One Pour Problems

Join Ed Gilchrest, President of Gyre9 with a background in electrical engineering, and Frank von Holzhausen, Chief Design Officer at Gyre9 and experienced industrial designer, as they delve into the delicate dance of courage and caution in entrepreneurship. They share insights from their journeys, discussing the importance of market research versus intuition, when to take bold risks, and the realities of running a business amid uncertainty. Packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, their conversation challenges conventions and emphasizes the need for resilience in innovation.

Sal is joined by Mario D’Aquila, Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Living Home Care Services, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, communication, and the evolution of a family business built on compassion and purpose. Mario shares his journey helping grow a small Meriden-based operation into one of Connecticut’s leading home care providers, now serving thousands across three major locations with more than 700 caregivers. He opens up about aligning employees with a company’s mission and values, creating true “buy-in,” and meeting people’s deeper needs for connection, growth, and contribution. Sal and Mario discuss how tools like the DiSC assessment and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) enhance communication, ensure the right people are in the right roles, and use data to drive accountability and performance. Mario also reflects on leading within a multi-generational family business and how a people-first culture drives long-term success.

Sal is joined by Drew DiSilvestro, President of AmeriTech Contracting, for a high-impact conversation on persistence, leadership, and scaling with intention. Drawing from his military background, Drew unpacks how trust, accountability, and a strong team dynamic are essential to execution. Sal and Drew explore the shift from being mentored to mentoring others, navigating the complexities of government contracts, and why patience and mindset matter as much as talent. For leaders building teams and chasing growth, this episode is a powerful reminder that resilience, clarity, and culture are key to long-term success.

Sal is joined by Cathy Awwad, President & CEO of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB), to explore what it takes to build a future-ready workforce across 41 diverse communities. From addressing critical skills gaps in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare to partnering with local businesses to align training with real-world demands, Cathy shares how NRWIB goes beyond job placement to support long-term career growth. They dive into the importance of soft skills, leadership development, and creating career pathways, even in industries without clear ladders, while also tackling mindset shifts that help individuals grow into meaningful roles. With personal stories, practical strategies, and a few fun moments along the way, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.

Sal is joined by Brent Robertson, Founder of Be Generative, for a powerful conversation on reimagining leadership in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. They explore the hidden costs of traditional leadership narratives, the trap of indispensability, and how these mindsets can limit team potential. Brent introduces the concept of Generative Listening—an approach that moves beyond active listening to spark new conversations and breakthroughs—and shares how leaders can tap into community intelligence to do more with less. From creating meaningful feedback loops to lessons learned on a bourbon tour in Louisville, Brent blends personal insight with practical tools to help leaders cultivate workplaces where people and ideas can thrive. Packed with fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more purpose, presence, and impact.

In this episode, Foster is joined by Ramsey Goodrich, Managing Partner at Carter Morse & Goodrich, to explore a people-first approach to mergers and acquisitions. Ramsey shares his journey from Pace Bank’s management training program to leading a boutique investment bank focused on family and founder-led businesses. Drawing on three decades of experience—from navigating the tech bubble to advising hundreds of companies—he explains why prioritizing people over price creates more meaningful, lasting deals. The conversation covers how his approach differs from traditional private equity models, lessons from a founder who turned down millions to protect employees, and strategies for guiding family businesses through ownership transitions. Packed with hard-won insights and leadership wisdom, this episode is essential listening for founders, family business leaders, and anyone navigating the complex world of M&A.

Sal is joined by Douglas Johnson, President at Marion Manufacturing Company, Inc., to unpack what it really takes to transition a company to a younger, energized workforce. From overcoming technology gaps and generational communication challenges to rethinking hiring around attitude and curiosity instead of just skills, our guest shares lessons learned through COVID and beyond. We dive into how coaching strengthened leadership and family dynamics, why letting younger employees make mistakes helps them grow, and how to build a culture where people want to stay, start families, and thrive. Packed with practical takeaways on retention, culture, and preparing the next generation to lead, this conversation is a must-listen for any business navigating workforce shifts.

Sal sits down with Michael Kopsick, ManagingPartner at Kahan Kerensky & Capossela LLP, for a candid conversation about what it takes to create a law firm where people not only want to work but choose to stay for the long haul. Drawing from his early experience at a high-pressure NYC firm, Mike shares how that chapter shaped his perspective on the importance of work-life balance, strong leadership, and a culture rooted in transparency and mentorship. He and Sal discuss how KKC’s open-door approach fosters collaboration, why retaining and growing talent has become a cornerstone of the firm’s success, and how technology, remote work, and cybersecurity are reshaping the legal field. They also dive into why real, long-term client relationships are more valuable than quick wins and how building a firm with purpose can make all the difference for both employees and clients alike.

Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of CBIA, shares insights from his impressive career journey, emphasizing a commitment to local solutions in Connecticut. He discusses the importance of small businesses leveraging CBIA's resources and highlights how embracing failure can foster a culture of innovation. Chris advises on engaging deeply with the state's business climate and the value of member events. He also touches on current trends in AI and manufacturing that are shaping the future, making a compelling case for proactive business leadership.

Sal is joined by Chris Ulbrich, Chairman of Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals Inc., for an eye-opening conversation on why employee wellness matters and how caring for your team beyond the workplace isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do. Chris shares stories from his own journey and how he's building a legacy through wellness initiatives and preventative healthcare. From offering diabetes classes and cancer screenings to supporting employees with retirement resources and health education, Chris explains how these efforts have strengthened company culture. With fewer than 1% employee turnover, Chris proves that investing in your people pays off.