Afleveringen
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What role does higher ed play in making sure manufacturing thrives? Universities and other higher ed hubs are playing a leading role in shaping the future of this industry. And MIT is a prime example of this, with specialist courses to help graduates and professionals get the skills they need to bring new innovations to life.
We’re joined by the Principal Investigator of MIT’s LEAP Group (Learning Engineering and Practice), Dr. John Liu. As someone deeply involved in building much-needed programs, including the MicroMasters and TechAMP, we asked for his take on manufacturing today, what we can learn from history, and higher ed’s role in revitalizing the industry.
We also talk about the hot topic of globalization and offshoring and what research says about the impact on the U.S. as an innovator economy.
In this episode, find out:
An introduction to LEAP Group and Dr. John’s role in researching and leading programs to help the future of manufacturing leaders How John’s career pivoted to the manufacturing side of techWhat people should know about MIT’s history in manufacturing, including innovative practices and technologies we still use todayWhat can we learn from history that applies to manufacturing in today’s AI-driven world? The impact of globalization and the conclusions that an MIT report came to about its impact on an innovator economy How manufacturing has changed since the report was published and what John would add that’s relevant today What is MIT doing to help educate and drive innovation across manufacturing and techDr. John explains his involvement in the MicroMasters program as its founder The four principles of manufacturing that remain universal and timelessHow MIT’s programs differ from trade or regular tech schools How the TechAMP program differs from MicroMasters as a program for professionals already in the industry Dr. John gives an overview of MIT’s collaborations with the DoD and Manufacturing USA The important role that higher ed plays in reindustrializationEnjoying 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 just continue to set up walls, we'll never learn and innovate. And so how do we, instead of setting up walls, reach across walls and learn from all the innovation that's happening?""We lose our ability to innovate if we produce elsewhere. Why? Because when you actually are forced to go from prototype to make a lot of these things, the design changes in all these sorts of ways... That's a whole type of innovation that is not as celebrated in our country today.""No matter what age, what company, you always have to be able to control four things: manufacturing processes, manufacturing systems, the supply, the people and finances. Always these four."Links & mentions:
The Machine That Changed the World, a book written by MIT professors about finding success in automotive manufacturing, which led to the popularity of lean manufacturingMaking in America: From Innovation to Market, a book written by MIT scientists, engineers and social scientists about rebuilding the industrial landscape in the U.S.TechAMP, a 12-month program at MIT LEAP Group to bridge the gap between technicians and engineers -
Sometimes indecision costs more than a wrong decision. Making decisions is a leader’s bread and butter, but during times of uncertainty or crisis, they often become more cautious and hesitant. The danger here is getting left behind while more confident, proactive leaders charge ahead.
Jason T. Ray, Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, is a regular on Manufacturing Happy Hour, so we compare some of the insights he made when he was last on the show to what he’s seeing in the industry today.
One of the big ones was on the skills gap – or “leadership gap” as Jason calls it. The good news is that this seems to be closing, with more manufacturing leaders taking advantage of the vast amounts of information and industry insights out there in the form of articles and podcasts. We hear Jason’s approach to great leadership in manufacturing and the positive changes he’s seen in the industry lately.
We also chat about scaling effectively, complying with CMMC, and how to avoid getting lost in the AI hype cycle.
In this episode, find out:
The four pillars that are leading Paperless Parts to greatness and successful expansion Why the leadership gap (which Jason said last time was responsible for the skills gap) seems to be closing Positive changes Jason’s seeing when it comes to preparing younger professionals for leadership positionsHow to navigate through uncertain times and the important lesson he learned in the Navy that he still uses todayThe power of decisive leadership and what happens when leaders are overly cautious The leading indicators in the industry that Jason watches closely to help him make great long-term decisions The gap between data and information and why data alone is not enough to make good decisions How small to medium manufacturers can win government contracts and become CMMC compliantThe common mistake shop leaders make about AI and why leaders should start with the low-hanging fruit that we know AI is great for The easiest ways to scale in today’s market and how to get your team onboard with a growth mindset Jason’s thoughts on the opportunities of reshoring and why we need to meet the right balance between global collaboration without dependenceJason talks about the Cutting Through the Noise videos series and why he aims to highlight the truly important insights in the industry for busy manufacturing leadersEnjoying 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 they're putting young people in their organizations in positions of responsibility. I think more and more they're realizing that these young professionals are ready to take on that responsibility and those folks are bringing new ideas in.”“I think it is such an important understanding of what the right level of global collaboration is where you have not fallen into dependence.”“When you're leading through a period of uncertainty that tends to lead folks to indecision. And that can waste a lot of people's time and shatter your team's confidence in your ability as a leader. The folks that are most successful at leading through a crisis lead with very decisive action.”Links & mentions:
Paperless Parts, quoting software for manufacturers to help part manufacturers streamline the quoting process Cutting Through the Noise, a new video series run by Jason that gets straight to the point on manufacturing... -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What does it take to find the best talent in the manufacturing industry these days? When it comes to automation, you can use location (or lack of location) to your advantage. In this episode, Kyle Mahan of Ohio-based Wauseon Machine takes us through their approach to securing the best automation talent. We'll also hear some history on the organization, learn about Kyle's career, and share strategies for robotics and automation integrators.
