.png)
Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series
Welcome to the official podcast feed of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM)—where we share real stories, regional updates, and industry insights from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing landscape.
Our channel features multiple series, including:
🎙️ Made in Southwest Virginia – Spotlighting the companies, innovations, and people powering manufacturing across our region.
🎧 Why Manufacturing – Real conversations with manufacturers at every career stage, from new hires to seasoned experts, revealing what makes this industry so rewarding.
📰 Member News Update – Quick updates and announcements from SVAM members, highlighting local wins, initiatives, and opportunities.
Whether you're a student, educator, job seeker, manufacturer, or community partner, these episodes will keep you informed and inspired about the role of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia’s economy and future.
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and hear how we’re building the future—right here in SWVA.
#Manufacturing #SWVA #MadeInSWVA #WhyManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustryInnovation #CareerPathways #SVAMPodcast
Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing | Official Podcast Series
From Uniform to Program Manager: Ryan Miller’s Path into Manufacturing
Today on Why Manufacturing, we’re talking with Ryan Miller from General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, Virginia. Ryan is a Program Manager supporting advanced communications systems for the U.S. military. He’s relatively new to manufacturing but brings a strong background in leadership, logistics, and software systems from his time in the Navy and defense tech sector.
In this episode, we’ll talk about what it’s like to step into manufacturing from a different industry, how his military mindset shaped his early success, and what’s surprised him most about working in a fast-moving, high-stakes production environment. Whether you’re curious about program management, defense manufacturing, or what career growth looks like in your first five years—Ryan’s story has something for you.
SWVA Manufacturing Careers (open jobs / updated weekly): swvam.org/mfgcareers
General Dynamics Mission Systems: gdmissionsystems.com