Episode 354

Marketing the Invisible: How Nanosys Continues to Bring Quantum Dots to Market

Jeff Yurek

Featuring Jeff Yurek, Vice President of Marketing at Nanosys

September 2, 2025

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Jeff Yurek, VP of Marketing at Nanosys, discusses the unique challenges of marketing breakthrough nanotechnology. He explains quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles that emit precise, tunable light for displays and imaging, and how he built awareness through blogging and storytelling, fostering relationships with global brands despite the technology’s inherent secrecy. Jeff also explores the future of B2B marketing, content creation, and the importance of staying curious in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Episode 353

Bridging Engineering and Marketing in Complex Industrial B2B Sales

Rajeev Thakur

Featuring Rajeev Thakur, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Silanna Semiconductor

August 26, 2025

In this episode of The Kula Ring, hosts Jeff White and Carman Pirie talk with Rajeev Thakur, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Silanna Semiconductor. With over 25 years in the automotive industry and a unique blend of engineering and marketing expertise, Rajeev discusses navigating long, complex sales cycles, balancing highly technical conversations with business value, and adapting messaging across industries. He also shares insights on building trust in niche markets, fostering partnerships, and leveraging conferences for targeted outreach.

Episode 349

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

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 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 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.