Chain Mountain

SE01E14 | How AI Is Transforming Modern Manufacturing | Salil Godika

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:00 +0100

🎙️ Chain Mountain Podcast | Salil Godika on AI, Automation & the Manufacturing Maturity Gap

In this episode of the Chain Mountain Podcast, Henry sits down with Salil Godika for an insightful conversation about the growing “manufacturing maturity gap” the divide between modern, data-driven factories and businesses still relying on outdated systems and processes.

Salil shares his perspective on why many manufacturers remain stuck in the “messy middle” of digitization, and how AI, automation, predictive maintenance, and digital twins are reshaping the future of manufacturing.

The conversation explores not just the technology itself, but the real-world challenges companies face when trying to modernize from data quality and legacy systems to culture change and talent acquisition.

In this episode, we discuss:

💡 What the manufacturing maturity gap really means
🏭 Why many factories struggle with modernization
🤖 How AI is transforming manufacturing operations
📊 The importance of data quality and architecture
🔧 Predictive maintenance and reducing costly downtime
👁️ Computer vision and AI-driven quality control
🌐 The future of robotics, automation, and digital twins
👥 Why culture and people matter just as much as technology
🚀 Practical strategies for implementing AI successfully

A key theme throughout the conversation is that successful transformation doesn’t come from chasing the latest AI trend — it comes from focusing on real business outcomes, strong data foundations, and continuous improvement.

This is a valuable conversation for manufacturing leaders, supply chain professionals, operations teams, and anyone interested in the future of industrial technology.

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E13 | Frozen Food, Shrinkflation, and the Real Cost of Supply Chain Complexity | Matt Kasten

Hank Ackerman — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:21:42 +0100

Matt Kasten, VP of Operations at Diana's, pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to run a frozen food brand — from protecting the cold chain across thousands of miles to navigating distributor margins that can swallow 40% of your revenue before a product ever hits a shelf. With a background spanning Unilever, PepsiCo, Hain Celestial, and Icelandic Provisions, Matt brings rare perspective on what separates supply chain strategy at a startup from the playbook at a multinational.
The conversation covers the real mechanics behind frozen food's $72 billion growth, the hidden economics of SKU proliferation, how temperature loggers are being used as both quality tools and freight claims evidence, and why AI-powered forecasting may be the biggest untapped opportunity for small CPG brands right now. If you work in food, FMCG, or supply chain — or you're building a consumer brand and wondering why the margins keep disappearing — this one's worth your time.
Key takeaways:

The US frozen food market hit $72B in 2023, driven by convenience, clean ingredients, and rapid gluten-free category growth
Distributor and retailer margins combined can reach 70-78% of shelf price, leaving startups very little room to operate
Shrinkflation is widespread — Diana's deliberately absorbs cost pressure rather than reduce product quality or ingredient standards
SKU rationalisation is a leadership decision, not just a supply chain one — without executive buy-in, redundant products quietly drain cash and cause food waste
Temperature loggers on high-value loads serve a dual purpose: proactive cold chain management and hard evidence for freight claims
Weekly order cycles give far better promotional visibility and demand signal accuracy than monthly ordering
AI forecasting has strong potential for CPG supply chains, but only when fed rich data — customer inventories, consumption data, order history, and distributor stock levels
FTE offset arguments and inventory reduction models are the most effective ways to justify supply chain tech investment to startup founders

Connect with Matt Kasten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkasten
If this episode resonated with you, subscribe for more conversations with supply chain leaders navigating the real challenges of building and scaling consumer brands.

SE01E12 | Leadership Lessons Under Pressure | with Leonid Naboyshchikov

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Leonid Naboyshchikov went from counterterrorism operations in Southeast Asia to leading teams in the US space program. In this conversation, he breaks down how high-stakes fieldwork shaped his approach to servant leadership, building trust in distributed teams, and keeping people connected to mission over decades-long timelines.
We dig into why only one in five aerospace employees are under 35, the unsexy but critical roles that make launches possible, how AI is changing space operations without replacing human judgment, and what it really takes to make working on rockets in Huntsville as appealing as coding in Silicon Valley. Leo shares straight talk on soft skills gaps in young hires, the intersection of civil, commercial, and defense space sectors, and why the space industry needs to get better at telling its story.

