What does it take to lead a woman-owned precision machining company in a male-dominated industry, and win while doing it? Debbie Sommers, President of Lakeview Precision and client of Fortress, joins Joel Mathew to share how she’s built a powerhouse shop known for integrity, innovation, and outworking the competition.

In this episode, Debbie talks candidly about her leadership journey, the values that drive Lakeview’s success, and how they continue to earn business from some of the world’s biggest brands.

👉 Don’t miss this one if you’re into manufacturing, entrepreneurship, or just a good underdog story.

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In this episode of Making the Brand, Andy McDermott shares his remarkable journey from professional soccer player to law enforcement officer, full-time actor, and now a leader in youth sports and community development. He discusses his passion for using sports to positively impact underserved communities, particularly through his work with Intentional Sports, located in Chicago's west side, where he oversees a world-class sports facility that offers much more than just sports training. Intentional Sports was created to be a community for young people and families in Chicago, providing safe, enriching, after-school and summer activities for young people. Andy reflects on the lessons learned from his diverse career, the importance of intentional time management, and his faith as a guiding force in taking bold leaps.

Check out the Intentional Sports website for more information: intentionalsports.org

Or email Andy at andy@intentionalsports.org to inquire about partnership opportunities.

In our first episode of Making the Brand featuring Chad Swieca as a full co-host, he and Joel go way back to not only the roots of Fortress Consulting Group, but also Joel's life roots and the influences that led to the agency as we know it today. There are as many stories of struggle as there are of success, and Joel and Chad don't shy away from discussing them all. Want to know what's next for Fortress? Listen to the end and you'll hear. Check back for more episodes on a monthly basis.