Most Influential Business Professional
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Lewis A. Weiss |
Lewis A. Weiss Founder, Host, and CEO | Manufacturing Talk Radio President Emeritus | All Metals & Forge Group For more than five decades, Lewis A. Weiss has been a relentless force at the crossroads of manufacturing, media, and marketing. His story begins not in a factory or studio, but with a clear-eyed understanding of business fundamentals—shaped by his studies in business marketing at Queens College—and a natural talent for communication. What followed was a career marked by transformation, innovation, and a deep commitment to informing and empowering others. In 1972, Lewis founded All Metals & Forge Group, a company that would go on to become a nationally recognized manufacturer of open-die forgings and seamless rolled rings. With precision craftsmanship and quality as its core values, the company earned ISO 9001 certification—a rare distinction at the time—and eventually achieved the demanding AS9100D aerospace certification. The company became known for producing custom forgings up to 80,000 lbs and seamless rolled rings up to 200 inches in diameter, serving sectors like aerospace, energy, defense, and industrial machinery. Yet Lewis’ impact extends far beyond metallurgy. As the market shifted and digital tools disrupted traditional business models, he was one of the first in the industry to recognize the internet not as a threat—but as a transformative opportunity. Where others hesitated, Lewis leaned in. He repositioned his company digitally, modernized its branding, and began using online platforms to connect with engineers, buyers, and manufacturers across the country. But perhaps his boldest move came in 2013. Drawing on a lifelong passion for broadcasting, Lewis launched Manufacturing Talk Radio, a podcast designed to give voice to the stories, innovations, and challenges of the manufacturing world. What began as a niche program grew into a vital resource—featuring more than 800 episodes and listened to by hundreds of thousands of professionals nationwide. From topics like reshoring and supply chain resilience to advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development, the show became a beacon of insight in an often-overlooked industry. Through the podcast, Lewis brought in CEOs, policymakers, engineers, and thought leaders for honest, informed conversations—something that traditional media rarely offered manufacturers. He didn’t just broadcast news; he built a community of listeners, students, and leaders who now tune in for trends, forecasts, and practical guidance. Even before “content marketing” became a buzzword, Lewis understood its power. Manufacturing Talk Radio didn’t just boost industry awareness—it directly drove growth for All Metals & Forge Group. In fact, some estimates credit the podcast with increasing new business by over 30%, as listeners turned into loyal clients. In addition to the podcast, Lewis has published the Metals & Manufacturing Outlook eZine (formerly MetalsWatch) since the late 1980s. A monthly snapshot of industrial markets, forecasts, and policy analysis, the publication remains a staple among executives, procurement officers, and academic researchers. A member of the National Management Association (N.M.A.), Lewis balances his professional accomplishments with personal passions that keep him grounded: world travel, photography, family life, and a close following of global news. These interests inform his work, giving him a broad, nuanced perspective that permeates his conversations—whether on-air or in the boardroom. Today, as President Emeritus of All Metals & Forge Group and the ongoing host of Manufacturing Talk Radio, Lewis A. Weiss remains an indomitable figure—bridging the gap between old-school industry and new-age communication. His voice is more than a broadcaster’s tool—it’s a symbol of resilience, relevance, and reinvention. Few have forged success in both steel and storytelling. Fewer still have done it with the clarity, conviction, and continuity that Lewis has brought to each venture. His legacy is not just in the rings and rolls shipped across the nation, but in the stories told, the industries shaped, and the people inspired along the way.