Primary manufacturing segments Aerospace/DefenseAutomotive/MobilityEnergy/UtilitiesIndustrial equipment/MachineryMedical devices/Life sciencesMetalworking/FabricationPlastics/PolymersElectronics/SemiconductorsFood/Beverage manufacturingOther

What type of manufacturing best describes your operation? Job ShopContract ManufacturerOEM/Branded ManufacturerTiered Supplier (Tier 1/Tier 2/Tier 3)High-Mix/Low-volumeLowMix/High-volumeMake-to-OrderMake-to-StockOther

What is your primary reason for applying? I want a trusted CEO peer networkI’m facing a major business decision and want to pressure-test optionsI’m just interested – this seems like a good opportunityI want practical best practices from other manufacturersI want accountability to execute on prioritiesI want access to credible experts and resourcesI’m new in the CEO role (or taking over soon)I’m planning for growth / new marketsI’m navigating a transition (succession, acquisition, leadership change)

In one sentence: what would make SME Executive Edge a 'win' for you in the first 60 days?

Which challenges are most pressing right now? (pick up to five) Hiring/retentionFrontline supervisor effectivenessSkills gaps/trainingCulture/engagementProduction efficiency/throughputQuality issues/scrap/reworkOn-time delivery/schedule volatilityMargin pressure/pricingCustomer concentration riskSupply chain disruptionsTechnology adoption (ERP/MES/automation/data/AI)Cybersecurity/risk managementCapital planning/equipment strategyLeadership team alignment/delegationSuccession planningMitigating external factors (tariffs, regulations, rising costs, etc)Improving sales

What are your top 2–3 priorities for the next 6–12 months? Grow sales/new customersStabilize workforce/reduce turnoverUpgrade leadership/supervisorsImprove on-time deliveryImprove quality systemsAdopt new technology/automationLaunch new product/enter new marketPrepare for acquisition/integrationStrengthen cash flow/working capitalOther

How do you prefer to learn and engage? I like structured discussion with a facilitatorI like open discussion and peer Q&AI like quick expert insights followed by practical examplesI like tools/templates I can implement immediatelyI like 1:1 connections between sessionsOther

What role do you want SME Executive Edge to play for you? A confidential sounding board for big decisionsA source of best practices and playbooksA leadership and accountability mechanismA way to expand my network and partnershipsA way to stay ahead on workforce/technology trendsOther

Are there any companies you would NOT want to be grouped with (e.g., direct competitors)?

Preferred meeting time (for a 2-hour virtual session) Morning (8–10am ET)Midday (11am–1pm ET)Afternoon (2–4pm ET)Evening (after 5pm ET)

What days(s) of the week are best for you? Is there a specific weekday that you definitely CANNOT meet?

How did you hear about SME Executive Edge? SME/Tooling U-SME email or newsletterSME event (e.g., RAPID, IMTS, FABTECH, Fusion)MEP Center or partner referralPeer CEO referralLinkedIn/social mediaWeb searchOther

What’s something you can share with the cohort that others would find valuable? (e.g., a playbook, approach, lesson learned)

How comfortable are you sharing challenges with peers in a confidential setting?

By submitting this application, you acknowledge:

You are applying as a manufacturing CEO (or equivalent top executive).
You will respect confidentiality norms and the CEO-only nature of the cohort.
Application information will be used to evaluate fit and curate cohorts, and will be handled confidentially.
If accepted, you will be invoiced by SME for the 10-month program cost of $2,500. If not satisfied in the first 90 days, you can request a full refund.