AJ Strandquist leads the Würth Additive Group (WAG) with a unique perspective forged on the shop floors and in the strategy rooms of the manufacturing world. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of additive manufacturing (AM) to solve real-world inventory challenges, AJ has been pivotal in evolving Würth’s approach to industrial services through innovation and customer-centric solutions since 2017.
Under his guidance, a dedicated team has transformed into an international network, championing supply chain resilience, faster product development, and seamless transitions from prototypes to production parts. In 2024, AJ’s vision took shape with the launch of Digital Inventory Services (DIS), aiming to redefine spare parts management with practical, efficient solutions.
AJ’s journey from the factory floor to CEO of WAG—a testament to his hands-on approach and commitment to practical problem-solving—exemplifies his belief in staying connected to the core of the business.
Phil is a member of the Office of the CEO. He was part of the founding team at Carbon in 2013, and most recently the Chief Product and Business Development officer responsible for Carbon’s product strategy and strategic partnerships. Most recently, Phil led the go-to-market strategy and managed Carbon’s most strategic partnerships and customer relationships. Prior to Carbon, Phil co-founded and was the VP of Business Development at Buystand, an ecommerce company. Phil received his BA in business and econometrics from Ursinus College.
Joseph Calmese is the President & Chief Executive Officer at ADDMAN, where he leverages over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, business expansion, and innovation. Since 2021, he has guided the company’s three specialized manufacturing groups, focusing on pioneering advances in American manufacturing.
Joseph is deeply committed to enhancing customer satisfaction, drawing on his experience in advanced manufacturing, operational improvement, and manufacturing automation to deliver exceptional value to ADDMAN’s customer partners. Based at ADDMAN’s location in St. Louis, MO, Calmese holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Illinois College and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Draper is currently the Technical Director for Metallurgy and Manufacturing for the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience; on detail from the US Navy.
In his current assignment Dr. Draper overseas an investment portfolio in casting, forging, and industrial metals production covering initiatives in infrastructure, workforce, automation, and alloy and process development that supports the Department of Defense (DoD) implementing Executive Action 14017. Matt is also working with the ICAM team on indigenous manufacturing and repair capability in the INDOPACOM Theater, and on DoD wide Advanced Manufacturing.
He currently sits on the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP) – Metals Subcommittee, The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) – Materials and Processing Technology Group Technical Panel as the United States National Lead, and the Steel Founders Society of America (SFSA) High Alloy Research Committee.
At his home command, Dr. Draper is the Principal for Alloy Development and Processing Technology at the Naval Surface Warfare Center – Carderock Division. Prior to joining the government Matt was the head of Materials Development at General Dynamics Electric Boat working on design of the COLUMBIA and VIRGINIA Payload Module and preceding that a process metallurgist at Scot Forge. Dr. Draper has a BS from Northwestern University (Olson Group) and a PhD from the University of Maryland (Ankem Group); both in Materials Engineering.
Lars Brubaker is the CEO of MatterHackers, a leading company in the 3D printing industry. With a passion for innovation and technology, Lars has been at the forefront of several successful ventures. Before founding MatterHackers, he co-founded Reflexive Entertainment, a video game company known for its creativity and high-quality games. Under his leadership, Reflexive Entertainment developed and published numerous popular titles, earning a strong reputation in the gaming community. In 2008, Reflexive Entertainment was acquired by Amazon, where Lars continued to contribute to the gaming and digital content landscape. At MatterHackers, Lars leverages his extensive experience in technology and business to drive the company’s mission of making 3D printing accessible and user-friendly for everyone. His visionary leadership continues to inspire innovation and growth in the 3D printing industry.
Marc Fette is a distinguished professional holding key roles in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. As the CEO of Composite Technology Center CTC GmbH, an AIRBUS Company, he oversees innovative developments in composite technology. Marc also serves as the Chairman of the VDI Advisory Board for Aerospace Technology, contributing to the advancement of the aerospace industry. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairman of the Board at CU NORD (Composites United e.V.) and plays a pivotal role as the Group Leader for Additive Manufacturing & Lightweight Construction at the Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg.
Martin Back is a prominent leader with 30 years at the center of various industrial sectors including 3D Printing, Automotive, Building Automation, and MedTech.
Holding key positions such as CEO, Managing Director, and CFO, Martin has steered large international corporations and agile startups through significant transformational phases, focusing on restructuring, strategic scaling, and profitability increases.
He skilfully integrates lean and agile methodologies to maximize organizational efficiency and empower teams. Known for his visionary approach, Martin has a substantial track record of founding, growing, and enhancing businesses, making him a recognized figure in driving industry innovation and impact.
Dayton leads market research, consulting, and data product development in new technologies at AMT. With an initial focus on additive manufacturing, Dayton is expanding AMT’s membership, thought leadership, and offerings in high growth manufacturing technologies. Dayton’s subject matter expertise extends to strategic investments and M&A in the advanced manufacturing and materials industries thanks to his experience as an investment banking Principal at NewCap Partners. Previously, Dayton founded and grew his independent consultancy, The Additive Executive, which provided strategic advice, market analysis, and technology scouting for corporate groups and startup clients. Prior to The Additive Executive, he led the Materials Design and Manufacturing coverage area at Lux Research, a strategic advisory and market research firm. Dayton graduated with a M.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut as a University Scholar and Honors Scholar.
Stefanus is responsible for the additive manufacturing research and development team, as well as planning and digitalization, at BMW Group’s Additive Manufacturing Campus. His team scouts and industrializes new AM technologies and develops the software tools needed to manage BMW’s AM production network. Previously, he was responsible for the design for AM team, pushing world’s first AM use-cases for all BMW brands across a wide range of applications.
Before joining BMW, Stefanus worked on metal additive manufacturing and generative design at Airbus APWorks, where he played a pioneering role in the development of the Light Rider, the first-ever 3D-printed electric motorcycle.
Stefanus holds a Master’s degree from the Technical University of Munich. He completed his studies in engineering science at the Munich School of Engineering and at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore.
Dr. Vlasea is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department and the Co-Director of the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. Her research focuses on innovative design, process optimization and adoption of new materials for powder bed fusion and powder bed binder jetting additive manufacturing processes. In recognition of her scholarly work, student mentorship, and industry outreach, she was recognised as the SME 20 Most Influential Academics in 2021 and as the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer in 2020. She is serving as the Women in Engineering Faculty Representative and is an active member of the SME Advisory Community
