The Ghostwriter of American Industry

What if the problem with manufacturing isn’t the work—but the silence?

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Stephanie Pryor—entrepreneur, writer, and founder of LANC Marketing—to explore why the most prolific industry in the U.S. is still struggling to be seen. From her upbringing in the Lehigh Valley, shaped by the legacy of Bethlehem Steel, to helping manufacturers land features in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times, Stephanie has made a career out of telling the stories that rarely get told.

They unpack why manufacturing is viewed as “dead,” how culture and visibility go hand-in-hand, and why the next generation of workers won’t show up unless the industry does. This isn’t just about marketing—it’s about leadership, identity, and what it means to build something worth believing in.

If you're in manufacturing, this conversation will challenge how you see your company—and how the world sees you.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Visibility is not vanity—it’s survival. Manufacturers who stay invisible risk falling behind in hiring, sales, and culture-building.
• Marketing is still misunderstood. Too often seen as a cost center, strategic communication is actually a growth engine when aligned with purpose.
• Culture is more than perks. It’s psychological safety, shared values, and the ability to show up authentically at work.
• Bethlehem Steel is more than a memory. Stephanie’s upbringing in its shadow shaped her mission to change how we talk about manufacturing.
• The workforce gap is a visibility gap. If Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t see your company, they won’t consider working there.
• Telling your story is a leadership act. The companies winning today are the ones willing to be vulnerable, human, and bold.
• You don’t have to be loud—just consistent. Building a brand doesn’t mean being flashy. It means showing up, over and over again.