Manufacturing Happy Hour

Gavin Collier is an attorney turned serial entrepreneur. After cutting his teeth as an attorney and cofounding multiple companies, he's now focused on his latest venture as the CEO of Dynamic Blending, a global cosmetic manufacturing company. Dynamic Blending was just ranked #17 on Inc. 5000's list of fastest-growing private companies in 2020.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Gavin’s varied career journey from law to contract manufacturing. We look at the reasons behind Dynamic Blending’s impressive growth and Gavin’s focus on people at the heart of the business. Gavin says that people are the secret to success and highlights the importance of keeping great customers happy and building a reliable team. We round off our talk with Gavin’s tips for turning ideas into real successes. In this episode, find out:How Gavin made the leap from a law background to contract manufacturingHow success in cosmetics is about more than just the product. It’s also down to the packaging and marketingHow important great products are to creating a successful manufacturing businessThe reasons behind Dynamic Blending’s crazy-high growth in 2020Why keeping customers happy is Gavin’s number one focusThe importance of having a great team that shares ideas freelyHow to push through challenges and get where you want to go with your business.Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The products speak for themselves…If you have a great product, people will buy it.”“We’ve been looking for ways to solve our customer’s problems, and that has made us a more attractive business to do business with.”“You’ve got to put your money where your mouth is. If you really believe in something, you’ve got to risk a lot to get it.”Links & mentions:Dynamic Blending, a contract manufacturing company based in Utah that specializes in cosmetics.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.

Jake Hall is a believer that the future of manufacturing is in the hands of millennials. By day he’s a Business Development Manager at Feyen Zylstra, but most people know him as “The Manufacturing Millennial.” Through conversations and online manufacturing videos that he releases on a constant basis, he's doing his part to highlight the excitement behind automation and high-tech manufacturing.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Jake about how he built such a strong personal brand and his thoughts on the future of manufacturing. Jake discusses the increasing need for millennials in manufacturing and how they can bring some much-needed innovation into the industry. Jake also shares how he balances his day job with The Manufacturing Millennial brand and his top LinkedIn networking tips.In this episode, find out:How Jake got started with The Manufacturing MillennialHow Jake creates engaging content on LinkedIn to build a recognizable brandWhy more big brands aren’t taking advantage of repurposing manufacturing processes and creating engaging contentThe power of LinkedIn for anyone in the manufacturing industry and why Jake views LinkedIn as a social networking site for professionalsHow networking has benefited Jake and his personal brandThe core reason why Jake pursued manufacturing Jake shares his thoughts on the best paths young people can take in manufacturingWhy the manufacturing industry needs millennials and their innovations How to find time to build a personal brandJake’s tips for LinkedIn networking (plus mistakes to avoid).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:“Stop selling your product, start solving problems…If you solve the problems, selling is easy.” – Jake Hall“Millennials are some of the most innovative people out there.” – Jake Hall“The manufacturing workforce is aging, and as people in skilled trades are retiring, there are huge gaps out there for new electricians and programmers.” - Jake HallLinks & mentions:The Manufacturing Millennial, a solution to help manufacturing companies learn more about new tech, automation, and Industry 4.0.Feyen Zylstra, a team of highly skilled thinkers who help electrical and tech industries with innovative solutions.Titans of CNC, one of Jake’s favorite LinkedIn accounts to check out.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.

