Manufacturing Happy Hour

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 computingHe explains how GenAI uses the transformer model to create new patterns based on existing ones, widening access to AI capabilitiesHear how the manufacturing industry faces a significant talent shortage, with over 3 million unfilled jobs projected in the next decadeLearn how GenAI can help address workforce challenges by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshootingAndrew 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 knowledgeEscaping Pilot Purgatory with GenAIHow The State of Smart Manufacturing report indicates that talent remains the biggest challenge for industrial companiesManufacturers are advised to focus on their biggest business challenges first, then consider how AI can help address themEnjoying 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 solutionsState of Smart Manufacturing Report, insights on AI, industrial SaaS, and more based of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leadersDemonFlyingFox, AI artist who uses MidJourney AI to bring Balenciaga to the world of Harry PotterThe 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 actionRich 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 securityWhat the report says about manufacturers and their approach to OT systems todayWhat it takes for cybersecurity experts to get executives to pay attention to the threats facing OTHow to run a tabletop exercise to assess threat and impact on production What surprises Rich most about cybersecurity in manufacturing todayEnjoying 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 awareness2024 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 roboticsThe 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 problemWhy 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, DigitFetch 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 advantagesWhy 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 DefenseManufacturing 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 futureChicago Cut Steakhouse, a stylish modern steakhouse with a patio overlooking the Chicago River where Berardino and Chris have both dined beforeHardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery, avant-garde haunt in Aurora, IL with seasonal, creative entrées, whiskeys from around the world, and outdoor seatingMake 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 shopThe history of Kansas City’s breweries before Prohibition and what happened afterwardHow founder John McDonald was inspired to brew a variety of beers while on a trip to EuropeAbout Boulevard’s first successful beer, which was an American wheat beer, and how it remains their bestseller todayHow hiring an innovative brewer with a robust list of recipes helps keep Boulevard Brewing on the forefront of what’s happening in the industryHow they collaborate with other craft breweries to share techniques and improve production efficiencyBoulevard’s position as a mid-sized brewery, larger than typical craft breweries but smaller than macro breweries, allows for quality-focused growthThe future for the brewery is to increase its presence in markets outside Kansas City while maintaining a tight and high-quality beer profileHow Boulevard's commitment to innovation includes adopting new manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and product qualityEnjoying 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 worldMake 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 ManufacturingChris explains how he feels about it being the 200th episode and reflects on his first guest on the showWhy Manufacturing Happy Hour began as a way to connect with younger manufacturersWhy 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 podcastThe top challenges Chris faced when creating the podcast and the game-changing advice he receivedHow 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 industryChris 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 podcastIntroduction to the companies who made this event possibleEnjoying 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 manufacturingEpisode 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 McKinseyHow 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 competitiveHow democratization of data can be used to empower people at all levels of seniority What frontline empowerment in manufacturing looks likeYushiro 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 dataRAMEN-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 NorthMake 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 needsIntroduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of citiesWhat to expect from IMTSWhy 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 CroweLinks & 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 restaurantsGood 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 AdministrationManufacturingIsSexy.com, apparel so you can Brag and rep the industry proudly, brought to you by AmperBlack Girls Do STEM, diversifying innovation, empowering Black girls to achieve equitable STEM representation4 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 beerMake 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 controlDoug 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 judgeWhat 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 inWhy engineering is about problem-solving at its coreWhy 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 approachChris’ advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thingWhat Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinistWhy 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 yourselfCleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to DannyWhen 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 operationsArizona 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 lattesAnodyne 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 ProShopWhy 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 businessThe biggest benefit of running podcasts for PaulEnjoying 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 passionsManufacturing Transformed, Paul’s other podcast that offers a peek into how companies are benefiting from ProShopGRUFF Brewing Co., serving Bellingham, WA delicious craft beer, draft cocktails, and foodMake 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 historyHow 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 1800sThe role of West Bottoms neighborhood in Kansas City cattle exchange historyWhere 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 CityWhy West Bottoms is thriving now and what you can find in the district todayWhy West Bottoms’ development is a model for other cities revitalizing areasEnjoying 