Manufacturing Happy Hour

For many people, YouTube is the first port of call for instructions. Whether it be for simple things around the house like setting up a new TV or building a cabinet, or more complex things entirely. One man covering those more complex things is Tim Wilborne. Tim’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 50,000 subscribers, focuses on industrial automation, programming PLCs and helping you become a better technician. Tim joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss his background in the industry and his YouTube channel in detail. He explains why he started the channel, how his family are a huge part of its success and how to cope with haters. Plus, he reveals why the industry hasn’t progressed as far as it could and tells us why he believes the automation world needs more content creators. In this episode, find out: Tim’s background in the industry How Tim started a YouTube channel Why subscribers and likes aren’t always so important How Tim amassed over 50,000 subscribers How to figure out what content to create About work-life balance in a family business How to deal with haters online Why Tim thinks his industry could’ve progressed further How constructive criticism helps Tim Why he thinks more industry experts should create YouTube content Advice for budding automation YouTube creators  Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It takes thick skin. Just keep trying.” “There were lots of times I thought I had it, and then, all of a sudden, we’d have a major defeat.” “It's a long game and I think most people aren't prepared for how long of a game it is.” Links & mentions: TW Controls, focused on automation, PLC programming, and building control panels, specializing in Allen Bradley PLC training designed to help maintenance technicians and electricians troubleshoot machines Tim Wilborne on YouTube, the long-running channel brought to you by TW Controls offers some of the best industrial automation training and how-to’s on the internet Automation Fair and other events from Rockwell Automation  Momentum Coffee, a co-working space and coffee shop, walking distance from Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, plus additional locations Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

While the metaverse is a relatively new concept for most of us, this week’s guest has worked in this space for some time.Our guest on Manufacturing Happy Hour is emergent technologist and GatherVerse founder, Christopher Lafayette.Tune in to hear about Christopher’s background, what his job title really means, his take on the metaverse’s role in manufacturing and MedTech and the importance of inclusion and diversity in tech.Plus, Christopher explains skepticism towards the metaverse and the reasons behind it. It’s a meaty one, so be ready to immerse yourself in a metaverse masterclass.In this episode, find out:What an emergent technologist doesWhy the metaverse is a game changer for manufacturingHow MedTech could change in the metaverseWhy people are right to be skeptical of tech advancementsThe right way to bring manufacturing into the conversationAbout awareness and education surrounding the metaverseWhether we should care about the metaverseAbout the metaverse and diversity/inclusionHow to approach skeptics About Christopher’s LinkedIn Learning classEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“When we think of the metaverse, we ingress into entertainment. But medical technology has the single biggest global impact.”“It’s important for (tech) leadership to get good-sourced information from people who actually know what they’re talking about.”“The metaverse is here, but as we know it today. We can’t put in concrete terms that “this is what it is” because we don’t completely know what it’s going to be.”Links & mentions:Official Website - Christopher Lafayette, connect with Christopher on areas of expertise, events, press, and speaking categories across the metaverse, NFTs, tech inclusion, MedTech, and removing barriers to innovation GatherVerse, a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, and share human-centered approaches to the metaverseBlack Technology Mentorship Program, a mentor-mentee program that inspires, educates, and brings underserved Black communities into technologyCourse - What is the Metaverse?, Christopher’s official course on the metaverse on LinkedIn LearningConnect with Christopher on LinkedInFollow Christopher on TwitterFollow Christopher on InstagramMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is there really a manufacturing skills gap? Why is manufacturing moving back to the U.S.? And how can machine shop owners switch to an investment mindset? These are all great questions that we answer in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Jason T. Ray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts and a former Manufacturing Happy Hour guest. He jumps back on the show for a discussion on machine shops, reshoring, the importance of profit and investment, the skills gap, and everything in between. We hear his take on how COVID affected supply chains and led to more shop owners buying from American companies, and the different ways business owners have changed their mindset in the past few years. Jason also explains that if we want to solve the skills gap in manufacturing, we need to “look in the mirror” and figure out where we’re going wrong from a management perspective. There’s plenty of food for thought in this episode, so check it out to hear more of Jason’s words of wisdom. In this episode, find out: The state of manufacturing in the U.S. Why shop owners are increasingly considering “ownership cost” What’s bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. How the manufacturing tech stack is evolving How different generations solve problems How new tech affects profit and investment Why we need to shift from an expense mindset to an investment mindset Why the skills gap is more of a “management gap” The importance of active over passive management Why agility and speed in business are down to good systems and processes Why manufacturing is essential to innovation Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Now there's this concept called total ownership cost. And that includes shipping and storage and everything else associated with buying those parts.” “Manufacturers aren't just showing up to look at the machines and buy equipment. They're actively coming out and looking for software solutions to solve problems in their business.” “When shops, rather than having an expense mindset, go in with an investment mindset – where they look at dollars out as investments, you start to see a shift in the type of team members they're attracting.” Links & mentions: Paperless Parts, helping machine shops quote faster and win more jobs In The Shop, a publication from Paperless Parts, including this post “CMMC: Coming Soon to a Contract Near You” “Pentagon updates timeline for CMMC cybersecurity initiative,” important news for job shop owners going into effect in May 2023 Tip Tap Room, an upscale pub that serves beer, wild game, and inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space in Boston, MA Alcove, located in the Boston Harbor on Lovejoy Wharf, serving regionally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired fare in stylishly decorated surroundings  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What’s the most important part of starting and running a manufacturing business? The finances? The team? The materials? Well, this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest has some expert insights, experience and advice, so stay tuned. It’s time to hit the slopes for this week’s episode as we invite Mike McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Folsom Custom Skis, to share his story and provide top tips for manufacturers. Tune in for tales of Mike’s early days in the industry, the creation of his business, the day-to-day of running a boutique ski manufacturer, what he does for his customers and how Folsom has survived and thrived in a challenging industry. Plus, Mike provides a ton of sound business advice! A true must-listen. In this episode, find out: Mike’s introduction to the industry Where his interest in skiing began His first steps in launching the business The most important part of starting a manufacturing business A rundown of Folsom’s materials and processes How Mike accounts for his success Top business tips for manufacturers Mike’s initial goals for Folsom Custom Skis The importance of your team in a manufacturing business Advice for college students interested in manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We saw a hole in the market and we’ve stayed really true to what we do to this very day.” “Being lean and nimble is the most important piece, not having huge financial attributes.” “To succeed here, you need somebody that’s really passionate about the sport, passionate about the product, passionate about customer service and passionate about manufacturing.”  Links & mentions: Folsom Custom Skis, custom building skis engineered specifically for you. Skis can be purchased online or through Folsom’s full-time staff members. Aspen Brewing Company, founded in 2008 with one simple goal – make world-class beer, downstream from nobody. They have two locations in Aspen, both downtown and near the airport. Or, if you’re not in Aspen, you can find their beers throughout Colorado. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We're back for Part 2 from the 2022 Vision Show, hosted by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation.

