Belt Friends by Empire Rubber

Hosted by Empire Rubber & Supply Company

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the Belt Friends podcast, Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company brings to you industry leaders to come together and share stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way about the belt industry.

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18 recent

November 20, 202535 min

Belt Friends Episode 17 – Eric O'Connor (VP of Sales & Marketing Derco USA)

In this special episode, Eric O’Connor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Derco USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.Eric talks about his upbringing, family, and education, as well as the work he did before entering the belting industry. He shares the story of how his dad inspired him to join the business, what it’s been like working alongside both his father and his brother, and what he finds most rewarding about building a family-driven career.We’ll also hear about Derco and Derco USA—the markets they serve, their product lines, and their unique capabilities. Eric reflects on how NIBA and other organizations have supported the company and its growth.Outside of work, Eric opens up about the best advice he’s ever received and offered, some of the hardest lessons learned, and a few nicknames—both good and bad. And because no conversation with Eric would be complete without it, we dive into his passion for music, especially his love for Pearl Jam, and what music has meant to him throughout his life.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

November 6, 202531 min

Belt Friends Episode 16 – Jackie Robb Britt (CEO Rubber & Accessories Inc)

In this special episode, Jackie Robb Britt, Chief Executive Officer of Rubber & Accessories, Inc. and 2008 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.Jackie shares about her upbringing, family, and education, along with the work she did before entering the belting industry. She reflects on what ultimately led her to join the family business and gives us a look into Rubber & Accessories—the markets they serve and what makes the company unique.We’ll also hear Jackie’s thoughts on what she finds most rewarding about her work, as well as her involvement with NIBA. As the first female President of NIBA and the first second-generation President, Jackie offers an inspiring perspective on leadership, progress, and legacy.Outside of the professional world, Jackie opens up about what she enjoys for fun, the best advice she’s ever received and offered, and some of the hardest lessons she’s faced.From family roots to industry leadership, Jackie’s story offers a powerful and personal look at a career built on resilience, dedication, and trailblazing achievements.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

October 21, 202530 min

Belt Friends Episode 15 – John Green (Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag)

In this special episode, John H. Green, Owner of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.John shares where he grew up, his family background, and education, along with the work he did prior to entering the belting industry. He reflects on what led him into the business, the origins of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, and how the company has grown over time.We’ll also hear John’s perspective on working with family—what it has meant to him personally and professionally—as well as the role NIBA has played in his career. From the strong relationships he’s built within the industry to the lessons he’s learned, John offers valuable insight into the connections that matter most.Beyond his professional journey, John opens up about life outside of work, the best advice he’s ever received and offered, and the hardest lessons he’s had to face along the way. From family legacy to industry leadership, John brings a thoughtful and personal look at his path in the belting world.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

October 9, 202541 min

Belt Friends Episode 14 – Don Garner (Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co.)

In this special episode, Don Garner, Owner and CEO of Nashville Rubber & Gasket Co. and 2010 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.Don shares about his upbringing, family, and education, along with the work he did before stepping into the belting industry. He reflects on what first drew him to the industry, the history of Nashville Rubber and when it was founded, and how the company has grown over the years. Beyond Nashville Rubber, Don opens up about the other businesses he’s built, giving us a full picture of his entrepreneurial journey.We also hear about Don’s involvement with NIBA—his time on the Program Committee, his experience serving as President, and what the organization has meant to him over the years. He speaks to the deep relationships he’s developed in the belting community and the value those connections continue to bring.Don shares what life looks like outside of work, always finding ways to have fun, and offers some personal reflections, from the best advice he’s ever received, to the wisdom he hopes to pass on.Links: www.empirerubber.com www.newwavemediapdx.com Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13 iheart radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/ Pandora https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/ Podcast Index https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600 Listen Notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

September 23, 202540 min

Belt Friends Episode 13 – Mark Jadwin (MIR / Ammega)

In this special episode, Mark Jadwin, Training & Business Development at MIR / Ammega and 2025 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive. Mark shares about his upbringing, family, and education, and reflects on the work he did before entering the belting industry. He walks us through what led him into the industry, his journey with MIR / Ammega, and the variety of responsibilities he has held throughout his career. We’ll also hear Mark’s perspective on his involvement with NIBA, the importance of training—whether technical, sales, or manuals—and what being part of this organization means to him. Beyond his professional role, Mark opens up about what he enjoys outside of work, his guilty pleasures, nicknames he’s picked up along the way, and even how many pairs of pants he’s managed to destroy throughout his career. From leadership to lighthearted stories, Mark offers thoughtful insights and a personal look at his path in the belting industry. Links: www.empirerubber.com www.newwavemediapdx.com Listen on other platforms: Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13 iheart radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/ Pandora https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber RSS https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/ Podcast Index https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600 Listen Notes https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

