Manufacturing Happy Hour

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. 

Curiosity is at the heart of this guest’s leadership style, and it manifests in the projects he is involved in.  But what does it mean to “let curiosity lead”? And how can manufacturing leaders take this advice on board? Joining this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour is Walker Mattox, CEO of Gray Solutions, one of the top 20 largest full-service systems integrators in the U.S. He shares why curiosity shapes how he manages his team and explains why leadership is a journey, not a destination.  It’s important to remember, the leaders you look up to are still working on themselves. Hear his advice on rebrands, workplace challenges, innovation and so much more in this jam-packed episode. In this episode, find out: How Walker founded Gray Solutions What it means to be a recovering serial entrepreneur How Walker helped Gray become one of the top 20 largest systems integrators Why leadership is a journey, not a destination The top workplace challenges in 2023 How curiosity manifests itself in Walker’s projects Why you should embrace, not fear, innovation How to know when it’s time to adjust your story Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Curiosity leads to a lot of interesting ideas.” “The most important thing is to like what you do every day. Follow the path that feels right.” “If you’re not staying on top of things and innovating, your competitor is.” Links & mentions: Kaluz Restaurant, an upscale New American restaurant and bar with three locations in Florida, serving premium food, desserts, wine and cocktails Visit the Gray Solutions website Connect with Walker on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Our guest this week is Robert Goldsmith, the Founder and President of Northern Edge Advisors, a boutique investment bank offering M&A expertise and advising for owners of private businesses. As the US experiences a manufacturing renaissance and the next generation starts to enter the manufacturing workforce, buying and selling manufacturing companies is an in vogue topic.In this episode, Bob discusses what what it means to "build to sell" your business. He covers what makes a business attractive to a buyer, best practices for preparing to sell a manufacturing business, and when to start thinking about selling your business.Whether or not you’re thinking about buying or selling a company, this conversation touches a lot of topics that we typically discuss on this show, like productivity, automation and robotics technology, and even new business models in manufacturing.Finally, Bob shares both internal and external factors to be aware when building a business that could one day become a sellable asset.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Today, we're exploring the future of skilled trades and we're doing this largely by speaking to the next generation of skilled tradespeople and the folks that our training and enabling them. From students to instructors, this episode includes a series of 5 interviews with folks that are part of 3M's upcoming series Clash of the Grinders: Student Edition, a high-stakes grinding and welding competition that pits soon-to-be pros against each other to find the most talented up-and-comers in the skilled trades.Throughout the series, you'll get to see the competition first hand as these trades leaders face off in welding and cutting challenges, but it's more than just the competition. You'll see emerging trends that these folks will face in their careers, and how new innovations are helping them work more efficiently and sustainably. Plus, the winner receives a game changing $10,000 scholarship sponsored by FANUC.In this podcast, you're going to get to know a couple of the students that are part of this competition and you'll hear how their careers took them to these new roles as tradespeople that they're stoked to move into. You'll also hear from an instructor, how they're continuing to evolve their curriculum for the modern student and skilled worker, and not to mention the folks that are creating the certifications for emerging technology skills. And finally, you'll hear from a global robotics & automation leader at 3M and learn how they're inspiring curiosity and improving educational outcomes for everyone that wants an opportunity to pursue skilled trades and STEM education.Overall, this episode is a showcase of many of the different parties involved in developing our future workforce, from educators, to corporations, to - most importantly - the students themselves.

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

Spending time on the plant floor gives you direct communication with your customers. But what’s the best way to gather their feedback and bring it to market quickly? In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vatsal Shah, Founder and CEO of Litmus, a unified platform for industrial IoT. Vatsal provides down-to-earth digital transformation advice, tips on how to bring customer feedback to life and insights into how companies can contextualize their data. Plus, he shares some stories on the history of Litmus, why scale is more important than ever and why the Cloud is no longer just an option. In this episode, find out: About Vatsal’s work before Litmus What led him to start and persevere with Litmus How Litmus’ solution works on the plant floor Whether companies are identifying problems themselves Why the Cloud is no longer just an option Why scale is more important than ever How to bring customer feedback to market quickly Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “There are some foundational challenges in manufacturing. The whole journey to overcome them has to be unified. Our platform takes care of the complete journey for manufacturing or industrial customers.” “There was always a fear of the Cloud, but it’s not optional anymore.” “We go on quarterly business reviews with customers to understand where we are hitting limits for our products or ROI restrictions. Understanding is critical.” Links & mentions: Connect with Vatsal on LinkedIn Litmus, the only Industrial Edge Data Platform that unifies device connectivity, data intelligence and data integration in a complete Industry 4.0 solution Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Women have been advancing in the manufacturing workforce for some time, but what actions can leaders in the industry take to continue that trend? In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Allison Grealis, President and Founder of Women in Manufacturing (WIM), a 20,000+ member global trade association that is committed to supporting, promoting and inspiring women who choose to enter the industry. Allison discusses what motivated her to launch WIM, how the organization has evolved since and how manufacturing companies can meaningfully attract more women into the workforce. Plus, she shares her personal story and how her unique background has helped her make her mark in manufacturing. In this episode, find out: What Women in Manufacturing (WIM) do How Allison’s unique background has helped her  How her organization has evolved Advice for manufacturing pros addressing gaps in the industry How WIM has contributed to the shift toward more women in the industry Why the organization have three leadership tracks (with potential for more) How leaders can meaningfully encourage more women into the industry Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Manufacturing leaders - as you see gaps in the industry, do your due diligence, see if your company could be the right provider of a solution for that gap, and then take action.” “I quickly realized I could create a community that can be inclusive of all people in all facets of manufacturing.” “Over time, we have worked very closely with our manufacturing members to help design programs that match the challenges they have within their workforce.”  Links & mentions: Connect with Allison on LinkedIn Follow Women in Manufacturing on LinkedIn Follow Women in Manufacturing on Twitter/X Follow Women in Manufacturing on Instagram Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Why don’t more young people want to get into manufacturing? This week’s Manufacturing Happy Hour guest, Terry Iverson, President & CEO of Iverson & Company, is the author of two fantastic books on the subject. His latest one, Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing, aims to encourage both students and their parents to give manufacturing a shot. We had a great in-person conversation at The Vanguard in Milwaukee to talk about his mission to elevate manufacturing as a career path and to encourage more people into the industry. Terry explains why he thinks manufacturing leaders could be doing more to reach out to young people and bridge the awareness gap.  While the U.S. manufacturing industry is getting better, we still have a long way to go to finding the next generation of manufacturers. Terry shares some stats on college education and why he believes a European-style rethink on apprenticeships is long overdue.  Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.   In this episode, find out: Why Terry decided to write a second book  What Terry learned from growing up in a manufacturing family Why his mission to get the word out about manufacturing has evolved How the apprenticeship culture is different in Europe Why there needs to be more engagement between schools and the trades Why the “learn and earn” route is a great alternative to college How children’s “maker spaces” work Why the industry still has a long way to go to appeal to younger people How we can get the industry and education system on the same page What the statistics say about reshoring and workforce needs Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We need the industry and education on the same page. Just like I'm trying to do with the book. I'm trying to connect parents and the child to have conversations more like they do in Europe when they're 14-15 years old about all the different things you could do in manufacturing.” “Parents need to be more informed and more focused on what every given child shines in or is passionate about or has the natural ability to do.” “How many times have you heard a parent say, “I'd give them a toy and they'd have it all apart and then try to put it back together.” That's an engineer or a manufacturer in the making.” Links & mentions: Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing: Discover the Path to a Debt-Free Career, by Terry Iverson (student and parent edition both available) Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting, Terry’s first book written in 2018 The Vanguard, a locally-owned bar and restaurant located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood serving up house-made sausages and a great whiskey selection Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