Key topics covered:
Leadership under pressure and servant leadership principles
Managing distributed teams in post-COVID work environments
Mission-focused culture and long-term team motivation
Attracting young talent to aerospace careers
Communication and soft skills gaps in recent graduates
The unsexy but critical roles in space missions
AI integration in mission-critical operations
Growth opportunities across civil, commercial, and defense space sectors
Advice for aspiring space industry professionals
Whether you're leading technical teams, managing distributed workforces, or trying to sustain long-term motivation around big missions, this conversation offers practical insights on building trust, enabling ownership, and creating conditions where people do their best work.

Connect with Leonid Naboyshchikov
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonid-naboyshchikov/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E11 | The Future of Agriculture: Resilience Through Transparency | with Heather Messer | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode I speak with Heather Messer, The vice president of US operations at Wilbur-Ellis. Wilbur-Elis is a leading agribusiness company that provides crop protection products, seeds, and nutritional solutions to growers around the world. We discuss the critical role of agriculture in the U.S. economy and the specific supply chain and operational challenges faced by the agricultural sector. We also discuss the importance of innovation, especially in the context of consumer trends towards organic foods, and the regulatory challenges that hinder the rapid adoption of new agricultural
technologies. Using the impact of tariffs on the soybean market as a case in
point, we highlight how difficult it can be to forecast elements that are out
of our control

Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E10 | Breaking Barriers in the Medical Industry | with Justine Franchina | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Justine Franchina shares her journey in the male-dominated chemical industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, diverse experiences, and customer engagement. She discusses the critical role of safety and continuous learning in her leadership philosophy, as well as the challenges of implementing effective processes and systems like SAP. Justine highlights the significance of building trust and seeking feedback to foster collaboration and drive organizational success.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E09 | Hire problem-solvers with real-world experience | with Douglas Hardesty | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's show we have a conversation with Doug Hardesty, COO ofMycoWorks. In this conversation, Doug discusses the innovative production of their cutting edge material innovation, its sustainability benefits, and the challenges faced in biotech manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of future-focused innovation, the role of venture capital, and the need for a shift in perceptions about manufacturing careers. Doug also highlights the significance of bridging the education gap in technical skills and predicts a future where biomaterials and a better work-life balance in manufacturing will be prioritized.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E08 | Get the basics right before pursuing enhancements | with Nick Jackson | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode we speak with SAP Implementation Guru, Nick Jackson, Global Director of SAP/ERP and HB Fuller. HB Fuller is a 3.5Billion dollar adhesives manufacturer focusing on adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products. Nick has spent the past 25 years implementing systems across large global manufacturing companies.
In our discussion we cover his takes on why ERPs implementations often don’t meet expectations, the importance of educating executives, and reducing complexity . He also emphasizes the need for a well constructed data model, effective change management, and understanding business process first. Our discussion also touches on the future of leadership, communication, and ends with a hot take on life in 2075…
Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nljackson/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
- Hank and the Chain Mountain podcast team :)

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E07 | The Impact of Geopolitics on Supply Chains | with Chris Jackson | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this Episode, I sit down with Chris Jackson, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Watlow. Watlow is a global industrial technology company that designs and manufactures advanced thermal systems, including heaters, sensors, and temperature controllers, for mission-critical applications in industries like semiconductor, energy, and medical devices. In this episode, Chris discusses the growth of industrial sectors, the impact of geopolitical influences, and the role of AI in supply chain management. We also touch on the democratization of technology and its future implications for supply chains, as well as his predictions for the future of technology and leadership.
Be sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on our awesome future guests.