In October 2022, we ventured to Boston, MA for the Association for Advancing Automation's annual Vision Show and Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference (AMRL). In the past, these had been 2 separate events, but this year, A3 brought them together under one roof.You really can't have robotics without imaging and you can't have mobile robotics without machine vision. The tie-ins are endless. It just made sense to bring these events together and it was great being part of this weeklong extravaganza.This is somewhat of an anniversary episode since we covered the AMR and Logistics Conference last year with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial. We have another 2-part bonus episode for you this week containing over 10 interviews with leaders in robotics and machine vision, including:-Erik Nieves, Founder of Plus One Robotics-Jeremy Bergh, President, North America at IDS Imaging-Joe Gemma, VP of Sales and Marketing at Calvary Robotics-Theng Kuoch of CMES Robotics-Rajesh Iyengar, Founder & CEO of Lincode Labs-Denise Stafford of KUKA Robotics-Patty Katsaros of Locus Robotics-Laura Hoffman, Automation Industry Insider-Matt Charles, VP of Mobile Robotics at RoBEX-Melonee Wise, VP Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies-Alex Shikany, VP Membership & Business Intelligence at A3Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re all familiar with Microsoft. That’s a given. But we’re certainly not all familiar with the autonomous AI work they are doing. That’s why we called on an expert to give us the lowdown on what autonomous AI means, highlight its risks and opportunities and give us his verdict.  On episode 118, Brian Evergreen, Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour. If the episode title (or Brian’s job title) doesn’t make a ton of sense to you just now, you’re in the right place because Brian is keen to define the term in detail. Brian also provides advice for getting new technology initiatives off the ground, from AI to machine learning and more. Plus, there are a ton of pragmatic tips and tricks for leading through tech transformations. In this episode, find out: Brian’s route into AI (via chess?) Baseline definitions of AI, autonomous AI and autonomous transformation Why to take a human-centric approach to AI The risks and opportunities surrounding AI How to ensure AI projects succeed, scale and don’t get stuck The lowdown on Brian’s book and writing process How to avoid ‘pilot purgatory’ Where Brian would like a beer with Chris Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “The right time to get started with autonomous AI really depends on your outlook or perspective as a business leader.” “If designed correctly, there’s no great physical risk associated with autonomous AI.” “87% of machine learning models never make it into production. I'm curious how that will change as these autonomous AI technologies become more adopted.” Links & mentions: ATX West, this week’s show sponsor. Taking place from February 7-9 in Anaheim, CA, this event showcases the latest automation and intelligent robotic technology, focusing on how to better automate manufacturing processes. Discover the world of automation and build smarter solutions with ATX West. Woodman Lodge, Snoqualmie, Washington, a historic saloon serving what they describe as “some of the best steaks you’ll find anywhere in Western Washington”. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This week, we're diving into gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference. gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations, and their OnRamp Conferences are a subset of that.gener8tor’s annual manufacturing event brings together startups, investors, and corporations for this unique “dealmaking conference” and this year, in October 2022, we headed to Indianapolis. There, we sat down for 8 interviews with individuals that are running startups, managing accelerators and investment funds, as well as leading state initiatives to help manufacturing thrive in Indiana.This episode explores how these different groups are working together and how they’re all working to take on big initiatives like sustainability, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Our guest lineup includes:-Maggie Brickerman, Partner at gener8tor-Dave Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer at IEDC-Razi Nalim, Founder of Aerodyn Combustion-Apoorva Kiran, Co-Founder and CEO of Mentore-Emir Beg, Founder and CTO of Scout Autonomy-Batuhan Ulasan, COO of Scout Autonomy-Tim Chiang, Investment Director at Xerox Ventures-Ashley Bryan, Program Manager at The Heritage Group Accelerator-Sharina Perry, Founder and CEO of Utopia PlastixMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/OnRamp2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

How can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more. As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He explains exactly how his products can impact a runner’s comfort, fatigue levels, and muscle health to get the most performance out of each and every run.We also explore a little about Riley’s startup experience and the biggest business lessons he’s learned in his career.In this episode, find out:The difference between Arris and Riley’s previous business venturesThe biggest lessons Riley learned from his startups Why manufacturing is “messy”Why you don’t always need to reinvent the wheelThe reasons Riley started ArrisHow composites improve running performance in shoesRiley’s top marathon runs and favorite trails The reaction and feedback to Arris’ composites platesThe top benefits of Arris composites in shoesHow composites materials can be used in other industriesWhat’s next for ArrisEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Be really mindful when you're taking on something new that someone else has not already done it in another industry.”“Everyone says this but running really does clear your head. It gives you headspace.”“We have this passion for the superiority of composite materials. We all had experience with them in different industries, but it's always limited to the really high-end stuff. The products around us day to day aren’t taking advantage of it.”Links & mentions:Arris, Berkeley-based composites manufacturer that produces smarter, lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products at scale for consumer products, aerospace, automotive, and many more industries The Rare Barrel, a rustic alehouse in Berkeley that specializes in sour beers Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It's Thanksgiving week here in the US, and since so many of you are based here, we're bringing you a shorter bonus episode this week as we try something new. First, you'll get a general update from Manufacturing Happy Hour, including our new newsletter - 5 Quick Manufacturing Insights - as well as partnership opportunities. Then, we'll highlight one of the most helpful moments from the show in the past year. Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, appeared on Episode 80 and talked all about investment banking for robotics, automation, and AI companies. In this short episode, we'll spotlight the moment where he broke down the differences between funding rounds, including how Series B is the "make or break" round for most companies.

We’ve got a bit of a different Manufacturing Happy Hour episode this time – it’s one of our first long-form episode at a trade show. Joined by co-host Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, we recorded this at the 2022 The Vision Show AMR & Logistics Conference in Boston.  Our guest is Malachi Greb, Owner of Elite Automation – a frequent trade show attendee with the goal of leading the “biggest automation company in the world.” An ambitious target, no doubt, but Malachi knows exactly how he’s going to achieve it. We talk about how Malachi first got into the automation space, his guerrilla marketing tactics, why he’s on a hiring kick, and what it was like venturing into his first international project. We cover a lot of ground with some great actionable tips, especially around trade shows, so don’t miss it! In this episode, find out: How Malachi first got started in automation How Elite Automation is creating growth Why Elite Automation is on a hiring kick Why guerrilla marketing strategies are the way to go Why companies should always aim to add value in marketing  Elite Automation’s winning business strategy  What the manufacturing industry is like in the Midwest What it was like leading Elite Automation’s first international project in India  How Malachi plans to run the biggest automation company in the world The advantages of being young in this industry Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Where a business is successful is when it adds value to another company or individuals.” “Why are people spending $10,000-$20,000 on a booth when you can send 10 employees, spend a quarter the amount of money and have them just run around?” “We probably do at least five interviews a week, every single week, no matter if we’re hiring or not. And we're doing that because we're building a backlog of individuals.” Links & mentions: Elite Automation, a robotics and automation solutions company specializing in robotic weld cells, palletizing, material handling, and AMR deployment The Manufacturing Come Up, an industry interview podcast hosted by Elite Automation Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar & Grill, a Nashville-inspired bar located on Franklin Street in Evansville, IN in the former location of a Harley-Davidson dealership  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re back for Part 2 of our bonus episodes with KUKA from IMTS 2022. We’ll be jumping back into our partnership conversations while taking an even deeper dive into additive manufacturing in these last 5 interviews of our short series. Stick around until the end to get a full recap on what characterizes great industrial manufacturing partnerships.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This week on Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re exploring what makes an industrial partnership great.Is it the tech? Is it the company culture? Is it the size of the company?Today’s podcast answers all of these questions in the context of a global robotics company, KUKA, and all of their partners. We spent an entire day at IMTS 2022 exploring applications from 3D printing to machining to launching robots into space, all while interviewing KUKA’s partners that make all of these applications possible.This 2-part episode features ten interviews co-hosted by Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, with the following leaders:Evandro Maia, Robotics Application Engineer, KUKAJuan Vega, CTO, ReliaboticsWarren Reynolds, VP of Operations, I-Cubed Industry Innovators Inc.Nick Johnson, Co-Founder, One Off RoboticsTravis Turner, General Manager, EckhartScott McIsaac, Project Engineer, KUKA SystemsJean-Sébastien Neveu, President, WayboCole Nielsen, CTO and Founder, Orbital CompositesMichael Duong, Applications Engineer, Ingersoll Machine ToolsMatthew Robey, Account Manager, KUKADarcy Charbonneau, Director of US Sales, KUKAMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Can you really make a business work if you have no experience? Cody Lee, the President and Owner of Everyday Technologies, made that very leap when he took over the business. While his experience was limited, he’s had some fantastic advice from his father and father-in-law, which has helped Cody thrive in his new venture. Cody joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to share where it all began, what led him to buy the business, and how he’s determined to scale it in the future. He explains why his primary focus is on building a talented workforce, revitalizing Everyday Technologies’ branding, updating systems, and playing to his own strengths. While it’s been a unique challenge, Cody’s more than embraced it and has injected new life into a brand that has been in operation for nearly 100 years!In this episode, find out:Cody’s first experiences with entrepreneurshipThe important lessons Cody learned from his father and father-in-lawWhy you need to be passionate about your business above all elseHow Cody bought Everyday TechnologiesThe first steps he took when taking over the businessThe top changes and updates he made to the businessThe unexpected challenges that Cody had to deal withWhy you don’t need to be the smartest guy in the roomWhy you need to pay attention to branding to attract top talentWhy the success of a business is down to its peopleWhat Cody has planned for the future of Everyday Technologies Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“A business is the direct result of its people.”“If you have the right people in the right seats, clear expectations, and hold them accountable to themselves and the folks around them, you can get anything done.”“The core mission of what we're trying to do at the end of the day is just take care of our customers. Without them, there would be no growing, there'd be no revenue, there'd be nothing.”Links & mentions:

