Manufacturing Happy Hour

When selecting talent for manufacturing roles, grades don’t matter nearly as much as hard work and talent. A's and B's are all very well, but a willingness to learn and the hunger to improve daily can’t be taught. Becoming a great engineer isn’t about knowing everything right out of the gate, it’s about figuring it out.

In this episode, we’re joined by Cody Myers, Jon Rauner, and Mick Yrkoski of Behlen Mfg. Co. Join us as we discuss Behlen’s approach to hiring, their relationship with the wider community in Columbus, Nebraska, and their “pay-it-forward” mentality.

Behlen’s approach to development, which includes tiered meetings, profit-sharing initiatives, and partnering with local colleges, has helped them continue to grow and progress since their inception almost ninety years ago.

In this episode, find out:

• Why metal-forming and manufacturing is still an art
• Behlen has a personal connection to the community and culture of Nebraska – they value their employees as names rather than numbers
• How, at Behlen, the focus is on balancing today's tasks with long-term success, valuing sustainable decisions over immediate profits
• Why Behlen values hard work and drive over great grades and talent
• Why a pay-it-forward mentality is vital for nurturing the next generation of talent, especially with apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local colleges
• The reason maintenance teams are the ‘rockstars’ of the manufacturing world
• Three-tiered meetings allow an organization to foster alignment across different levels of the company and enhance decision-making
• The overlooked importance of culture at manufacturing firms and why people are the key
• The different opportunities in manufacturing that people don't talk about or don't see – whether that’s opportunities in HR, IT, or accountancy

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We still view metal as an art.” - Cody Myers
• “One of our global values is continuous learning.” - Cody Myers
• “I would take a technician anytime that has drive and aspires to be better over somebody that knows the answer and doesn’t have to do the research.” - Mick Yrkoski

Links & mentions:

• Behlen Manufacturing, a steel fabrication company
• Industrial Solutions Network, a network of manufacturing technology companies providing the collective information, technology, tools and services to manufacturing communities
• Central Community College, a multi-campus community college serving a 25-county area in central Nebraska

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

AI skepticism – much like AI itself – is here to stay, whether we like it or not. While getting buy-in can be difficult, and deploying it as a solution within a company is even harder, the key thing to remember is that AI, like any new tool, must address a pain point. The only way folks will be persuaded as to its use will be when it solves a problem that was previously thought unsolvable.

In this episode, we are joined by Adam Gluck, the CEO and Founder of Copia Automation. Join us as we explore the problems that AI is solving, why a customer-centric culture is so key to developing useful products, and the need for Silicon Valley to overlap with industries that have existed for over two hundred years.

The problem-first mindset is one that’s helped Copia evolve since July 2020 and navigate hype cycles in tech. What’s more, by keeping users front of mind, they can use AI as a “painkiller” rather than a “vitamin”. This means Copia create proactive, targeted solutions that deliver value where it matters most.

In this episode, find out:

• Adam shares his career path, including his work for Uber and his sociology undergraduate degree
• Why it is harder for graduates to get software engineering jobs
• How, in engineering, a self-taught approach can be less restrictive when learning new approaches or facing new problems
• Hiring smart people is often the most important step in solving hard problems
• Copia has evolved since July 2020, and the key to this has been their market understanding, adoption, activation, and backup and disaster recovery
• How DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets written
• Adam chose to move to New York from San Francisco because of the large number of seed rounds, proximity to venture capital and large amount of talent
• How the current enthusiasm for industrialization and manufacturing among venture capitalists and young companies will persist long-term

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I want to build something people can use every single day as part of their standard workflow and that solves material problems for them.”
• “DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets written.”
• “Ultimately, you can try and solve things with processes organization, but you're going to actually solve problems with really smart people.”

Links & mentions:

• Copia Automation, bringing modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation, standardizing processes to drive quality, efficiency, and uptime at scale
• Reindustrialize, a summit exploring how technology will shape the future of the US industrial base
• American Dynamism, part of a16z, investing in founders and companies supporting the national interest: aerospace, defense, safety, education, and manufacturing
• Founders Fund, a San Francisco based venture capital firm organized by Peter Thiel and others, investing in companies building revolutionary technologies
• General Catalyst, a global investment and transformation company that partners with the world’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to drive resilience and applied AI
• Construct Capital, an early stage venture capital firm, investing in founders who are reimagining the foundational industries of our economy
• Dante NYC, legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting in New York City’s West Village
• Lobby Bar at the Chelsea Hotel, high-end cocktail bar inside of NYC’s Chelsea Hotel offering seasonal cocktails, artfully prepared plates, and late-night hours

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’ve all been guilty of taking energy for granted at some point, from mindlessly flicking on light switches to filling up our cars on the way to work. We may grumble about the costs, but when was the last time you really thought about where it all comes from?

The availability of energy is something that affects us all, and leaders in the industry are calling for a re-envisioned future. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Jordan from TECHMAR, Gakuo Ndonga of WD Bearings, and Meaghan Ziemba, host of Mavens of Manufacturing. Recorded live at the Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference, we dive into what it truly means to re-envision energy for the future.

Key themes from our conversation include challenging traditional ways of thinking, spreading awareness, and the importance of collaboration. The secret to innovation in energy isn’t just about new tech (although that’s important), it’s also about bringing fresh voices into the conversation. But as we see across manufacturing, it’s not always easy to sell younger generations on a future career in energy. So we look at what industry leaders can do to communicate and spark excitement to keep energy ticking.

In this episode, find out:

• What does it mean to re-envision energy? Meaghan, Michelle, and Gakuo all share their perspectives and career stories
• Why we need to avoid taking energy for granted and remember that it’s a valuable, scarce resource
• How maintenance and reliability are handled in the energy industry
• How leaders can talk to their customers about re-envisioning operations
• Changes in the workforce and how this can drive innovation for energy
• Gakuo shares a story of a tour he took in an experimental mine that had a classroom in it
• How industry leaders can communicate with others about the energy industry to drive excitement and awareness
• The trick to getting more comfortable sharing your stories to tell others about your career
• Advice for businesses on communicating with educators and young people and why a new approach is needed for a new generation
• Why it’s so important to find your passion and communicate that well
• How focusing on relatable everyday items can help you to communicate the value of working in energy
• Why continuous learning is key and the importance of approaching everything from a student perspective

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We have to treat energy as a very valuable resource that's not always there. And the way we do that is by bringing people together. People have to be excited to be in this industry to keep energy going.” – Gakuo Ndonga
• "We all have to be advocates for this industry... If you have a really cool story, or if you know of a really cool story, share that with everyone." – Meaghan Ziemba
• "Looking forward to the future, the direction we are headed, the infrastructure that is being built, clean energy, renewable energy, carbon capture—those things are our future." – Michelle Jordan

Links & mentions:

• Mavens of Manufacturing, a live video series that celebrates women in manufacturing
• WD Bearings, manufacturers of high-quality bearings that specializes in tech, manufacturing, and research
• TECHMAR, epoxy grout manufacturers that specializes in protecting equipment from vibrations
• Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference, a conference that connects industry leaders and insights on workforce development, leadership and innovation

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Manufacturing is a key industry that can revitalize communities, but what about in more rural locations? How do smaller communities compete with the big cities for talent, innovation, investment and growth? We head to Northeast Nebraska for this episode to speak with Angie Stenger, the Executive Director of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together – an initiative to transform the regional economy and population growth.

From scholarship programs to a new innovation hub and the creation of a vibrant downtown scene, Norfolk is redefining what it means to live and work in a rural community. Angie shares insights on their unique "Growing Together Scholarship," which partners with Wayne State College to offer students not just education, but also housing and a full year of internship experience with local businesses. This not only provides valuable skills to students but also allows companies to "test drive" potential employees.

But it's not all work and no play in Norfolk. The city has invested in quality-of-life improvements that rival big city amenities, including a Whitewater Park for river surfing, an amphitheater for festivals, and a thriving arts scene. The goal? To make Northeast Nebraska a magnet for young professionals and families.

In this episode, find out:

• Angie shares some backstory on the resurgence of downtown Norfolk
• The purpose of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together and how it’s helping to “repopulate Northeast Nebraska”
• How the local community is investing in facilities including attractions, art, and local facilities to attract families
• Angie explains how their partnership with Wayne State College enabled them to build a great scholarship program
• Why Northeast Nebraska is leading the way with its Growing Together initiative
• What to expect from Northeast Nebraska’s upcoming innovation hub
• How Angie’s organization works closely with local businesses and manufacturers to find out what they need from talent
• Angie explains what manufacturing and bedrock companies mean to the region and shares examples of innovative tech and companies leading the way
• Raising awareness and interest in manufacturing as a career path through the Growing Together initiative
• How Growing Together is measuring success in both the short and long-term
• Angie’s advice to other regions that might want to adopt a similar model of collaboration

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We're in the middle of the country. This is Nebraska. And we know that if one town succeeds, all the towns around succeed. And so we want to make sure that we're raising all the tides for everyone in the state, but we're starting here in Northeast Nebraska.”
• “I think in Nebraska, we figure out how to make the things we need and then when the rest of the world sees it, we just figure out how to make it for everybody else.”
• “If we can show that, "hey, this is an okay place to live," hopefully they'll stay.”

Links & mentions:

• Growing Together Northeast Nebraska, an Aksarben workforce initiative; this plan outlines the proactive transformation of Northeast Nebraska’s regional economy and population growth. At its essence, the plan pairs entrepreneurs with investment capital and students to redesign a workforce that can compete in a knowledge-based economy.
• The Aksarben Foundation, proudly recognizing individuals and families with strong Nebraska values since 1895, and helping develop the leaders of tomorrow through education, scholarships, career training, community grants, and increasing access to opportunities in Nebraska
• Angie’s evening bar crawl across downtown Norfolk, NE includes Bar A for appetizers, Fifth Street Tavern for cocktails, and the Green Light Great Night for live music
• District Table and Tap, once the historic Elkhorn Hotel, this 100-year-old building has been restored to house a restaurant with a great beer selection in Norfolk, NE
• Divots Brewery Taproom, beer handcrafted in small batches using American-grown, Midwestern barley and northwestern hops with a taproom location in downtown Norfolk, NE

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Have you ever stopped to think about what goes into getting your favorite Kwik Trip products onto your table?

In this episode, we explore the impressive vertical integration model that Kwik Trip uses, a strategy that allows them to maintain almost complete control over their supply chain. Paul Blank, Director of Operations, and Scott Schiebel, Automation Manager, share insights on how this approach not only enhances quality and food safety but also helps the company navigate supply chain challenges that have become all too common in recent years.

Kwik Trip’s commitment to vertical integration means they handle everything from manufacturing to distribution in-house. With five major food production facilities and their own trucking operations, they can ensure that products like milk and baked goods are delivered fresh to stores—sometimes in less than 24 hours! The episode highlights the crucial role of automation in streamlining these processes, including ingredients prep and order fulfillment.

You’ll also hear how Kwik Trip prioritizes its workforce despite the big focus on automation. Paul and Scott emphasize that automation is not about replacing jobs but enhancing operations to meet rising demand.

In this episode, find out:

• Paul and Scott give us a quick overview of what Kwik Trip is
• Why Kwik Trip uses a vertical integration model and its impact on logistics and supply chain issues
• How using automation makes vertical integration a powerful strategy
• An overview of some of the more recent facilities set up at Kwik Trip and how they’ve improved operations
• Why Kwik Trip is a great example of a company using digital transformation to refine production and distribution
• How the team at Kwik Trip makes decisions on production types such as batch and continuous processes
• How automation has impacted the people behind the process and why it doesn’t mean that anyone loses a job
• Why predictive maintenance is essential for keeping plants running smoothly
• How operations leaders collaborate within Kwik Trip
• How Kwik Trip decides what to produce in-house vs. outsource to other manufacturers
• The process behind building the right tech for each production line and why everything starts with food safety
• How Kwik Trip’s food innovation team maintains great quality and tests out new ideas for feasibility
• How the company collaborates and seeks out vendors and OEMs to work with
• Tips for any manufacturers considering the vertical integration model
• Kwik Trip’s approach to training, hiring and retaining great talent
• Some stats on the impressive numbers of products that come off the Kwik Trip production lines

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We make it. We ship it. We sell it. This allows us to control pricing that's best for our guest. It also allows us to manage quality and food safety.” – Paul Blank
• "Our maintenance staff has a CMMS program, and they are diligent about PMs and staying on top of the equipment in terms of the routine needs. And that pays dividends long term since there's less unexpected downtime." – Scott Schiebel
• "Automation really is part of our growth pattern. There isn't a project that we take on without evaluating whether or not automation fits or how it may fit. It doesn't mean we automate everything, but where we do, Kwik Trip grows as a whole." – Paul Blank

Links & mentions:

• Kwik Trip, a popular chain of convenience stores located throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We talk a lot about the skills gap on this podcast, but this episode paints an optimistic picture of what the manufacturing world can achieve when we come together. Partnerships between industry and education are so important because without the right education and exposure to manufacturing, the skills gap could continue to grow.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Josh Gamer, Dean of the Integrated Technology Division at Western Technical College, and Kris Gengler, Education Foundation Manager at Ashley Furniture, to talk through the important intersection between education and manufacturing.

Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College have an amazing partnership and work closely together to find ways to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of manufacturers. We cover a lot in this episode – from why Western Wisconsin is such a manufacturing hub to the upcoming Wanek Center of Innovation at Western Technical College and what it will mean for manufacturing businesses and students.

Kris and Josh share their predictions on the industry, talk about apprenticeships, and the type of skills and technology that future manufacturers will get to learn at places like Western Technical College. 

In this episode, find out:

• What makes manufacturing in Western Wisconsin so special and important to the region
• The types of manufacturing that Western Wisconsin specializes in and how the area manages to attract and retain talent  
• What Western Technical College’s Wanek Center of Innovation will mean for manufacturers and why it’s been a group effort between education and industry
• What Ashley Furntiure and local education institutions learned from a group trip to Germany to visit manufacturers and trade shows
• Why you need to be willing to look outside your immediate bubble and learn from others
• Josh lists some of the different ways students and manufacturers will benefit from the new Center
• Why we need to talk to younger kids about manufacturing to plant the seed early
• How Western Technical College’s apprenticeship programs have evolved
• Josh does some podcast shoutouts to organizations he’s partnered with

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “If you want to understand how you're truly doing, you have to open your eyes and be willing to look outside. Go to a different state. Consider another country. Visit other manufacturers, other educational institutions because if you don't do that, you do run the risk of falling behind.” – Dr. Josh Gamer
• “Manufacturing here in Western Wisconsin, you have people who are very hardworking, very smart, and they have a drive to succeed and they continue to want to learn, to expand, and to find a better way.” – Kris Gengler
• “When those businesses are successful, it's keeping the money within an area. And that's really what manufacturing does for an area. And when it does that, it, it enhances everything. It enhances healthcare, it enhances distribution, it enhances education. It just creates a whole lot of good for an area.” – Kris Gengler 

Links & mentions:

• Western Technical College, leading institution in Western Wisconsin, Western Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers with a focus on technology and manufacturing
• Ashley Furniture, one of the world’s largest furniture makers, Ashley Furniture combines innovation with craftsmanship to create products for homes everywhere
• Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, this foundation, created by the Wanek family, supports STEM education and community growth through impactful initiatives
• La Crosse Bierhaus, a cozy spot in La Crosse serving authentic German beers and food in a fun, Bavarian-inspired atmosphere

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Are you leveraging all the resources in the local manufacturing community? Connecting with local, state, and federal support can open doors to growth and collaboration.

Recorded live at CBT Company's More Than MFG Expo, this episode dives into programs like AMIP, TechCred, JobsOhio, and Women in Manufacturing (WIM), spotlighting resources for funding, recruitment, training, and more.

In this episode, find out:

• Will on AMIP’s proactive support for the manufacturing community
• AMIP’s advice for collaboration-driven success
• Benefits of connecting with other companies, educators, and organizations
• Fabian on JobsOhio’s role in building manufacturing careers
• How JobsOhio has improved funding processes
• Why Fabian prefers "return on engagement" over "investment"
• Government-backed incentives for solar power investments
• Allison on Women in Manufacturing’s mission to connect women with employers
• REDI Cincinnati’s role in linking manufacturers to resources
• CBT Company’s support in leveraging resources
• Elise’s call for manufacturers to collaborate locally
• Why Cincinnati’s manufacturing community is so strong

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Links & mentions:

• CBT Company, representing hundreds of the best-known brands in the industry for automation, electrical, mechanical power transmission, and custom belting products
• AMIP, southwestern Ohio’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnerships is a registered nonprofit focused on workforce
• TechCred Ohio, helping Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in tech
• Good Jobs Challenge, supporting regional workforce training systems to place workers in good jobs
• JobsOhio, since its establishment in 2011, they have boosted innovation, driven job creation, and increased new capital investment in Ohio
• Women in Manufacturing, a national association dedicated to supporting, promoting and inspiring women in all manufacturing roles
• REDI Cincinnati, connecting businesses in Greater Cincinnati with the data, partners, and resources needed to make the best decision for your company
• Third Eye Brewing, a Cincinnati-based award-winning brewery that believes in lots of experimentation, also serving as the location for many of this week’s interviews; other favorite breweries in Cincinnati: Wandering Monster, Fifty West, Rhinegeist, and the massive Zinzinnati Oktoberfest celebration

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Did you know your last meal might have been picked and packed by a robot? With a gaping hole in the labor market in food manufacturing, it seems inevitable. But while food manufacturers are crying out for more staff, some companies like Chef Robotics are offering a solution that’ll leave them hungry for more.

Rajat Bhageria, Founder & CEO of Chef Robotics, joins this episode to talk about how his company uses robotics and AI to fill in the gap in the labor market, while also offering high-mix manufacturing abilities to customers in food manufacturing.

Starting out in stealth mode, Chef Robotics has steadily perfected its product in collaboration with customers and real-world feedback. We hear about the strategy behind the company’s aims to scale in the assembly stage of manufacturing rather than branching out into the restaurant space.

In this episode, find out:

• What Rajat learned from his previous tech company about using AI
• An origin story to Chef Robotics and why Rajat chose to focus on the pain points in food manufacturing
• Why Rajat decided to launch Chef Robotics in stealth mode until recently
• We debate whether you need to be an expert in your niche to succeed in it
• How Rajat positioned Chef Robotics to customers and investors, focusing on pain points and larger companies
• We hear how Chef Robotics works and offers the flexibility that high-mix manufacturing
• Rajat shares his predictions on the future of AI
• What Rajat has learned from other automation businesses and competitors
• Why Rajat isn’t working on automation from restaurants and is instead happy to stick to his niche for now
• Rajat shares predictions on the future of food manufacturing and how restaurants will become a place to appreciate human artistry

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "The biggest pain point is labor shortage... It's actually the number one labor shortage in the US, with over 1.1 million people that companies are looking to hire."
• “If you're starting a company, you should find a problem statement which is so pressing that your customers are willing to work with you to get there.”
• “AI gets better over time. And that's what allows us to be flexible without custom. You could build custom hardware or custom software per ingredient. You could do that, but that's not really scalable.”

Links & mentions:

• Chef Robotics, robotics-as-a-service company transforming food production with flexible robots and AI
• Chef Robotics Link to Chat, how to get in touch with Chef Robotics
• Chef Robotics Case Studies, use cases showcasing their system in action

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What happens when you pair the rich culinary culture of Kansas City with the traditional brewing methods of German beer?

KC Bier Co. was founded by Steve Holle, whose love of German beer, his heritage, time spent in the country, and passion for craft brewing were the perfect recipe for starting a traditional German brewery in the heart of Kansas City. He joined this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour as part of our MADE HERE series, created in partnership with ISN, the Industrial Solutions Network, which features stories from the region’s most important industrial operations.

Steve takes us on a journey through the history of German brewing techniques and why he adopts the same traditions that have served German beer lovers for centuries. While Steve wasn’t always in the brewing business, he cultivated his passion for years before finally opening the doors to KC Bier Co. and explains why he decided to focus on the niche of German beer.

We swap beer stories, discuss the most underrated German beers, and talk about the impact breweries like KC Bier Co. are having on the bustling culinary scene in Kansas City. There are some great insights in this episode for manufacturers on the power of specializing rather than trying to be everything to everyone, plus much more.

In this episode, find out:

• Steve explains how he first fell in love with German beer due to his heritage and a semester spent in Germany
• Why KC Bier Co. follows “Reinheitsgebot” methods, the German beer purity law that meant beer could only be made with specific ingredients
• Steve explains what led up to his starting KC Bier Co. and how his plans to become a craft brewer started long ago
• The most underrated styles of German beer and how they compare to American lagers
• How Kansas City’s rich culinary scene ties perfectly into the growing brewery scene
• What the community interaction with competitor brewers and customers has been like for KC Bier Co.
• What Steve wished more people knew about KC’s food and drinks culture
• Steve shares his advice for starting a new venture later in life

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Respect what you're doing and make sure you do it well rather than just thinking, ‘oh, that sounds like something fun I'd like to do.’”
• “I think craft brewing is not so much about being everything to everybody, but it's having a passion for something that you're doing and trying to be the best at that niche that you want to work in.”
• “Some people question why we don't make stouts and everything else. And I think by focusing on something so specific, we actually bring more variety to the beer drinkers in Kansas City because no one else really does what we do.”

Links & mentions:

• KC Bier Co., Brewer of German-style bier using only water, yeast, and all-imported German malt and hops with a Bavarian-style bierhalle and biergarten in Kansas City, MO

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Fresh off the heels of IMTS in Chicago, the largest manufacturing show in North America, host Chris Luecke invites Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX, onto the show to discuss how maintenance leaders and frontline workers can drive digital transformation. 

Nick gives us a run-down on his background and how his experiences have contributed to creating an intuitive CMMS and EAM platform. The conversation explores how digitizing maintenance departments can not only facilitate broader digital transformation but also capture invaluable tribal knowledge from an aging workforce. This knowledge transfer is essential as companies prepare the next generation of workers to embrace high-tech solutions.

Nick and Chris also explore the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, emphasizing how executives and frontline leaders must collaborate to harness its potential, from making manufacturing more appealing to the younger generation to leveraging data for smarter decisions.

In this episode, find out:

• Meet Nick Haase: Co-Founder of MaintainX
• Why frontline workers are the key link between high-tech equipment and peak operational efficiency
• Nick provides a detailed look at his ‘non-typical’ career journey and how he built MaintainX
• How moving from pen and paper onto digital platforms tie into a digital transformation
• Why you’re only as good as your best plant manager if you don’t invest in data
• How AI is helping make sure the transition to the next work generation is as seamless as possible
• What causes Nick to think differently than other people in the manufacturing industry
• Who's ready for AI in the manufacturing world in this day and age

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “AI in manufacturing isn't a magic solution—it's a powerful tool that requires high-quality, company-specific data to drive real efficiency gains and smooth workforce transitions.”
• “You've got this great installation of this incredible software process, but if you aren't considering how that final frontline worker is going to receive that input and deliver data input back into the system, then you're missing the point.”
• "I was surprised to learn that even at a Fortune 50 manufacturing company, many were still primarily following analog processes on the plant floor."

Links & mentions:

• MaintainX, CMMS and EAM software that prevents downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and delivers the #1 technician experience

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In the face of a looming talent crisis, with over 3 million manufacturing jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next decade, the industry is turning to generative AI as a vital solution.

Host Chris Luecke talks with Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation, in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour about how GenAI can not only streamline operations but also empower a new generation of workers who may lack traditional manufacturing experience.

They cover GenAI's ability to simplify complex tasks, such as programming and troubleshooting, which could significantly reduce the barriers for entry-level employees and help preserve critical tribal knowledge that is at risk of being lost as experienced workers retire.

As generative AI continues to evolve, it promises to transform how manufacturers approach workforce challenges. And, in this conversation, Chris and Andrew shed light on its potential to not just fill gaps but also enhance productivity and innovation within manufacturing.

In this episode, find out:

• Andrew defines AI as applying math to data to derive insights not possible with traditional methods, using powerful parallel computing
• He explains how GenAI uses the transformer model to create new patterns based on existing ones, widening access to AI capabilities
• Hear how the manufacturing industry faces a significant talent shortage, with over 3 million unfilled jobs projected in the next decade
• Learn how GenAI can help address workforce challenges by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshooting
• Andrew talks about data management and AI integration
• How AI is seen as the top technology to address workforce challenges due to its ability to capture and utilize tribal knowledge
• Escaping Pilot Purgatory with GenAI
• How The State of Smart Manufacturing report indicates that talent remains the biggest challenge for industrial companies
• Manufacturers are advised to focus on their biggest business challenges first, then consider how AI can help address them

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I think the promise of generative AI is to dramatically simplify how we take our information, our support documentation, our tribal knowledge, document it, and get it into a large language model.”
• “Generative AI is just an application of AI using the transformer model to get new patterns generated, based on former patterns.”
• “Generative AI is not just about automation; it's about empowering new workers to tackle complex tasks that traditionally required years of experience.”

Links & mentions:

• Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation, digital transformation, and information solutions
• State of Smart Manufacturing Report, insights on AI, industrial SaaS, and more based of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leaders
• DemonFlyingFox, AI artist who uses MidJourney AI to bring Balenciaga to the world of Harry Potter
• The Vanguard, a Milwaukee whiskey and comfort cuisine institution specializing in late-night, house-made sausage

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is your shop floor as secure as you think it is? Innovation in the manufacturing world has made IT-OT convergence much more commonplace today, but is the industry taking the potential risks seriously enough?

In this episode, we hear from Fortinet’s Director of Marketing for OT Solutions, Rich Springer, about the real threats facing manufacturers within OT networks, and why effective OT security is a non-negotiable today...