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It’s not every day that a former NFL player joins the podcast. And it’s not every day you see one make such a dramatic career pivot from pro football to craft brewing and small business ownership.
But that’s exactly what Brandon Fields did. When he was winding down his football career, he found his passion in brewing, starting out with a home brewing kit. He teamed up with his wife Katie and opened up Inside the Five Brewing Co., which has scaled to three locations and 120 team members as a full-service beer manufacturing empire.
Katie and Brandon wear many hats across each area of the manufacturing process – from the crafting itself to the sales side to distribution – even their kids get involved. Today, they run the business with a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly vibe that keeps loyal beer fans sipping. Hear about their story from NFL to brewing, what it’s like running a small full-service business, their approach to managing talent, and developing their distinct branding. Also learn how beers like “Snap to the Face” and “Big Fat Boss Baby” get their names.
In this episode, find out:
Brandon gives us the background on his time playing in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, plus the story behind the beer ‘Snap to the Face’What made Brandon decide to move from the NFL world into professional brewing The biggest lesson learned from Brandon’s NFL days that he applies to his life now as a small business owner How Brandon and Katie learned how to grow and scale a brewing business to three locations and 120 team members The most rewarding parts of manufacturing craft beers and experimenting with new beer flavors How Brandon and Katie’s kids get involved in the craft brewing life and inspired the names of some of their top beers The benefits of being a full-service manufacturer, managing the manufacturing, distribution, and sales A reality check on what the transition from NFL to brewing was like for Brandon and what he learned from Katie’s people management approach The strategy behind developing Inside the Five’s distinct branding and why it’s about more than just the visuals Why it’s important not to force a brand style that doesn’t feel natural How Inside the Five’s branding has added to their success by being a welcoming, family-friendly ethos that gets people to stick around for another beer Katie’s approach to managing the competition and why it’s key to focus on your own successEnjoying 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 have that drive, that perfectionist in you to want to constantly do better... But it's that constant, “how can we improve?” Good is not good enough." – Brandon Fields“We're beginning to end in terms of product. So if you see it in a bar, our people sold it, made the sales pitch, got it there, gave it to them. So our hands are on it from beginning to end.” – Brandon Fields"Figuring out what does branding mean to me? Not just the logo, the slogan, the colors, the font, but what message do you want to send and how do you want people to feel when they're at your location?” – Katie Fields"A lot of people ask me about competitors, like when another craft brewery opens. The more the merrier, because our success is not based on what someone else is doing. If we're not successful, it means we need to change something.” – Katie FieldsLinks & mentions:
Inside the Five Brewing Co., a Northwest Ohio full-service brewpub with unique... -
Manufacturing and engineering are full of talented, passionate people. Just listen to literally any of these episodes for proof of that. But what is it that keeps people in this space motivated and fulfilled? Ask 10 different people, and you’d likely get 10 very different answers.
For this episode, we posed the question to three guests – Steve Ilmrud, VP of Operations for North America at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Jeff Van Horn, Owner & Sr. Project Manager at Industrial Technology Solutions Inc., and Randy Smith, a CNC Programmer & Machinist in the Aerospace and Defense Industries.
We explore the common threads throughout all their careers, paying particular attention to the art of metrology – how we measure things in manufacturing. Without accurate measurement, products wouldn’t make it out the door and manufacturers would be left with a bunch of scrap and route back to square one.
On-the-job training is another big focus of our talk, and we hear why we should prioritize proactive rather than just reactive training, plus how modern tools are shaping both training and production efficiency.
In this episode, find out:
What is metrology? Jeff, Steve, and Randy give their own definitions in relation to how they’ve used it in their careers Why measuring things throughout a fabrication process is critical to reducing waste Real examples of how good metrology practice has helped manufacturers build the best products (and what happens when it’s not used)Why the right data and statistics are critical for improving reliability Leveraging metrology during on-the-job training to be more proactive than reactive to challenges How modern tools and technology can help manufacturers be more proactive and productive Working smart vs working hard and using the right technology The mindset shift that manufacturers need to adopt, both in training and production How focusing on the three Ps (people, parts, and process) has helped Steve stay focused and solve challenges The common themes that keep Jeff, Steve, and Randy motivated in their careersEnjoying 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 cannot wait to inspect all your parts, especially in the fabrication shops, when they're done. If you don't catch it during the process, it's going to end up in rework." – Jeff Van Horn"Regardless of the parts you're making or what you're doing, real-time inspection and feedback are really critical and it can save you a lot of time and time and aggravation." – Randy Smith"It comes down to people, parts, and process – the three Ps. Almost any challenge I've had in my career can be addressed through the three Ps." – Steve IlmrudLinks & mentions:
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, empowering makers to innovate and create without limit with solutions support optimization throughout the product lifecycle, specializing in metrology, production, and design & engineeringLeica Absolute Tracker ATS600, the first ever direct scanning laser tracker that can digitally pinpoint and inspect large parts and surfaces that are simply out of range of traditional handheld 3D laser scanners, touch probes, -
An AI agent can create. It can predict. It can analyze data. But for it to really drive change and enhance operations, it needs to take action. That’s the next step of machine learning and AI, says Kence Anderson, CEO of Composabl, a company that helps manufacturers create multi-agent AI systems.