Craig Francisco is a modern sales & marketing guru in manufacturing and beyond. In his 25 year career, he's served as an operations leader, a podcast host, a sales consultant, and now he’s the President at RōBEX. This brand-new automation company is taking the world by storm with an incredible team and deep expertise in the food, glass, and tissue industries, just to name a few.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Craig’s varied career, some tips he’s picked up over the years, and how to stay relevant online. We look at what type of social media content most resonates with people and how to build a solid strategy. We round off with some of Craig’s best tips for staying ahead online and how to measure your progress. In this episode, find out:We start by discussing how RōBEX helps businesses find automated, smart technology solutionsWhat lessons Craig has picked up throughout his career from mentors and booksCraig discusses why there’s no reason you can’t be successfulCraig reveals why creating customer avatars is step one in any successful marketing planHow to create valuable content on social media and avoid common mistakesHow RōBEX manages to stay consistent (even through a pandemic)The importance of measuring the results of your strategiesHow to stay relevant online, despite all the competitionEnjoying 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 content is the most important thing in social media, not the frequency” – Craig Francisco “No matter what you do or where you decide to put your money, always measure the results” – Craig Francisco“Make sure you are figuring out how to stay relevant online” – Craig FranciscoLinks & mentions:RōBEX LLC, an industrial robotics and industrial automation company with uncommon experience & expertiseThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Craig’s top book recommendation for sales successJab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, one of Gary Vaynerchuk’s best books on tactical social media strategyBenchmark, the top steakhouse in the Toledo area and one of Craig’s personal favoritesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Karen Kerr has a long track record in Venture Capital and manufacturing. For over 2 decades, she has been developing technology-based businesses, serving as Executive Managing Director at GE Ventures, as well as the Senior Director of New Ventures and Alliances at USC's Stevens Center for Innovation (just to name a few). Today, she's the Managing Director at Exposition Ventures in Chicago, IL.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Karen’s exciting career in venture capital, how she got started and what she has planned for the future. We also take an in depth look into where manufacturing fits into venture capital, as well as which companies are leading the way with innovative technologies. We round off our talk with what Karen prioritizes when looking for new companies to invest in. In this episode, find out:We start by discussing Karen’s background and how she first got into venture capitalWhat type of firms Karen’s worked with in the pastKaren discusses her projects with Exposition VenturesWe talk about what venture capital looks at when considering new businessesHow GE Ventures has changed over the yearsKaren discusses how far into Industry 4.0 we really areKaren talks us through her interest in manufacturing and technologyInteresting companies that are harnessing Industry 4.0We wrap up our conversation by talking about Karen’s love of baseball and single malt scotch.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 entrepreneur is the most critical thing, and her ability to build a high-functioning team.” – Karen Kerr“It’s really how you manage people in teams…that’s what makes for a successful business.” – Karen Kerr“Companies that can address challenges that apply to different industries…that’s what I look for” – Karen KerrLinks & mentions:Exposition Ventures, Venture Capital advisory servicesmHUB, an innovation center which removes barriers for hardtech entrepreneurs and manufacturersPitchbook, a financial data and software company to help venture capitalists discover new opportunitiesBruichladdich Distillery, a single malt distillery on the Isle of Islay in ScotlandSpringbank 21, Karen Kerr’s favorite single maltMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Chris Grainger has had a long, illustrious career in electrical distribution, currently serving as the Engineering & Services Manager for the Electrical Equipment Company, better known as EECO. Now, he’s also the host of the podcast EECO Asks Why, a show that focuses on the heroes and ideas impacting the industrial world.In this episode, we talk about the origin story of how Chris’s career in electrical distribution got started, how he launched his amazing podcast, and how he secured buy-in from his company. As we dive further into Chris’ love for podcasting, we cover the nuts and bolts of running a good, consistent podcast. Last but not least, we talk about some of Chris’s biggest lessons from podcasting that you’ll want to pay close attention to if you want to start a successful podcast of your own! In this episode, find out: We start the conversation by addressing what the podcast, EECO Asks Why, is aboutWhat drew Chris to the manufacturing industry (and held his interest for 18+ years!)Chris reflects on his self-awareness journey that brought him to the service side of the businessWhat systems and processes help Chris balance his day job and his passion for podcastingWe talk about all the