If there’s anything we’ve learned from our community, it’s that manufacturing can be an isolating business. Between supply chain headaches, shifting market demands, and the constant pressure to innovate, it’s easy to get stuck in the ‘way we’ve always done it’ mindset.

But what if we stopped trying to solve these challenges in a silo? At this year’s COMP2026 expo, we’re carving out some time to get real about what it actually takes to grow in today’s environment.

We’ve invited three experts who have deep experience in the trenches and navigating the same hurdles you face every day. On October 14th, join our featured lunch panel:

Lessons from the Climb: What I Learned Building & Scaling A Manufacturing Business

Kevin Pallaoro, and Josh Thurmond sit down for a candid conversation moderated by Drew Yancey as they discuss the lessons they’ve learned building and scaling manufacturing businesses—from navigating growth and overcoming barriers to the strategies that have delivered real results. Hear what worked, what didn’t, and the insights they wish they had known along the way.

Meet Our Panelists

We are honored to host a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders who are currently driving change from the front lines:

• Drew Yancey,Phd, Founder of Teleios Strategy: With more than 15 years of experience in strategy consulting and executive leadership, Drew brings firsthand experience helping scale his family’s business, Yancey’s Food Service—a nationally ranked distributor deeply embedded in the food and beverage manufacturing supply chain before its acquisition by Food Services of America in 2012. Today, he helps manufacturers replace outdated practices that may be stalling growth with innovative, scalable strategies for building high-performing teams and businesses.
  
  
  
• Kevin Pallaoro, CEO of Teton Waters Ranch: Kevin is a results-driven leader who excels at bridging the gap between finance, strategy, and execution. Having guided his company through significant growth during unprecedented supply chain challenges, Kevin offers invaluable insights into operational resilience and scaling in a volatile market.
  
  
  
• Josh Thurmond, Founder and Chief Eruption Officer at LavaBox: Josh Thurmond brings a refreshing, non-traditional perspective to the manufacturing floor. As the inventor of the LavaBox, Josh is breaking the stereotypical norms of industrial manufacturing by creating a high-demand B2C product, portable campfire stoves, that perfectly captures the outdoor-loving “fabric of Colorado.” As featured on Shark Tank, Josh’s career has seen him in every role from janitor to CEO. Whether he’s in a commercial kitchen or out on the water, Josh brings a passion for community and creativity to everything he builds.
  
  
  

This session invites attendees to take a closer look into the “true fabric” of Colorado business. Guided by experts in the field and across manufacturing industries, we will explore how these leaders have challenged the status quo, pivoted during times of crisis, and maintained a commitment to growth in an ever-changing landscape.

Join us for a candid conversation about the lessons learned while building and scaling manufacturing businesses—including the challenges, pivotal decisions, and strategies that shaped each leader’s climb. Expect a session that’s as engaging as it is insightful, and come with your questions!