Mike Russell

Founder & Managing Editor, Manufacturing International

Introduction to Mike Russell

Mike Russell is a manufacturing strategist, digital systems builder, and founder of Manufacturing International, a global platform dedicated to helping small and mid-sized manufacturers compete, scale, and modernize in an increasingly complex industrial landscape. With nearly 30 years of experience operating at the intersection of manufacturing, technology, and go-to-market strategy, Mike has advised Fortune 500 enterprises and growth-stage manufacturers alike—bridging the gap between high-level strategy and real-world execution.

His work focuses on one central challenge: how manufacturers adopt modern tools, navigate global pressure, and make better decisions without disrupting the business they’ve spent decades building.

Background & Experience

Over the course of his career, Mike has partnered with 17 Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Caterpillar, and GE, while also working hands-on with hundreds of manufacturers ranging from $100K startups to $200M+ industrial operations. Through businesses he has founded and co-founded, he has helped organizations modernize customer acquisition, improve operational clarity, and generate sustained, measurable ROI across highly technical and regulated industries.

His early work in enterprise marketing, systems architecture, and digital strategy earned multiple ACE and Mobius awards, recognizing excellence in integrated campaigns, data-driven execution, and technical innovation. More importantly, that work shaped a long-term perspective: manufacturers don’t need more buzzwords—they need clear frameworks, trusted data, and practical guidance.

That belief ultimately led to the creation of Manufacturing International.

Founding Manufacturing International

Manufacturing International was built to solve a persistent problem Mike observed across the industry: manufacturers were being asked to make high-impact decisions—about AI, supply chains, workforce, global trade, tooling, finance, and automation—without access to unbiased, experience-driven insight.

Mike designed the platform as a manufacturing-first intelligence hub, combining:

• Expert-led editorial content

• Data-backed analysis and checklists

• Product and solution evaluations grounded in real use cases

• Global market and policy insights translated into operational impact

The platform now supports manufacturers researching everything from tariffs, VAT, and global trade barriers to MRO tools, robotics, AI readiness, workforce funding, and capital strategy—with a consistent focus on applicability for SMB and mid-market operators.

Editorial & Strategic Perspective

As Managing Editor, Mike brings a systems mindset to manufacturing transformation—connecting marketing visibility, operational efficiency, financial strategy, and technology adoption into cohesive decision frameworks.

His editorial approach emphasizes:

• Translating policy and macroeconomic shifts into shop-floor impact

• Cutting through vendor noise with objective product and tool analysis

• Helping manufacturers understand when to adopt new technology—not just what to adopt

• Building trust through transparency, sourcing discipline, and real-world context

Mike’s writing reflects the same philosophy he applies to strategy work: clarity beats complexity, and execution matters more than theory.

Impact & Results

Across his career and through Manufacturing International, Mike has:

• Guided dozens of manufacturers through digital modernization initiatives that improved visibility, lead quality, and operational consistency

• Built scalable digital systems that delivered sustained ROI across industrial, equipment, logistics, and services sectors

• Developed editorial frameworks and comparison methodologies used by manufacturers researching AI, supply chain platforms, robotics, MRO tools, and international expansion

• Helped leadership teams identify blind spots in customer acquisition, positioning, and technology readiness

• Created a contributor-driven manufacturing news and insights network connecting operators, advisors, and solution providers globally

Expertise & Focus Areas

Mike’s work spans all nine core areas of Manufacturing International, with deep emphasis on:

• Manufacturing strategy & digital visibility (SEO, SEM, content systems, demand capture)

• AI, automation & Industry 4.0 adoption for SMB manufacturers

• Global trade, tariffs, VAT, and non-tariff barriers impacting U.S. & global manufacturers

• Supply chain intelligence & resilience strategies

• MRO tools, safety equipment & technical product evaluation

• Manufacturing finance, including grants, depreciation, working capital, and non-bank funding

• Workforce development, training, and funding pathways

• Marketing & sales systems tailored for industrial and technical buyers

His recent editorial work reflects this range—covering U.S.–EU trade dynamics, USA re-shoring pressures, AI-driven supply chain optimization, MRO tool performance, manufacturing finance strategy, and operational cost control.

Leadership & Values

Beyond business, Mike is grounded by family—married to his college sweetheart—and guided by a strong commitment to service through church and charitable initiatives. He believes manufacturers play a foundational role in strengthening local economies, sustaining skilled workforces, and supporting global supply chains.

That belief continues to shape Manufacturing International’s mission: to empower manufacturers with trustworthy insight, practical tools, and a clearer path forward—without hype or hidden agendas.

Connect

Mike welcomes collaboration with manufacturers, contributors, advisors, and solution providers aligned with Manufacturing International’s editorial standards and mission.

Contact: via MfgInternational.com