In the Navy, every minute of every day is measured and that measurement is called Speed of Advance. In layman’s terms, it means, “I've got a plan and where am I at in that plan?” But how does that relate to manufacturing?  In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Marty Groover, operational technology expert, partner at C5MI and the author of Speed of Advance. He talks about his background in the US Navy and how that experience helped him make a smooth transition into the manufacturing world, which wasn’t exactly as he expected!  He also touches on why military life is a great introduction to the industrial world and shares his uncanny similarities with Marty McFly! In this episode, find out: Marty’s background in the US Navy What he learned from those experiences Marty’s transition to civilian life and entry into the manufacturing world The big differences he had to get used to  Why military life is such a great path into the industrial world How Industry 4.0 is evolving  What Marty has in common with one Marty McFly!  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Every minute of every day we're getting measured on this measurement called Speed of Advance. In simplest terms it means, I've got a plan, where am I at in that plan, and how do I maintain my speed as efficiently as possible?” “I learned troubleshooting, solving problems, making sure that system was ready to serve 100% of the time. ‘Cause you never want to go to the Captain and say, I don't know why it didn't shoot, sir.” “If COVID didn't provide a wake up call, it should have. Going to stores and seeing things not in stores, not being able to get what we're used to getting. That just shows you that these supply chains are not resilient.” Links & mentions: C5MI, a business transformation firm specialized in the processes and technology that power world-class manufacturing and supply chain operations Speed of Advance: How the U.S. Navy's Convergence of People, Process, and Technology Can Help Your Business Win in the 4th Industrial Revolution, by Marty Groover Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

There’s no escaping AI and automation! But what’s the best way to integrate them into technical college curriculums and provide the next generation of manufacturing professionals with the education they need? Who better to answer that question than Richard Barnhouse, President of Waukesha County Technical College? Richard joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to share his insights, why he believes Wisconsin is the hub of higher ed transformation and why he strives to provide high-quality AI and automation programs and certificates. Plus, he gives advice on getting feedback from the community and tells us why 2023 is the “good old days” of hiring humans.  In this episode, find out: Richard’s roots in the industry Why he joined Waukesha County Technical College Why he believes industry has been organically evolving at an unbelievable pace The best ways to get feedback from the community How the Wisconsin technical college system can transform higher ed across the country Why it’s Richard’s role to keep manufacturing going in Wisconsin Why WCTC have created AI and automation programs Why 2023 is the ‘good old days’ of hiring humans Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you're going to lead an organization that responds to the community, get out there, throw on some boots and get under a machine to see what the real needs are.” “We’re going to see higher education get better. It’s going to become more streamlined, more efficient. It will be forced to improve dramatically in order to stay in business.” “If there are demands for specific programs in our industry, then I’ve got a responsibility to deliver it.” Links & mentions: Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), a public community college featuring forward-thinking programs in automation, AI, and systems integration Artisan 179, a trendy Pewaukee lakeside haunt filled with local art offering organic, select new American bites, and creative cocktails 5 O’clock Club, a storied tavern with a homestyle feel serving American classics, locally sourced produce, and drinks in Pewaukee, WI Follow Waukesha County Technical College on Twitter Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Manufacturing professionals have been talking about the skills gap for a long time now – but when will it finally close? While we don’t have a crystal ball on Manufacturing Happy Hour, we have a guest who comes close.  Ann Wyatt, President and Agency Owner of Ann Wyatt Recruiting joins the show to share some great insights, advice, and predictions for the future of the industry. Ann’s a long-time listener of the show and has been part of the Manufacturing Happy Hour community for a while now. So, this conversation is long overdue! Ann dives into the skills shortage problem, what manufacturers can do to compete for talent, how to remove friction from the recruitment process, and why we need to rethink how we advertise jobs. She also explains why companies need to do more brand awareness and not just rely on job boards to find talent.  Aside from recruitment and the skills gap problem, we also have some great chats about karaoke, punk rock, and glass blowing. So tune in for a very informative and varied conversation this week! In this episode, find out: How manufacturing skill needs have evolved Why we need to look at transferable skills from other industries Why job boards alone won’t attract top talent How to reduce friction in the recruitment process Why company branding is key for advertising roles How manufacturing companies can attract more talent Predictions for the industry in 2-5 years Why Industry 4.0 is important for closing the skills gap How to retain great talent  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Making sure that you have a short hiring process right now is super imperative.” “We were looking at industrial maintenance individuals from a mechanical perspective. Now we are looking at them from a mechatronics perspective.” “The candidate experience doesn't stop once you go through the onboarding process. I think that you've got to really commit yourself to your culture on a daily basis.” Links & mentions: Ann Wyatt Recruiting, providing manufacturing clients with the candidates they need COVID-1985, a great parody cover of Bowling For Soup’s 1985 that your host wrote and recorded in 2020 Lipz Lounge, karaoke bar located in Straight to Ale in Huntsville, AL’s Campus 805 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Artificial intelligence is THE hot topic at the moment – no matter what industry you’re in. For manufacturers, it could be a game-changer if you have a great strategy. But how do you get started with AI? Well, you’re in luck with this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour with Jeff Winter, Sr. Director of Industry Strategy & Manufacturing.  Jeff breaks down some of the best strategies to thrive with AI. We cover everything from the differences between different AI types to the best use cases for AI for manufacturers and how to move forward in the age of Industry 4.0. Jeff is the go-to guy for all things Industry 4.0 on LinkedIn, and he shares bags of important data and advice in this episode about how manufacturers can achieve success. It’s not one to miss! In this episode, find out: The differences between AI and machine learning How manufacturers should approach AI Where AI is underutilized Use cases for manufacturers using AI What the data says about investments in AI and Industry 4.0 strategies The best practices for automation in Industry 4.0 Why you need to be a tech-forward company to attract talent Why investing in people is still so important  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Seek hands-on experience. Theory and knowledge are essential, but practical experience is equally important. So seek opportunities to work on real-world projects […]This will enhance your problem-solving abilities and allow you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.” “Networking is valuable for career growth. You can do this by attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and connecting with professionals in the field. Networking not only helps with job opportunities and collaborations, but it can also help with mentorships.” “Industry 4. 0 is rapidly evolving and it's crucial for engineers to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. So offer training opportunities, offer certifications, give an allowance of funds for people to attend relevant workshops and conferences and continually to learn.” Links & mentions: Hitachi Solutions, a global cloud-services, systems integrator; a 100% Microsoft platform-focused organization Expanding AI’s Impact with Organizational Learning, MITSloan Management Review The Future of Industrial AI in Manufacturing, a June 2023 report by the Manufacturing Leadership Council IoT Signals Report, presented by Microsoft 2023 State of Smart Manufacturing Report, presented by Rockwell Automation Is Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing Working for You? A recent interview with Jeff in Control Engineering Jackson Avenue Pub, home of the “Drunken Pear Burger” in Naperville, IL Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We know what you’re thinking…this episode title is against everything we stand for! But hear us out… “Manufacturing should be boring” may sound like the antithesis of this podcast but, as you listen, you’ll understand what this guest means. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by St. Louis Makes Executive Director, Marc Bowers. St. Louis Makes is a non-profit helping emerging and mid-sized regional manufacturers drive sales expansion through product innovation and new marketing opportunities. Marc joins the show to discuss the main how-tos of running a manufacturing business, why old-school entrepreneurship is making a comeback and the advantages of thinking outside the box. Plus, an explanation for our title!  In this episode, find out: The infrastructure of St. Louis The return of old-school manufacturing entrepreneurship The customers manufacturing leaders should focus on What to do before seeking out adjacent business opportunities Why you need to know the business inside out The benefits of taking alternative career paths Leveraging the importance of education Steps to buying a manufacturing company Important how-tos when running a manufacturing business Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Everything that I've learned, I've learned from somebody else. It’s not like the knowledge spontaneously popped into my head. The way I've done that is by taking calls where other people maybe wouldn't have.” “So many people made the jump into high tech. They failed to realize that there was nothing but tech in manufacturing and it wasn't cool. I like doing the contrarian and at the time that was manufacturing.” “The smaller the company, the bigger the opportunity…until you get too small.” Links & mentions: Connect with Marc on LinkedIn MarcBowers.com, helping companies drive up revenue through data-driven solutions for sales growth St. Louis Makes, a St. Louis, Missouri-based 501c3 nonprofit and the only community peer group that serves emerging and mid-size regional manufacturers to help them drive sales expansion through product innovation and identification of new market opportunities Cortex Center for Emerging Technologies (CET), an affiliate of St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation Community since 2012, the CET provides the infrastructure and resources needed for early-stage, high-growth companies in the fields of information technology, bioscience and consumer/manufactures products to innovate and thrive O’Connell’s Pub, an old Irish bar serving up some of the best burgers in St. Louis Make sure to visit manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What do golf, beer caps, and face masks have in common? It turns out this week’s guests on Manufacturing Happy Hour! Tether Golf Co-Founders Jesse Darley and Randy Koplin join the show to talk about their innovative new golf-inspired game and what it takes to get a product like that to market.  Both Jesse and Randy are no strangers to product businesses, having launched products from beer cap maps to COVID-19 face mask accessories. This time, they turned their attention to design Tether Golf – a head-to-head putting game that brings a fun twist to golf. We talk about supply chains - how to pick one that allows you to scale and iterate quickly, and what Jesse and Randy have learned from their previous product businesses. Randy and Jesse also explain why business relationships with suppliers and manufacturers are the heart of any successful product venture. In this episode, find out: How Tether Golf works What they learned from previous ventures  Why finding local vendors is best for your supply chain What you need to look for in a localized supply chain Why business relationships are so important Lessons learned from previous businesses Why YouTube is such a helpful business resource What the future holds for Tether Golf Advice for aspiring product entrepreneurs Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “People wait too long in small businesses to offload the things that really someone else can do better.” – Jesse “Make them, prototype them, and don't worry if it's a silly idea. Just get it out there.” - Randy  “Keeping [supply chains] local helps foster relationships.” - Randy Links & mentions: Tether Golf, a head-to-head putting game co-founded by Jesse and Randy Beer Cap Maps, the original laser cut plywood and steel maps of your state or country that let you create unique wall art using bottle caps from your favorite beverages Jonco Industries, Milwaukee-based product manufacturers Pubcast Worldwide, our first interview with Jesse (on a different podcast) from 2017 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

