Manufacturing in the USA

The Heart of Manufacturing: Stephanie Lowry on the "Corner Office Cafe" Podcast

What does it take to lead one of the most storied names in American manufacturing? Recently, our own Stephanie Lowry sat down with Kate Bachman, editor of MetalForming Magazine, for an episode of the popular “Corner Office Cafe” podcast. The conversation was a deep dive into the grit, strategy, and heart required to keep Dayton Rogers at the forefront of the precision metal forming industry.

A Meeting of Minds: Lowry & Bachman

Kate Bachman has long been a leading voice in the industry, and her “Corner Office Cafe” series serves as a platform for the brightest minds in manufacturing. In this episode, Stephanie and Kate discussed the unique challenges of the current market—from navigating global supply chain shifts to the “war for talent” in skilled trades.

Leading with Purpose

Stephanie’s leadership philosophy is built on the idea that technology is only as good as the people operating it. During the interview, she highlighted that at Dayton Rogers, leadership isn’t just about managing workflows; it’s about fostering a culture where every team member feels empowered to innovate.

“Manufacturing is an industry of constant evolution,” Stephanie noted. At Dayton Rogers, that evolution is fueled by a collaborative spirit that starts in the front office and extends to every corner of the production floor.

"Manufacturing is an industry of constant evolution"

Bridging Tradition and Technology

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was how Dayton Rogers balances its 95-year history with cutting-edge advancements. Stephanie explained how we are integrating advanced CAD/CAM software and automated precision tools while maintaining the artisanal quality our customers expect.

It’s a delicate balance: using High-Tech tools to enhance High-Touch craftsmanship.

Resilience in a Changing Market

Kate and Stephanie also touched on the importance of agility. By staying lean and maintaining transparent communication with partners in the medical, aerospace, and defense sectors, Dayton Rogers has remained a steady hand for our clients even during economic volatility.

Inspiring the Next Generation

A recurring theme in the podcast was the importance of the next generation of “makers.” Stephanie is a vocal advocate for manufacturing careers, reminding listeners that the modern shop floor is a high-tech environment ripe with opportunity for young engineers and technicians.

Final Thoughts

Watching Stephanie’s interview with Kate Bachman, it’s clear that the “Dayton Rogers Difference” is rooted in a deep respect for the craft and a forward-thinking approach to business. We are proud to have leaders who not only represent our company but also champion the entire manufacturing industry.

Want to hear the full insights from the source?

You can watch the video here or head over to MetalForming Magazine to catch more episodes of the Corner Office Cafe.

Ready to start your next project? Contact us today to see how Stephanie’s vision and our team’s expertise can bring your designs to life.