ways Chris prepares for an interview and the importance of doing your front-end homework on your guestsChris reveals one of the most unexpected lessons he learned from hosting a podcastWhy Chris and EECO decided to record and publish two podcast episodes per week instead of oneChris shares some incredible results that have been generated from the EECO Asks Why podcastChris discusses what has been the most rewarding part of hosting a podcast for him personallyWhat hobbies have kept Chris occupied lately besides hosting an amazing podcastEnjoying 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 really care about the guest and you want to put the best spotlight you can on the guest, you better do your front-end homework.” – Chris Grainger“Everybody has a different style…find one that works for you and make it yours.” – Chris Grainger“When passion and talent align, you get that moment of joy, where you feel like you're doing what you're supposed to be doing.” – Chris GraingerLinks & mentions:EECO Asks Why, an industrial distribution and manufacturing industry podcast focused on the people and ideas in this industry (not product)EECO (Electrical Equipment Company), leading industrial automation and electrical distributor serving Virginia and the CarolinasTom Woodson on EECO Asks Why, Episode 36 of EECO Asks Why featuring one of Chris Grainger’s standout guestsChris Grainger on LinkedInEECO on LinkedInMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Greg Paulsen is the Director of Application Engineering at Xometry, offering industry-leading manufacturing and 3D printing on demand. While we can’t help but highlight Greg’s experience as a wine educator back in his college days, today, he leads the Application Engineering team at Xometry as an advanced manufacturing expert and 3D printing evangelist.In this episode, we talk about the inner workings of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Greg is so passionate about his role in the 3D printing universe that it is sure to inspire you to follow your own passion in your career. Greg also shares some actionable tips to help advance your career before he debunks some of the biggest myths around 3D printing and lets us in on a few industry secrets. Finally, we wrap up the conversation with a discussion focused on Greg’s second passion – good wine and good company. In this episode, find out:How Greg adapted a unique perspective of 3D additive manufacturing Greg reveals how he got started in the wine industry How Greg went from working in wine education to his current role as Director of Application Engineering at XometryGreg debunks two common myths around 3D printingHow prototyping is like “going from an analog to a digital camera” Why Greg is so passionate about 3D printing Greg shares some great career tips and advice to help you get your dream jobHow manufacturing and real production as the new 3D printing frontier can scale in terms of customer acceptance, cosmetics, cost, output, etc.How the aerospace industry accumulates an amazing ROI The ROI benefits of adopting metal additive manufacturing in aerospaceGreg reveals what comes first – CAD or 3D printingWe wrap up our conversation with some wine recommendations, and Greg shares a simplified description of what Xometry doesEnjoying 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:“Someone who's a fantastic communicator, who can also learn a technical expertise, is a jewel.” – Greg Paulsen“Manufacturing and real production is the new 3D printing frontier.” – Greg Paulsen“In 3D printing, you can put different features together in a way that you couldn't naturally combine.” – Greg PaulsenLinks & mentions:Xometry’s websiteGreg’s LinkedInGreg’s TwitterSteamChain.ioMake 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 with another cybersecurity edition of the podcast, only this time, we’re focused on ransomware. Today we’re joined by Ofer Shaked, Co-Founder and CTO of SCADAfence, an Israel-based security company with the most comprehensive OT and IoT cybersecurity platform for critical infrastructure and enterprises. He’ll be sharing the details of a targeted ransomware attack he and his team recently helped resolve.In this episode, we’ll cover why targeted cyberattacks are becoming more common, why manufacturing is such a hot target, and what it’s like being on the ground floor of a cyberattack. Ofer walks us through how the SCADAfence team responds and the steps they take to address these events. Finally, we’ll share what might be next in the cyberthreat landscape.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Kristin Russum is a Director of Human Capital Services at TriNet. Having spent almost 2 decades as an HR leader across a number of companies, at TriNet, she’s now helping small and medium size businesses implement full-service HR solutions tailored by industry.In this episode, Kristin takes us through her journey in the HR world and shares some of her best tips HR tips that every manufacturing leader should keep in mind. From succession planning to creating workplaces that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive, Kristin makes it clear that creating a people-centric organization doesn’t just stop and start at the HR department.About TriNet:TriNet is a professional employer organization that provides small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll and real-time technology. From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters most—growing their business.