What does it take to launch a manufacturing startup? And how do you finally walk away from it when it’s time?Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, is back on the show for round three of our three-part series. In this episode, we take a closer look at Nick’s previous ventures, including Plethora, to get an idea of what it’s like to build a company and then close the door to it.Nick shares the top things he wished he’d have known earlier in his career, what he’s learned from previous business experiences, and some advice for others. He also gives his take on the investor world and explains why VCs are no longer as scared to touch manufacturing as they once were.It’s been a fantastic mini-series with Nick, and he’s been full of brilliant insights into the startup world, investment, and the future of the industry. Be sure to catch up on episodes one and two with Nick if you haven’t already.In this episode, find out:What Plethora did in the manufacturing spaceWhy Nick decided to leave his position as CEOThe most important lessons he took from Plethora Why Plethora shut downWhat you need to do before scaling a startupWhy VCs are less afraid of manufacturing these daysWhat Nick wishes he had known earlier in his career What’s currently working for Volition Why Nick learned to love the management side of running a startupEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"You get what you put in.”“I wish I would have been somewhere where there were lots of mentors who could actually tell you how it works. I just had this huge shift when I moved to San Francisco and met real founders.”“Your reputation is everything in this kind of field.”Links & mentions:Volition, one of the largest marketplaces for industrial components  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What does the future hold for hardware manufacturing? We welcome back Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, for round two of a special three-part episode where we dig into all things hardware manufacturing.In this episode, Nick explores the world of hardware startups, VC investment, and the future of the industry. He also breaks down his thoughts on rising trends like 3D printing and AI, and explains which manufacturing tech he’s most excited about. We also hear his thoughts and experiences on navigating U.S. industrial policies and what he thinks is missing from the wider manufacturing community. Check out part one and stay tuned for part three, coming soon!In this episode, find out:Why hardware startups are more difficult to get off the groundWhy the investor base in hardware is improvingWhat we learned about hardware and physical goods during COVIDThe manufacturing tech Nick’s most excited aboutNick’s thoughts on additive manufacturing and AIHow investors are changing the way they back manufacturing companies What’s missing from the wider manufacturing community? The regions leading the way in manufacturingThe effect of industrial policy on manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"The horrible situation of COVID has shown everyone that the physical world [of manufacturing] actually matters.”“Everyone thinks 3D printing is going to replace stuff. I don't think that's true at all. I think the traditional processes will be with us forever. We just need to put computing inside of them.”“Everyone's going for high performance first. And I think that's because all these technologies start off really expensive. So you better have a really good use case for some performance improvement, as opposed to a cost improvement. I also think that VCs have a bias towards performance because it's cool.”Links & mentions: Volition, one of the largest marketplaces for industrial components  The Interval, a cocktail bar in San Francisco and home of The Long Now FoundationMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Welcome to our first ever “mega episode” here on Manufacturing Happy Hour, a 3-part interview with Nick Pinkston, one of the more fascinating people in the manufacturing world. If you're not already familiar with Nick, he’s has a great track record of leading hardware and manufacturing startups, while much of the rest of the world was preoccupied with the software side of the tech world. Currently, he’s the Founder and CEO of Volition, a marketplace dedicated specifically to industrial components.Part 1, today's episode, is backstory. Part 2 will really focus on Nick's perspective on manufacturing, hard tech startups, and the future of the industry. In Part 3, we'll hear about Nick's experience with his previous company Plethora and the realities of manufacturing startups.In this episode, we’ll hear about Nick’s background and what it was like growing up and being surrounded by manufacturing. Nick shares how he started his career in Pittsburgh while elaborating on his mission for accelerating innovation and the way manufacturing gets done. Finally, we’ll learn about his latest venture Volition.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Having employees with strong personal brands is a great asset for any business, manufacturing or otherwise.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Daniel Murray, marketing ops leader and the founder of podcast and marketing community, Marketing Millennials.Daniel discusses his career so far, how he simplifies marketing for marketers and the benefits of building personal brands. He also provides unmissable tips on building lasting LinkedIn posting habits and what platforms he finds most engaging right now.This episode is simply a masterclass in marketing and it’s gold for any manufacturer! In this episode, find out:Daniel’s goals for Marketing MillennialsHow to leverage LinkedIn purposefullyWhy executives should build personal brandsReasons why employers should hire employees with strong personal brandsWhy social media is just one part of the trust-building puzzleThe importance of creating content consistentlyThe power of newsletters and podcastsWhat’s resonating on LinkedIn right nowWhy put your personal brand over your career at timesTop book recommendations from DanielEnjoying 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:"Consume a lot of content from your space. Understand what people are saying.”“One mistake people make is they’re not consistent enough on social media.”“You want people to trust you and the way you build trust is by sharing what you know.”Links & mentions:The Marketing Millennials, a community highlighting and uplifting today's marketing leaders and tomorrow's top stars. Zero BS. Just fun, unfiltered, industry insights with the game-changers behind some of the coolest companies from around the globe. Sign up here for the newsletter.Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert CialdiniJustin Welsh, Founder of The Saturday Solopreneur who’s building a portfolio of one-person businesses; follow him on LinkedIn for personal branding tipsTerry Black’s Barbecue, the best BBQ in Austin, TX, according to DanielFranklin Barbecue, a mainstay Austin, TX BBQ joint famous for their long lines. Line up at 9am on a weekday if you want to get it before it runs out. Your host Chris Luecke still thinks this is the best brisket he’s ever had (but he also hasn’t been to Terry Black’s yet).Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Marketing, manufacturing, and remote work – we cover a lot of ground in this episode featuring Adar Hay, Co-Founder and CEO of Jiga.io. Jiga helps manufacturing companies centralize their supplier sourcing, and Adar explains how the idea for the company first came about. We hear how Jiga has a refreshingly modern approach to marketing and why Adar decided to start a podcast to learn more about potential users. Adar also explains the reasoning behind his remote-first team, and why for remote working to be effective, it needs to be rooted in the company culture. He also talks about the number one benefit of remote work – being able to hire anyone in world, not just those in your local area. In this episode, find out:Adar’s thoughts on underrated marketing strategies Why Jiga uses more human-focused marketing Why Adar started a podcast for JigaHow he measures content marketing successWhy he started JigaWhy manufacturers should treat suppliers like partners Why digital transformation doesn’t need to be complex The simple secrets of remote working success The biggest pro for remote 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:“People want to connect with people. Being honest, upfront, and talking about challenges is very important, as well as sharing things from a human perspective of me as the CEO.”“When you're building a product, especially something new, you always have to talk to your customers. You want to talk to people in your industry about their problems and about their needs.”“Remote teams are more of an attitude. It's not just about working remotely, it's cultural. You need to fully trust the people that you work with.”Links & mentions:Jiga.io, centralized automated manufacturing sourcingDesign to Product, a podcast hosting hardware manufacturing professionals, founders and engineers who talk about the stories behind their products Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’ve not covered medical device manufacturing on the show, so we thought this would be a great time to delve into it.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Natalia Mendez, VP Head of Manufacturing Medical Devices at Philips. Natalia has lots of great insights into her industry and provides expert advice for both those in the medical space and manufacturers in general.Natalia explains the importance of meeting customers’ needs and dispels myths and misunderstandings about the industry. Plus, she explains why manufacturers should use data to solve and prevent future customer problems.There’s so much to unpack, so this is a must-listen for any Manufacturing Happy Hour fan!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:How Natalia got started in medical device manufacturingWhat makes medical device manufacturing uniqueWhy it’s important for manufacturers to keep evidence of what they’ve doneMisconceptions about Natalia’s spaceWhy you should involve end-to-end experts in manufacturingHow to improve your resilience and performanceHow to meet customers’ needsThe importance of being ready to put the product in the users’ handsWhether medical device manufacturing differs around the worldAbout the importance of understanding markets and regional agenciesEnjoying 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 don't involve end-to-end experts when you are thinking about a new product, something will break in the chain.”“Never forget that, in order for a customer or a patient to use the product, you have to put that product physically in their hands in a timely manner.”“There are some countries that will not allow products that are manufactured in a specific place. So, you have to have that in mind when you set up your manufacturing footprint.”Links & mentions:Manufacturing Strategies Summit - packed with key industry speakers discussing a range of topics from developing and rolling out a robust R&D strategy, to streamlining business and operational processes: https://www.manufacturing-summit.com/?utm_source=show+notes&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=manufacturing+happy+hourPhilips – a focused leader in health technology. Their purpose is to improve people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation: https://www.philips.com/a-w/about.html   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 a good chance you already have a tool from the Stanley Black & Decker family in your toolkit. They’re household names, quality, reliable tools, and we wanted to hear more about the manufacturing process behind them. Antonio Hill, Head of Manufacturing Digital Solutions, Global Supply Chain at Stanley Black & Decker, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career, the challenges of managing supply chains, the impact of Industry 4.0, and what lean manufacturing means to him. We hear how Antonio made the jump from HR to manufacturing (bringing some important skills with him) and how he’s grown in his career since. We hear some top advice on starting with a lean process, building a “culture of lean,” and managing supply chain issues now and in the future. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so you won’t want to miss it!In this episode, find out:How Antonio made the jump from HR to manufacturingWhat lean manufacturing is How Industry 4.0 affects Antonio’s workWhy data is the key to building more efficient processes Why you need a “culture of lean” in manufacturing Why you need to know your facility inside-outThe challenges of managing supply chains (especially in a pandemic)The coolest thing about working at Stanley Black & Decker 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:“No one can predict the future, so in order for us not to go and try to hire Nostradamus, let's go ahead and create processes where we're getting the right information in order to make the best decision for our organization.”“We're always trying to improve the marginal cost and reduce costs to improve our business. We want our business to be the best.”“I think that a lot of times people get laser-focused on what they're on and not necessarily take the holistic approach.”Links & mentions:AMS Summit, learn from manufacturing leaders about the most impactful trends in manufacturing – from workforce development to lean & OpEx – talking place October 11-12 in Houston, TX Stanley Black & Decker, manufacturer of iconic tools from household names such as BLACK+DECKER, DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, and moreMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

