AT Sensors learned an expensive lesson about digital marketing: great design doesn't guarantee results. After investing in a complete website redesign with stunning visuals and excellent content, traffic still disappointed. The problem? Findability. As Gretchen Alper shared on the MacRAE'S Growth Challenge Podcast, what worked for SEO years ago no longer applies when customers search through ChatGPT instead of Google. The company recently launched a new initiative to optimize for AI-powered search engines, partnering with experts to shift from keyword thinking to prompt-based strategies. The early findings have already surprised them.
ow did Obvi scale from online startup to 20,000 retail doors in just 2.5 years? In this episode of MacRAE'S Growth Challenge Podcast, Director of Sales Operations Raj Shah reveals their secret weapon: a 120,000-member Facebook community that drives product development and retail launches. Learn how they're making supplements fun again while targeting 40,000 more doors across Whole Foods, Kroger, and Wegmans. Don't miss these actionable growth strategies—listen to the full episode!
On the latest MacRAE'S Growth Challenge Podcast, RJ Lincoln from Icon Fixtures shared a truth many B2B leaders face: "Technology is moving so fast."
From AI-powered tools to interactive retail displays, traditional businesses must evolve or risk falling behind. But here's the key—it's not about abandoning what works. It's about combining proven relationship-building with new capabilities.
RJ's advice? "Stay positive, be open-minded to new technologies, and try new things. Don't be afraid."
Listen to the full episode for insights on navigating digital transformation in manufacturing.
What does it take for a mature manufacturer to stay competitive? On MacRAE'S Growth Challenge Podcast, CharterWire's Brad Davis breaks down the "efficiency paradox"—how becoming too good at one thing makes growth difficult. The steel industry veteran shares hard-won lessons about strategic discipline, why most companies work on too much of the wrong things, and how tariffs are reshaping domestic manufacturing. Davis offers a practical three-part framework: nail your differentiation strategy, position your team's strengths right, then support everything with data-driven processes and technology.
Thrilled to feature manucan on the MacRAE’S Client Spotlight podcast!Our conversation with CEO Richard Fernandes highlighted an incredible growth story — from starting with zero presence to competing with major job boards in just a few months. With 857,000 manufacturing job seekers in the market, manucan identified a clear gap and filled it with purpose.Through strategic digital marketing, analytics-driven insights, and consistent brand positioning, MacRAE’S helped manucan establish itself as a trusted name in manufacturing careers.🎧 Tune in to the full episode to hear how data, strategy, and collaboration fueled manucan’s rapid rise!
Proud to feature Canadian Shade on the MacRAE’S Client Spotlight podcast!Running a growing business while trying to handle marketing solo can be overwhelming — and that’s exactly what their story shows. As a business owner with a marketing background, they thought managing digital marketing internally was possible. But between operations, customer service, and daily challenges, marketing often fell behind — and growth stalled.Partnering with MacRAE’S changed everything. By providing a full marketing department for less than the cost of one hire, we helped Canadian Shade boost leads, reduce ad spend, and refocus on what mattered most — running the business.Their biggest takeaway? Success doesn’t always mean doing it all yourself. Sometimes the smartest move is asking for help from the right partners.🎧 Hear the full story on the MacRAE’S Client Spotlight podcast!
We were thrilled to feature Comptus on our latest MacRAE’S podcast—what an incredible success story! Their international revenue skyrocketed from just 7% to over 50%, and the driving force behind that growth? A simple mindset shift: realizing that “our shingle is really a digital shingle today.”
By partnering with MacRAE’S, Comptus built a stronger online foundation, backed by analytics and content strategies that aligned with how their global customers search and buy. Together, we turned data into direction—shaping a web platform that connects with audiences across borders.
For B2B leaders wondering if digital marketing truly delivers results—the answer is yes. But it only works when it’s more than a vendor relationship. It’s a partnership rooted in strategy, trust, and measurable growth.
🎧 Catch the full podcast episode to hear how Comptus made digital their most powerful grow
Canada Metal president Tom Hall recently sat down with MacRAE'S podcast to discuss how we're blending 140+ years of expertise with digital innovation. From radiation shielding protecting doctors and patients to marine anodes and 1,000+ specialized products, we manufacture 100% Canadian-made solutions. Our partnership with MacRAE'S ensures customers find us when they need lead solutions. Proud of our skilled union workforce and excited about what's next. Listen to learn how legacy meets innovation.
We were thrilled to host another insightful episode on the Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast, featuring Joyce Padilla, CEO of Assett Authority.
In this conversation, Joyce shared how her team is transforming brands for female founders through the Assett Authority Growth System—a structured approach that blends strategy, creativity, and visibility to help women entrepreneurs build lasting business value.
We discussed:
✅ Why a strong online presence is non-negotiable in today’s business landscape
✅ How strategic branding drives credibility and consistent client acquisition
✅ The role of first impressions in attracting high-paying clients and investor attention
One powerful takeaway from Joyce: “If you’re not online, you’re missing opportunities.”
Tune in to hear how proper brand positioning not only sets you apart from competitors but also helps you build the authority your business deserves.
🎧 Listen now on the Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast by MacRAE’S!
We had an incredible conversation on the Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast with Triad Electronic Technologies, diving into the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing and how the company is tackling today’s toughest challenges head-on.
