This interview series aims to sit down with experienced business professionals and ask them the questions the next generation needs answered. As high school and college students approach graduation, an important step to starting their career is gaining advice from those ahead of them. This series will allow students to hear from those deep into a career they intend on pursuing, and hearing the interviewee’s story as well as their insight on success in that field.
Will Matteson - Financial Planning (Student Series)
William Matteson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/williammatteson/) is a senior at University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://www.linkedin.com/company/uwmadison/) double majoring in financial planning and economics. This past summer he was a summer analyst at JPMorganChase (https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpmorganchase/) and received a full time offer that he will be starting this summer.
In this episode look to learn how Will navigated each step getting internship through the lens of Start the Ladder's 6S.
SPARK - What do you want to do?
SCAN - What is out there?
SKILLS - What are you good at?
STORY - Why should it be you?
SUPPORT - Who can help you?
STRATEGY - What is your plan?
12 Feb 2026
Pete Metcalfe - Manufacturing
Peter Metcalfe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-metcalfe-aba33a2a/) is a seasoned manufacturing and operations leader with a long standing career spanning plant leadership, engineering, and consulting. As Managing Director at Intillit Partners (https://www.linkedin.com/company/intillit-partners/), a manufacturing consulting firm focused on helping plants do more with less in an increasingly competitive environment, he works closely with organizations to strengthen operational performance, improve efficiency, and navigate complex challenges.
Over the past seven years, Pete has served as a consultant specializing in operations, engineering, project launches, and crisis management. His practical, results driven approach is grounded in extensive industry experience, including roles as Plant Manager at Autoliv (https://www.linkedin.com/company/autoliv/), Head of Continuous Improvement at Vista (https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistaprint/) and Johnson Controls (https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnson-controls/), and engineering positions with Siemens (https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/) and Ford Motor Company (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/). Known for his deep operational knowledge and people centered leadership style, Pete brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage teams to drive meaningful, sustainable results.
4 Feb 2026
Tonya Jackson - Operations
Tonya Jackson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajackson1/) is a seasoned global operations executive with more than 30 years of experience leading manufacturing, product development, sustainability, supply chain, and organizational leadership initiatives in complex, international environments. Throughout her career at Lexmark (https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexmark/), the world-renowned printer and solutions company, she held numerous senior executive roles including Chief People Officer, Senior Vice President of Product Delivery, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Vice President of Supplies Operations, Director of R&D, and Director of Sustainability, helping guide large scale global operations for a company later acquired by Xerox (https://www.linkedin.com/company/xerox/) in a billion dollar transaction.
Known for her strategic leadership and enterprise wide perspective, Tonya has led cross-functional initiatives that strengthened operational performance, innovation, and sustainability at scale. Since retiring last June, she has continued to influence the business community as a board member and advisor to organizations including Hooker Furnishings Corporation (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hooker-furnishings-corporation/), ketteQ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ketteq/), and Blue Grass Airport. She will also begin teaching her first university course international management education this semester.
28 Jan 2026
Steve Brillati - Logistics
Stephen Brillati (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrillati/), the CEO at Cura Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/), a transportation, logistics, supply chain, and storage company. Cura Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/) delivers scalable warehousing and distribution solutions while helping organizations streamline operations through flexible, facility-driven supply chain strategies.
Stephen Brillati (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrillati/) is a seasoned logistics executive with nearly 20 years of experience leading complex logistics and distribution initiatives. He also has a strong background in construction and real estate development. As CEO of Cura Group (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/), he plays a critical role in designing and deploying scalable infrastructure solutions that strengthen supply chain agility, operational efficiency, and geographic reach. He brings a unique ability to align facility development with evolving supply chain demands.
21 Jan 2026
Kristin Hilbert - Supply Chain
Kristin Hilbert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-hilbert-175032a/), the VP, Global Supply Chain at Harley-Davidson Motor Company (https://www.linkedin.com/company/harley-davidson-motor-company/) a globally recognized manufacturer, delivering iconic motorcycles and related products while driving enterprise value through advanced manufacturing, innovation, and brand leadership.
Kristin Hilbert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-hilbert-175032a/) is a seasoned global supply chain executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex logistics, sourcing, and procurement operations across multiple industries. As Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, she plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the company’s worldwide supply chain, strengthening resilience, efficiency, and global reach. Known for her ability to lead large-scale initiatives across trade, logistics, and procurement, Kristin brings deep expertise from industries ranging from motorcycles to medical devices, including her tenure at Stryker.
