our Value Added Services. All of this is to improve Customer Profitability with a highly accountable Documented Cost Saving Program initiated on behalf of our customers.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? I have worked in this Industry for over 40 years, my wife and I had the opportunity to start our business in 1991. So with 4 month old twins we took the opportunity to start Impact Industrial Supplies. We grew our business for 25 years and realized that the time was right to sell in 2015. Stellar’s CEO and I were friends in this industry and it made sense for us to sell to Stellar, what I am proud of is that all of my Impact employees have benefitted from this merger in their careers with Stellar and that we now have all the resources to be a Valued Preferred Supplier to our customers.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? When things get tough, remember that it will be temporary and that what you learn from overcoming will help you later in life. So don’t let failure or tough times beat you, learn and grow from it. I love the following quote: “Everything you want is on the other side of Fear”
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Working with others, understanding and listening to others with a mindset to help.
What are your hobbies or interests? Besides my Family, I am Passionate about Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays, and love to fish. But the last 5 years I have committed myself to Training and competing in Boxing.

Joanie Vergo, CFO, Kemco Systems

Thu, 25 May 2023 20:18:29 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? Since 2017

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I like the collaboration BAMA offers bringing manufacturing companies together to help each other with corresponding problems that arise across all manufacturers.

3. Tell us about your company? Kemco Systems designs and manufactures energy and water conservation systems and equipment for applications regarding Water Reuse/Recycle, Wastewater Treatment, Wastewater Filtration, Efficient Hot Water Heating, High Pressure Pumping, Wastewater Heat Recovery, Stack Heat Recovery, Chiller, Vapor/Steam Curing and Conditioning, and Total System Monitoring with turnkey solutions.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? My greatest accomplishment has been and will hopefully continue to be throughout my career the impact I have on others, my team, peers and organization. I believe if you are leading people and not seeing your impact on them as your potential greatest accomplishment one needs to evaluate why you are in a leadership position.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Independence and education = power. Never relinquish your independence allowing someone else to sit in the drivers’ seat of your life.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? The ability to make a decision and stand behind it – keep things moving forward not become stagnant by the inability to make a decision or paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, knowing how to read a room, when to speak but to mostly listen, and the ability to bring people together cross departmentally to work toward a common goal.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? As a lifelong equestrian I enjoy satiating my competitive spirit competing my show Hunter, as well as living an active lifestyle by working out and running. I am a big college football fan always rooting on my West Virginia Mountaineers to a victory. I also love entertaining an eclectic group of friends with creative cocktails, fabulous dinners, and great conversation.

Bob Kinney, Managing Principal, Accelerate Results Group

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:31:00 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? 7 years, 3 years on the Board

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Teaming up with such a great bunch of people all working together for a great cause … advancing the manufacturing community in our region. Building meaningful relationships and sharing our passion for manufacturing. And yes, we have fun along the way!

3. Tell us about Accelerate Results Group? We offer “common sense, low-cost approaches … covering assessment through transformation … building high performance cultures” . Leadership, lean and kaizen. Our Why: We believe inside everyone is an innovator. Unleashing this is powerful. What we do works … because it is human nature. I have been very fortunate to learn best practices from the leading practitioners in the world. Sharing this in BAMA RoundTables and with clients is very rewarding.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Working with over thirty companies (twelve who are BAMA members) on leadership development, lean and quality and receiving an average score of 9.6 out of 10.0. Even more proud of the positive experiences and testimonials and watching these companies grow and succeed.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Be yourself but be your best self.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Engaging everyone in continuous improvement. This will allow you to dramatically increase the rate at which you innovate and improve.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? Most sports, pheasant hunting in Iowa, travel with family.

Roy Kirchner, CEO, Ultimate 3D Printing Store

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 05:57:40 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? We are excited to say that we actually just joined BAMA and are extremely excited to be part of this amazing organization. We are eager to meet the members and businesses that are involved.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? The sense of community and connections it provides. As Florida has been changing tremendously over the last year with people and businesses moving here.

3. Tell us about your company: Ultimate 3D Printing Store is a Florida-based, family owned and operated small business, providing jobs to Florida residents. Our goal is to help Americans create more. U3DPS provides all the tools, supplies, and resources for Americans who want to join the revolution of additive manufacturing. 3D printing is the most economical approach to manufacturing since there is virtually no waste and the cost is significantly lower than traditional forms of manufacturing. American businesses – from the largest Fortune 500 to small, independent home-based creators – all benefit from this technology. With the unknowns of 2022 and changes in inflation, logistical and supply chain issues, and global tensions, companies can implement 3D printing to bring manufacturing back stateside, save time and money, and create more jobs for Americans. This technology gives users the control over the end product and the creative freedom to meet every need and specification they have. U3DPS provides the opportunity for one-on-one discussions with our team of experts who help with the most complex to the most fundamental questions.

