Springs Are Everywhere

About Springs Are Everywhere

Hosted by Gary McCoy, Executive Director of the Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI), “Springs are Everywhere” provides educational information on issues related to manufacturing springs, wireforms and stamping. The program provides SMI with another venue to share information, inspire action and educate people about the spring industry with leading experts. For more information about SMI, visit www.smihq.org.

Publisher

Springs Are Everywhere

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jan 2024

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   The Evolution of B2B Marketing, AI and Social Media

   Fifteen years ago, the common advice for B2B and technical markets was simple: "You don't need a social media strategy; you need a business strategy." But as buyer behavior becomes digital-by-default, video dominates, and AI reshapes how companies communicate, what has actually changed, and what still matters? In this episode, host Gary McCoy is joined by noted author, analyst, and longtime B2B marketing voice Paul Gillin. Together, they look back at how digital engagement has evolved since 2011 and look forward to how industrial and manufacturing companies can win in 2026 and beyond. In This Conversation, We Cover: Why "business strategy first" is more critical than ever in the age of AI. The shift from traditional search engines to AI engine optimization (AEO). Why platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube are essential for B2B, while X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have lost relevance for technical buyers. How to cut through "AI slop" and maintain authenticity when bots and deepfakes are on the rise. Actionable advice for manufacturers: What you should start, stop, and rethink in your digital approach today. About Our Guest: Paul Gillin is a senior editor, author, and digital marketing expert with decades of experience in tech journalism. He is the former founding editor-in-chief of TechTarget and former editor-in-chief of Computerworld, as well as the author of five books on social media and digital marketing. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgillin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgillin/) Platinum Sponsor: Gibbs Interwire – ⁠https://www.gibbswire.com/⁠ Gold Sponsor: Radcliff Wire – ⁠https://radcliffwire.com/⁠ Silver Sponsor: Automated Industrial Motion – ⁠https://aimcoil.com/⁠ The Springs Are Everywhere podcast explores key issues facing manufacturers and highlights the surprising ways springs show up in daily life. From cars to cellphones to workplace equipment, springs are everywhere—often hidden in plain sight. Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at https://www.smihq.org/ (https://www.smihq.org/). Don't forget to follow the show and leave a review for more insights into the future of manufacturing, B2B strategy, and small business leadership! #AI #B2BMarketing #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #SpringsAreEverywhere #Manufacturing

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Workplace Coaching in Modern Manufacturing

   Can workplace coaching boost morale, retention, and bottom-line productivity in modern manufacturing? In this episode of Springs Are Everywhere, SMI Executive Director Gary McCoy hosts Carisa Peters (Life Coaching with Carisa), a transformational life coach and 28-year manufacturing veteran. Carisa breaks down how emotional well-being, clarity, and targeted coaching directly influence shop-floor performance and prevent costly burnout. Carisa will also be presenting at the SMI Educational Symposium during Spring World 2026 with her session: "Beyond the Shop Floor: How Workplace Coaching Keeps Modern Teams Happy, Loyal, and Productive." Don’t miss our “Did You Know?” segment at the end of this episode, where we explore the springs that help make school buses operate safely in your community. You can learn more about Carisa Peters at: https://lifecoachingwithcarisa.com/ Connect with her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carisapeters The Springs Are Everywhere podcast explores key issues facing manufacturers and highlights the surprising ways springs show up in daily life. From cars to cellphones to workplace equipment, springs are everywhere—often hidden in plain sight. This episode is made possible by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (https://www.gibbswire.com/); our Gold Sponsor, Radcliff Wire (https://radcliffwire.com/); and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (https://aimcoil.com/). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at https://www.smihq.org/ (https://www.smihq.org/). Learn more about SpringWorld 2026 at https://www.springworld.org/ #leadership #lifecoaching #springworld #smi  #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing

3. 

