Ep. 219 | Small Business Insights: The Story of CJ Manufacturing | Florida SBDC SBSS 2023 Series

In this episode, we're thrilled to feature Barbara Bonarrigo, CEO at CJ Manufacturing. With a diverse background from Germany to New York, Barbara's journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship. Barbara's journey into manufacturing began with her husband's family business in New York. Eventually, they moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, and established CJ Manufacturing, specializing in metal components for the aerospace industry. Serving giants like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and L3, their success underscores Florida's role in advanced manufacturing. Barbara's insights highlight the potential of advanced manufacturing in Florida, while she calls attention to the need for stronger workforce development, particularly in apprenticeship programs. As a staunch advocate for small businesses, Barbara emphasizes their significance as the backbone of communities, states, and the nation. She envisions roundtable discussions between major manufacturers and small businesses to collaborate and find solutions together. With a personal touch, Barbara reflects on her journey as a small business owner and her commitment to her community. Her passion shines through as she shares her journey to becoming an American citizen and her subsequent desire to contribute and give back, which led her to serve on advisory boards and run for city commissioner in Ormond Beach. Tune in to this inspiring episode where Barbara Bonarrigo's story serves as a beacon of empowerment and community engagement. Recorded live at this year’s Florida SBDC Network Small Business Success Summit hosted at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Learn more about CJ Manufacturing: http://www.floridacncmachining.com/