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Kristina Harrington is an eCommerce expert with no shortage of experience when it comes to easing the process of doing business with manufacturers. Having moved up the ranks with large equipment companies like Bucyrus and Caterpillar, she is now the President and COO of GenAlpha, a B2B eCommerce software business for equipment manufacturers.In this episode, we hear about Kris’ career journey and how her work experiences took her from Wisconsin to Latin America and back to cofounding GenAlpha. She gives us a rundown of GenAlpha’s Equip platform and how manufacturers should be leveraging eCommerce and analytics to grow their business. Finally, we’ll get to hear about Kris’ agricultural side hustle and the lessons she’s learned from farming that have helped her in her career.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Paul Van Metre is a machine shop owner-turned-entrepreneur. After starting Pro CNC in Bellingham, WA in 1997, he recently went on to co-found ProShop, a cloud-based ERP software system that combines elements of an MES (a manufacturing execution system) with a QMS (a quality management system) into a single platform.In this episode, Paul shares his story about starting a company right out of college some Formula SAE buddies and how the challenges they faced as machine shop owners inspired them to create ProShop. In addition to hearing some of the lessons that Paul has learned throughout his entrepreneurial career, we discuss why systems, documentation, and business processes are the key differentiator for manufacturers – particularly machine shops – in today’s market. We even get into a little car talk before the interview wraps up, so make sure to stick around until the end!Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Curt Anderson, author of the fantastic book “Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies,” and eCommerce Evangelist for Manufacturers at Ecommerce MGMT, is an eCommerce whizz with some great tips to share.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Curt shares how he first dived into the world of eCommerce. He explains why he wants to help manufacturers get on that path too. He discusses the common mistakes that custom manufacturers make and why they should “niche down” and focus on their “soulmate” customers for the best chance of success.He shares his thoughts on the wider industry, why the big marketplaces are so successful, and why you should always aim to make a great first “webpression.”In this episode, find out:How when Curt discovered eCommerce, it was like “a dream come true”Why Curt wants to help custom manufacturers have a digital transformationWhat the entrepreneurial curse isWhy manufacturers need to niche downHow finding your “soulmate” customer can transform your growthWhy online marketplaces are the place to beWhy you should treat your website like a five-star resortEnjoying 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:“Who is that ideal dream customer? In the book, I call them “soulmates” …basically, your website is a matchmaker, so who can we really connect with?”“There's a lot of different marketplaces that you can take advantage of. And what are they doing? They make that great first impression because they have multimillion if not billion-dollar budgets. So put your products on the marketplaces.”“Stop being the best-kept secret. So say you're rocking it, you've got the best website on the planet, you've got to dominate search.”Links & mentions:Ecommerce MGMT, a place for digital and eCommerce resources for manufacturers.Stop Being the Best Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies, Curt’s fantastic book on building an effective eCommerce strategy.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.

Lisa Ryan has one of the most unique trajectories that you’ve ever seen in the industrial sector. She’s gone from welding to med device sales to where she is now as an author and keynote speaker that helps manufacturers solve their employee engagement and retention challenges. In addition to writing books like Manufacturing Engagement, she’s the Founder of Grategy, a training & coaching business dedicated to helping leaders keep their top talent from becoming someone else’s.In this episode, Lisa shares the ups and downs of her career and the lessons learned along the way. We also cover the importance of empathy and communication when it comes to employee engagement before wrapping up with a conversation about trade skills and career paths.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Chris goes solo in this episode to share a podcast version of a keynote he recently gave at Content Marketing World 2020. While the majority of podcasts have less than 1,000 listeners per episode (and that's okay!), today you're going to learn how to make tens of thousands of impressions with every episode you release.Whether you're a brand or an individual that's considered adding a podcast to your content strategy - or maybe you already have one within your content repertoire - today's show contains the foundational skills and tools you need to create a goldmine of highly-sharable audio, visual, and written content. That way, you can meet your audience wherever they are spending their time, whether that’s on social media, YouTube, or your website.

We have a short episode for you this week folks, and it's because there are some exciting updates coming to Manufacturing Happy Hour! Tune in to hear all the details on Chris' latest career move, a new partnership, and an honest reflection on 11 years spent working for Rockwell Automation.