You just can’t find the people these days, right? Anyone in the manufacturing, engineering, or construction industries knows that the top challenge right now is finding talent. There’s a shortage of willing and able workers in the U.S. – and immigration policies make it difficult to bring in talent from overseas.  In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we head to Washington D.C. for a special live panel discussion from the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall. Marsia Geldert-Murphey, ASCE President-Elect, Thayer Long, President of the Association for Print Technologies and Steve Hall, Executive VP of ACEC, explore the reasons behind the talent shortage, how public policy could help, and how organizations are trying to attract the next generation of workers.  In this episode, find out: What employers can do to grow their applicant pool How firms are trying to attract talent Why you need to move people to the opportunities How public policy could help  Why immigration rules need to be revisited  What drives young people  How organizations are reaching out to school and college-aged students  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “When you look at countries like Germany, Belarus, South Korea, UAE, 30% of their graduates are STEM graduates. In the United States, it's 19%. It's a math problem. We just do not have enough people. So we have got to improve our immigration program.” – Marsia “There's a lot of drivers that motivate young people today, and I don't think they always think about engineering as a way of accomplishing those goals. So [we need] messaging like that to young people through STEM programs.” - Steve “If the government put a quarter of the amount of effort into promoting an apprenticeship and a career in the construction trade as they do by subsidizing and supporting college education, it’d have a tremendous impact to bring more people into our field.” - Thayer Links & mentions: Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization that’s advancing equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace. They're on a mission not only to help businesses succeed but to build a community so that the industry as a whole can make positive, lasting change. American Society of Civil Engineers, the nation’s oldest engineering society that represents more than 150,000 members in 177 countries.  Independent Electrical Contractors, a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors. American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the business voice of America’s engineering industry, representing nearly 6,000 firms to advocate for policies at federal, state and local levels. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