“A platform for communities to invest in their best and brightest” …that’s how this week’s guest describes the company he works for. Sounds great, right?We invited Cole Shearer, Vice President – Skills Accelerator at gener8tor, to join Manufacturing Happy Hour this week. In this episode, he outlines his career to date, what he does at gener8tor, and provides some top tips for startup founders.Cole explains the struggles of the talent shortage in the cybersecurity space and breaks down how the gener8tor program helps job seekers find work. We hear a little about how gener8tor has evolved since Cole joined the team, and he also describes what his ideal organization to work with would look like. In this episode, find out:All about Cole’s early careerWhy startup founders should take risksHow gener8tor helps jobseekers into workHow gener8tor’s skills accelerator program worksWhy gener8tor teamed up on a Microsoft initiativeHow gener8tor has changed in recent years Why there’s a growing need for cybersecurity talentEnjoying 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 someone wants to make a change in their career and they have the aptitude and willingness to go through a program, they’re probably fit for ours.”“There are hundreds of thousands of open cybersecurity roles right now across the country. And the amount of actual potential talent to fill those positions is very limited.”“Our cybersecurity program is set up as a 10-week program that will be able to support participants and make sure that they're able to take the next stage of their career.”Links & mentions:gener8tor, an accelerator platform that offers over 75 programs such as startup and skills accelerators, fellowships and conferences to startup founders, corporations and job seekers.Bar 18, IndianapolisMake 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 haven’t covered imaging and vision much on Manufacturing Happy Hour, so we thought it was time that changed.This week, we are talking to Greg Hollows, Vice President, Product Strategy at Edmund Optics, who discusses his various roles at Edmund Optics, where he has worked for over two decades. He also looks at the ways imaging has changed since he got started and provides some unmissable advice on succeeding in the industry.Greg gives us so much food for thought in this episode. It’s one you don’t want to miss!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:What an optics company doesAbout Greg’s career from the startWhy Greg pursued imaging as a careerWhat imaging was like when Greg got startedThe role imaging plays in automation todayWhat applications and industries are primed for vision solutionsIf it can work for both small and large companiesHow Greg makes career decisionsGreg’s most challenging work situationsTop tips from Greg on succeeding in imaging and visionEnjoying 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 we do here at Edmund is changing the world.”“Imaging is just like a portfolio when you’re doing investment. You have risky things, you have stable things.”“You need to be connected to the industry. You need to understand the customer’s applications and you need to understand where things are going.”Links & mentions:Jackson Hole – a mountain resort overlooking the Grand Teton National Park in Teton County, WyomingEdmund Optics – a global manufacturer and supplier of optics, imaging and photonics technology based in Barrington, NJMake 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 no secret that we’re big fans of robots and what they can bring to the manufacturing world here on Manufacturing Happy Hour.So, we invited fellow robot enthusiast Nate Brazelle, VP of Sales and Marketing at KUKA, onto the show to share his predictions on robots in the future of the industry, where they fit in now, and why they could be the answer to the labor shortage.Nate explains how he first took a step into the world of robotics and shares the challenges and realities of working with cobots. We hear about the different areas cobots excel in and how they can work alongside human workers. Nate also lets us in on KUKA’s future plans for industrial robots and how its operating system aims to make deploying robots even easier.In this episode, find out:How Nate first got into roboticsThe top challenges in roboticsThe rise of cobots in manufacturingHow cobots can help with additive manufacturingWhy cobots could fill in the gaps of the talent shortageWhy you should let your team make mistakesHow to get comfortable with new techFuture plans for KUKAEnjoying 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:“Skilled labor is still going away, and we can't find it. So we're thinking of applications like welding, which is great skilled labor, but it's just going away.”"I think the real big benefit of 3D printing is the value and benefit of the cobots and 3D printers in ARM tooling and the grippers. I think that's a really big value.”“I think in the next couple of years, if we focus and look at the areas where we simply can't find the skilled labor, that's going to be where the markets continue to grow.”Links & mentions:KUKA, global robot and automation solutions company offering tailor-made solutions for your industryBuddy Guy’s Legends, a classic blues club with up-and-coming and famous acts plus New Orleans-style pub grub, located in Chicago, 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.

If you already thought that the 5-day work week was one day too long, then this episode will rock your boat. This week, we’re chatting with Joe Sanok, author of Thursday is the New Friday, and he offers a practical breakdown of how the 4-day work week would fit into a manufacturing setting.Before we dive into all that, Joe tells us about his professional background and then offers a brief but detailed history of the 5-day work week (and a bit about the concept of time). We also hear a step-by-step breakdown of how to slow down in order to speed things up and ultimately get more done in four days as opposed to five.Joe leaves us with a whole lot to mull over as far as productivity is concerned. So this is definitely one of those episodes you’re going to want to tune in to.In this episode, find out:What Joe’s book, “Thursday is the New Friday” is aboutJoe’s relationship with the manufacturing industry growing upThe motivation behind Joe’s career choicesWhen Joe really started questioning the 5-day work weekThe history of the 5-day work weekHow people often react to the notion of the 4-day work weekThe first step to slowing down (to ultimately speeding up)How manufacturers can adjust to the 4-day work weekHow to test the 4-day work weekSurprising things Joe learned while writing his bookEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The pandemic was the final linchpin in the 40-hour work week.”“You need to first gain clarity through slowing down so when you eventually speed up, you’re doing the right things instead of putting out fires.”“A lot of the realizations people get from slowing down are more personal than business-related.”Links & mentions:Thursday is the New Friday, by Joe SanokPractice of the Practice podcast, innovative ideas to start, grow, and scale a private practiceJoeSanok.comWorkshop Brewing, right on the water in Traverse City, MIMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full listof resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The worlds of robotics and automation have been picking up speed for some time now. But the pandemic has only fast-tracked the need for the next generation of talent to wield these tools. Organizations such as Illuminate STEM are leading the way for young blood to gain knowledge and fly the flag for robotics for decades to come.Terrence Southern, Founder, CEO & Executive Director at Illuminate STEM, joins this episode to explain how he taught budding robotics workers, how he started his company, and more. Plus, Terrence outlines his predictions for the future of robotics and automation. He explains that, however excited younger generations are about robotics, the eagerness to get involved in the industry still has a long way to go.In this episode, find out:How Terrence got started in roboticsHow he teaches students and helped a student who now works for one of world’s largest companiesHow Illuminate STEM first got startedWhy Terrence aims to make robotics a more viable career choice How the pandemic sped up our reliance on automationWhat Terrence thinks about the future of ‘cobots’Why, despite excitement around robotics, people don’t want to work in the industryThe negative associations people have with roboticsTerrence’s predictions for the future of roboticsEnjoying 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 see ‘cobots’ becoming more accessible and more widely used.”“There’s so much to look forward to in the robotics industry.”“I hate to say it, but the pandemic was the perfect storm to open the floodgates for automation.”Links & mentions:Northland Roller Rink, Detroit’s largest, oldest, world-renowned skating rinkMake 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 not every day you get to record a podcast episode in Berlin, so when Florian Pestoni told me he’d be in Berlin at the same time as me, we had to meet up to record an interview.In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we step out of the studio and into the beer garden to discuss what chronic care for robots looks like. Florian is the Co-Founder & CEO of InOrbit, a Silicon Valley-based startup that helps companies managing fleets of robots streamline their robotic operations. Florian shares his motivation behind his shift from software engineering to robotics, before diving into a discussion about #RobOps and examples of how InOrbit offers chronic care for robotic fleets.Altogether, it’s an informative and - dare we say - unconventional episode packed with insights about the future of robotics, the startup scenes in Berlin, Silicon Valley, and beyond, and yes, the quirks of recording live podcast episodes in less-than-ideal conditions.

