Legacy to Innovation: Bead Industries’ CEO on Leading a 111-Year-Old Company into the Future

Bead Industries’ own CEO, Jill Mayer, recently shared an inspiring conversation with BJ Kito and Sam Barret on the Virtuoso 87:60 podcast, highlighting how a 111-year-old family-owned company continues to push boundaries and redefine what modern manufacturing looks like.

In the video, Jill explores how Bead Industries stays true to its rich heritage while embracing innovation, culture change, and forward-thinking leadership. She reflects on how legacy can be a powerful foundation for growth—not a constraint—and why balancing respect for the past with bold vision for the future is essential to staying relevant in today’s competitive landscape.

From the company’s origins in 1914 with Bead Chain® to its evolution into precision contact pin manufacturing through Bead Electronics and the addition of McGuire Manufacturing, Jill emphasizes how adaptability, engineering excellence, and a strong company culture fuel Bead’s continued success. (YouTube)

This conversation is a must-see for those interested in family business leadership, manufacturing innovation, and what it takes to sustain a legacy while forging a path forward.

📺 Watch “Legacy to Innovation: Jill Mayer on Leading a 111-Year-Old Company” on our YouTube channel.
👉 Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyzXIKi0Hms