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 CityVisit KC, guide to the West Bottoms with most of this episode’s restaurant recommendations (and more) includedThe Ship, a simple exterior gives way to this cool speakeasy offering classic cocktails & live entertainmentMake 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 gapHow 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 educationAnn, 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 workforceHow upskilling and reskilling existing staff could help to ease the burden of the skills gapWhy people are the most valuable asset of a business that leaders should invest more inEnjoying 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 simpleMission Design & Automation, a leading intelligent automation integrator in MichiganAnn Wyatt Recruiting, specialist recruitment company for manufacturing companiesFounders 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 pivotThe 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 championsWhy manufacturing is probably the coolest industry to work in todayEnjoying 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 platformMake 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 RoboticsJoyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at MassRoboticsScott Sizemore, Director of Commercial Marketing at ElectrocraftMeaghan Ziemba, Host of Mavens of ManufacturingJake Hall, The Manufacturing MillennialMike 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 experienceWhy Graham moved into mechanical design and the top things he learnedHow Graham made a pivot to working in simulation and how his previous experience helpedWhy Graham stands by his quote: the big no longer eat the small, the fast eat the slowThe evolution and importance of simulation in manufacturingReal-world examples of companies using simulations and why simulation is not industry-specificWhy manufacturers need to create a simulation-first cultureHow offline programming for robots helps to speed processes upEnjoying 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 buildersThe Oxford Tap, offering a fresh take on classic pub fare in Oxford, MI, including ghost pepper wingsMake 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 manufacturingWhy manufacturing companies have gone beyond the “why should we use robots stage?” A common mistake when using robots for the first timeWhy people get overwhelmed when purchasing robotics equipmentWhy custom solutions aren’t always the best option and how it can hurt your chances of getting financingHow the industry can make robots more accessibleThe common challenges in financing robot equipmentWhy more people are seeing the value of what HowToRobot has to offerWhy 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 robotsMikkeller Brewing, a world-renowned Danish craft brewerySøernes Ølbar, Chris’ favorite beer bar in CopenhagenCows 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 PerygeeMollie offers practical cybersecurity advice for companies of all sizesHow training can go a long way in the context of cyber security Mollie expounds on the right approach to cybersecurity in public vs. private companiesUnpacking cybersecurity strategies for small to medium-sized businessesUnderstanding the unique cybersecurity challenges in medical devicesThe benefits of learning from different cybersecurity approaches across industriesMollie talks about the future of cybersecurity leadership in 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:“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 worldNIST Framework, excellent guidelines for getting started with cybersecurityCyber Readiness Institute, free resources for small businessesMake 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 doesWe 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 adoptionHow future-ready are distributors and manufacturers today?How COVID impacted eCommerce system adoptionWhat eCommerce looks like in manufacturing (with examples)Why the role of salespeople in eCommerce is still just as importantDealers and distributors’ approaches to working with eCommerceHow people can assess the effectiveness of an eCommerce solutionEnjoying 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 featuresRequest a Demo of Znode’s B2B eCommerce platformFoxtown Brewing, large brewery located inside of a classic building in Mequon, WIMake 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 missionWhy Andrew decided to start working with water wells in some African countriesAndrew explains what the problem was with the wells and how it all came down to maintenanceHow Andrew and his co-founder came up with a solutionThe challenges of using a solution across so many sitesHow Andrew balanced the for-profit and non-profit aspects of his projectHow electronics manufacturing became a focus The early days of finding product-market fit and struggling as an early startupHow leveraging data in Arch Systems could benefit manufacturing companiesThe challenges of handling so much data How the right data can help you make predictive maintenance decisionsHow 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-beingAmandine Lounge, serving a range of international cocktails in Los Altos, CAMake 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 engineersWhy Europe appears to be ahead in the connectors world compared to North AmericaHow Ethernet has evolved and the lessons we can take from thatHow 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 levelHow 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 manufacturerThe role of localization in HARTING’s growth, plus advice for others Why collaboration is a huge priority for HARTING and how it directly drives innovationWhat engineers should know about connectors and how they should integrate them early in the processEnjoying 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 environmentsErnst Barre Private Brewery, located in the East Westphalian town of Lübbecke in the north-western German district of Minden-LübbeckeMake 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-friendlyKathy takes a deep dive into her journey in the militaryWhy her adaptability and problem-solving skills drew Kathy to the militaryThe 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 CiviliansWhat 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 championsBeyond "Thank You For Your Service:" The Veteran Champion Handbook for CiviliansInvite Vanguard Veteran to SpeakVanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and TrainingComplimentary Veteran-Ready AssessmentO*Net OnLine Military Crosswalk SearchWomen Who Lead, monthly free hybrid Leadership Discussion Forum for women Veterans and non-Veterans to empower women leaders and foster mutual supportMake 