   5 Jul 2026

   Making Sense of Manufacturing Signals

   North American manufacturing is shifting fast — and thesignals aren’t always easy to read. In this episode of Springs Are Everywhere, host Gary McCoy sits down with Cara Walton, Director at Wipfli and one of the leading voices in manufacturing intelligence, economic trends, and tariffdynamics. Cara and her team analyze millions of data points from thousands of manufacturers, giving them a uniquely clear view of what’s happening across North America. Cara breaks down the real health of the manufacturing sector, the economic indicators that matter most, how durable goods demand is evolving, and why customer health is becoming harder to interpret. She also explains the ripple effects of tariffs, trade deals, and geopolitical events —and how manufacturers can protect margins in a year defined by volatility. You’ll hear insights drawn from millions of data points across hundreds of manufacturers, plus fresh benchmarking results that reveal where top performers are pulling ahead. Topics include: • The financial health of North American manufacturing • Durable goods demand and sector specific trends • Interest rates, inflation, and employee financial stress • Tariffs, trade policy, and the hidden cost oftransactional waste • Geopolitical pressures and supply chain normalization • Benchmarking data: capacity utilization, profitability,and top performer habits Don’t miss our “Did You Know?” segment at the end of the video, where we explore the springs that help make your outdoor BBQ grill function safely and efficiently. You can learn more about Cara Walton at:https://www.wipfli.com/about-wipfli/partners-and-associates/cara-walton Connect with her on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-walton/ The Springs Are Everywhere podcast explores key issues facing manufacturers and highlights the surprising ways springs show up in daily life. From cars to cellphones to workplace equipment, springs are everywhere—often hidden in plain sight. This episode is made possible by our Platinum Sponsor, GibbsInterwire (https://www.gibbswire.com/); our Gold Sponsor, Radcliff Wire (https://radcliffwire.com/); and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (https://aimcoil.com/). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute athttps://www.smihq.org/. #leadership #supplychain #AI #workforce #smi  #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing

4. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Forces Reshaping the Industrial Economy

   Manufacturers are navigating a perfect storm — tight margins, expensive capital, workforce shortages, policy uncertainty, and rapid technological disruption. In this episode, host Gary McCoy, Executive Director of SMI, sits down with author and industry strategist Dan Varroney to unpack the forces reshaping the industrial economy and what small and mid‑size manufacturers can do to stay competitive. Varroney, founder of Potomac Core and author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Rethinking Economic Growth, brings decades of experience working with manufacturers and trade associations nationwide. Together, Gary and Dan explore: The “three M’s” driving today’s challenges: margins, money, and manpower How sector profitability reveals whether an industry is gaining or losing competitiveness Policy gaps that disproportionately impact small and mid‑size manufacturers What a truly pro‑growth policy environment should look like in 2026 and beyond How value‑chain partnerships strengthen advocacy and resilience Innovative workforce strategies, including second‑chance hiring and community college partnerships Long‑term approaches to supply chain resilience, onshoring, and nearshoring How AI, automation, and machine learning are reshaping industrial competitiveness Why scenario planning is essential for leaders navigating uncertainty You’ll also hear real‑world examples from Dan’s research — spanning tooling, machining, energy, and advanced manufacturing — plus insights on leadership, risk, and the future of the American industrial base. Learn more about Dan Varroney and his work: https://danielvarroney.com https://potomaccore.com/ And don’t miss our “Did You Know?” segment, where we break down the spring‑powered mechanism inside your car’s seatbelt retractor — a reminder that springs truly are everywhere. Springs Are Everywhere explores the issues shaping modern manufacturing and highlights the surprising ways springs show up in everyday life — from cars to cellphones to workplace equipment. Sponsors: Platinum — Gibbs Interwire (gibbswire.com) Gold — Radcliff Wire (radcliffwire.com) Silver — Automated Industrial Motion (aimcoil.com) Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at smihq.org. #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #leadership #supplychain #AI #workforce

5. 

   30 Jan 2026

   How to Compete on Awesome with AI

   In the first episode of Season 3 of the Springs Are Everywhere podcast, host Gary McCoy welcomes Susan Frew—international business leader, TEDx speaker, and author ofCompete on Awesome with AI. Her book equips entrepreneurs to stop competing on average and start winning with bold, practical AI strategies. This episode delivers a clear, actionable conversation for anyone looking to bring AI into everyday business operations. Susan breaks down how to make AI accessible, profitable, and even enjoyable. She also offers a preview of her upcoming session at the SMI Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico and shares what attendees canexpect to take away. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast explores key issues facing manufacturers and highlights the surprising ways springs show up in daily life. From cars to cellphones toworkplace equipment, springs are everywhere—often hidden in plain sight. This episode is made possible by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)); our Gold Sponsor, Radcliff Wire (radcliffwire.com (https://radcliffwire.com)); and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com (http://www.aimcoil.com)). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org (http://www.smihq.org). #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #AI

6. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Smart Safety and the Future of Manufacturing

