How can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more.

As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He explains exactly how his products can impact a runner’s comfort, fatigue levels, and muscle health to get the most performance out of each and every run.

We also explore a little about Riley’s startup experience and the biggest business lessons he’s learned in his career.

In this episode, find out:

• The difference between Arris and Riley’s previous business ventures
• The biggest lessons Riley learned from his startups
• Why manufacturing is “messy”
• Why you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel
• The reasons Riley started Arris
• How composites improve running performance in shoes
• Riley’s top marathon runs and favorite trails
• The reaction and feedback to Arris’ composites plates
• The top benefits of Arris composites in shoes
• How composites materials can be used in other industries
• What’s next for Arris

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “Be really mindful when you're taking on something new that someone else has not already done it in another industry.”
• “Everyone says this but running really does clear your head. It gives you headspace.”
• “We have this passion for the superiority of composite materials. We all had experience with them in different industries, but it's always limited to the really high-end stuff. The products around us day to day aren’t taking advantage of it.”

Links & mentions:

• Arris, Berkeley-based composites manufacturer that produces smarter, lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products at scale for consumer products, aerospace, automotive, and many more industries
• The Rare Barrel, a rustic alehouse in Berkeley that specializes in sour beers

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.