Intergalactic: Navigating Challenges in Aerospace Manufacturing
11/12/24 • 37 min
Brad Plothow, Chief Growth Officer at Intergalactic—a leading defense and space manufacturing company in Utah, is known for their bold rebranding from "Airborne ECS" to "Intergalactic," inspired by the iconic Beastie Boys song "Intergalactic," Intergalactics forward-thinking company is not only reshaping the landscape of aerospace branding and engineering, they're an example of learning from the old in order to develop the new.
Brad shares insights into the complexities of aerospace manufacturing, including the development of advanced thermal management systems that are essential for high-stakes environments like supersonic flights, space travel, and space tourism. These custom-components represent a breakthrough into modern aerospace technology.
The episode tackles the biggest obstacles faced by aerospace startups, such as overcoming the inertia against innovation, navigating the dreaded “Valley of Death” phase, and securing consistent funding in a volatile industry. Brad highlights how Intergalactic’s creative marketing strategies, especially on LinkedIn, have driven meaningful business relationships and established a standout brand presence.
Podcast Highlights:
- How innovative branding can set aerospace companies apart and drive growth
- The uphill battle of turning groundbreaking ideas into scalable technologies
- Strategies for surviving funding uncertainties and long development timelines
- The resilience needed to thrive in aerospace, with examples like partnerships in electric air taxis and supersonic technologies
- The importance of storytelling and authentic engagement in B2B marketing
This podcast is packed with lessons on creativity, strategic branding, and perseverance that resonate far beyond the aerospace sector. Learn how Intergalactic’s approach to innovation, marketing, and business development has positioned them as a leader in Utah's growing aerospace industry.
Listen now to discover actionable insights and the inspiring journey of Intergalactic’s rise in the competitive world of aerospace.
Brad Plothow, Chief Growth Officer at Intergalactic—a leading defense and space manufacturing company in Utah, is known for their bold rebranding from "Airborne ECS" to "Intergalactic," inspired by the iconic Beastie Boys song "Intergalactic," Intergalactics forward-thinking company is not only reshaping the landscape of aerospace branding and engineering, they're an example of learning from the old in order to develop the new.
Brad shares insights into the complexities of aerospace manufacturing, including the development of advanced thermal management systems that are essential for high-stakes environments like supersonic flights, space travel, and space tourism. These custom-components represent a breakthrough into modern aerospace technology.
The episode tackles the biggest obstacles faced by aerospace startups, such as overcoming the inertia against innovation, navigating the dreaded “Valley of Death” phase, and securing consistent funding in a volatile industry. Brad highlights how Intergalactic’s creative marketing strategies, especially on LinkedIn, have driven meaningful business relationships and established a standout brand presence.
Podcast Highlights:
- How innovative branding can set aerospace companies apart and drive growth
- The uphill battle of turning groundbreaking ideas into scalable technologies
- Strategies for surviving funding uncertainties and long development timelines
- The resilience needed to thrive in aerospace, with examples like partnerships in electric air taxis and supersonic technologies
- The importance of storytelling and authentic engagement in B2B marketing
This podcast is packed with lessons on creativity, strategic branding, and perseverance that resonate far beyond the aerospace sector. Learn how Intergalactic’s approach to innovation, marketing, and business development has positioned them as a leader in Utah's growing aerospace industry.
Listen now to discover actionable insights and the inspiring journey of Intergalactic’s rise in the competitive world of aerospace.
Previous Episode
Ghost Boards: Create Raving Product Fans
When you have a mid-life crisis, you either buy a sports car or start a longboard company.
At least that's what Russ Warner did after 29 years in a white collar job.
Russ Warner is the self-proclaimed Chief Longboarding Officer of Ghost Boards, a company he started in 2017 after stumbling upon something his neighbor made. Ghost Boards makes customizable acrylic longboards, skateboards, and electric longboards. They can be cut into almost any shape and many don LED lights.
Russ was a born manufacturer and entrepreneur. At 8 he started his own chocolate-making business. Later in the life, he started a few different businesses. Some were successful and others faded, but the bulk of his career was spent in the mortgage industry.
It wasn't until he ordered a longboard and realized how bad the quality was that he really started to pursue working with his neighbor who had created this eye-catching longboard Russ wanted to own.
After 6 years, Russ finally convinced his business partner to start making longboards with him, and the rest is history.
Ghost Boards has ten of thousands of followers on TikTok and even more on Instagram. They also make custom branded boards for businesses, which iMpact Utah has taken full advantage of.
Listen to the full episode to learn:
- How Russ has organically grown his business
- How knowing enough about a lot of things has helped his business get off the ground
- What processes have helped Ghost Boards alleviate the challenges that come with manufacturing fully customized boards
- The perks of being willing to jump into the marketing world as a founder
- What gives Russ is youthful spirit and zest for life!
Head to iMpact Utah's YouTube Channel to see what Ghost Boards look like in the video recording of this episode.
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iMpact Utah is the business transformation partner for Utah manufacturers, helping small to large companies optimize performance, increase profits, and scale. iMpact is the only manufacturing consulting and training firm that guarantees results and is held accountable to making a measurable impact in Utah’s economy. Each year, iMpact Utah’s clients report hundreds of millions of dollars in new sales, retained sales, and cost savings as the result of working with the iMpact team. Manufacturers who work with iMpact receive support through boots-on-the-ground coaching, consulting, training, and residencies while also taking advantage of free tools, events, and content from subject matter experts.
Next Episode
Minky Couture: Growth Through Giving
Join us for an inspiring episode as we dive into the remarkable story of Minky Couture and its founder, Sandy, a former teacher turned entrepreneur who proved that dreams have no expiration date. Learn how a mother's love and creativity sparked the creation of cozy, luxurious blankets that grew into a thriving business, touching lives across the country.
From the heartwarming origins of Minky Couture, born from a simple desire to comfort Sandy’s daughter during an illness, to its evolution into a family-centered enterprise committed to community impact, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, generosity, and innovation.
Recorded on location at Minky Couture’s executive offices in Ogden, we explore:
- Sandy’s journey from a 30-year teaching career to entrepreneurial success.
- The family-driven culture behind Minky Couture and its commitment to empowering local seamstresses.
- The company’s "Heart of Minky" program, donating thousands of blankets to NICUs nationwide.
- How Sandy’s creativity continues to drive innovation while staying true to her roots.
Whether you’re seeking entrepreneurial inspiration, community-building insights, or a feel-good story about the power of giving, this episode will warm your heart.
Tune in to discover how Minky Couture weaves comfort, generosity, and success into every stitch!
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