The Manufacturers Connect Advisory Board is a dedicated group of industry leaders and innovators who contribute their expertise, experience, and insights to guide the direction of our events. The board plays a crucial role in determining the topics of discussion that are most relevant and pressing in the manufacturing sector. Their collective wisdom helps us ensure that the content we deliver is timely, valuable, and actionable for our attendees. Furthermore, they provide strategic guidance on how to increase participation from manufacturing executives, enriching the diversity of perspectives shared at our events. By leveraging their extensive networks, we can broaden our reach and create more opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection. This board is integral to our mission at Manufacturers Connect: to facilitate critical conversations about the future of manufacturing and foster a vibrant community of forward-thinking professionals.

Brent Anderson

Brent Anderson, President at Midwest Rubber has made it clear that his mission is to build strong relationships with customers and suppliers in the rubber, belting, and floor care markets. Running the family business of over 3 generations shows in the care he puts in day in and day out. For years Midwest Rubber has been mastering the art of material properties, design and fabrication to produce custom parts that last longer and deliver superior performance so you can focus on using your equipment not fixing it.

Pete Carlson

Pete Carlson, VP of Operations at LifeFloor, a transformative Senior Executive with proven success in leading Global Service, Manufacturing, Distribution, and High Tech companies. He has extensive experience in building a sustainable competitive advantage, delivering and capturing the value of differentiated services, and driving sustainable operating earnings. A “hands-on” Leader with a passion for operating excellence His work at Life Floor is all about creating better experiences at aquatic facilities through safety and design. Since 2011, the team has been dedicated to innovative design solutions, increased play value, and inclusivity.

AJ Smith

AJ Smith, CEO at Trystar. He is an innovator in his field and is passionate about doing the right things the right way. As an executive leader with 20+ years of experience, he empowers and inspires organizations to achieve their most challenging growth & financial goals. Trystar is at the forefront of advancing power solutions, charged and driven by a committed, dynamic team, tackling complex challenges, and creating innovative solutions.

Pete Rogers

Pete Rogers possesses a strong mix of technical and leadership skills, having spent his entire 18-year career in robotic integration. As the lead of Central McGowan’s automation division, Rogers sees tremendous growth potential based on current and future labor, worker safety and inspection trends.

 

Roger Neilson

Roger Neilson Jr., CEO at In’Tech, has provided over 30 years of experience, knowledge, and lessons learned to help create innovative solutions and solve complex part challenges quickly.  He helps lead In’Tech Industries in three exciting service areas: Engineering and Tool Design, Injection Molding & Assembly, and 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing.

 

Steve Hanson

Steve Hanson is a visionary and thought leader with over 40 years of experience combining engineering and technical ingenuity with his ability to implement the company’s vision, strategy, and objectives. He has a proven passion for efficiency and innovation by transitioning an organization that manufactures millions of parts per year and uses thousands of pounds of material to be a zero-landfill organization. He is a people first leader and is dedicated to exceeding our customer needs through the strong and innovative partnerships he has built over his career.