We have another security episode in store for you this week. We’re talking to Mark Carrigan, the COO of PAS Global, a company that reduces process safety risks and delivers software solutions that prevent, detect, and remediate cyber threats.In this episode, we kick things off by defining what “OT integrity” means while taking on some misconceptions about cybersecurity. We also discuss establishing a culture of safety and security in the process industry before covering the impact that digitalization is having on the cyber threat landscape. All of this while giving a couple of shoutouts to our favorite Houston, TX pubs.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Andrew Johnson is a supply chain innovator, speaker, and the CEO of ShelfAware. After being raised in and working for his family’s industrial business O-Ring Sales and Services, ShelfAware developed out of that company and now provides an RFID-powered solution that gives wireless traceability to a manufacturers’ inventory. In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Andrew takes us behind the scenes to look at ShelfAware’s origin story. We hear how much he learned growing up in a family business and what led him to start ShelfAware.  Andrew explains how automation has been key to growing his business and why he uses the idea of “incremental innovation” to scale his company sustainably. We also hear the lessons he learned from the movie Moneyball and some top tips he has to share for other manufacturers. In this episode, find out:     How growing up in a family business introduced Andrew to entrepreneurialism     The origin story of ShelfAware      Why automation can be a great way to boost your competitive advantage     How the movie Moneyball inspired him  What incremental innovation is and why it’s the best way forwardWhy manufacturers should focus on developing young talent (even if they lack experience)Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes:   “We have to have fun. In our workplace, we have to take some risks. And we have to be willing to get messy, or we’ll never take that next step in innovation.”“I think a lot of manufacturers should throw out all of their experience requirements when they're hiring new folks for their company.”      “Look at innovation as a race, a marathon, a long race with huge goals. But you're going to run your incremental races as a series of sprints to get to that big finish line.”Links & mentions:ShelfAware, RFID technology manufacturer that automates supply chainsShelfAware’s YouTube channel, short and sweet videos about ShelfAware, manufacturing musings, and hot takes on where the industry is headingJack Stack Barbecue, an upscale Kansas City BBQ chain with several locations across the cityJoe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, an old-school BBQ joint set in an old gas stationMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Kiley Summers is a manufacturing leader turned financial services entrepreneur. He’s the Founder of SpenDebt, a financial technology company that helps people payoff debt through micropayments in every day transactions. But prior to that, he came up through the ranks in engineering, operations, and business unit leadership at PepsiCo.In this episode, Kiley takes us through his journey to becoming an engineer, a leader in manufacturing, and ultimately, an entrepreneur. Kiley shares stories about his background and the biggest lessons he pulled from his time working at Frito-Lay’s Rosenberg, TX plant that he now uses to navigate the challenges of running his own business. Plus, you’ll hear how SpenDebt is changing the game when it comes to paying off debt, along with a couple of other tasty conversations and takeaways.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

It’s the final episode of our Sales & Marketing Game Changers mini-series! Chris is responsible for hosting duties this week, and he’ll be joined one last time by 5 other sales & marketing experts to take on the topic of leadership in 2020.In this last installment of our 4-part series, we’ll be sharing our observations about leadership since the world changed in March 2020. Our panelists will each boil leadership down to a single word, share stories of where they’ve seen leaders emerge, and wrap things up with advice that anyone can use to step up and lead in this brave new world.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s sales and marketing leaders. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/GameChangers for a full list of resources from these episodes and to connect with the other panelists. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What are the top solutions for manufacturers that we’ve come across in our first year of this podcast? This week, we’ll be sharing the best technologies and companies we’ve come across through our podcast interviews and virtual events since we started the show last summer. From technologies that address the workforce skills gap to those that reduce your bottom line without sacrificing new business and revenue, these companies are taking on the biggest issues facing manufacturers in 2020.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Welcome back to another episode of our Sales & Marketing Game Changers mini-series! The third edition of our 4-part panel discussion features Chris and 5 other sales & marketing gurus sharing their thoughts on the most pressing topics for B2B business leaders in 2020 and beyond.Are there things getting in the way for you and your organization to make sales? Part three is all about identifying and eliminating those roadblocks impacting sales and marketing. We share our perspectives on the top roadblocks, how to detect them, and wrap up with pointed tactics on how to reduce them.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s sales and marketing leaders. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/GameChangers for a full list of resources from these episodes and to connect with the other panelists. