Movers & Makers

About Movers & Makers

Movers & Makers explores the future of American manufacturing with Diagon co-founders Will Drewery (former Tesla equipment buyer) and Greg Smyth (VP Business Development & former supply chain professional). Get insider insights on equipment procurement, CapEx purchasing, factory automation, and supply chain strategy from industry veterans who've sourced billions in manufacturing equipment across automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, energy, and industrial production. From production engineering and process optimization to facility planning and equipment integration, we break down complex manufacturing trends for procurement managers, manufacturing engineers, plant managers, and industry executives. Whether you're evaluating suppliers, managing CapEx budgets, or scaling production lines, discover actionable strategies for equipment sourcing, vendor management, and manufacturing operations across all industrial sectors.

Publisher

Diagon

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jan 2025

Latest episode

13 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2025

   The Sourcing Surge: Why Q4 Equipment Demand is Exploding

   Diagon.ai co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth examine the reasons behind the Q4 surge in manufacturing equipment demand, highlighting the impact of interest rates and the value of flexibility for buyers in this interview episode.

2. 

   12 Sept 2025

   Trump's $10B Intel Bet & Ford's EV Gamble: Manufacturing's Next Chapter

   Will Drewery and Greg Smyth interview each other about Ford's EV manufacturing shift, Intel's investment, and the future of AI, offering insights from their manufacturing and procurement expertise.

3. 

   7 Aug 2025

   AI's $500B Manufacturing Moment: Microsoft's CapEx Surge, Factory Boom & The Future of Procurement

   Diagon.ai co-founders Greg Smyth and Will Drewery join host Blake Menezes to analyze AI's impact on manufacturing, dissecting Microsoft's CapEx surge and new factory announcements, highlighting the imperative of AI integration for competitive advantage in strategic industries in this interview.

4. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Manufacturing Investment Strategy 2025: China, Reshoring & Equipment Decisions with Patrick McGee

   Financial Times journalist Patrick McGee discusses Apple's manufacturing investment strategy in China, the challenges of reshoring, and critical equipment procurement decisions facing manufacturing executives in 2025 in this interview.

5. 

   20 Jun 2025

   Why Reshoring Needs a Rebrand: Manufacturing's Real Opportunity

   Host Blake Menezes interviews Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, who analyze reshoring's economic challenges and advocate for friend-shoring as a viable manufacturing strategy, highlighting the complexities of modernizing American factories in this interview.

6. 

   20 May 2025

   Breaking Through Paralysis: Manufacturing Strategy That Wins in 2025

   Did you know 70% of American factory investment immediately flows overseas?  In this thought-provoking episode of Movers and Makers, Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth join Blake Menezes to explore critical manufacturing decisions facing industry leaders in 2025. The conversation reveals a startling reality: when American companies invest in new factories, approximately 70% of that capital flows overseas to purchase manufacturing equipment. "No one knows that 70% gets wired overseas almost immediately," notes Greg, highlighting this hidden dynamic that shapes everything from innovation capabilities to strategic independence. Will adds, "Our ability to make future-facing products is only going to be limited by the toolset of tools that we have to make those things." Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and what Greg calls "decision paralysis," the discussion delves into why long-term thinking is essential for manufacturing success. The team explores battery manufacturing as a case study, examining how specialized equipment capabilities ultimately limit product innovation potential. Will's hot take? "Companies willing to take a bold stance on a long-term vision that is strategic and well-informed are going to do exceedingly well over the next few years." Whether you're procuring equipment, planning factory expansion, or interested in industrial strategy, this episode provides actionable insights on positioning for tomorrow's manufacturing success. In This Episode: (00:00) Opening thoughts on future-facing manufacturing tools (01:11) Introduction to PMI numbers and manufacturing decline (04:12) Understanding factory investments during economic uncertainty (07:31) Long-term versus short-term thinking for manufacturers (09:34) Battery manufacturing supply chain insights and challenges (14:45) How Diagon helps de-risk equipment procurement decisions Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts:   Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace. ...

