Future Leaders in Manufacturing (FLM) Committee

Our Future Leaders in Manufacturing Committee aims to empower our organization to achieve their full potential by fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where everyone feels valued and supported, ultimately contributing to a successful and impactful committee.  We want to invite everyone to lower the stigma surrounding the steel industry as well as motivate and inspire young professionals to pursue their careers in manufacturing. Through our leadership as well as group input, we will be expanding the FLM Committee and hosting more networking events such as leadership classes, seminars, social events and career fairs.

Interested in joining the committee? Contact the Future Leaders in Manufacturing Committee Chairs Angela De Angelo at Angela.DeAngelo@STMC.com and Janina Bracht  at ybracht@gibbswire.com!

Interested in a manufacturing career?

Contact NESMA at info@nesma-usa.com

NESMA Job
Connections

Considering a career in manufacturing?

Join NESMA Job Connections! Apply online and we will match your request with available job positions among our members.. Learn more

Internship
Opportunities

Looking for internship opportunities?

We help connecting students with internship opportunities among business members and get trained for jobs in manufacturing.. Learn more

Apprenticeship
Program

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund Apprenticeship Program

The fund provides financial assistance to CT manufacturers that have a Registered Apprentice Program. Learn more

Committee Members

Janina Bracht, Co-Chair

Angela De Angelo, Co-Chair

Jake Youmans, Member

Jacob (Jake) Youmans began his career at Connecticut Spring & Stamping while still in high school, and he has no plans of leaving his family’s company. Jake earned his B.A. in Business and Psychology at Bryant University while continuing to work at CSS during school vacations and throughout the four summers.

During his first two years full-time, after having spent his early years in the Information Systems Department, Jake has worked alongside loyal and skilled colleagues in many departments to become as knowledgeable in as many facets of the manufacturing business as possible in preparation for possible management roles.

Connecticut Spring is a leading international manufacturer of precision springs and metal shaped solutions that have been a strategic supplier of custom springs, progressive stampings, fine blanked stampings, machined components, and assemblies for nearly 80 years.

Anthony Califano, Member

Julia Cutter, Member

Kellie Geissler, Member

Kristina Richardone, Member

Lee Spring

Jonathan Rivera, Member

Jonathan Rivera – New England Spring

A creative problem solver with a passion for optimizing workflows and designing efficient software solutions. With a strong foundation in database design and technology, I thrive on applying innovative solutions to improve processes and communication.

Notable achievements include streamlining inventory cycle counting from three days to just one, reclaiming 24 valuable days annually for production. Currently, my focus is on lean purchasing and designing systems to enhance information organization – ranging from driver deliveries and tool tracking to inventory management and check-in kiosks.

I proudly serve in the Army National Guard, where I’ve honed my skills as an IT Specialist. This role has deepened my expertise in technology and reinforced my discipline, leadership, and adaptability.

Outside of work, I channel my creativity into laser engraving mugs, cutting boards, memorabilia and stay energized through hiking and staying active. I approach every challenge with a mix of formal expertise and a dash of fun, making me a dedicated team player and a reliable collaborator.

Brendan Schuch, Member

Born in New Britain, it brings me great pride at being the Vice President of Sales at Acme Monaco Corporation, a family owned company that is headquartered in that very city. I’ve had the pleasure of working at the company for 9 years in various roles and have been thankful for the opportunities offered to grow professionally within the company.

After graduating from high school, I attended Providence College to pursue history and finance degrees. The next step of my academic career was spending two years overseas in Germany to achieve a Master’s Degree in International Studies. Those years away at college and studying overseas were a valuable learning experience that I reflect on to this day. Although I did not bring any technical background when I first interviewed at Acme Monaco, the company offers great training as well as hands-on experiences that allowed me to quickly be brought up to speed on our manufacturing capabilities and strengths.

Being a part of a multi-faceted team also allows me the opportunity to consult with the experts at the company in a professional environment that encourages open cross-departmental communication and cooperation that greatly aides in the company’s success. As one of the key employees at the company who is constantly in close communication with clients and colleagues, the confidence in providing them with valuable support while strengthening the relationship is a rewarding aspect of the position.

It is a true pleasure to work hand in hand daily with our customers as a team to see their projects grow from the ground up to reach market success! Most importantly, it gives me great satisfaction to be involved in an essential and respected industry that is known for its clean, reliable, and safe workplace environment while also offering members the opportunity to professionally develop and grow their skills. In my free time, I enjoy honing my culinary skills and staying active by playing ice hockey.

I’d be happy to answer any questions about myself, Acme Monaco as well as the industry – please email me at bschuch@acmemonaco.com.

Jonathan Torres, Member

Gibbs Interwire