   In this episode of the Springs Everywhere podcast, host Gary McCoy sits down with Dr. Laura Helmrich-Rhodes — board‑certified safety professional, associate professor, and SMI’s longtime regulatory and compliance consultant — for a deep, practical conversation about the state of safety inmodern manufacturing. Rhodes talks about the biggest safety risks in manufacturing, the daily habits that actually prevent injuries and how “smart safety” will reshape the future. She also shares a preview of her session at the SMI Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico andexplains how SMI members can tap into her expertise year‑round. A powerful, practical conversation for every manufacturing leader. Please note an update from Rhodes regarding the cost of musculoskeletal disorders: "More than half (56%) of workplace injuries impact the back, shoulder, knee, ormultiple body parts — costing nearly $32.6 billion."  That’s according to the Workplace Safety Index from Liberty Mutual Business Insurance. You can connect with Rhodes through LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/laura-helmrich-rhodes-ed-d-shrm-scp-csp-65921711), email laurahrhodes@gmail.com (mailto:laurahrhodes@gmail.com) or contact SMI at 847-450-6848. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast highlights critical issues facing manufacturers and gives a brief glimpse of products that contain springs! Though often hidden in plain sight, springs are part of everyone’s daily life and used in products commonly found in your car, cellphone or workplace. This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)) and our SilverSponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com (http://www.aimcoil.com)). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org (http://www.smihq.org). #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #safety

7. 

   3 Nov 2025

   Winning at Leadership and Reshoring

   This edition includes Desmond Clark, a former NFL tight end with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. He’s now an entrepreneur serving as the owner, president and CEO of Bear Down Logistics. Desmond is a motivational speaker and the author of “Principles of Winning: 5 Keys to Create a Standard of Excellence.” He’ll be one of the featured speakers for SMI’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico. Desmond talks about the influence of his childhood, important lessons he learned while playing professional football and how it translates to how he now conducts business. He also talks about the motivation to write his book and how it has impacted others. You can connect with Desmond Clark on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/desmondclark88). You can also visit his websites at dezclarkspeaks.com (https://www.dezclarkspeaks.com/) or beardown-logistics.com (https://www.beardown-logistics.com/). This edition also features Harry Moser the founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative. Many would call the Reshoring Initiative championed by Harry as the first foray into a national drive towards reviving manufacturing in the U.S. The mission of the organization is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States.’’ Harry talks about the important role of reshoring in bringing jobs back to the U.S., why companies originally decided to reshore and and how the landscape has changed more recently. He also talks about how reshoring aligns with a company's long-term competitive strategy. The Reshoring Initiative website can be found at www.reshorenow.org (http://www.reshorenow.org) You can reach Harry through LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/harry-moser-58a8024), by email at: harry.moser@reshorenow.org (mailto:harry.moser@reshorenow.org)or phone 847-867-1144. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast highlights critical issues facing manufacturers and gives a brief glimpse of products that contain springs! Though often hidden in plain sight, springs are part of everyone’s daily life and used in products commonly found in your car, cellphone or at your workplace. This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com (http://www.aimcoil.com)). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org (http://www.smihq.org). #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #reshoring

8. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Finding Workers and Leadership Lessons

   This edition includes Clay Martin, the founder of Isla Talent. Clay’s company is a staffing agency that specializes in recruiting skilled blue-collar workers from Puerto Rico inan effort to connect U.S. employers with top-tier talent across various industries. With attracting qualified workers being among the most challenging aspects of being a manufacturer, you will learn about the advantages ofrecruiting workers from Puerto Rico. Visit www.recruitingpuertorico.com (http://www.recruitingpuertorico.com) or contact Clay Martin at clay@recruitingpuertorico.com (mailto:clay@recruitingpuertorico.com). This edition also features Dr. John Passante. John is president of the Organizational Development Group where, among many talents, he is an executive coach and keynote speaker. He has worked for many notable corporations during his career and is the author of “The Human Side: High-Touch Leadership in a High-Tech World.” You will learn from John about the need for the human touch in leadershipand how kindness is needed more than ever today. You can reach John at theorgdevgroup@gmail.com (mailto:theorgdevgroup@gmail.com) or by phone at 401-252-9430. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast highlights critical issues facing manufacturers and gives a brief glimpse of products that contain springs! Though often hidden in plain sight, springs are part of everyone’s daily life and used in productscommonly found in your car, cellphone or workplace. This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com (http://www.aimcoil.com)). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org (http://www.smihq.org). #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing

9. 

