2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Chicago, Illinois 60616
About the Expo
North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event heads to McCormick Place in September 2025. FABTECH provides a convenient "one stop shop" venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits and discover new solutions to all of your metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing needs.
North America's Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event
This year’s FABx will feature a powerful line-up of speakers who are embracing change and navigating through uncertainty. Hear these experts discuss the key to success lies in transforming fear and doubt into innovation and growth. In this dynamic world of manufacturing, forward-thinking leaders understand that they can overcome the barriers that stifle progress. Embracing change isn’t just about survival; it’s about seizing opportunities to redefine the landscape of manufacturing for the better.
Andrew Kossowski – Embracing Change: Lessons from Immigration Stories Applied to Manufacturing Transformation
Rhonda Dibachi – Tackling the Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt That Limit Manufacturing
Troy Underwood – Reviving the Flatlining Steel Business & Embracing Change
Adrian Little – The Dynamic Workforce and the Power of Mindset in Custom Manufacturing
Explore the cutting-edge of industrial innovation with our panel on “Advanced Manufacturing: Integrating New Technologies for Fabrication.” This dynamic discussion will delve into the innovative practices redefining the manufacturing landscape. Our expert panelists will unpack the complexities and advantages of integrating these advancements into current manufacturing processes. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into how these transformative technologies are not only enhancing efficiency and precision but also opening new possibilities for product development and design. Join us for a thought-provoking session that promises to expand your horizons and inspire innovation within the realm of advanced manufacturing.
Empowering Voices: Charting a Path for Aspiring Women Leaders
Angela Phillips, CEO of Phillips Tube Group Inc., stands as a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in the manufacturing industry. With over three decades of experience, she has transformed her company into a leader in the precision welded steel tube market. Angela’s journey, from growing up in the business to taking the helm, showcases the importance of embracing change and the impact of strong leadership. Her story can inspire other women in manufacturing to pursue leadership roles and drive positive change within their organizations. Angela’s recognition by prestigious awards, such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, underscores her success and serves as a beacon for aspiring women leaders.
Dr. Peggy Whitson is a trailblazer in space exploration and a testament to the power of collaborative leadership. With an illustrious career at NASA spanning over three decades, Dr. Whitson has set records and broken barriers, becoming the first woman to command the International Space Station twice and completing the most spacewalks by any female astronaut. Her experiences underscore the significance of both leading and following, as she has navigated the complexities of space missions and scientific research with grace and resilience. Dr. Whitson’s journey is a compelling narrative of how visionary leadership, coupled with effective followership, can achieve extraordinary outcomes, inspiring generations to reach for the stars and beyond.
The growing need for manufacturing employees warrants different outlooks and methods for attracting new generations into the industry. The wants, needs, and goals of outgoing employees are different from those entering the job market today. This dynamic panel of industry leaders and educators will address some of these changes and explore new ideologies, strategies, and alternatives to help meet the current employment challenges.
Attendees will find out what approaches other companies are taking – what is working, as well as what isn’t working and hear perspectives from those currently educating the next workforce. Prepare to leave with new ideas and outlooks you can take back and implement in your search for the new workforce.
Join us for a compelling keynote presentation where Titan Gilroy will share his expertise in CNC machining and his forward-thinking approach to the industry. Titan is known for his keen focus on the cutting-edge techniques and revolutionary strategies that promise a deep dive into the advancements that are shaping the future of manufacturing. He will inspire and energize professionals in the field, offering insights into how they can harness technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fabrication and machining. This experience will push you and your company to a greater purpose and give you actionable insights and strategies to compete (and WIN) in a global marketplace.
Join us for a riveting panel discussion featuring leaders who will share their invaluable insights on current trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the metal fabrication industry. This session will delve into topics such as the impact of global economic dynamics and current business challenges and outlooks. The impact processing technology and AI is having on the industry and how these major companies are navigating those challenges will also be discussed. Attendees can expect to hear how these companies and leaders approach these challenges and how they are preparing for the year ahead.
Andrew is the owner of Veterans Metal LLC, a medium job shop located in Largo, Florida.
Andrew started his career in the USAF, where he contributed to the manufacturing of the C-17 & E-8C Aircrafts. He has since held several executive positions, most notably as CIO for Airtel Africa and prior to that, VP of Operations for Ericsson in Latin America and Caribbean. Andrew has a BSc from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a MSc from Boston University.
Rhonda Dibachi is an American business executive, entrepreneur, and author. She is the co-founder and chief executive officer of HeyScottie, an artificial intelligence-powered platform delivering superior sourcing options for manufacturing finishing services. She was also co-founder and CEO of Noribachi, a custom LED lighting manufacturer specializing in industrial and commercial applications. Prior to Noribachi, she co-founded Niku Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based infrastructure productivity software provider, with her husband Farzad Dibachi. After going public in 2000, Niku was acquired by CA in 2005. Previously, Dibachi worked for Oracle and has been recognized as a leading female entrepreneur.
