Talent Traction Podcast
Welcome to the Talent Traction Podcast, your go-to source for insights into recruitment, talent acquisition, and industry trends in the industrial sectors. Hosted by experts from Talent Traction, we dive deep into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of hiring. Whether you're an HR leader, talent acquisition professional, or industry executive, our episodes feature conversations with thought leaders, success stories, and practical advice to help you attract and retain top talent.
Latest Episode
Leading in Manufacturing with Rachel Keshock, Director of Sales at Baerlocher
Modern manufacturing leadership is no longer defined by scale, legacy, or price alone. It’s defined by how organizations think, collaborate, and create value across the entire value chain. In this episode of the Talent Traction Podcast, Rachel Keshock, Director of Sales at Baerlocher, shares a grounded and experience-driven perspective on what it truly means to lead in today’s industrial and plastics manufacturing environment.
Growing by Serving with Larry Sutton, Founder & CEO, RNR Tire Express
Scaling a business is hard. Scaling a business without losing its culture is even harder.
In this episode of the Talent Traction podcast, we sat down with Larry Sutton, Founder and CEO of RNR Tire Express, to explore how a people-first mindset helped grow the company from a single location into a national franchise system with more than 200 stores and counting
Modernizing Tire Retail with Jay Condrick, Owner of Boston Mobile Tire
Mobile tire service is no longer a novelty it’s a customer experience upgrade. In this podcast, Jay Condrick (Owner, Boston Mobile Tire) shares how he built a profitable owner-operator model after walking away from a failing franchise, why trust is higher when you’re working at a customer’s kitchen counter, and what it really takes to deliver consistent quality on the road.
Leading Through Change with Mike Graber | CEO of Toyo Tires
The tire industry is shifting rapidly as consolidation, technology, and generational workforce changes reshape how manufacturers compete. In this conversation, Toyo Tires CEO Mike Graber shares how he leads through uncertainty while honoring the company’s heritage of product excellence. From culture and talent development to product innovation and customer relationships, Graber breaks down what modern leadership requires in a transforming industry.
Modernizing the Tire Industry with Jason Abrams | CEO of TireTutor
AI is rapidly reshaping how consumers buy tires, schedule service, and choose local shops. In this conversation, TireTutor CEO Jason Abrams explains how agentic search, AI-native shop management systems, and a new generation of tech-enabled workflows are modernizing the tire industry. From digital visibility to technician efficiency and hiring philosophy, this episode breaks down what dealers must do to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond.
The Future of Manufacturing Leadership with Paul Reitz | CEO – Titan International
Titan International CEO Paul Reitz explains why manufacturing leadership now demands “eyes-wide-open” learning, empathetic speed, and hiring for grit over résumés. From hybrid supply chains to tech-like innovation cycles, this playbook shows how to build trust, move fast, and retain Gen Z with real impact and a bigger playground at work.
Bridging Cultures & Building Teams With Julie Dongju Lee | Head of HR for Kumho Tire USA
In this Podcast, Julie Dongju Lee, Head of HR at Kumho Tire USA, shares how she’s redefining HR in manufacturing by blending emotional intelligence, cross-cultural leadership, and data-driven strategies. From her hospitality roots at Ritz-Carlton to leading diverse teams in tire manufacturing, Julie reveals how empathy, mentorship, and lifelong learning can transform organizational culture. Discover actionable insights on attracting Gen Z talent, building inclusive “salad bowl” teams, and embracing AI as a partner not a replacement in the future of HR.
Leading High Performing Recruitment Teams with Doug Thompson
Struggling to build a high-performing talent acquisition team that delivers exceptional candidate experiences, even in tough markets? In this episode, I sat down with Doug, Head of Talent Acquisition for the Americas and Europe at a major global brand, to explore the real drivers of TA success: authentic employer storytelling, operational excellence, prioritizing candidate experience, and smart internal mobility strategies.