Craig Francisco
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Telios Co-founder | Vistage Speaker | Keynote | Executive AI Strategy & Execution | Read My About ↓
Ohio, United States
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Co-founder, Managing PartnerTelios Technology PartnersAug 2026 - Current (2 months)We build working AI inside owner-led, mid-market operating companies. Full ownership transfers on a date agreed at signing, at the client's option — code, AI engine, prompts, documentation, environment, and training.
I lead strategy, client relationships, and speaking. Aaron Oliver leads technical delivery.
Engagements start with one workflow that matters — no long discovery, no enterprise commitment before you've seen something work. If it works, we keep going.
The firm is self-funded, takes few clients, and is built on the assumption that clients one day, take their systems in-house.
Most firms are designed to stay. We're designed to leave.- Vistage SpeakerVistage Worldwide IncJan 2019 - Current (7 years 9 months)If everyone has access to the same AI, what will actually make one company better than another?
The biggest AI mistake CEOs are making right now isn't moving too slowly. It's moving without alignment. Across organizations, AI adoption is accelerating, but not in a coordinated way. Employees are experimenting, vendors are pitching, and tools are piling up. The pressure to "do something with AI" is real. The result is fragmentation, misaligned investments, and activity that looks productive but isn't creating real business value.
Here's the deeper problem. Information is what you know. Knowledge is what you do with it. The frontier models have infinite information and none of your judgment, so most companies are running - FounderFrancisco Consulting LLCJan 2004 - Current (22 years 9 months)Reclaim Your Judgment
Leaders are racing to adopt AI to get ahead. Here's the paradox: the faster you hand your thinking to the algorithm, the more you lose the one thing that made you valuable. Your judgment.
Five years from now there will be two kinds of leaders. The ones who used AI to amplify their judgment, and the ones who surrendered it and woke up running a company nobody can tell apart, leading a team that stopped bringing them the hard calls. Not behind. Gone.
I know that firsthand. In 2021 I reclaimed myself after years of letting something outside me govern my decisions. I lived the exact surrender I now warn leaders about. Same cost, different domain.
So this is the work. Most com - Chief Executive OfficerAIOct 2025 - Aug 2026 (11 months)
- Executive AdvisorGardner Standard LLCSep 2025 - Jan 2026 (5 months)Serving as a trusted advisor to Gardner Standard and its portfolio companies. Focused on CEO mentorship, leadership team development, and operational strategy across the firm’s industrial holdings. Supporting value creation initiatives, internal playbook development, and select deal sourcing aligned with the firm’s mission to revitalize lower middle-market businesses.
- Chief Operating OfficerGardner Standard LLCFeb 2025 - Sep 2025 (8 months)As Chief Operating Officer at Gardner Standard, I provide operational leadership to ensure both the firm and our portfolio companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. My responsibilities include:
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Driving initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across all operations.
𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Leading the seamless incorporation of new acquisitions into our portfolio.
𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Establishing and promoting best practices to optimize performance across the organization.
𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Playing a key - Chief Operating OfficerCalibre ScientificApr 2024 - Feb 2025 (11 months)As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), I oversaw the daily operations of the company to ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources. My role encompassed strategic planning and operational execution to drive sustainable growth and improve our operational excellence. Key responsibilities included:
♦ Strategic Leadership: Collaborating with the CEO and executive team to set and implement organizational vision, operational strategy, and financial goals.
♦ Operational Management: Leading and managing the company's day-to-day operations, including supply chain, production, sales, and customer service to ensure seamless operational processes.
♦ Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Lead - President, AmericasCalibre ScientificMar 2023 - Apr 2024 (1 year 2 months)As the President of the Americas, I was responsible for managing daily operational, developmental, and customer relations throughout the Calibre family of businesses. I led every project with a moral compass while translating corporate visions into actionable goals that secure viable, growth-driven futures.
- President & COOACIETASep 2017 - Apr 2023 (5 years 8 months)At RōBEX, I had the opportunity to lead an amazing team of highly motivated individuals that value team above self. We brought manufacturing and distribution leaders solutions that improved safety, increased productivity, and improved overall quality. (Sold to Private Equity in 2022)
I also held the VP of Automation and Director of Strategy roles while at Robex. - Senior Vice PresidentVT IndustriesJun 2015 - Sep 2017 (2 years 4 months)I was the SVP over sales and operations for VT Dimensions and VT GeoScapes. VTI a privately held building products manufacturing company with ten facilities throughout the US and Canada, employing over 1500 employees.
- Director, US SalesFormica CorporationMar 2012 - Apr 2013 (1 year 2 months)Executive leader of US Commercial and Specification Sales for global decorative surfaces manufacturer and distributor. Also held Director of Business Development role for North America.
- Chief Operating OfficerThe LE Smith CompanyAug 2008 - Jun 2015 (6 years 11 months)I was the COO for decorative surfaces manufacturer responsible for manufacturing excellence, distribution, quality, sales, customer service, and business development.