17 Dec 2025
Chris Grabmiller - Recruiting
Chris Grabmiller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgrabmiller/), the President and CEO at StaffBright (https://www.linkedin.com/company/staffbright/) a full-service professional staffing firm, Managing Director at Intillit Partners (https://www.linkedin.com/company/intillit-partners/) a consulting team focused on Manufacturing and Enterprise Value. Chris Grabmiller (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgrabmiller/) is a seasoned staffing and recruiting executive with nearly 20 years of experience leading high-performance teams in fast-paced, results-driven environments. As President and CEO of StaffBright, he oversees two dynamic staffing and recruiting firms serving the metro Detroit market and beyond. Known for his proven track record of success, Chris specializes in building strong client partnerships, driving organizational growth, and connecting great people with great companies.
9 Dec 2025
Tim Schuler - Cannabis
Tim Schuler, the President and COO at D & K Ventures, LLC proud pioneers of the Michigan Cannabis Industry, sits down to give his advice.Tim Schuler is a seasoned sales and business management leader with over 22 years of experience across the sports, entertainment, alcohol, and cannabis industries. As President and COO of Detroit Edible Company and Cannalicious Labs, he leads one of Michigan’s top cannabis manufacturing teams known for high-quality concentrates and edibles. He is recognized for driving growth, expanding market presence, and motivating high-performing teams in competitive environments.
3 Dec 2025
Carlos Rodriguez - Cold Logistics
Carlos Rodriguez the Chief Executive Officer at Constellation Cold Logistics, sits down to give his advice.Carlos has over 25 years experience in temperature-controlled logistics, is the former CEO and Co-founder of Agro Merchants Group, former CEO of Coldpoint, and held senior roles at Americold and Syncreon. He has a Master of Science in Transport & Logistics from Liverpool John Moores University and spent his early career in service as a merchant marine officer / navy officer of the Spanish Navy. Through his career he has completed multiple acquisitions/expansions, and is remarked in the industry for his M&A track record.
26 Nov 2025
Monica Franco - Contract Logistics
Monica Franco the Vice President of Contract Logistics Sales at DP World, sits down to give her advice.Monica has spent 23 years in the logistics industry, serving in both sales and operational management roles for global corporate customers. She has successfully built strong relationships with customers and colleagues based on responsiveness, resourcefulness, and a commitment to delivering value.Monica believes that every challenge presents a learning opportunity, a mindset that has shaped her most valuable personal and professional skills. She has consistently established solid, growth driven relationships with colleagues and customers in the past and present, and she is confident in her ability to continue doing so in the future.She has also proudly led outstanding teams with persistence and a goal-oriented approach, creating experiences that have been both productive and deeply rewarding.
19 Nov 2025
Rob McIntosh - Operations
Rob McIntosh leads end-delivery, fulfillment strategy and trade compliance within Dell Technologies’ global supply chain organization, where he builds partnerships with major 3PLs and drives innovation in logistics execution. With over two decades of experience spanning global trade, reverse manufacturing, and digital transformation, he focuses on performance, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. Beyond operations, Rob is known for blending strategic precision with a grounded, outdoors-and-wine-centric life rooted in Central Texas.
12 Nov 2025
Domenic Maiani - Staffing and Recruiting
Domenic Maiani is the President at Lazio Search Group a Staffing and Recruiting company Empowering Supply Chain, Logistics, and Distribution with Top Talent. Domenic has almost 15 years of experience in the world of Staffing and Recruiting.
In this episode expect to learn, how the supply chain and logistics hiring landscape is changing, and what skills are most in-demand today. Domenic’s advice to college students and early-career professionals on breaking into competitive industries, even without connections. How to approach networking, interviewing, and personal branding in a way that actually leads to opportunities.
5 Nov 2025
Dan Hobbs - Artificial Intelligence
Dan Hobbs is the Co-Founder & CEO of Protex AI, a software development company that uses AI to enhance safety in the workplace. Dan has started two companies and has over 10 years of experience in software development.
In this episode expect to learn, how AI is reshaping traditional industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and construction; practical insights on leadership, team culture, and making tough decisions as a CEO; and finally advice to college students on choosing the right opportunities, building skills early, and avoiding common career traps.
5 Nov 2025
Introduction
This interview series aims to sit down with experienced business professionals and ask them the questions the next generation needs answered. As high school and college students approach graduation, an important step to starting their career is gaining advice from those ahead of them. This series will allow students to hear from those deep into a career they intend on pursuing, and hearing the interviewee’s story as well as their insight on success in that field.
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