Magnetic Innovation

Rare earth magnets are the silent force behind the modern world. Found in everything from fighter jets and electric vehicles to smartphones, satellites, and data centers, these powerful components convert electricity into motion—and are foundational to 21st-century innovation. In this episode of Coffee with Ken, Ken Biberaj visits Vulcan Elements in North Carolina’s Research Triangle to explore the critical role rare earth magnets play in American manufacturing—and why the U.S. must act now to secure its supply chain.

Filmed inside Vulcan’s 20,000-square-foot pilot facility, the conversation features John Maslin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Vulcan Elements. A U.S. Navy veteran and Harvard Business School graduate, Maslin shares how his mission-driven company is taking on China’s dominance in magnet production—currently over 90% of the global supply—by building smarter, faster, and right here in the United States.

With clarity, conviction, and urgency, John recounts his journey from the military to launching one of the country’s most promising clean tech and defense manufacturing startups. What began as a classroom idea is now a full-scale operation poised to reshape global supply chains and lead the next chapter of advanced U.S. manufacturing.

This episode dives deep into the geopolitical, economic, and technological stakes behind rare earth magnets—and makes the case that these small components may be the most important piece of the innovation puzzle today.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

Magnets Are Foundational
Rare earth magnets are the “spine” of modern tech—essential to motion, performance, and power across industries. Their scarcity poses a real national security threat.

The Manufacturing Comeback
Vulcan’s mission isn’t just to compete with China—it’s to leapfrog them. John explains how innovation, not imitation, is the key to a smarter, faster, more resilient future.

Built for America and Its Allies
John’s team is guided by purpose: restoring industrial capability and protecting national security. At Vulcan, manufacturing is service—and scale is strategy.

Workforce of the Future
From technicians to AI-driven systems, the factory of the future depends on people who can think in code and work with their hands.

A Three-Legged Stool
Chips, batteries, and magnets. Miss one, and we lose the foundation of innovation. John makes the case that magnets are the unsung third pillar of 21st-century tech.

Why This Conversation Matters:

At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and industrial fragility, this episode highlights what it takes to rebuild capability from the ground up. It’s about supply chains, yes—but it’s also about purpose, people, and the grit required to lead.

“This company is built for America and its allies. If the United States and its friends cannot figure out this supply chain, we lose.” — John Maslin, CEO of Vulcan Elements

Whether you’re a veteran, a mental health advocate, or someone who believes in service through action, this episode is a moving exploration of how community, compassion, and canines can change lives.