Our discussion with Kence is probably one of the most important you’ll hear on the podcast lately. AI has been a big topic for a while now, but we dig further into how it can be applied at an industrial level to help manufacturers and engineers make decisions and solve problems.
We start with Kence’s overview of AI agents, specifically in manufacturing, and talk about what drew him to this industry. Kence talks about how companies can find a balance between capturing data and also using expertise from your team (and why it’s crucial to do this before they start retiring!)
In this episode, find out:
What is an AI agent and how could manufacturers implement them to take action? Ways AI agents can take how engineers and manufacturers already use machine learning to the next level Kence explains how he first entered the manufacturing world with a mechanical engineering degree and roles in startups Why Kence believes that high-value technology needs methodology combined with a platform to enable widespread adoption 3 reasons why AI in manufacturing has always fascinated Kence Why AI agents need to be taught specific information and why this enhances rather than restricts how they workThe importance of collecting data but also interviewing experts in your team to gain their unique knowledge Kence shares an example of how an extruder making Cheetos is way harder than just programming a machine How Kence uses simulations to enable AI agents to practice and learn tasks before they’re implementedWhere does the AI agent live? Kence gives a detailed explanation of how AI agents are stored and communicate with wider internal systems Different ways AI agents can not only be taught but also teach others The steps manufacturers need to take to start using AI agents and why the first one should be to identify the high-value skills in danger of extinctionEnjoying 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 thing that moves the needle is decisions. And so, if you're predicting something, analyzing something, it's only to serve the purpose of making great decisions.”“ You can have an AI just look at your data and discover a bunch of stuff that you know Susan and Joe over there could have told you in 15 minutes. So there's this need to capture and codify high-value subject matter expertise, frankly, before it goes extinct.”“There's a hundred million engineers out there in an industry that if you empower them with the right tools, they'll innovate and engineer systems the same way as they have everything else.”Links & mentions:
Composabl, a platform that combines the power of Composite AI with expertise to design and deploy multi-agent AI systems for industrial environmentsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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Today's bonus episode is all about MEPs, and actually a very urgent issue related to MEPs. For context, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.
To put it in more simplified terms - MEPs provide resources to small- and medium-sized manufacturers that allow them to adopt new technology, upskill and train their people, and ultimately create jobs in their area. Every state has one, they go by different names in different states, and it was recently announced that this program was being defunded.
Specifically, funding for 10 state MEP initiatives expired at the end of March, and the government’s controlling agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), chose not to renew them. This is a moving target, it could change (as it already has once by extending the deadline to the end of the fiscal year), and quite frankly manufacturers don't know what's going to happen. It hasn't been communicated as to why this cut is taking place, but the reality is right now is there is a concern across the manufacturing community that funding for the entire MEP initiative - across all 50 states - might get cut.
As a result of this action, a number of manufacturing podcasters got together to discuss the situation and actions that you, as manufacturers, can take to have your voices heard and say "This is ridiculous. My MEP has helped my business and community succeed for XYZ reason."
We cannot afford to lose a critical resource like this that so many small- to mid-sized manufacturers rely on. All this an more in today's episode.
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What’s getting VCs to look beyond Silicon Valley in the tech startup scene? The Midwest is not just an up-and-coming place for investors to watch. It’s now a region that more investors are betting on. With companies like Path Robotics, the Midwest is taking its status as a manufacturing hub and merging it with the kind of innovative tech traditionally associated with the coastal cities.
For this episode, we hear from two sides of the conversation – from Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics, and Nima Gard, the company's Director of AI, along with Nils Root from Drive Capital, a VC firm that operates in the Midwest manufacturing and tech scene.
They join us live from Columbus, Ohio to talk about what makes the region a hot spot for manufacturing innovation, why it’s not the “next Silicon Valley” (and doesn’t have to be), and what companies like Path Robotics are getting right. We also dig into the tech at Path Robotics and where AI fits into the future of new technological developments in the industry.