Rich brings bags of experience to the table, from his early days in furniture and glass factories to his time as a Navy submarine officer and later as the global head of SCADA operations for a major wind turbine company. He shares how these experiences shaped his understanding of the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

Painting a picture of how an OT threat can bring production to a standstill, Rich recommends that manufacturers use tabletop exercises to assess risk points and their impact on the whole production line. Rich also explains that part of protecting your OT network is about getting IT and OT teams to work together, and he gives practical advice on how to bridge the gap.

In this episode, find out:

• Rich explains Fortinet’s position on OT network security
• We hear about Rich’s diverse career background and how his previous roles prepared him for his role at Fortinet
• The current state of OT convergence and why companies are yet to take action
• Rich breaks the misconception that air gaps will protect manufacturers from digital threats
• Advice for better collaboration between IT and OT teams
• Rich explains why he’s optimistic that manufacturers are paying attention to the right things in security
• What the report says about manufacturers and their approach to OT systems today
• What it takes for cybersecurity experts to get executives to pay attention to the threats facing OT
• How to run a tabletop exercise to assess threat and impact on production
• What surprises Rich most about cybersecurity in manufacturing today

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The separation of duties should be decided on the tabletop exercise, not when the fire is burning.”
• “The technology has evolved. So therefore, it has made this air gap strategy a little less realistic over the years. And this is a common challenge.”
• “When the systems go down, they go to paper. So if the line hasn't stopped, what happens with our suppliers if we have to go paper? Take your tabletop exercise to that level.”

Links & mentions:

• Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk, a report on how digital transformation in manufacturing has driven a widespread need for cybersecurity awareness
• 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report, Fortinet’s report on OT cybersecurity

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is the industry ready for humanoids? And perhaps more importantly, does the industry really need them? It’s a debate that’s been going on for some time, and back in episode 200, we even had an audience member call humanoids out as a gimmick! But are there real benefits to using humanoids?

We welcomed back Melonee Wise, the Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, the pros at manufacturing mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions. Melonee explains that there are definitely practical uses for humanoids and explains some ways they may outperform regular robotics in certain scenarios, such as containerized movement.

We hear a little backstory about Melonee’s career and why she founded Fetch Robotics, sold it, and took her current role at Agility Robotics. While running her company, she learned a lot about finding product-market fit and ensuring that the designs of robots are viable, in demand, and safe. Safety is a key theme in this episode, and Melonee reveals some of the specific scenarios we need to prepare for if we ever hope to get a robot from the design stage to implementation.

In this episode, find out:

• Are humanoids overhyped or is there a real use for them?
• The practical applications for humanoids in manufacturing and supply chain management
• The realities of managing robots on a production line and why instructions need to be programmed clearly
• Weighing up the speed of human workers vs. automated vehicles and robots, plus the other factors affecting human workers
• How AI plays into robotics development and why robotics would be advanced enough to progress without AI
• How we could manage data from robots to optimize supply chain management
• Why safety is always the biggest challenge with robotics and machinery and the different scenarios we need to account for before deploying a new piece of robotics
• The dangers of not thinking proactively about safety – both to the industry as a whole and to robotics developments
• What led Melonee to launch Fetch Robotics and how she found product-market fit with a new solution to a common problem
• Why Melonee stepped away from entrepreneurship to take a role at Agility Robotics

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Humanoids would be having their moment right now, whether or not AI was also having its moment. I think that the technology is sufficiently advanced enough that we can do the work without leveraging AI if we needed to. Now, will AI help? Yes."
• “There are two factors that make containerized movement great for humanoids. One, it's very standard work and robotics always loves standard processes. And two, it's highly scalable. So it's worth the investment of the development.”
• “Humanoids are becoming the new best friends of AMRs. So that's where we're seeing a lot of success, especially because they’re highly repeatable and there are a lot of use cases for them.”

Links & mentions:

• Agility Robotics, the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions, working with the humanoid robot, Digit
• Fetch Robotics (now Zebra), Melonee’s original company, acquired by Zebra, is a robotics automation products manufacturer that helps robots work alongside humans

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

U.S. manufacturing is on a roll right now. And organizations like MxD – The Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute are on a mission to help manufacturers build the things they need to build in the modern digital world.

In this episode, we sit down with Berardino Baratta, CEO of MxD, to explore the evolution of digital transformation in manufacturing and its impact on the industry. First, Berardino shares his career story, which takes us from healthcare AI to operating a café during a sabbatical to now helping manufacturers thrive in a digital world.

As MxD celebrates its 10th anniversary, Berardino shares insights on how the organization has evolved over the years as new technology progresses. We dig into the challenges faced by small businesses, the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age, and how MxD is shaping the future of American manufacturing. Berardino shares his perspective on how manufacturing is changing for the better, including a more collaborative approach to improving supply chains and the democratization of data and insights.

In this episode, find out:

• Berardino explains what MxD does to help manufacturers and how its scope has evolved as new technology advances
• Some backstory on Berardino’s varied career from being the CEO of an AI healthcare company to now working as the CEO of the U.S.’s leading digital manufacturing innovation center
• What Berardino learned during his long sabbatical about modernizing operations at a café and how he applied that to his work in manufacturing
• Berardino takes us through MxD’s project history, including working with the Department of Defense and Manufacturing USA
• How modern manufacturing companies feel about creating something that will be democratized vs. maintaining competitive advantages
• Why the industry has become more collaborative over making supply chain improvements
• How manufacturing has changed in the past ten years in line with technological innovations
• What’s working when it comes to fortifying the strength of U.S. manufacturing
• Improvements the industry needs to make when it comes to adopting digital assets

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We quickly realized cybersecurity is critical. We went from being the Digital Manufacturing Institute to the Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute. Two sides of the same coin, right? If you're going to adopt digital, it better be secure.”
• “98% of U.S. manufacturing companies are small and medium. 75% have less than 20 employees. What's starting to work is that those small and medium businesses are starting to adopt digital to improve their operations.”
• “With the café, we modernized their entire operations. Right from production in the back house through building their front of the house. We modernized it with technology, not that dissimilar to a digital transformation of a manufacturer.”

Links & mentions:

• MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute; MxD advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness; in partnership with the Department of Defense
• Manufacturing USA, a network of regional institutes, each with a specialized technology focus; Manufacturing USA institutes like MxD convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future
• Chicago Cut Steakhouse, a stylish modern steakhouse with a patio overlooking the Chicago River where Berardino and Chris have both dined before
• Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery, avant-garde haunt in Aurora, IL with seasonal, creative entrées, whiskeys from around the world, and outdoor seating

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In 1989, Kansas City's beer scene was revitalized with the founding of Boulevard Brewing Company, filling a void left by the closure of hundreds of local breweries during Prohibition and the subsequent decades.

Our guest, Adam Hall from Boulevard Brewing Company, takes us on a fascinating journey into the brewery's evolution from humble beginnings to its present-day status as a staple on Kansas City's beer scene. In this episode, learn about the evolution of Boulevard's beer lineup, the pivotal role of Kansas City’s rich beer heritage, and how innovation keeps the brewery ahead of trends without chasing them.

Adam also shares unique insights into Boulevard's community involvement, sustainability efforts, and the collaborative spirit among Kansas City brewers. Plus, don't miss out on their creative beer and food pairings, including a new Chamoy and peach ring-infused sour ale!

Plus, make sure to follow the MADE HERE series with the Industrial Solutions Network by going to industrialsolutionsnetwork.com/madehere.

In this episode, find out:

• How Boulevard Brewing started out in 1989 as a small brewery with a few taps in an old gift shop
• The history of Kansas City’s breweries before Prohibition and what happened afterward
• How founder John McDonald was inspired to brew a variety of beers while on a trip to Europe
• About Boulevard’s first successful beer, which was an American wheat beer, and how it remains their bestseller today
• How hiring an innovative brewer with a robust list of recipes helps keep Boulevard Brewing on the forefront of what’s happening in the industry
• How they collaborate with other craft breweries to share techniques and improve production efficiency
• Boulevard’s position as a mid-sized brewery, larger than typical craft breweries but smaller than macro breweries, allows for quality-focused growth
• The future for the brewery is to increase its presence in markets outside Kansas City while maintaining a tight and high-quality beer profile
• How Boulevard's commitment to innovation includes adopting new manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and product quality

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “While Kansas City didn't experience Prohibition in the same way that other cities did, we never really stopped serving beer, manufacturing shut down almost completely.”
• “We want to grow. We want more people to try our beer. We think that if you try our beer, you'll like our beer. We try to make something for everybody.”
• “In the early 2000s, we were doing over a hundred thousand barrels on our original brew house, which kicks out 35 barrels at a time. If you do anything a hundred thousand times in increments of 35, it'll tell you that brew house was running 24 hours a day.”

Links & mentions:

• Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri that combines traditional brewing techniques with modern methods
• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, the best barbeque in Kansas City, the barbeque capital of the world

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

If you are one of the 100,000 people that’s going to IMTS 2024 – North America's largest manufacturing trade show – there's a lot in this episode for you. We’re joined by 7 other manufacturing leaders as we enjoy a glass of bourbon and chat about what we’re expecting to see at IMTS this year, September 9 through 14, 2024 in Chicago, IL.

This episode was recorded live from MakingChips HQ at their “Boring Bar” in Rockford, IL where we were joined by a number of past guests of Manufacturing Happy Hour. The crew discusses everything from IMTS to artificial intelligence to our thoughts on the future of manufacturing and what it will take to continue to enhance the vibrancy of this industry.

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Let’s raise a glass to 200 episodes down and counting! It’s been an incredible journey so far and to mark this milestone, we’re bringing you a special live episode – this time with host Chris Luecke in the hot seat.

So what’s it been like running the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast? Chris tells us in his own words how much he’s learned as the podcast has grown in the amazing manufacturing community.

Live from Broken Bat Brewery in Milwaukee, we’re joined by Manufacturing Happy Hour alumni, including Meaghan Ziemba, the perfect host for this episode, plus lots of manufacturers, creators, and tech leaders.

Chris shares some of the best advice he’s heard from guests on the show, including how to be a self-advocate, the importance of connecting with the next generation of talent, and the power of networking events in fostering a community. We hear some behind-the-scenes details of handling feedback, producing those early episodes, and why Chris decided to start the podcast in the first place.

Huge thanks to anyone who’s listened to and supported the podcast over the years. Here’s to another 200 episodes!

In this episode, find out:

• Introduction to our host this episode, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing
• Chris explains how he feels about it being the 200th episode and reflects on his first guest on the show
• Why Manufacturing Happy Hour began as a way to connect with younger manufacturers
• Why community and networking have always been such a big feature of the Manufacturing Happy Hour mission
• Chris reflects on the most memorable moments from his podcast
• The top challenges Chris faced when creating the podcast and the game-changing advice he received
• How listener feedback has impacted Chris’ approach to podcasting and helped him grow
• Why manufacturers need to be an “aggressive self-advocate”
• How podcasts like this help to attract more young people into the industry and why Chris believes we need to listen rather than assume we know what younger people are looking for in this industry
• How podcasting and attending events is making a tangible impact on companies in the industry
• Chris shares his predictions for next year and beyond and his plan for the next 200 episodes
• Rapid fire questions on Chris’ favorite tech, events, guests, podcasts, and some behind-the-scenes stories
• The top things Chris has learned about leadership since starting the podcast
• Introduction to the companies who made this event possible

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “When I say Manufacturing Happy Hour is listened to by leaders in manufacturing, I don't always mean the C-suite. I define leader as anyone who cares about their career, the industry, or their business. People that are driven in their careers.”
• “How do I attract the next generation? I need to listen to the next generation in terms of hearing what they want, rather than just assuming that me, as someone who’s been doing this for five plus years, knows all the answers.”
• “I'm trying to pick the best stories to tell, but I think it's just consistency. It's doing these things on a regular basis that gets folks out there, gets folks talking to people that they might not have met before."

Links & mentions:

• Broken Bat Brewery, baseball themed craft brewery and tap room in Milwaukee
• Mavens of Manufacturing, live video series hosted by Meaghan Ziemba that celebrates women in manufacturing
• Episode 56: Closing the Gender Gap in Manufacturing with Meaghan Ziemba, Meaghan’s guest episode

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Not every new manufacturing project needs to reinvent the wheel. In fact, by using the resources manufacturers already have, companies can save both time and money. The key? Using historical data.

In this episode, we sit down with Yushiro Kato, Founder and CEO of CADDi, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data. Yushiro gives us his backstory before he built CADDi and shares the unique learnings he picked up along the way.

We hear how CADDi’s innovative solutions can streamline operations and reduce costs in procurement and engineering processes. Throughout the episode, Yushiro champions centralized data systems that allow engineers to easily access and reuse past drawings, simplifying supply chains.

Yushiro also highlights the unique challenges of managing a company that spans multiple countries and continents. We hear about some of the key differences in job and skill specialization between the U.S. and Japan, while we sip sake and talk ramen.

In this episode, find out:

• Yushiro explains his entrepreneurial backstory and early experience at McKinsey & Company
• Why seeing the global pain points facing manufacturing inspired Yushiro to build CADDi
• Why so many entrepreneurs come from McKinsey
• How CADDi was founded on the idea of finding solutions in historical records
• Why we don’t see many manufacturing leaders using data to be more competitive
• How democratization of data can be used to empower people at all levels of seniority
• What frontline empowerment in manufacturing looks like
• Yushiro explains the first big issue that needs to be solved in manufacturing
• What it’s like being a CEO for a company that spans five countries

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Engineers tend to create new drawings over and over again. But why don't you leverage past data if they're mostly identical drawings in the past?”
• “There are a lot of data-related systems in place... but the systems do not really talk to each other. If you want to leverage the data in the past, you need to search across multiple systems, which is super time-consuming.”
• “Jobs are more specialized in the U.S. than Japan. So for example, in marketing, there are a lot of marketers - digital marketers, offline marketers, content marketers. In Japan, they're more generalists because they tend to be in the same company for longer."

Links & mentions:

• CADDi Drawer, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data
• RAMEN-SAN, a neighborhood noodle joint that slings hot broth, ice-cold beer, and the best '90s hip-hop in Chicago, with multiple locations including River North

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The Rust Belt cities are welcoming in a new renaissance – and it’s thanks to the rise and return of great American manufacturing!

In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive deep into the heart of the new American manufacturing renaissance with a stellar lineup of guests, including Drew Crowe, Michael Eaton, Mary Cecile “MC” Neville, Brad Jones, Jeff Hawkins, and Cynthia Chapple. Recorded at the 4 Hands Brewery in St. Louis, this episode brings together inspiring industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of manufacturing.

Drew Crowe, the Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, and his inspiring career journey take center stage as he shares how manufacturing changed his life. Today, he’s a public speaker and passionate advocate for the industry with a mission to reconnect communities with manufacturing.

We hear how manufacturing is revitalizing cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia, where the industry is not only great for job prospects but also economic growth for the Rust Belt states as a whole. Drew also gives his take on the skills gap, a challenge many manufacturers still face, and how his work is helping to spread awareness of the career opportunities the industry offers.

To hear more from manufacturing leaders, be sure to register for IMTS, taking place September 9-14 in Chicago.

In this episode, find out:

• Drew describes the New American Manufacturing Renaissance and its mission to connect communities with manufacturing
• Drew takes us through his inspiring career journey and how he prioritized learning
• Why the Rust Belt cities are seeing a resurgence thanks to the help of manufacturing
• Why better job opportunities and upskilling help not just individuals but also the city and state achieve longer-term growth
• How manufacturing is helping the cities of St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia and what they’re getting right
• How the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis contributes to communities getting involved in manufacturing
• Drew’s answer to the skills gap and why we need to spread awareness and give potential talent a helping hand
• The importance of relatable and diverse role models
• How events like this and online content help the industry get the attention it needs
• Introduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
• How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of cities
• What to expect from IMTS
• Why industry leaders need to meet people where they’re at and know their audience when talking about manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I want to bring back the opportunity where no matter what people look like, no matter where they're from, their sex, gender, political standing, race, whatever it is, we've got a lot of jobs that can change people's lives, and we just got to connect them to it.” - Drew Crowe
• “The world does not go around if we do not create.” - Cynthia Chapple
• “Manufacturers are the backbone of America. They built this country. We didn't need a pandemic to label manufacturers as essential workers. You have always been essential workers, period." - Drew Crowe

Links & mentions:

• Drew The MFG Crowe, often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he prefers, strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to this industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow.
• Delmar Maker District, a hand made movement along St. Louis’ Delmar Blvd. home to arts and crafts studios, eclectic ships, MADE Makerspace, and acclaimed restaurants
• Good Jobs Challenge, supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs as defined by the US Economic Development Administration
• ManufacturingIsSexy.com, apparel so you can Brag and rep the industry proudly, brought to you by Amper
• Black Girls Do STEM, diversifying innovation, empowering Black girls to achieve equitable STEM representation
• 4 Hands Brewing Co., brewery in St. Louis, MO with a tasting room serving a range of beers and pub fare, including City Wide Pale Ale, the world’s greatest beer

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Grab a bite to eat while you listen to this episode, preferably something fresh off the grill. We look behind the curtain of the food and beverage manufacturing world with Doug Wilson, the Director of Engineering at Marlen International.

Doug takes us on a journey through his career evolution from welding to food and beverage manufacturing, sharing pivotal moments that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of organization and workflow efficiency, revealing how his first plant startup taught him that failure can be the best teacher.

Doug breaks apart misconceptions about manufacturing in the food and beverage space and highlights that sanitary practices are make or break in this industry. He also sheds light on the artisanal side of food production, where meticulous recipe testing and quality assurance are key. We hear how Doug has helped smaller companies scale and the lessons they learn along the way when adopting new food processing equipment that makes it all possible.

Sustainability is a topic that’s near and dear to Doug’s heart, and he lets us in on Marlen’s tactic for reusing energy in the grilling process, which comes with an added flavorful bonus. Our conversation naturally comes to barbeque talk, specifically the world-famous Kansas City Barbeque Society which hosts events and competitions to celebrate a key part of KC’s culture.

In this episode, find out:

• How Doug first became a passionate Kansas City barbeque fan
• Doug’s early career in welding and high-speed printing and packaging
• Important lessons that Doug learned from an early startup that failed around workflow
• How Doug moved into the food processing business at Marlen
• Common misconceptions around food and beverage manufacturing
• What goes on behind the scenes of mass food production around testing and quality control
• Doug shares how he’s helped a number of smaller producers to industrialize and scale (including a truck stand)
• The key to ensuring quality when automation is a huge part of large-scale operations
• How the food manufacturing industry is changing, with a lean toward prepared meals
• How Marlen recycles exhaust fumes to boost energy efficiency
• Doug explains some of his barbeque tools, the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and his time as a judge
• What makes Kansas City a hub of food and beverage manufacturing
• The future of manufacturing in the food sector, Doug’s predictions

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We take the exhaust gases from the grill and pump it into the oven, so you get more of that smoked flavor. Another nice thing from the environmental side is all that exhaust gas is at 300 degrees, that's just energy you're losing. We can scale way back and reuse all that energy a second time.”
• “If you have nothing but success until you have a failure, how do you know what you need to improve on?”
• “The industry is massive, and I think a lot of people just don't realize how many people touch it along the way."

Links & mentions:

• Marlen International, Kansas City-based manufacturer of batch ovens, smokehouses, chillers, and more. They enable customer success through trusted and robust food processing solutions, application know-how, process expertise and engineering customization.
• The Kansas City Barbeque Society, a competitive cooking organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, famous for Kansas City BBQ. It’s the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 16,000 members.
• Q39, a hip, airy Kansas City BBQ joint with beamed ceilings & exposed brick serving smoked BBQ & wood-fired meats.
• Jack Stack, a bustling local KC chain known for its vast barbeque menu encompassing steak & seafood.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What does it really take to excel as a CNC machinist? A hunger to learn, a touch of aggressive self-advocacy, and a knack for problem-solving are the major take-home messages in this episode.

We speak to Christopher Zappettini, Nushrat Ahmed, and Danny Hill Jr., three CNC machinists who all took different paths into the field, skipping the traditional trade school route. They explore the top skills needed in the industry, how to be a great frontline leader, and their top tips that you won’t get from a trade school.

Chris explains what he thinks is sometimes missing from the trade school route, why problem-solving was the number one skill he took from his engineering background, and why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate.”

Nushrat takes us through her transition from automotive engineering to becoming a CNC Swiss operator and shares one underrated skill you need to work in CNC machining. Like Chris, she believes it’s so important to advocate for yourself and learn to market your own skills.

Danny talks about the value of determination and continuous upskilling, pointing out the underrated importance of manual machine skills today, and taking charge of your own skill development.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the manufacturing industry and CNC machining looking to advance their career and become a top CNC machinist.

In this episode, find out:

• Why having an inspiring teacher was key to Chris’ education at ASU
• What Chris learned from his engineering program and early jobs about CNC machining
• Two reasons why people coming out of trade schools don’t hit the ground running – the importance of a good teacher and realizing that you get out what you put in
• Why engineering is about problem-solving at its core
• Why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” and take responsibility for your own learning and development through your career
• What does a great frontline leader look like?
• Why solving problems while parts are running is the ideal approach
• Chris’ advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thing
• What Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinist
• Why Nush became a CNC machinist after pivoting from an automotive career path
• What Nush believes it means to be a great frontline leader and why you should advocate for and market yourself
• Cleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist
• The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to Danny
• When Danny realized continuous learning was essential for his career
• Danny’s picks for the top practical and underrated skills in CNC machinery

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The most ideal situation is to get parts running and while they're running, solve the problems while it's still in the shop. You start solving the problems while the parts are being produced.” - Christopher Zappettini
• “You don't need to know numbers. Your handwriting doesn't have to be nice. You don't have to be good at reading. But you need to be neat. There are so many moving parts, you're going to be grabbing so many things, you're going to be moving so much, it'll make your life easier if everything has its place.” - Nushrat Ahmed
• “I want to learn all of it. Let me master this one thing, then I'm going to the next, and the next, and the next. The more and more I make myself more marketable. In this trade, there's nowhere else to go but up. I want to just learn the new and latest technology to come." - Danny Hill Jr.

Links & mentions:

• Zappettini Consulting, consultancy offering comprehensive solutions to optimize CNC operations
• Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., a down-to-earth brewpub with a variety of craft beers and imaginative American fare, including a peanut butter and jalapeño jelly burger
• Summit Coffee, coffee brand in North Carolina that sells unique seasonal drinks including tiramisu lattes
• Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, a small coffee roaster based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Ever wonder why some machine shops are thriving while others are shutting their doors?

In this episode, we welcome back Manufacturing Happy Hour alumnus Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop, to crack open a virtual beer at GRUFF Brewing in Bellingham, Washington.

Paul serves up top notch insights on why some machine shops are thriving while others are closing their doors. He explains that some industries are driving the most success right now, including defense, commercial spaces, aerospace, and medical devices. But it's not only about being in the right industry – Paul emphasizes the need for sales-driven strategies, industry-specific certifications, and the adoption of automation and technology as keys to staying competitive.

We hear how ProShop has tripled its value since Paul was last on the show in 2020, and he shares the secret sauce for ProShop’s amazing growth. He also touches on the culture and mindset necessary for successful technology adoption in machine shops, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, leadership, and humility.

In this episode, find out:

• Why are some machine shops thriving while others are shutting down in 2024?
• The industries that are booming are in aerospace, medical devices, defense, commercial space and why other industries are struggling in comparison
• Paul explains how a shop can still succeed even if they’re not focused on the top industries by being sales-driven
• Why shops that have optimized their processes with automation tech are doing so well
• Paul outlines detailed advice for a shop that might want to pivot industries
• The moment Paul realized he’d found the secret sauce to growing ProShop
• Why Paul believes in giving back to customers, not just to drive sales but to boost value
• The all-important culture and mindset that a shop that adopts tech has and why “we’ve always done it this way” is such a dangerous statement
• Highly regulated industries are more likely to adopt tech to manage compliance and the greater complexity of the business, but what can those in less regulated industries do to adopt a similar approach?
• Paul explains how he’s been busy since his last guest appearance on the show – tripling the value of ProShop thanks to changing the company’s goals
• Why transparency and customer care are the key things that Paul believes are responsible for ProShop’s success
• Paul explains why he finally began a funding round after seven years of bootstrapping the business
• The benefits of bootstrapping your business like Paul and his advice for those who want to go a similar route
• Paul shares some backstory on his 2 podcasts and why he keeps one entirely separate from his business
• The biggest benefit of running podcasts for Paul

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The shops that are thriving the most right now are the ones that are specifically targeting and are really sales-driven into industries that are hot."
• “This whole concept of transparency and focusing on client success and sharing their stories and celebrating their wins and, what I like to say, the heroes of the economy as they are, I think is a really important part of our growth story.”
• “You can have the best product in the world and no one's going to buy it if they don't really believe in it and see it and ask if that can be a part of their success as well.”

Links & mentions:

• ProShop ERP, easily store and manage all job and company data. From setup sheets, tool lists, inspection plans, drawings, sales reports, estimating data, inventory, job costing, labor tracking, all QMS records, and more.
• Machine Shop Mastery, hosted by Paul Van Metre, this is the podcast that helps elevate the importance of the machine shop industry and reveal the secrets of success for machine shops while inspiring other shop owners or would-be shop owners to follow their passions
• Manufacturing Transformed, Paul’s other podcast that offers a peek into how companies are benefiting from ProShop
• GRUFF Brewing Co., serving Bellingham, WA delicious craft beer, draft cocktails, and food

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Places like Kansas City’s West Bottoms district make up the foundations of American manufacturing and industry. And in this episode, we head straight to The Ship, a unique bar in the heart of the historic West Bottoms district to meet with Scott Brown of the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel at Faultless Starch.

We take a look back into the history of the area and why West Bottoms was put on the map thanks to its proximity to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and the early railroads in the 1860s. Scott talks about why the region became such an agricultural hub and played an important role in the livestock industry of Kansas City. Today, the district is undergoing a period of revitalization, with investments in infrastructure being key to attracting new businesses and residents.