More and more voices are being heard as the manufacturing community grows online. And while this can only be a good thing, it does make it tougher for individuals to be heard above the noise. In this episode, we welcomed James Soto, CEO of Industrial Strength Marketing, to talk about his tactics for getting his message across and building trust in the community.  James explains why storytelling is so important, how different types of “noise” can hold manufacturers back, and why you need to fully understand channels to get the most out of them. He also shares his tips for succeeding with video content and discusses other ways to break through the noise online.  In this episode, find out: The early days of James’ career  The marketing problem in manufacturing What trust in storytelling looks like  Why you should leverage the power of stories  The different types of noise in the industry  Why you need to “scrape the guardrails” How to capture audience attention without video Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you can be yourself and really get good at it, that’s what people relate to, you know? Just be you.” “I believe a lot in channel mastery. There's real science around both the structure of what you're creating and how you format it.”  “Fighting for the audience is so important because if they get what they want, your creative juices are flowing.”  Links & mentions: Industrial Strength Marketing, a full-service B2B industrial marketing agency, offering digital marketing solutions from web design to advertising Rolf And Daughters, an industrial-chic restaurant with clever New American dishes, communal tables & inventive cocktails in Nashville, TN Monday Night Brewing, a relaxed brewhouse offering craft beer, cocktails & snacks, including hummus & cheese platters Bearded Iris Brewing, a taproom serving rotating, old-world style beer infused with Southern  flavors in comfy digs…also Chris’ favorite brewery in Nashville The 5 Spot, an East Nashville neighborhood music venue with snacks & a full bar served in a relaxed hangout that hosts live bands & weekly dance parties The Basement East, a casual hangout for live music by nationally touring acts where you might run into Jack White Old Glory, a subterranean bar in Nashville, TN offering elevated cocktails served in a historic boiler room with iron & concrete Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What does it mean to have an experience mindset? Tiffani Bova, keynote speaker, author and Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to explain how manufacturing leaders can prioritize employee experience while still keeping customer experience front of mind, using research found for her book The Experience Mindset. When Chris saw Tiffani speak on the topic at a KUKA Robotics event, he couldn’t wait to get her on the show! In this episode, Tiffani shares why companies put customers’ needs first, why it pays off to prioritize your employees and why the C-suite view employee experience the wrong way. Plus, she reveals what manufacturers can learn from other industries and tells us the first steps to adopting an experience mindset. In this episode, find out: What it means to have an experience mindset Why customer experience can take priority over employee experience How manufacturing leaders can get the balance right Why positive employee experience aids customer experience Why manufacturing companies should hire outside the industry Why leaders should get out of the office The first steps to implementing an experience mindset The gap between C-suite and employee views on employee experience What surprised Tiffani about her research What manufacturers can learn from other industries Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “My advice to leaders would be – get out of your office. Go into the plant, use the systems, use the software. Use everything.” “If our customers aren’t successful, we’re not successful.” “If you only look in the same pool for hiring, maybe you miss out on the opportunity to bring in new skills.” Links & mentions: The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth, by Tiffani Bova Tiffani Bova, official website for keynote speaking, books, Tiffani’s podcast, and more Connect with Tiffani on LinkedIn Follow Tiffani on Twitter Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

This just might be our biggest episodes ever. Today's episode is a recap of the 2023 Celebration of Construction Equipment on the Nation Mall, hosted by AEM, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. You'll hear from a ton of folks from the big names in equipment manufacturing as we discuss topics impacting the construction industry and beyond. In fact, seeing as how this is a manufacturing-centric podcast, you'll likely find that there are many parallels there are between construction and manufacturing.In May 2023, the National Mall - the area right between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol Building - was covered with heavy equipment that was on display for all to see. This included some of the biggest earth-moving equipment from big names like Komatsu, Caterpillar, Bobcat, John Deere, and Volvo. All of this was done in an effort to showcase industry innovations like alternatively powered equipment, autonomous systems, as well as exhibits focusing on workforce development, safety, sustainable materials.All of these interviews were recorded live, from a stage on the Capitol Mall, where we interviewed construction industry leaders across 14 different panel discussions and fireside chat-style conversations. This episode is a highlight reel with some of the top insights and takeaways from those discussions. This compilation should give you a vibe of the event and the type of work that the Association of Equipment Manufacturers is doing. We also cover the type of collaboration that's needed between the the private sector and government to make meaningful progress toward getting folks educated and trained, filling jobs, and improving infrastructure. Finally, you'll hear some things we've never talked about on this podcast before. From aggregates to the recyclability of asphalt, we'll give you a nice behind-the-scenes into some of the processes and technologies that are big in the construction space.

This is a branding, marketing, and sales focused episode…but everyone needs to hear this! Our guest this week is Emily Wilkins, Founder & President of Marketing Metal, a company focused on helping radical job shops make big profits by creating a killer brand and building out a stupid simple marketing machine. Given this very loud mission statement, there's no better person than Emily to cover the strategies outlined today. In this episode, Emily shares the importance of focusing on a niche audience through the lens of her own story that led to her founding Marketing Metal.  We also cover tactics and strategies that job shops and other manufacturers should consider adopting using one of her recent projects, Manufacturing Champions, as an example.  Finally, Emily shares a short list of things manufacturers should start and stop doing when it comes to marketing, plus a few final tips and personal stories on leveraging your unique voice. In this episode, find out: How Emily got started in manufacturing marketing Why job shops sometimes forget their audiences First steps for building a brand The benefits of personal branding The best ways of identifying your audience The advantages of focusing on a niche audience What job shops should start and stop in their marketing Why job shops need to evolve online How to mix your personality into personal branding How Emily turns her struggles into strengths in her personal brand Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “When you bring some personal elements to (your brand), you look more human. That’s something all of us need right now.” “When you’re talking about a very specific person, it’s a lot easier for them to identify themselves and for potential referrers to send you the right people.” “Stop taking any project that comes to your door. It’s hard to say no if you’re in a cashflow problem, but how much is that job that’s not a right fit going to cost you?” Links & mentions: Marketing Metal, building out meaningful, stupid-simple branding and marketing for machine shops, fab shops, OEMs, and systems integrators Manufacturing Champions, a community of up-and-coming voices in manufacturing that you can leverage to help tell your brand’s story The Southerner, southern–style dishes & cocktails are served at this relaxed lakeside venue with a comfy interior in Saugatuck, MI Pumpernickels, modern and upbeat restaurant and bar in downtown Saugatuck, MI and Emily’s other go-to destination for bourbon old fashioneds Taco + Bar, a community taqueria showcasing craft mezcal and agave cocktails alongside uniquely handcrafted tacos in Holland, MI Connect with Emily on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

