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May 2025
40m 17s

Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert T...

Alibaba.com
About this episode

How can you tell if an overseas factory is legitimate without visiting in person?

Turning ideas into physical products isn't just about creativity—it's about strategic planning and finding the right manufacturing partners. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo talks with Brian Fried (@brianfriedinventor), serial inventor and Chief Inventor at Inventor Smart, about bridging the gap between great ideas and successful products. With 15 patents and 19 years coaching inventors, Brian reveals the common manufacturing misconceptions that keep great products from reaching the market and shares his proven system for vetting overseas factories without boarding a plane.

Tune in to learn:

  • (00:00) Welcome and Introduction to Brian Fried
  • (03:45) Key Considerations When Vetting Manufacturers
  • (08:12) Building Strong Supplier Relationships Across Distances
  • (14:37) Scaling Production While Maintaining Quality
  • (19:58) Leveraging Technology for Better Manufacturing Partnerships
  • (24:43) Closing Thoughts and Resources

Brian Fried is a serial inventor with 15 patents, an author of three books on inventing, and has appeared on QVC for three years. He runs the National Inventor Club and has created an app specifically for the inventor community. Brian helps inventors navigate the journey from concept to market through his coaching services at Inventor Smart and was recently named an Alibaba.com Ambassador.

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

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