Scott highlights some of the area's top businesses, including Faultless Brands, which has been manufacturing starch products in West Bottoms since 1887. We also talk about the legendary American Royal BBQ events and why Kansas City BBQs may give Texas a run for its money…

Check out our Made Here City Series in collaboration with the Industrial Solutions Network.

In this episode, find out:

• How West Bottoms’ industrial history was shaped by the river and railways connecting Kansas City
• How the industrial background and area made Kansas City and the surrounding areas rich in agricultural history
• How Kansas City’s bridges connected different parts of the region, leading to expansion of the industry
• The impact of the stockyards coming to the region in the late 1800s
• The role of West Bottoms neighborhood in Kansas City cattle exchange history
• Where we see remnants of the old industry in Kansas City
• What is the American Royal today?
• The ultimate question: is Kansas City BBQ the best in the world?
• Why West Bottoms became a go-to district for haunted houses in Kansas City
• Why West Bottoms is thriving now and what you can find in the district today
• Why West Bottoms’ development is a model for other cities revitalizing areas

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "You don't give up on an area because it goes into blight, it goes into neglect, some decay. It's again, location, location and if you have the people there and it's cool, it will come about."
• "Before Kansas City came about, this area where we're in now was known as the French Bottoms. And located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri River, it was a natural place of trade and people were using the river at that time."

Links & mentions:

• West Bottoms, official site of the West Bottoms Business District Association, the organization dedicated to continued revival of our most historical area in downtown in Kansas City
• Visit KC, guide to the West Bottoms with most of this episode’s restaurant recommendations (and more) included
• The Ship, a simple exterior gives way to this cool speakeasy offering classic cocktails & live entertainment

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

A recruiter, a manufacturing leader, and a technology leader all walk into a bar… and tackle the skills gap problem head-on over some beers!

The skills gap has been a hot topic in manufacturing. So, in true Manufacturing Happy Hour style, we sit down with a beer and discuss. Recorded live from Founders Brewery, MI while on tour with SwipeGuide, we sit down with Ann Wyatt of Ann Wyatt Recruiting, Ryan Lillibridge, VP of Mission Design & Automation, and CEO and Founder of SwipeGuide, Willemijn Schneyder.

First up, we talk about how the stigma of heading into the trades is thankfully on the decrease. We swap insights on how the idea of "hireability" is changing, and what companies can do to lower the barriers to entry. A common theme throughout is that manufacturing leaders need to be more flexible when it comes to hiring. Do all candidates need a Master’s in mechanical engineering? Probably not. For the future of manufacturers, attitude and aptitude are the golden tickets.

We rounded out the conversation talking about upskilling and reskilling your workforce. Part of the skills gap problem isn’t just about attracting people to manufacturing. It’s also about missing a trick with your existing workforce. Sometimes, you need to tap into their knowledge and interests and reskill them for an increasingly tech-heavy future.

In this episode, find out:

• Ann, Ryan, and WIllemijn introduce themselves and their unique perspectives on addressing the skills gap
• How the stigma around trade jobs has evolved
• How the term “hireability” has evolved in today’s market from a recruiter’s perspective
• What companies can do to lower the barriers to entry into manufacturing and why recruiters should look at attitude and aptitude, not just experience and formal education
• Ann, Ryan, and Willemijn share which job requirements they think are outdated in today’s market and the top skills that manufacturing recruiters should look for
• Why technology is not the solution but a catalyst to empower the workforce
• How upskilling and reskilling existing staff could help to ease the burden of the skills gap
• Why people are the most valuable asset of a business that leaders should invest more in

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Technology can put a value to frontline knowledge.”
• “We do automation. We put automation systems into factories, but if they haven't spent time on their people, their manufacturing equipment does not run well because they haven't upskilled their team.”
• “We have to prioritize attitude and aptitude over ten plus years’ experience.”

Links & mentions:

• SwipeGuide, a hassle-free how-to platform for frontline training, made simple
• Mission Design & Automation, a leading intelligent automation integrator in Michigan
• Ann Wyatt Recruiting, specialist recruitment company for manufacturing companies
• Founders Brewery, brewery in Grand Rapids, MI

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Improve productivity or work on sustainability? Why not both?

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Dunford, CEO of Guidewheel and a member of the Executive Committee for the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing within the World Economic Forum, for a fascinating chat about productivity, sustainability, and innovation in manufacturing. Lauren shares how Guidewheel evolved from an energy management system to a full-fledged factory ops platform.

We kick things off with Lauren's path to manufacturing, including her experience at Stanford's MBA program and how it's proven invaluable as Guidewheel scales globally. She offers a refreshing perspective on the value of education and practical experience in the startup world.

Lauren reveals the pivotal moment that reshaped Guidewheel's approach. It's a classic tale of listening to your customers – in this case, two power users who unlocked a 20% productivity boost using Guidewheel in ways the team hadn't anticipated.

We dive deep into the connection between productivity and sustainability, exploring how data-driven decisions and operational effectiveness naturally lead to more sustainable practices. The role of AI in manufacturing naturally comes up and we discuss how it's simplifying complex processes and enabling real-time decision-making on the factory floor. 

In this episode, find out:

• Lauren shares how she became involved with the World Economic Forum  and her experience so far 
• We hear about Lauren’s early career, starting with Stanford 
• What led to Lauren starting Guidewheel and where she saw a gap in the market 
• How the MBA and five years of work experience paved the way for Lauren to build her career 
• Lauren’s mission for sustainable solutions and how she came up with the idea behind Guidewheel 
• The moment Lauren realized she needed Guidewheel to pivot
• The most important aspects of measuring sustainability and the tangible impact on business 
• The benefits of using data-driven decisions on the factory floor and why it should be brought into existing routines 
• The investor perspective on using data to drive decision-making 
• How AI can help technology solutions provide insights and predictive analyses 
• How manufacturers think about productivity and sustainability today 
• How has Guidewheel has evolved as technology advances  
• What a “factory ops champion” is and Guidewheel’s approach to tapping into those champions
• Why manufacturing is probably the coolest industry to work in today

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Once you start bringing data into those decisions, sustainability is the natural direction because “do more with less” results in more productive and efficient operations.”
• “Being able to use data to pinpoint the areas where you can grow in addition to the areas where you can be more efficient, from an investor standpoint, is just absolute gold.”
• “AI-powered is one of the new things we've really leaned in to, getting more and more predictive and ahead of breakdowns or problems.” 

Links & mentions:

• Guidewheel, the plug-and-play FactoryOps platform

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Think about a world where robots are ubiquitous. Where robots are a part of our lives like The Jetsons promised us. Like having WALL-E or R2-D2 as a buddy. The Robotics Summit & Expo is a precursor to that…

The Robotics Summit & Expo – hosted by WTWH Media – is an event focused on the commercialization of robots. The work that needs to be done to get robots out into the world. To make them more adoptable by industrial companies. This is where engineers and developers get educated on where robotics are today, and what work still needs to done - the technology, the business models, etc. - to deliver on the promises of robotics - the positive promises of robotics - that many of us probably grew up envisioning.

This episode is a recap of the event with various interviews mixed in. Guests and co-hosts include:

• Jonathan Hurst, Chief Robotics Officer at Agility Robotics
• Joyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at MassRobotics
• Scott Sizemore, Director of Commercial Marketing at Electrocraft
• Meaghan Ziemba, Host of Mavens of Manufacturing
• Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial
• Mike Oitzman, Co-Host of The Robot Report Podcast

How can simulation revolutionize manufacturing? Graham Wloch, the Director of Business Development at Visual Components, joins the show this week to fill us in on the power of simulation.

We hear about Graham’s early career and what made him pivot into the world of simulation, automation, and robotics. Graham shares what he believes are the top challenges facing manufacturers and why now is the time to start thinking ahead and embracing new technology.

He breaks down the three main elements of simulations and explores how they can transform manufacturing processes all the way from ideation to production. Getting buy-in from leadership is always a challenge, but as Graham tells us in this episode, simulation can make that all-important buy-in easier and faster to achieve.

Tune in to the episode to hear Graham explain real-world examples of how simulation enables companies to become forward-thinking and why a simulation-first culture is key in manufacturing today.

In this episode, find out:

• Graham takes us through his early career and high school drafting experience
• Why Graham moved into mechanical design and the top things he learned
• How Graham made a pivot to working in simulation and how his previous experience helped
• Why Graham stands by his quote: the big no longer eat the small, the fast eat the slow
• The evolution and importance of simulation in manufacturing
• Real-world examples of companies using simulations and why simulation is not industry-specific
• Why manufacturers need to create a simulation-first culture
• How offline programming for robots helps to speed processes up

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “If you take simulation and you get everybody on that same page from concept and design to process, to robot programming, to controls validation, and everybody has that same information, everybody's able to share that vision.”
• “With the right simulation tools, you can do shipping and receiving, you can do product and part delivery. You can really turn the level of detail up as high as it'll go and understand how this living, breathing factory is going to get you to where you need to be.”
• “We always look for companies that are forward-thinking, that are excited to incorporate technology to not only improve the bottom line but even make employees’ lives better.”

Links & mentions:

• Visual Components, a world-leading 3D simulation and visualization specialist offering total process solutions for manufacturers, system integrators, and machine builders
• The Oxford Tap, offering a fresh take on classic pub fare in Oxford, MI, including ghost pepper wings

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The barrier to entry when it comes to robotics is breaking down fast. More and more companies and industries are realizing that robotics is a realistic solution to all sorts of problems. And companies like HowToRobot are paving the way forward.

In this episode, we sit down with Søren Peters, CEO and Founder of HowToRobot.com, a platform that provides information and advice on robot suppliers and industrial automation. We hear how Søren stepped away from the world of IT and found his feet in the world of robotics.

He shares his take on the evolution of robots, the challenges in adoption, the disconnect between suppliers and buyers, and more. We talk about why manufacturers tend to focus on automating complex tasks over easier, more immediately impactful ones.

We round off the episode with some fun talk about Danish expressions and favorite beer spots in the U.S. and Copenhagen in true Manufacturing Happy Hour style!

In this episode, find out:

• How companies can get started with robotics in manufacturing
• Why manufacturing companies have gone beyond the “why should we use robots stage?”
• A common mistake when using robots for the first time
• Why people get overwhelmed when purchasing robotics equipment
• Why custom solutions aren’t always the best option and how it can hurt your chances of getting financing
• How the industry can make robots more accessible
• The common challenges in financing robot equipment
• Why more people are seeing the value of what HowToRobot has to offer
• Why Søren made his career pivot from IT to robots
• Søren’s predictions on robotics in the next few years
• Danish phrases and beer talk!

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I think a lot of people in the manufacturing world are past the “why robots,” if that makes sense. The “how,” on the other hand, I think it's a big one, you know, where do you get started?”
• “We see sadly often that they start by replicating a human. They think of it as an addition, or an add-on, or a replacement of that specific person's task, which is often a terrible place to start.”
• “The platform game is still too immature. You need to help the buyer much, much more and sometimes the seller. So, there’s an advisory management part to this that if we don't do that, these deals are just going to fall through.”

Links & mentions:

• HowToRobot.com, the go-to platform to find industrial automation, robotics suppliers, and expert advice on robots
• Mikkeller Brewing, a world-renowned Danish craft brewery
• Søernes Ølbar, Chris’ favorite beer bar in Copenhagen
• Cows on Ice and Owls in the Bog: The Weird and Wonderful World of Scandinavian Sayings, by Katarina Montnémery

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

How do you adopt a cybersecurity strategy that fits your manufacturing business? 

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Lueke is speaking to Mollie Breen, CEO & Founder of Perygee, an automation platform for IT and security teams, built to eliminate the visibility challenges of the digital-first world. 

They kick off by exploring significant developments in cybersecurity over the past few years. Mollie highlights the dual role AI plays, assisting both hackers in identifying vulnerabilities and defenders in fortifying network security. She underscores the importance of reverting to cybersecurity fundamentals amid tech evolutions, noting that a shift back to basics is essential for adapting to new threats effectively. 

Mollie provides background on her time at the NSA, revealing the surprising routine nature of tackling seemingly insurmountable tasks due to robust capabilities and top-tier expertise available. Her time at the NSA played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey with Perygee, where she navigated the intricate processes within governmental organizations to introduce innovative security measures. 

Mollie and Chris also discuss practical advice for implementing cybersecurity strategies within organizations of varying sizes. Mollie touches on the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by medical device companies due to heavy regulations and the criticality of their operations. The conversation then moves to the timing and evolution of cybersecurity roles within growing businesses.

To wrap up, they discuss the potential for leadership in cybersecurity across all levels of an organization. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders across the manufacturing sector looking to enhance their cybersecurity strategies and foster a more secure operational environment.

In this episode, find out:

• What’s new in cybersecurity, AI, and going back to basics 
• Mollie’s journey with the NSA and how that lead to her founding Perygee
• Mollie offers practical cybersecurity advice for companies of all sizes
• How training can go a long way in the context of cyber security 
• Mollie expounds on the right approach to cybersecurity in public vs. private companies
• Unpacking cybersecurity strategies for small to medium-sized businesses
• Understanding the unique cybersecurity challenges in medical devices
• The benefits of learning from different cybersecurity approaches across industries
• Mollie talks about the future of cybersecurity leadership in manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “You have to remember cyber is an offensive and a defensive game.”
• “Inevitably every time you have to secure a new thing, there's an ushering in of going back to the basics and asking yourself, ‘what do we do?’”
• “I'm glad we're moving into a position where people are more informed. Doing something just out of fear of the headlines isn't necessarily the best decision for the organization.”

Links & mentions:

• Perygee, an automation platform for IT and security teams purpose-built to eliminate the visibility challenges of the digital-first world
• NIST Framework, excellent guidelines for getting started with cybersecurity
• Cyber Readiness Institute, free resources for small businesses

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s been a hot minute since we covered eCommerce on the show, but since COVID, it’s become a growing part of manufacturing and distribution. COVID lockdowns essentially shut off the traditional methods for buying and selling manufactured supplies, and companies were forced to adopt a new way of doing things or get left behind. It’s meant great things for the industry, so we thought we’d get the eCommerce perspective in this episode from Znode's Chief Commercial Officer, Tom Flierl.

Tom joins the podcast to explore the link between eCommerce and manufacturing, how Znode presents a seamless solution, and the reasons why there’s been a spike in eCommerce system adoption. We look at how distribution and manufacturing have adapted, and Tom shares some examples of companies that have embraced new solutions and seen the benefits of integrating everything into a one-stop shop solution.

Tom also chats about AI as the next big thing for manufacturers to lean into, why salespeople are still vital for the industry, and some tips on how to assess the effectiveness of an eCommerce solution.

In this episode, find out:

• Where eCommerce and manufacturing meet
• Tom explains what Znode does
• We hear about Tom’s early experiences in print media and being an “early internet guy”
• How Tom’s background in sales and marketing helped his career during the dot-com bust
• How Tom’s family history helped to prepare him for a career in eCommerce and manufacturing
• The possible causes for the spike in eCommerce system adoption
• How future-ready are distributors and manufacturers today?
• How COVID impacted eCommerce system adoption
• What eCommerce looks like in manufacturing (with examples)
• Why the role of salespeople in eCommerce is still just as important
• Dealers and distributors’ approaches to working with eCommerce
• How people can assess the effectiveness of an eCommerce solution

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I think COVID forced a lot of shifts in everybody's lives. And I think it forced a lot of shifts in even how businesses go to market and the importance of digital.”
• “The big win that we're seeing is a lot of ERPs are moving to offer APIs now. Our platform and some others can take those APIs, talk to each other, and present the right data to the right customer when they log in and give them the right experience by exchanging data with lots of other systems.”
• "It's all about adoption. If adoption isn't there, whether it's the end customer or the distributor or channel, it’s probably not working. I would argue that that applies for distributors and manufacturers.”

Links & mentions:

• Znode, an all-in-one, headless, B2B eCommerce platform developed to enable growth through a rich set of built-in features
• Request a Demo of Znode’s B2B eCommerce platform
• Foxtown Brewing, large brewery located inside of a classic building in Mequon, WI

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

As new technologies emerge, so do new solutions and new possibilities. The electronics manufacturing world is going through a digital revolution right now, and companies like Arch Systems are at the pinnacle of it.

We welcomed Andrew Scheuermann, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch Systems, to the show to hear about the brilliant backstory behind the company. Before Arch Systems became a thing, Andrew and his Co-Founder were on a mission to solve the problem of broken wells in a number of African countries. Funding new wells is one thing, but without maintenance, they often fail. Using new technology and data insights, this project spiraled into a larger solution that became what Arch Systems is today.

We hear Andrew’s story and his thoughts on balancing non-profit and for-profit ventures to help each other, what the early days of the startup were like, and how technology is paving the way for faster and more effective solutions in electronics manufacturing.

In this episode, find out:

• What Arch Systems does and how it started with a clear mission
• Why Andrew decided to start working with water wells in some African countries
• Andrew explains what the problem was with the wells and how it all came down to maintenance
• How Andrew and his co-founder came up with a solution
• The challenges of using a solution across so many sites
• How Andrew balanced the for-profit and non-profit aspects of his project
• How electronics manufacturing became a focus
• The early days of finding product-market fit and struggling as an early startup
• How leveraging data in Arch Systems could benefit manufacturing companies
• The challenges of handling so much data
• How the right data can help you make predictive maintenance decisions
• How automation can help to fill the gaps in a workforce

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “If you can solve somebody's problem, it doesn't matter how different or similar you think you are, you can be the best team in the world.”
• “All machines break. It's not a question of if, it's just when. And the more you use it, the more it's going to break. There might have been a defect, it might break earlier, it might just be based on usage. And so they would break, but the problem was painfully simple, there was no maintenance.”
• “What's stuck with me is just being about the people and their problem. Not what you think it is, but what they think it is.”

Links & mentions:

• Arch Systems, building expert data solutions that objectively observe and optimize manufacturing processes, driving decision intelligence for electronics manufacturers   
• WellDone International, a non-profit organization working to improve global access to clean water and other basic services essential to human health, productivity, and well-being
• Amandine Lounge, serving a range of international cocktails in Los Altos, CA

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Imagine a world without connectors… If we didn’t have connectors, technology and products would simply be cool ideas without that all-important functionality we need. In this episode, we speak to two of HARTING Americas’ team about the importance of connectors in manufacturing and engineering processes.

Casey Spitz, the Vice President of Development and Innovation, and Cory Jenkins, Senior Director of Business Development, weigh in on why connectors should be a part of design processes from the very start, rather than left to the end.

Casey and Cory share insights on the technical details of connectors, the trend toward miniaturization, and the evolution of things like Ethernet over the past few years. We also chat about the project management side of engineering, how HARTING balances growth with everyday processes, and how engineers should think about localization. As industry leaders, they have some great actionable advice on leadership, growth, and the importance of team collaboration. We hear what it takes to build an efficient engineering process that welcomes new ideas to boost innovation.

In this episode, find out:

• What are connectors and why are they so important for engineers
• Why Europe appears to be ahead in the connectors world compared to North America
• How Ethernet has evolved and the lessons we can take from that
• How Cory has successfully led HARTING through a number of technology shifts, including a branch out into semiconductors
• Actionable advice for engineers and manufacturers to execute quickly and adapt to the market
• How Casey created processes that HARTING needed to grow to the next level
• How Casey balanced creating processes for growth with working on the day-to-day priorities
• Advice for building efficient processes into your own business as a manufacturer
• The role of localization in HARTING’s growth, plus advice for others
• Why collaboration is a huge priority for HARTING and how it directly drives innovation
• What engineers should know about connectors and how they should integrate them early in the process

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The world of connectors is actually pretty niche. There's not a lot of people that have done this before, so we're looking for people that are top notch collaborators, that are very humble and respectful of other people's ideas.”
• “Don't confuse busyness with productivity. And the difference between those two is really being connected to your company's goals.”
• “If you go in every direction, that's not a right answer. But you've got to be listening to every direction.”

Links & mentions:

• HARTING, a connectivity solutions provider that operates worldwide to design connectivity for challenging environments
• Ernst Barre Private Brewery, located in the East Westphalian town of Lübbecke in the north-western German district of Minden-Lübbecke

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The difficulties manufacturers face when it comes to finding and retaining top talent is something we often discuss on this podcast, so it’s great to welcome a guest who has an excellent solution. In this episode, we speak with Retired Lieutenant Colonel (USAF), Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz.

Kathy shares her story with us about how she got into the military and eventually the industrial space. She explains what it means to be a veteran champion if you’re hoping to recruit veterans to your manufacturing team, and how you can ensure your organization is veteran-ready. She also provides an enlightening look at the broad skill sets that veterans bring to the table, from nursing to project management to sales, and gives us some tips on tangible ways to become an advocate for veterans in everyday life.

In this episode, find out:

• Kathy shares her favorite type of grilled cheese!
• We hear about what it means to be veteran-ready vs veteran-friendly
• Kathy takes a deep dive into her journey in the military
• Why her adaptability and problem-solving skills drew Kathy to the military
• The diversity of experiences that come out of being in the military
• Kathy shares why she wrote her book, Beyond “Thank You For Your Service:” The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians
• What can manufacturing leaders do to increase retention of veterans and improve mentorship?
• Why it’s so important to develop a veteran hiring program
• Kathy tells us about the Veteran Hiring Academy courses in April and September each year

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “My appreciation for the technical aptitudes that service members bring to the workplace is particularly relevant in the manufacturing industry.”
• “I invite you to join the veteran champion movement and be a part of the win because it really is a win when you get to know a veteran, understand their life story, their experiences. So I contend that it improves your quality of life.”
• “’Thank you for wearing the uniform.’ That is super special because it implies that you have some appreciation for what it means to me to take the oath of office, to make that commitment, and the pride and professionalism we feel when we wear the uniform”.

Links & mentions:

• Vanguard Veteran, equipping civilians to become veteran champions
• Beyond "Thank You For Your Service:" The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians
• Invite Vanguard Veteran to Speak
• Vanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and Training
• Complimentary Veteran-Ready Assessment
• O*Net OnLine Military Crosswalk Search
• Women Who Lead, monthly free hybrid Leadership Discussion Forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans to empower women leaders and foster mutual support

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What are some of the results of integrating cobots into your production processes and how do you help your employees push past any initial apprehension they feel to fully embrace the benefits?

In this special case study-style episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we welcome Rob Goldiez, CEO of Hirebotics, a company that makes welding cobots for welders, and Justin Montes, CEO of DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, onto the show to talk about the intersection of automation, technology, and human craftsmanship.

We take a deep dive into real-world scenarios of what it looks like when a company adopts robotics, specifically collaborative robots. What factors into the decision making? What are some of the hiccups that happen along the way and what does success look like after a robot is installed?

The conversation also covers leadership, robotics, and trends in the collaborative robot space. Plus, if you like welding, fabrication (or boats!) then you’re going to love this episode!

In this episode, find out:

• The world of DeAngelo Marine Exhaust
• Explore Hirebotics’ revolutionary robotic solutions
• The journey to automation – overcoming challenges with cobots
• Some of the impacts of cobots in the workplace
• How embracing cobots is a game changer in production
• The impact of cobots on efficiency and innovation
• Industry perspectives – reactions to cobots
• Cobots as creative tools
• Ongoing support and results

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We paid off the cobot within an order. One order! So that was done. Now it's just icing!”
• “The consistent thing is companies are struggling to hire and retain key welders. They’re an aging workforce. You see that all over. Can't find welders, can't meet production, struggle to grow the business.”
• “There is a general fear of automation. It's going to replace my job versus it's going to take the dull, dirty, dangerous stuff away so I can be more creative.”

Links & mentions:

• Hirebotics, fabrication cobot solutions for welders
• DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, marine engine exhaust systems
• YOT Bar & Kitchen, voted Fort Lauderdale best for brunch and outdoor dining
• Edley's Bar-B-Que, Nashville style Bar-B-Que
• Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, hot Chicken Sandwich
• Tootsie’s, live musical performances daily and delicious food
• Connect with Rob on LinkedIn
• Connect with Justin on LinkedIn

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Additive manufacturing isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, but are manufacturers using it as much as they could? And are we using it in the right way by teaming it up with automation?

According to Liz Stortstrom, 3D Printing Product Manager at HP, manufacturers are starting to lean into using additive manufacturing with automation – but we could do more to fully realize its potential!

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Liz gives us a quick overview of her varied career – from engineering to operations, to her Spain-based product management role. She shares her take on why additive manufacturing and automation make the perfect pairing and her predictions for how the industry will develop in the future.

We also hear a little about which industries are leading the way, and how companies can get buy-in from their team and leadership to join in with the success.

In this episode, find out:

• Liz explains her role as a product manager in additive manufacturing
• Liz’s career story and how it began in engineering, moved into operations, and then additive manufacturing
• How she realized that working in operations wasn’t for her and she needed to make a change
• Lessons Liz learned from previous roles that tie into additive manufacturing
• How 3D printing and automation go hand in hand
• Industries that are leading the way in additive manufacturing
• Liz shares her predictions on the future of additive manufacturing
• The best people in a company to talk about 3D printing
• Liz shares her experience of moving her career to Spain and what she’s learned

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Every 3D printing process has some sort of automation inherently involved. Whether that be automating the movement of parts, the digital workflow, or around the quality control process.”
• “A lot of companies need this higher level of agility, right? This higher level of flexibility. And how do you do that with the same old manufacturing methods?”
• “You need a champion, usually an engineer, who is near the design and understands the benefits of additive manufacturing. At the same time, especially if you're a big company, you need someone higher up to say, 'we're going to start using additive manufacturing more.'”

Links & mentions:

• Victoria Bar, a great cocktail bar in Portland, Oregon
• Connect with Liz on LinkedIn

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Now, who doesn’t love a good chat about robots? In this episode, we speak with Ryan Gariepy, the CTO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors, about the future of robotics and how leadership can effectively integrate autonomous equipment and robots into existing operations.

