The Future of AI, Communication, and Security in Manufacturing with CJ Covell

CJ Covell shares the origin story of Everlast Roofing and explains how a family business adopted technology from the earliest stages of the internet. Many longtime employees received their first email address through Everlast, which created a unique challenge as the company transitioned from simple office servers to modern systems requiring structured access control and disciplined IT strategy. CJ reflects on growing up inside the organization, helping solve computer issues as a child, and watching technology become a business critical function.

A major theme of this episode is the acceleration of AI and its ability to amplify human capability. CJ describes Everlast’s challenge of managing a massive coil warehouse with thousands of steel coils and new employees lacking historical knowledge. Instead of hiring outside consultants or purchasing a costly logistics system, CJ and his team used ChatGPT to generate system specifications, ask context building questions, and outline a custom warehouse solution. Within three weeks, his team built a working application using Cursor that now allows any employee with a phone to find coils, scan barcodes, update information, and perform tasks with confidence. What would have taken six months to a year with traditional consulting was completed internally with greater accuracy and far lower cost.

CJ also discusses the importance of deep user empathy. He spent days performing warehouse tasks himself to understand friction points and workflow issues. By capturing every moment of friction and turning it into actionable design requirements, the team created a solution that improves decision making and eliminates guesswork. CJ emphasizes that most people do not make mistakes intentionally; they simply lack the right information at the right time. Technology becomes transformative when it removes barriers rather than creating new ones.

The conversation shifts toward communication and the role technology plays in building connection. CJ explains why tools like Zoom outperform other platforms and how simple investments in lighting, microphones, and camera placement create human centered virtual interactions. He even uses a teleprompter setup so his eyes align directly with the viewer, creating natural eye contact and improving trust. CJ points out that companies often resist small investments in communication technology despite spending thousands on travel for a single meeting. He argues that communication quality is the modern equivalent of showing up well dressed and prepared for an in person conversation.

CJ closes with a reflection on the future of AI and security. He notes that threat actors now use AI to mimic writing styles, create sophisticated phishing attacks, and exploit email weakness. As businesses rely heavily on email, AI driven threats force organizations to adopt AI powered defenses. Beyond security, CJ believes the rapid acceleration of AI means leaders must continually experiment, learn, and adapt. Falling behind even briefly could create a widening gap that becomes impossible to close.

Resources mentioned in this episode: