Can we bring manufacturing back to American cities? Haddy CEO and co-founder Jay Rogers thinks so.
In this episode of Pioneers, we sit down with Jay to explore how digital manufacturing and microfactories could fundamentally reshape the future of industry.
Jay shares his unconventional journey — from building boats with his father as a child, to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, to founding the world’s first 3D-printed car company — and explains how those experiences led him to create Haddy. Together, he and host Peng Cau discuss the shift from mass production to localized manufacturing, the rise of AI-powered robotics, and why the future of manufacturing may depend as much on human creativity and kindness as it does on technology.
The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, supply chain transformation, and the vision of a world where products are designed digitally and manufactured close to the communities that need them most.
What you’ll discover today…
(01:30) Jay’s childhood living on a self-built sailboat
Jay explains how building a sailboat with his father sparked his fascination with manufacturing and the “paper-to-creation” process.
(04:45) Dropping out of Stanford to join the Marines
After realizing leadership required more than intelligence, Jay leaves business school and joins the Marine Corps shortly before 9/11.
(06:05) Founding the world’s first 3D-printed car company
Jay discusses building a pioneering autonomous electric vehicle company and the lessons learned from being ahead of the market.
(08:10) The meaning behind the name “Haddy”
Jay reveals that Haddy stands for “Heroic, Agile, Designed, Durable, and Yours.”
(10:03) The philosophy of microfactories
One of the episode’s core moments: Jay explains how distributed robotic manufacturing could replace centralized factory systems.
(12:50) “Economy of scope” vs. “economy of scale”
Jay argues that future manufacturing will reward customization and responsiveness instead of mass uniformity.
(20:45) What about grit?
Jay shares a memorable leadership lesson about endurance and resilience that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
(25:45) Why kindness may become the most important human skill in the AI era
Jay reflects on automation, population growth, and why emotional intelligence will matter more as AI capabilities expand.
(42:00) Honest discussion about founder burnout and mental health
Jay candidly describes the emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the importance of faith, health, reflection, and support systems.
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Guest: Jay Rogers
Jay Rogers is a technology entrepreneur, manufacturing innovator, and former Marine Corps officer with deep experience spanning robotics, AI, additive manufacturing, mobility, furniture design, finance, and industrial scale-up. Throughout his career, he has led both small and large teams in commercializing breakthrough technologies and bringing research and development into real-world markets across the medical, mobility, and furniture industries. CEO and co-founder of Haddy is just one of his many roles.
Connect with Jay
Host: Peng Cau
Peng Cau is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation. She co-founded Transformix Engineering, scaling it into a global automation powerhouse acquired by ATS Corporation in a substantial eight-figure valuation deal. Today, she leads the Startup Program at Siemens Digital Industries Software, supporting deeptech and hardtech founders in scaling transformative technologies. A recognized voice in Canada’s tech ecosystem, Peng serves on several boards, including Reko International Group and the Kingston Economic Development Board. A refugee from Cambodia, her journey from survival to success has earned her national accolades and a respected place in Canada’s business and innovation landscape.
Connect with Peng
Haddy is a next-generation digital manufacturing company focused on transforming how products are designed, produced, and distributed through localized micro factories powered by robotics, AI, and large-scale 3D printing technologies.
At the core of Haddy’s approach is the concept of the “microfactory” — agile manufacturing hubs capable of producing a wide range of products on demand using digitally driven processes. By integrating robotics, AI-assisted production monitoring, recyclable composite materials, and digital twin technologies, Haddy aims to redefine manufacturing for a more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable future. Learn more about Haddy here.