In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️

Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on the shop floor, and why it represents a major step forward for U.S.-based manufacturing.

Whether you're in the industry or just love hearing about smart innovation made right here in Kentucky, this episode delivers a powerful look into the future of automation.

🎧 Give it a listen—you’ll come away impressed by both the tech and the team behind it.

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@Fives_Group
@builtinthebluegrass

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 🇺🇸👓

I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics across the country, their eyewear is changing lives one pair at a time.

As part of the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament, PDS Optical is a standout example of how manufacturing and mission can go hand in hand.

🎧 Tune in to hear the story behind the frames—and the heart behind the business.

#CoolestThingMadeInKentucky #VeteranSupport #MadeInKentucky #PDSEyewear #PDSOptical #SeanLoosen #Podcast #InnovationWithPurpose #VeteransCare #KentuckyManufacturing

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year—Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked! 🥃🔥

In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a standout in the world of bourbon. From the unique double-barreling process to the creativity and craft behind it, Elizabeth gives us an inside look at how this fan-favorite was born.

Whether you’re a bourbon lover, a fan of Kentucky-made excellence, or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you.

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/HvwX07NWtO4

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag—a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱

The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system, providing instant contact information to anyone who finds a missing pet. 🏡🐾

Join us as we dive into the story behind National Band & Tag, their legacy of innovation, and why the Paw Finders Tag is one of the coolest things made in Kentucky!

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/Yf_KITnJvTo

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #NationalBandAndTag #PawFinders #CoolestThingMadeInKY #PetSafety #LostPetRecovery #QRCodeTechnology #MadeInKentucky #Innovation

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

🌊💧 Built in the Bluegrass is back with another Spotlight, featuring WaterStep and its life-changing WoW Cart – a participant in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament! 🏆 The WoW Cart (Water on Wheels) is revolutionizing access to clean water, bringing safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.

In this spotlight, we dive into WaterStep’s mission, the innovation behind the WoW Cart, and the incredible impact it’s making.

💙 Listen now to hear how this Kentucky-made product is saving lives and shaping the future of clean water solutions. 📢 Don’t forget to support WaterStep in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament!

🔗 Vote for WaterStep: https://coolestthingky.com/cast-your-vote/

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: builtinthebluegrass.com

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #WaterStep #WoWCart #CoolestThingMadeInKY #CleanWater #MadeInKentucky #Innovation

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Welcome to another episode of Built in the Bluegrass, where we highlight the most innovative and exciting products made right here in Kentucky! 🔵🏆

In this episode, we sit down with Beltways, a standout competitor in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament. We dive into their story, the impact of their product, and what makes them a game-changer in their industry.

📢 Don’t forget to cast your vote and support Kentucky-made innovation!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes featuring the best of Kentucky manufacturing!

🔗 Vote for Beltways: https://coolestthingky.com/cast-your-vote/

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #Beltways #CoolestThingMadeInKY #MadeInKentucky #Podcast

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

🔦 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight: Armag Corporation & Their EMP Shielded Generator Shelters In an increasingly uncertain world, protecting critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats is more important than ever. That’s where Armag Corporation steps in, designing and manufacturing EMP Shielded Generator Shelters and HEMP Shielded ISO Containers that set the standard for durability, security, and compliance.

✅ Shielded Generator Shelters – Built for efficiency and safety, these shelters ensure proper airflow, cooling, and HEMP protection while offering easy maintenance access.

✅ HEMP Shielded ISO Containers – Designed for mobility, these transportable solutions meet MIL-STD-188-125-1A or -2 standards and CSC certification, making them battle-ready in 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft sizes.

Proudly built in the Bluegrass, Armag is helping secure mission-critical operations across industries.

Go vote! https://coolestthingky.com/

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #EMPProtection #ArmagCorporation #ResilientInfrastructure

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

In this episode of Built In the Bluegrass, we’re diving into the world of cybersecurity with Rich Connor, President of LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics. With the increasing threat of digital vulnerabilities, LockStock is on the front lines, providing cutting-edge security solutions to businesses big and small. Join us as we chat with Rich about how they’re helping companies navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, their approach to risk management, and what every entrepreneur needs to know to keep their business safe in the digital age. Tune in for insights on protecting your digital assets and securing a safer future—right here in the Bluegrass State.

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com