((o
Knowledge • News • Insights
 o))
In Partnership With

Build Smart. Lead Strong.

Build Smart. Lead Strong., hosted by Elizabeth Bernhard, highlights the innovative work being done by Michigan manufacturers. She talks with small manufacturers all across Michigan, in rural communities as well as urban that are building smart and leading strong. Industry experts share how they are supporting small manufacturers to innovate, pivot to capture new opportunities, and stay on a growth path.
Elizabeth also wishes to thank Jennifer Deamud, her predecessor in both the Executive Director's role and for her three years as host of this MBN program.

12:00 PM every Monday
Replay: 6:00 PM, Tues. 12:00 AM, 6:00 AM

Additionally a special thanks to Joseph Derrick Marshall-Mosley for providing the music for this program. You can find more of his work at Apple Music:


Recent Posts

Helping Manufacturers Find Smart Solutions

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
February 1, 2021 11:00 AM

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) has offered personalized services that enable Michigan manufacturers to operate smarter, compete and prosper.

Read More

MGA | Growing Family Owned Manufacturer Focused On Employees & Community

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
January 14, 2021 6:00 PM

Build Smart. Lead Strong. 

Growing Family Owned Manufacturer Focused On Employees & Community

Hear from MGA member Lyons Industries, a third-generation family-owned manufacturer in Dowagiac, MI that continued to grow throughout 2020.

Read More

Toffee Manufacturing Leads to Sweet Growth

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
January 13, 2021 1:00 PM

A firefighter’s handmade toffee has evolved into an award-winning soft toffee manufacturing business. Andrew Chmielewski knew his father’s toffee recipe was one of a kind, so he started manufacturing the toffee several years ago. Andrew and his confectionary team have grown the business year-after-year. Along the way, they have been the recipient of many awards. Join Jenn as she interviews Andrew on what makes “Dave’s Sweet Tooth” toffee so great, and how they continue to innovate resulting in “sweet” company growth.

Read More

Growing Family Owned Manufacturer Focused on Employees and Community

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
January 5, 2021 9:00 AM

Lyons Industries, third-generation family-owned manufacturer in Dowagiac, MI continued to grow throughout 2020. With over 100 employees, Lyons Industries is dedicated to serving clients, employees, and the community. In the coming year, they will focus on two keys areas. Building on their strong company culture, and leveraging resources to continue adopting industry 4.0 technologies to support growth. Check out the podcast to hear more about Lyons Industries, their 2021 focus areas, and hear about opportunities they have for individuals seeking to join a great team.

Read More

MGA | Driving Innovation Through Company Culture

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
December 17, 2020 8:00 AM

Driving Innovation Through Company Culture  

MGA spoke with co-owner Ellington Ellis about Global Battery Solutions' business growth, and what makes them unique.

Read More

Innovative Magnetic Solutions Making an Impact

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
November 25, 2020 3:00 PM

Jennifer Deamud welcomes the Chief Business Development Officer of Industrial Magnetics, Dennis O'Leary, to the Build Smart Lead Strong podcast.

Read More

Moving Product More Efficiently

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
November 24, 2020 9:00 AM

Host Jennifer Deamud welcomes the Owner of Conveyability Inc., Heath Verstraete, to the Build Smart Lead Strong podcast. 

Read More

Build Smart Lead Strong | Sustainable Distilling Makes for Award Winning Spirits

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
November 13, 2020 11:00 AM

Build Smart, Lead Strong Communication

Read More

Sustainable Distilling Makes for Award Winning Spirits

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
November 11, 2020 9:00 AM

Host Jennifer Deamud welcomes President and Founder of Valentine Distilling Co., Rifino Valentine, to the Build Smart Lead Strong podcast. 

Read More

Driving Innovation Through Company Culture

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
November 5, 2020 8:00 AM

Global Battery Solutions (GBS) is a world-class battery life cycle management service company in Holland, MI. It is a leader in battery repair, remanufacture, repurpose, and recycling—supporting battery programs so our customers can focus on their core businesses. GBS is working in the spaces of advanced tracking and monitoring, solar, and electrification. MGA spoke with co-owner Ellington Ellis about GBS, their business growth, and what makes them unique. Listen to the insight dialogue.

Read More