In this special episode, Eric O’Connor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Derco USA, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Eric talks about his upbringing, family, and education, as well as the work he did before entering the belting industry. He shares the story of how his dad inspired him to join the business, what it’s been like working alongside both his father and his brother, and what he finds most rewarding about building a family-driven career.

We’ll also hear about Derco and Derco USA—the markets they serve, their product lines, and their unique capabilities. Eric reflects on how NIBA and other organizations have supported the company and its growth.

Outside of work, Eric opens up about the best advice he’s ever received and offered, some of the hardest lessons learned, and a few nicknames—both good and bad. And because no conversation with Eric would be complete without it, we dive into his passion for music, especially his love for Pearl Jam, and what music has meant to him throughout his life.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, Jackie Robb Britt, Chief Executive Officer of Rubber & Accessories, Inc. and 2008 NIBA President, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

Jackie shares about her upbringing, family, and education, along with the work she did before entering the belting industry. She reflects on what ultimately led her to join the family business and gives us a look into Rubber & Accessories—the markets they serve and what makes the company unique.

We’ll also hear Jackie’s thoughts on what she finds most rewarding about her work, as well as her involvement with NIBA. As the first female President of NIBA and the first second-generation President, Jackie offers an inspiring perspective on leadership, progress, and legacy.

Outside of the professional world, Jackie opens up about what she enjoys for fun, the best advice she’s ever received and offered, and some of the hardest lessons she’s faced.

From family roots to industry leadership, Jackie’s story offers a powerful and personal look at a career built on resilience, dedication, and trailblazing achievements.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/

In this special episode, John H. Green, Owner of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, joins Casey Hutchinson, President of Empire Rubber & Supply Company, for a personal and professional deep dive.

John shares where he grew up, his family background, and education, along with the work he did prior to entering the belting industry. He reflects on what led him into the business, the origins of Green Rubber – Kennedy Ag, and how the company has grown over time.

We’ll also hear John’s perspective on working with family—what it has meant to him personally and professionally—as well as the role NIBA has played in his career. From the strong relationships he’s built within the industry to the lessons he’s learned, John offers valuable insight into the connections that matter most.

Beyond his professional journey, John opens up about life outside of work, the best advice he’s ever received and offered, and the hardest lessons he’s had to face along the way. From family legacy to industry leadership, John brings a thoughtful and personal look at his path in the belting world.

Links:

www.empirerubber.com

www.newwavemediapdx.com

Listen on other platforms:

Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber/id1755792035

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/24yhT2Ap7X9ntNfkINxHq8?si=f0c65a666b324e13

iheart radio

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-belt-friends-by-empire-rub-165196400/

Pandora

https://pandora.app.link/UHkjzXM2JIb

Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f57694ed-3adf-4f6e-b372-46737d0babd1/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber

RSS

https://rss.com/podcasts/beltfriends/

Podcast Index

https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6865600

Listen Notes

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/belt-friends-by-empire-rubber-empire-rubber-KhQ8SZAXeTD/