John Dyck, CEO of CESMII, is making his long-awaited debut on Manufacturing Happy Hour. CESMII is a non-profit institute in the United States dedicated to smart manufacturing. Simply put, they’re democratizing the tools and technologies needed to bring smarter manufacturing operations to life. Smart manufacturing operations result in reduced costs, less complexity, and quicker time-to-value. All of these things make companies and the US manufacturing industry as a whole more competitive on a global scale.  In this episode, John shares his background, what led him to CESMII, and what he's learned after finding himself in many roles that have put him on the bleeding edge of manufacturing technology. John also talks about the state of smart manufacturing’s adoption in the US and why there’s a sense of urgency to accelerate it.  Finally, we discuss how to adopt smart manufacturing technologies, including both the technology itself and the mindset required to drive intelligent manufacturing innovations. In this episode, find out: John’s career history How CESMII democratize technology for the adoption of smart manufacturing The definition of smart manufacturing Why there’s an urgency around smart manufacturing How the US can catch up with European and Asian markets The outcomes of smart manufacturing How to adopt a smart manufacturing mindset How to find the right partners to guide the process How smart technology could prevent pilot purgatory Helpful personas you need on board when adopting smart manufacturing: Corporate supply chain leadership Manufacturing leadership Plant leadership Plant workers Operators Technology providers Vendors Systems integrators and consultants Machine builders Knowledge providers  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Using data to transform how we work and become more competitive and productive – that’s where manufacturing leadership is.” “We fundamentally believe that smart manufacturing as a mindset becomes the next generation of digital quality, digital improvement and digital safety.” “I’ve found myself gravitating towards the bleeding edge (of manufacturing). That’s allowed me to work with forward-thinking manufacturing companies, systems integrators and machine builders who are early adopters of technology.” Links & mentions: CESMII, the United States’ non-profit institute dedicated to smart manufacturing (SM), working to reduce cost, complexity, and time-to-value so all manufacturers can engage in Smart manufacturing Smart manufacturing Executive Council, created by CESMII to engage business and technology executives, thought leaders, and visionaries advocating for the transformation of the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem Smart manufacturing Mindset, CESMII’s monthly LinkedIn Live web series SOUTHTEC, a manufacturing technology series event and trade show, taking place in October 2023 in Greenville, SC Follow CESMII on LinkedIn Follow CESMII on Twitter Connect with John Dyck on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Additive manufacturing won’t solve your problems, but as our guest explains, it can make life easier. We’re back to our traditional format at Manufacturing Happy Hour and, on this episode, we are joined by Lisa D. Block, Chief Revenue Officer at Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. Lisa explains her path into the industry, shares her experiences and busts some myths around additive manufacturing.  Plus, she shares how we can create workspaces where people thrive, with tips on personal development, talent acquisition and diversity, equity and inclusion. In this episode, find out: How Lisa entered the world of additive manufacturing The biggest misnomers around additive The importance of personal development Different families within additive Her top tips for talent acquistion Take-home moments from Lisa’s talks Why companies need to refocus on training new starters How to create workplaces where people can work at their best Why it’s time for a fresh perspective on diversity Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “I believe that character is born in personal development.” “[Additive manufacturing] is meant to make jobs easier and more efficient so the company can 10x their production.” “People say ‘we've gotta get diversity, equity, inclusion experts. We've gotta do this, we've gotta do that’. There’s a whole lot of ‘we’ve gotta’ and very little ‘we’ve done’.” Links & mentions: Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, pioneering the combination of 3D printing and machining Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Follow Lisa on Instagram Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

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

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

From diversity to digital transformation, innovation and best practices, this episode is packed with expert insights on taking your manufacturing leadership game up a gear. Tim Dickson, Chief Innovation Officer at Generac, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss misconceptions around the job title, what his role actually entails and how he aims to improve his leadership qualities every single week. Plus, he shares what Generac does in detail, provides his ideas on innovation and tells us why he wakes up at 4am every morning.  In this episode, find out: What Generac does The new definition of a CIO How to drive digital transformation How Tim levels up his leadership skills Why he gets up at 4am The importance of diversity Secrets of the Milwaukee tech community What innovation looks like at Generac How to help your team transform Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you’re going to drive change, you have to understand and articulate the value of what that change is going to do.” “Knowledge is key. What you can do with that knowledge is what brings something forward.” “You have to have best practices.” Links & mentions: Generac, a leading energy technology company that provides advanced power grid software solutions, backup and prime power systems for home and industrial environments Summerfest Tech, championing the Milwaukee regional business community while shining the spotlight on Wisconsin's growing reputation as a tech hub, hosted annually alongside the music festival by the same name Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, by Suzanne Tedrick InspireCIO Leadership Network, home of WisconsinCIO and other leadership chapters Explorium Brewpub, craft beer and food, located in Milwaukee’s historic Pritzlaff Building and a local hangout for the tech community Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Are you ready for a ton of insights from FOUR industry leaders? On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re whetting your Automate appetite again, sharing super-interesting highlights from Automate 2022, ahead of the 2023 event later this month. We are joined by Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic, Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics, Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO at Vention and Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing & Applications Development at Universal Robots. Hear insights, tips and experiences on topics such as robotics-as-a-service, predictions for the future, AI, and so much more.  In this episode, find out: A history on robotics-as-a-service Misa Ilkhechi’s journey as a startup co-founder What’s exciting about the industry Transitions in user experiences What’s changed and what hasn’t in robotics Why we need to simplify robotics How VCs are getting involved in startups How AI can be the backbone of robotics Top insights from industry leaders Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Manufacturing is getting consumerized. More companies need to learn how to better brand yourself in the industry beyond just the specific product you’re providing.” – Etienne Lacroix, CEO and founder of Vention “When you go out into the real world, you can listen to people’s problems and understand.” – Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics “AI and machine learning is really accelerating and helping eliminate the need for point-to-point programming.” – Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic Links & mentions: Formic, removing the risk, expense and headache of automating your own with flexible, no CapEx contracts. They grow your business by making it easy to afford and deploy robotic automation. Ready Robotics, making your robots better by eliminating risks and challenges of deploying automation.  Vention, making industrial automation better, easier and more accessible for all manufacturers by reengineering the process of designing, simulating, procuring and commissioning industrial equipment. Universal Robots, dedicated to making the world a better place, one cobot at a time. They are an innovative robotics company, helping the world work with robots, not like robots. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Time to buckle up for a masterclass in manufacturing with not one – but three – manufacturing experts! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we share the best of three interviews conducted at Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI. Chris sits down for conversations with Milton Guerry, President of Schunk, Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation and Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. They share their career journeys, insights and predictions for manufacturing, AI and automation, plus reveal top tips for manufacturing leaders and team members alike.  In this episode, find out: How Milton Guerry began his career How Mike Cicco started in the industry Søren Peters’ first steps in manufacturing Guests’ thoughts on the current state of manufacturing, AI and automation The importance of mentorship The future of collaborative robots New routes into the industry Why strong teams are key to success The importance of communication Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We can all be very secure that this industry is going to be super-strong.” – Milton Guerry, President of Schunk “The key to mobility is just continuing to reinvent yourself in terms of business needs at the time.” – Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation “In everything you do, if you don’t believe in it or think that it’s right, you should probably be doing something else.” – Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot Links & mentions: SCHUNK, an internationally active technology company, a leading supplier of products made with high-tech materials like carbon, technical ceramics and sintered metal, as well as machines and systems for environmental simulation, air conditioning, optical machines and many other processes. HowToRobot, your automation marketplace, helping buyers specify their needs and putting them into contact with sellers across the globe.  FANUC, a leading global manufacturer of factory automation, they specialize in industrial robots, CNC systems, wire cut EDM and injection moulding machines among other things. All products are engineered to optimize energy usage. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What happens when you put a food and beverage industry leader, a brewer, and an industrial specialist who’s seen hundreds of manufacturing facilities on the same stage? You get this week’s episode.  CBT Company recently invited Manufacturing Happy Hour to host a live panel discussion at Cincinnati's iconic Rhinegeist Brewery on the future of food & beverage manufacturing. We were joined by Rhinegeist’s Cole Hackbarth, SugarCreek’s Jeremy Saunders, and CBT’s Larry Hecker for a conversation that covered more than a few critical manufacturing topics. In this episode, you’ll hear our panelists discuss the characteristics of a modern maintenance program, why flexible manufacturing is so important to food & beverage manufacturing, and plenty of innovative ideas for recruiting and training your people.  We also have a bonus Q&A where we cover some very candid questions around making manufacturing more accessible to everyone. You’ll even learn a few things about the Cincinnati manufacturing community and what makes the industry in that region so unique. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. In this episode, find out: The realities of maintaining and scaling a brewery Why all processes should focus on the end user Why you need everyone on your team to be on the same page How a great onboarding program can prepare new hires How staff retention challenges affected the craft beer industry Why companies should be flexible for their employees Why automation isn’t about getting rid of jobs How to decide which processes to automate How we can encourage more women into manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: [Automation] is just simplifying the manual labor and the jobs that don’t take skill to do, so that our brewers, who are very skilled and very intelligent, can think about how to make beer taste better.” – Cole Hackbarth “I think the most important thing is to make sure everyone's on the on the same page between management, maintenance, production, QA – you have to have buy-in from all four, or it's going to be a disaster.” – Larry Hecker “Why are women not wanting to come to the industry? Let's be honest, we don't make it easy. Keep that in mind, how do we make it easy? There's a lot of things like safety strategies, which are intended for male-sized people, and women are at a disadvantage.” – Jeremy Saunders Links & mentions: Rhinegeist Brewery, a craft brewery based in the historic Over-the-Rhine brewery district in Cincinnati, OH. CBT Company, an industrial distributor that provides customers with products, technologies, and solutions in automation, pneumatics, belting, and more. SugarCreek, an innovative food manufacturer that helps companies develop “brand-worthy food solutions.” Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