From supply chain disruptions and cybersecurity to Design for Manufacturability, the discussion highlighted how Triad’s commitment to communication and transparency is driving long-term success. What truly stood out was their family-oriented culture and technology-driven approach, which enable them to move seamlessly from rapid prototyping for defense to building large-scale UAV systems.
At MacRAE’S, we’re always inspired by manufacturers who balance innovation with integrity—and Triad Electronic Technologies is a perfect example of that.
🎧 Tune in to the full episode to hear how they’re shaping the future of electronics manufacturing with collaboration, agility, and purpose.
We recently sat down with Ville Lehtonen, VP of Product at Real-Time Robotics, on the Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast to tackle one of the toughest barriers in automation—robot programming costs.
Traditional robot programming can take up to 70 engineering hours per robot, making automation too costly for many manufacturers. Ville shared how Real-Time Robotics is rewriting that equation—cutting deployment time from months to overnight and reducing programming costs by two orders of magnitude.
It’s a fascinating look at how hardware is starting to behave like software, allowing manufacturers to adapt production lines rapidly and stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape.
At MacRAE’S, we love bringing forward these kinds of innovations that are reshaping what’s possible in modern manufacturing.
Listen to the full episode to hear how Real-Time Robotics is making automation faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever.
VP Martin Engster didn't hold back on the Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast.
He tackled the tough topics: workforce shortages, 3D printing disruption, and why small manufacturers shouldn't have to "play bank" for 60+ days while serving billion-dollar clients.
But he also shared what makes Centerline different—how we turn urgent orders around in days, maintain near-perfect quality, and treat the team like family.
Hear Martin's insights :
What sets Arc apart in precision engineering? Our CEO Aakash Kancharla explored this question in a recent podcast interview, highlighting our comprehensive in-house capabilities—from licensed testing laboratory to certified welders and engineers across every discipline. Unlike competitors who outsource, we handle projects from raw material to delivery, all stateside. This approach has earned the trust of the US Department of Defense and energy sector leaders worldwide. Tune in to hear how we're leveraging AI tools and onshore manufacturing to drive the future of industrial solutions.
COO Josh Renicker uses AI daily—for drafting emails, analyzing reports, creating job descriptions, and even journaling during his commute. But he's clear about one thing: AI enhances human capabilities, it doesn't replace them. "People have souls. AI does not," he notes. The leaders who embrace AI as a companion tool while maintaining the irreplaceable human elements of creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence will gain a significant competitive edge. Those who resist? They'll be left behind in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. Want to know how Energy Access scaled with fewer than 20 employees? Listen to the full episode where Josh Renicker shares strategies for leveraging AI, partnerships, and leading modern operations.
Since 2009, WindFree Solar has mastered the art of riding the "solar coaster" through market fluctuations, legislative changes, and industry volatility. Their secret? Slow and steady growth, reputation-first approach, and unwavering commitment to quality. While competitors collapsed during interest rate spikes, WindFree thrived by focusing on cash deals and shorter project timelines. Jack Johannesson shares how being early to the solar industry out of passion positioned them perfectly when legislation and funding arrived.
Listen to the full podcast to discover how WindFree Solar navigates industry challenges and builds lasting customer relationships in the renewable energy sector.
Traditional cybersecurity tools force an impossible choice: comprehensive but clunky platforms or dozens of specialized solutions. In this episode, Dor Swisa from Sola Security shares how their AI-powered platform lets security teams build tailor-made tools instantly. Learn how transparency, evidence-based AI, and blast radius analysis are building trust in a skeptical industry. From startup to 300,000 users in just over a year—hear their remarkable growth story. Listen to the full episode now!
What if your business could save lives while staying ahead of industry regulations? Adam Andrews from A.C.T Dust Collectors shares how they protect workers from combustible dust and hazardous particulates—challenges most manufacturers don't even know they have. Discover why European safety standards predict US regulations by 5-10 years, how educational content builds trust before the first sales call, and why being a "superhero" in industrial safety means combining cutting-edge engineering with digital innovation. Don't miss this episode! Hear how A.C.T is leading the future of industrial safety. Listen now!
Had an incredible conversation on MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast! We explored what it really takes for businesses to not just enter the market, but build long-term success. The key takeaway? Consistent execution outweighs short-term wins. Growth comes from strategy, discipline, and a clear vision. Tune in to the full episode to hear practical insights on achieving sustainable success in today’s competitive landscape.
Had an insightful conversation on MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers and How to Overcome Them podcast! We discussed how innovation, data-driven decisions, and resilience are transforming small businesses into competitive forces in a rapidly changing market. The episode highlights real-world strategies that help local companies streamline operations, boost efficiency, and stay ahead of industry shifts. Tune in to learn how businesses can adapt, grow, and thrive.
From contractor frustrations to industry innovation—Scott Richards, CEO of Specialty Solutions Inc., shares how decades of hands-on experience inspired game-changing products like Perfect Primer. Discover how real-world challenges led to simpler, more compatible solutions that help contractors save time, money, and headaches.
Want to hear how one product can replace dozens—and even cut a school’s renovation costs from $800K to $2K?
Listen to the full episode of MacRAE’S Growth Challenges for Manufacturers podcast for practical insights from the field!