As America increasingly dominates the world by using state-of-the-art technology, 3D printing will continue to become more prevalent across all industries enhancing the United States’ leadership in the world. American business leaders who identify the opportunity and implement it across their companies will quickly realize the benefits. The U3DPS core values align with supporting American business and helping all customers before, during, and after the sale. Ultimate 3D Printing Store started in 2015 and has grown exponentially since then. We currently sell to and support tinker hobbyists, regular consumers, small, medium, and large businesses, Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 businesses, schools, colleges, libraries, educational facilities, the jewelry industry, and the dental industry. Our mission is to help anyone, and everyone embrace the technology of additive manufacturing and 3D printing. We invite you to explore the possibilities offered by 3D printing to make life better for all Americans.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? I opened this company in 2015 when no one really knew what additive manufacturing even was and grew the business to what it is today. The first couple of years in any business takes an incredible amount of time, money, and resources. Not all businesses make it. Being a CEO of a company that is brand new, where there are zero policies, procedures, manuals, and not even an educational or training facility available in the United States for additive manufacturing makes me feel like a true entrepreneur. The last two years we have been recognized by The Tampa Bay Business Journal and GrowFL as Grow FL Honoree For Top 50 Companies to Watch in 2022!

https://growfl.com/congratulations-honorees/

2022 Fast 50 - Tampa Bay's Fastest-Growing Companies Ultimate 3D Printing Store Ranked #22

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2022/06/09/tampa-bay-2022-fast-50-honorees.html

2021 Fast 50 - Tampa Bay's Fastest-Growing Companies Ultimate 3D Printing Store Ranked #6

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2021/07/09/meet-ultimate-3d-printing-store.html

And I feel like our greatest accomplishments are still to come

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? To be humbled and always be a life student.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Hindsight is 2020. You can always look at the mistakes you made in the past, learn from them, and know that they made you into the person you are today. But of course, don't make the same mistakes again.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy being so close to the water. I became a member of a group called Florida Ski Riders, who do events now and then where over 400- 500 jet skis get together and ride from place to place for a day. Season Ticket holder since 2014 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I mentor a young gentleman that is getting ready to graduate high school. He had a huge accomplishment this year as his team got picked to go to Las Vegas on his 18th birthday to be part of Battle Bots. Being an entrepreneur and business owner with tremendous growth over the last couple of years, the rest of my time is spent with the person that makes this all possible, my wife.

8. What do you want BAMA members to know most about 3D Printing /Additive Manufacturing? That the technology is growing and changing tremendously within even 6 months, let alone a year. If you got a 3D printer 2-4 years ago, please understand that the technology has tremendously evolved and changed since then. Its capability has grown and you need to take another look at 3D printing as to how it can fix supply chain issues, reduce costs, and help if there is a 2023 recession. Best media outlet for Additive Manufacturing = https://all3dp.com/

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/ultimate3dprintingstore

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ultimate-3d-printing-store

https://twitter.com/U3DPS

https://www.instagram.com/ultimate3dprintingstore/

https://www.pinterest.com/u3dps/_shop/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0vOtlDft31hBkWpfqkA-Fw

https://www.tiktok.com/@ultimate3dprintingstore

Website

https://ultimate3dprintingstore.com/

Daniely Orozco-Cole

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 17:46:56 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? I formally joined BAMA in 2015 but I recall working with BAMA for at least 10 years helping coordinate manufacturing tours in Pinellas County.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? I like the way BAMA’s mission is accomplished, specifically by working with a passionate group of professionals who are eager to share ideas, and best practices working together for the advancement of manufacturing education and the STEM pipelines that feed into them.

3. Tell us about FLATE: FLATE is part of the FloridaMakes Network and is partially funded by the Florida Department of Education. FLATE’s mission is to improve and advance technician education through curriculum reform, and professional development as well as developing the STEM pipelines that feed into them. FLATE provides exemplary industry partnerships, workforce opportunities, and educational synergy throughout the state of Florida by connecting industry and workforce needs to target educational endeavors at many community and state colleges across Florida.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Finishing my master’s degree while recovering from malaria in two countries with different languages and cultures. I consider it my greatest accomplishment not only for the positive impact my research had on the community but also because I was able to overcome some of the toughest challenges, I have ever faced in life, language barriers, cultural differences, and life-threatening illness. With very modest English and motivated by the aspiration of becoming a better engineer and learning about other cultures, I earned my master’s degree in Delft, the Netherlands collecting my research data in Kampala, Uganda. Almost 24 months of the hardest time I ever experienced became my best memories and greatest accomplishment.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Does not matter how long it will take, if you believe in yourself, you will reach your dreams.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? I will say “perspective”. Luckily throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work in different roles wearing different “hats” and interacting with a variety of professionals and people. Perspective helps us to understand situations from other positions, consider other experiences and viewpoints, and discover a solution that takes the needs of everyone involved.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy traveling exploring places and learning about other cultures. I like taking pictures. I love to swim, bike, and walk exploring nature.

