Think networking doesn’t work? Allow us to introduce a virtual virtuoso—Mike DiFranco, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology’s new Vice President of Sales. For a lot of people, networking can be . . . work. But for Mike, building connections come naturally— and it’s a strength he’s brought tp every step of his career.
Working the Room
Mike’s penchant for making connections became clear early on. He was still in college when his father, then-publisher of American Machinist, offered him and his friends a simple gig. The young men were to serve as waiters at an industry party the elder DiFranco was hosting.
At the party, Mike met the CEO of a machine tool builder based in Cleveland, Ohio. He left that party with pocket money — and a job opportunity.
“That CEO eoffered me an internship. He told me to come sweep the floors and learn the business while I was still in school,” Mike recalls. “I did an 18-month internship that led to a full-time job. Manufacturing got into my blood quickly.”
Working the Connections
Mike went on to lead high-performing sales teams and drive strategic growth for several manufacturing technology companies. After years in machine sales, shifting to manufacturing publishing was easy for Mike — the focus was still on connecting with people and solving problems in an industry he had come to love. He also had the opportunity to partner with his father.
With his father, Mike founded a publication called Today’s Medical Developments, which was later transitioned to GIE Media. Mike served as Group Publisher for the Manufacturing Group at GIE Media for more than xx years. He developed a customer-centric sales culture and successfully launched two additional titles: Aerospace Manufacturing & Design and Defense & Munitions.
An IMTS Initiation
Mike DiFranco, AMT's Vice President of Sales, attended his first IMTS as an exhibitor in 1998-and he hasn't missed a show since.
That first IMTS was a remarkable one. "I have this vivid memory of calling my dad the night before the show and telling him I was going to get fired because the booth wasn't done, and the carpet wasn't down," recalls Mike. His father, with dozens of IMTS experiences behind him, assured his son that it would look like a completely different show in the morning.
Dad was right. "I woke up early and got to IMTS, and the transformation was absolutely amazing. Everything about the show was incredible, and I was hooked," DiFranco says.
Working for the Industry
With his move to AMT, Mike is eager to do even more for the industry. “AMT will give me a bigger voice and a wider platform to positively impact manufacturing and drive growth,” says Mike. “I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that we have to keep growing manufacturing if we want to grow our country as a whole. That is why I am so committed to attracting the next generation of talent, while fostering innovative technologies.”
As vice president of sales at AMT, Mike will be deeply engaged in the field, working closely with members and customers. “We’re confident that Mike’s extensive experience and strong track record of delivering results will be instrumental in supporting AMT members as they grow and evolve,” said Travis Egan, AMT’s Chief Revenue Officer. “With a keen understanding of our members’ goals and challenges, Mike is exceptionally well-equipped to expand their reach, strengthen connections, and succeed in a rapidly changing market.”
Mike’s immediate goals are to help members better understand and access AMT’s many benefits—ranging from market research services to support in global marketplaces. He will also focus on helping IMTS exhibitors get the most from their investment, whether it is the week of the show or a year out.
“I have so many great relationships in this industry, and I plan to add more,” Mike notes. “All of those relationships are built on trust. I consistently deliver what I say I will. For AMT members, I want to provide more opportunities to reach target audiences and realize business goals.”
If you need Mike, he will be hard at work—networking his way through the manufacturing industry. Connect with Mike at mdifranco@amtonline.org.