7. 

   16 Apr 2025

   Will New Tariffs Spark a U.S. Manufacturing Revival? – with Jack Slagle

   Will new US tariffs trigger major manufacturing reshoring or just higher consumer prices? In this episode of Movers and Makers, Will Drewery and Greg Smyth welcome Jack Slagle, a trade policy expert who previously led export control programs at Tesla, Mitsubishi, and Restoration Hardware. The timing couldn't be more relevant, as the conversation dives into the recent "Liberation Day" announcement of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration. Jack breaks down the motivations behind these tariffs, explaining how they target the trade deficit rather than matching other countries' existing barriers. "Other countries have just as many tools in their boxes," Jack warns, describing how the international community is already forming new alliances in response. The discussion explores regional implications across Asia, Europe, and beyond, with particular focus on semiconductor supply chains and manufacturing strategy. Could Taiwan's 32% tariff be designed to accelerate TSMC's expansion in Arizona? Will Southeast Asian nations align with China or capitulate to US demands? Jack offers a surprising recommendation: "I would immediately send a lot of these powers back to Congress." He argues that executive trade actions, which can be "done and undone in 48 hours," create an unstable investment climate that undermines the very manufacturing reshoring the administration hopes to achieve. For manufacturers and supply chain leaders, this episode provides crucial context for navigating what Jack calls "a highly dynamic environment."Jack Slagle is a seasoned expert in international trade policy, export controls, and global supply chain compliance. With an educational background in international security, Jack brings a unique geopolitical perspective to complex trade issues. His impressive career includes leading trade compliance programs at major multinational corporations including Tesla, Mitsubishi, and Restoration Hardware. Currently working as an independent consultant, Jack helps businesses navigate the increasingly complex landscape of tariffs, export controls, and international trade regulations. His expertise spans understanding both the technical aspects of tariff implementation and the broader geopolitical implications of trade policy. Jack's analysis is particularly valuable during this period of unprecedented change in global trade relationships and manufacturing strategyIn This Episode: (00:00) Introduction of Jack Slagle, export controls expert from Tesla, discussing the recent "Liberation Day" tariff announcements and their global implications (04:32) Understanding how reciprocal tariffs were calculated based on trade deficits rather than matching existing barriers, and what this means for international trade (14:21) Regional impacts across Asia as countries form new alliances, with focus on China, Taiwan, and semiconductor supply chains (27:22) India and European Union responses to US tariff policy, including potential revival of Boeing-Airbus disputes and new trading blocs (38:04) Recommendations for more stable trade policy through congressional oversight rather than executive action, creating a more predictable business environment Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smy...

8. 

   25 Feb 2025

   Dark, Dirty And Dangerous: A Conversation with Karla Trotman

   Can manufacturing really become 'sexy' again for the next generation, and what surprising strategies might actually work? In this compelling episode, we explore manufacturing leadership and innovation through the lens of Karla Trotman, President and CEO of Electro Soft, the largest black and women-owned electronics contract manufacturing firm in the US. Drawing from her experience transitioning from corporate roles at companies like Gap and Ikea to leading her family's manufacturing business, Trotman discusses the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing, particularly in high-mix, low-volume electronics production for defense and industrial applications. You’ll hear a deep dive into critical industry topics including domestic manufacturing capabilities, workforce development challenges, and the importance of diversity in manufacturing leadership. Trotman, author of "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing," shares valuable insights on transforming manufacturing's image, developing the next generation of manufacturing talent, and managing family business succession while maintaining authenticity in leadership.Karla Trotman is the President and CEO of Electro Soft, Inc. (ESI), the largest black and women-owned electronics contract manufacturing firm in the United States. Following successful roles in supply chain and logistics at Gap, Ikea, and Honeywell, she took over her family's manufacturing business, transforming it through innovative marketing and operational strategies. A graduate of Penn State and Drexel University, Trotman is also the author of "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing," where she addresses the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing while advocating for industry transformation.In This Episode: (00:00) Karla Trotman's journey from corporate America to leading Electro Soft, and her  unique perspective on family business and breaking manufacturing stereotypes (14:00) Electro Soft’s ongoing competitiveness in domestic manufacturing through high-mix low-volume production while addressing critical supply chain challenges and reshoring opportunities (26:16) "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous" and how Trotman is working to transform manufacturing's image from an outdated stereotype to an innovative career path for future generations (34:50) Authentic leadership and diversity in manufacturing - Trotman discusses navigating traditionally homogeneous spaces while staying true to her identity (56:38) Practical advice for family business succession planning and preparing the next generation of leaders through early exposure, financial literacy, and creating meaningful connections within family business networks Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts:...

