To celebrate several notable women with careers in manufacturing, the Emmett O’Brien Technical School invited them to speak to more than 30 female students at the school. Schwerdtle Inc. CEO Kathy Saint, Bead Industries CEO Jill Mayer, and Exello Tool CEO Marcy Minnick met with 32 female students in the school’s precision machining technology program. Schwerdtle manufactures tools, dies, stamps, and … read more
When Jill Mayer graduated from high school in 1999, career options felt more limited than what she sees available to today’s 18-year-olds. There was a “stigma,” Mayer said, “that if you don’t get a college degree you’re not going to be able to make good money and have a long career.” But she likes to … read more
The next generation of Connecticut manufacturing leaders are bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt as they navigate the sector’s significant challenges. “It’s being able to see what is coming at you and just react quickly,” says Brittany Isherwood, president of Farmington-based Burke Aerospace. Isherwood was one of three … read more
If your parents or grandparents are part of a multi-generational family business, odds are you’ve been asked more than once if you plan to follow in their footsteps. But according to Family Business Magazine, only 10-30% of family businesses survive the second generation under the same company name and ownership. How can you prepare for … read more
From Made in America with Ari Santiago: Jill Mayer, CEO, is bringing Bead Industries, a 100+ year old company in Milford CT, to new heights. They are updating their marketing, technology, and management systems to empower their people, encourage a younger workforce, and take their company into the future. In this episode, Jill tells wonderful … read more
Connecticut’s largest manufacturing trade organization hosted its 100th annual meeting Thursday. “This is not your grandfather’s annual meeting,” said Executive Director Jamison Scott. For one thing, it was on Zoom, where some 225 participants took part. The group used the occasion Thursday to launch a new brand name and a new slogan: Manufacture CT … read more
At Bead Industries, Inc., it is our priority to maintain the health, safety, and overall wellness of our customers, communities, and our family of employees. As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, we are following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as federal, state and … read more
We spent Manufacturing Day in our factory with students from Emmett O’Brien Technical High School. It was a joy to see a genuine engagement and interest from every student, and it reaffirmed our belief that by opening our doors we can improve the perception of manufacturing in CT. Steve Orloski, Instructor and Program Department Head … read more