Colorado manufacturers are under increasing pressure to grow profitably, improve operations, and build long-term enterprise value in a rapidly changing economy. COMP2026 is excited to welcome Michael Watkins, Principal of EBITDA Growth Systems, LLC, as one of this year’s featured speakers!

Double Your Value in 3 Years: The Manufacturers Playbook for Scale

In his session, Michael will share practical strategies manufacturers can use to scale intelligently and increase company value through operational discipline, leadership alignment, and strategic growth initiatives.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• Why there is no “silver bullet” to scaling a manufacturing company.
• The critical business functions that directly impact enterprise value.
• How manufacturers can strengthen operations, finance, sales, and leadership to create sustainable growth.
• The role coaching and accountability play in accelerating business performance and scalability.
  
  

In a competitive manufacturing landscape, Michael’s session will provide actionable guidance for owners and leaders seeking to build stronger, more valuable organizations.

About Michael

Michael Watkins is a Principal at EBITDA Growth Systems and the author of the book, Scaling to Exit. His mission is to help organizations transform into growing, profitable companies with lasting value.

Michael brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning publicly traded corporations, private companies, and technology start-ups. Through those experiences, he developed a passion for helping small- to medium-sized manufacturers overcome the operational and leadership challenges they face every day.

He believes businesses achieve the greatest impact when experienced coaches work alongside leadership teams in the trenches — helping execute strategy, improve accountability, and strengthen core business functions.

Michael’s educational background includes a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law, an MBA in Finance from Hood College, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester.

Connect with Michael Watkins and EBITDA Growth Systems at COMP2026, where he’ll share proven strategies to help manufacturers scale smarter, improve profitability, and significantly increase business value over time.

Learn more about COMP2026 here or connect with us on LinkedIn. We look forward to seeing you at COMP2026: Colorado Manufacturers Rising!