9. 

   4 Feb 2025

   Navigating the Energy Transition with Dr. William Chueh

   In this illuminating conversation with Dr. William Chueh, we explore the complex intersection of energy demands, AI technology, and sustainable solutions. From his early inspiration at Caltech to his current role in shaping future leaders in sustainability, Dr. Chueh shares insights on the evolving energy landscape. The discussion spans the unpredictable energy demands of AI, the critical role of universities in long-term research, and the pressing need to diversify battery technologies while avoiding single-technology dependence. The episode delves deep into the challenges and opportunities in battery manufacturing, comparing the rapid innovation cycles of the semiconductor industry with the slower progression in energy transition. Dr. Chueh emphasizes the importance of both incremental improvements and breakthrough innovations while highlighting the need for scalable manufacturing techniques. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for young researchers and entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of maintaining a holistic view while working toward global sustainability solutions. Dr. William Chueh is the Director of Stanford’s Precourt Institute for Energy and an Associate Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Stanford University. His research focuses on energy storage, conversion, and battery materials. As a Co-Founder of Mitra Chem, he works on accelerating the development of advanced battery technologies. Dr. Chueh is recognized for his contributions to sustainable energy solutions and bridging academia with industry innovation. In This Episode: (00:00) Dr. William Chueh shares his early inspiration from a Caltech teacher and journey into energy and sustainability, diverse career paths Dr. Chueh's students take in sustainability and related fields (04:48) How universities pioneer high-risk, long-term research projects in energy technology (12:15) Supplementing current power sources to power AI, exciting tech breakthroughs in energy sectors, how academic research and industrial applications work together to advance energy technology, AI's dual role as both an energy consumer and potential solution provider (22:03) The evolution in battery technology, from incremental improvements to major breakthroughs, various battery chemistries and the importance of technological diversification, how different market segments require unique battery solutions (31:28) Challenges in modernizing battery manufacturing processes, innovation cycles in semiconductor and energy transition industries (38:05) Maintaining focus on the bigger picture while working on specific sustainability solutions, advice for ambitious entrepreneurs Share with someone who would benefit, like, and subscribe to hear all our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts: Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq...

10. 

    21 Jan 2025

    Trade Policy Impacts on Battery Manufacturing

    How could a potential new Trump administration reshape international trade policies and impact the global battery manufacturing supply chain? In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of battery manufacturing amidst the ever-evolving global political landscape. How will President Trump’s return reshape the industry? We explore Canada's significant role in the battery supply chain and how U.S. policies are influencing its political and economic strategies. We’ll analyze Elon Musk's approaches to navigating these political waves, the transition from nickel-based to iron-based batteries, and the critical influence of China in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production. We also delve into the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions, including recent export bans on crucial materials and their potential effects on the U.S. battery supply chain. Gain insights into the investment dynamics within the industry, the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the possible shifts in policy under different administrations. In This Episode: (00:00) Supply chain impacts and policy projections, potential shifts under a new Trump administration, and how U.S. policies might influence Canada's political landscape and natural resource management (10:00) Elon Musk's strategic responses to the political landscape (17:59) China's role in lithium iron phosphate battery production and the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions on the U.S. battery supply chain (34:00) Investment dynamics in battery manufacturing, emphasizing the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act, DOE grants, and potential policy shifts under different administrations (36:00) Forward-looking perspective on the battery industry, the importance of staying informed about geopolitical developments, and a teaser for upcoming episodesShare with someone who would benefit, like, and subscribe to listen to all of our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts: Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace. Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At...

