In this episode of Builders, Makers, Doers, Andy and Elliot sit down with Kory Anderson, founder of Made By Anderson Brands, to talk about what it really takes to preserve American manufacturing, rebuild the skilled trades pipeline, and create businesses that last.
America does not just have a labor problem. It has a capacity problem.
Kory explains that Anderson Brands is built around two core missions: strengthening American manufacturing through foundry operations, and filling the pipeline of young men entering the skilled trades through Iron Warrior and Iron Warrior Academy.
This isn’t just a conversation about foundries.
It’s a conversation about stewardship.
Kory lays out a mission that feels bigger than one company. He talks about why foundries still matter, why America cannot afford to lose more industrial capacity, and why the labor shortage is deeper than most people think. He makes the case that the country did not just lose workers. It lost exposure, mentorship, and belief in the trades over time.
This is what you’ll discover:
Why preserving foundries matters far beyond manufacturing
What is really driving the skilled trades pipeline crisis
The decision that led Kory to buy Dakota Foundry
Why systems are the first move in any turnaround
How character can outperform experience in hiring
Why AI is increasing demand for the trades
Why the trades do not have an opportunity problem, but a branding problem
About Kory Anderson:
Kory Anderson is the founder of Anderson Brands, the company behind Dakota Foundry, Muncie Castings, Anderson Industries, Iron Warrior, and Iron Warrior Academy. He is on a mission to strengthen American manufacturing and help bring the next generation into the skilled trades.
If you are an owner, operator, builder, or manufacturer trying to protect what matters and build something that lasts, this conversation will hit home.
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