In this episode, find out:
Why Columbus is seeing a wave of tech startups and VC interest Andy explains why Ohio was the perfect spot to build Path Robotics and how it’s using machine intelligence to specifically solve manufacturing problems How manufacturers can successfully decide what to focus on now and in the future The technology behind the scenes at Path Robotics and data is the number one biggest focus The secrets behind Path Robotics' 3x growth and where data fits into that What Andy’s most excited about building at Path Robotics and the importance of practical applicationsHow Path Robotics closes the deal cycle faster, works with their CRO and isn’t afraid to disqualify leadsWhat can other regions learn from Columbus and why the startup scene is increasingly seen as an exciting opportunity rather than a risk The skills gap in manufacturing and how AI will realistically change manufacturing jobs in the future How humans and robots can realistically interact, create value and solve problems togetherEnjoying 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:
”Everyone still asks, 'when are you going to move to Silicon Valley? When are you going to move to the East Coast?' And the main reason is that the talent is here.” – Andy Lonsberry“More great world-class technology businesses will be built outside of Silicon Valley in the next 20 years than will be built inside of Silicon Valley. So Drive is just investing behind that thesis.” – Nils Root“One of the hardest things in robotics is data. Data is the bottleneck. The fact that we are not seeing a GPT moment in robotics is because we don't have enough data as we had for text and language.” – Nima GardLinks & mentions:
Drive Capital, a Columbus, OH-based VC that’s companies are proving that you can build a world-class technology company anywherePath Robotics, providing precise robotic welding systems. No programmer required. Designed for precision, efficiency, and scalability.Makerspace Central is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in... -
Robotics is a cool field, no doubt about that. But what’s cooler than using it to change people’s lives?
When he was seven years old, Aadeel Akhtar met a girl in Pakistan with a missing leg. This kickstarted a fascination with helping people regain control over lost limbs and a decision that pivoted his planned career in medicine to robotics and prosthetics.
Today, he’s the CEO and Founder of PSYONIC, the company behind the world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand. He’s on a mission to make this tech as accessible as possible, and we hear about the challenges of balancing philanthropic ventures with running and scaling a business.
Host Chris Luecke gets to try out the hand remotely in this episode and talks about the different use cases of bionic tech, from helping humans to helping robots. We talk about crowdfunding, getting investment, how the hand works, and what PSYONIC is working on right now to make the Ability Hand even better.
Plus, Aadeel is our very first Shark Tank alumni, so we get to hear about the nerve-wracking behind-the-scenes story of demonstrating the Ability Hand in front of the Sharks.
In this episode, find out:
What PSYONIC does to help people regain mobility and control with bionic limbs The moment that kickstarted Aadeel’s passion for helping people with lost limbs and pivoted his planned career from medicine to robotics The challenges of funding R&D in bionics and making the tech accessible to as many people as possibleWhat the early days of making prototypes and testing them out on the first patients What made Aadeel realize he needed to go into business and production rather than just researching bionics Why San Diego is PSYONIC’s chosen HQ and how it’s partnering with medical and biotech companies What PSYONIC is working on now to make bionic hands feel more natural for users Chris gets to remotely control the Ability Hand from across the country How Aadeel is working on making the tech accessible through Medicare and the Ability FundDifferent ways Aadeel and PSYONIC have approached getting funding, from crowdfunding to venture capital to government grants The challenge of keeping up with demand and prioritizing accessibility while running a successful business that’s focused on the mission How PSYONIC helps both humans and robots with its tech, including NASAThe biggest tech advances that have made this possible today, including micro controllers and AI What it’s really like being a contestant on Shark Tank and how Aadeel prepared for his pitch and eventual negotiations Why Aadeel is optimistic that bionics is becoming a bigger industryEnjoying 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 bridging both the neurotech side with the robotic side, with AI being the connecting piece between the two.”“We would be attaching the hand directly to your bones, muscles and nerves that are in your forearm to give them the most optimal control possible.”“Seeing the amount of interest at the intersection of neurotech and robotics and having big investors behind it shows this is an exciting field that's up and coming.”Links & mentions:
PSYONIC, supercharging humans and robots with advanced capabilities, including the world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand -
We’ve been on tour for the past couple of months, recording live episodes in some of the manufacturing hot spots around the country. Indiana is our current stop, where Guggman Haus Brewing hosted us for an episode all about innovation, technology, culture, and, of course, Indiana’s manufacturing prowess.
Manufacturing makes up a huge portion of Indiana’s economy and culture, so we look behind the scenes at what the state is getting right to make it a manufacturing hub.
We welcomed Noel Hopkins, the Principal of Digital Growth at CliftonLarsonAllen and digital transformation expert, joins along with self-titled “private equity mercenary” Steve Martin, who sits on the board at Elevate Ventures. We also welcomed Kathy Miller, President and Co-Founder of YK2020 and OPSisters, plus co-author of the book Steel Toes and Stilettos.
Noel, Steve, and Kathy share their takes on local manufacturing and how it’s adapting to the rapid evolution of tech like AI. But it’s not just tech that’s shaping the industry. We also explore the human element of manufacturing and why we need leaders who are open to change and growth (even if it means making some mistakes along the way).
