Episode 349

Our Latest Episode

E-Commerce That Works for Distributors: PFERD’s Partner-First Approach

Elizabeth McKusick

Featuring Elizabeth McKusick, Marketing and E-Commerce Manager at PFERD North America

July 29, 2025
The Kula Ring

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Elizabeth McKusick, Marketing and E-Commerce Manager at PFERD North America, shares how her team is redefining what it means to support distributors in industrial manufacturing. From building a B2B e-commerce portal with a headless frontend to deploying a robust PIM strategy, Elizabeth details how PFERD enables partners to sell more with better data, more efficient ordering, and ongoing collaboration. Tune in for a conversation about smart platform rollouts, balancing personalization with automation, and why half-hearted e-commerce just won’t cut it.

Episode 348

Marketing the Thrill: Inside the Amusement Ride Industry with Jay Aguilar

Jay Aguilar

Featuring Jay Aguilar, Global VP of Business Development & Marketing at Chance Rides

July 22, 2025

This week on The Kula Ring, Jay Aguilar, Global VP of Business Development and Marketing at Chance Rides, gives us an inside look at what it takes to market thrills. From classic carousels to massive rollercoasters, Jay explains how Chance Rides uses both B2B and B2C tactics to reach park owners and ride enthusiasts alike. He dives into the importance of brand legacy, how user-generated content influences purchasing decisions, and what it’s like navigating a global market that ranges from zoos to mega-projects in Saudi Arabia. A fascinating discussion on marketing responsibility, generational brand equity, and the power of the nostalgic diesel smell.

Episode 347

Cold Storage, Warm Leads: Marketing to Diverse B2B Niches

Michael Frank

Featuring Michael Frank, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arctic Walk-Ins

July 15, 2025

This episode of The Kula Ring features Michael Frank, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arctic Walk-Ins, a 40-year-old company specializing in custom and quick-ship cold storage. Michael delves into the complexities of marketing to various niches, including the relationship-driven food service sector and the technically nuanced commercial industries. He shares insights into how Arctic Walk-Ins navigates competition, utilizes different marketing tactics for distinct audiences, and adapts to the evolving landscape of digital search, including the rise of AI. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing industry, emphasizing the growing importance of interest-based media and the potential for a renewed appreciation of B2B businesses.

Episode 346

Marketing Beyond Metrics: Championing the Customer Experience with Alec Graham

Alec Graham

Featuring Alec Graham, Marketing Manager at LEL Critical

July 8, 2025

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Alec Graham, Marketing Manager at LEL Critical, shares a provocative take on what marketing can and should be within industrial manufacturing.
Alec explores why marketers must act as the voice of the customer inside the business, how empathy-driven systems can create better outcomes for both users and employees, and why not everything should be measured in a straight line. From customer service gaps to probabilistic strategy, Alec invites listeners to reconsider where the real value of marketing lies: in creating meaningful, lasting experiences that go beyond transactions.

Episode 345

Trim the Pipeline, Grow the Bottom Line: Brad Davis’ Playbook for Mature Manufacturing Brands

Brad Davis

Featuring Brad Davis, Director of Sales and Marketing at Charter Wire

July 1, 2025

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Brad Davis shares how his company took a counterintuitive approach to growth by narrowing its sales pipeline, focusing on high-fit opportunities, and avoiding the trap of chasing quick wins.
In a mature and shrinking sector, Brad explains why clarity in sales strategy, upstream marketing, and sustainable profitability are key to long-term success. From horizon growth planning to resisting vanity metrics and innovation theatre, Brad offers a masterclass in disciplined, methodical growth for manufacturers.

Episode 344

Navigating the Manufacturer’s Rep Model: Balancing Mindshare, Messaging, and Market Access

Sam Rajkovich, Vice President, Market Growth & Development

Featuring Sam Rajkovich, Vice President, Market Growth & Development

June 24, 2025

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Sam Rajkovich dives into the complexities of working with independent manufacturers’ representatives. He unpacks how to compete for reps’ time and attention, maintain brand consistency across third-party sellers, and build emotional connections that create loyalty. Sam also explores the economic tradeoffs of the model, its scalability, and its uncertain future as younger professionals shy away from commission-only roles. From messaging challenges to hybrid sales strategies, this episode offers a candid look at the evolving landscape of indirect sales in manufacturing.

Episode 343

Staying Customer-Centric Through Sustained Company Growth

Sean Momsen

Featuring Sean Momsen, Vice President of Business Development and Marketing

June 17, 2025

Dive into this episode of The Kula Ring with Sean Momsen, VP of Business Development and Marketing at Evology Manufacturing. We discuss the secrets behind rapid manufacturing and how speed can revolutionize the customer experience.

Sean shares his unique journey from aspiring car designer to leading a company that values your time as much as top-notch quality. Learn how Evology utilizes cutting-edge tech to deliver unparalleled service and projects on schedule while never losing sight of the human element. product development, or just fascinated by innovation and efficiency, this episode is a must-listen!

The Kula Ring is a podcast for manufacturing marketers looking to enhance their impact and grow their organizations.

Hosted by Jeff White and Carman Pirie, it features discussions with industry leaders who share their experience, insights and strategies on topics like account-based marketing (ABM), sales and marketing alignment, and digital transformation. The Kula Ring offers practical advice and tips from the trenches for success in today’s B2B industrial landscape.

About Kula

Kula Partners is an agency that specializes in maximizing revenue potential for B2B manufacturers.

Our clients sell within complex, technical environments and we help them take a more targeted, account-focused approach to drive revenue growth within niche markets.