In this episode of Manufacturing Runs The World, host Justin Schnor sits down with Chris Boyd, Sales Director at Charter Machine Company — a New Jersey-based manufacturer that builds massive belt filter presses used in wastewater treatment plants all across the U.S.
Yep, they squeeze the poop. But they also fabricate parts used in NASA’s space shuttle transport system. 🧠💩🚀
Chris breaks down the wild world of sludge pressing, why skilled trades offer more than college ever could, and what it takes to build a manufacturing business from the ground up.
💡And while most of it didn’t make the final cut, huge shoutout to Cardinal Hollow Winery — Chris’s side hustle producing award-winning wines (including jalapeño wine!). Thanks for the bottles, Chris — you're a legend.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
- How municipal sludge becomes potting soil sold at Home Depot
- Why wastewater jobs can pay $150K and come with a pension
- How Charter Machine stepped in after Hurricane Ivan and never looked back
- What it takes to manufacture for NASA-level projects
- The case for trade careers over college debt
- How to start a manufacturing business with $50K (and not go broke)
🍷 Support Chris’s winery: https://www.cardinalhollowwinery.com
🛠️ Subscribe for more real stories from manufacturers changing the world: https://youtube.com/@ManufacturingRunsTheWorld
🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