(Left LES for Formica during the 2012-2013 calendar year.) - Homecomings Financial - Area Sales ManagerGMACResidential Capital CorporationJan 2005 - Jan 2008 (3 years 1 month)• Achieved spectacular growth rate of 149% in 2005/ 2006. Dollar volume increased from $850 million to $1.2 billion. (IN, MI, and OH)
• Developed comprehensive business plans, defining market potential under different scenarios, describing precisely how corporate sales goals would be attained.
• Performed extensive analysis and evaluation of loan programs.
• Identified new market niches and opportunities throughout the region; made specific recommendations on how to pursue these opportunities.
• Managed and directed sales force to reach beyond preconceived limits to deliver excellence.
• Created and rolled out nationwide training program for Account Executives.
• Managed implementation of “Blitz Doc” (paperle
Education
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- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green State UniversityJan 1991 - Jan 1994 (3 years 1 month)Communications
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- TSupply Chain and the Future of Automation with Ben Perlson, DHL Innovation ManagerThe Automation Solution Podcast OctBen Perlson and Craig Francisco talk about the current state of the supply chain and the future role of automation.
Current supply chain challenges in the U.S. Why are we experiencing these delays?
Automation and the future of supply chain.
Get to know the DHL Innovation Center!
See below for several links that are referenced in the interview...….
About DHL Innovation Centers:
In our Innovation Centers, we spearhead the future of logistics and drive customer-centric innovation across the world. We welcome customers, partners, and other innovative thinkers to engage with DHL experts and benefit from a range of tailored activities and services. To truly go beyond potential. DHL Innovation Center Video - TLeverage LinkedIn Video to Drive Brand AwarenessThe Automation Solution Podcast JulWondering how to leverage video to drive brand awareness on LinkedIn? 💡 👇
🎙️ This episode features Shay ☀️ Rowbottom, LinkedIn influencer and digital marketing entrepreneur, specializing in creating social media video content to attract attention and bring more eyeballs to your business.
“I believe there’s still few people in the world who truly understand social media video marketing and the logic behind it.” -Shay Rowbottom.
Through her unique background working in video licensing, Shay cultivated a specific, but rare, expertise on how and why something is destined to go viral.
Listen to this podcast today as Craig and Shay discuss video marketing and how it can help your business attra - TGrow your Business with LinkedIn Pages - Michaela AlexisThe Automation Solution Podcast JunYour business could be leaving thousands or maybe millions on the table by not using LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is the biggest business opportunity available today, with over 700 million active users and 2 new members joining every second!
In this episode, Michaela Alexis gives you real life examples on how to dominate the conversation about your industry…. Listen now!
About Michaela:
Hailing from Ottawa, Michaela Alexis is currently one of North America’s most in-demand speakers on topics related to personal branding and LinkedIn. Her journey started in 2016 when an article she wrote about landing her dream job went viral on LinkedIn.
Since then, she has replicated that success, with dozens of articles receivin - CBusiness Leaders: Think twice before you invest in Sales TrainingCraig Francisco JulLearn how to audit your sales and marketing foundation before investing in Sales Training.
- TPandemic Prompts New Urgency for Robotic AutomationThe Automation Solution Podcast MayIn this episode we are truly blessed to have a living legend as our special guest. Jim Cooper has joined us to talk about robotic automation in the face of our current pandemic. If you are new to automation or an experienced veteran, this episode is for you!
James Cooper is Executive Director Global Accounts for FANUC America Corporation responsible for developing global relationships with consumer packaged goods, and general industry customers.
Mr. Cooper originally joined FANUC Robotics in 1985 and has spent a total of 26 years in the robotics industry, and has over 38 years’ experience in the automation, robotics & packaging industry, serving the U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rico markets.
Mr. Cooper graduated - TLeading Successful Change with Rick HoucekThe Automation Solution Podcast DecHave you ever struggled to implement new ideas, solutions, or major strategic shifts within your business? Of course you have! As leaders, we all have struggled at times to effectively implement change.
Change is hard and typically not welcome by your employees. Rick Houcek, the CEO of Soar With Eagles, Enterprises, will guide you through through the murky waters of being a successful change leader. This episode is a MUST for anyone looking to continually improve their organization.
About Rick:
Rick is an author of 22 books, he's coached 1000s of CEO's and led leadership events for 1000s of companies. He's conducted over 750 key note speeches and has received global accolades from Vistage Internati - TThe Manufacturing Millennial Talks AutomationThe Automation Solution Podcast MarHost & RōBEX President Craig Francisco is joined by the founder of The Manufacturing Millennial, Jake Hall. Jake has amassed an incredible social media following through his content, with a simple goal in mind: Expanding the presence of younger generations in the manufacturing space through automation.
This is an impactful, insightful conversation on how crucial automation is to the present and future of industry. Jake's passion for the topic comes through as he tackled the questions laid before him. A great conversation for anyone involved in automation, technology, manufacturing, or has an interest in the innovation trends effecting these fields.
ABOUT JAKE:
Jake Hall is the Manufacturing Mille - CHow Word Pairing Sparked the AI RevolutionCraig Francisco OctIn this first episode of At the Intersection, host Craig Francisco sits down with Mike Rojas, a seasoned AI strategist and technology leader who has spent decades helping organizations understand and apply emerging technologies. Mike has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption, guiding executives and teams through the shift from traditional analytics to the new Human + AI era.
