In this episode of The Kula Ring, Jeff White and Carman Pirie discuss how manufacturers can adapt their web presence for 2025 and beyond. They explore the impact of AI-driven search, evolving privacy rules, the critical role of site speed, and the importance of structured data and product data governance. This conversation is a practical deep dive into what it takes to stay competitive in a changing digital landscape.
Guest Bio: Jeff White and Carman Pirie are the co-founders of Kula Partners, a digital agency specializing in helping manufacturers transform their marketing. Together, they bring decades of experience in B2B marketing, web development, and digital strategy.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Nicole Kangos, Director of Marketing at Snaptron, shares the story of how an engineering-led manufacturer undertook a major brand refresh, without big-agency budgets or losing sight of its core values. Nicole walks us through how she built trust with leadership, leveraged internal and external insights, and strategically positioned Snaptron to maintain its market leadership amid increasing competition. From winning executive buy-in to aligning the brand with the company’s true innovation story, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look at what it really takes to modernize a manufacturing brand from the inside out.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Casey Cheshire introduces the concept of “Disconnected Marketing,” the slow, creeping separation between marketers and their customers caused by over-reliance on tech and automation. Casey shares how launching a podcast helped him reverse that disconnect by creating real, human connections with customers, starting relationships with generosity rather than a sales pitch.
Alongside hosts Carman Pirie and Jeff White, Casey explores the importance of knowing your customers by name, and even more critically, understanding their real pains and challenges. They discuss how podcasting serves as a powerful tool to foster reciprocity, build authentic relationships, and bring marketing teams back to their foundational role as the voice of the customer.
For B2B manufacturing and beyond, this conversation is packed with insights on how marketers can reconnect with the people they serve and create genuine growth opportunities.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, we sit down with Alex Koepsel, Director of Product Marketing at Vention, to discuss the art of managing up and across in product marketing. Alex shares his journey from electrical engineering to product marketing, revealing how his technical background and entrepreneurial mindset shaped his approach to positioning products and influencing key stakeholders.

We explore how Vention is democratizing industrial automation, making it easier for manufacturers of all sizes to implement automation solutions. Alex also unpacks the strategies behind building trust, aligning with leadership goals, and persuading decision-makers to invest in marketing initiatives. Whether you’re in product marketing, sales, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights on navigating cross-functional teams and driving meaningful change within an organization.

Tune in to hear how product marketers can act as “mini CEOs” and leverage influence to move the business forward.

For decades, Pack-Smart has been at the forefront of packaging automation, seamlessly integrating robotics and software to deliver turnkey solutions. Yet, despite its technological leadership, the company relied almost exclusively on YouTube for lead generation—until now.
In this episode of The Kula Ring, we explore how Pack-Smart is embracing digital marketing for the first time. With new strategies in SEO, CRM integration, and thought leadership content, the company is expanding its brand presence and driving data-driven decision-making across the organization. We dive into the challenges of shifting from product-focused messaging to industry leadership and how Pack-Smart is positioning itself as a go-to resource for emerging trends and regulatory changes.
Tune in to hear how a company that has innovated in manufacturing for years is now innovating in marketing—creating a stronger, more connected approach to customer engagement.

Deploying marketing automation at scale in the manufacturing sector comes with an array of challenges and opportunities. In this week’s episode of The Kula Ring, Carlicia Layosa shares her firsthand experience implementing and refining marketing automation strategies. She discusses the importance of data integration, audience segmentation, and behavior-based campaign triggers to create personalized customer journeys. Carlicia also reflects on lessons learned, including the need for an early focus on data quality, the power of AB testing, and the balance between personalization and crossing the “creepy” line. Plus, we explore the evolving role of AI in automation and what the future holds for engagement-driven marketing.