Dark, Dirty And Dangerous: A Conversation with Karla Trotman

Movers & Makers

Can manufacturing really become 'sexy' again for the next generation, and what surprising strategies might actually work?

In this compelling episode, we explore manufacturing leadership and innovation through the lens of Karla Trotman, President and CEO of Electro Soft, the largest black and women-owned electronics contract manufacturing firm in the US. Drawing from her experience transitioning from corporate roles at companies like Gap and Ikea to leading her family's manufacturing business, Trotman discusses the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing, particularly in high-mix, low-volume electronics production for defense and industrial applications.

You’ll hear a deep dive into critical industry topics including domestic manufacturing capabilities, workforce development challenges, and the importance of diversity in manufacturing leadership. Trotman, author of "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing," shares valuable insights on transforming manufacturing's image, developing the next generation of manufacturing talent, and managing family business succession while maintaining authenticity in leadership.

Karla Trotman is the President and CEO of Electro Soft, Inc. (ESI), the largest black and women-owned electronics contract manufacturing firm in the United States. Following successful roles in supply chain and logistics at Gap, Ikea, and Honeywell, she took over her family's manufacturing business, transforming it through innovative marketing and operational strategies. A graduate of Penn State and Drexel University, Trotman is also the author of "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing," where she addresses the challenges and opportunities in modern manufacturing while advocating for industry transformation.
In This Episode:

• (00:00) Karla Trotman's journey from corporate America to leading Electro Soft, and her unique perspective on family business and breaking manufacturing stereotypes

• (14:00) Electro Soft’s ongoing competitiveness in domestic manufacturing through high-mix low-volume production while addressing critical supply chain challenges and reshoring opportunities

• (26:16) "Dark, Dirty and Dangerous" and how Trotman is working to transform manufacturing's image from an outdated stereotype to an innovative career path for future generations

• (34:50) Authentic leadership and diversity in manufacturing - Trotman discusses navigating traditionally homogeneous spaces while staying true to her identity

• (56:38) Practical advice for family business succession planning and preparing the next generation of leaders through early exposure, financial literacy, and creating meaningful connections within family business networks

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About the show:

The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry.

About the hosts:
Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace.

Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At Tesla, he spent 4 years negotiating $200M contracts, leading the development of self-driving hardware, and managing full life cycle commodity procurement—from raw materials to recycling. Greg is also an angel investor who continues to drive Diagon’s growth and success.

Resources:

Karla Trotman LinkedIn
Electro Soft, Inc.
Diagon.ai
Will Drewery LinkedIn
Greg Smyth LinkedIn