In this episode, Tommy sits down with Wes Morin, Vice President of Operations at AquiSense, a Kentucky-based water technology company recently named Small Manufacturer of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

AquiSense is a global leader in UV-LED water disinfection technology, designing and manufacturing systems that help provide safe, clean water across residential, commercial, industrial, and humanitarian applications.

AquiSense earned the KAM Small Manufacturer of the Year Award for its innovation, operational excellence, and impact in the water technology space. Under Wes’s operational leadership, the company has successfully scaled advanced manufacturing processes while maintaining quality, efficiency, and a culture of continuous improvement.

From product development to production execution, AquiSense has demonstrated how a small manufacturer can compete — and lead — on a global stage.

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Tyler earned the 2025 Manufacturing Employee of the Year Award after leading one of WaterStep’s most critical manufacturing efforts to date:

A million-dollar contract required WaterStep to build 28 mobile water treatment systems (WoW Cart) in just 90 days. Failure wasn’t an option — communities around the world were depending on this equipment for clean, safe drinking water.

Tyler stepped up in a huge way:

Reengineered the entire production process

Developed a clear plan and structure for his team

Delivered all 28 units on time, saving the contract

Ensured thousands of people received access to safe water

But what made Tyler truly stand out wasn’t just the systems he built — it was the team he built. WaterStep’s manufacturing team is largely made up of volunteers, many with little or no factory experience. Tyler trained, encouraged, and inspired them, and when crunch time hit, those volunteers stayed late, worked weekends, and believed in the mission because Tyler helped them see their impact.

Check out WaterStep's social:

LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️

Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, precision, and flexibility on the shop floor, and why it represents a major step forward for U.S.-based manufacturing.

Whether you're in the industry or just love hearing about smart innovation made right here in Kentucky, this episode delivers a powerful look into the future of automation.

🎧 Give it a listen—you’ll come away impressed by both the tech and the team behind it.

Subscribe:
@Fives_Group
@builtinthebluegrass

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 🇺🇸👓

I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics across the country, their eyewear is changing lives one pair at a time.

As part of the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament, PDS Optical is a standout example of how manufacturing and mission can go hand in hand.

🎧 Tune in to hear the story behind the frames—and the heart behind the business.

#CoolestThingMadeInKentucky #VeteranSupport #MadeInKentucky #PDSEyewear #PDSOptical #SeanLoosen #Podcast #InnovationWithPurpose #VeteransCare #KentuckyManufacturing

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year—Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked! 🥃🔥

In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a standout in the world of bourbon. From the unique double-barreling process to the creativity and craft behind it, Elizabeth gives us an inside look at how this fan-favorite was born.

Whether you’re a bourbon lover, a fan of Kentucky-made excellence, or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you.

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/HvwX07NWtO4

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag—a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱

The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system, providing instant contact information to anyone who finds a missing pet. 🏡🐾

Join us as we dive into the story behind National Band & Tag, their legacy of innovation, and why the Paw Finders Tag is one of the coolest things made in Kentucky!

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: https://youtu.be/Yf_KITnJvTo

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #NationalBandAndTag #PawFinders #CoolestThingMadeInKY #PetSafety #LostPetRecovery #QRCodeTechnology #MadeInKentucky #Innovation

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

🌊💧 Built in the Bluegrass is back with another Spotlight, featuring WaterStep and its life-changing WoW Cart – a participant in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament! 🏆 The WoW Cart (Water on Wheels) is revolutionizing access to clean water, bringing safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.

In this spotlight, we dive into WaterStep’s mission, the innovation behind the WoW Cart, and the incredible impact it’s making.

💙 Listen now to hear how this Kentucky-made product is saving lives and shaping the future of clean water solutions. 📢 Don’t forget to support WaterStep in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament!

🔗 Vote for WaterStep: https://coolestthingky.com/cast-your-vote/

🔗 Listen & Subscribe: builtinthebluegrass.com

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #WaterStep #WoWCart #CoolestThingMadeInKY #CleanWater #MadeInKentucky #Innovation

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com

Welcome to another episode of Built in the Bluegrass, where we highlight the most innovative and exciting products made right here in Kentucky! 🔵🏆

In this episode, we sit down with Beltways, a standout competitor in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament. We dive into their story, the impact of their product, and what makes them a game-changer in their industry.

📢 Don’t forget to cast your vote and support Kentucky-made innovation!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes featuring the best of Kentucky manufacturing!

🔗 Vote for Beltways: https://coolestthingky.com/cast-your-vote/

#BuiltInTheBluegrass #Beltways #CoolestThingMadeInKY #MadeInKentucky #Podcast

Find all Built In The Bluegrass links here https://linktr.ee/builtinthebluegrass

We want to take a moment to thank our partner – the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers. For over 100 years, KAM has served our state’s manufacturing industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and training, as well as cost-saving benefits for members. Fighting for manufacturers is what KAM does best, representing the industry in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C. Whether it’s advocacy, offering shipping discounts, or group health insurance, KAM has its members covered. Learn more and become a member by visiting www.kam.us.com