We hear about Ryan’s career in robotics, from his early days to building his two companies, which were recently acquired by Rockwell Automation. Ryan explains how companies, big or small, can start working with robots in different ways to find the best possible applications for them.

Aside from the practical application of robots, we also dig into the ethical considerations that leaders should be aware of – most importantly, the safety of human workers on site. Plus, we also hear how R2-D2 was the inspiration behind Ryan’s love of robots.

In this episode, find out:

• Ryan gives us a brief overview of what Clearpath Robotics does
• We hear the story of how Ryan first developed his love for robots (plus his favorite movie robot)
• Ryan explains why he decided to build his two companies
• The top lesson Ryan learned from his time in the industry
• Ryan’s thoughts on industry adoption of robotics for both small and larger businesses
• How smaller companies can minimize the risks of adopting robotics
• How bigger companies can build robotics adoption into digital transformation plans
• The ethical considerations of deploying robots in existing teams
• How robots have affected the economy in manufacturing in Canada

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “If we're going to put our time and money and all sorts of other resources into building new technology, let's do it in areas like agriculture or the basics of healthcare or construction. Let's try not to put robots in the creative spaces.”
• “Robots are one of the few components which are both necessary and sufficient to drive value. Just on their own.”
• “I think it's important for people to learn from existing successful deployments and not try to reinvent the wheel because reinventing the wheel is costly, but when it comes to people's health or wellbeing generally, it opens up corner cases.”

Links & mentions:

• Robotics Summit & Expo, the world's leading robotics development event, taking place in Boston, MA on May 1-2, 2024
• Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation, mobile robots for research & development, enabling researchers and corporations to accelerate their robotics research and development
• OTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation, the most experienced autonomous material handlers in the industry
• Canadian Robotics Council, robotics-fuelled economic development is within Canada's reach, uniting innovation stakeholders from across the country

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This episode is all about ‘Made in Missouri’ and was recorded live at the 2024 Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference. It’s a special episode for host Chris Luecke, because not only did he grow up in Missouri, but also because he is a big fan of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, which is a group that’s constantly advocating for manufacturing and building a great community of manufacturers in their area.

This episode is a compilation of three different interviews with three very interesting manufacturers from three different parts of Missouri, focusing on what it’s like to manufacture in the Midwest.

Chris speaks to Pavel Bosovik, founder and CEO of 27North, where they make expedition vans and adventure vehicles, Josh Shelton the owner of Etched Nameplate Company as well as Kevin Thompson, CFO turned Leadership Coach at Cambridge Air Solutions, who talks about how to create a culture that makes you the talk of the industry.

For loads of insights, invaluable advice, and an in-depth look at how to leverage others in your manufacturing ecosystem, don’t miss this episode.

In this episode, find out:

• How Pavel industrialized the process of making adventure vans
• His big recommendation for anyone launching a new product or company
• The importance of real-time user feedback and how it sets 27North apart
• The part of their vans that Pavel most loves to tell people about
• Pavel’s vision and dream for the company when he was just starting out
• Why it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people when building a business
• How getting fired was the springboard Josh Shelton needed to start Etched
• What characteristics make someone the right co-founder for your business
• What it’s like being a part of the Midwest manufacturing community
• Why Etched has acquired a new company every year since 2020
• What it means when Cambridge Air Solutions says they’re in the business of enriching lives
• How their morning meetings have made them the talk of the industry
• How manufacturing ambassadors are working to build relationships and enrich the community
• Transitioning from CFO to Leadership Coach and why the company was so ready for it
• What the manufacturing scene is like in St. Louis currently

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I wish there was a secret sauce or I could say, ‘hey, my bachelor's degree helped’. It definitely accelerated the process. It helped me lay the foundation and know the vocabulary. But in any new business or new product that you launch, the processes is the hardest part.”
• “If you want to scale your company from $20 million to $100 million, find $100 million companies. Forget Elon Musk. Find people that are the next step of where you want to be in your journey.”
• “We don't exist to make HVAC equipment. We exist to enrich lives. We happen to enrich lives by making and distributing HVAC equipment.”

Links & mentions:

• Missouri Association of Manufacturers, the only organization dedicated solely to representing the interests of manufacturers in Missouri 
• 27North, helping people experience adventure through custom-built expedition vehicles 
• Etched - The Nameplate Company, leading provider of metal nameplates and tags for the manufacturing, rigging, and transportation industries 
• Cambridge Air Solutions, helping manufacturing and warehousing leaders create healthy working environments through industrial HVAC solutions    
• Missouri Ridge Distillery, Branson's only grain-to-bottle distillery and its first brewery 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Does personal branding have a place in the manufacturing space? It might be something you associate more with marketing or creative industries, but this week’s guest has seen her personal branding efforts open doors to new and exciting opportunities.

Nikki Gonzales, the Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam and Co-Host of the Automation Ladies podcast (amongst many other projects) joins this episode to talk about personal branding and the importance of trust. Trust is a key theme in this episode, and personal branding can go a long way in building it within your network. But it also comes up when we chat about why companies are sometimes hesitant for employees to work on their personal brands. For Nikki, it’s important that companies trust their employees, like Quotebeam did for her.

We dive into how Nikki has built her brand and network and the benefits she and Quotebeam have experienced as a result. We also talk about Nikki’s background, having moved from Iceland to the UK to Texas, where she learned about the world of tech sales and the importance of networking.

In this episode, find out:

• What Nikki learned growing up in Iceland, moving to the UK and eventually to Houston
• Nikki shares the story of her first sale at her dad’s company
• Why Nikki made the jump to software based on the kind of lifestyle she wanted
• How a long networking relationship led to Nikki getting her role at Quotebeam
• Why Nikki decided to focus more on her personal branding
• How Nikki’s personal branding efforts are also benefitting Quotebeam
• Why companies are hesitant to trust employees working on a personal brand
• Nikki shares how she came to start and co-host the Automation Ladies podcast
• Nikki explains the work Quotebeam does and teases some new developments in the future

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Network effects are real, and we are a technology business, yes, but the backbone of that is the people."
• “The owner or the leadership team at that organization needs to take a look in the mirror and say, are we fostering the type of culture that's going to result in a positive perception of our company from the folks that work here?
• [On personal branding] “I think getting buy-in is really important. You can go out on your own and do all kinds of stuff. But if you do it completely without discussing it with your employer at all, then you're probably setting yourself up for some sort of conflict down the road.”

Links & mentions:

• Quotebeam, a platform that brings products from many supply chain sources to one place to help customers source their parts without endless searching
• Automation Ladies, join Nikki Gonzales, Ali G, and Courtney Fernandez as they chat with people from all walks of life and all corners of the industrial automation industry
• Process & Controls Engineering, LLC, the Northwest's leading woman-owned control systems integration firm
• Saint Arnold Brewing Company, established craft brewery featuring facility tours and a beer hall that’s basically a beer cathedral, plus a beer garden with amazing skyline views of Houston, TX

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Innovation is 3M’s bread and butter. As a leading science-based technology company, we wanted to hear more about the stories from people who make all that innovation happen. 

This episode was recorded at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul Minnesota, where we spoke with three brilliant women from 3M about innovation in STEM, how 3M encourages new ideas and projects and diversity in STEM. Joining this episode are Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist, Brittany Moren, Robotic Application Engineer, and Michelle Frumkin, Global Marketing Manager.

They explain how they first entered the world of STEM and what we can do to encourage more from diverse backgrounds to pick STEM as a career path. We also hear about 3M’s 15%-time policy which allows team members to dedicate 15% of their time to work on innovative new projects and experiments. 

In this episode, find out:

• We hear from Brittany what a project engineer at 3M does
• How Michelle, Brittany and Jayshree first got involved in STEM
• How 3M works in the robotics and automation spaces
• Jayshree explains how 3M builds uncommon connections between problems and solutions
• What innovation means and how 3M’s culture of empowerment helps to grow it
• Exciting projects that 3M’s 15%-time policy has helped empower employees to work on
• What we need to do to get more women and girls interested in STEM careers 
• Why lack of diversity is a systemic problem and requires real intentionality to solve it

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “If you're leadership, if you're one of the CEOs, if you're able to continue showcasing the women and everyone in your workforce and the hard work that they do, it really says, okay, I feel like I'm valued here and it makes sense for me to stay and continue.” Michelle
• “I strongly believe in bringing awareness much sooner into people's lives. So I've done a lot of outreach with middle school and high school. A lot of times when I have talked to high schoolers that are maybe like junior seniors, it actually a lot of times feels too late.” Brittany
• “I think role models are important. People want to see representation and that makes them want to aspire to those roles.”

Links & mentions:

• 3M, a science-based technology company that seeks to improve lives with innovative technology. 
• Not the Science Type, a short film showcasing four women who break down the boundaries in STEM.
• Skilled, a docuseries created to showcase diverse and meaningful trade careers.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Well, this episode is certainly a trip down memory lane! 

Host Chris Luecke is joined by former college classmate Marcease Warren, the VP of Manufacturing at Sentry Equipment. Chris and Marcease catch up on what’s changed since they were pulling all-nighters trying to finish projects at Marquette’s College of Engineering.  

In this episode, we hear about the trick to scaling a manufacturing department, leading a team of engineers, and the importance of a good company culture where everyone’s on the same page. Marcease shares his take on Industry 4.0 in the engineering space and some examples of how automation is changing things at Sentry Equipment.  

We also talk a bit about Sentry Equipment’s employee ownership program. Marcease busts some myths about this type of program and explains some of the benefits of employees having a stake in the company.  

In this episode, find out: 

• We reminisce on college days spent designing Mars rovers at Marquette’s College of Engineering 
• Marcease explains a little about what Sentry Equipment does  
• How Marcease’s role has evolved in the engineering and manufacturing space 
• How you can scale a manufacturing department  
• What industry 4.0 really means for manufacturing and engineering 
• Examples of how tech is changing things at Sentry Equipment 
• Tips for smaller businesses who want to evolve but are hesitant because of the cost/time 
• Why company culture is key in building a competitive team 
• What people get wrong about employee ownership and the benefits of running a program 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “You can throw out the buzzwords, industry 4.0, IoT, whatever you want to call it. But automation is automation at the end of the day. So it's just a matter of incorporating those various tools to automate something that is manual right now.” 
• “We had a project where we incorporated a laser into the shop, and not only did we pull in the individuals that we thought were going to be directly responsible for the equipment, we pulled in any and everybody that wanted to be an ally.” 
• [On employee ownership] “A lot of people think that they're putting their own money on the line and that's not the case at all. You're literally getting something for free. Your trade into the organization is your time and your commitment, not necessarily your financial contribution to the company.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Sentry Equipment, delivering true representative sampling and analysis techniques and equipment to customers around the globe 
• Marquette University Co-Op Program, Marquette’s College of Engineering works with more than 200 leading engineering and technology companies across 25 states that hire our students for co-ops and internships, helping our students to build skills, gain invaluable professional experience and make key connections that will help them successfully launch their careers 
• Rosati’s, Oconomowoc, WI location of the pizza joint where real engineering work gets done… 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What’s new in the forklift and logistics industry? According to Nick Malewicki, the General Manager of the Autonomous Vehicle Division at Big Joe Forklifts, we’re seeing smart forklifts, more automation, and better safety features in equipment. 

Nick joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his role and career and shares some insights into his own passion for solving problems, which has been a major theme throughout his career.  

We hear how Big Joe Forklifts provides safer ways of managing and picking goods in warehouses and the differences between autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). 

We also chat about some excellent beer at Eagle Park Brewing in Milwaukee, Nick’s favorite Pulp Fiction character, and what a “joey” is in the forklift world.  

In this episode, find out: 

• What the future holds for the forklift industry and how technology is propelling change 
• What the manufacturing and logistics scene is like in Wisconsin  
• How Wisconsin’s proximity to the Great Lakes is a major plus for the industry 
• How Nick first entered the world of logistics  
• The benefits of entering the working world before deciding on a college degree 
• Why Nick is always keen to pick roles and industries with challenges and a need for problem-solving 
• How Nick grew his career by volunteering for and jumping on new opportunities 
• What brought him to work for Big Joe 
• How Nick’s logistics experience came in handy in his current role 
• The difference between AMRs and AGVs and the challenges of integrating them 
• How Big Joe’s equipment helps to avoid injuries and makes work easier for employees 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “The number one mindset is to make ergonomic equipment that prevents injuries but also makes employees’ jobs easier. We want to empower workers. We don't want to make their job harder.” 
• “Automation is super important. The percentage of companies that are increasing their investments into automation continues to grow. But a big obstacle of that is the financial impact and as well as the training.” 
• “Forklifts are getting smarter. They're becoming autonomous. There's telematics now. And all of these innovations enhance safety and operator comforts.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Eagle Park Brewing, a great Milwaukee brewery, which Nick and his wife have been members of for years 
• Big Joe Forklifts, for over 70 years, Big Joe has supplied electric forklifts to factories, warehouses, and storerooms across the U.S. 
• Connect with Nick on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Welcome to this special episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, recorded live at the 2024 Industrial Marketing Summit in Austin Texas, where we chat with five awesome industrial marketers about the evolution of industrial marketing.  

The episode is divided into three parts and you’ll hear why an industrial marketing event is so important at the beginning of 2024, what a rebrand can really mean to an industrial company and how you can effectively market something that is a small part of a bigger industrial solution and make it exciting.  

Plus, we also talk to our brilliant marketers about what meaningful marketing looks like to an engineer, how B2B marketing can be just as cool and B2C, what industrial marketers should be taking advantage of right now. 

So join Chris as he talks with Adam Beck, Director of Marketing at CADENAS PARTsolutions, Kerry Nedic, Strategic Marketing Leader at Baker Hughes, John Joyce, Founder & Systems Architect at Brijr.io, Amanda Marx, Senior VP of Marketing, Digital Strategy and IT at HARTING Americas and Melissa Geertz, Director of Marketing at Grey Solutions, for loads of excellent advice, insights and inspiration.  

In this episode, find out: 

• How things have changed in industrial marketing since the summit started in 2018 
• Why an event around industrial marketing is so important at the beginning of 2024 
• Where our marketing leads see the industrial space going over the next few years 
• What is most exciting in industrial marketing at the moment? 
• How you market a niche product that’s a part of a bigger industrial solution and make it interesting 
• Ways industrial marketers can stand out when talking about the labor issue and sustainability 
• Marketing’s role is about building a reputation with audiences that matter 
• Number one focus for industrial marketers right now 
• How AI is going to change the way  industrial marketers operate 
• What a rebrand can mean for an industrial company 
• Mistakes industrial companies make when it comes to getting their message out there 
• Investing in marketing isn’t only about financial investment, but time and energy too 
• Why it’s so important that sales and marketing are aligned 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “The marketing experience, the customer experience as a whole, is going to change for industrial companies over the next few years because industrial companies are just waking up to the value of the whole customer experience.” 
• “We’re small, scrappy teams and I don't see that changing. But I think we are going to get so much better because of what AI is bringing to the table. So a small scrappy team's ability to generate good content at scale has never been more possible.” 
• “The buyer's journey evolves and it changes. And it's so important to make sure that your strategy and your brand reflects that and addresses the buyer needs.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with our industrial marketing leaders on LinkedIn:  
• Adam Beck https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambeck79/ 
• Kerry Nedic https://www.linkedin.com/in/knedic/ 
• John Joyce https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfjoyce/ 
• Amanda Marx https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandamarx/ 
• Melissa Geertz https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissageertz/  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Get ready for a masterclass of an episode with Alex Chausovsky, the Director of Analytics and Consulting at Bundy Group. Alex gives us detailed breakdowns of the top things you need to know about the current economic climate, the labor market, and the M&A world.   

We hear about his varied career story and the key lessons he’s picked up from his time in market research and investment banking. He gives his advice for those running businesses, hiring talent, selling businesses, and making decisions around growth and profitability. A theme throughout this episode is the importance of focusing on what matters and not getting lost in the noise and wealth of information out there.  

To say this episode is packed with advice would be putting it lightly! 

In this episode, find out: 

• Alex’s career story from market research to M&A to investment banking 
• The three top takeaways we need to know about economic changes  
• How Alex first started working with Miller Research 
• Why businesses need to think more strategically about talent management 
• Three things that are impacting the labor market at the moment 
• Why HR needs a seat at the executive table 
• The key factors that job candidates are most interested in and how organizations can lean into them 
• How Alex pivoted toward investment banking  
• Why you need a base understanding of the value of an organization 
• The four pillars of a valuable business 
• Why you need a competitive market process when selling a business 
• The importance of critical thinking and data in any decision-making process 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Understanding what motivates people, both the workers and the organizations, is really critical to being able to not only attract people to your organization but then effectively hire them and retain them.” 
• “You have to know which economy and which recession you care about from a business perspective. Think about the data. How do you interpret it? What does it mean to you, and which one should you care about?” 
• “HR needs a seat at the executive table. When you're setting targets for yourself, developing product roadmaps, and talking about the future growth of the organization, people have to be a critical element of it.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Bundy Group, an industry-focused investment bank that specializes in representing business owners and management teams with 200+ successful transactions  
• Industrial Production: Total Index 
• Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft 
• Employment Situation Summary: Establishment Data 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Robotics and automation have transformed the manufacturing world, logistics, supply chains, and warehouses over the past few years. Thanks to the democratization of these tools, more companies are utilizing the kind of AI-powered robots that Dexterity specializes in.  

Michael Patrick Perry, Dexterity’s VP of Marketing, returns to the show for a third time to explore the transformational changes in robotics. We chat about how Dexterity solves common challenges in warehouses plus how the company has successfully scaled over the past few years.  

Michael also explains how a software-first approach makes robotics a more flexible and dynamic solution to common warehouse challenges. He explores how the democratization of robotics has changed the industry, leading to rapid deployment in warehouses and where AI can help companies with everything from logistics to marketing.  

In this episode, find out: 

• The transformational change in robotics Michael has noticed since he was last on the podcast  
• How Dexterity has scaled and grown in the past few years  
• Michael explains the full scale of Dexterity’s robotics systems, starting from bread packing in warehouses 
• Why Dexterity takes a software-first approach to robotics  
• The transformation from single task-focused automation to full task automation 
• How the democratization of robotics is expanding and what that means for companies that use it 
• Michael explains how he’s seen Dexterity develop into a brand name  
• Dexterity’s branding positioning as a seller of business outcomes, not just robotics and software deployment 
• Marketing advice and tactics for other marketing leaders in the manufacturing space 
• How AI is influencing the marketing space and how it can help marketers and leaders solve common problems 
• How AI plays into Dexterity’s solutions as a core piece of its stack 
• What Michael is most excited about seeing in the future of Dexterity  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It's less important to be out there in front of everybody. It's more important to be out in front of the right people.” 
• “It's no longer the spray and pray, let's put out a message and just hope it works. It's really understanding your customer and creating a custom experience of your brand for them.” 
• “We don't sell robots or software, we sell business outcomes.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Michael’s first appearance on Manufacturing Happy Hour: 55: Why “Spot” the Mobile Robot is Made for Manufacturing with Boston Dynamics’ Michael Perry 
• Michael’s second time on the show: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics | Live from A3’s 2021 Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference 
• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn  
• Dexterity AI, a leader in robotic warehouse automation for manufacturing, logistics, retail and supply chains. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

From energy to supply chain, manufacturing represents the lifeblood of pretty much everything that makes our society run. It also contributes 14% of the GDP of the US, making it a space that needs to grow aggressively and an attractive prospect for our guest on this episode, Rapid Robotics CEO & Co-Founder Jordan Kretchmer.

Jordan explains how and why he made the transition from a highly successful career in MarTech to robotics and what this new focus means to him personally. He also provides fascinating insights into the recent refocus and impact that Rapid Robotics is having on the scalability of robotic workforces to help solve the labor crisis. And how the new technologies they are deploying enable robots to self-learn and adapt to their environments with human-like instincts. 

Jordan reveals how he won over investors despite (initially) not being able to program a robot and managed to keep them all on board when the company refocused. We hear his top three takeaways for manufacturing leaders and how AI has changed the way we can ‘train’ robots. 

In this episode, find out:

• Why Jordan made the move from SaaS to robotics
• Why the traditional ways of deploying automation and robotics aren’t growing fast enough
• What needs to change before we see robotic workforces having an impact on society
• What needs to happen for the US to have a reliably growing and authoritative manufacturing sector
• How Jordan was able to start a robotics company despite not being able to program a robot
• How Rapid Robotics is refocusing right now to help with the massive labor shortage
• The top three takeaways from Jordan’s would-be masterclass!
• How Rapid Robotics kept all their investors throughout their massive refocus
• The enormous steps that have been taken in robotics over the past four years
• How AI has enabled a whole new level of ‘robot training’ 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The labor shortage is growing at about 25% per year in the US and the number of robots installed per year is growing at 2%. So you don't see any possible outcome where robotics workforces could actually have an impact on our economy unless there is scalability.”
• “In order for us to have a reliably growing and authoritative manufacturing sector in the US we have to localize. We have to make more reliable supply chains, keep prices down and keep inflation down. All of those things happen from localizing.”
• “We’re going from having one deployment technician work on one deployment at a time, to one deployment technician being able to work on 10 at a time. That's the kind of scale we need.”

Links & mentions:

• Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn
• Rapid Robotics, delivering risk free robotics for end-of-line automation 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

AI has been a key part of modern manufacturing for a few years now, and it’s here to stay. But we wouldn’t have it without people like our guest on this episode, who’s not afraid to try new things and take bold leaps into the unknown. 

With quite possibly the coolest job title ever, Gregory Powers, the VP of Cool Stuff at Gray Solutions, gives us some backstory on how he got that title and what his role involves. His philosophy leans into the “art of what’s possible,” and this curiosity has shaped his career in new and interesting ways.  

Gregory talks about what it means to guide a team when applying new technologies, particularly AI solutions. We hear how manufacturers can get started with AI, where AI is headed in this industry, and how manufacturers can tell they’re ready for it. He also breaks down his best advice for trying out new technology the right way and what bringing AI in could do for your team (hint – it’s not stealing their jobs!) 

In this episode, find out: 

• What a VP of Cool Stuff gets up to and how he came up with his own job title 
• What it means to guide a team to focus on practical applications of technology 
• Gregory’s philosophy on “the art of what’s possible” and what it means for him 
• What it means to apply AI to manufacturing  
• Why AI could become the future of HMI and other ways it could shape the industry  
• A practical example of how Gray Solutions is leveraging AI for 3D modeling  
• How manufacturers can determine whether they’re ready to introduce AI 
• How Gregory enables his team to try new things and experiment with technology 
• Gregory’s advice for manufacturing leaders who want to stay focused on outcomes and avoid jumping on the bandwagon of new tech 
• How AI could free up human workers to focus on “cool stuff” 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “[With AI], the operators can be more proactive about getting things done outside of the traditional stuff that they're doing now.” 
• “I keep telling our customers, get some foundation first on your data, structure it, put in the technology and the infrastructure that you need to set up for that future. If you don't do that, you're going to probably struggle.” 
• “Don't be scared to take a risk on some of this stuff, as long as you're not losing out on big numbers, then it's okay to experiment.”

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with Gregory on LinkedIn 
• Gray Solutions, a full-service automation, operations, and information systems integrator  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Marketing, manufacturing, and life advice are the key themes in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Jim Carr, CEO of CARR Machine & Tool, joins the podcast to impart his words of wisdom as a manufacturing trailblazer. We hear about his early days of bartending and marketing and the surprisingly transferable lessons he now applies to manufacturing.  

One of Jim’s take-home points in this episode is the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, which is something he practices regularly. He also shares how he got started with branding and marketing on the manufacturing side and why he decided to push forward with social media (even when manufacturing leaders at the time were skeptical).  

Jim also reveals the two core beliefs that keep him successful and why his passion for his work keeps him young.  

In this episode, find out: 

• Jim explains how the notion of manufacturing work being low pay is no longer the case 
• Why your branding should match the clients and partners you aspire to work with 
• What Jim learned from his background in hospitality that he applies to manufacturing 
• How to know when to take the leap into a different industry/new business venture 
• Why you need to expand your comfort zone and try new things 
• Jim’s advice for dealing with tough economic times  
• How Jim applied his background in branding and marketing to manufacturing  
• Why consistency is essential when it comes to branding  
• Why manufacturers are typically hesitant to get involved with marketing  
• Jim explains why his passion for his work keeps him young 
• The two core beliefs that Jim holds onto 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “What holds people back in their careers is they're too concerned with what other people are going to think. You have to do what you feel is the right thing for you.” 
• “I believe if you match your brand to the companies that you're trying to attract, it's good synergy.” 
• “Consistency is really important. If you're only going to post 1-2 times a week, make sure it's consistent on the days of the week and the times that you post because people get used to seeing that.”

Links & mentions: 

• Perry’s Steakhouse: An award-winning, fine-dining restaurant in Schaumburg, Chicago   
• CARR Machine & Tool: An AS9100D aerospace machine shop that does high-value, high precision machining 
• My True Position podcast: A podcast for manufacturing professionals full of actionable insights into high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company, hosted by Jim.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Hospitality and the manufacturing industry couldn’t be further apart, right? But it turns out there are some universal lessons when it comes to delivering a great customer experience that apply no matter what industry you’re in. Whether you’re dealing with guests, customers, clients, or visitors, the “hospitality mentality” is key to success – says returning guest Josh Liebman, guest experience expert, podcast co-host of AttractionPros, and author of The Hospitality Mentality. 

Josh joined us back in episode 17 to talk about what manufacturers can learn from the amusement park industry. In this episode, he goes one step further to break down the mindset that manufacturers can borrow from hospitality. He explains how to create lifelong fans of your brand, the true cost of negative reviews, and how the “recovery paradox” can help you turn negative reviews into something positive.  

We also hear his advice on creating memories as a business model, his advice for helping your team adopt the right mindset, and what he’s learned from the manufacturing industry.  

