Cultured Granite

Episode 139: Improving Quality Production & Employee Development – Discussing the Benefits of CCT Training Programs with Andrew Pokelwaldt

This week Andrew Pokelwaldt joins me on the show to discuss the Composites Certification Training programs that are offered to help improve quality production and boost employee development at every level of an organization.  The ACMA’s standardized composite process training with CCT Certifications are designed for technicians, engineers, quality, safety, and technical sales personnel.  Nine certification specialties…

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Episode 138: Interview with Dennis Fink with Akpa Chemical

This week I welcome Dennis Fink of Akpa Chemical to the show. Dennis is a veteran with over 40 years in the polymer industry. He is the president of Resin Research & Recovery and a consultant for Akpa Chemical.  AKPA Chemical was established in 1997 and specializes in the production of Organic Peroxides, Initiators, Accelerators,…

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Episode 135: Discussing The Buzz & Polycon with Chris Hurdleston and A Great Story on the Rebuilding of Harley Davidson

This week Chris Hurdleston of ACS joins me on the show to discuss some takeaways from last month’s networking event for ICPA members in Atlanta and some of the feedback he received. We’ll also discuss Polycon which is coming up right around the corner. You can get registered at https://polyconevent.com/polycon-2021-registration. Plus, I reference a great book…

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Episode 133: Discussing “The Buzz” Plus Selling With Stories

On this short episode, I spend a few minutes sharing my thoughts on “the Buzz” in Atlanta this past weekend. We had a great turnout and the breakout roundtable discussions were well done. Thanks to all who participated and made this weekend event possible. I’ll also share some thoughts on a great new book I’ve…

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Episode 132: Is a Recession On the Way? How to Prepare

This week, Blaine Thiederman MBA, CFP, founder of Progress Wealth Management joins me on the show to discuss the possibility of a mild recession as the Fed continues to raise interest rates.  Blaine’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, Business Insider, and MSN. You can learn more about their services…

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Episode 129: Discussing the ICPA’s First Annual Networking Event with Jennifer Towner

On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins me to discuss “the Buzz” – the ICPA’s spring networking event coming up April 29th and 30th. If you haven’t registered already you can still do so at https://theicpa.com/the-buzz-april-in-atlanta-networking-event. 

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Episode 128: How “Tiny Connections” Lead to Employee Happiness and Retention

This week I welcome Jen Nash to the podcast show. Jen is the author of the best-selling new book The Big Power of Tiny Connections: How Small Interactions Spark Awesome Outcomes. Using amazing true-life stories and scientific research on how we listen, talk, and crave connection, her new book demonstrates that making time to connect is…

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127: A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since 1897 – Interview with Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault, Inc.

This week Scott MacKenzie of MacKenzie Vault, Inc. joins me on the show to discuss the history of their company. It’s a company rich in history and goes all the way back to Scott’s great grandfather, John Mackenzie who made funeral coaches and caskets in the late 1800s.  Today MacKenzie Vault is proud to be…

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Episode 125: Discussing FRP Mold Care, Prep, and Setup with Andrew Pokelwaldt

This week, Andrew Pokelwaldt, director of certifications for the ACMA joins me to discuss mold and tool care, prep, and setup for FRP composite production.  Andrew will be joining me each month on the show to discuss different topics related to composites training and education.  The ACMA’s education hub can be accessed at http://www.acmaeducationhub.org. There you’ll…

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Episode 124: Called to Serve – Interview with New ICPA Members Paul Ester & Charley Skinner of Artistic Marble LLC

This week I welcome Paul Ester and Charley Skinner on the podcast to talk about their company Artistic Marble LLC, one of the ICPA’s newest members.  Founded in 1993, Artistic Marble manufactures custom cultured marble products including vanity tops, tubs, and showers. Paul and Charley took over the business last year and have a real…

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