It’s time for two manufacturing podcasts to collide! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re delighted to speak to Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger, hosts of the fantastic MakingChips podcast. Nick and Jason discuss their route into making the podcast, how it’s grown and evolved over the years and the attributes that make a true manufacturing leader. In this episode, find out: About creating MakingChips How the podcast has evolved Knowing when content needs to evolve How MakingChips set out to equip and inspire What makes a great manufacturing leader How their content can help manufacturing leaders The importance of developing relationships Why manufacturing leaders should self-assess How content serves businesses Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you’re a manufacturing leader, you should be equipping, you should be inspiring and you should be building relationships.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “A manufacturing leader needs to know how to develop relationships with clients and partners.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “It’s important for us to contribute to the community and the industry at large.” – Nick Goellner, Host of the MakingChips podcast Links & mentions: MakingChips website Connect with Nick Goellner on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Zenger on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Things move quickly in manufacturing, so how do we stay efficient in the now, while building a strong team for the future?  On this episode, we invite Pam Frost, President of RND Automation, on Manufacturing Happy Hour. Pam discusses employee retention, promoting from within and playing to your own and your employees’ strengths. Plus, she reveals why she came out of retirement for RND, what excites her about the future of manufacturing and why fun should be a priority in the workplace. There’s plenty of excellent advice to take from this one, so listen close! In this episode, find out: How Pam built success at Pridgeon & Clay How to successfully promote from within Why listening is crucial to success in any business How to retain employees Why Pam came out of retirement for RND Automation How to achieve operational excellence The best ways to foster a collaborative environment Why you should have fun at work Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s important to celebrate the past, celebrate today and look forward to the future.” “If we can come together and all enjoy each other’s company, I think it helps a lot.” “Two ears, one mouth – listen at least twice as much as you talk!” Links & mentions: RND Automation: Engineers, designs, and manufactures robotic, packaging and assembly automation equipment Complete Automation Solutions (CAS) Holdings: Parent company of RND Automation that also includes iAutomation and Paneltek Follow Pam on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We’re stepping into the future in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to look at how RIOS is helping to pave a way for the “factories of the future.” We sat down with CEO and Founder Bernard Casse to get his take on where automation and robotics fit into factories and what a smart factory will actually look like. Bernard explores the benefits of using automation to speed up processes, collect data, and adapt according to turbulent market conditions (which we’re seeing plenty of right now!) Bernard also tells us a little about how RIOS has achieved its Series A funding round and how current economic conditions are affecting venture capitalists and start-ups.  In this episode, find out: Bernard’s educational background and why he did a PhD What factory automation in the future could look like Why automation isn’t just about labor replacement How smart factories will operate How automation can help with data analysis Step one for getting into automation Bernard’s experience with funding rounds and VCs Why VCs are increasingly looking for category creators What sets RIOS apart from the competition Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We walk them through how they can increase productivity, we walk them through how we are building process optimization modules for them, and how we're delivering robots.” “It's a lot of data that we’re aggregating and then transforming that in business intelligence to allow the customer to really understand their operations to optimize based on that understanding.” “We are envisioning the smart factory to be connected to other systems and networks, allowing you to seamlessly share data and communicate with other factories, supply chain partners and customers. So this would enable the factory to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market.” Links & mentions: RIOS, a company that provides factory automation-as-a-service with end-to-end AI-powered robotics work cells  Antonio’s Nut House, a now-closed dive bar that Bernard used to frequent during his earlier career days  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Building an iconic brewing company for your university community, plus getting real-world business experience? Sounds like a dream come true. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Jackson Cosgriff, Student, and John Knapp, Director of Innovation Alley at Marquette University. We hear the backstory and behind-the-scenes processes of Innovation Alley and its student-led project, Blue & Gold Brewing.  John and Jackson share concerns they had heading into the project and the future of student-run business, plus they tell us whether they believe applied learning is the future of higher education. This episode is packed with inspirational advice and plenty of beer chat! In this episode, find out: The backstory of Innovation Alley and Blue & Gold Brewing Behind the scenes stories of Blue & Gold Brewing The beer brainstorming process What’s next for student-run business What concerns they had about their project Whether applied learning is the future of higher education Advice for other universities looking to introduce similar programs Why it’s time to think outside the box Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s OK to have a big idea! Don’t shut that idea down.” – John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University “People get drawn into working up these ladders when they don’t really enjoy it. A lot of people are happy working with their hands and that’s what I loved about this project.” – Jackson Cosgriff, Student at Marquette University “I knew right away (this project) was going to be a winner!” - John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University Links & mentions: Blue and Gold Brewing, a student-run business owned by Blue and Gold Ventures LTD, aimed to develop collaborative partnerships with community business owners. Marquette University students team up with the below brewing companies (all Marquette alums) to learn about craft brewing: https://www.bandgbrewing.com/  Innovation Alley, driving students to reimagine education in the classroom and in workplaces, creating a ripple effect far beyond the walls of the campuses at Marquette University: https://www.marquette.edu/innovation-alley/  Broken Bat Brewing, the brainchild of Milwaukee baseball fan Tim Pauly, providing a unique, welcoming atmosphere in the Walker’s Point neighborhood in Milwaukee. Spreading the love of craft beer and baseball while giving back to their community: https://brokenbatbrewery.com/  Good City Brewing, a brewing company created by Dan and David, close friends from grad school who saw the untapped potential of craft beer in Milwaukee. Focused on pursuing excellence, prioritizing relationships and engaging their local place: https://www.goodcitybrewing.com/ Gathering Place Brewing, an award-winning, community centered craft brewery located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. Making European-inspired styles with American twists: https://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/  Follow Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-cosgriff-0310b7182/  Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmknapp/  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Thinking of breaking out of your bubble to get the most out of your career? This could be the push you need. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Sean Mulherrin, Product Manager at EPLAN. Sean discusses how globetrotting has benefitted his career, explains his passion for apprenticeships and shares his ideas on panel design. Plus, he explains why budding manufacturing pros shouldn’t be scared of change. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a manufacturing industry expert. In this episode, find out: How to use data effectively The past, present and future of control panel building Why you should break out of your bubble in manufacturing The benefits of apprenticeships Why you should design panels for troubleshooting How to find your passion What Sean has learned from working around the globe How end users and integrators should view panel building Why you shouldn’t be afraid of change Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Travel really opens up your eyes and makes you less afraid of change, professionally and personally.” “Digitalization is the way forward.” “If you design for troubleshooting, you can use data to generate the information for building the panel, as well as making it available for troubleshooting. You’re future-proofing.” Links & mentions: Jost Van Dyke - One of the smallest of the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke encapsulates an abundance of charm and history. Its rich history has fostered some of the Caribbean’s best dining, with barbecue, Indian food and seafood dominating menus across their many beachside eateries: https://www.bvitourism.com/the-islands/jost-van-dyke  EPLAN, providing software and service solutions in the fields of electrical engineering, automation and Mechatronics engineering Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