In this episode, find out: 

• Josh explains what he means by a “hospitality mentality” and why it applies to all different industries 
• We hear what led Josh to write his book 
• How you can apply the hospitality mentality to turn people into a customer for life 
• The true cost of negative customer reviews and how you can use them to your advantage 
• Josh’s advice for instilling the hospitality mentality in frontline staff in the manufacturing space 
• Josh shares his advice for creating “raving fans” 
• The top thing that has shifted in Josh’s mindset  
• Why we’re in the business of “creating memories” and how this can apply to manufacturing 
• What Josh has learned about manufacturing over the years 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We've built into our culture service recovery. So not only are we canceling out a bad experience, we're regaining that satisfaction. We're regaining that trust, and in many cases, that leads to loyalty.” 
• “I treat every single guest as an influencer, whether they have 10 followers or 10 million, because people who are of the demographic of the business that you're talking about, they visit again or they do business with you again. They influence others to do business with you.”  
• “The way we remember something turns into our action in the future. It becomes the way we perceive what that experience was, and that perception determines our satisfaction or our dissatisfaction, and that determines how we then share and broadcast that experience with others.” 

Links & mentions: 

• The Hospitality Mentality, Josh’s book on how to create raving fans through your guest experience 
• Toons, Chicago's friendliest neighborhood bar  
• Attraction Pros, Josh’s podcast where the top leaders, executives, and influencers in the attractions industry share their advice and experiences.  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

When leveraged correctly, AI can enhance human creativity and allow businesses to connect disparate systems and make informed decisions. So, what choices can manufacturing businesses take to ensure they’re using AI the right way? 

We all know some aspects of our jobs can feel robotic, so Concurrency Chief Technology Officer, Nathan Lasnoski, suggests leaving the manual tasks to AI so you can focus on creativity. 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, he shares how AI can be used to boost your team’s creative abilities and explains why ROI should be your lodestar as you look to incorporate AI. 

Plus, he provides expert tips on how leaders can start making the right AI choices and tells us the similarities between its explosion and the Industrial Revolution. 

Nathan’s been involved with AI for EIGHT years – so he knows what he’s talking about!  

In this episode, find out: 

• Nathan explains how companies can focus on “real productive AI” and transform the way they think of AI in the context of their business 
• Why ROI should be the “guiding light” of a business’ use of AI and why it is solving old problems in a brand-new way 
• Nathan shares the story of how he and Concurrency began using AI, hiring their first data scientist around eight years ago before the AI explosion of 2022 
• How AI is automating intuition and connecting disparate systems to allow business leaders to make data-driven decisions with a holistic view 
• Nathan outlines his comparisons between the AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution, exploring the positives of automating workplace processes with AI 
• How the AI revolution has the potential to increase, not decrease, human creativity by taking manual tasks off our hands 
• Nathan tells us the right questions executives should be asking themselves about AI, and why they need to focus on their present and future goals 
• How the frontline workforce play a vital part in manufacturing leaders knowing which incremental and disruptive changes to make with the help of AI 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “The bar has been lowered for businesses to get into the game.” 
• “Even medium- and small-sized organizations can translate repeatable processes into automated processes and free up their teams to be more.” 
• “AI gives us the opportunity to unlock what is really special about each person and bring it to the forefront of our organizations.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Concurrency, Devs aim for client-friendly interfaces, full support, and smooth cross-device experiences, all while ensuring scalable global accessibility 
• Brian Evergreen on Manufacturing Happy Hour, Episode 118 Defining “Autonomous Transformation” and Avoiding “Pilot Purgatory” 
• Jeff Winter on Manufacturing Happy Hour, Episode 149 Thriving with AI: Artificial Intelligence Strategies for Manufacturers 
• Central Waters Brewing, Iconic Wisconsin craft brewery with its original location in Amherst and a newer taproom located within the old Pabst Brewery campus in downtown Milwaukee 
• Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn 
• Find Concurrency on LinkedIn 
• Follow Concurrency on Twitter/X 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

For manufacturing to succeed in 2024 and beyond, it’s crucial we empower our frontline workers. But how can technology and data enhance their work experiences, capitalize on their strengths and build a positive culture? 

We’re delighted to be joined by not one, but two guests in this episode. Joris Stolk, Plant Manager at Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Willemijn Schneyder, CEO and founder of SwipeGuide, join Manufacturing Happy Hour to explore the importance of the frontline worker and how technology can play an integral role in ensuring they are front and center to manufacturing’s future. 

They explore the benefits of empowering the frontline workforce to experiment and how to ensure scalability when testing new ideas. Plus, they take a look at the current landscape of connectivity in manufacturing and share unmissable tips on overseeing digital innovation. 

What we discuss with Joris and Willemijn: 

• Joris explains how he met Willemijn and they share stories from their early meetings to how they continue to share and grow their journey today 
• Willemijn shares why frontline enablement is essential as we head into 2024, and why labor shortages mean employee satisfaction and retention should be front of mind at all times 
• Joris shares the story behind Lagunitas Brewing Company and tells us the true definition of a ‘connected brewery’, exploring how he uses data and technology to enhance work experiences 
• The story behind the ‘Digital David’ persona and how it has helped Joris and Willemijn target real pain points 
• How ‘the connected brewery’ places frontline workers at the center of its operations, digital experiments and expansions 
• How Joris and Willemijn avoid pilot purgatory and ensure scalability when prioritizing experimentation in ‘connected breweries’ 
• Joris and Willemijn describe a day in the life of the ‘connected worker’, exploring how the technological and data-driven aspects of their duties have evolved their roles 
• Hear practical tips from Joris and Willemijn on overseeing an innovative digital initiative, exploring why clarity, excitement and support are integral to success 
• Joris and Willemijn provide a macro view of how other companies are approaching connectivity and why there has been wholescale change in the past two to three years 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “The enablement of the frontline workforce is about how we leverage the expertise and inherent skill sets people already have and use technology to expand them.” – Willemijn Schneyder 
• “It’s fundamental that you know your people well. Do you listen to the right people and know what they’re struggling with?” – Joris Stolk 
• “If you prioritize an engaged workforce, your climate and your culture will make progress.” – Joris Stolk 

Links & mentions: 

• SwipeGuide, the frontline “how to” platform, including clear-cut instructions, checklists, and skills development 
• Lagunitas Brewing Company, iconic craft brewery that first began in Petaluma, CA that is now part of HEINEKEN’s global operation with a large brewery and taproom in Chicago, IL 
• Connect with Joris on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Willemijn on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Most successful manufacturing processes start with some sort of roadmap, designed to outline goals and what you need to reach them.

But how do you create a roadmap for an all-new, one-of-a-kind project? 

Brian Donahue, VP of Corporate Affairs at Canvus, says his roadmap creation consisted of commitment and creativity, not to mention a hard-working procurement team. 

Brian joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share the incredible story of Canvus and how they repurpose disused wind turbine blades into functional art for public use, such as benches, tables and planters. He tells us how the company began, outlines their mission and provides expert tips for manufacturing leaders embarking on groundbreaking projects. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Canvus upcycles wind turbine parts to create functional products such as park benches, tables and planters 
• Brian explains how he created a roadmap for a never-done-before manufacturing process and provides advice for those looking to do the same 
• Why having the right procurement team, spending time on ideation and finding a suitable facility are the most important things when planning a brand-new manufacturing process 
• Brian shares advice on how he identified standards and best practices despite never embarking on such a project before 
• Brian tells us the number one leadership trait he looks for in new hires and explains his interview process 
• We ask Brian whether Ohio is a hub for his sort of work, or whether Canvus’ location is based around convenience 
• Brian says manufacturing leaders should be willing to pay above market price for resources when they embark on a custom product 
• Brian explains how he collaborates with local artists and shares how you can get a Canvus project installed near you  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “You need strong leadership that’s going to drive people, not give them a crutch, but actually make them better.” 
• “The marketing team calls (Canvus) a brand, but I go lofty on them and call it a movement.” 
• “Having the right people is going to get you so much further, faster, than just trying to fill slots on a manufacturing floor.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Canvus, a manufacturer that uses retired wind turbine blades to build new functional art pieces 
• Great Lakes Brewing, Ohio’s original craft brewery, serving 14 states and Washington D.C. with fresh, innovative, award-winning beers 
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Frontline operations platforms help manufacturing teams upgrade their processes. So what’s the story behind the world’s leading frontline ops platform and how do they simplify workflows for the manufacturers of today and tomorrow? 

You may have heard the phrase ‘a good engineer is a lazy engineer’. It’s certainly an exaggeration, but what is true is that manufacturers are always looking for shortcuts. That’s why Natan Linder took a step back from his previous venture to focus on building Tulip Interfaces. 

Natan, Co-Founder and CEO, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to explain how Tulip provide tools and data to manufacturing companies and helps them become the flexible businesses they want to be. 

He shares why connection and composability are key as manufacturing moves forward and tells us why manufacturers leveraging data and tech will become the most competitive. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How his time working with Samsung and Sun Microsystems has shaped his views and ideas around frontline operations and encouraged him to switch up his career plans and start Tulip Interfaces while still at Formlabs 
• Natan explores how he navigates career changes, explaining the similarities, differences and decision-making behind his switches from mobile to 3D printing to frontline operations 
• A deep dive into how Natan’s work “aims to fuse design and engineering to create novel human experiences” and why he finds it fascinating when tech changes people’s processes in the workplace 
• Natan shares why the availability of more tools could help the industry attract more software engineers 
• The problems within lean manufacturing which led him to write his book Augmented Lean to update it for the “reality we live in today”. When lean manufacturing first came into existence, the Internet didn’t exist! 
• Natan’s thoughts on Industry 4.0 and why manufacturers who leverage data will be more competitive and successful  
• Why Natan believes his book and podcast have helped him create a “real ecosystem”, tell stories and bring his community together 
• Why Natan believes the frontline operations category is important, attributing it to a lack of technological advancement in some manufacturing businesses 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Frontline operations platforms bring in a Platform as a Service (PaaS) to the people who are designing, building and operating production lines and operational environments.” 
• “It’s going to be tremendously impactful that companies adopt an agile, composable approach.” 
• “With the book and podcast, we wanted to have different ways to bring the community together and tell stories.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Tulip Interfaces, the industry’s leading frontline operations platform, giving manufacturers a holistic view of quality, process cycle times, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and more 
• Formlabs, the largest supplier of professional stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers in the world 
• Connect with Natan on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Performance management is critical to keep your manufacturing processes running smoothly. So, as the capabilities of technology continue to advance, how can leaders leverage tech and data to build strong, meaningful employee relationships and cut their turnovers in half? 

This feels like a classic episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, and joining the show is Mike White, Founder and President of Secchi. Secchi is a platform providing clarity for HR professionals and helping them make data-driven performance decisions.  

Mike shares details of his career, from his early days in frontline work to the experiences that led him to create Secchi. He explains his simple philosophy, telling us why effective employee relationship management comes down to respect and treating people right. Plus, he explores how frontline teams are responding to leaders making data-led judgments. 

What we discuss with Mike: 

• What Mike noticed when he first entered the world of frontline manufacturing with Johns Manville in 2006 
• Why great people management comes down to ‘treating people right’ and why Mike believes ‘everybody is a leader’ in their own way 
• How Mike leads HR during economic ebbs and flows and how he continued prioritizing people during the financial downturn in 2008 
• Mike explains why we are ‘entering the age of the frontline worker’ and why AI and tech may not affect frontline work as much as we think 
• How problems Mike encountered in the workplace led him to create Secchi, improving employee relationship management and cutting turnover in half 
• How frontline employees respond to the fact that there is data on their performance, leadership and relationships 
• Why ‘data, teamwork and courage’ are held dear at Secchi and how they relate to employee relationship management 
• Mike explains how bad employees can chase off good ones, emphasizing the importance of rewarding great behavior in the workplace 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “What I noticed is that most issues are completely solvable for people. It’s just treating people with respect. That’s where I came up with my philosophy that everyone is a leader.” 
• “The frontline is like the O line. They have to go every day, grind, run into problems and fix things. They’re underappreciated.” 
• “When you think about employee relationship management, you don't think about data. We want to bring this level of transparency with data that we're no longer making feelings decisions with folks. We're making data-driven decisions and letting great workers do great work.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Secchi, generate instant performance reviews based on automated data, including attendance, warnings, and recognition 
• Pete’s Pub, a laid-back neighborhood pub & restaurant located in a historical building in the heart of Milwaukee's Brady Street 
• Follow Secchi on LinkedIn 
• Follow Mike on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Industrial distribution is so much more than just shipping boxes. It’s an essential part of the manufacturing process and, without it, customers would never see the products they need. 

But how has industrial distribution evolved? What does it mean to be a distributor today? And what does the distributor of the future look like? 

We can’t believe we’ve never dived into industrial distribution on Manufacturing Happy Hour, but better late than never! Here to shed some light is Nate Bucklew, a district manager with E&H Electrical Supply, an electrical distributor based in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Nate shares how his role has evolved into a fully-fledged service provider and explains why the customer is central to success in distribution. Plus, he tells us why Louisville is such a special place and leaves us with some unmissable tips on career progression.    

What we discuss with Nate: 

• How his family history of industrial work led him to pursue a career in manufacturing himself, working in a warehouse and returning to manufacturing full-time after graduation 
• Nate explains why patience and building trust and strong relationships is integral as you lay the foundations for a progressive career in manufacturing 
• Manufacturing is a distinct part of Louisville’s identity and plays a huge role in why it is a fast-growing city 
• To instigate and execute a successful digital transformation, manufacturing leaders must help their teams understand the reasoning behind the change 
• Nate explains why the product is irrelevant if it doesn’t reach the customer at the desired speed. Distribution is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of the manufacturing process 
• Nate shares how industrial distribution has undergone a transformation and tells us why leaders in his field have seen their job roles expand and become service providers 
• Why the future of the manufacturing industry lies with people and their abilities to learn and progress. Technology will also play a critical part as distributors work to build even stronger trust with customers 
• Why the most important thing for industrial distribution is understanding and delivering what the customer wants 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We’re a people business. What we do is much more than just providing boxes.” 
• “Everything we do is based around transparency and integrity as a baseline.” 
• “We better be darn sure that, as we strive to solve our customers’ problem, we’re not poking another customer or distributor in the eye. It’s a nimble journey.” 

Links & mentions: 

• E&H Electric Supply, a division of CED, E&H is the #1 source for automation & electrical supplies in the Kentuckiana area 
• Repeal, Whiskey Row's only oak-fired steakhouse, located in downtown Louisville housed in the former site of J.T.S. Brown and Sons’ wholesale warehouse and bottling operations 
• Connect with Nate on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

There’s no doubt that Smart Manufacturing has a plethora of benefits for manufacturing organizations. It can help speed up your processes, improve your product quality and reduce your costs.

But effective Smart Manufacturing adoption lies with the leader. That’s why host Chris Luecke asked seven industry leaders for their Smart Manufacturing tips and tricks on our latest bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, recorded at the Smart Manufacturing Experience at SOUTHTEC.

They discuss how leaders can cultivate a Smart Manufacturing mindset through their organization, why it’s OK to start with small changes and why factory floor teams should be involved in discussions before leaders make Smart Manufacturing decisions.

Plus, discover how you can leverage the benefits of Smart Manufacturing in four actionable steps.

Head to the previous episode for Part 1.

Guests in this episode include:

• Jeff Winter – Sr. Director of Industry Strategy, Manufacturing, Hitachi Solutions America
• Habib Quazi – Director of Innovation & Business Transformation, ExxonMobil
• Rick Van Dyke – Sr. Director of Supply Chain Engineering, PepsiCo
• Rick Bullotta – Founder of ThingWorx
• Sanjeev Heda – Principal Industry Consultant, IoT Division, SAS
• Sudarsan Rachuri – Federal Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Olivia Morales – Solutions Architect, CESMII

Smart Manufacturing goes way beyond being just a buzzword. It’s a movement and mindset taking the industry by storm. But what does it really mean, what are the key benefits and how can manufacturing leaders get started today?

Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke asked industry experts these questions live at the Smart Manufacturing Experience at SOUTHTEC. In this special bonus episode, seven manufacturing leaders shared their own definitions of Smart Manufacturing, the secrets behind the successful digital transformations they’ve overseen and the best ways to adopt a Smart Manufacturing mindset.

Stay tuned for part 2 with more inspirational manufacturing leaders next week!

Guests in this episode include:

• Sudhi Bangalore – Founding Partner & CEO, Full-Bore
• Mike Tomasco – VP, Pfizer Digital
• Patrick Gaughan – Partner, Axiom Manufacturing Systems
• Aldo Ferrante – CIO, SORBA.ai
• Michael Clark – Director, OPC Foundation
• Erich Barnstedt – Chief Architect, Standards, Consortia & Industrial IoT, Azure Edge & Platform, Microsoft
• Katherine Cahalane – Founder & CEO, BennitAI

Louisville is the recognized bourbon capital of the United States, evolving alongside shifts in technology and culture. But how can the bourbon industry adapt in this age of data and automation?

Don Ault, CEO, and Scott Feldmeier, Senior Automation Engineer and COO of Opus Integration, join Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss the rich history of manufacturing in Kentucky and how Louisville came to be a hub for bourbon production.

They explain what part Opus Integration plays as the industry integrates data and automation to take bourbon manufacturing to the next level, sharing how manufacturers can use smart devices and get floor team members on board with data-driven change.

Plus, they explain what makes them such a great partnership and explore their predictions for the bourbon market.

In this episode, find out:

• What Opus Integration does
• How Kentucky became the bourbon capital of the US
• What happens in a bourbon distillery
• How bourbon manufacturing has evolved
• How to get floor teams on board with data-driven processes
• What makes a great partnership in manufacturing
• What’s next for the bourbon industry

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Great partnership centers around a balance of different exposures and different experiences.” – Don Ault, CEO of Opus Integration
• “There’s a lot of opportunities and a lot of tools available to take the bourbon industry to the next level.” – Don Ault, CEO of Opus Integration
• “In the distilleries we’re working on now, everything is automated. It’s starting to evolve even more. Once that data is in your production facility, it just leads to the next piece of data and the next piece of data.” – Scott Feldmeier, Senior Automation Engineer and Chief Operating Officer of Opus Integration

Links & mentions:

• Connect with Don on LinkedIn
• Connect with Scott on LinkedIn
• Opus Integration, a systems integration company based in Buckner, KY, offering services including PLC application development, virtualization of process automation systems and plant floor troubleshooting support
• Heaven Hill Distillery, a family-owned whiskey distillery, based just west of downtown Louisville, KY. Offering a selection of classic rye whiskeys and bourbons 
• Watch Hill Proper, a unique dining experience in Louisville for both the foodie and bourbon enthusiast alike. A hub for those keen to learn about the rich history of Kentucky and how the role bourbon has played in the United States

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In every manufacturing organization, company culture is key to success. But what does company culture really mean? And how can manufacturing leaders ensure the culture in their organization is the best it can be? 

Jim Mayer, founder of TCO Strategies and host of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share his thoughts. He provides a super-simple definition of company culture, describing it as the alignment of values between employees and the organization. 

In the episode, we also look at what got Jim interested in manufacturing culture to begin with and how he caught the podcasting bug, sharing insights into industry culture on his weekly show. Jim tells us how his podcast guests have shifted his perspectives of the industry and provides actionable advice for budding podcasters in manufacturing. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What got Jim interested in manufacturing 
• What he has learned from carrying out engagement surveys 
• Something Jim has learned since starting his podcast 
• His thoughts on the automation culture paradox in SMB manufacturers 
• How companies can become culturally ready for automation 
• The stories that shifted Jim’s perspective of manufacturing culture 
• Jim’s favorite comedy movies 
• What to do if you think you’re late to the game with your concept or idea 
• Jim’s advice for budding manufacturing podcasters 
• Jim’s questions for Chris 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “There’s a lot of ways people can get the podcast exposure they’re looking for, without having to take the time, money and effort to do it on their own.” 
• “If you start talking about culture and engagement and what you want that to be, then you don't do anything with it, your culture is going to plummet.” 
• “When it comes to podcasting – if you’ve got that niche, give it a go.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Wild Roots, seed-to-table dining to satisfy both heart and soul in West Allis, Wisconsin 
• Chelsea’s Kitchen, an Arizona roadhouse celebrating the cuisine of the Great American Southwest 
• Bourbon & Bones Chophouse and Bar, a fine dining experience in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, with attentive service, USDA Prime grade steaks, fresh seafood, bourbon and signature cocktails  
• Connect with Jim on LinkedIn 
• Tune into The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, where Jim sits down with a manufacturing leader each week and explores where their culture was, where it is now and where they want to get it 
• The Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show, the industry-leading Midwest manufacturing trade show – from additive manufacturing to robotics, machining centers to welding, tooling and fabricating equipment and many more technologies in between 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What can a former Navy SEAL teach us about upskilling and manufacturing business acquisition? It turns out, a whole lot!  

Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision, joins episode 160 of Manufacturing Happy Hour, to share his thoughts on upskilling your team and his journey from the Navy to manufacturing business leader. We hear why he chose to acquire Pindel and how he was lucky enough for the seller to stay on board to help ease the leadership transition. 

We explore the importance of upskilling your team and why Pindel’s philosophy is to “hire for attitude, train for skill,” – as well as a great example of how someone moved from the janitorial department to work with CNC equipment. Bill shares his take on why upskilling is so important in manufacturing and what he thinks the industry should do moving forward to train the future of talent. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What Bill believes about upskilling in manufacturing  
• Bill explores his time as a Navy SEAL  
• The challenges of acquiring a company 
• What made him choose to acquire Pindel 
• How Pindel’s seller stayed on board to ease the transition 
• Bill’s business aha moments 
• What to consider before buying a business 
• What upskilling looks like at Pindel 
• Bill’s thoughts on the future of upskilling in manufacturing 
• Advice for manufacturing leaders 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Our adage to the team is more value created, more value captured. So, if you allow the company to augment the value you can create by training you, that is going to lead to more value captured in the form of wages, bonuses, etc.” 
• “Once you figure out what you're going to focus on, that allows you to put all your chips on the table in that direction.” 
• “The two challenges when you have that ambition to acquire a company is number one, acquiring the skills to be able to do it well. And then number two is acquiring the capital to be able to make it happen. You can't just jump from simply having that ambition to the end state.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Pindel Global Precision, an innovative manufacturing company that values innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement in every aspect of their operations 
• PMPA, the Precision Machined Products Association strives to progressively lead members to sustainable success with reliable and relevant information, resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities 
• Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries 
• Buckley’s, a neighborhood fixture for refined American comfort food, located in Downtown Milwaukee 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Whether it’s on the job or in a traditional academic setting, education is essential to building a strong manufacturing function.  

But this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour homes in on one specific aspect of learning – career and technical education (CTE) – and explores how it’s helping teams make better decisions and better products. 

Amatrol’s career and technical training solutions are used in all 50 U.S. states and in 50+ countries, so we invited Kent Powell, their VP of Sales and Marketing, onto the show to let us in on some of their secrets. 

Kent shares how Amatrol became a leader in their field, his thoughts and observations on smart manufacturing and why Louisville is a hub for education and employment. 

Plus, he explains how Kentucky FAME program is helping students get into manufacturing roles in just two years, debt-free.  

In this episode, find out: 

• About Kent’s background in aerospace 
• How Amatrol became a leader in CTE 
• What manufacturing teams need to know most 
• Kent’s insights into smart manufacturing 
• How to decide what to train staff on next 
• What manufacturing means to Louisville 
• How Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) is impacting the industry 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “By using smart sensors, as opposed to on-off switches, we’re able to collect more information, make better decisions in record speed, and make a better product in a short amount of time.” 
• “Manufacturing is our path forward in Louisville. It’s a great place to start a manufacturing company.” 
• “We’re nothing without the success of our clients. If they’re successful, we’re successful.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with Kent on LinkedIn 
• Amatrol, the global leader in online career & technical education (CTE) 
• Kentucky FAME, the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME) is a partnership of regional manufacturers whose purpose is to implement career pathway, apprenticeship-style educational programs that will create a pipeline of highly skilled workers 
• Amount of Data Created Daily (2023) 
• The Brown, a historic hotel in Louisville, KY known for its fine Kentucky bourbon & iconic destination; home of the “Hot Brown” and – according to Kent – one of the best Rye Manhattans in the city 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Curiosity is at the heart of this guest’s leadership style, and it manifests in the projects he is involved in.  

But what does it mean to “let curiosity lead”? And how can manufacturing leaders take this advice on board? 

Joining this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour is Walker Mattox, CEO of Gray Solutions, one of the top 20 largest full-service systems integrators in the U.S. He shares why curiosity shapes how he manages his team and explains why leadership is a journey, not a destination.  

It’s important to remember, the leaders you look up to are still working on themselves. 

Hear his advice on rebrands, workplace challenges, innovation and so much more in this jam-packed episode. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Walker founded Gray Solutions 
• What it means to be a recovering serial entrepreneur 
• How Walker helped Gray become one of the top 20 largest systems integrators 
• Why leadership is a journey, not a destination 
• The top workplace challenges in 2023 
• How curiosity manifests itself in Walker’s projects 
• Why you should embrace, not fear, innovation 
• How to know when it’s time to adjust your story 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Curiosity leads to a lot of interesting ideas.” 
• “The most important thing is to like what you do every day. Follow the path that feels right.” 
• “If you’re not staying on top of things and innovating, your competitor is.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Kaluz Restaurant, an upscale New American restaurant and bar with three locations in Florida, serving premium food, desserts, wine and cocktails 
• Visit the Gray Solutions website 
• Connect with Walker on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Our guest this week is Robert Goldsmith, the Founder and President of Northern Edge Advisors, a boutique investment bank offering M&A expertise and advising for owners of private businesses. As the US experiences a manufacturing renaissance and the next generation starts to enter the manufacturing workforce, buying and selling manufacturing companies is an in vogue topic.

In this episode, Bob discusses what what it means to "build to sell" your business. He covers what makes a business attractive to a buyer, best practices for preparing to sell a manufacturing business, and when to start thinking about selling your business.