In this episode, find out:
What can manufacturers learn from IndianaThe role of digital transformation in manufacturing and the best ways to implement it Why leadership is key to driving transformation and the top characteristics good leaders need The challenges facing Indiana’s manufacturing industry from a private equity viewpoint Why you should always look at the problems facing your organization first, then find tech to solve it (not the other way around)Why fewer companies are using tech for the sake of it and are becoming more intentionalLessons learned from past experiences and why manufacturing is all about the people Areas where technology is making the most difference and how it impacts the people working with it How to build scale and transferability within organizations with the three Ps – people, planning, process The importance of having a vision and the ability to execute on it and why leaders are central to this Why hesitancy is the most dangerous thing manufacturers could do right now Innovation’s impact on psychological safety in the workplace, plus why we need to be open to making mistakesEnjoying 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 create a culture that basically penalizes thinking, then we're never going to get any new ideas.” – Steve Martin“ I think the most dangerous thing manufacturers could do right now is pause or wait, or be overly cautious and risk falling way, way behind.” – Noel Hopkins“No matter what technology we're working with, what inventions, manufacturing is about people. And so, we can't lose sight of that.” – Kathy MillerLinks & mentions:
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), an advisory, audit, tax and consulting firmIndustry Trends: Lessons Learned from Florida Manufacturing DaysGuggman Haus Brewing, a family-owned microbrewery and coffee Haus in the northwest side of downtown IndianapolisElevate Ventures, an -
Manufacturers up and down the country are doing great work and naturally, you want the world to know about it – especially your potential customers. So we turn the spotlight on marketing in this episode to take a look at the folks who get the name out there for manufacturing companies big and small.
Recorded live from the 2025 Industrial Marketing Summit in Austin, TX, we sat down with…
Rachel Cossette, Marketing Manager at Rogers Machinery Company Jenni Gritti, Senior Marketing Communications Consultant at Caterpillar IncJim Hessin, Regional Sales Manager at CADENAS PARTsolutions Greg Knox, CEO of Knox Manufacturing Solutions Steve Lamensdorf, SVP of CX at IcreonKerry Nedic, Strategic Marketing Leader (Masoneilan & Consolidated Valves) at Baker HughesRich Ward, Director of Marketing at AcroMatRachel, Greg and Rich chat in part one about how to make marketing magic with a small team, with lots of actionable advice on sales-marketing alignment and revising strategies.
Jenni and Kerry give us the enterprise-level view of marketing with a conversation about balancing company policy with creativity, video and social media content, and getting leadership involved.
Finally, in part three, we talk to Steve and Jim about the technology we can use to power marketing and why sometimes we need to rip up the playbook and start new things from scratch.
All have slightly different experiences and insights to share from different areas of marketing, so no matter what type of manufacturing organization you’re in, there’s something in here for everyone.
In this episode, find out:
How Rich helped to build the marketing strategy for AcroMat from the ground upHow marketing can encourage salespeople to become amplifiers for the company and create content online What not to do as a B2B marketer and why good marketing is all about show, don’t tellHow sales and marketing have become more aligned today and when marketing became a focus for GregHow to be effective with a small marketing team by focusing on priorities and boundaries Why regular communication is the most important way marketing and sales can work together How to get buy-in from leadership and why marketing can feel like a relay race Why you need to be a subject matter expert, not just a marketer, to earn respect both externally with customers and internally How marketers can make things happen in a large enterprise How to balance company guidelines with creativity in your content The tools and methods that enterprise marketers need to take more advantage ofWhy authentic video content is far more effective than clean and polished content The challenge of getting leadership willing to create content and share their stories Advice for marketers in manufacturing to cultivate stories and new ideas How new technology is empowering today's marketersMarketing technology that’s underrated and the challenges of adopting new tech in a disorganized systemTips for manufacturers to get over the hurdle of adopting new technology Why staying the same is the worst thing you can do in marketingEnjoying 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 continue to do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got.” – Jim Hessin“I found a lot of success in giving guys an iPhone, giving them some guardrails, and saying, 'go!' And that is the stuff that people really resonate with. It's incredibly authentic. These people are the experts. They -
When you imagine a rural versus an urban manufacturing company, that picture might look a bit different. But some things are the same. Both types of manufacturers face challenges, but do they face different ones?
The good news is that there are some incredible people and businesses in the industry who are on a mission to bridge connections, build up local communities, and train future talent to solve those challenges.
Live from the Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference, we sit down with three manufacturing champions to talk about the different challenges facing rural and urban-based manufacturers. We chat about the great work that companies and individuals are doing to raise awareness of the opportunities in manufacturing and connect the dots between businesses and future talent.
You’ll hear from Krisi Schell, Executive VP of HR at SRC Holdings Corporation, Chris Oravec, the Director at L&R Industries, and Manufacturing Happy Hour regular Drew Crowe, Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance. Krisi, Chris, and Drew all bring their experiences of different sides of manufacturing, what they’ve learned about connecting with the local community and solving the talent shortage issue.
