The Power of a Trusted Network in American Manufacturing

[michael-kornuta]

A network of trusted partners is the most valuable asset any business holds. For American manufacturers, these connections define success at every stage of the business lifecycle. There are three critical moments when a strong network is essential: at birth, during growth, and at exit. While these networks often overlap, each serves a unique function and can be difficult to establish and maintain.

The Birth of a Business: The Need for Trust
Every new manufacturing business faces the same core challenge: acquiring its first customers. Without an established track record or a network of reliable partners, breaking into the market is daunting. Trust is everything — who can you count on for fair deals, timely payments, and quality standards?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, and 50% fail within five years. One of the biggest factors contributing to this failure rate is a lack of trusted relationships in supply chains, financing, and distribution. Without a robust network, new businesses struggle to gain credibility and secure the partnerships necessary to survive.

Growth: Building a Scalable Network Before You Need It
As businesses expand, they require more than just customers. They need suppliers, subcontractors, logistics providers, and service partners to offload non-core activities and maintain quality. Unfortunately, many manufacturers wait until they land a major contract to build these relationships — often realizing too late that they don’t have the necessary infrastructure to fulfill demand.

A study by Deloitte found that 79% of companies with high-performing supply chains achieve revenue growth greater than the industry average, compared to only 8% of those with less optimized networks. Manufacturers that proactively cultivate a network of reliable material suppliers, service providers, and distribution channels are better positioned to seize growth opportunities when they arise.

Exit: Ensuring Business Continuity Instead of Liquidation
For many business owners, an exit strategy is an afterthought. When the time comes to retire or move on, all too often, the only option is to close up shop and auction off equipment. The result? Decades of expertise, reputation, and market positioning disappear overnight.

But what if manufacturers had pre-existing relationships with up-and-coming businesses or larger firms looking to expand? A proactive network enables business continuity by facilitating sales, mergers, or acquisitions instead of dissolution. According to IBISWorld, over 34,000 U.S. manufacturing businesses shut down annually, often because owners lack a succession plan or a buyer network. Strengthening connections with potential successors could turn these closures into opportunities for growth within the industry.

Noramark: Strengthening American Manufacturing Through Trusted Connections
Despite the clear importance of a robust network, too many manufacturers leave their relationship-building to chance. Noramark is changing that by creating an invite-only, high-trust network designed for manufacturers at every stage of their business journey.

We provide tools to streamline network development, vet partners, and ensure businesses have the right connections when they need them. By fostering trusted relationships early and maintaining them through growth and transition, we empower American manufacturers to remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.

The future of American industry depends on strong networks. Let’s build them together.

[robertbeecher]

This is phenomenal vision. I am all in. Let me know how I can help!

[michael-kornuta]

@Robert_Beecher The best place to start is to invite us manufacturers and supporters to noramark so they can be connected in the community.
We need to get everyone connected and expand the connective tissue that has been eroded for so many years.
We will all have to work together.