MD&M South: Beyond the Booth
There’s a buzz you just can't manufacture. It’s the live energy of a trade show floor where ideas, ambition, and groundbreaking tech collide. We were absolutely thrilled to jump into that energy and launch something special: a new mini-series from our podcast, TAG’D Beyond the Award, called TAG’D Beyond the Booth. A massive thank you to our incredible partners at Informa Markets for giving the TAG Awards team the opportunity to record this series live from the MD&M South show floor in Charlotte!
Forget the polished presentations and the perfectly optimized booths. We literally pulled some of the brightest innovators and executives right off the floor to talk to us. We wanted the real stories, the unfiltered, candid conversations that happen away from the spec sheets and press releases. What we got was compelling proof that every single game-changing innovation is driven by passionate, human ambition.
If you’re looking for the pulse of MedTech, manufacturing, and B2B excellence, here’s a peek behind the curtain:
Minitab: The Six Sigma Startup
We chatted with Rob Lievense, a Solutions Engineer, who showed us that Minitab is way more than just statistical software. Rob revealed how this 54-year-old company is running like an entrepreneurial startup, driving the Six Sigma revolution, and integrating AI to make complex data analysis actually simple. He also previewed their coming solutions for connecting directly to manufacturing equipment. If statistics have ever felt intimidating (you’re not alone!), listen in to hear how they’re putting everything under one "integrated roof."
Connect Labs by Wexford: Kind Health Innovation
Host Justin Starbird dove into the booming Charlotte MedTech ecosystem with Craig Scharton of Connect Labs by Wexford. Craig painted a picture of a life science and MedTech environment reminiscent of the Bay Area in the 90s: cooperative, vibrant, and supportive. We learned how Connect Labs in the Pearl Innovation District provides everything early-stage companies need, from shared lab space to crucial "wraparound services" that connect them with investors and IP attorneys. Tune in to see how 'Kind Health Innovation Charlotte' is fostering local economic growth you can actually feel.
Photonics Industries: The Power of Trust in Tech
We pulled Matt Johnson of Photonics Industries aside for a candid talk that went beyond lasers and micro-machining. Matt’s philosophy is refreshing: the ultimate competitive edge in high-tech manufacturing isn't just about machine specs, it’s about trust and building personal relationships. This is a must-listen for anyone in sales or manufacturing who wants to cut through the industry noise and focus on what truly makes an American-made company reliable and innovative.
Braxton Manufacturing: Nano-Scale, Life-Saving Precision
Ever wonder what it takes to manufacture a component you need a microscope to see? Mike Wang of Braxton Manufacturing, the world's quiet expert in deep-draw technology, walked us through their high-stakes niche. They create impossibly small, tight-tolerance components for MedTech, aerospace, and electronics that literally save lives. Mike shared his candid take on why AI is a great supplement but can never replace the hands-on expertise required for nano-precision work, and why face-to-face time at events like MD&M South is essential for forging "customers for life."
Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions: From Powder to Finish
We were also joined by Aimee Ozarchuk, Southeast Business Sales Manager for Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions. Aimee gave us a fascinating look at how Zeiss ensures "powder-to-finish" quality control, spanning everything from nanometer-level microscopy to 100% in-line inspection for automotive parts. She shared the excitement around their brand-new Quality Excellence Center in Charlotte, NC, and how customer demands are driving their innovation roadmap toward AI, Industry 4.0, and the merging of critical data sets.
Want to hear the real stories driving the future of MedTech!?
Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on B2B sales strategy, deep insights into manufacturing precision, or a glimpse into the next wave of life science ecosystems, these episodes are pure gold! Tune into the Beyond the Booth Mini-Series on TAG’D Beyond the Award today!