Together, Craig and Mike unpack the fascinating journey of artificial intelligence — from Alan Turing’s early breakthroughs to the transformational leap in 2022 with large language models and generative AI.
They explore:
The 80-year history of AI and why October 2022 marked a turning point
How generative AI tools - TMachine as a service (MaaS) - Accelerating and Transforming Manufacturingchine as a service (MaaS) - Accelerating and TrThe Automation Solution Podcast AprCraig Francisco and Micheal Cromheecke discuss machine as a service (MaaS) and how it can strengthen and simplify relationships between OEMs and end-users. Win Win.
Michael Cromheecke has 17 years’ experience at Rockwell Automation. His background includes the acquisition and growth of early-stage robotics technology companies as well as the creation and development of multi-million dollar, cloud-based software platforms. Mike has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
About SteamChain:
Our platform enables the monetization of machine productivity and performance by leveraging real-time equipment data as the foundation for secure agreements and transactions. There’s no compli - TMachine as a Service Model to Revolutionize ManufacturingThe Automation Solution Podcast JulAre you a leader in manufacturing looking to learn more about the Machine as a Service Model?
Craig Francisco and special guest Michael Senske discuss all things MaaS.
About Michael Senske:
Michael A. Senske, President & CEO
Mr. Senske joined Pearson Packaging Systems 1997. During his tenure at Pearson Packaging Systems, he has held a wide variety of positions including Product Manager, Director of Business Development, and Vice President Sales & Marketing.
Mr. Senske assumed the role of President & CEO in 2005. Prior to working at Pearson Packaging Systems, he worked in the Product Support Services division of the Consumer Division Unit at Microsoft Corporation. Mr. Senske graduate - THow to Get Started With Automation - Wes Garrett, FANUCThe Automation Solution Podcast SepIn this episode, Craig Francisco talks with Wes Garrett about uncovering new opportunities to automate production processes in the packaging and warehouse world. If you're new to automation or looking to continue the journey, this episode is for you!
Wes Garrett is an Account Manager in the Authorized System Integrator (ASI) Group responsible for the integrator’s in FANUC’s network whose focus are Packaging and Warehousing applications. Wes has 17 years of experience in the robotics industry and has been with FANUC for 15 years. His career includes turnkey systems engineering, product management, and network sales. As a product manager Wes championed the FANUC’s palletizer robots and software along with supporting highspeed picking - TEverything you need to know about Collaborative Robots with Greg Buell from Fanuc CorporationThe Automation Solution Podcast JanInterested in learning more about collaborative robots? This episode covers all things collaborative and will serve as a guide for you to make the right decision as you venture into the collaborative space. Enjoy the episode and get ready to take notes!
About Greg
Greg Buell is a senior engineer in the General Industry & Automotive Segment at FANUC America Corporation, and the product manager for collaborative robots and operation. He came to FANUC with a BSEE degree from Tri-State(Trine) University and has made a career of working with robots and automation for over 24 years.
His career includes countless hours working hand in hand with customers on engineering, implementation, and successful startup of nume - CThe Fastest Way to Win with AI is Slower: Fix Culture FirstCraig Francisco OctThe race to adopt AI is on—but the real advantage isn’t in the tools, it’s in the trust. In this solo episode, Craig Francisco, host of At the Intersection, shares insights from a recent conversation with the leadership team of a Fortune 500 client—where the takeaway was clear: culture decides who wins with AI.
When people can challenge ideas without ego, when curiosity beats fear, and when cross-functional partners collaborate by default, new technology plugs into a living system that’s ready to learn fast.
Craig breaks down what readiness looks like in practice: clear communication, psychological safety, and teams that show up hungry to improve and help one another. You’ll hear why low-trust environments turn AI init - TEngaging Clients in an upside down world with Kim KaupeThe Automation Solution Podcast MayThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed with way we interact with customers. Trade shows, conferences, networking events, one on one in person bonding are all on hold. How do you plan to meet new prospects, nurture your top customers?
We must take action. Take risks. Get off the bleachers and jump into the game. The new normal will look different. Kim does an amazing job sharing her expertise and ideas in this exclusive interview with Craig Francisco.
About Kim:
Kim Kaupe is the co-founder and CEO of The Superfan Company, a fan engagement agency focused on creating one-of-a-kind products, programs and strategies for entertainers, brands, and celebrities. Since starting the company, previously called ZinePak, in - TThe Future of Material Handling - Autonomous Mobile Robots Lead the WayThe Automation Solution Podcast MarVan Garrett and Craig Francisco talk about all things AutoGuide! Listen to this episode if you have an interest in learning more about the AMR technology and where you can expect to see the growth over the coming years.
About Van:
Master communicator with a passion for developing creative sales and marketing strategy.
For nearly 30 years Van has honed and proven his abilities as an innovative visionary, creator, and driver of market share in the areas of engineering and robotics.
Having successfully started and exited two companies, he is ready to share his vast experience to help your businesses navigate AMR opportunities and pitfalls.