In today’s fast-paced and complex manufacturing environment, many organizations struggle not because of poor strategy or inadequate tools — but because of an overlooked, misunderstood or misaligned culture. In this compelling session, we’ll explore why culture is not a soft concept but the essential nutrient that allows organizations to grow, perform and transform.
Drawing on real-world examples from companies like Watlow and Clemco, Tom LaMantia will examine the journey from toxic and default cultures to intentional, people-focused environments that unlock innovation, accountability and trust. You’ll learn how values, principles and behaviors (VPBs) define “how we do things around here,” shaping the boundaries that free people to act confidently and collaborate effectively.
This session will unpack practical methods for defining and deploying culture, starting with defining the culture you desire and developing shared language, deployment options and leadership alignment. LaMantia will also explore the role of leadership and how humility, persistence and service become cultural multipliers.
Whether your organization is starting a cultural journey or seeking to reignite a stalled transformation, this session offers a roadmap for aligning systems, people and purpose. Join LaMantia and learn how building a constructive culture is not just good business — it’s the foundation for excellence that endures.
About Tom LaMantia
When Tom LaMantia walked into the Clemco headquarters in 2018 as its new president and CEO, he saw more than a business with a proud 70-year history. He saw a company with the potential to set the cultural standard for its industry.
LaMantia brought with him decades of leadership in global manufacturing, aerospace and industrial markets, having steered companies like Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company and Honeywell International through bold transformations. But at Clemco, he was determined to do something that would outlast any single product, market or business cycle — he would define the culture that would carry Clemco forward for generations.
In his first years, LaMantia worked side-by-side with employees across every level of the organization to uncover what truly made Clemco special. The result was the creation of the Clemco values, principles and behaviors — a framework that would become the company’s compass. These weren’t just corporate buzzwords; they became the foundation for how Clemco approaches every challenge, every opportunity and every customer relationship.
The values — like courage, One Clemco, and always learning and improving — set the tone for how people treat each other and the work. The principles — such as "all of us are smarter than one of us" and "customer defines the value" — serve as touchstones for making smart, strategic decisions. And the behaviors — from "progress over perfection" to "learn by doing" — turn ideals into action.
By embedding this culture into everything from strategic planning to customer service, LaMantia not only strengthened Clemco internally but also positioned it as a partner of choice around the world.
In 2024, he transitioned to chairman of the board, shifting his focus from day-to-day operations to long-term vision and governance. His role now is to ensure that Clemco continues to innovate and grow without ever losing sight of the culture that sets it apart.
As Tom often says, “Markets will change. Technology will evolve. But our culture—that’s what will keep us strong for the next 75 years.” 
Theme: Gateway to empowering people and culture
