# Leveraging Government as Regulator, Funder and Customer w/ Terry Szmagala

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2025-11-25
- Episode: 285
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-f14755e4-9b0d-42f0-a18c-80bb6193e575

## Summary

Terry Szmagala, Founder of TGS Advisory and former EVP/General Counsel at Eaton Corporation, argues that manufacturers should view government as a key stakeholder rather than a nuisance. He outlines three specific roles government plays: as a regulator that can mandate product usage, as a funder providing incentives for expansion and R&D, and as a customer whose procurement processes create opportunities for suppliers. Szmagala advises integrating government affairs into existing corporate processes like strategic reviews and real estate planning, rather than treating it as a separate initiative.

## Chapters

- [0:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=34) Introduction: Terry Szmagala and the Manufacturer-Government Disconnect
- [8:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=493) Government as Regulator: Turning Compliance into Revenue
- [10:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=645) Government as Funder: Incentives for Expansion and R&D
- [13:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=804) Government as Customer: Lobbying for Defense Procurement
- [17:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=1064) Integrating Government Affairs into Corporate Processes
- [20:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=1252) Trade Associations vs. Independent Advocacy
- [24:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-11-25-leveraging-government-as-regulator-funder-and-customer-w-terry-szmagala#t=1494) Measuring Government Affairs Value and Final Thoughts

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- TGS Advisory (company)
- Eaton Corporation (company)
- Avery Dennison Corporation (company)
- Squire Patton Boggs (company)
- Gorilla 76 (company)
- F 35 Joint Strike Fighter (product)
- Industrial Marketing Summit (other)

## Citing this page

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