Connect with Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjjackson/

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E06 | The War for Talent | with Tom Boney | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:11:48 +0000

In this engaging conversation, Tom Boney discusses the challenges and strategies in private equity, focusing on talent retention, improving EBITDA performance, and the importance of operational excellence. He shares insights from his experience in the automotive industry, the impact of NIL on college sports, and the significance of community engagement through nonprofits. The discussion also touches on the future of manufacturing, global trade, and the pressing issue of cybersecurity in business.

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E05 | Creativity is Power in Operations | with Jason Reid | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:57:55 +0100

In this conversation, Jason Reid discusses the growth of the packaging industry, driven by e-commerce, sustainability, and material innovation. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and the impact of recent policy shifts on manufacturing. Jason provides an overview of Flint Group's operations and highlights the company's focus on customer service and innovation. He shares insights on leadership dynamics, the role of AI in operations, and personal experiences that shape his management style.

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E04 | The Resurgence of U.S. Manufacturing | with Jason Lhota | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, I spoke with Jason Lhota for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state and future of American manufacturing. We dive into how the industry is evolving, the role mentorship plays in shaping the next generation of talent, and how automation and AI are changing the shop floor. Jason and I also explore the challenges and opportunities around re-shoring jobs back to the U.S., and we even touch on the surprising possibility of a resurgence in nuclear energy as a reliable power source. Throughout our discussion, one theme kept recurring: the critical role of policy and investment in shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. It’s an insightful, forward-looking conversation that I think you’re really going to enjoy.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/

Listen to Chain Mountain on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3A3vwENbZnUnkGh00AxLNq
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chain-mountain/id1836133366
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bd33179f-6574-4953-a428-9113f740a49c/chain-mountain
#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E03 | Navigating AI Implementation Challenges | with Lauren Calhoun Anderson | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:34:39 +0100

In this conversation, Lauren Calhoun Anderson discusses the challenges and opportunities in AI implementation within large organizations, particularly in the healthcare sector. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ROI, effective change management, and the need for better forecasting tools. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of healthcare, the significance of quality control in medical devices, and the potential of personalized medicine driven by AI. Lauren shares insights from her career journey, highlighting the importance of networking and learning from various functions within an organization.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/
Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencalhoun/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E02 | Emotional Intelligence is Vital in Business | with Mike Klimavicius | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, I spoke with Mike Klimavicius, CPO of Scientific Games. Scientific Games is a global leader in lottery and gaming technology. So think instant games, sports betting platforms, and the digital solutions to execute a lottery securely. They sell to governments and regulated operators worldwide.

In this episode, we had a terrific conversation that covered a very wide range of topics, including the booming business of Lottery Games, Private Equity's foundation for success, are tariffs here to stay?, how aliens might decode Mike's calendar, today's victim mentality, storytelling for success, will college remain the norm, and other great topics.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.

Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/
Connect with Mike Klimavicius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-klimavicius-89bb5a11/

#Podcast #Podcastshow #foryou #ChainMountain#Explorepage #Business #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #ReturnRate #SupplyChain #manufacturing #Businessoperations

SE01E01 | We Expect a 108% Return Rate | with Mickey McCallion | Chain Mountain

Hank Ackerman — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:24:52 +0100

In today's episode, I spoke with Mikey McCallion, COO of Emerald Textiles. Emerald is the largest acute care linen service provider on the west coast. he oversees a suprisingly complex supply chain and twelve state of the art linen processing facilities.In this episode we talked about the business and operations of industrial laundry, the technology that makes it work, Private equity and what it takes to be successful in that ownership model, the importance of being a good team mate, and the definition of masculinity.Be sure to like and subscribe so you dont miss out on our awesome future guests.Website Link: www.chainmtn.com
Connect with Hank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ackerman-8143bb2/
Connect with Mickey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccallion-6319863/

Listen to Chain Mountain on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruAA9wz3YzI