In the latest episode of the US Manufacturing Today podcast, host Matt Horine sits down with Bret Boyd, CEO of Sustainment and author of the recent article “Making American Manufacturing Great Again, Starts with Small Businesses.” Boyd, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, brings a wealth of experience in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors, offering insights on revitalizing American manufacturing and the critical role of small and medium-sized businesses.
Boyd founded Sustainment in 2020 to address a fundamental inefficiency in the US manufacturing economy: the lack of a software platform that makes it easy for manufacturers to find and work with each other. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, including the loss of companies and jobs in recent decades, manufacturing remains a significant contributor to US GDP and employment, with small and medium-sized businesses forming the backbone of the sector.
“When we looked at it, we said that the fundamental way that manufacturers in the United States are essentially finding each other and getting work done together looks a lot like it did before the Internet. It was very local, very kind of relational, chamber of commerce, and it was just a lot of work. And it seemed to drive a fundamental inefficiency in the US manufacturing economy.”
Boyd emphasizes the collaborative nature of manufacturing, describing it as a “team sport” that requires deep relationships and trust among suppliers and OEMs. However, the fragmentation and lack of visibility in the ecosystem pose unique challenges for these businesses. Sustainment aims to provide the digital connective tissue and workflow digitization needed to facilitate faster, more efficient collaboration.
The conversation also delves into the Trump 2.0 policies aimed at revitalizing manufacturing, including tariffs, tax cuts, and regulatory reforms. Boyd argues that the shifting global landscape necessitates a new national strategy and expects proactive industrial policy to become the new normal. This period of transition, while tumultuous, presents opportunities for businesses that can adapt and seize the moment.
I think these transition periods are really when winners and losers are made. And so I guess the way that I would think about this, and if you’re a small business owner, you’re thinking about starting a business, or if you’re thinking about entering the industry, or maybe you’re a capital allocator looking at opportunities in this space, I really think the time is now.
Building supply chain resilience and agility is crucial in the face of uncertainty. Boyd advises developing alternative sources of supply, exploring nearshoring options, and enhancing reactivity through quick quoting and systematic supply chain management. He also highlights the importance of diversifying supplier relationships, even within the US.
Sustainment plays a vital role in supporting the defense industrial base by helping the DOD identify and engage with commercial manufacturers. By leveraging technology to bridge untapped capacity across industries, the company aims to unlock the potential for manufacturing collaboration, as demonstrated by the ventilator production efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boyd’s optimism for the future of American manufacturing is palpable. He believes in the untapped capacity and potential of the US manufacturing economy and stresses the importance of seizing opportunities during this period of transition. His advice to small business owners, industry entrants, and capital allocators is to be bold and act now.
To learn more about Sustainment and its mission to provide supplier relationship management software for procurement and supply chain teams, visit sustainment.com. As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to success in the reindustrialization movement.