We're taking a break this week for summer vacation! Sort of. Actually, we have a bonus episode for you that's all about a summer vacation-esque topic: Industrial Tourism.Until this week, I thought "industrial tourism" was a term I made up, but it turns out it's actually a well-documented practice. From brewery tours to visiting upcycled, decommissioned factories, industrial tourism actually covers a lot of ground.In this episode, I share 3 examples of my own industrial tourism experiences from my recent travels. From Copenhagen to Pennsylvania, there are industrial sites with plenty of good reason to visit them far and wide.

Brennen Dugger is the President & Founder of Blue Collar Automation, specializing in industrial automation, controls integration, and robotics. Brennen and I recently met at A3's Automate conference when the robot at his booth served me a beer. Obviously, he was perfect for Manufacturing Happy Hour!In this episode, Brennen explains the motivation behind his move from the factory floor to the office of a company founder. He also shares the reason why collaborative robots are practically front and center of operations at his company and why they play a huge role in the future of the workforce.He brings things full circle by sharing some vital advice he received from James Dean, the Owner of Appalachian Automation, LLC, right before he started his company.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 Brennen picked engineering as a career pathWhy Blue Collar Automation was createdThe inspiration behind the name Blue Collar AutomationWhy collaborative robots are front and center at Blue Collar AutomationSome of the common applications in collaborative roboticsBrennen’s take on what’s next in the robotics spaceThe most helpful piece of advice Brennen has received since he started his companyBrennen shares some resources that have helped him in his careerEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Collaborative robots have got really poor representation, but that depends because as soon as you put something dangerous on the end of a tool, it's no longer collaborative.”“There's enough work out there for everybody, and if you just try hard and put out good work, the work will come to you.”“I feel like it's riskier to not take risk than it is to stay in your safe, little bubble.”Links & mentions:Blue Collar Automation, an industrial controlscompany specializing in collaborative and industrial robotics, located in Memphis, TNSuperior Integration Solutions (Hayden Automation), specializing in mechanical work, located in St. Joseph, MI and run by Timothy HaydenMFCEO Project Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur Andy Frisella Wiseacre Brewing Co., evidently one of the best breweries in the country according to multiple guests on this podcast, located in Memphis, TNMake sure to connect with all of the industry all-stars that Brennen gave a shoutout to, including Timothy Hayden, James Dean, Ali G, Nikki Gonzales, and Rylan PyciakMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’ve just hit our milestone episode! The big 100, so it makes perfect sense to mark the occasion with a special episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. While Manufacturing Happy Hour has been around for over 5 years, over the course of 75+ videos and over 130 episodes, we’re choosing to label this one Episode 100 (even if it is closer to 200 episodes at this point).In this episode, we’ll recount 10 of the most memorable moments from the past 5 years, but they might not be the moments you expect. From live events to a few surprise moments, get ready for a beer-fueled Top 10 list that should get you excited for the next 100 episodes to come.Hear everything from hilarious beer-related moments to some of the great connections that Chris has made along the way. He also takes us back to the show’s early days and sheds a little light on how far he’s come alongside his community.Chris ties things up by giving some insight behind why he created Manufacturing Happy Hour in the first place and why he intends to stick to that with future episodes. Here’s to another 100 episodes, cheers! In this episode:Chris’ shoutout to the Manufacturing Happy Hour industry communityHow Chris created the showChris talks about what he particularly appreciates from the show’s early days A few funny moments featured on the showThe moment Chris realized the show’s reach went well beyond the Bay AreaThe realities of filming at live eventsHow the show transitioned from Rockwell Automation-centric video series to a podcastChris talks about the inspiration behind his first virtual Happy HourHow Manufacturing Happy Hour has helped Chris make new connectionsEnjoying 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 love that I’ve been able to make connections on the show, but what I love more is the connections my listeners end up making.”“It’s been great seeing the power of a platform that had once been a humble Bay Area video show expand its reach in areas I didn’t necessarily have a huge community in.”“One major thing I’ve learned since I started recording live interviews and shows is that not everything goes according to plan, and you’ve got to roll with the punches.”Links & mentions:Pandemic episodePubcast Worldwide, Chris’ other podcast, focused on beer and beverages around the worldHaymarket Brewing, and the location of the 2019 Automation Fair Pre-PartyMake Sure to Connect with all of These Manufacturing LeadersSteve Parkhill, Rockwell AutomationVinod Anandarajah, Kanavu AutomationMichael “Sully” Sullivan, Miller Resource GroupDanny Gonzales, IndustrialSageThomas Schaefer, SoftingDan Voit, BlentechTim Shope, Endress & HauserDave Griffith, The Manufacturing HubBeth Parkinson, Rockwell AutomationRyan Wasmund, PCC Structurals, IncJake Hall, The Manufacturing MillennialAaron Prather, FedExJeff Burnstein, A3 Association for Advancing AutomationAlex Shikany, A3 Association for Advancing AutomationFirdaus Pohowalla, Cascadia CapitalMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode.Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