   10 Jul 2025

   High Performing Companies and Growth Resources for Manufacturers

   This episode of the podcast features Susan Quinn, an accomplished author, keynote speaker, leadership expert and executive coach. As CEO of circle S studio and the author of “Does Your Business Show Up or Stand Out?”, Susanprovides insights into nine key traits she has identified in high-performing companies. The episode also includes an interview with Don Jacobson III of Newcomb Spring, who currently serves as president of the Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI). A fourth-generation springmaker, Don discusses his recent visit to theSkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, addresses current challenges within the spring manufacturing sector, and highlights resources offered by SMI to support business growth. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast addresses significant topics affecting manufacturers while offering an overview of products that incorporate springs. Although frequently overlooked, springs are integral to many everyday items, including automobiles, mobile phones, and workplace equipment. This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com (http://www.aimcoil.com)). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org (http://www.smihq.org). #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #skillsusa

10. 

    22 May 2025

    A Journey Through the World of Springs

    Dan Sebastian, the "Dean of Springs," recounts his extensive career in the spring industry and reflects on the evolution of manufacturing in this interview.

11. 

    21 Feb 2025

    Multigenerational Workforces and Great Company Cultures

    This edition looks at how to achieve success working with a multigeneration workforce and how to create an awesome company culture. The multigenerational workforce topic is explored in-depth with Jeff Butler, an author and workplace strategist, on how different cultures and employees can successfully interact with each other. Chris Dyer, a trailblazer in leadership, company culture, and business growth, talks about the key ingredients to create an amazing company culture. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast highlights important issues facing manufacturers and gives a brief glimpse of products that contain springs! Though often hidden in plain sight, springs are part of everyone’s daily life and used in products commonly found in your car, cellphone or workplace. This podcast episode is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com (http://www.gibbswire.com)), our Gold sponsor Pyromaitre  (www.pyromaitreovens.com (http://www.pyromaitreovens.com)) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org. #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing

12. 

    25 Nov 2024

    Episode 5 - Training with Rodney Poore and Raquel Chole

    Rodney Poore, a seasoned CNC spring machine manufacturing expert, and Raquel Chole, a leadership development specialist, share insights on the importance of training and leadership in manufacturing for future success.

13. 

    4 Sept 2024

    Women in Manufacturing & Money for Manufacturers

    Women are an important and vibrant part of the manufacturing industry, especially in the spring industry. The topic is explored in-depth with Allison Grealis, founder and president of the Women in Manufacturing® Association (WiM), a national trade association focused on supporting, promoting and inspiring women in the manufacturing sector. The second segment of the podcast features Micki Vandeloo of Lakeview Consulting who enlightens manufacturers on money available to them through grants and funding for apprenticeship programs and other leadership training opportunities. The Springs Are Everywhere podcast is sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org. #smi #springsareeverywhere #manufacturing #WomeninMFG #podcast

14. 

    19 Jun 2024

    The Automotive Industry and Business Alignment

    Helping manufacturers understand the automotive market is important, especially in light of the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs are important to the future of the automotive marketplace, hybrids and alternative fuels will also play a significant role, explains Derek Kaufman, a transportation industry expert and managing partner at Schwartz Advisors, in the first segment of this episode. In a business landscape riddled with uncertainty and adversity, CEOs and executives need actionable insights into fostering cultures of innovation. In segment two of this episode, Edgar Papke, founder of True Alignment and author of three best-selling books, will discuss how critical it is for businesses and organizations to get aligned around the same goals. Springs Are Everywhere is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org. #smi #springsareeverywhere

15. 

    19 Mar 2024

    Exit Strategies and Company Culture Development

    You will exit your business at some point. It can be forced upon you by circumstances such as death, disability, disagreement, divorce, disaster, debt, or dissolution. But, it’s much better to exit on your own terms. Paul Menig, CEO of Business Accelerants discusses ways to grow your business to make it more attractive to buyers. The second segment of the podcast features Bill Coughlin of Lippert Components Inc., who looks at Lippert's cultural journey to transform the company and make it more attractive for employees to stay. Springs Are Everywhere is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org.

16. 

    13 Jan 2024

    Recruiting, Developing and Retaining Staff

    Helping manufacturers recruit, develop and retain staff is absolutely critical to success, especially in the spring industry. This topic is discussed in detail with Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial and Lisa Ryan, chief strategy officer for Grategy. Springs Are Everywhere is brought to you by our Platinum Sponsor, Gibbs Interwire (www.gibbswire.com) and our Silver Sponsor, Automated Industrial Motion (www.aimcoil.com). Learn more about the Spring Manufacturers Institute at www.smihq.org. #smi #springsareeverywhere

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

7,190

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

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

Quality

40

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

Contact Springs Are Everywhere

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.