As generations retire and millennials take up the baton, this week’s guest knows business is in safe hands. But how can the new generations of manufacturers best leverage economics to succeed in business? We are delighted to be joined by Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR Economics, at the A3 Business Forum in Orlando, FL. In this short episode, Alan discusses how he makes economics riveting, explains why millennials are so crucial to business, and gives top tips on true leadership. Plus, he tells us who the unsung heroes of business are and why he sets out to make a difference in the world every day. Alan manages to make economics so fascinating – this is a must-listen. In this episode, find out: Why millennials must be taken seriously What Alan thinks business leaders miss Why leadership is not all about taking charge The most fulfilling parts of Alan’s career Alan’s views on how leaders should act Alan on the heroes of the economy Alan’s clear mission and goals Making a difference in the world every day Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It makes me feel really good about life when we can make a difference in the world.” “My generation is retiring in record numbers, and you’re left with millennials. Those are the smartest people in the room.” “A leader without integrity is just the CEO or boss, not a real leader.”  Links & mentions: Follow Alan on LinkedIn Find out more about ITR Economics Find out more about the A3 Business Forum 2023 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Ready for a masterclass in automotive manufacturing? Strap in! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vicki Poponi, Vice President – Industry Advisor, Automotive at Salesforce. She discusses her route into the industry and provides a glimpse into the world of software-enabled vehicles. Plus, she explains what the connected car means for consumers, why the customer is at the center of everything and delves into Salesforce’s Trends in Automotive Report – linked below. In this episode, find out: Vicki’s first steps in the industry Why people are afraid of new technologies Vicki’s transition into the automotive world How her manufacturing roots help in business What she’s learned in her current role at Salesforce The importance of customer centricity Behind the scenes of Vicki’s role The progress being made around digital customer experience What automotive manufacturers need to learn in the coming months/years Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s human nature to be afraid of something new.” “There’s so much data in the auto industry, it’s crazy. But you have to think about how to connect the data. That’s where technology is so wonderful.” “Future customers really want to be engaged.” Links & mentions: Compagnon Wine Bistro – a neighborhood bistro with a French twist, serving a variety of organic, biodynamic wines and food with fresh seasonal produce and locally raised meats, fish and poultry Follow Vicki on LinkedIn Salesforce Follow Salesforce on Twitter Get $350 off registration for Supply Chain USA 2023 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Reshoring, customer success, and sustainability – just some of the topics we cover in this cornucopia of an episode with Sean Murray, VP of Customer Success at Bright Machines.Sean joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career and his insights into the industry. We explore the concept of software-defined manufacturing, why there’s such a push toward re-shoring and the benefits of flexible manufacturing. Sean shares some all-important advice for manufacturers looking to re-shore, as well as some insights into customer success and why it’s a rising star in the manufacturing world. Tune in to hear Sean’s perspective on the changes happening across manufacturing and to learn the secrets behind making M&Ms from his time in factory work. In this episode, find out:How Sean first became interested in manufacturing Why software-first companies are leading the wayHow software-defined manufacturing worksThe role of customer success in manufacturingWhy flexible manufacturing can boost your business and revenueWhy there’s such a big push for re-shoringSean’s advice for manufacturers looking at reshoring Repurposing hardware and sustainability in manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"Manufacturers don't want to be burned again by a point solution that’s hard to integrate. They need a full stack, and it has to add value. That's the shift that’s happening now, and the early adopter phase is over. We're in the real product phase, which is wonderful.”“To approach manufacturing now with a customer success mindset is really just to recognize that the market has changed a bit, that there's not as many manufacturing gurus around as there used to be, and that the automation is more advanced.”“With flexible manufacturing, you can build lots of something and switch over to the next product and then the next product, which means your higher paid workers are more effective, they're utilized in a better way, and they can build higher margin products.”Links & mentions:Bright Machines, a software and robotics company focused on automation in the manufacturing industry.The Manufacturing Hub podcast, a podcast that explores manufacturing news, insights, and cutting-edge technologies to educate and inspire leaders and workers in manufacturing. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We all know how fast-paced the world of manufacturing is…and when processes and technologies progress, so does the way we work. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Nicole Wolter, President & CEO of HM Manufacturing, reveals all about her management style, interview processes and focus on young talent. Plus, she tells us about what it’s like to take over a family business, why she stays on top of robotics trends and what life is like on a board of directors. There are plenty of tips for manufacturing recruiters, budding manufacturers, directors and…well…just about anyone in the industry. So tune in! In this episode, find out: What’s behind the curtain of HM Manufacturing’s interview process How Nicole deals with team burnout How she transformed her family business Why Nicole focuses on hiring young talent The benefits of staying up-to-date with robotics and tech in the workplace What HM Manufacturing is involved in What it’s like being on a board of directors What’s mHub? The biggest aerospace and food manufacturing trends Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Find something you’re passionate about and then find an organization that speaks to it.” “A different vibe, a different energy to help loosen up your team is super important.” “It’s OK for something to not be 100% perfect one day.” Links & mentions: HM Manufacturing: https://www.hmmanufacturing.com/  HM Manufacturing on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hmmanufacturing HM Manufacturing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmanufacturing/  HM Manufacturing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMManufacturing  Nicole on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWolterHMmfg  Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-wolter-29107716/  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We cover a whole lot of ground in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour – from Industry 4.0 to innovation in industrial sectors, IIoT, connectivity, machine learning, proof of concepts, and everything in between.Joining this episode is Igor Marinelli, Founder of TRACTIAN, who has plenty of insights, perspectives, and advice to share on condition monitoring and more. Igor details his background from being a frontline worker to where he is today and explains what prompted him to start TRACTIAN. We hear why he has huge respect for frontline maintenance workers, why he thinks innovation for innovation’s sake isn’t the way forward, and his advice on integrating new systems into old practices. In this episode, find out:What TRACTIAN doesHow Igor’s background led him to start his companyAdvice for younger and older industrial professionalsWhy you need to start with the problem, not the solutionThe problem with how Industry 4.0 is portrayedWhy industrial sectors are ready to be disruptedIgor’s thoughts on machine learning The challenges of integrating new systemsEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Be very technical and show real data and experiments of how you could improve what you’re doing.” “It's important that you consider that you might not know everything, and even though you've been doing this process for 25 years, there might be something that could be done better. So you just have to be open to that.”