In this episode, find out:
How to make a company people want to work for – Krisi explains SRC Holdings’ approach to building a company culture of businesspeople Why more organizations don’t open up their finances to the employees despite the positive impact on SRC Holdings Some background on SRC Holdings Corporation as a job saver and creator The benefits of organizations, particularly in rural areas, investing in the local community Krisi’s advice for manufacturing leaders to build their culture and communityChris gives us a backstory on his company as a family-owned, small-town manufacturerHow L&R Industries manages to attract and retain talent by looking after its people The different ways L&R Industries gets involved with and gives back to the community Chris’ advice for attracting and retaining talent, plus building connections with other organizations What Drew has learned from traveling around the country to talk to manufacturersThe different challenges for rural-based manufacturers vs. those in the inner cities Drew explains the two main parts of his mission – raising awareness and building connections between organizations and potential talent Strategies that are working for rural and urban manufacturers and how to get the right people involved to solve challengesEnjoying 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:
“Being conscious of what you give to the community is where you are able to build that brand and build those relationships and then attract the talent that you need.” – Krisi Schell“If you can get an employee to buy into, say putting a new product line in, they want to be involved in that project. And the company wants them to be involved. Your productivity is going to go through the roof.” – Chris Oravec“ When manufacturing left the inner cities, it almost took that middle class with it. And it took a lot of opportunity with it.” – Drew CroweLinks & mentions:
SRC Holdings, helping Original Equipment Manufacturers sell parts and whole goods through custom remanufacturing programs -
When like-minded entrepreneurs sit down to swap stories, advice, and connections, it’s a major win for everyone. This is one of the great things about manufacturing because this industry thrives on collaboration, not just competition.
In this episode, we hear from Russell Winter, Founder of US MFG, who’s on a mission to connect entrepreneurs in the machine shop space together, while also acquiring shops from retiring owners that would have otherwise gone out of business. With the number of machine shops steadily declining, people like Russell are breathing new life into the space with technology and innovative ideas.
Russell shares his story of how he got started, how he chooses whether to acquire a new shop, the red flags to watch out for, and the two main things he looks at when accessing a business. We hear more about his efforts to build bridges in the community and his thoughts on inspiring the next generation of manufacturing business owners.
In this episode, find out:
Russell shares an overview of how he buys machine shops and brings them together with softwareRetiring owners of machine shops who don’t have a clear succession plan often close their doors for good unless someone like Russell steps inHow Russell decides which machine shops to acquire by looking at finances and culture to find red flags Why bringing people in with more experience is a huge part of succeeding in this space How Russell finds mentors and collaborates in his network Advice for entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities What led Russell to realize he needed to change the mission of US MFG to a more community-focused approach How do we create awareness in the next generation of manufacturing business ownership?The skills and knowledge we need to prepare young people for a future in manufacturing and business ownershipWhy shop classes in high schools are a growing trend and what this means for the industry How Russell’s company teaches important skills like financial literacy through his shops Russell shares the first major project he remembers manufacturingEnjoying 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 cool part about these shop classes is their instructors are often very mutual and collaborative with the industry that's around the high school. They'll have a board of business owners saying, 'This is who we're looking to hire. Can you teach them more turning work or a specific software?'”“Something that I've worked on developing a lot more is a mindset of trust but verify as opposed to just trust. Going over things with a fine-toothed comb, actual financials, and setting clear expectations at the beginning really pays off.”“There's a saying: if you want investment, ask for advice. And if you want advice, ask for investment. People are always going to give you advice because there's something to improve on, and if you're willing to take it and learn and grow and actually put it into action, then they're like, 'Oh, I see an investment here.'”Links & mentions:
US MFG partners with entrepreneurs to acquire, operate, and grow manufacturing companies within a collaborative networkSCORE Business Mentoring, providing free business advice for starting or growing a small business... -
What happens when a former engineering leader decides to open a brewery?
In the true spirit of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk all about beer in this episode. Recorded live from Amorphic Beer in Milwaukee, WI, we sit down with the Founder, Ron Hockersmith, to learn about what makes their beer special and the company a success even as the hype around craft beer fades.
We’re also joined by the brilliant hosts from A BROADcast for Manufacturers, Kris Harrington (CEO of GenAlpha) and Lori Highby (CEO and Founder of Keystone Click), for a 4-way entrepreneurial chat about manufacturing, engineering, leadership, and of course, beer.
In this episode, we take a look at the early days of Amorphic Beer and Ron’s career background before he stepped into the brewing world. Ron has taken all the great parts of leading a team from his engineering days and applied them to his business today, and it’s safe to say that’s been a great move for Amorphic. We hear about the team, the operations, the scientific approach to margins and recipes, and some surprising beer facts along the way.
In this episode, find out:
A little background on Ron’s career and how he came from healthcare manufacturing and defense contracting to start his own breweryIntroduction to the hosts of A BROADcast for Manufacturers podcast Why Ron opted for lean manufacturing principles without the formality to run his breweryWhat a background in engineering taught Ron about leadership and why he runs Amorphic Beer like an international engineering organizationWhat makes the leadership and management of Amorphic Beer different and successful even as the hype around craft beer dies down Why trust in your employees is key to success Ron shares the main differences he’s experienced since working for himself vs. as an employee in a major organization Facts on beer, music, plants, and sports for the “I just learned that…” segment How recent tariffs on Canadian aluminum may have a huge impact on Amorphic Beer in the futureEnjoying 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 run this like it's an international engineering organization." "Don't try and hire for the perfect team because you'll never find the perfect people to fit into the perfect cogs... Find what your people are very good at and then build your organization around that.”"No-one's ever worked for me that I don't trust. Doesn't matter if I'm working in defense contracting for GE or at the brewery, trust them, empower them to do the right things.”Links & mentions:
Amorphic Beer, Milwaukee WI brewery where beer is “engineered through scientific experimentation”A BROADcast for Manufacturers, a podcast run by Lori, Kris and Erin exploring stories and manufacturing insights that challenge the status quoMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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Manufacturing is a hotbed of activity, interest, and innovation right now and states like Nebraska are leading the way. As part of our Made Here series, we toured Nebraska’s manufacturing heartland to hear stories from leaders, experts, and innovators who want to spread the word about the opportunities and community benefits of manufacturing.
