Following the Photons podcast

In the latest episode of the Following the Photons podcast, host Justine Murphy — Laser Focus World Editor and Multimedia Director with Endeavor Business Media’s Digital Infrastructure group — sits down with Lee Steneken, the CEO of Esco Optics, an American optical manufacturing company leading the charge in precision optics for aerospace, biomedical, defense, photonics applications and more.

Together, they explore what it takes to build high-performance optics right here in the U.S., from overcoming supply chain hurdles to workforce development, all while navigating the day-to-day of family and business. The conversation delves into the human side of business and explores strategies for growth and where the optics industry is heading.

As part of Laser Focus World’s mission to share diverse perspectives across the photonics ecosystem, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of manufacturing optics in America today — and what the future holds for companies that continue to push boundaries in precision, performance, and partnership.