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 knack for making meaningful connections revealed itself early. While still in college, he got an unexpected opportunity thanks to his father, then Executive Vice President of Penton Media’s Design and Manufacturing Group. Mike and a few of his friends were recruited to serve as waiters at an industry party his father was hosting.
At that event, Mike struck up a conversation with the CEO of a Cleveland-based machine tool builder. He left the party with some extra pocket money — and an unexpected job lead.
“That CEO offered me an internship,” Mike recalls. “He told me to come sweep the floors and learn the business while I was still in school.” That 18-month internship eventually turned into a full-time position. “Manufacturing got into my blood quickly.”
Working the Connections
Mike went on to become the Regional Sales Manager for the Northeast Region. After years in machine sales, the transition to manufacturing publishing came naturally. He joined Penton Media’s sales teams for American Machinist and Welding Design and Fabrication, continuing his passion for connecting with people and solving problems within the industry he had grown to love.
Years later, Mike had the opportunity to partner with his father to launch a publication called Today’s Medical Developments, which was eventually acquired by GIE Media. He went on to help establish GIE Media’s Industrial Group, which he helped lead for 25 years. During that time, he built a customer-centric sales culture and successfully launched two additional publications: Aerospace Manufacturing and Design and Defense and 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.