We round off our Nebraska tour with Mike Johnson COO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who shares a wider perspective on how manufacturing is impacting local communities, the economy, and the individuals who make it all happen.
We talk about why manufacturing opportunities are great for people from all walks of life, with some inspiring stories about women in the space becoming role models for future manufacturers. Mike also explains the role of a Chamber of Commerce and why we should celebrate and showcases manufacturing careers for the benefit of all. We hear a great example of Nebraska doing this with its annual competition for the coolest innovations in Nebraska – featuring a fire-breathing drone and an all-terrain wheelchair.
In this episode, find out:
A summary of what we’ve heard and learned as we round off the Nebraska tour of our Made Here seriesWe recap on the last time Mike was on the show and how perceptions of the industry have changed sinceOld perceptions of the dirty and dangerous stereotype of manufacturing are changing, leading more young people to consider it as a career Why rural Nebraska is writing a playbook for reinvigorating manufacturing and the impact this has on the economy and communityThe role of education institutions in training and encouraging more to consider manufacturing careersThe best ways to connect with the local community and involve everyone in the manufacturing sceneWhy we’re seeing more women in manufacturing plus some inspiring stories from MikeHow a Chamber of Commerce can act as a conduit for manufacturers to share their voice on what the industry needs The coolest things made in Nebraska, including a fire-breathing droneEnjoying 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 chamber of commerce is the conduit for manufacturers of any shape and size across the state to convene and partner on what the voice of this industry in this state needs right now.”“State departments are starting to see that when manufacturers automate, they make more stuff, more stuff made means higher wages are paid to people, higher multipliers than hitting the local communities. And so the state can see higher tax revenues and then in the future, lower tax rates.”“I think it's really important for young women to see that “I can do this” and I don't have to be a big dude to be able to do this type of work.”Links & mentions:
NE Chamber, delivering economic and workforce growth, a competitive business climate, and a network of leaders with the connections and know-how to help Nebraska businesses succeedNebraska Manufacturing Competitiveness Study, January 2024Coolest Thing Made in NebraskaMake sure to visit
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Take your mind back to five years ago. Many of us were celebrating the start of what we thought would be an exciting decade for automation. And well… it’s certainly been different and not quite how most of us expected.
Now, we sit squarely in the middle of a decade that has pushed automation and AI front and center of so many industries now. So how close were our pre-pandemic predictions on automation? And more importantly, where is automation headed next?
This episode was recorded live at the 2025 A3 Business Forum, co-hosted by Jake Hall aka the Manufacturing Millennial, and features five conversations with industry leaders helping to shape automation’s future. We look at robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and the broader tech and manufacturing industries, plus we swap predictions on the second half of the 2020s.
This week’s guests include:
Peter Zafiro, General Manager at LinMot USAChristelle Keefer - Global Business Development Manager, Education at ABBJuan Aparicio - Founder & CEO at Reshape AutomationDavid Dechow - Machine Vision & Automation Solutions Architect at Motion Automation IntelligenceAlex Shikany - Executive Vice President at A3Jake Hall will be joining us for Automate 2025 in May, so don’t miss the chance to grab tickets and learn more here.
In this episode, find out:
Why 2025 A3 Business Forum is the perfect spot for a conversation about automationWhat the convergence of technologies has meant for automation’s applications in manufacturing and beyondPeter explains the biggest pain point that LinMot was experiencing and how automation became key The role of motion vision today and how it’s evolved with the help of automationWhy now is the best time in history to be involved with automation How STEM education paves the way for the growth of robotics The biggest hurdles to getting education institutions on board with STEMSome of the top non-profit organizations to keep an eye out for How AI has developed over the first half of the decade Two ingredients that every successful application should have in the world of AI Examples of AI deployed successfully and where this is likely to change in the future How elements of vision tech have accelerated in the past 10 yearsAlex’s perspective on automation’s evolution throughout the first half of this decade The biggest things we’re looking forward to in 2025 and beyond What to expect at Automate 2025, which this episode’s co-hosts Chris and Jake will be attending in MayEnjoying 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:
"This is the best time there is in this industry. It's the convergence of all these technologies, whether it's robots, cobots, linear motion... the difference-maker will be how you introduce automation to your employees and make it easier to do more fun jobs." - Peter Zafiro"Schools are starting to realize that the students need to be exposed to STEM way earlier than just high school. High school is too late. College is too late. Let's get those kids exposed at an earlier age to the amazing field of manufacturing." - Christelle Keefer "Behind every robot, there are a lot of people. There are people selling the robots. There are people installing the robots. There are people maintaining the robots." - Juan Aparicio "No one I... -
Is venture capitalism and manufacturing the perfect match for America’s new industry boom? Or will the industry bootstrap its way to success on the slower path? The verdict’s clear in this episode with Jim Belosic, the CEO of SendCutSend.