Krista Garner, CPA

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:02:29 GMT

How long have you been a BAMA member? I have been a Member of BAMA since April 2021.
What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Being a member of Bay Area Manufacturers Association has been a rewarding experience as I have learned so much about local manufactures by participating in events, meeting manufacturers directly, and going on tours. I have a passion for manufacturing since I grew up in a General Motors family in Flint, Michigan and would tour the plant assembly line and see the robots in action making the cars when I was a child.
Tell us about PDR: PDR CPAS + Advisors is a local CPA firm that was founded over 48 years ago, we provide our clients with niche expertise services for audit, tax and accounting services. These niches include manufacturing, construction, transportation & logistics, nonprofit and business valuations. PDR takes pride to deliver exceptional client service and build relationships with our clients to help develop innovative ideas and solutions for your business needs and long-term goals. At PDR, our clients are our top priority!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? My greatest accomplishment to date is knowing that I can achieve whatever I set my mind out to do: Becoming a CPA, serving on boards and committees, giving back to the community, being a mentor and manager, developing lasting relationships, business development and connecting people to name a few!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The best piece of professional advice I have ever received was from a mentor who told me that “you don’t have to know everything to be successful, you just have to use your resources”. The best piece of personal advice was from my late mother who said “this too shall pass, don’t give up”.
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? The most important skill I’ve developed in my career is patience and how to be a good listener.
What are your hobbies or interests? My hobbies include spending time with family and friends, Orange Theory Fitness and going to the beach! It’s my goal to visit every beach in Florida someday!

OLGA ARCE - METTLER-TOLEDO INTERNATIONAL

Bay Area Manufacturers Association — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 23:32:29 GMT

1. How long have you been a BAMA member? I have been a BAMA member for a year.

2. What do you like most about being a BAMA member? Connecting with other members, as well as other companies. The knowledge that BAMA share with the members on a regular basis. I like that BAMA focuses on STEM education.

3. Tell us about Mettler Toledo? METTLER TOLEDO provides product inspection solutions that ensure product quality and regulatory compliance, increase productivity, ensure operational excellence, boost profits and protect your brand. Our full range of systems – ranging from very basic and economical systems to sophisticated, state-of-the-art systems with customized material handling solutions – deliver unmatched inspection capability on all types of bulk and packaged products for environments ranging from dry to harsh wash-down. Segments including meat, poultry, seafood, bakery, confectionary, ready meals, dairy, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, chemical, beverage, pet food, and produce. Systems can be built to meet the standards of USDA, 3-A Sanitary and AMI with Allen Bradley components, and to meet FSMA and FDA requirements. We can also assist with developing your HACCP and HARPC programs.

Safeline metal detectors are extremely sensitive and easy to use and detect all types of metal contaminants, including the most difficult to detect stainless steel. Systems are offered for dry, bulk, packaged, liquid or frozen products for gravity feed, conveyorized, pumped and throat applications

Safeline x-ray inspection equipment combines high-resolution, low energy x-ray technology with innovative hardware and high-performance image processing to detect and reject metal, stone, bone, glass and dense plastic contaminants, and also measure product mass, check for missing or broken product and confirm fill levels.

Hi-Speed checkweighers and caseweighers are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to handle nearly any container type or package design even at high production rates to ensure accurate product delivery, reduced giveaway, and an optimized production processes. Innovative dashboard style controls make product set-up and changeover fast and error free for maximum uptime and productivity.

CI-Vision machine vision systems perform accurate label and package quality inspections on plastic containers, glass bottles, jars, screw or snap-on caps, flat packages, cartons and pill packs at high speeds, Systems can also prevent label mix-up, one of the leading causes of recalls, to ensure brand protection and avoid costly lawsuits.

PCE provides comprehensive solutions for Track & Trace programs with serialization and aggregation software, hardware and product handling using stations or integrated kits for existing packaging machinery. Scalable and module solutions offer serialization of saleable item and aggregation to bundles, case and pallet. Serialization data is captured and recorded for each line and for the site with completion of production orders and communicated to MES/ERP/Cloud systems in order to enable full traceability across the packaging line and site as well as traceability across the supply chain.

As an OMAC member, we are committed to connectivity as well as data storage and retrieval, with methods including EthernetIP and OPC, as well as METTLER TOLEDO's ProdX data collection. ProdX facilitates the collection and storage of production data across multiple lines and facilities. All data is easily accessible and exportable to other systems, facilitating compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Our solutions are supported by the most comprehensive engineering solutions, product testing, and training in the industry, with 24/7 telephone support and nationwide field service.

4. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date? Personal - My family, I am a proud mother of 3 very successful children. My youngest daughter just obtained her MPH (Masters of Public Heath) in Applied Epidemiology, my middle daughter works in Education and my oldest son has a high level Manager position at Santander Bank. I also have 5 grandchildren who are my true blessings. Work – Manufacturing has been a new challenge for me in recruiting as my background was in the financial industry. I have been able to be successful in finding TOP Talent for Mettler Toledo and have learned so much about the Manufacturing industry. It has helped me grow as an individual and in my career.

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person.

6. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? Building strong relationships across the board, with my business partners, customers, management and my peers.

7. What are your hobbies or interests? Spending time with my grandchildren, walks on the beach, traveling.