The Think Factory Podcast

Hosted by The Think Factory

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Episodes

266

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The Think Factory Podcast is focused on putting the spotlight on executives and their companies. Learn from peers across various industries and learn new ways to grow your business, expand your career, and become better business leaders. The podcast has multiple hosts and each episode will be focused on different topics and companies. We want to know one thing. What keeps you up at night? Want to spotlight your company on The Think Factory Podcast? Click here!

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60 recent

September 10, 202627 min

Walter Allen, Founder and CEO of Acumen Building Enterprise, Inc.

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Walter Allen, founder, owner, CEO, and president of Acumen Building Enterprise, shares the journey that took him from engineering and military service to building a company focused on transportation systems and infrastructure. Walter discusses Acumen’s early work with BART, where the company developed one of the first systems designed to convert large bills into smaller denominations for transit passengers. That project became a foundation for Acumen’s expertise in fare collection, revenue systems, and transportation technology, leading to work with major transit systems including WMATA and Amtrak. Walter also explores the future of transportation, from digital fare collection and facial recognition to high-speed rail, autonomous vehicles, and mobility hubs designed to solve the first-mile and last-mile challenge. He shares his perspective on California’s high-speed rail efforts, the role of public-private partnerships, and the need to connect clean transportation with clean energy to reduce emissions. Looking ahead, Walter discusses Acumen’s work on mobility solutions and offers three lessons for the next generation of leaders: stay positive, remain a lifelong learner, and be flexible while staying humble.

September 8, 202627 min

Renee Brown, President and CEO of DePaul Community Resources

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Renee Brown, President and CEO of DePaul Community Resources, discusses the organization’s work supporting children, families, and individuals with disabilities across Virginia. Renee shares how DePaul has grown from its origins as an orphanage in 1977 into a broad continuum of foster care, adoption, independent living, mental health, and disability support services, guided by a mission centered on creating hope and belonging. She also explores the importance of lived experience in leadership and why giving people a voice in decisions that affect them can lead to stronger, more effective programs. Renee also addresses common misconceptions around foster care and adoption, the importance of continued support for adoptive families, and how DePaul prioritizes the well-being of its own staff through self-care, work-life balance, and mental health resources. She shares how the organization identifies unmet needs in communities, including the creation of a kinship care program that helps relatives caring for children avoid unnecessary entry into foster care. Through her leadership and DePaul’s evolving programs, Renee highlights how connection, compassion, and a sense of belonging can help individuals and families build more hopeful futures.

September 3, 202617 min

Devin Pintozzi, COO of American Book Company

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Devin Pintozzi, Chief Operating Officer of American Book Company, shares how his family business has spent 30 years supporting educators and students through print, K-12, test prep, curriculum materials, and digital learning resources. Devin explains why American Book Company takes a print-first approach to education and how the tactile experience of reading, highlighting, writing, and interacting with physical books can help students better retain information and develop skills. Devin also discusses the evolution of educational materials, the growing importance of consumable coursebooks as standards and testing formats change, and American Book Company's commitment to supporting the next generation of educators and printing professionals. He shares how the company connects with educators through its Spotlight for Success podcast, brings college students into its printing operation to experience the industry firsthand, and continues to build a multigenerational family business focused on making a meaningful impact in education.

September 1, 202621 min

Becky Rossman, Chief Executive Officer, Tuesday's Promise

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, we sit down with Becky Rossman, CEO of Tuesdays Promise, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by 9/11, 9/11-related illnesses, and military service loss. Becky shares how her background as an Army veteran and nonprofit leader shaped her approach to leadership, service, and resilience, as well as how Tuesdays Promise has evolved to meet the long-term needs of the communities it serves. The conversation explores the realities of grief and trauma, why healing is not linear, and the importance of connection and community in helping people move forward. Becky discusses the organization's case management, peer support, mental health resources, and Gold Star Youth Mentoring Program, along with its "22 People in 22 Days" challenge designed to encourage meaningful human connection. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Becky also shares what concerns her most about the future of support for affected families and why giving ourselves grace may be one of the most important steps in the healing process.

August 27, 202623 min

Dr. Chris Arndt, Interim President and CEO of the UNM Medical Group

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Dr. Christopher Arndt, Interim President and CEO of UNM Medical Group and Chair of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the University of New Mexico, shares his perspective on leadership, healthcare, and navigating change in a complex medical environment. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Navy officer, physician, educator, and healthcare executive, Dr. Arndt explains how the military shaped his approach to leadership, teamwork, preparedness, and performing under pressure. He also discusses the unique challenges of leading highly accomplished physicians and why listening, collaboration, and understanding individual perspectives are essential in an environment where command-and-control leadership doesn't work. The conversation explores how healthcare organizations can continue to innovate while maintaining uninterrupted patient care, balancing physician autonomy with the need for standardization, and creating a culture where ideas can come from anyone. Dr. Arndt also shares insights on the evolving healthcare landscape, AI, revenue cycle challenges, physician recruitment and retention, and UNM's efforts to build a more integrated health system. He offers advice for emerging leaders on pacing themselves, staying flexible, bringing forward new ideas, and remembering that a career is a long game.

