The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Matthew Warnick, Chief Executive Officer, American Rheinmetall

Matthew Warnick serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Rheinmetall, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He has been with Rheinmetall for more than twelve years, guiding its U.S. operations since the establishment of American Rheinmetall (formerly American Rheinmetall Vehicles) in 2019. The company supports Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division with sales, engineering, and program management for defense and commercial markets.

Vicki Selva, Executive Director, The Detroit Regional Defense Coalition

We dive into Southeast Michigan’s role in the defense and aerospace sectors by talking with Vicki Selva, the Executive Director of the Detroit Regional Defense Coalition. She takes us through how the coalition is driving collaboration, shaping supportive policy, and leveraging the region’s unique assets to attract investment and high-quality jobs.

Greg McArthur, Owner, NTL Industries

This week we talk with Greg McArthur, Owner of NTL Industries Inc. in Sterling Heights, MI. He gives insight into CNC manufacturing and shares his recent win as the 2025 US SBA Small Business Persons of the Year. NTL Industries specializes in CNC milling, CNC turning, plasma cutting and more. Their products expand through the aerospace, defense, agriculture industries and more.

Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic, D2 Traffic Technologies

Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city markets.

Zach Riberdy, Marketing Director, Connors Sports

Connor Sports Marketing Director, Zach Riberdy, shares how the company got started, their sustainability practices, an NCAA partnership, and more. Through their partnership with the NCAA® they provide over 14 floors for the March Madness® Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships culminating in the Final Four®.

Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP

We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fittante talks about the U.P.'s unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that is critical to international shipping.

Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Michigan's University Research Corridor

We welcome back Michigan’s University Research Corridor Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, as she discusses the future of R&D in their four main initiatives (Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence). She also dives into how the researchers are not only working with universities, but businesses and industry leaders across the state and their growing interest in AI technology.

Jessica McConnell, Director of CMF & Graphic Design, Whirlpool

Jessica McConnell, Director of CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) & Graphic Design at Whirlpool Corporation, navigates a fascinating path in designing and forecasting products that shape daily life. Whirlpool Corporation, an American multinational Fortune 500 company headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan and stands as a leader in the home appliance industry.

Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO, Automation Alley

We chat with returning guest, Tom Kelly of Automation Alley to discuss how manufacturers in Michigan are understanding new technology such as AI, 3D printing, robotics, Industry 4.0 and more. Tom also takes us through Integr8, a series of round table dialogs bringing Michigan’s forward-thinkers in manufacturing and technology, and the new playbook series helping companies and leaders narrow their industry focus.

John Gutierrez, PMP, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) - Executive Director, Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation

The Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) collaborates with government, industry, and academia to forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy — a legacy where Michigan leads in defense and aerospace markets. Hear Executive Director, Colonel John T. Gutierrez, share how the Office is dedicated to strengthening the state’s defense and aerospace sectors by attracting, retaining, and expanding investments.