August 30, 20251 hr 11 min

Belt Friends: Episode 12 - Pedro Liriano (INO USA)

In this special episode, Pedro Liriano, Outside Sales at INO USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.Pedro shares where he grew up, his family background, and education, and reflects on the work he did before stepping into the belting industry. We’ll hear about his early adventures in the industry, the path that eventually led him to INO USA, and the role he plays today.He also walks us through who INO USA is, the products and services they provide, and what his responsibilities look like day to day. From his current involvement with NIBA, to what he enjoys most about his work, Pedro offers thoughtful insights into both his career and personal passions.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

August 14, 202547 min

Belt Friends Episode 11 – Drew Felix

In this special episode, Drew Felix, VP of Sales and Unit Handling at Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI), joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.We’ll explore where Drew grew up, his family background, and education, and hear about the work he did before stepping into the conveyor industry. He shares the story of how he landed at PPI, and gives us an inside look at the company’s product offerings, capabilities, and the diverse markets they serve.From discussing the art of relationship sales to explaining his role to people outside the industry, Drew offers thoughtful insights into what drives his success. Whether you’re curious about the world of pulleys and idlers, or you simply enjoy hearing the stories behind industry leaders, this conversation with Drew promises both valuable takeaways and a few good laughs.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

July 27, 202557 min

Belt Friends Episode 10 – Michael Wieland

In this special episode, Michael Wieland, VP of Sales at Mulhern Belting, Inc. and Chair of the NIBA Marketing Committee, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.We'll learn about Michael’s roots where he grew up, his family life, and how his early career path eventually led him to the belting industry. He’ll share what inspired him to join Mulhern Belting, what it's like working with the Mulhern family, and how the company’s reach across NJ, OH, GA, IN, and MO shapes his day-to-day.From sales and leadership to problem-solving and mentoring, Michael opens up about his current responsibilities, what fuels his passion for the job, and how NIBA and its Program Committee have impacted his journey.We’ll also uncover what Michael does for fun outside of work, his thoughts on Ohio State, and what he might do if he stumbled across a winning lottery ticket.Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

September 5, 20241 hr 13 min

Belt Friends: Episode 9 - Casey Hutchinson (w/ Guest Host Rodney Roalsen)

Welcome to the ninth episode of "Belt Friends," where industry leaders come together to share stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way.In this episode, Rodney Roalsen – Director of Heavy Duty Products & Business development – Beltservice Corp sits down with Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply CompanyIn this episode the tables have turned! Rodney Roalsen a podcast former guest and cousin to Casey Hutchinson flips the script on Casey. In this episode we learn more about the man behind Belt Friends. Who he is, where he comes from, his upbringing and how he got into the belting industry. We learn about who started it all and how things became what they are now over at Empire Rubber Supply Company. We learn a few things about his sneaker collection and a few other things such as Legos.Stay tuned for this episode as you don't want to miss out on this one!Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comListen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

August 30, 202447 min

Belt Friends Episode 8 – Andrew Roloff

Welcome to the eighth episode of "Belt Friends," where industry leaders come together to share stories, insights, and a few laughs along the way.In this episode, Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, sits down with Andrew Roloff – North American Dairy Specialist at IntraloxIn this episode Andrew gives a little history on how he became Andrew by letting "old Andy die and the Andrew come to life"! We get to listen a little bit on how Andrew and Casey met back at NIBA and they both give us a little glimpse at some stories about NIBA. We hear about how Andrew joined Intralox and even some of the things he would do to better the world! If you are a fan of coffee you'll want to stick around and see what Andrew has been cooking up behind the scenes as well.You're definitely going to want to listen in on this one!Links:www.empirerubber.comwww.newwavemediapdx.comhttps://www.warbirdcoffee.us/Listen on other platforms:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13iheart radiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/Pandorahttps://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIbAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubberRSShttps://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/Podcast Indexhttps://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600Listen Noteshttps://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/