What does it take to grow a garage-based tool and die shop into a thriving 100,000-square-foot manufacturing powerhouse with over 100 employees? According to Jeff Sheridan, co-owner and vice president of Ahaus Tool & Engineering, the answer is simple: purpose.

In this episode of The Hub, host Michael Allen of Manpower Richmond sits down with Jeff to explore his unique journey—from designing HVAC systems for luxury vehicles at General Motors to helping lead a multi-generational manufacturing company in Richmond, Indiana. After earning his graduate degree from Stanford, Jeff was looking for more than corporate prestige—he wanted to create tangible impact. That opportunity came in 1997 when he joined Ahaus, a place where his technical expertise could make a lasting difference.

Founded in 1946 by William and Irvin Ahaus, the company has grown far beyond its tool and die roots. Today, Ahaus specializes in custom automation equipment, work-holding fixtures for CNC machines, and precision machining. The company has smartly diversified its client base—from primarily automotive to also include construction, medical, transportation, and drainage systems—helping it stay resilient through economic changes.

Ahaus is also known for its nationally accredited apprenticeship program, launched in the late 1970s. While many local manufacturers moved away from training investments, Ahaus doubled down—graduating over 50 apprentices who now fill roles in machining, engineering, management, and even accounting. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to people, not just products.

Jeff also addresses the challenge of succession planning. With no family members currently in line to take the reins, he and co-owner Kevin Ahaus are building a strong internal leadership team to keep the company locally owned and community-driven—avoiding the trend of selling out to outside investors who lack ties to Richmond.

This episode goes beyond machines and manufacturing—it’s about leadership, community, and building something that lasts.

🌐 Learn more:
www.ahaus.com
www.mprichmond.com

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The Hub Podcast with host Michael Allen, sponsored by Manpower Richmond – visit mprichmond.com

In this episode, Michael sits down with Brett Guiley and Matt Golliher of Vista Investment Partners for a powerful conversation on the future of finance and how digital assets like Bitcoin are reshaping the investment landscape.

The episode kicks off with timeless investing wisdom – including Brett’s breakdown of the “Rule of 72,” a simple way to understand how long it takes your money to double at a given interest rate. It’s a reminder that the earlier you start, the more time you give your investments to grow through compound interest.

Brett and Matt also stress the importance of building a solid financial foundation: start with an emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of expenses. Once that’s in place, you can confidently begin investing for the long term.

Things get especially interesting as the conversation turns to Bitcoin. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, creating a unique form of digital scarcity. Because of this, they see it not just as another crypto, but as an entirely separate asset class – one with the potential to act as digital gold that’s transferable in real time.

They also share why their firm launched Orange Horizon Wealth, a service tailored specifically for clients interested in Bitcoin-focused financial planning. It’s a growing area of interest as more people explore how Bitcoin can fit into a long-term investment strategy.

Whether you’re new to investing or curious about where digital assets fit in, this episode offers real, actionable insight from two experienced financial advisors.

👉 Ready to start building your future? Press play and take the first step.

Disclaimer: Vista Investment Partners is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.

This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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A revolutionary approach to sustainable manufacturing is taking shape right here in Richmond, Indiana—and Jason Fleming, Head of Human Resources at Liberation Labs, joins host Michael Allen on The Hub to share an exciting update. The Hub is proudly sponsored by Manpower Richmond. Visit www.mprichmond.com to learn more about how Manpower is connecting great people with great jobs.

In this episode, Jason discusses the major progress on Liberation Labs’ $125 million precision fermentation facility, which is already 60% complete and on track to begin operations by early 2026. This cutting-edge facility uses microorganisms as “living plants” to produce high-quality, sustainable ingredients for industries ranging from alternative proteins and food to pharmaceuticals and biopesticides.

As a contract manufacturer, Liberation Labs will create custom ingredients tailored to client needs—driving innovation and sustainability across multiple sectors. Backed by a recent $50.5 million convertible note, their financial foundation is solid, bringing total deployable capital to approximately $125 million.

Jason also highlights strategic partnerships taking shape, including a collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College to create specialized training programs. These initiatives will help recruit and develop local talent for roles in fermentation and biomanufacturing, offering a new career path in a rapidly growing field.

In an exciting development, Liberation Labs is also partnering with the Department of Defense to help shape the future of domestic biomanufacturing infrastructure. The Richmond facility will create 45–50 skilled jobs, including technicians, engineers, quality control, and maintenance staff—with hiring ramping up in late 2025. The company is committed to offering competitive pay and fostering a collaborative culture built on smart, humble teamwork.

Looking ahead, Liberation Labs has acquired additional land in Richmond to support future expansion, placing the community at the heart of their global mission.

To explore upcoming career opportunities and learn more, visit www.liberationlabs.com.

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