August 25, 202625 min

Mark Cartier, Co-Founder of No Limits Café

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Mark Cartier, co-founder of No Limits Cafe, shares the story behind the nonprofit restaurant and workforce training organization creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by his daughter Katie, who has Down syndrome, Mark and his wife Stephanie recognized the significant lack of employment opportunities available to this community and set out to create a workplace where individuals could build skills, earn a paycheck, gain confidence, and discover their own potential. Mark discusses No Limits Cafe's paid training program, the importance of independence and self-advocacy, and how giving people the "dignity of risk" can help them grow beyond expectations. He also shares lessons from his transition from Wall Street to nonprofit leadership, why business leaders should not be afraid to embrace inclusive hiring, and how No Limits Cafe is expanding its mission through a new location at Rutgers University. The conversation offers a powerful look at how businesses can create opportunity, challenge assumptions, and build more inclusive workplaces.

August 20, 202626 min

Percy Dengler, Managing Director at Baumer hhs

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Percy Dengler, Managing Director of Baumer HHS, discusses how precision technology is helping the packaging and printing industries improve productivity, quality, and sustainability. As Baumer HHS celebrates 40 years, Percy shares the company's evolution from pioneering contactless glue application to becoming a global provider of adhesive application, inspection, sensor, and camera technologies. He explains how smarter glue application can reduce adhesive consumption, minimize waste, improve production reliability, and deliver stronger packaging while helping customers achieve better ROI and total cost of ownership. The conversation also explores the growing role of sustainability in packaging, including changing regulations, CO2 costs, and the need to balance environmental responsibility with economic performance. Percy highlights Baumer HHS's latest innovation, Sugra, a 100% bio-based and biodegradable starch adhesive developed through collaboration with research institutions and industry partners. He shares how the company is working toward bringing the adhesive to market while maintaining the speed, quality, and efficiency customers expect from conventional solutions. The episode offers a look at how innovation, customer collaboration, and forward-thinking technology are shaping the future of sustainable packaging production.

August 18, 202625 min

Pam Brandon, CEO and Founder, AGE-u-cate

In this episode of the Think Factory podcast, we sit down with Pam Brandon, founder of AGE-u-cate Training Institute and creator of Dementia Live, to explore the growing challenges of caring for an aging population and those living with dementia. Drawing from her deeply personal experience caring for both of her parents, Pam shares how years as a family caregiver exposed gaps in healthcare education and support—and ultimately inspired her to create experiential learning programs designed to help caregivers and healthcare professionals better understand the realities of dementia. Pam explains how Dementia Live uses immersive, experiential education to build empathy, improve communication, and give caregivers practical tools they can immediately apply. The conversation also examines the growing demand for dementia and geriatric care, workforce challenges, caregiver turnover, and emerging initiatives aimed at addressing these gaps. Pam challenges the misconception that a dementia diagnosis is the end of an active life, emphasizing the importance of connection, community, and helping people living with dementia maintain quality of life. She also shares lessons from her entrepreneurial journey and why collaboration—not competition—is essential to creating meaningful change in dementia care.

August 4, 202623 min

Dr. Judy Keen, Executive Director of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, we welcome Dr. Judy Keen, Executive Director of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), for a conversation about the critical role bone health plays in overall wellness and healthy aging. Dr. Keen explains why osteoporosis is often called a "silent disease," the importance of early prevention through exercise and lifestyle choices, and why both men and women should be proactive about protecting their bone health. She also shares how ASBMR is advancing research, education, and global collaboration to improve the prevention and treatment of bone and musculoskeletal diseases. Dr. Keen also discusses exciting developments in osteoporosis research, including regulatory advancements that are accelerating the development of new therapies, as well as the growing impact of AI on scientific discovery. She reflects on her career spanning academia, government, industry, and nonprofit leadership, highlighting the value of collaboration in driving medical innovation. Whether you're interested in healthcare, scientific research, or practical ways to maintain lifelong health, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of bone health and the science that supports it.

July 30, 202633 min

Tom Bandy, Founder & CEO of BandyWorks

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, we sit down with Tom Bandy, Founder and CEO of BandyWorks, to explore how data-driven insights are transforming the convenience store industry. Tom shares his entrepreneurial journey—from an unexpected opportunity with Sheetz to building a company that helps operators turn complex data into simple, actionable decisions. He explains why the key to success isn't collecting more information, but delivering the right insights at the right time so managers can improve performance, increase profitability, and make smarter decisions with confidence. Tom also discusses the future of convenience retail, including the growing role of AI, changing consumer behaviors, food innovation, and the importance of creating exceptional customer experiences. Beyond technology, he emphasizes that great leadership, empowered employees, and genuine human connection remain the foundation of every successful business. Whether you're a retail operator, business leader, or entrepreneur looking to leverage data without losing sight of people, this conversation offers practical insights into building a smarter, more resilient organization.