Whether or not you’re thinking about buying or selling a company, this conversation touches a lot of topics that we typically discuss on this show, like productivity, automation and robotics technology, and even new business models in manufacturing.

Finally, Bob shares both internal and external factors to be aware when building a business that could one day become a sellable asset.

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Today, we're exploring the future of skilled trades and we're doing this largely by speaking to the next generation of skilled tradespeople and the folks that our training and enabling them. From students to instructors, this episode includes a series of 5 interviews with folks that are part of 3M's upcoming series Clash of the Grinders: Student Edition, a high-stakes grinding and welding competition that pits soon-to-be pros against each other to find the most talented up-and-comers in the skilled trades.

Throughout the series, you'll get to see the competition first hand as these trades leaders face off in welding and cutting challenges, but it's more than just the competition. You'll see emerging trends that these folks will face in their careers, and how new innovations are helping them work more efficiently and sustainably. Plus, the winner receives a game changing $10,000 scholarship sponsored by FANUC.

In this podcast, you're going to get to know a couple of the students that are part of this competition and you'll hear how their careers took them to these new roles as tradespeople that they're stoked to move into. You'll also hear from an instructor, how they're continuing to evolve their curriculum for the modern student and skilled worker, and not to mention the folks that are creating the certifications for emerging technology skills. And finally, you'll hear from a global robotics & automation leader at 3M and learn how they're inspiring curiosity and improving educational outcomes for everyone that wants an opportunity to pursue skilled trades and STEM education.

Overall, this episode is a showcase of many of the different parties involved in developing our future workforce, from educators, to corporations, to - most importantly - the students themselves.

Here's an oldie but a goodie! While Chris was on holiday in Munich for this year's Oktoberfest, that was no excuse not to give you an episode this week. We're diving back in the archives for this episode with Craig Francisco where he shares some of his best mindset, productivity, and podcasting tips from one of his old podcasts: 8 Keys of Sales Excellence. Enjoy the throwback!

Spending time on the plant floor gives you direct communication with your customers. But what’s the best way to gather their feedback and bring it to market quickly? 

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vatsal Shah, Founder and CEO of Litmus, a unified platform for industrial IoT. Vatsal provides down-to-earth digital transformation advice, tips on how to bring customer feedback to life and insights into how companies can contextualize their data. 

Plus, he shares some stories on the history of Litmus, why scale is more important than ever and why the Cloud is no longer just an option. 

In this episode, find out: 

• About Vatsal’s work before Litmus 
• What led him to start and persevere with Litmus 
• How Litmus’ solution works on the plant floor 
• Whether companies are identifying problems themselves 
• Why the Cloud is no longer just an option 
• Why scale is more important than ever 
• How to bring customer feedback to market quickly 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “There are some foundational challenges in manufacturing. The whole journey to overcome them has to be unified. Our platform takes care of the complete journey for manufacturing or industrial customers.” 
• “There was always a fear of the Cloud, but it’s not optional anymore.” 
• “We go on quarterly business reviews with customers to understand where we are hitting limits for our products or ROI restrictions. Understanding is critical.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with Vatsal on LinkedIn 
• Litmus, the only Industrial Edge Data Platform that unifies device connectivity, data intelligence and data integration in a complete Industry 4.0 solution 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Women have been advancing in the manufacturing workforce for some time, but what actions can leaders in the industry take to continue that trend? 

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Allison Grealis, President and Founder of Women in Manufacturing (WIM), a 20,000+ member global trade association that is committed to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who choose to enter the industry. 

Allison discusses what motivated her to launch WIM, how the organization has evolved since and how manufacturing companies can meaningfully attract more women into the workforce. 

Plus, she shares her personal story and how her unique background has helped her make her mark in manufacturing. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What Women in Manufacturing (WIM) do 
• How Allison’s unique background has helped her  
• How her organization has evolved 
• Advice for manufacturing pros addressing gaps in the industry 
• How WIM has contributed to the shift toward more women in the industry 
• Why the organization have three leadership tracks (with potential for more) 
• How leaders can meaningfully encourage more women into the industry 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Manufacturing leaders - as you see gaps in the industry, do your due diligence, see if your company could be the right provider of a solution for that gap, and then take action.” 
• “I quickly realized I could create a community that can be inclusive of all people in all facets of manufacturing.” 
• “Over time, we have worked very closely with our manufacturing members to help design programs that match the challenges they have within their workforce.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with Allison on LinkedIn 
• Follow Women in Manufacturing on LinkedIn 
• Follow Women in Manufacturing on Twitter/X 
• Follow Women in Manufacturing on Instagram 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Why don’t more young people want to get into manufacturing? 

This week’s Manufacturing Happy Hour guest, Terry Iverson, President & CEO of Iverson & Company, is the author of two fantastic books on the subject. His latest one, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing, aims to encourage both students and their parents to give manufacturing a shot. 

We had a great in-person conversation at The Vanguard in Milwaukee to talk about his mission to elevate manufacturing as a career path and to encourage more people into the industry. Terry explains why he thinks manufacturing leaders could be doing more to reach out to young people and bridge the awareness gap.  

While the U.S. manufacturing industry is getting better, we still have a long way to go to finding the next generation of manufacturers. Terry shares some stats on college education and why he believes a European-style rethink on apprenticeships is long overdue.  

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.   

In this episode, find out: 

• Why Terry decided to write a second book  
• What Terry learned from growing up in a manufacturing family 
• Why his mission to get the word out about manufacturing has evolved 
• How the apprenticeship culture is different in Europe 
• Why there needs to be more engagement between schools and the trades 
• Why the “learn and earn” route is a great alternative to college 
• How children’s “maker spaces” work 
• Why the industry still has a long way to go to appeal to younger people 
• How we can get the industry and education system on the same page 
• What the statistics say about reshoring and workforce needs 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We need the industry and education on the same page. Just like I'm trying to do with the book. I'm trying to connect parents and the child to have conversations more like they do in Europe when they're 14-15 years old about all the different things you could do in manufacturing.” 
• “Parents need to be more informed and more focused on what every given child shines in or is passionate about or has the natural ability to do.” 
• “How many times have you heard a parent say, “I'd give them a toy and they'd have it all apart and then try to put it back together.” That's an engineer or a manufacturer in the making.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing: Discover the Path to a Debt-Free Career, by Terry Iverson (student and parent edition both available) 
• Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting, Terry’s first book written in 2018 
• The Vanguard, a locally-owned bar and restaurant located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood serving up house-made sausages and a great whiskey selection 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

In the Navy, every minute of every day is measured and that measurement is called Speed of Advance. In layman’s terms, it means, “I've got a plan and where am I at in that plan?” But how does that relate to manufacturing?  

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Marty Groover, operational technology expert, partner at C5MI and the author of Speed of Advance. He talks about his background in the US Navy and how that experience helped him make a smooth transition into the manufacturing world, which wasn’t exactly as he expected!  

He also touches on why military life is a great introduction to the industrial world and shares his uncanny similarities with Marty McFly! 

In this episode, find out: 

• Marty’s background in the US Navy 
• What he learned from those experiences 
• Marty’s transition to civilian life and entry into the manufacturing world 
• The big differences he had to get used to  
• Why military life is such a great path into the industrial world 
• How Industry 4.0 is evolving  
• What Marty has in common with one Marty McFly!  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Every minute of every day we're getting measured on this measurement called Speed of Advance. In simplest terms it means, I've got a plan, where am I at in that plan, and how do I maintain my speed as efficiently as possible?” 
• “I learned troubleshooting, solving problems, making sure that system was ready to serve 100% of the time. ‘Cause you never want to go to the Captain and say, I don't know why it didn't shoot, sir.” 
• “If COVID didn't provide a wake up call, it should have. Going to stores and seeing things not in stores, not being able to get what we're used to getting. That just shows you that these supply chains are not resilient.” 

Links & mentions: 

• C5MI, a business transformation firm specialized in the processes and technology that power world-class manufacturing and supply chain operations 
• Speed of Advance: How the U.S. Navy's Convergence of People, Process, and Technology Can Help Your Business Win in the 4th Industrial Revolution, by Marty Groover 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

There’s no escaping AI and automation! But what’s the best way to integrate them into technical college curriculums and provide the next generation of manufacturing professionals with the education they need? 

Who better to answer that question than Richard Barnhouse, President of Waukesha County Technical College? 

Richard joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to share his insights, why he believes Wisconsin is the hub of higher ed transformation and why he strives to provide high-quality AI and automation programs and certificates. 

Plus, he gives advice on getting feedback from the community and tells us why 2023 is the “good old days” of hiring humans.  

In this episode, find out: 

• Richard’s roots in the industry 
• Why he joined Waukesha County Technical College 
• Why he believes industry has been organically evolving at an unbelievable pace 
• The best ways to get feedback from the community 
• How the Wisconsin technical college system can transform higher ed across the country 
• Why it’s Richard’s role to keep manufacturing going in Wisconsin 
• Why WCTC have created AI and automation programs 
• Why 2023 is the ‘good old days’ of hiring humans 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “If you're going to lead an organization that responds to the community, get out there, throw on some boots and get under a machine to see what the real needs are.” 
• “We’re going to see higher education get better. It’s going to become more streamlined, more efficient. It will be forced to improve dramatically in order to stay in business.” 
• “If there are demands for specific programs in our industry, then I’ve got a responsibility to deliver it.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), a public community college featuring forward-thinking programs in automation, AI, and systems integration 
• Artisan 179, a trendy Pewaukee lakeside haunt filled with local art offering organic, select new American bites, and creative cocktails 
• 5 O’clock Club, a storied tavern with a homestyle feel serving American classics, locally sourced produce, and drinks in Pewaukee, WI 
• Follow Waukesha County Technical College on Twitter 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Manufacturing professionals have been talking about the skills gap for a long time now – but when will it finally close? While we don’t have a crystal ball on Manufacturing Happy Hour, we have a guest who comes close.  

Ann Wyatt, President and Agency Owner of Ann Wyatt Recruiting joins the show to share some great insights, advice, and predictions for the future of the industry. Ann’s a long-time listener of the show and has been part of the Manufacturing Happy Hour community for a while now. So, this conversation is long overdue! 

Ann dives into the skills shortage problem, what manufacturers can do to compete for talent, how to remove friction from the recruitment process, and why we need to rethink how we advertise jobs. She also explains why companies need to do more brand awareness and not just rely on job boards to find talent.  

Aside from recruitment and the skills gap problem, we also have some great chats about karaoke, punk rock, and glass blowing. So tune in for a very informative and varied conversation this week! 

In this episode, find out: 

• How manufacturing skill needs have evolved 
• Why we need to look at transferable skills from other industries 
• Why job boards alone won’t attract top talent 
• How to reduce friction in the recruitment process 
• Why company branding is key for advertising roles 
• How manufacturing companies can attract more talent 
• Predictions for the industry in 2-5 years 
• Why Industry 4.0 is important for closing the skills gap 
• How to retain great talent  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Making sure that you have a short hiring process right now is super imperative.” 
• “We were looking at industrial maintenance individuals from a mechanical perspective. Now we are looking at them from a mechatronics perspective.” 
• “The candidate experience doesn't stop once you go through the onboarding process. I think that you've got to really commit yourself to your culture on a daily basis.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Ann Wyatt Recruiting, providing manufacturing clients with the candidates they need 
• COVID-1985, a great parody cover of Bowling For Soup’s 1985 that your host wrote and recorded in 2020 
• Lipz Lounge, karaoke bar located in Straight to Ale in Huntsville, AL’s Campus 805 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Artificial intelligence is THE hot topic at the moment – no matter what industry you’re in. For manufacturers, it could be a game-changer if you have a great strategy. 

But how do you get started with AI? Well, you’re in luck with this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour with Jeff Winter, Sr. Director of Industry Strategy & Manufacturing.  

Jeff breaks down some of the best strategies to thrive with AI. We cover everything from the differences between different AI types to the best use cases for AI for manufacturers and how to move forward in the age of Industry 4.0. Jeff is the go-to guy for all things Industry 4.0 on LinkedIn, and he shares bags of important data and advice in this episode about how manufacturers can achieve success. It’s not one to miss! 

In this episode, find out: 

• The differences between AI and machine learning 
• How manufacturers should approach AI 
• Where AI is underutilized 
• Use cases for manufacturers using AI 
• What the data says about investments in AI and Industry 4.0 strategies 
• The best practices for automation in Industry 4.0 
• Why you need to be a tech-forward company to attract talent 
• Why investing in people is still so important  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Seek hands-on experience. Theory and knowledge are essential, but practical experience is equally important. So seek opportunities to work on real-world projects […]This will enhance your problem-solving abilities and allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.” 
• “Networking is valuable for career growth. You can do this by attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and connecting with professionals in the field. Networking not only helps with job opportunities and collaborations, but it can also help with mentorships.” 
• “Industry 4. 0 is rapidly evolving and it's crucial for engineers to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. So offer training opportunities, offer certifications, give an allowance of funds for people to attend relevant workshops and conferences and continually to learn.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Hitachi Solutions, a global cloud-services, systems integrator; a 100% Microsoft platform-focused organization 
• Expanding AI’s Impact with Organizational Learning, MITSloan Management Review 
• The Future of Industrial AI in Manufacturing, a June 2023 report by the Manufacturing Leadership Council 
• IoT Signals Report, presented by Microsoft 
• 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, presented by Rockwell Automation 
• Is Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing Working for You? A recent interview with Jeff in Control Engineering 
• Jackson Avenue Pub, home of the “Drunken Pear Burger” in Naperville, IL 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We know what you’re thinking…this episode title is against everything we stand for! But hear us out… 

“Manufacturing should be boring” may sound like the antithesis of this podcast but, as you listen, you’ll understand what this guest means. 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by St. Louis Makes Executive Director, Marc Bowers. St. Louis Makes is a non-profit helping emerging and mid-sized regional manufacturers drive sales expansion through product innovation and new marketing opportunities. 

Marc joins the show to discuss the main how-tos of running a manufacturing business, why old-school entrepreneurship is making a comeback and the advantages of thinking outside the box. 

Plus, an explanation for our title!  

In this episode, find out: 

• The infrastructure of St. Louis 
• The return of old-school manufacturing entrepreneurship 
• The customers manufacturing leaders should focus on 
• What to do before seeking out adjacent business opportunities 
• Why you need to know the business inside out 
• The benefits of taking alternative career paths 
• Leveraging the importance of education 
• Steps to buying a manufacturing company 
• Important how-tos when running a manufacturing business 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Everything that I've learned, I've learned from somebody else. It’s not like the knowledge spontaneously popped into my head. The way I've done that is by taking calls where other people maybe wouldn't have.” 
• “So many people made the jump into high tech. They failed to realize that there was nothing but tech in manufacturing and it wasn't cool. I like doing the contrarian and at the time that was manufacturing.” 
• “The smaller the company, the bigger the opportunity…until you get too small.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Connect with Marc on LinkedIn 
• MarcBowers.com, helping companies drive up revenue through data-driven solutions for sales growth 
• St. Louis Makes, a St. Louis, Missouri-based 501c3 nonprofit and the only community peer group that serves emerging and mid-size regional manufacturers to help them drive sales expansion through product innovation and identification of new market opportunities 
• Cortex Center for Emerging Technologies (CET), an affiliate of St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation Community since 2012, the CET provides the infrastructure and resources needed for early-stage, high-growth companies in the fields of information technology, bioscience and consumer/manufactures products to innovate and thrive 
• O’Connell’s Pub, an old Irish bar serving up some of the best burgers in St. Louis 

Make sure to visit manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What do golf, beer caps, and face masks have in common? It turns out this week’s guests on Manufacturing Happy Hour! 

Tether Golf Co-Founders Jesse Darley and Randy Koplin join the show to talk about their innovative new golf-inspired game and what it takes to get a product like that to market.  

Both Jesse and Randy are no strangers to product businesses, having launched products from beer cap maps to COVID-19 face mask accessories. This time, they turned their attention to design Tether Golf – a head-to-head putting game that brings a fun twist to golf. 

We talk about supply chains - how to pick one that allows you to scale and iterate quickly, and what Jesse and Randy have learned from their previous product businesses. Randy and Jesse also explain why business relationships with suppliers and manufacturers are the heart of any successful product venture. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Tether Golf works 
• What they learned from previous ventures  
• Why finding local vendors is best for your supply chain 
• What you need to look for in a localized supply chain 
• Why business relationships are so important 
• Lessons learned from previous businesses 
• Why YouTube is such a helpful business resource 
• What the future holds for Tether Golf 
• Advice for aspiring product entrepreneurs 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “People wait too long in small businesses to offload the things that really someone else can do better.” – Jesse 
• “Make them, prototype them, and don't worry if it's a silly idea. Just get it out there.” - Randy  
• “Keeping [supply chains] local helps foster relationships.” - Randy 

Links & mentions: 

• Tether Golf, a head-to-head putting game co-founded by Jesse and Randy 
• Beer Cap Maps, the original laser cut plywood and steel maps of your state or country that let you create unique wall art using bottle caps from your favorite beverages 
• Jonco Industries, Milwaukee-based product manufacturers 
• Pubcast Worldwide, our first interview with Jesse (on a different podcast) from 2017 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

You just can’t find the people these days, right? 

Anyone in the manufacturing, engineering, or construction industries knows that the top challenge right now is finding talent. There’s a shortage of willing and able workers in the U.S. – and immigration policies make it difficult to bring in talent from overseas.  

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we head to Washington D.C. for a special live panel discussion from the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall. 

Marsia Geldert-Murphey, ASCE President-Elect, Thayer Long, President of the Association for Print Technologies and Steve Hall, Executive VP of ACEC, explore the reasons behind the talent shortage, how public policy could help, and how organizations are trying to attract the next generation of workers.  

In this episode, find out: 

• What employers can do to grow their applicant pool 
• How firms are trying to attract talent 
• Why you need to move people to the opportunities 
• How public policy could help  
• Why immigration rules need to be revisited  
• What drives young people  
• How organizations are reaching out to school and college-aged students  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “When you look at countries like Germany, Belarus, South Korea, UAE, 30% of their graduates are STEM graduates. In the United States, it's 19%. It's a math problem. We just do not have enough people. So we have got to improve our immigration program.” – Marsia 
• “There's a lot of drivers that motivate young people today, and I don't think they always think about engineering as a way of accomplishing those goals. So [we need] messaging like that to young people through STEM programs.” - Steve 
• “If the government put a quarter of the amount of effort into promoting an apprenticeship and a career in the construction trade as they do by subsidizing and supporting college education, it’d have a tremendous impact to bring more people into our field.” - Thayer 

Links & mentions: 

• Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization that’s advancing equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace. They're on a mission not only to help businesses succeed but to build a community so that the industry as a whole can make positive, lasting change. 
• American Society of Civil Engineers, the nation’s oldest engineering society that represents more than 150,000 members in 177 countries.  
• Independent Electrical Contractors, a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors. 
• American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the business voice of America’s engineering industry, representing nearly 6,000 firms to advocate for policies at federal, state and local levels. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

More and more voices are being heard as the manufacturing community grows online. And while this can only be a good thing, it does make it tougher for individuals to be heard above the noise. 

In this episode, we welcomed James Soto, CEO of Industrial Strength Marketing, to talk about his tactics for getting his message across and building trust in the community.  

James explains why storytelling is so important, how different types of “noise” can hold manufacturers back, and why you need to fully understand channels to get the most out of them. He also shares his tips for succeeding with video content and discusses other ways to break through the noise online.  

In this episode, find out: 

• The early days of James’ career  
• The marketing problem in manufacturing 
• What trust in storytelling looks like  
• Why you should leverage the power of stories  
• The different types of noise in the industry  
• Why you need to “scrape the guardrails” 
• How to capture audience attention without video 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “If you can be yourself and really get good at it, that’s what people relate to, you know? Just be you.” 
• “I believe a lot in channel mastery. There's real science around both the structure of what you're creating and how you format it.”  
• “Fighting for the audience is so important because if they get what they want, your creative juices are flowing.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Industrial Strength Marketing, a full-service B2B industrial marketing agency, offering digital marketing solutions from web design to advertising 
• Rolf And Daughters, an industrial-chic restaurant with clever New American dishes, communal tables & inventive cocktails in Nashville, TN 
• Monday Night Brewing, a relaxed brewhouse offering craft beer, cocktails & snacks, including hummus & cheese platters 
• Bearded Iris Brewing, a taproom serving rotating, old-world style beer infused with Southern  
• flavors in comfy digs…also Chris’ favorite brewery in Nashville 
• The 5 Spot, an East Nashville neighborhood music venue with snacks & a full bar served in a relaxed hangout that hosts live bands & weekly dance parties 
• The Basement East, a casual hangout for live music by nationally touring acts where you might run into Jack White 
• Old Glory, a subterranean bar in Nashville, TN offering elevated cocktails served in a historic boiler room with iron & concrete 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What does it mean to have an experience mindset? 

Tiffani Bova, keynote speaker, author and Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to explain how manufacturing leaders can prioritize employee experience while still keeping customer experience front of mind, using research found for her book The Experience Mindset. 

When Chris saw Tiffani speak on the topic at a KUKA Robotics event, he couldn’t wait to get her on the show! In this episode, Tiffani shares why companies put customers’ needs first, why it pays off to prioritize your employees and why the C-suite view employee experience the wrong way. 

Plus, she reveals what manufacturers can learn from other industries and tells us the first steps to adopting an experience mindset. 

In this episode, find out: 

• What it means to have an experience mindset 
• Why customer experience can take priority over employee experience 
• How manufacturing leaders can get the balance right 
• Why positive employee experience aids customer experience 
• Why manufacturing companies should hire outside the industry 
• Why leaders should get out of the office 
• The first steps to implementing an experience mindset 
• The gap between C-suite and employee views on employee experience 
• What surprised Tiffani about her research 
• What manufacturers can learn from other industries 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “My advice to leaders would be – get out of your office. Go into the plant, use the systems, use the software. Use everything.” 
• “If our customers aren’t successful, we’re not successful.” 
• “If you only look in the same pool for hiring, maybe you miss out on the opportunity to bring in new skills.” 

Links & mentions: 

• The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth, by Tiffani Bova 
• Tiffani Bova, official website for keynote speaking, books, Tiffani’s podcast, and more 
• Connect with Tiffani on LinkedIn 
• Follow Tiffani on Twitter 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

This just might be our biggest episodes ever. Today's episode is a recap of the 2023 Celebration of Construction Equipment on the Nation Mall, hosted by AEM, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. You'll hear from a ton of folks from the big names in equipment manufacturing as we discuss topics impacting the construction industry and beyond. In fact, seeing as how this is a manufacturing-centric podcast, you'll likely find that there are many parallels there are between construction and manufacturing.

In May 2023, the National Mall - the area right between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol Building - was covered with heavy equipment that was on display for all to see. This included some of the biggest earth-moving equipment from big names like Komatsu, Caterpillar, Bobcat, John Deere, and Volvo. All of this was done in an effort to showcase industry innovations like alternatively powered equipment, autonomous systems, as well as exhibits focusing on workforce development, safety, sustainable materials.

All of these interviews were recorded live, from a stage on the Capitol Mall, where we interviewed construction industry leaders across 14 different panel discussions and fireside chat-style conversations. This episode is a highlight reel with some of the top insights and takeaways from those discussions. This compilation should give you a vibe of the event and the type of work that the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is doing.

We also cover the type of collaboration that's needed between the the private sector and government to make meaningful progress toward getting folks educated and trained, filling jobs, and improving infrastructure. Finally, you'll hear some things we've never talked about on this podcast before. From aggregates to the recyclability of asphalt, we'll give you a nice behind-the-scenes into some of the processes and technologies that are big in the construction space.

This is a branding, marketing, and sales focused episode…but everyone needs to hear this! 

Our guest this week is Emily Wilkins, Founder & President of Marketing Metal, a company focused on helping radical job shops make big profits by creating a killer brand and building out a stupid simple marketing machine. Given this very loud mission statement, there's no better person than Emily to cover the strategies outlined today. 

In this episode, Emily shares the importance of focusing on a niche audience through the lens of her own story that led to her founding Marketing Metal.  

We also cover tactics and strategies that job shops and other manufacturers should consider adopting using one of her recent projects, Manufacturing Champions, as an example.  

Finally, Emily shares a short list of things manufacturers should start and stop doing when it comes to marketing, plus a few final tips and personal stories on leveraging your unique voice. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Emily got started in manufacturing marketing 
• Why job shops sometimes forget their audiences 
• First steps for building a brand 
• The benefits of personal branding 
• The best ways of identifying your audience 
• The advantages of focusing on a niche audience 
• What job shops should start and stop in their marketing 
• Why job shops need to evolve online 
• How to mix your personality into personal branding 
• How Emily turns her struggles into strengths in her personal brand 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “When you bring some personal elements to (your brand), you look more human. That’s something all of us need right now.” 
• “When you’re talking about a very specific person, it’s a lot easier for them to identify themselves and for potential referrers to send you the right people.” 
• “Stop taking any project that comes to your door. It’s hard to say no if you’re in a cashflow problem, but how much is that job that’s not a right fit going to cost you?” 

Links & mentions: 

• Marketing Metal, building out meaningful, stupid-simple branding and marketing for machine shops, fab shops, OEMs, and systems integrators 
• Manufacturing Champions, a community of up-and-coming voices in manufacturing that you can leverage to help tell your brand’s story 
• The Southerner, southern–style dishes & cocktails are served at this relaxed lakeside venue with a comfy interior in Saugatuck, MI 
• Pumpernickels, modern and upbeat restaurant and bar in downtown Saugatuck, MI and Emily’s other go-to destination for bourbon old fashioneds 
• Taco + Bar, a community taqueria showcasing craft mezcal and agave cocktails alongside uniquely handcrafted tacos in Holland, MI 
• Connect with Emily on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

John Dyck, CEO of CESMII, is making his long-awaited debut on Manufacturing Happy Hour.

