Dan LaTurno is President and CEO of Peoria Production Solutions, a Peoria, Illinois–based contract manufacturing company dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Under Dan’s leadership since 2019, the company has nearly doubled its annual sales from $18 million to over $34 million, expanded to two locations, and grown its workforce from 140 to more than 220 workers, with a remarkable turnover rate of just 2%. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and operations management, Dan is recognized for his commitment to inclusive hiring and for championing opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and people on the autism spectrum.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [02:44] How Dan LaTurno pivoted from computer science to business success
• [06:41] Peoria’s mission to champion inclusive hiring for all
• [08:57] Why employee retention rates soar to an impressive 98 percent
• [09:24] The inspiring 80-year legacy of empowering workers with disabilities
• [11:12] How innovative automation helped double business and job opportunities
• [13:20] Tips on how digital marketing fueled rapid post-COVID growth
• [18:22] The mentorship secrets behind Dan’s leadership and servant mindset

In this episode…

In an era where diversity and inclusion are often buzzwords, how do you create an environment where these values are genuinely at the heart of your business strategy? Can an organization thrive while also making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals often overlooked by traditional hiring practices?

For Dan LaTurno, the answer lies in embracing inclusion as both a core value and a business advantage. Dan believes that the key to success is not just focusing on profit margins but creating opportunities for those who face the greatest barriers to employment. His company operates as a nonprofit yet performs with the efficiency of a for-profit business. The focus is clear: employ individuals with disabilities and provide them with a supportive and respectful workplace, where their unique skills are not only welcomed but celebrated.

In this episode of In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results, Lisa Kilrea is joined by Dan LaTurno, President and CEO of Peoria Production Solutions, to discuss the intersection of business growth and inclusion. They explore how Dan’s leadership has propelled the company’s impressive growth while staying true to its mission of employing individuals with disabilities. Dan also offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of scaling while staying aligned with core values.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Lisa Kilrea on LinkedIn
• WSI eResults
• Dan LaTurno on LinkedIn
• Peoria Production Solutions
• Bob Matz on LinkedIn
• Aurora Specialty Textiles Group
• Julia “Kim” Cornwell on LinkedIn
• EP!C

Quotable Moments

• “I have no desire to retire and just cannot wait for the next workday.”
• “Our turnover is like literally 2%. People just leave when they retire, not for other jobs.”
• “We want to make money, but we’re not quoting 40% margins. We value the jobs more.”
• “It’s amazing what our employees can do. They’re very high-functioning and very accurate about their work.”
• “We want to spread our mission and do what we do in these two facilities, but elsewhere.”

Action Steps

1. Embrace inclusive hiring practices: By prioritizing neurodiverse candidates, organizations can unlock unique skills and perspectives that drive innovation and growth.
2. Invest in training for inclusive leadership: Leaders who understand the needs of diverse employees create an environment where everyone can thrive.
3. Expand your company’s mission to other regions: Spreading your inclusive business model to new cities allows more individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment.
4. Automate selectively to complement, not replace, jobs: Automation can enhance operational efficiency while preserving jobs for individuals who bring critical strengths to the team.
5. Foster strong mentorship programs: Mentorship not only empowers employees to grow but also strengthens organizational culture and drives long-term success.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is sponsored by WSI EResults Manufacturing Marketing — revolutionizing digital marketing for the manufacturing industry.

At WSI EResults, we help B2B manufacturers, OEMs, and industrial distributors elevate their digital presence through AI-powered, data-driven strategies designed to generate targeted, impactful leads.

From AI-powered SEO and content marketing to tailored campaigns built for the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector, WSI EResults delivers the tools and expertise to help your business stand out, grow, and thrive.

Learn more at wsi-manufacturing-marketing.com. Your blueprint for smarter, more effective manufacturing marketing.