If you’re in the manufacturing industry or just an avid social media user, then you’ve probably come across Loupe and some of the amazing feats they’ve been pulling off. Loupe is a Portland, Oregon-based jack-of-all-trades automation outfit that’s responsible for some amazing unboxing videos and viral videos of their robotic dog Spot from Boston Dynamics. They are definitely a group that’s dialed into the art of social media for manufacturing.With a mission as unique as revolutionizing the automation industry, and a desire to bring out-of-the-box thinking into the field, David Nichols, CEO and Co-Founder of Loupe, joins this episode to tell us a few things about the “economics of creativity.” We hear Loupe’s origin story and how changing the name from Automation Resources Group to Loupe did wonders for their brand. David also takes us behind the scenes to where some of the magic happens ─ Loupe’s robot showroom, and explains why creativity, and not just operational thinking, belongs in the automation industry. In this episode, find out:The mission of David’s websiteWhat Loupe doesHow David got into robotics and engineering How Loupe startedWhy they changed their name from Automation Resources Group to LoupeHow the brand name Loupe has benefited the companyWho Loupe builds robots forWhat the economics of creativity entailsWhy most companies don’t adopt the economics of creativity approachWhy creativity should be part of the automation industryDavid’s insights into Loupe’s social media strategy and unconventional projectsEnjoying 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 should be clarity surrounding what a brand is about.”“You learn a whole lot by simply doing and experimenting.”“Sometimes when you do new things, it’s a hit and miss but other times it ends up unlocking tremendous value.”Links & mentions:Loupe, a Portland Oregon based jack of all trades automation outfitLardo, a sandwich shop that worships at the altar of bovine & swineMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Recently, we had an opportunity to attend an extremely unique manufacturing event in Columbus, NE. Columbus is a small, rural town and it's the exact type of spot where manufacturing events should be taking place.Communities like this across the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the United States in general, are where manufacturing and manufacturing jobs can change people's lives.This event was called Manufacturing Nebraska's Future, and it was all about showcasing the trends, opportunities, and technologies in manufacturing to leaders in the Nebraska manufacturing scene as well as to the community. Everyone from students to folks that work at the local manufacturing companies was present.In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we chat with two leaders from the state of Nebraska: Scott Volk, COO of MetalQuest Unlimited, and Mike Johnson, COO at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We covered a lot of ground in this conversation, including the role of the Chamber of Commerce and how to change the perception that Nebraska offers more than just agriculture. It’s a manufacturing powerhouse as well.In this episode, find out:What it was like for Mike to move from brewing to the Chamber of CommerceHow Scott combines his work at Metal Quest and the Chamber of CommerceWhy Nebraska is more than an agricultural stateWhat the Chamber of Commerce does for manufacturingThe nuances of the workforce shortage in manufacturingWhy the manufacturing industry needs some better PRHow other players can contribute to the manufacturing ecosystemWhat other states can learn from the progress made in NebraskaTips for picking the right beerEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The Chamber of Commerce is the engine to get things done, that’s just the simplest way of putting it.” - Scott Volk“What's happening in manufacturing now, and what's going to happen in manufacturing in the next ten years is a quick way to a comfortable life for anyone who's willing to work in the industry.” - Michael Johnson“There's strength in numbers, and the more you can coordinate, the more you're going to get done.” - Scott VolkLinks & mentions:Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, a steadfast advocate for free enterprise, a competitive business climate, and state-wide economic growth through education, leadership development and government activism within the state of NebraskaMetalQuest Unlimited, manufacturer of precision machined component parts and assemblies in Hebron, NEMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full listof resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Our guests this week are Kathy Miller and Shannon Karels.Both of these women have racked up decades of experience in manufacturing and operations, and now they're the duo that leads OPSisters where they focus on advising operations through coaching, training, and speaking. Beyond that, they've also distilled some of the best lessons in their book "Steel Toes and Stilettos," and we're going to be learning quite a bit from them today as well.Tune in to this episode to hear the origin story behind this fantastic business duo, their thoughts on leadership, building connections, leading with empathy, and why they use the lean manufacturing concept in their work.In this episode, find out:How Kathy and Shannon first met How they took the leap to quit their jobs and start a new businessAdvice for anyone looking to start a business with a business partnerWhat a lean manufacturing roadmap looks likeThe soft skills you need to be a great leaderWhy you need to make the mission of the business meaningfulHow to avoid the grind of manufacturingWhy you should lead with empathyHow to find a work-life balance Kathy and Shannon reflect on their careers Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“When I was given the autonomy to build a team I wanted with the best skills that I could find and people who brought diversity of thought to that team was when it was not a grind, it was when it was fun. We were all working toward a common mission.” – Shannon Karels“I think it's just important to know that there will be trade-offs, and you just have to do the best you can with the information that you have. When you're somewhere, be present there. Be thankful for where you are and don't spend a lot of energy on where you can't be.” – Kathy Miller“Know your strengths, use your strengths to help others, and bask in your authentic self. And if it's not a match with where you are, move on and don't look back.” – Kathy Miller Links & mentions:OPSisters, operations leadership advising that includes coaching, training relationships, realities, and resultsSteel Toes and Stilettos, a true story of women manufacturing leaders and lean transformation success by Shannon Karels and Kathy MillerMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re back for 5 more interviews with leaders in Robotics, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence. These conversations all took place in Pittsburgh at Cascadia Connect 2022 with investors, ecosystem leaders, high growth companies, and other movers and shakers in this industry. This was truly a unique event designed to bring all of these different players together, and Cascadia Capital deserves a big shoutout for bringing us all together.Part 1 was largely focused on robotics clusters and academia, but here in Part 2, we're focused on two other very significant players in a tech ecosystem: investors and high growth companies.This episode features the following guests in this order:Champ Suthipongchai, General Partner at Creative VenturesJeremy Searock, Co-Founder & President at Advanced Construction RoboticsGeorge Holmes, PhD, CEO & Co-Founder of Hire HenryAseem Datar, Partner at Madrona Venture GroupFirdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia CapitalMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Connect2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Have you ever been in a room full of growth companies, investors, academics, entrepreneurs, and technologist all working together to advance the industry? It’s rare to get all of these players in a tech ecosystem together in one place, but that’s just what Cascadia Capital did at Cascadia Connect 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA.With such a range of leaders in Robotics, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence across the industrial world, we had the opportunity to sit down with 10 of these individuals to hear their perspectives on the future of these technologies and their applications. We owe a big thanks to Cascadia Capital for bringing these amazing folks together.In this first edition of this double feature, we’ll hear from the individuals leading “robotics clusters” in Silicon Valley, Boston, and Pittsburgh, as well as academics that have dedicated themselves to the advancement of robotics. Get ready to learn from the following five guests in Part 1 of this special feature:Andra Keay, Managing Director of Silicon Valley RoboticsFady Saad, Co-Founder of MassRobotics and General Partner at Cybernetix VenturesJoel Reed, Executive Direct of Pittsburgh Robotics NetworkDr. Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Director of the Robotics Institute and Professor at Carnegie Mellon UniversityThomas Evans, Ph.D., Robotics Chief Technology Officer at HoneywellMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Connect2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Welcome to another episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour recorded in front of a LIVE audience. A couple of months ago at IME West in Anaheim, we had a chance to sit down with Jerry Perez, FANUC America's Executive Director of Global Accounts. FANUC is one of the biggest names in industrial robotics in the world, so as you can probably guess, this is a very robot-centric conversation.In this episode, Jerry shares some insights on the role of the global pandemic in creating that shift from automotive to non-automotive applications of robotics. He also highlights some out-of-the-box applications for robotics that FANUC has been cooking up behind the scenes.Many in the industry are aware of the problems robotics is solving in the manufacturing industry. But it’s not just about how they fill the workforce gap. Jerry, Chris, and co-host Jake Hall of Manufacturing Millennial point out a few key areas that robotics is contributing positively to. It’s not all business as usual though, we also chat about how robots are portrayed in Hollywood and pop culture as a whole.In this episode, find out:Jerry tells us how to officially pronounce FANUCJerry’s take on the largest driver of non-automotive applications on roboticsHow robotics can be applied in the food and hospitality industryHow FANUC plans keep workers safe near robotsWhen to use cobots What new opportunities are out there for robot applicationsIssues that robots address in the manufacturing industryJerry, Jake, and Chris’ favorite pop culture robotsHow FANUC is involving the next generation in roboticsOne of the best conversations Jerry has had at IME WestWhat manufacturing companies can do to attract younger generationsEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“As technology becomes more adoptable, the marketplace becomes more accepting of robots.”“If you're working around something that might poke or punch you, you want to be able to operate it safely. The industry has gone through safety standards to make this happen with Cobots.”“When you’ve got a lot of foot traffic, that’s the perfect spot for a Cobot.”Links & mentions:FANUC America, global leader in industrial roboticsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full listof resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Willemijn Schneyder and her team are changing the game for post-sales support. Willemijn is the CEO and proud Founder of SwipeGuide, a next-generation instruction software that provides an intuitive way to create enhanced-reality work instructions.So how is this creating a revolution? Well, you're going to hear about that in this week’s show. Before venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship, Willemijn was in marketing, e-commerce, and, more recently, new product development. She was no stranger to matching organizations with technological solutions, and this paved the way for SwipeGuide.In this episode, she gives a detailed overview of what SwipeGuide does and how it works. She also explains how it's tapping into the previously overlooked knowledge of frontline workers. Willemijn touches on the topic of diversity and bias in the workplace and discusses why she believes crowdsourced solutions like SwipeGuide are the future of manufacturing.In this episode, find out:What SwipeGuide doesInsights into Willemijn’s career before SwipeGuideHow Willemijn’s background in retail and consultancy prepared her for entrepreneurshipHow SwipeGuide was foundedHow SwipeGuide evolved from a home user manual into an industrial manualA practical example of how SwipeGuide worksThe role of frontline workers in developing SwipeGuide’s scopeHow Willemijn leads a distributed teamWillemijn’s take on inclusive leadership and tackling unconscious biasWhat lies in the future for SwipeGuideEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Though frontline workers aren’t the ones that buy from us, they embrace us — so we serve them so they can adopt the solution, create the content and get the results.”“There's much more recognition of the expertise that frontline workers have in the industry and the vital importance of their skill sets than ever before.”“A lot of what’s wrong with technologies today is they’ve been built by teams that aren’t diverse.”Links & mentions:SwipeGuide, a collaborative, cloud-based work instruction platform that captures frontline knowledge to shape and enhance work processes in minutesLagunitas Case Study, a video featuring how one of Heineken’s largest brands is leveraging SwipeGuideIn Den Uiver, a whiskey bar in Haarlem, NetherlandsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Scot Lindemann has seen a thing or two when it comes to robotics. The guy has over 30 years of engineering and leadership in this space, from his long tenure with JR Automation to where he is now as the CEO of Mission Design and Automation, a Western Michigan-based robotics integrator and automation company. It's only appropriate that he take us through the world of robotics, "then and now," in today's episode.Today, Scot shares his story and what it was like formally entering the field of robotics back in the 80s. We discuss how he's seen technology and the industry evolve, and some of the things that he feels are still the same. We talk about how automation impacts more than just the bottom line of the balance sheet and how small- and mid-sized players can leverage the power of automation today. Finally, we wrap up with some of Scot’s tips for attending trade shows.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Rachele Focardi is a generational diversity expert, international speaker, author, and Founder of XYZ at Work. We've talked about attracting the next generation to the workforce on this show quite a bit, but today is probably our most holistic conversation to date when it comes to all of the generations in the workforce and the wonderful things each generation brings to the table.In this episode, Rachele explains why generational diversity is such a key issue across industries and how it has a unique place in the manufacturing industry. She explores how the pandemic leveled the playing field for each generation and spurred collaboration in and out of the workplace.For the stats fans out there, Rachele offers some pretty juicy stats on this phenomenon. She also gives us a sneak peek at a few of the topics she’s going to discuss at the upcoming Automate Show in Detroit (without giving too much away). In this episode, find out:What a Future of Work Strategist doesInsights from Rachele’s educational and career backgroundWhat inspired Rachele to focus on generational diversityWhy generational diversity is so vital in the present-dayWhat each generation brings to the tableWhy people perceive multigenerational collaboration negativelyThe role of the pandemic in opening people’s minds to generational diversityRachele’s take on diversity in the manufacturing industryWhat Gen X brings to the tableEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I'm confident that if we jump on generational collaboration while it's hot, people will work together to create a reality where generations make decisions and run the world together.”“Hiring people and then losing them because your environment is not multi-generationally harmonious is a reality employers have to deal with.”“Though generational diversity is diversity, it does make us stronger.”Links & mentions:XYZ at Work, a service that helps organizations foster a culture of cross-generational collaboration and understanding to drive employee engagementMake 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 2022's biggest automation event in North America? Automate 2022 is right around the corner.Hosted by A3 - The Association for Advancing Automation - Automate is bringing together over 500 exhibitors and thousands of attendees for the ultimate networking, education, and technology event. The event takes place in Detroit, MI June 6-9 and you can register for FREE at https://manufacturinghappyhour.com/Automate2022.In this preview episode, Alex Shikany - A3's VP of Membership & Business Intelligence - jumps on the show to share what to expect from Automate 2022. From keynote speakers to the first ever Automate LIVE - a first of its kind Game Day-style showcase - this episode should give you all the reason you need to head to Detroit. Plus, The Manufacturing Millennial Jake Hall joins us as a special co-host for this episode. We hope to #SeeYouInDetroit.