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 ExhaustExplore Hirebotics’ revolutionary robotic solutionsThe journey to automation – overcoming challenges with cobotsSome of the impacts of cobots in the workplaceHow embracing cobots is a game changer in productionThe impact of cobots on efficiency and innovation Industry perspectives – reactions to cobotsCobots as creative toolsOngoing 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 weldersDeAngelo Marine Exhaust, marine engine exhaust systemsYOT Bar & Kitchen, voted Fort Lauderdale best for brunch and outdoor diningEdley's Bar-B-Que, Nashville style Bar-B-QueHattie B’s Hot Chicken, hot Chicken SandwichTootsie’s, live musical performances daily and delicious foodConnect with Rob on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedInMake 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 manufacturingLiz’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 changeLessons Liz learned from previous roles that tie into additive manufacturingHow 3D printing and automation go hand in handIndustries that are leading the way in additive manufacturing Liz shares her predictions on the future of additive manufacturingThe best people in a company to talk about 3D printingLiz shares her experience of moving her career to Spain and what she’s learnedEnjoying 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 LinkedInMake 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 doesWe 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 businessesHow smaller companies can minimize the risks of adopting roboticsHow bigger companies can build robotics adoption into digital transformation plansThe ethical considerations of deploying robots in existing teams How robots have affected the economy in manufacturing in CanadaEnjoying 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, 2024Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation, mobile robots for research & development, enabling researchers and corporations to accelerate their robotics research and developmentOTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation, the most experienced autonomous material handlers in the industryCanadian Robotics Council, robotics-fuelled economic development is within Canada's reach, uniting innovation stakeholders from across the countryMake 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 vansHis big recommendation for anyone launching a new product or companyThe importance of real-time user feedback and how it sets 27North apartThe part of their vans that Pavel most loves to tell people aboutPavel’s vision and dream for the company when he was just starting outWhy it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people when building a businessHow getting fired was the springboard Josh Shelton needed to start Etched What characteristics make someone the right co-founder for your businessWhat it’s like being a part of the Midwest manufacturing communityWhy Etched has acquired a new company every year since 2020What it means when Cambridge Air Solutions says they’re in the business of enriching livesHow their morning meetings have made them the talk of the industry How manufacturing ambassadors are working to build relationships and enrich the communityTransitioning from CFO to Leadership Coach and why the company was so ready for itWhat 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 companyWhy Nikki made the jump to software based on the kind of lifestyle she wantedHow 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 QuotebeamWhy companies are hesitant to trust employees working on a personal brandNikki 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 searchingAutomation 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 industryProcess & Controls Engineering, LLC, the Northwest's leading woman-owned control systems integration firmSaint 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, TXMake 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 doesHow Michelle, Brittany and Jayshree first got involved in STEMHow 3M works in the robotics and automation spacesJayshree explains how 3M builds uncommon connections between problems and solutionsWhat innovation means and how 3M’s culture of empowerment helps to grow itExciting projects that 3M’s 15%-time policy has helped empower employees to work onWhat 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 itEnjoying 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 roboticsWhy the traditional ways of deploying automation and robotics aren’t growing fast enoughWhat needs to change before we see robotic workforces having an impact on societyWhat needs to happen for the US to have a reliably growing and authoritative manufacturing sectorHow Jordan was able to start a robotics company despite not being able to program a robotHow Rapid Robotics is refocusing right now to help with the massive labor shortageThe top three takeaways from Jordan’s would-be masterclass!How Rapid Robotics kept all their investors throughout their massive refocusThe enormous steps that have been taken in robotics over the past four yearsHow 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 LinkedInRapid 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 AmericaHabib Quazi – Director of Innovation & Business Transformation, ExxonMobilRick Van Dyke – Sr. Director of Supply Chain Engineering, PepsiCoRick Bullotta – Founder of ThingWorxSanjeev Heda – Principal Industry Consultant, IoT Division, SASSudarsan Rachuri – Federal Program Manager, U.S. Department of EnergyOlivia 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-BoreMike Tomasco – VP, Pfizer DigitalPatrick Gaughan – Partner, Axiom Manufacturing SystemsAldo Ferrante – CIO, SORBA.aiMichael Clark – Director, OPC FoundationErich Barnstedt – Chief Architect, Standards, Consortia & Industrial IoT, Azure Edge & Platform, MicrosoftKatherine 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 doesHow Kentucky became the bourbon capital of the USWhat happens in a bourbon distilleryHow bourbon manufacturing has evolvedHow to get floor teams on board with data-driven processesWhat makes a great partnership in manufacturingWhat’s next for the bourbon 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:“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 IntegrationLinks & mentions:Connect with Don on LinkedInConnect with Scott on LinkedInOpus Integration, a systems integration company based in Buckner, KY, offering services including PLC application development, virtualization of process automation systems and plant floor troubleshooting supportHeaven 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 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.

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.