In an earlier career, she served as nuclear engineer for GE, and is an author, U.S. patent-holder, and has served a Board Trustee and Advisor for a number of educational, non-profit, government and educational organizations.
Troy Underwood is the owner of Urban Metals LLC, which does business in the Tampa Bay Area under the name of Tampa Steel & Supply (TSS). TSS is a full line metal service center located in Ybor City that also produces decorative metal products. Troy purchased TSS in 2018 having served as President since 2014. The business was recognized by the Business Observer as one of the top 500 largest companies on the Gulf Coast in 2020.
Troy has an extensive record in management and sales of consumer and industrial building products. Prior to his positions at TSS, Troy oversaw the stone veneer manufacturing facility for Environmental Stoneworks in Atlanta where he learned and implemented LEAN manufacturing principals.
In addition to being on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Manufacturers Association (BAMA), Troy is on the National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) Leadership Council and he volunteers as an Advisor to both Hillsborough Community College’s Office Administration Program and Welding Program.
Troy is a Veteran, having served honorably for nine years as an Officer in the Army Reserve. His company is Certified by the State of Florida’s Office of Supplier Diversity as a Veteran Owned Business.
JETechnology Solutions, Inc. was founded by Florida State University and UCF graduate, Adrian Little in 2004 with one simple premise — customer focus. Currently, our team has over 75 years’ experience in the design and manufacturing of ground support equipment. We are known worldwide for our custom fall protection equipment for aircraft such as the F-16, F-15, A-10, F-18 and more. Our manufacturing facility is located in Apopka, FL and provides us a base to deliver our equipment worldwide including the Americas, England, Germany, Japan, just to name a few.
Today, JETechnology, continues to be led by Mr. Little. Its 25 employees cover a wide array of disciplines, including Assemblers, Project Managers, Engineers, Accountants, Machinists, Welders, and more ensure that its products and services are provided to its customers and as they strive to be leaders in the fall protection industry.
Mr. Little is a family man and loves spending time with his wife and twin teenage sons engaging in activities including basketball, saltwater fishing, and traveling.
Jake Volcsko joined SME in August 2023 as Vice President of Integrated Media where he leads a team of talented individuals charged with creating dynamic and innovative media products that connect with users and sponsors. Jake previously served as General Manager of SEO and Digital with DealNews, Inc. Prior, Jake spent 20 years in media and has led significant digital transformation initiatives in roles ranging from Digital Media Director at a small newspaper to Chief Digital Officer at a Public Media organization. During his career, in addition to websites, mobile apps and other digital products, Jake has successfully launched several online subscription models, and a digital services agency. He launched the first local news OTT application on Roku TV in 2013, and in 2014, his was the first local media organization to launch on Amazon FireTV, including a digital linear streaming channel. He is passionate about media and finding ways to use online platforms to bring all audiences into an organization’s engagement funnel. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts/Applied Media Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Jake has been a high school football official since 2003 and a Division III NCAA football official since 2023.
Angela Phillips is the CEO of Phillips Tube Group, Inc. She brings over 30 years of operational and strategic business experience to the precision welded steel tube industry. The daughter of company founder Ralph H. Phillips, she literally “grew up” in the business, gaining a broad-based understanding of manufacturing and has been successfully leading the organization following her father’s passing in 2009.
Ms. Phillips continues this powerful legacy today, growing Phillips Tube Group to even greater heights through acquisitions and other major investments. She has been the recipient of numerous professional awards including:
2023 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year – East Central Winner
2023 Bizwomen Power 50 List: Dayton Business Journal
2023 Induction into the North Central Ohio Industrial Manufacturing Hall of Fame
2023 Economic Impact Award: Richland Area Chamber of Commerce
2023 Visionary Award: The Shelby Foundation
2023 & 2022 Ohio’s Top 500 Leaders & Business Executives – Manufacturing: Ohio Business Magazine
2022 Small Business Award: Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
2021 New Investment Award: Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County
Astronaut, Director of Human Space Flight, Axiom Space
Precious few human beings are able to say they’ve been lucky enough to travel to space. Peggy Whitson, however, is in a league of her own. The veteran astronaut has an incredible list of record-breaking accomplishments to her name: first woman to command the International Space Station twice (2008 & 2013); first non-military Chief Astronaut and most spacewalks (10) of any female astronaut, the most spacewalks completed by a woman (at 60 hours, 21 minutes total) and third most of any spacefarer; and at 665 days, Dr. Whitson has spent more time in space than any other American.
Unsurprisingly, behind all of these tremendous accomplishments lies one of the most passionate, knowledgeable, and courageous scientists in the world today. While she was breaking records, Dr. Whitson was also conducting groundbreaking research on a wide breadth of subjects with enormous implications for the future of humanity—robotics and artificial intelligence, medicine, agriculture, logistics, engineering, marine life, and beyond.