“You need to tackle the problem, understand the problem, and then think about a solution for that. Because if you start from the solution, this is not going to work, right?”Links & mentions:The Nook, a popular neighborhood bar with park views in Atlanta, GATRACTIAN, an end-to-end condition monitoring and asset management solution Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s time for a comprehensive history lesson in industrial automation recruiting.We sat down in the MRG Studios in Naperville, Illinois, with Gary Miller, CEO of Miller Resource Group, an industrial recruiting firm focused on hard-to-find personnel in automation, robotics, food and beverage and more.We’ve gotten to know a few members of the team over the years, which is why it was about time we shared a conversation with their CEO!In the episode, Gary talks about how he was introduced to industrial automation back in the 1970s, imparts advice on hiring strategy and standing out from the crowd as a recruiter and lays out his interesting thoughts and ideas about leadership.In this episode, find out:Gary’s first steps in industrial automationHow he stepped up to own his company in the 1980sHow to package your company storyBehind the curtain of recruitmentWhat recruiters should look for in candidatesWhat candidates should look for in recruitersHow we can take inspiration from the Grateful DeadWhy you should adopt a learning mindset The books that inspire himEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“There’s things and there’s stuff. Things you count, stuff you measure.”"When a candidate asks me questions that makes me stumble, I’m usually intrigued by that candidate.”“You have to understand what the problem is. Then demonstrate how your skills can help solve that problem.”Links & mentions:Follow Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bestrecruitingfirm/ Follow Gary on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmillermrg Miller Resource Group: https://millerresource.com/ The Green Turtle Tavern, Fernandina Beach, FL – described as Amelia Island’s funkiest and friendliest bar. Offering hand-crafted cocktails and beers, plus live music on the front porch: https://www.ameliaisland.com/Eat-and-Drink/Green-Turtle-Tavern Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What is the current state of manufacturing? Who better to ask than Willem Sundblad, CEO and Co-Founder of Oden Technologies, who commissioned The State of Manufacturing 2022 report? Surveying over 300 manufacturing leaders has highlighted some fascinating food for thought on topics like the labor market, inflation, demand changes, investing in sustainability, and more.Willem joins Manufacturing Happy Hour again to talk more about the findings and his own personal take on why businesses are increasingly investing in sustainability post-pandemic. He also explores what sets the winners and losers apart in the manufacturing space and what trends he’s most excited to see more of in 2023.In this episode, find out:What the State of Manufacturing report tells us The importance of making investments in digitization Why there’s a bigger gap between manufacturing “winners and losers”Why companies that invest in tech and sustainability are leading the wayWhy companies need to be agile and quick to make decisions in uncertain timesWhat global supply chain issues mean for manufacturers The most interesting and surprising report findings How manufacturers are dealing with COVID aftereffects How manufacturers can approach the labor shortage problemEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I talked to a lot of customers last year who are beating their sustainability targets. A lot of that was because of supply chain issues. It was so hard to get raw material that they had to increase the rate of recycled material in the product.”“One of the biggest drivers of the digital investments in automation investments is the challenges in the labor market.”“If you can empower people who understand the process and the needs of the day-to-day to make decisions quickly, you become more agile and deal with uncertainty in a much healthier way.”Links & mentions:Oden Technologies, an intelligent industrial automation company that empowers manufacturers to embrace industry 4.0The State of Manufacturing Report, insights from industry leaders on adapting to the current trends in manufacturingTunnbrödsrulle, late-night Swedish street food consisting of a hot dog, mashed potatoes, and shrimp salad in a wrap (trust us, it’s amazing)Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s been about two years since Andrew Crowe, public speaker and Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, was last on the show in episode 46 – and so much has happened since then. This time around, we sit down over a couple of beers in St. Louis to catch up on what he has been working on and how much The New American Manufacturing Renaissance has grown since. The New American Manufacturing Renaissance is a movement intended to show how manufacturing is a great career option for anyone – no matter your background or demographics. Andrew speaks about why this is so important to the industry and America in general and the barriers we must overcome in manufacturing to make it more of an open industry that people want to get involved in. Andrew explores what companies, and the industry as a whole, can do to make manufacturing more appealing to a wider variety of people and why that diversity is so important. We also delve into what Project MFG is all about and his plans for the future. In this episode, find out:How The New American Manufacturing Renaissance has grown The disconnect between the old and new in manufacturingWhat Andrew learned from his tour The importance of having diverse voices in manufacturingWhat companies can do to improve industry awareness and encourage new talentExternal things we can do in the wider community for the industryWhat Project MFG is Andrew talks about his side hustles and projectsWhy collaboration is key in manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“How do we show people that their ideas matter? How do we take those ideas, make them, show them the process of it, and then put them into the world to help solve some of these problems?”“Let's have those conversations. Let's have those dialogues. And then, let's reach out and collaborate amongst our ecosystem. That's how we began to build.”“People are not necessarily trying to uphold these old systems. But they are recognizing that they're a part of them and reaching out trying to figure out how to improve them and make them better for everybody.”Links & mentions:The MFG, Andrew Crowe’s website Project MFG, a catalyst that helps elevate the next generation of highly skilled trade professionals by changing mindsets, fostering community preparedness, and challenging how the critical skills needed to succeed in modern advanced manufacturing are taught.Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Strong values like sustainability, empathy, and wellness might seem at odds with running a successful business for some, but not Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi. In fact, values like these have been fundamental to Okabashi’s success since it launched in 1984.Sara joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to clue us in to what it’s like leading a family-owned and operated shoe brand. A proudly USA-based footwear company, Okabashi is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness and uses the principles of reflexology to design shoes that promote foot health and comfort. We hear a little about its innovative manufacturing process, the importance of running a business with sustainable choices, and why that shouldn’t be at odds with financial viability. Sara also explains how Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing process works to recycle old products to avoid landfill and waste. In this episode, find out:The challenges of expanding as a U.S.- based manufacturerHow Sara’s background led to her current roleHow sustainability is built into the Okabashi manufacturing processHow Okabashi’s closed-loop manufacturing worksWhy sustainability doesn’t have to be at odds with financial viabilityWhy innovation comes from empowering your team How Okabashi remains competitive in the U.S.Modular automation in the shoe manufacturing processWhy empathy is key to building good partnershipsWhy you need to stick to your values in businessEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“We offer as well as our own closed-loop manufacturing, a post-consumer circular program. So people can send their shoes back to us to avoid landfills.”“I think that innovation comes from all different directions and there are so many things that can drive it. And having a culture that is not steeped in fear is a prerequisite to have innovation come from all directions.”“I think if you stick to your values, and if you have a long enough horizon line, good things happen.”Links & mentions:Okasbashi, a proudly U.S. shoe company focused on creating shoes that promote wellness and foot healthMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.