CESMII is a non-profit institute in the United States dedicated to smart manufacturing. Simply put, they’re democratizing the tools and technologies needed to bring smarter manufacturing operations to life. 

Smart manufacturing operations result in reduced costs, less complexity, and quicker time-to-value. All of these things make companies and the US manufacturing industry as a whole more competitive on a global scale.  

In this episode, John shares his background, what led him to CESMII, and what he's learned after finding himself in many roles that have put him on the bleeding edge of manufacturing technology. John also talks about the state of smart manufacturing’s adoption in the US and why there’s a sense of urgency to accelerate it.  

Finally, we discuss how to adopt smart manufacturing technologies, including both the technology itself and the mindset required to drive intelligent manufacturing innovations. 

In this episode, find out: 

• John’s career history 
• How CESMII democratize technology for the adoption of smart manufacturing 
• The definition of smart manufacturing 
• Why there’s an urgency around smart manufacturing 
• How the US can catch up with European and Asian markets 
• The outcomes of smart manufacturing 
• How to adopt a smart manufacturing mindset 
• How to find the right partners to guide the process 
• How smart technology could prevent pilot purgatory 

Helpful personas you need on board when adopting smart manufacturing: 

• Corporate supply chain leadership 
• Manufacturing leadership 
• Plant leadership 
• Plant workers 
• Operators 
• Technology providers 
• Vendors 
• Systems integrators and consultants 
• Machine builders 
• Knowledge providers  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Using data to transform how we work and become more competitive and productive – that’s where manufacturing leadership is.” 
• “We fundamentally believe that smart manufacturing as a mindset becomes the next generation of digital quality, digital improvement and digital safety.” 
• “I’ve found myself gravitating towards the bleeding edge (of manufacturing). That’s allowed me to work with forward-thinking manufacturing companies, systems integrators and machine builders who are early adopters of technology.” 

Links & mentions: 

• CESMII, the United States’ non-profit institute dedicated to smart manufacturing (SM), working to reduce cost, complexity, and time-to-value so all manufacturers can engage in Smart manufacturing 
• Smart manufacturing Executive Council, created by CESMII to engage business and technology executives, thought leaders, and visionaries advocating for the transformation of the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem 
• Smart manufacturing Mindset, CESMII’s monthly LinkedIn Live web series 
• SOUTHTEC, a manufacturing technology series event and trade show, taking place in October 2023 in Greenville, SC 
• Follow CESMII on LinkedIn 
• Follow CESMII on Twitter 
• Connect with John Dyck on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Additive manufacturing won’t solve your problems, but as our guest explains, it can make life easier. 

We’re back to our traditional format at Manufacturing Happy Hour and, on this episode, we are joined by Lisa D. Block, Chief Revenue Officer at Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. 

Lisa explains her path into the industry, shares her experiences and busts some myths around additive manufacturing.  

Plus, she shares how we can create workspaces where people thrive, with tips on personal development, talent acquisition and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Lisa entered the world of additive manufacturing 
• The biggest misnomers around additive 
• The importance of personal development 
• Different families within additive 
• Her top tips for talent acquistion 
• Take-home moments from Lisa’s talks 
• Why companies need to refocus on training new starters 
• How to create workplaces where people can work at their best 
• Why it’s time for a fresh perspective on diversity 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “I believe that character is born in personal development.” 
• “[Additive manufacturing] is meant to make jobs easier and more efficient so the company can 10x their production.” 
• “People say ‘we've gotta get diversity, equity, inclusion experts. We've gotta do this, we've gotta do that’. There’s a whole lot of ‘we’ve gotta’ and very little ‘we’ve done’.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, pioneering the combination of 3D printing and machining 
• Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn 
• Follow Lisa on Instagram 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

How can your company achieve a complete, enterprise-wide digital transformation? In our first ever throwback episode, Bob Murphy - a former Senior Vice President at Rockwell Automation - provides some of the most down-to-earth advice for leading a transformation journey. We recorded this episode in May 2020, but even 3 years later, there are still some major lessons to be learned during this episode.

From self-awareness to consistency, from personal branding to trust-building, there are more than a few ways that manufacturers can break through the noise on social media. In this bonus episode, your host Chris Luecke explores how manufacturers can cut through the noise by creating engaging, insightful content so that you can build trust with your ideal customer audience. While this brand-building strategy is a long-term play, it can yield exponential returns if you have the patience.

From diversity to digital transformation, innovation and best practices, this episode is packed with expert insights on taking your manufacturing leadership game up a gear. 

Tim Dickson, Chief Innovation Officer at Generac, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss misconceptions around the job title, what his role actually entails and how he aims to improve his leadership qualities every single week. 

Plus, he shares what Generac does in detail, provides his ideas on innovation and tells us why he wakes up at 4am every morning.  

In this episode, find out: 

• What Generac does 
• The new definition of a CIO 
• How to drive digital transformation 
• How Tim levels up his leadership skills 
• Why he gets up at 4am 
• The importance of diversity 
• Secrets of the Milwaukee tech community 
• What innovation looks like at Generac 
• How to help your team transform 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “If you’re going to drive change, you have to understand and articulate the value of what that change is going to do.” 
• “Knowledge is key. What you can do with that knowledge is what brings something forward.” 
• “You have to have best practices.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Generac, a leading energy technology company that provides advanced power grid software solutions, backup and prime power systems for home and industrial environments 
• Summerfest Tech, championing the Milwaukee regional business community while shining the spotlight on Wisconsin's growing reputation as a tech hub, hosted annually alongside the music festival by the same name 
• Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, by Suzanne Tedrick 
• InspireCIO Leadership Network, home of WisconsinCIO and other leadership chapters 
• Explorium Brewpub, craft beer and food, located in Milwaukee’s historic Pritzlaff Building and a local hangout for the tech community 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Are you ready for a ton of insights from FOUR industry leaders? On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re whetting your Automate appetite again, sharing super-interesting highlights from Automate 2022, ahead of the 2023 event later this month. 

We are joined by Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic, Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics, Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO at Vention and Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing & Applications Development at Universal Robots. 

Hear insights, tips and experiences on topics such as robotics-as-a-service, predictions for the future, AI, and so much more.  

In this episode, find out: 

• A history on robotics-as-a-service 
• Misa Ilkhechi’s journey as a startup co-founder 
• What’s exciting about the industry 
• Transitions in user experiences 
• What’s changed and what hasn’t in robotics 
• Why we need to simplify robotics 
• How VCs are getting involved in startups 
• How AI can be the backbone of robotics 
• Top insights from industry leaders 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Manufacturing is getting consumerized. More companies need to learn how to better brand yourself in the industry beyond just the specific product you’re providing.” – Etienne Lacroix, CEO and founder of Vention 
• “When you go out into the real world, you can listen to people’s problems and understand.” – Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics 
• “AI and machine learning is really accelerating and helping eliminate the need for point-to-point programming.” – Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic 

Links & mentions: 

• Formic, removing the risk, expense and headache of automating your own with flexible, no CapEx contracts. They grow your business by making it easy to afford and deploy robotic automation. 
• Ready Robotics, making your robots better by eliminating risks and challenges of deploying automation.  
• Vention, making industrial automation better, easier and more accessible for all manufacturers by reengineering the process of designing, simulating, procuring and commissioning industrial equipment. 
• Universal Robots, dedicated to making the world a better place, one cobot at a time. They are an innovative robotics company, helping the world work with robots, not like robots. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Time to buckle up for a masterclass in manufacturing with not one – but three – manufacturing experts! 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we share the best of three interviews conducted at Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI. Chris sits down for conversations with Milton Guerry, President of Schunk, Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation and Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. 

They share their career journeys, insights and predictions for manufacturing, AI and automation, plus reveal top tips for manufacturing leaders and team members alike.  

In this episode, find out: 

• How Milton Guerry began his career 
• How Mike Cicco started in the industry 
• Søren Peters’ first steps in manufacturing 
• Guests’ thoughts on the current state of manufacturing, AI and automation 
• The importance of mentorship 
• The future of collaborative robots 
• New routes into the industry 
• Why strong teams are key to success 
• The importance of communication 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We can all be very secure that this industry is going to be super-strong.” – Milton Guerry, President of Schunk 
• “The key to mobility is just continuing to reinvent yourself in terms of business needs at the time.” – Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation 
• “In everything you do, if you don’t believe in it or think that it’s right, you should probably be doing something else.” – Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot 

Links & mentions: 

• SCHUNK, an internationally active technology company, a leading supplier of products made with high-tech materials like carbon, technical ceramics and sintered metal, as well as machines and systems for environmental simulation, air conditioning, optical machines and many other processes. 
• HowToRobot, your automation marketplace, helping buyers specify their needs and putting them into contact with sellers across the globe.  
• FANUC, a leading global manufacturer of factory automation, they specialize in industrial robots, CNC systems, wire cut EDM and injection moulding machines among other things. All products are engineered to optimize energy usage. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What happens when you put a food and beverage industry leader, a brewer, and an industrial specialist who’s seen hundreds of manufacturing facilities on the same stage? You get this week’s episode.  

CBT Company recently invited Manufacturing Happy Hour to host a live panel discussion at Cincinnati's iconic Rhinegeist Brewery on the future of food & beverage manufacturing. We were joined by Rhinegeist’s Cole Hackbarth, SugarCreek’s Jeremy Saunders, and CBT’s Larry Hecker for a conversation that covered more than a few critical manufacturing topics. 

In this episode, you’ll hear our panelists discuss the characteristics of a modern maintenance program, why flexible manufacturing is so important to food & beverage manufacturing, and plenty of innovative ideas for recruiting and training your people.  

We also have a bonus Q&A where we cover some very candid questions around making manufacturing more accessible to everyone. You’ll even learn a few things about the Cincinnati manufacturing community and what makes the industry in that region so unique. 

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

In this episode, find out: 

• The realities of maintaining and scaling a brewery 
• Why all processes should focus on the end user 
• Why you need everyone on your team to be on the same page 
• How a great onboarding program can prepare new hires 
• How staff retention challenges affected the craft beer industry 
• Why companies should be flexible for their employees 
• Why automation isn’t about getting rid of jobs 
• How to decide which processes to automate 
• How we can encourage more women into manufacturing 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• [Automation] is just simplifying the manual labor and the jobs that don’t take skill to do, so that our brewers, who are very skilled and very intelligent, can think about how to make beer taste better.” – Cole Hackbarth 
• “I think the most important thing is to make sure everyone's on the on the same page between management, maintenance, production, QA – you have to have buy-in from all four, or it's going to be a disaster.” – Larry Hecker 
• “Why are women not wanting to come to the industry? Let's be honest, we don't make it easy. Keep that in mind, how do we make it easy? There's a lot of things like safety strategies, which are intended for male-sized people, and women are at a disadvantage.” – Jeremy Saunders 

Links & mentions: 

• Rhinegeist Brewery, a craft brewery based in the historic Over-the-Rhine brewery district in Cincinnati, OH. 
• CBT Company, an industrial distributor that provides customers with products, technologies, and solutions in automation, pneumatics, belting, and more. 
• SugarCreek, an innovative food manufacturer that helps companies develop “brand-worthy food solutions.” 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

It’s time for two manufacturing podcasts to collide! 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re delighted to speak to Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger, hosts of the fantastic MakingChips podcast. 

Nick and Jason discuss their route into making the podcast, how it’s grown and evolved over the years and the attributes that make a true manufacturing leader. 

In this episode, find out: 

• About creating MakingChips 
• How the podcast has evolved 
• Knowing when content needs to evolve 
• How MakingChips set out to equip and inspire 
• What makes a great manufacturing leader 
• How their content can help manufacturing leaders 
• The importance of developing relationships 
• Why manufacturing leaders should self-assess 
• How content serves businesses 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “If you’re a manufacturing leader, you should be equipping, you should be inspiring and you should be building relationships.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast 
• “A manufacturing leader needs to know how to develop relationships with clients and partners.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast 
• “It’s important for us to contribute to the community and the industry at large.” – Nick Goellner, Host of the MakingChips podcast 

Links & mentions: 

• MakingChips website 
• Connect with Nick Goellner on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Jason Zenger on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Things move quickly in manufacturing, so how do we stay efficient in the now, while building a strong team for the future?  

On this episode, we invite Pam Frost, President of RND Automation, on Manufacturing Happy Hour. 

Pam discusses employee retention, promoting from within and playing to your own and your employees’ strengths. 

Plus, she reveals why she came out of retirement for RND, what excites her about the future of manufacturing and why fun should be a priority in the workplace. 

There’s plenty of excellent advice to take from this one, so listen close! 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Pam built success at Pridgeon & Clay 
• How to successfully promote from within 
• Why listening is crucial to success in any business 
• How to retain employees 
• Why Pam came out of retirement for RND Automation 
• How to achieve operational excellence 
• The best ways to foster a collaborative environment 
• Why you should have fun at work 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It’s important to celebrate the past, celebrate today and look forward to the future.” 
• “If we can come together and all enjoy each other’s company, I think it helps a lot.” 
• “Two ears, one mouth – listen at least twice as much as you talk!” 

Links & mentions: 

• RND Automation: Engineers, designs, and manufactures robotic, packaging and assembly automation equipment 
• Complete Automation Solutions (CAS) Holdings: Parent company of RND Automation that also includes iAutomation and Paneltek 
• Follow Pam on LinkedIn 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We’re stepping into the future in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to look at how RIOS is helping to pave a way for the “factories of the future.” 

We sat down with CEO and Founder Bernard Casse to get his take on where automation and robotics fit into factories and what a smart factory will actually look like. Bernard explores the benefits of using automation to speed up processes, collect data, and adapt according to turbulent market conditions (which we’re seeing plenty of right now!) 

Bernard also tells us a little about how RIOS has achieved its Series A funding round and how current economic conditions are affecting venture capitalists and start-ups.  

In this episode, find out: 

• Bernard’s educational background and why he did a PhD 
• What factory automation in the future could look like 
• Why automation isn’t just about labor replacement 
• How smart factories will operate 
• How automation can help with data analysis 
• Step one for getting into automation 
• Bernard’s experience with funding rounds and VCs 
• Why VCs are increasingly looking for category creators 
• What sets RIOS apart from the competition 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We walk them through how they can increase productivity, we walk them through how we are building process optimization modules for them, and how we're delivering robots.” 
• “It's a lot of data that we’re aggregating and then transforming that in business intelligence to allow the customer to really understand their operations to optimize based on that understanding.” 
• “We are envisioning the smart factory to be connected to other systems and networks, allowing you to seamlessly share data and communicate with other factories, supply chain partners and customers. So this would enable the factory to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market.” 

Links & mentions: 

• RIOS, a company that provides factory automation-as-a-service with end-to-end AI-powered robotics work cells  
• Antonio’s Nut House, a now-closed dive bar that Bernard used to frequent during his earlier career days  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Building an iconic brewing company for your university community, plus getting real-world business experience? Sounds like a dream come true. 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Jackson Cosgriff, Student, and John Knapp, Director of Innovation Alley at Marquette University. 

We hear the backstory and behind-the-scenes processes of Innovation Alley and its student-led project, Blue & Gold Brewing.  

John and Jackson share concerns they had heading into the project and the future of student-run business, plus they tell us whether they believe applied learning is the future of higher education. 

This episode is packed with inspirational advice and plenty of beer chat! 

In this episode, find out: 

• The backstory of Innovation Alley and Blue & Gold Brewing 
• Behind the scenes stories of Blue & Gold Brewing 
• The beer brainstorming process 
• What’s next for student-run business 
• What concerns they had about their project 
• Whether applied learning is the future of higher education 
• Advice for other universities looking to introduce similar programs 
• Why it’s time to think outside the box 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It’s OK to have a big idea! Don’t shut that idea down.” – John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University 
• “People get drawn into working up these ladders when they don’t really enjoy it. A lot of people are happy working with their hands and that’s what I loved about this project.” – Jackson Cosgriff, Student at Marquette University 
• “I knew right away (this project) was going to be a winner!” - John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University 

Links & mentions: 

• Blue and Gold Brewing, a student-run business owned by Blue and Gold Ventures LTD, aimed to develop collaborative partnerships with community business owners. Marquette University students team up with the below brewing companies (all Marquette alums) to learn about craft brewing: https://www.bandgbrewing.com/  
• Innovation Alley, driving students to reimagine education in the classroom and in workplaces, creating a ripple effect far beyond the walls of the campuses at Marquette University: https://www.marquette.edu/innovation-alley/  
• Broken Bat Brewing, the brainchild of Milwaukee baseball fan Tim Pauly, providing a unique, welcoming atmosphere in the Walker’s Point neighborhood in Milwaukee. Spreading the love of craft beer and baseball while giving back to their community: https://brokenbatbrewery.com/  
• Good City Brewing, a brewing company created by Dan and David, close friends from grad school who saw the untapped potential of craft beer in Milwaukee. Focused on pursuing excellence, prioritizing relationships and engaging their local place: https://www.goodcitybrewing.com/ 
• Gathering Place Brewing, an award-winning, community centered craft brewery located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. Making European-inspired styles with American twists: https://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/  
• Follow Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-cosgriff-0310b7182/  
• Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmknapp/  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Thinking of breaking out of your bubble to get the most out of your career? This could be the push you need. 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Sean Mulherrin, Product Manager at EPLAN. 

Sean discusses how globetrotting has benefitted his career, explains his passion for apprenticeships and shares his ideas on panel design. 

Plus, he explains why budding manufacturing pros shouldn’t be scared of change. 

Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a manufacturing industry expert. 

In this episode, find out: 

• How to use data effectively 
• The past, present and future of control panel building 
• Why you should break out of your bubble in manufacturing 
• The benefits of apprenticeships 
• Why you should design panels for troubleshooting 
• How to find your passion 
• What Sean has learned from working around the globe 
• How end users and integrators should view panel building 
• Why you shouldn’t be afraid of change 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Travel really opens up your eyes and makes you less afraid of change, professionally and personally.” 
• “Digitalization is the way forward.” 
• “If you design for troubleshooting, you can use data to generate the information for building the panel, as well as making it available for troubleshooting. You’re future-proofing.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Jost Van Dyke - One of the smallest of the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke encapsulates an abundance of charm and history. Its rich history has fostered some of the Caribbean’s best dining, with barbecue, Indian food and seafood dominating menus across their many beachside eateries: https://www.bvitourism.com/the-islands/jost-van-dyke  
• EPLAN, providing software and service solutions in the fields of electrical engineering, automation and Mechatronics engineering 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

As generations retire and millennials take up the baton, this week’s guest knows business is in safe hands. But how can the new generations of manufacturers best leverage economics to succeed in business? 

We are delighted to be joined by Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR Economics, at the A3 Business Forum in Orlando, FL. 

In this short episode, Alan discusses how he makes economics riveting, explains why millennials are so crucial to business, and gives top tips on true leadership. 

Plus, he tells us who the unsung heroes of business are and why he sets out to make a difference in the world every day. 

Alan manages to make economics so fascinating – this is a must-listen. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Why millennials must be taken seriously 
• What Alan thinks business leaders miss 
• Why leadership is not all about taking charge 
• The most fulfilling parts of Alan’s career 
• Alan’s views on how leaders should act 
• Alan on the heroes of the economy 
• Alan’s clear mission and goals 
• Making a difference in the world every day 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It makes me feel really good about life when we can make a difference in the world.” 
• “My generation is retiring in record numbers, and you’re left with millennials. Those are the smartest people in the room.” 
• “A leader without integrity is just the CEO or boss, not a real leader.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Follow Alan on LinkedIn 
• Find out more about ITR Economics 
• Find out more about the A3 Business Forum 2023 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Ready for a masterclass in automotive manufacturing? Strap in! 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vicki Poponi, Vice President – Industry Advisor, Automotive at Salesforce. She discusses her route into the industry and provides a glimpse into the world of software-enabled vehicles. Plus, she explains what the connected car means for consumers, why the customer is at the center of everything and delves into Salesforce’s Trends in Automotive Report – linked below. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Vicki’s first steps in the industry 
• Why people are afraid of new technologies 
• Vicki’s transition into the automotive world 
• How her manufacturing roots help in business 
• What she’s learned in her current role at Salesforce 
• The importance of customer centricity 
• Behind the scenes of Vicki’s role 
• The progress being made around digital customer experience 
• What automotive manufacturers need to learn in the coming months/years 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It’s human nature to be afraid of something new.” 
• “There’s so much data in the auto industry, it’s crazy. But you have to think about how to connect the data. That’s where technology is so wonderful.” 
• “Future customers really want to be engaged.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Compagnon Wine Bistro – a neighborhood bistro with a French twist, serving a variety of organic, biodynamic wines and food with fresh seasonal produce and locally raised meats, fish and poultry 
• Follow Vicki on LinkedIn 
• Salesforce 
• Follow Salesforce on Twitter 
• Get $350 off registration for Supply Chain USA 2023 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Reshoring, customer success, and sustainability – just some of the topics we cover in this cornucopia of an episode with Sean Murray, VP of Customer Success at Bright Machines.

Sean joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career and his insights into the industry. We explore the concept of software-defined manufacturing, why there’s such a push toward re-shoring and the benefits of flexible manufacturing. Sean shares some all-important advice for manufacturers looking to re-shore, as well as some insights into customer success and why it’s a rising star in the manufacturing world.

Tune in to hear Sean’s perspective on the changes happening across manufacturing and to learn the secrets behind making M&Ms from his time in factory work.

In this episode, find out:

• How Sean first became interested in manufacturing
• Why software-first companies are leading the way
• How software-defined manufacturing works
• The role of customer success in manufacturing
• Why flexible manufacturing can boost your business and revenue
• Why there’s such a big push for re-shoring
• Sean’s advice for manufacturers looking at reshoring
• Repurposing hardware and sustainability in manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Manufacturers don't want to be burned again by a point solution that’s hard to integrate. They need a full stack, and it has to add value. That's the shift that’s happening now, and the early adopter phase is over. We're in the real product phase, which is wonderful.”
• “To approach manufacturing now with a customer success mindset is really just to recognize that the market has changed a bit, that there's not as many manufacturing gurus around as there used to be, and that the automation is more advanced.”
• “With flexible manufacturing, you can build lots of something and switch over to the next product and then the next product, which means your higher paid workers are more effective, they're utilized in a better way, and they can build higher margin products.”

Links & mentions:

• Bright Machines, a software and robotics company focused on automation in the manufacturing industry.
• The Manufacturing Hub podcast, a podcast that explores manufacturing news, insights, and cutting-edge technologies to educate and inspire leaders and workers in manufacturing.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We all know how fast-paced the world of manufacturing is…and when processes and technologies progress, so does the way we work. 

On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Nicole Wolter, President & CEO of HM Manufacturing, reveals all about her management style, interview processes and focus on young talent. 

Plus, she tells us about what it’s like to take over a family business, why she stays on top of robotics trends and what life is like on a board of directors. 

There are plenty of tips for manufacturing recruiters, budding manufacturers, directors and…well…just about anyone in the industry. So tune in! 

In this episode, find out: 

• What’s behind the curtain of HM Manufacturing’s interview process 
• How Nicole deals with team burnout 
• How she transformed her family business 
• Why Nicole focuses on hiring young talent 
• The benefits of staying up-to-date with robotics and tech in the workplace 
• What HM Manufacturing is involved in 
• What it’s like being on a board of directors 
• What’s mHub? 
• The biggest aerospace and food manufacturing trends 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Find something you’re passionate about and then find an organization that speaks to it.” 
• “A different vibe, a different energy to help loosen up your team is super important.” 
• “It’s OK for something to not be 100% perfect one day.” 

Links & mentions: 

• HM Manufacturing: https://www.hmmanufacturing.com/  
• HM Manufacturing on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hmmanufacturing 
• HM Manufacturing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmanufacturing/  
• HM Manufacturing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMManufacturing  
• Nicole on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWolterHMmfg  
• Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-wolter-29107716/  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We cover a whole lot of ground in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour – from Industry 4.0 to innovation in industrial sectors, IIoT, connectivity, machine learning, proof of concepts, and everything in between.

Joining this episode is Igor Marinelli, Founder of TRACTIAN, who has plenty of insights, perspectives, and advice to share on condition monitoring and more. Igor details his background from being a frontline worker to where he is today and explains what prompted him to start TRACTIAN.

We hear why he has huge respect for frontline maintenance workers, why he thinks innovation for innovation’s sake isn’t the way forward, and his advice on integrating new systems into old practices.

In this episode, find out:

• What TRACTIAN does
• How Igor’s background led him to start his company
• Advice for younger and older industrial professionals
• Why you need to start with the problem, not the solution
• The problem with how Industry 4.0 is portrayed
• Why industrial sectors are ready to be disrupted
• Igor’s thoughts on machine learning
• The challenges of integrating new systems

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Be very technical and show real data and experiments of how you could improve what you’re doing.”
• “It's important that you consider that you might not know everything, and even though you've been doing this process for 25 years, there might be something that could be done better. So you just have to be open to that.”
• “You need to tackle the problem, understand the problem, and then think about a solution for that. Because if you start from the solution, this is not going to work, right?”

Links & mentions:

• The Nook, a popular neighborhood bar with park views in Atlanta, GA
• TRACTIAN, an end-to-end condition monitoring and asset management solution

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s time for a comprehensive history lesson in industrial automation recruiting.

We sat down in the MRG Studios in Naperville, Illinois, with Gary Miller, CEO of Miller Resource Group, an industrial recruiting firm focused on hard-to-find personnel in automation, robotics, food and beverage and more.

We’ve gotten to know a few members of the team over the years, which is why it was about time we shared a conversation with their CEO!

In the episode, Gary talks about how he was introduced to industrial automation back in the 1970s, imparts advice on hiring strategy and standing out from the crowd as a recruiter and lays out his interesting thoughts and ideas about leadership.