Dr. Whitson’s remarkable life story is a thrilling example for others to follow, humble beginnings on a farm to her daring tales of spaceflight and crash landings in the steppes of Kazakhstan, leaving audiences on the edge of their seat. She was named as one of TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People (2018), was on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, and was one of eight astronauts featured in Darren Aronofsky’s, National Geographic series One Strange Rock.
Max has been in the steel trades since the age of 17. Working as both a welder and fabricator, Max has extensive experience in all levels of the trades – from welders’ helper, welder/fitter, educator, manager, Business owner, and now National Director at the Canadian Welding Bureau. Max hopes to support, educate, and provide opportunities to all persons in the steel trades across Canada and beyond.
Regional Campus President, StrataTech Education Group
Experienced Education Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Career Development, Student Recruiting, Coaching, Admissions Counseling, and Customer Retention.
Lori Tapani and her sister, Traci, have been Co-presidents of Minneapolis-based Wyoming Machine since 1997 after taking over the helm from their father, Thomas Tapani, who founded the company in 1974 with two partners. Aside from being co-president of Wyoming Machine, Lori is a CPA, a mother, an artist, and a Harley Davidson enthusiast.
Titan Gilroy’s turbulent childhood was marked by the harsh realities of a broken home, plagued by violence, alcoholism, and rage. Fueled by an aggressive and destructive nature, he soon gained notoriety for multiple accounts of assault, leading to a staggering sixteen-year prison sentence. The cycle of violence persisted, culminating in Titan’s solitary confinement for six months. His path took a transformative turn when Top Rank Boxing intervened, facilitating an early release and offering him a shot at redemption. Titan seized this second chance, emerging as one of the most promising fighters in the sport.
Despite his triumphs in the ring, Titan found himself entangled once again in the street violence of his past, haunted by his demons. Fearing a return to prison, he made a life-altering decision to walk away from professional boxing. Serendipitously, he ventured into the world of CNC machining, discovering a newfound purpose that would redefine his trajectory. In the machine shop, Titan harnessed his innate drive and resilience, ultimately sculpting a remarkable journey from a turbulent past to becoming a notable figure in the realm of precision machining and manufacturing education.
Tim Heston, The Fabricator’s senior editor, has covered the metal fabrication industry since 1998, starting his career at the American Welding Society’s Welding Journal. Since then he has covered the full range of metal fabrication processes, from stamping, bending, and cutting to grinding and polishing.
He joined The Fabricator’s staff in October 2007. Since then his technical articles, case studies, and company profiles have won national and regional awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
He is a 1996 graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Vice President – Corporate Purchasing, Alro Steel Corporation
Dave Harrold is Vice President – Corporate Purchasing of Alro Steel Corporation, an industrial materials distributor with over 80 locations in 16 states headquartered in Jackson, Michigan. The Company was founded June 1, 1948, by Alvin Glick and Robert Glick. Alro operates much like a grocery store for metals and plastics, offering a tremendous variety of products with next day delivery to 25,000 customers throughout the eastern half of the United States. Alro distributes a full line of steel products, as well as aluminum, stainless steel, and plastics. Alro also provides extensive processing services to its customers.
Mr. Harrold started with Alro in April 1996 holding various sales, credit, operations, and Purchasing positions. In 2002, he was promoted to Director of Corporate Purchasing, and in 2012 to Vice President–Corporate Purchasing. A Michigan native, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Hope College in Holland, MI. Dave and his wife Monica have 3 boys and live in Jackson, Michigan.
Greg Frye is the CEO and President of the Anchor Fabrication Division, as well as serving concurrently as COO of Anchor Partners, overseeing operations at all Anchor companies. Greg is a tenured manufacturing industry expert with more than 30 years of experience. He has simultaneously managed a diverse aerospace manufacturing company with facilities worldwide (U.S., Mexico, England, India) with combined sales exceeding $300 million annually. He has overseen the successful turnaround of several underperforming business units. He approaches management with uncanny strategic foresight and a vision for optimizing internal operations with a relentless focus on process improvement. Before his involvement in manufacturing, Greg served six years in the United States Air Force.
Greg holds a BS in Management & Ethics from Manhattan Christian College and a MS in Christian Ministry and Leadership from Friends University in Wichita, KS. Greg and his wife Sheila have two adult sons. Greg enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
As the President of Miller Fabrication Solutions, a leading provider of metal fabrication services, I have been leading the company’s strategic growth and operational excellence for over five years. I have a strong background in information technology, databases, and manufacturing, which enables me to leverage data-driven insights and innovative solutions to optimize processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
I am passionate about delivering exceptional value to our customers, partners, and stakeholders, and I have successfully spearheaded new business development initiatives, expanded our market presence, and secured large contracts with key clients. I am also committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement among our talented and diverse team of over 400 employees. My goal is to position Miller Fabrication Solutions as a trusted and reliable partner for complex and challenging fabrication projects.
