The Think Factory Podcast

The Think Factory
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The Think Factory Podcast is focused on putting the spotlight on executives and their companies. Learn from peers across various industries and learn new ways to grow your business, expand your career, and become better business leaders. The podcast has multiple hosts and each episode will be focused on different topics and companies. We want to know one thing. What keeps you up at night? Want to spotlight your company on The Think Factory Podcast? Click here!

  1. Dennis Leblanc, Senior Product and Business Development Manager, Drytac

    2D AGO

    Dennis Leblanc, Senior Product and Business Development Manager, Drytac

    On this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, we dive into the science—and strategy—behind what really makes things stick with Dennis LeBlanc of Drytac. From celebrating 50 years in business to supplying adhesive-coated solutions in over 80 countries, Drytac is far more than a materials manufacturer—it’s an innovation engine focused on solving real-world pain points across visual communications, architectural films, retail, and industrial markets. Dennis unpacks the company’s “Adhesive Sciences” approach, cold-weather and specialty surface technologies, and the growing push toward sustainability without a “green tax.” We explore how smarter material choices—like water-based adhesives, polypropylene films, and new recyclable peel-and-stick papers—are reshaping the industry, why mandates are accelerating change, and what’s next in sustainable product development. If you’ve ever wondered how performance, profitability, and environmental responsibility can truly align, this conversation sticks.

    29 min
  2. Karen Norheim, CEO, American Crane & Equipment Corporation

    2D AGO

    Karen Norheim, CEO, American Crane & Equipment Corporation

    On this episode of the ThinkFactory Women’s Roundtable, Karen Norheim, CEO of American Crane & Equipment Company, shares her remarkable journey from reluctant recruit in her family’s manufacturing business to second-generation leader of a thriving, highly engineered crane company serving industries from nuclear energy to NASA’s Artemis program. Karen opens up about the immigrant grit that shaped her father’s legacy, the evolution of their “Always Lift, Never Quit” mantra, and how she intentionally builds a culture rooted in perseverance, heart, and integrity. From championing women in manufacturing and mentoring future leaders to CEO’ing her own health and navigating rapid technological change, Karen offers candid insights on resilience, stewardship, and what it truly takes to lead with strength and authenticity in today’s world.

    36 min
  3. Timothy Peters (Business Development Manager) & Louis Rouhaud (VP Sales and Marketing), Polyart Americas

    JAN 21

    Timothy Peters (Business Development Manager) & Louis Rouhaud (VP Sales and Marketing), Polyart Americas

    In this episode of the ThinkFactory Podcast, Timothy Peters and Louis Rouhaud of Polyart explore how synthetic paper is reshaping print, packaging, and labeling through durability, printability, and sustainability. The conversation dives into how Polyart eliminates lamination steps, reduces carbon footprint and waste, supports recyclability with post-consumer materials, and helps printers and brands cut costs while improving efficiency—offering a compelling look at how innovation in materials can drive both environmental and business impact.

    23 min
  4. Blair Jason-Brown (Director of Marketing) & Arika Stoecker (Director of Business Development), Case Paper

    JAN 15

    Blair Jason-Brown (Director of Marketing) & Arika Stoecker (Director of Business Development), Case Paper

    Case Paper’s Blair Jason-Brown and Arika Stoecker share how an 80+ year–old company stays relevant by blending deep industry expertise with creativity, humor, and a people-first mindset. From custom-sized paper and packaging solutions that reduce waste and boost profitability to bold educational tools like “Case Paper TV,” they discuss what it truly means to be “On the Case”—building real partnerships, empowering customers through knowledge, and rethinking how print and packaging can inspire, perform, and tell better brand stories.

    37 min
  5. Michael Seagram (President ) & Mark Witkowski (Chief Technology Officer), Publishers Storage and Shipping

    JAN 14

    Michael Seagram (President ) & Mark Witkowski (Chief Technology Officer), Publishers Storage and Shipping

    In this episode, listeners hear from Mike Seagram, President, and Mark Witkowski, CTO of Publisher Storage and Shipping (PSSC), as they explore how modern technology is reshaping book fulfillment and distribution. From print-on-demand and inventory optimization to data-driven forecasting, AI, and navigating Amazon’s influence, the conversation offers an inside look at how publishers can ship more, store less, and make smarter decisions across the supply chain. It’s a deep dive into how a traditionally “legacy” business is evolving through smarter data, tighter integration, and collaborative partnerships to keep publishers competitive and profitable.

    31 min
  6. Kris Hanchette, President, EngView North America

    12/30/2025

    Kris Hanchette, President, EngView North America

    This episode takes a deep dive into how AI-powered software is transforming the printing and packaging industries, moving far beyond buzzwords into real-world productivity, creativity, and efficiency gains. The conversation explores how EngView Systems has been building AI-driven, parametric design tools for decades, enabling packaging manufacturers, designers, and printers to reduce errors, shorten turnaround times, and automate complex structural design tasks that once took hours or days. Kris also discusses how AI, automation, and connected workflows are reshaping everything from cost estimation and sustainability to virtual prototyping, augmented reality, and short-run production. From smarter material optimization to safer, more efficient factory floors, this episode offers a forward-looking view of how embracing intelligent software can help companies stay competitive, profitable, and ready for what’s next.

    39 min
  7. Mark Priede, Vice President of Sales and Worldwide Marketing, Xante

    12/30/2025

    Mark Priede, Vice President of Sales and Worldwide Marketing, Xante

    This episode explores how Xante is helping democratize print technology by making advanced equipment and workflow tools more accessible to print service providers of all sizes. From digital envelope printing to UV flatbeds, roll-fed systems, and DTF solutions, the conversation highlights how Xante enables shops to add new revenue streams, increase efficiency, and reduce labor costs in an increasingly competitive print market.

    23 min
  8. Oscar Perez, US CFO, Snøhetta

    12/22/2025

    Oscar Perez, US CFO, Snøhetta

    In this episode, Oscar Perez, CFO of global design firm Snøhetta, offers an inside look at how the company blends architecture, landscape, interiors, and product design to create people-centered spaces around the world—from a groundbreaking presidential library in the North Dakota badlands to a border-bridging children’s museum in El Paso. He reflects on his non-linear career path, the importance of collaborative leadership in creative environments, and the challenges of guiding an international organization through uncertainty, cultural differences, and the post-COVID shift in how teams work. Oscar also shares insights on financial stewardship in a design-driven firm, empowering teams to innovate responsibly, and the evolving balance between personal and professional life as leaders navigate constant change.

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Think Factory Podcast is focused on putting the spotlight on executives and their companies. Learn from peers across various industries and learn new ways to grow your business, expand your career, and become better business leaders. The podcast has multiple hosts and each episode will be focused on different topics and companies. We want to know one thing. What keeps you up at night? Want to spotlight your company on The Think Factory Podcast? Click here!

Information

  • Creator
    The Think Factory
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Think Factory 2023
  • Show Website
    The Think Factory Podcast