In this episode, find out:

• Gary’s first steps in industrial automation
• How he stepped up to own his company in the 1980s
• How to package your company story
• Behind the curtain of recruitment
• What recruiters should look for in candidates
• What candidates should look for in recruiters
• How we can take inspiration from the Grateful Dead
• Why you should adopt a learning mindset
• The books that inspire him

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “There’s things and there’s stuff. Things you count, stuff you measure.”
• "When a candidate asks me questions that makes me stumble, I’m usually intrigued by that candidate.”
• “You have to understand what the problem is. Then demonstrate how your skills can help solve that problem.”

Links & mentions:

• Follow Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bestrecruitingfirm/
• Follow Gary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmillermrg
• Miller Resource Group: https://millerresource.com/
• The Green Turtle Tavern, Fernandina Beach, FL – described as Amelia Island’s funkiest and friendliest bar. Offering hand-crafted cocktails and beers, plus live music on the front porch: https://www.ameliaisland.com/Eat-and-Drink/Green-Turtle-Tavern

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What is the current state of manufacturing? Who better to ask than Willem Sundblad, CEO and Co-Founder of Oden Technologies, who commissioned The State of Manufacturing 2022 report?

Surveying over 300 manufacturing leaders has highlighted some fascinating food for thought on topics like the labor market, inflation, demand changes, investing in sustainability, and more.

Willem joins Manufacturing Happy Hour again to talk more about the findings and his own personal take on why businesses are increasingly investing in sustainability post-pandemic. He also explores what sets the winners and losers apart in the manufacturing space and what trends he’s most excited to see more of in 2023.

In this episode, find out:

• What the State of Manufacturing report tells us
• The importance of making investments in digitization
• Why there’s a bigger gap between manufacturing “winners and losers”
• Why companies that invest in tech and sustainability are leading the way
• Why companies need to be agile and quick to make decisions in uncertain times
• What global supply chain issues mean for manufacturers
• The most interesting and surprising report findings
• How manufacturers are dealing with COVID aftereffects
• How manufacturers can approach the labor shortage problem

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I talked to a lot of customers last year who are beating their sustainability targets. A lot of that was because of supply chain issues. It was so hard to get raw material that they had to increase the rate of recycled material in the product.”
• “One of the biggest drivers of the digital investments in automation investments is the challenges in the labor market.”
• “If you can empower people who understand the process and the needs of the day-to-day to make decisions quickly, you become more agile and deal with uncertainty in a much healthier way.”

Links & mentions:

• Oden Technologies, an intelligent industrial automation company that empowers manufacturers to embrace industry 4.0
• The State of Manufacturing Report, insights from industry leaders on adapting to the current trends in manufacturing
• Tunnbrödsrulle, late-night Swedish street food consisting of a hot dog, mashed potatoes, and shrimp salad in a wrap (trust us, it’s amazing)

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s been about two years since Andrew Crowe, public speaker and Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, was last on the show in episode 46 – and so much has happened since then.

This time around, we sit down over a couple of beers in St. Louis to catch up on what he has been working on and how much The New American Manufacturing Renaissance has grown since.

The New American Manufacturing Renaissance is a movement intended to show how manufacturing is a great career option for anyone – no matter your background or demographics. Andrew speaks about why this is so important to the industry and America in general and the barriers we must overcome in manufacturing to make it more of an open industry that people want to get involved in.

Andrew explores what companies, and the industry as a whole, can do to make manufacturing more appealing to a wider variety of people and why that diversity is so important. We also delve into what Project MFG is all about and his plans for the future.

In this episode, find out:

• How The New American Manufacturing Renaissance has grown
• The disconnect between the old and new in manufacturing
• What Andrew learned from his tour
• The importance of having diverse voices in manufacturing
• What companies can do to improve industry awareness and encourage new talent
• External things we can do in the wider community for the industry
• What Project MFG is
• Andrew talks about his side hustles and projects
• Why collaboration is key in manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “How do we show people that their ideas matter? How do we take those ideas, make them, show them the process of it, and then put them into the world to help solve some of these problems?”
• “Let's have those conversations. Let's have those dialogues. And then, let's reach out and collaborate amongst our ecosystem. That's how we began to build.”
• “People are not necessarily trying to uphold these old systems. But they are recognizing that they're a part of them and reaching out trying to figure out how to improve them and make them better for everybody.”

Links & mentions:

• The MFG, Andrew Crowe’s website
• Project MFG, a catalyst that helps elevate the next generation of highly skilled trade professionals by changing mindsets, fostering community preparedness, and challenging how the critical skills needed to succeed in modern advanced manufacturing are taught.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Strong values like sustainability, empathy, and wellness might seem at odds with running a successful business for some, but not Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi. In fact, values like these have been fundamental to Okabashi’s success since it launched in 1984.

Sara joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to clue us in to what it’s like leading a family-owned and operated shoe brand. A proudly USA-based footwear company, Okabashi is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness and uses the principles of reflexology to design shoes that promote foot health and comfort.

We hear a little about its innovative manufacturing process, the importance of running a business with sustainable choices, and why that shouldn’t be at odds with financial viability. Sara also explains how Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing process works to recycle old products to avoid landfill and waste.

In this episode, find out:

• The challenges of expanding as a U.S.- based manufacturer
• How Sara’s background led to her current role
• How sustainability is built into the Okabashi manufacturing process
• How Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing works
• Why sustainability doesn’t have to be at odds with financial viability
• Why innovation comes from empowering your team
• How Okabashi remains competitive in the U.S.
• Modular automation in the shoe manufacturing process
• Why empathy is key to building good partnerships
• Why you need to stick to your values in business

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We offer as well as our own closed-loop manufacturing, a post-consumer circular program. So people can send their shoes back to us to avoid landfills.”
• “I think that innovation comes from all different directions and there are so many things that can drive it. And having a culture that is not steeped in fear is a prerequisite to have innovation come from all directions.”
• “I think if you stick to your values, and if you have a long enough horizon line, good things happen.”

Links & mentions:

Okasbashi, a proudly U.S. shoe company focused on creating shoes that promote wellness and foot health

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

For many people, YouTube is the first port of call for instructions. Whether it be for simple things around the house like setting up a new TV or building a cabinet, or more complex things entirely. 

One man covering those more complex things is Tim Wilborne. Tim’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 50,000 subscribers, focuses on industrial automation, programming PLCs and helping you become a better technician. 

Tim joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss his background in the industry and his YouTube channel in detail. He explains why he started the channel, how his family are a huge part of its success and how to cope with haters. 

Plus, he reveals why the industry hasn’t progressed as far as it could and tells us why he believes the automation world needs more content creators. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Tim’s background in the industry 
• How Tim started a YouTube channel 
• Why subscribers and likes aren’t always so important 
• How Tim amassed over 50,000 subscribers 
• How to figure out what content to create 
• About work-life balance in a family business 
• How to deal with haters online 
• Why Tim thinks his industry could’ve progressed further 
• How constructive criticism helps Tim 
• Why he thinks more industry experts should create YouTube content 
• Advice for budding automation YouTube creators  

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “It takes thick skin. Just keep trying.” 
• “There were lots of times I thought I had it, and then, all of a sudden, we’d have a major defeat.” 
• “It's a long game and I think most people aren't prepared for how long of a game it is.” 

Links & mentions: 

• TW Controls, focused on automation, PLC programming, and building control panels, specializing in Allen Bradley PLC training designed to help maintenance technicians and electricians troubleshoot machines 
• Tim Wilborne on YouTube, the long-running channel brought to you by TW Controls offers some of the best industrial automation training and how-to’s on the internet 
• Automation Fair and other events from Rockwell Automation  
• Momentum Coffee, a co-working space and coffee shop, walking distance from Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, plus additional locations 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

While the metaverse is a relatively new concept for most of us, this week’s guest has worked in this space for some time.

Our guest on Manufacturing Happy Hour is emergent technologist and GatherVerse founder, Christopher Lafayette.

Tune in to hear about Christopher’s background, what his job title really means, his take on the metaverse’s role in manufacturing and MedTech and the importance of inclusion and diversity in tech.

Plus, Christopher explains skepticism towards the metaverse and the reasons behind it. It’s a meaty one, so be ready to immerse yourself in a metaverse masterclass.

In this episode, find out:

• What an emergent technologist does
• Why the metaverse is a game changer for manufacturing
• How MedTech could change in the metaverse
• Why people are right to be skeptical of tech advancements
• The right way to bring manufacturing into the conversation
• About awareness and education surrounding the metaverse
• Whether we should care about the metaverse
• About the metaverse and diversity/inclusion
• How to approach skeptics
• About Christopher’s LinkedIn Learning class

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “When we think of the metaverse, we ingress into entertainment. But medical technology has the single biggest global impact.”
• “It’s important for (tech) leadership to get good-sourced information from people who actually know what they’re talking about.”
• “The metaverse is here, but as we know it today. We can’t put in concrete terms that “this is what it is” because we don’t completely know what it’s going to be.”

Links & mentions:

• Official Website - Christopher Lafayette, connect with Christopher on areas of expertise, events, press, and speaking categories across the metaverse, NFTs, tech inclusion, MedTech, and removing barriers to innovation GatherVerse, a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, and share human-centered approaches to the metaverse
• Black Technology Mentorship Program, a mentor-mentee program that inspires, educates, and brings underserved Black communities into technology
• Course - What is the Metaverse?, Christopher’s official course on the metaverse on LinkedIn Learning
• Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn
• Follow Christopher on Twitter
• Follow Christopher on Instagram

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is there really a manufacturing skills gap? Why is manufacturing moving back to the U.S.? And how can machine shop owners switch to an investment mindset? These are all great questions that we answer in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. 

Jason T. Ray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts and a former Manufacturing Happy Hour guest. He jumps back on the show for a discussion on machine shops, reshoring, the importance of profit and investment, the skills gap, and everything in between. We hear his take on how COVID affected supply chains and led to more shop owners buying from American companies, and the different ways business owners have changed their mindset in the past few years. 

Jason also explains that if we want to solve the skills gap in manufacturing, we need to “look in the mirror” and figure out where we’re going wrong from a management perspective. There’s plenty of food for thought in this episode, so check it out to hear more of Jason’s words of wisdom. 

In this episode, find out: 

• The state of manufacturing in the U.S. 
• Why shop owners are increasingly considering “ownership cost” 
• What’s bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. 
• How the manufacturing tech stack is evolving 
• How different generations solve problems 
• How new tech affects profit and investment 
• Why we need to shift from an expense mindset to an investment mindset 
• Why the skills gap is more of a “management gap” 
• The importance of active over passive management 
• Why agility and speed in business are down to good systems and processes 
• Why manufacturing is essential to innovation 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Now there's this concept called total ownership cost. And that includes shipping and storage and everything else associated with buying those parts.” 
• “Manufacturers aren't just showing up to look at the machines and buy equipment. They're actively coming out and looking for software solutions to solve problems in their business.” 
• “When shops, rather than having an expense mindset, go in with an investment mindset – where they look at dollars out as investments, you start to see a shift in the type of team members they're attracting.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Paperless Parts, helping machine shops quote faster and win more jobs 
• In The Shop, a publication from Paperless Parts, including this post “CMMC: Coming Soon to a Contract Near You” 
• “Pentagon updates timeline for CMMC cybersecurity initiative,” important news for job shop owners going into effect in May 2023 
• Tip Tap Room, an upscale pub that serves beer, wild game, and inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space in Boston, MA 
• Alcove, located in the Boston Harbor on Lovejoy Wharf, serving regionally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired fare in stylishly decorated surroundings  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What’s the most important part of starting and running a manufacturing business? The finances? The team? The materials? 

Well, this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest has some expert insights, experience and advice, so stay tuned. 

It’s time to hit the slopes for this week’s episode as we invite Mike McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Folsom Custom Skis, to share his story and provide top tips for manufacturers. 

Tune in for tales of Mike’s early days in the industry, the creation of his business, the day-to-day of running a boutique ski manufacturer, what he does for his customers and how Folsom has survived and thrived in a challenging industry. 

Plus, Mike provides a ton of sound business advice! A true must-listen. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Mike’s introduction to the industry 
• Where his interest in skiing began 
• His first steps in launching the business 
• The most important part of starting a manufacturing business 
• A rundown of Folsom’s materials and processes 
• How Mike accounts for his success 
• Top business tips for manufacturers 
• Mike’s initial goals for Folsom Custom Skis 
• The importance of your team in a manufacturing business 
• Advice for college students interested in manufacturing 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “We saw a hole in the market and we’ve stayed really true to what we do to this very day.” 
• “Being lean and nimble is the most important piece, not having huge financial attributes.” 
• “To succeed here, you need somebody that’s really passionate about the sport, passionate about the product, passionate about customer service and passionate about manufacturing.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Folsom Custom Skis, custom building skis engineered specifically for you. Skis can be purchased online or through Folsom’s full-time staff members. 
• Aspen Brewing Company, founded in 2008 with one simple goal – make world-class beer, downstream from nobody. They have two locations in Aspen, both downtown and near the airport. Or, if you’re not in Aspen, you can find their beers throughout Colorado. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We're back for Part 2 from the 2022 Vision Show, hosted by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation.

In October 2022, we ventured to Boston, MA for the Association for Advancing Automation's annual Vision Show and Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference (AMRL). In the past, these had been 2 separate events, but this year, A3 brought them together under one roof.

You really can't have robotics without imaging and you can't have mobile robotics without machine vision. The tie-ins are endless. It just made sense to bring these events together and it was great being part of this weeklong extravaganza.

This is somewhat of an anniversary episode since we covered the AMR and Logistics Conference last year with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial. We have another 2-part bonus episode for you this week containing over 10 interviews with leaders in robotics and machine vision, including:

-Erik Nieves, Founder of Plus One Robotics

-Jeremy Bergh, President, North America at IDS Imaging

-Joe Gemma, VP of Sales and Marketing at Calvary Robotics

-Theng Kuoch of CMES Robotics

-Rajesh Iyengar, Founder & CEO of Lincode Labs

-Denise Stafford of KUKA Robotics

-Patty Katsaros of Locus Robotics

-Laura Hoffman, Automation Industry Insider

-Matt Charles, VP of Mobile Robotics at RoBEX

-Melonee Wise, VP Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies

-Alex Shikany, VP Membership & Business Intelligence at A3

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re all familiar with Microsoft. That’s a given. But we’re certainly not all familiar with the autonomous AI work they are doing. 

That’s why we called on an expert to give us the lowdown on what autonomous AI means, highlight its risks and opportunities and give us his verdict.  

On episode 118, Brian Evergreen, Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour. If the episode title (or Brian’s job title) doesn’t make a ton of sense to you just now, you’re in the right place because Brian is keen to define the term in detail. 

Brian also provides advice for getting new technology initiatives off the ground, from AI to machine learning and more. Plus, there are a ton of pragmatic tips and tricks for leading through tech transformations. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Brian’s route into AI (via chess?) 
• Baseline definitions of AI, autonomous AI and autonomous transformation 
• Why to take a human-centric approach to AI 
• The risks and opportunities surrounding AI 
• How to ensure AI projects succeed, scale and don’t get stuck 
• The lowdown on Brian’s book and writing process 
• How to avoid ‘pilot purgatory’ 
• Where Brian would like a beer with Chris 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “The right time to get started with autonomous AI really depends on your outlook or perspective as a business leader.” 
• “If designed correctly, there’s no great physical risk associated with autonomous AI.” 
• “87% of machine learning models never make it into production. I'm curious how that will change as these autonomous AI technologies become more adopted.” 

Links & mentions: 

• ATX West, this week’s show sponsor. Taking place from February 7-9 in Anaheim, CA, this event showcases the latest automation and intelligent robotic technology, focusing on how to better automate manufacturing processes. Discover the world of automation and build smarter solutions with ATX West. 
• Woodman Lodge, Snoqualmie, Washington, a historic saloon serving what they describe as “some of the best steaks you’ll find anywhere in Western Washington”. 

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This week, we're diving into gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference. gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations, and their OnRamp Conferences are a subset of that.

gener8tor’s annual manufacturing event brings together startups, investors, and corporations for this unique “dealmaking conference” and this year, in October 2022, we headed to Indianapolis. There, we sat down for 8 interviews with individuals that are running startups, managing accelerators and investment funds, as well as leading state initiatives to help manufacturing thrive in Indiana.

This episode explores how these different groups are working together and how they’re all working to take on big initiatives like sustainability, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Our guest lineup includes:

-Maggie Brickerman, Partner at gener8tor

-Dave Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer at IEDC

-Razi Nalim, Founder of Aerodyn Combustion

-Apoorva Kiran, Co-Founder and CEO of Mentore

-Emir Beg, Founder and CTO of Scout Autonomy

-Batuhan Ulasan, COO of Scout Autonomy

-Tim Chiang, Investment Director at Xerox Ventures

-Ashley Bryan, Program Manager at The Heritage Group Accelerator

-Sharina Perry, Founder and CEO of Utopia Plastix

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/OnRamp2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

How can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more.

As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He explains exactly how his products can impact a runner’s comfort, fatigue levels, and muscle health to get the most performance out of each and every run.

We also explore a little about Riley’s startup experience and the biggest business lessons he’s learned in his career.

In this episode, find out:

• The difference between Arris and Riley’s previous business ventures
• The biggest lessons Riley learned from his startups
• Why manufacturing is “messy”
• Why you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel
• The reasons Riley started Arris
• How composites improve running performance in shoes
• Riley’s top marathon runs and favorite trails
• The reaction and feedback to Arris’ composites plates
• The top benefits of Arris composites in shoes
• How composites materials can be used in other industries
• What’s next for Arris

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Be really mindful when you're taking on something new that someone else has not already done it in another industry.”
• “Everyone says this but running really does clear your head. It gives you headspace.”
• “We have this passion for the superiority of composite materials. We all had experience with them in different industries, but it's always limited to the really high-end stuff. The products around us day to day aren’t taking advantage of it.”

Links & mentions:

• Arris, Berkeley-based composites manufacturer that produces smarter, lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products at scale for consumer products, aerospace, automotive, and many more industries
• The Rare Barrel, a rustic alehouse in Berkeley that specializes in sour beers

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It's Thanksgiving week here in the US, and since so many of you are based here, we're bringing you a shorter bonus episode this week as we try something new. First, you'll get a general update from Manufacturing Happy Hour, including our new newsletter - 5 Quick Manufacturing Insights - as well as partnership opportunities. Then, we'll highlight one of the most helpful moments from the show in the past year. Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, appeared on Episode 80 and talked all about investment banking for robotics, automation, and AI companies. In this short episode, we'll spotlight the moment where he broke down the differences between funding rounds, including how Series B is the "make or break" round for most companies.

We’ve got a bit of a different Manufacturing Happy Hour episode this time – it’s one of our first long-form episode at a trade show. Joined by co-host Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, we recorded this at the 2022 The Vision Show AMR & Logistics Conference in Boston.  

Our guest is Malachi Greb, Owner of Elite Automation – a frequent trade show attendee with the goal of leading the “biggest automation company in the world.” An ambitious target, no doubt, but Malachi knows exactly how he’s going to achieve it. 

We talk about how Malachi first got into the automation space, his guerrilla marketing tactics, why he’s on a hiring kick, and what it was like venturing into his first international project. We cover a lot of ground with some great actionable tips, especially around trade shows, so don’t miss it! 

In this episode, find out: 

• How Malachi first got started in automation 
• How Elite Automation is creating growth 
• Why Elite Automation is on a hiring kick 
• Why guerrilla marketing strategies are the way to go 
• Why companies should always aim to add value in marketing  
• Elite Automation’s winning business strategy  
• What the manufacturing industry is like in the Midwest 
• What it was like leading Elite Automation’s first international project in India  
• How Malachi plans to run the biggest automation company in the world 
• The advantages of being young in this industry 

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! 

Tweetable Quotes: 

• “Where a business is successful is when it adds value to another company or individuals.” 
• “Why are people spending $10,000-$20,000 on a booth when you can send 10 employees, spend a quarter the amount of money and have them just run around?” 
• “We probably do at least five interviews a week, every single week, no matter if we’re hiring or not. And we're doing that because we're building a backlog of individuals.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Elite Automation, a robotics and automation solutions company specializing in robotic weld cells, palletizing, material handling, and AMR deployment 
• The Manufacturing Come Up, an industry interview podcast hosted by Elite Automation 
• Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar & Grill, a Nashville-inspired bar located on Franklin Street in Evansville, IN in the former location of a Harley-Davidson dealership 

 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re back for Part 2 of our bonus episodes with KUKA from IMTS 2022. We’ll be jumping back into our partnership conversations while taking an even deeper dive into additive manufacturing in these last 5 interviews of our short series. Stick around until the end to get a full recap on what characterizes great industrial manufacturing partnerships.

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This week on Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re exploring what makes an industrial partnership great.

Is it the tech? Is it the company culture? Is it the size of the company?

Today’s podcast answers all of these questions in the context of a global robotics company, KUKA, and all of their partners. We spent an entire day at IMTS 2022 exploring applications from 3D printing to machining to launching robots into space, all while interviewing KUKA’s partners that make all of these applications possible.

This 2-part episode features ten interviews co-hosted by Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, with the following leaders:

• Evandro Maia, Robotics Application Engineer, KUKA
• Juan Vega, CTO, Reliabotics
• Warren Reynolds, VP of Operations, I-Cubed Industry Innovators Inc.
• Nick Johnson, Co-Founder, One Off Robotics
• Travis Turner, General Manager, Eckhart
• Scott McIsaac, Project Engineer, KUKA Systems
• Jean-Sébastien Neveu, President, Waybo
• Cole Nielsen, CTO and Founder, Orbital Composites
• Michael Duong, Applications Engineer, Ingersoll Machine Tools
• Matthew Robey, Account Manager, KUKA
• Darcy Charbonneau, Director of US Sales, KUKA

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Can you really make a business work if you have no experience?

Cody Lee, the President and Owner of Everyday Technologies, made that very leap when he took over the business. While his experience was limited, he’s had some fantastic advice from his father and father-in-law, which has helped Cody thrive in his new venture.

Cody joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to share where it all began, what led him to buy the business, and how he’s determined to scale it in the future. He explains why his primary focus is on building a talented workforce, revitalizing Everyday Technologies’ branding, updating systems, and playing to his own strengths. While it’s been a unique challenge, Cody’s more than embraced it and has injected new life into a brand that has been in operation for nearly 100 years!

In this episode, find out:

• Cody’s first experiences with entrepreneurship
• The important lessons Cody learned from his father and father-in-law
• Why you need to be passionate about your business above all else
• How Cody bought Everyday Technologies
• The first steps he took when taking over the business
• The top changes and updates he made to the business
• The unexpected challenges that Cody had to deal with
• Why you don’t need to be the smartest guy in the room
• Why you need to pay attention to branding to attract top talent
• Why the success of a business is down to its people
• What Cody has planned for the future of Everyday Technologies

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “A business is the direct result of its people.”
• “If you have the right people in the right seats, clear expectations, and hold them accountable to themselves and the folks around them, you can get anything done.”
• “The core mission of what we're trying to do at the end of the day is just take care of our customers. Without them, there would be no growing, there'd be no revenue, there'd be nothing.”

Links & mentions:

What does it take to launch a manufacturing startup? And how do you finally walk away from it when it’s time?

Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, is back on the show for round three of our three-part series. In this episode, we take a closer look at Nick’s previous ventures, including Plethora, to get an idea of what it’s like to build a company and then close the door to it.

Nick shares the top things he wished he’d have known earlier in his career, what he’s learned from previous business experiences, and some advice for others. He also gives his take on the investor world and explains why VCs are no longer as scared to touch manufacturing as they once were.

It’s been a fantastic mini-series with Nick, and he’s been full of brilliant insights into the startup world, investment, and the future of the industry. Be sure to catch up on episodes one and two with Nick if you haven’t already.

In this episode, find out:

• What Plethora did in the manufacturing space
• Why Nick decided to leave his position as CEO
• The most important lessons he took from Plethora
• Why Plethora shut down
• What you need to do before scaling a startup
• Why VCs are less afraid of manufacturing these days
• What Nick wishes he had known earlier in his career
• What’s currently working for Volition
• Why Nick learned to love the management side of running a startup

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "You get what you put in.”
• “I wish I would have been somewhere where there were lots of mentors who could actually tell you how it works. I just had this huge shift when I moved to San Francisco and met real founders.”
• “Your reputation is everything in this kind of field.”

Links & mentions:

• Volition, one of the largest marketplaces for industrial components  

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What does the future hold for hardware manufacturing? We welcome back Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, for round two of a special three-part episode where we dig into all things hardware manufacturing.

In this episode, Nick explores the world of hardware startups, VC investment, and the future of the industry. He also breaks down his thoughts on rising trends like 3D printing and AI, and explains which manufacturing tech he’s most excited about.

We also hear his thoughts and experiences on navigating U.S. industrial policies and what he thinks is missing from the wider manufacturing community. Check out part one and stay tuned for part three, coming soon!

In this episode, find out:

• Why hardware startups are more difficult to get off the ground
• Why the investor base in hardware is improving
• What we learned about hardware and physical goods during COVID
• The manufacturing tech Nick’s most excited about
• Nick’s thoughts on additive manufacturing and AI
• How investors are changing the way they back manufacturing companies
• What’s missing from the wider manufacturing community?
• The regions leading the way in manufacturing
• The effect of industrial policy on manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• "The horrible situation of COVID has shown everyone that the physical world [of manufacturing] actually matters.”
• “Everyone thinks 3D printing is going to replace stuff. I don't think that's true at all. I think the traditional processes will be with us forever. We just need to put computing inside of them.”
• “Everyone's going for high performance first. And I think that's because all these technologies start off really expensive. So you better have a really good use case for some performance improvement, as opposed to a cost improvement. I also think that VCs have a bias towards performance because it's cool.”

Links & mentions:

•  Volition, one of the largest marketplaces for industrial components  
• The Interval, a cocktail bar in San Francisco and home of The Long Now Foundation

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.