THE ON-CAMERA TEAM

TradeCraft is built around a trusted host who guides viewers through each transformation. Led by host Jim Mayer, a manufacturing expert who guides viewers and shop owners through each transformation. The ‘General’ contractor Phillip Lewis manages technical execution, supported by the office manager and a rotating team of specialists who bring every project to life on the show.

Profile of Jim Mayer, the host. Features a professional headshot of Jim Mayer with a mustache and beard, wearing a black suit. Background has a high-tech, futuristic theme with digital clock graphics and circuit-like designs. Includes details about h
Profile card for Philip Lewis, titled 'Tradecraft: The Future of Manufacturing.' Features his photo, agent profile details including clearance level, alias, specialty, base of operations in Detroit, MI, and Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Describ
Profile card of Kate Cosentino, the war room manager, with a portrait of her in a checkered blue and red top, dark hair styled in a braid, and red earrings, against a holographic-themed background.
A professional headshot of Karla Trotman, smiling and wearing a black top, with an advanced tech-themed background showing the company logo 'Tradecraft' and her agent profile details.
Profile card featuring a man smiling in a navy blue shirt with MSC Industrial Supply logo, titled 'Tradecraft: The Future of Manufacturing.' The card displays the name Tony Schmitz, with details including her role as an agent, specialized in machinin
ID badge for Nikki Gonzales, a strategic industrial influence and connection intelligence agent at Weintek USA, with a portrait of her in a white shirt
Tradecraft promotional profile featuring Ryan Lillibridge, a technical agent specializing in automation systems, robotics, and workflow intelligence, based in Holland, MI.
Tradecraft agent profile of Michael Corrales with his photo, titled "The Future of Manufacturing", set against a high-tech background.
Profile card of Matthew Rassi with a photograph of him in a blue safety vest, indicating his role in manufacturing and operational excellence, based in Darien, IL.
Agent profile card featuring Paul Van Metre, a technical agent specializing in ERP, MES, and QMS systems, based in Bellingham, WA, with a ProShop ERP background, wearing a black T-shirt with hashtag #ThankMachinist and ProShop logo, against a digital
Agent profile for Ryan Kuhlenbeck from Pico MES, showing his photo, name, and details about his role and operations base.
Agent profile card featuring Vivek Kumar, a man with dark curly hair, wearing a navy blue shirt, smiling, against a gray background. The card includes details about his clearance level, alias, specialty, base of operations, and involvement with Teamf

THE ‘WAR ROOM’

The TradeCraft ‘war room’ set has been designed to be an integral part of the series, representing the creativity and ingenuity that can be found throughout the manufacturing community. The set is also an ideal environment to showcase sponsor products and branding, as a great amount of screen time will include these critical partner elements.

A group of five people sitting around a conference table in a modern office, engaged in a discussion. In the background, a large screen displays the logo 'Industry Impact' with a gear and lightbulb graphic and the phrase 'Changing the Conversation'.
A bulletin board with various printed papers, notes, and postcards pinned on it, including a brochure about industrial manufacturing, a paper on AI use in manufacturing, and a photo of a worker in safety gear, along with sticky notes and a lanyard.
A wall poster with the logo and text 'Pico MES' above a sign that says 'Future Robotics'.
A white, partially assembled structural component or frame on a wooden surface with a Hexagon logo mobile device nearby.
Tools and a large travel mug on a wooden surface, with a basket of greenery in the background.
Brochures titled 'Production Machining' stored in a metal wall pocket.
A green and white FANUC robotic arm with the label 'M-50iA' is positioned in front of a monitor displaying the words 'MISSION Design & Automation'. The background includes a brick wall, a plant, and what appears to be a circuit board graphic on the wall.
A pair of red and black gloves hanging on a pegboard display, with packaging showing the brand Milwaukee and safety features.

THE OFF-CAMERA TEAM

Coming together to produce TradeCraft: The Future of Manufacturing is an eclectic team of like-minded individuals that believe in the power of manufacturing, and the impact the series can have on building a workforce, embracing emerging technologies, and entertaining a wide audience.

  • Portrait of a man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a dark suit jacket against a dark background.

    Jim Mayer

    Partner/Executive Producer/Writer/Host

    Jim will be bringing his incredible talents and industry knowledge as both the show host and executive producer, providing guidance on shop improvements needed, and storyline development.

  • A smiling man with short hair wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred shipping yard in the background.

    Ryan Kuhlenbeck

    Partner/Executive Producer/Logistics

    Ryan’s mission is to support the growth of manufacturing as a whole. In addition to his on-camera role as a ‘Workplace Solutions’ Practice Specialist, he will guide the TradeCXraft Entertainment Group on all business decisions.

  • A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a navy blue shirt, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Bryan Bauw

    Partner/Executive Producer/Operations Lead

    Bryan will be in charge of the business side of TradeCraft, including the proper handling of contracts and logistics for the on-camera talent, sponsors, and partnering shops.

  • A man with dark hair and blue eyes wearing a dark gray collared shirt and a purple zip-up jacket, smiling slightly.

    Jim Olen

    Partner/Executive Producer/Creative Director

    Jim’s background in video production, TV development, and branded entertainment for the manufacturing industry makes him the ideal choice to ensure episodes are both informative and entertaining.