The future is digital, and the manufacturing industry is no exception. Jerry Foster, the CTO of Plex, is one of the select visionaries who jumped on the ‘digitization’ bandwagon quite early in the game. Plex is a company that paved the way for business enterprise software in the cloud through a smart manufacturing platform that connects people, systems, machines, and supply chains.Jerry joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share the company’s unconventional origin story and to break down some of the most interesting parts of their annual State of Smart Manufacturing report. It’s an episode packed full of great insights as we dig into topics like the role of AI in manufacturing and tech paralysis. Tune in to hear more about implementing new technology, plus insights into the worlds of racquetball and Star Wars.In this episode, find out:What is smart manufacturing?How Jerry got his start in smart manufacturingWhat it was like to spearhead the first business enterprise software in the cloudJerry breaks down the smart manufacturing growth trajectoryHow to form a successful integrated team Jerry discusses useful technologies that were once dismissed as “hype”How the role of blockchain fits into manufacturing How AI has evolved over the yearsWhat proactive leaders look likeHow to find a balance between profitability and sustainabilityHow playing racquetball has influenced Jerry’s careerJerry’s advice to manufacturing leaders looking to leverage smart manufacturingEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Artificial intelligence or machine learning are the only ways to really tame the beast that is data management — it's like getting 100,000 interns to analyze all that data almost for free.”"In my opinion, it's the cloud and the convergence of that data and computing capabilities that have brought AI to the forefront.”“If you've got action-oriented people, no one's thinking about implications, and with analysis-oriented, you'll have great spreadsheets, but no results, so you need both.”Links & mentions:Plex Systems, a smart manufacturing platform that connects people, systems, machines, and supply chains.Plex’s State of Smart Manufacturing Report, an annual report sharing insights from over 300 manufacturing leaders on the challenges facing their business and how they address them using technology.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.

Divya Thadani leads PPG’s strategy and business development for the company's architectural coatings business in the US and Canada. But her impact doesn’t end there. She’s made her mark as a diversity, equality, and inclusion champion at PPG.In this episode, Divya shares some insights from her childhood and how growing up in an entrepreneurial family influenced her life. She explains what she believes is causing the skill shortage gap in the manufacturing industry and how we can make these roles more accessible to underrepresented groups.Divya sets the stage for how large organizations can help close the skill gap through the lens of PPG. She also gives some pointers on how individuals can foster positive organizational changes that transcend individual teams.In this episode, find out:Divya’s experience coming from an entrepreneurial familyThe most important lesson Divya learned from her parents’ businessWhy Divya thinks a certain amount of naivety is blissHow to make engineering roles more accessible to underrepresented groupsThe forces driving the skill shortage of trade professionalsHow organizations can have a direct impact on educational opportunitiesWhy it's important to invest in educational opportunities for underrepresented groupsHow PPG invests in the next generationHow to create positive cultural change beyond your organizationHow the shift to digital impacts PPG’s diversity, equity, and inclusion effortsDivya’s advice for young and upcoming professionalsEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"The digital shift has enabled us to think very differently about the way we work, how we work, where we work from, which all ties into the DEI conversation.”“Leadership teams need to think about constructive ways to drive cultural change while being intentional with how it permeates their business unit and the company as a whole.”“Enabling underrepresented minorities — whether it’s income or ethnic diversity — involves educating people about the possibilities and giving them access.”Links & mentions:PPG Industries: An American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials.PPG’s Sustainability Report: The company’s 2020 sustainability report strongly focused on its DE&I efforts.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 goes on behind the scenes at some of the top theme parks in the country? A whole lot of custom scenic design, courtesy of 3dx Scenic, a L!VE company that creates immersive 3D expressive designs. Mark Rosenzweig, 3dx’s Senior Account Executive, joins the show to give some insight into what it’s like being part of a team that creates models for theme parks, exhibits, and more. In this episode, Mark breaks down some of 3dx Scenic’s most exciting projects and the challenges that came along with them. He explains how indirect ROI works in a theme park versus projects with a more calculated ROI. Mark also gives us a window into how 3dx Scenic focuses on storytelling with its projects, particularly for models in theme parks or big events. We also hear what Mark believes makes the best guest experience at a theme park. In this episode, find out:What 3dx Scenic doesWhy it’s important to follow a passion with your workThe most exciting projects Mark’s worked onHow far creative liberty goes at 3dx ScenicHow indirect ROI works in a theme park Why photo opportunities have a calculated ROI How 3dx Scenic has overcome challenges Why simplification is key to a good customer experienceEnjoying 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:"Budgets drive jobs. And as long as we have a client or a partner that we're working with that is as transparent as us, we're normally going to work with them. Not only for this job but also long term.”"Parks aren't adding the $20-$30 million coasters like they were three or four years ago. But they do have the capital to put on these events that have a very reliable ROI attached to them.”“Put the control in the guests’ hands and make it intuitive and easy.”Links & mentions:3dx Scenic, a L!VE company that create immersive 3D expressive designRhinegeist Brewery, a craft brewery based in Cincinnati, OhioMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Roman Piszcz is the Founder and CEO of Quotebeam, a new company that's reducing friction in the purchasing process and building a marketplace for automation parts, quotes, and collaboration. But before Roman became an entrepreneur, he was leading a team at Apple, and that’s where this week’s story begins…Roman joined Apple back in 2016 and worked there for nearly five years as part of the iPhone product operations team. As it is with most entrepreneurs, his company was borne out of a particular pain point he noticed in the industry — the disjointed nature of the machine part procurement process.These days, you’ll find him tackling a whole new set of challenges that he delves into in this episode. Roman also shares a few leadership tips he picked up from his time at Apple and as the CEO of Quotebeam. He gives us some insights into the manufacturing support network he’s building and shares what he sees on its horizon. In this episode, find out:Roman talks about his work with AppleThe importance of raising team members to be leadersAdvice for people managers moving to a new roleWhat inspired Roman to create QuotebeamThe communication problem Quotebeam is looking to solveHow Quotebeam’s transactional and conversational aspects are part of its solutionUnexpected challenges Roman faced as a startup ownerHow Roman’s experience at Apple feeds into his work at QuotebeamWhy data is a huge part of decision-making in businessRoman shares insights into Quotebeam’s core visionHow Roman’s manufacturing support network ecosystem is evolvingEnjoying 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:“Running a start-up is an interesting journey. You get to break things, and no one yells at you.”“You don’t make decisions based on opinions, you make them based on data.”“Engineers don’t need to know everything. They just need to know where to find the right information.” Links & mentions:Quotebeam, the marketplace for automation parts, quotes, and collaborationShadow Puppet Brewing Company, a production craft brewery with an open tasting room, located in Livermore, CAMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Sharad Chadha is the CEO of Sprecher Brewing Company and through hard work, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking, he’s living the American dream. Originally an engineering major, Sharad topped that with an MBA and used his skill and business acumen to rise through the ranks at renowned companies like GE Healthcare, Electrolux, and Samsung. Now he’s pouring all his business acumen into running Sprecher, Wisconsin’s first craft brewery.In this episode, Sharad gives us some insights into his diverse career and how it prepared him for his role as the CEO of Sprecher. He discusses some of the highs and lows of running a company as opposed to working for someone else.Sharad also shares a few decision-making tips for manufacturing leaders, talks about what makes Sprecher stand out from the competition, and reveals his future plans.In this episode, find out:What makes Sprecher specialSharad shares insights into his diverse careerHow Sharad’s numerous roles prepared him for SprecherWhat inspired Sharad to buy a breweryWhat it’s like purchasing and running a companyWhy Sprecher produces sodas as opposed to spirits and hard seltzersMaking decisions as a manufacturing leader Why Sprecher made the switch from beer bottles to cans Why looking at trends is vital before making big decisionsHow to manage and plan for big changesSprecher’s progress during the pandemicThe importance of hiring good leadersSharad’s five year vision for SprecherEnjoying 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:“Challenging experiences teach you resilience and how to look at things from a different angle — and as long as you have that attitude, you can make it through anything.”“Working in a big company is great, but it's not as satisfying as working in a small company where when you do something, you can see the fruits of your labor.”“Running a plant is completely different from knowing about a plant or working with a plant to get your product."Links & mentions:Sprecher Brewing Company Wisconsin’s first craft brewery since prohibition, specializing in the production of beers, flavored malt beverages, and sodas.Green River Soda A classic Chicago soda developed over a century ago, presently brewed by Sprecher Brewing CompanyMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Working on first-generation products and new product development is no walk in the park. But, Milo Werner, General Partner at The Engine, joined the "Build Better 2022" virtual conference to share her wealth of experience.Milo joined Tesla in 2007 at a critical stage in the company's trajectory, where she led new product introduction launching the Model S and Model X powertrains. In addition to Tesla, Milo ran new product introduction at Fitbit, launching four factories in China and transitioning the company to fully automated production. Now she's a general partner at The Engine, where her dedication to solving some of the world's biggest problems, from climate to health to computing and beyond, continues.In this extract from the "Build Better 2022" virtual conference, Milo gives us the low down on how she got her start in both Tesla and Fitbit. We hear about her triumphs and the challenges she faced developing first-generation and new product development. She also answers a bunch of intuitive questions from manufacturers in the audience.In this episode, find out:How Milo got into Tesla and new product developmentChallenges she experienced while working on the Model-S powertrainLessons learned from building a first-generation productChallenges when developing new productsMilo’s transition from Tesla to FitbitWhat characteristics need to align when evaluating a contract manufacturerLessons learned from smaller companies making first-generation productsWhy it’s vital to be open to recommendations from contract manufacturersHow to determine the specifications for how good a product feature should beHow to manage people on long projectsHow to find out if you’re a fit for new product developmentThe future of cars as a serviceEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“New product introduction is a wonderful way to meet people and to be that glue that removes silos and brings people together as a cross-functional team.”“The CM industry is run on razor-thin margins, and they've been put in that corner by one customer after another.”“I want to solve problems in our community and society, and Tesla and Fitbit really spoke to me in that regard.”Links & mentions:Tesla, an American electric vehicle and clean energy company that manufactures electric cars, battery energy storage, and other related productsFitbit, an American consumer electronics and fitness companyGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't, a management book that describes how companies go from being good to greatThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team, a business book that describes the many pitfalls teams face as they seek to "grow together"Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