11. 

    16 Jan 2025

    Battery Market Insights & 2024 Year in Review

    Why is 2025 shaping up to be a promising year for the battery industry, and how are companies positioning themselves for success in this burgeoning market? In this episode, Greg and Will dive into the key takeaways from the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving battery industry. While the electric vehicle market remains a major focus, they explore the growing potential of energy storage solutions for utilities, despite political uncertainties and fluctuating EV demand. The episode highlights the contrasting fortunes of battery manufacturers, from Northvolt's financial struggles to the success stories of Lyten and Morrow, which are securing significant funding for growth. A central theme of the discussion is Diagon's strategic pivot and $4.3M raise in 2024. Will shares how the company transitioned from a complex procurement software model to a more streamlined marketplace approach, directly addressing customer needs and positioning itself for greater success. The episode looks ahead with optimism, emphasizing the promising outlook for the battery industry in 2025. With a focus on supporting customers and collaborating with industry experts, Diagon is poised to thrive as the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve. In This Episode: (00:00) Comprehensive analysis of insights from the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference in Las Vegas, optimism in the energy storage sector despite challenges in electric vehicle demand, Northvolt, Lyten and Morrow (14:09) Strategic pivots for startups, successful pivot from complex software to a marketplace model (22:05) Using a Super Mario analogy, solving business challenges step-by-step to uncover new opportunities, especially in the battery industry (26:00) Economic outlook and positive economic indicators for 2025, focus on growth opportunities, older companies entering the battery market Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes! About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts: Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace. Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at E...

12. 

    8 Jan 2025

    The Origin Story of Diagon - Building a Marketplace for Manufacturing Equipment

    In this inaugural episode of the *Movers and Makers* podcast, hosts Greg Smyth and Will Drewery, co-founders of Diagon.ai, dive into the founding story of Diagon, sharing their unique experiences from Tesla and their time working in Russia and Iraq. Greg and Will discuss their vision for revitalizing American manufacturing, touching on the topics of venture capital, the importance of founder intuition, and the need for re-industrialization in the face of political and supply chain hurdles. They also introduce the three core themes for upcoming episodes of the podcast: factory-building strategies, deep dives into manufacturing processes, and valuable market insights. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on the cutting-edge of manufacturing innovation. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to Movers and Makers podcast, origin stories, San Fransisco event (02:55) Impactful experiences at Tesla, and in Russia and Iraq (09:30) Greg’s Russia story, Will’s Fallujah story (14:30) Naming inspiration for Diagon from Harry Potter, motivation for starting the company, angel investing (23:06) Venture capital - challenges and issues (28:23) Understanding the total addressable market (TAM) in manufacturing (31:25) Role of founder intuition in recognizing opportunities, rising technology and the Mom test, re-industrialization - carrots vs. sticks (38:50) Challenges of tariffs, political regimes, and supply chain disruptions (41:37) Future episode themes, manufacturing processes, technology, current events, and market insights (47:58) Closing thoughts About the show: The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry. About the hosts: Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, a procurement marketplace for manufacturing equipment. With a background in equipment buying, Will’s career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq (2009), followed by his work at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also has deep tech experience with Social Construct and Astra. Will's career has focused on simplifying the complex process of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries like batteries and aerospace, leading him to create Diagon. Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At Tesla, he spent 4 years negotiating contracts, leading the development of self-driving hardware, and managing full life cycle commodity procurement—from raw materials to recycling. Greg is also an angel investor who continues to drive Diagon’s growth and success. Resources: Diagon.ai

Who has been a guest on Movers & Makers

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Will Drewery
• Greg Smyth
• Patrick McGee

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

39

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32