Jim shares a down-to-earth take on succeeding as a manufacturing business with a mix of VC and bootstrapping. Rather than aiming for the dot-com boom level of success and all the private yachts that come with it, a slow and steady approach is ideal for manufacturing businesses, says Jim.
We hear a little background on SendCutSend’s start and laser-focused approach to customer service, plus why Jim is such a big fan of the bootstrapping route. We hear his opinion on why manufacturing might be making a comeback, how to raise the visibility of the industry to plug skill gaps, and why we may need to “chill out” a bit when it comes to AI.
In this episode, find out:
Why bootstrapping is a great alternative path to industrialization and why Jim believes VC doesn’t belong in manufacturing How the future of entrepreneurship is changing back to traditional family-led routes Jim shares his background in manufacturing as a sign shop artist and what he learned about the effects of new tech on industry Why we’re due for a re-boom in the manufacturing world and how new technology plays a central role Outsourcing abroad – the next phase – why we’re due for a re-boom because the tech is even betterHow manufacturing can become more visible and enter the digital era with help from younger generations Why it’s not enough to only be a good manufacturer today, you also need to be a good marketer tooHow manufacturers can make simple changes to their digital presence to move in line with what customers want Why teaming up with local competitors can be mutually beneficial Jim explains why investing in and paying your staff well is the number one important thing to do in this industry Why you shouldn’t compete on price but instead on the quality of the service and the value your customer receivesEnjoying 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 way to success in manufacturing is you can't just be a good manufacturer. You actually have to be a good marketer too.”“A lot of people look at their competitors and want to burn them down. That usually just ends up with both of you catching on fire. So instead, try and be friendly.”“We’re poised for a manufacturing re-boom because the technology is even better now. This newest generation of machines is set up so well with alarms and error control, communication, and reliability, you're not just upgrading your speed or the reliability of the machine, you're upgrading your entire workforce.”Links & mentions:
SendCutSend, online sheet metal fabrication service; get custom parts delivered in just a few days (upload STEP or DXF files for instant pricing)A Bootstrapper’s Guide to Re-Industrializing America, Jim’s article that inspired this episodeMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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We’re pulling up a chair in the up-and-coming downtown Norfolk area in Nebraska for this episode. Recorded at the Nucor Detailing Center, we chat with Mechanical Engineer Jayden Prauner and Detailing Center Lead Gaby Pena, about what it means to be part of the Nucor family.
Nucor Vulcraft is a company that’s not just supporting the construction of warehouses, schools and hospitals but also helping to build up the local community and the legacy of American manufacturing. We explore how it’s helping to shape the lives of the people who work there and beyond thanks to community investment and a people-first approach.
Jayden and Gaby both share their stories in this episode about working for Vulcraft and how it has evolved its technology, safety practices, and quality over the years. Places like Norfolk are hubs for manufacturing and engineering, so we look at how Vulcraft and downtown revitalization projects have been key to retaining talent in the area.
In this episode, find out:
How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companiesA brief history on Vulcraft and how it’s closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues todayHow community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big familyWhy Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their careerHow one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturingWhat other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and VulcraftVulcraft’s commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovationsInsights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades agoHow Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotionsEnjoying 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 hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden"My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they’re the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby"I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." JaydenLinks & mentions:
Nucor Vulcraft, part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America.Nucor Detailing Center, a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality.Divots Brewery, craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and... -
This is a quick,” boots on the ground” episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It's all about what it's like being a systems integrator in a close-knit state and close-knit manufacturing community, just like the community you'll find in Nebraska.
Huffman Engineering is an engineering services firm specializing in control system integration that serves Nebraska and beyond across the Midwest and we have four individuals from there team on the show this week: Jason Weedin, Jim Fricke, Kim Arms Shirk, and Alex Flamme.
We discuss some of the main industries across the state and take a deep dive into one that's uniquely Nebraskan. Plus, we hear what characterizes Nebraska's manufacturing community as a whole, and some of the things that make their collective, state-wide manufacturing ecosystem so strong.
Recorded live from Dusters Brew Pub in Columbus, NE.
Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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The manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We’re joined by Skillwork’s Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they’re transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation.
At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork’s model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time.
Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry’s future.
Listen to find out:
How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork’s innovative staffing solution for skilled tradesSkillwork’s “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturingWhy manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty)How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting processWhy nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled tradesThe critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gapsThe value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelinesExamples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gapsUnderrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right nowThe freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffingEnjoying 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 idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott“I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin“Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett ElliottLinks & mentions:
Skillwork, supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled laborCopa Cabana, upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patioBoy Scouts of America, one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United StatesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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