If you can’t tell from the title, there’s a lot of variety in this week’s episode. Michael Wrinch is the President and CEO of Hedgehog Technologies, an engineering consulting firm based in British Columbia that specializes in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and risk management. From rides and attractions to projects that impact sustainability, Hedgehog’s motto is fitting: “We make complex visions a practical reality.”In this episode, Mike gives a little background on why his company is called Hedgehog Technologies and where his interest in electrical engineering stems from. He explains his people-first approach to business and why that’s so important when creating infrastructure.Mike also takes us through some of the complex projects he’s worked on. We round things up by getting a glimpse at some of the other interesting experiences he’s had. Spoiler alert: It’s everything from chimney cleaning to cheesemaking.In this episode, find out:How Mike came up with the name Hedgehog Technologies for his company The importance of trust and accountability in teamworkWhat inspired Mike to transition from firefighting to engineeringMike explains his company’s core valueHow diversity fuels innovationWhy Mike picks hard projectsThe trick to working with high-risk machinesMike’s experience as a fish factory worker and a cheesemakerEnjoying 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:“Unless you have a real good understanding of how people are working within the infrastructure of this world, you can’t design great things.”“Different perspectives create insights into designs that we're working on that really matter.”“If you want a high-performing team, you need to trust each other, be accountable, and be hardworking.”Links & mentions:Hedgehog Technologies, an engineering consulting firm based in British Columbia that specializes in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and risk managementOntario’s most northern First Nation goes green with their first solar project, an article on one of Hedgehog’s most significant sustainability and community-focused projects 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Michael WrinchWeekend Warrior: Michael Wrinch has a taste for danger, a 2019 article about Michael from BC BusinessMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We talk a lot about ways manufacturers can save money and grow their business on Manufacturing Happy Hour...digital transformation, process optimization, all of that. Sometimes it makes sense to talk about the basics. While tax credits aren't necessarily "sexy," they can impact your balance sheet. Today we're focusing specifically on the Employee Retention Credit.So how's this credit work? To answer that, we're bring back Josh Fox, CEO of Bottom Line Concepts, who appeared on Episode 15 of the show. In this bonus episode, Josh is going to take us through the Employee Retention Credit is, who qualifies, how it works, and how it can result in saving of 6 to 7 figures for small- to mid-sized manufacturers.

Sarah Boisvert has a long history in the manufacturing world. She started her career in lasers which fed into 3D printing, and now she's helping close the skills gap as the Founder of both the Fab Lab Hub and the New Collar Network.In this episode, Sarah delves into the inspiration behind the New Collar Movement and how it’s impacted her career since then. She also explains the thinking behind Fab Labs and gives some insights into the programs offered, digital badges awarded, and unique teaching approaches applied. Sarah goes on to highlight the value of problem-solving skills for the modern-day manufacturing workforce and explains why it’s so much more important than test-taking skills and knowledge regurgitation. In this episode, find out:Sarah’s insights into the new collar movementHow Sarah transitioned from working with lasers to 3D printingWhat fab labs are and how they operateThe importance of problem-solving skills in manufacturingWhere Sarah believes education will be in five yearsEnjoying 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:“Unless you’re going to become an engineer, a doctor, or lawyer, college doesn’t necessarily ensure a successful career economically.”“A critical part of our program is to ensure people can apply for jobs with a portfolio because it tells an HR person so much more than a certificate or a degree.”“Today, it's easy to find an engineer but try and find a CNC machinist — it’s hard because everyone’s convinced that they need to go to college.”Links & mentions:The New Collar Workforce: An Insider’s Guide to Making Impactful Changes to Manufacturing and Training by Sarah BoisvertNew Collar Network, a non-profit organization that provides skill-specific, short, affordable training for new collar jobsFab Lab Hub, a part of the international Fab Lab network that provides nationwide hands-on training for the new collar workforceMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Jay Douglass has been around robotics and technology for a long time. After a long history with Carnegie Mellon, he’s now the COO of the ARM Institute. This organization is creating a nationwide group of elite manufacturing, academic, technology, and government organizations that share the common mission of a robust U.S. manufacturing ecosystem, impacting everything from the US economy in general, all the way to national defense.In this episode, Jay gives us a peek behind the scenes of what happens at the ARM Institute and how he got started there. He delves into the main problems the Institute exists to address as well as the progress they’ve made since their establishment.Jay goes on to explain why it’s economically and politically important for America to build a strong manufacturing base. While he’s at it, he shares some interesting manufacturing insights from a historical standpoint.In this episode, find out:What the ARM institute doesHow small enterprises can take advantage of roboticsHow Jay transitioned from business development to being the COO of the ARM instituteThe kind of projects funded by the ARM instituteHow the ARM institute empowers the manufacturing workforceWhy scalability and skillset gaps are major issues plaguing the American manufacturing industryHow a strong manufacturing base could benefit national securityHow to connect with the ARM instituteEnjoying 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:“America needs a real manufacturing base — we can’t have an economy that’s largely based on food production and popular culture.”“We’re not prototyping products as much as we are prototyping their manufacturing process.”“What we do is to help the smaller manufacturers get better and more competitive so they can deal with the challenges of the evolving economy.”Links & mentions:ARM Institute, a national membership-based consortium that accelerates the development and adoption of innovative robotics technologies that are the foundation of every advanced manufacturing activity today and in the futureRoboticsCareer.org, the ARM Institute’s site containing links to thousands of robotics training programsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full listof resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.