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re moving right along in our Sales & Marketing Game Changers mini-series! In the second edition of our 4-part panel discussion, Chris is once again joined by 5 other sales & marketing experts to take on some of the most pressing topics for B2B business leaders in 2020.In part two, we’re shifting the focus from marketing to sales as we discuss the importance of listening, tracking outcomes, and creating a marketing strategy that is all about the customer. Said another way, it’s not about you! We’ll all share 1 thing that leaders can change to not only impact sales, but gain a ton of authentic customer feedback in the process. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a conversation about leveraging data so that you never have to “sell naked” ever again.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s sales and marketing leaders. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/GameChangers for a full list of resources from these episodes and to connect with the other panelists. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Jason Ray is the CEO of Paperless Parts, a company on a mission to make manufacturing more accessible. After spending 8 years in the Navy in leadership roles ranging from Supply Corps Officer to Additive Manufacturing Lead, Jason co-founded Paperless Parts, and through their cloud-based sales and quoting software solutions, he's helping job shop manufacturers quote faster, win new customers, and increase revenues.In this episode, Jason takes us through his story as a military leader and how it ultimately led to the creation of his current company. On the surface, this episode is about Paperless Parts’ software solution that’s streamlining the quoting and sales process for job shop manufacturers. But beyond the ins-and-outs of their software, we’ll cover bigger topics like customer experience, digital transformation, and the workforce skills gap. Whether you’re in a job shop or not, this one is jammed with lessons for leaders across the manufacturing sector.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Welcome to the Sales & Marketing Game Changers mini-series, a 4-part bonus edition of Manufacturing Happy Hour where we’ll be tackling the most pressing topics facing B2B business leaders through weekly panel discussions. Your host Chris Luecke is joined by 5 other B2B sales & marketing experts to take on some of the most pressing topics for business leaders in 2020.In our first edition of the Game Changers, we’ll be focusing on authentic, modern marketing. We start by debunking some of the biggest misconceptions about marketing before hearing multiple perspectives on what effective marketing looks like today. Finally, we share actions you can take right now to make your marketing more impactful.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s sales and marketing leaders. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/GameChangers for a full list of resources from these episodes and to connect with the other panelists. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Wendy Covey from TREW Marketing rejoins us for a bonus episode where we get into the details of content marketing to a technical audience. In this short episode, we’ll cover the specifics of both publishing and promoting content. We start by focusing on a company’s website as the primary publishing platform and why it needs to be an effective marketing tool, from responsiveness to frequency of updates, even to the code behind it. We also cover why having a marketing automation platform and an integrated CRM is essential for measuring how marketing is performing. Finally, Wendy covers inbound and outbound strategies, including how to attract people to your site and move them through the buyer’s journey, as well as working with industry publications and LinkedIn strategies for pulling in new clients.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Wendy Covey is a maven of technical marketing. She is the CEO & Founder of TREW Marketing, an agency that educates middle-market engineering companies on technical buyer behavior and how to utilize inbound marketing and sales methodologies to generate more demand. She is also the creator of Content Marketing, Engineered, a podcast, book, and now a digital training course focused on building trust and converting technical buyers with compelling content.In this episode, Wendy shares plenty of tips for engaging a technical audience, but not before she shares her own story that got her to create a marketing agency of her own. We’ll discuss the type of content that technical buyers are looking for, as well as how to make technical content cool, interesting, and informative. Wendy has plenty of stories to share from her decades of experience, and we’ll even walk you through the steps companies should take to start creating better technical content.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Joe Sullivan has been making his mark on B2B marketing for well over a decade. He's the Founder of Gorilla76, an industrial marketing agency that helps mid-sized B2B manufacturers identify, attract, engage, and drive sales opportunities with ideal-fit customers. Most recently, he launched The Manufacturing Executive Podcast, a show focused on conversations with passionate manufacturing leaders who have compelling stories to share about their successes and struggles.In this episode, Joe gives us a thorough crash course in marketing for industrial clients. We debunk some common misperceptions around marketing before Joe shares Gorilla76’s Industrial Marketing Roadmap strategy. The best content comes from the minds of your experts, and we’ll cover how to extract knowledge to create material that solves your customers’ problems and draws in new clients. From budgeting to pillar content to social media, we’ll cover plenty of strategies that will turn your marketing from an expense into a sales-generating machine.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re back with the Q&A segment of our live fireside chat in this bonus episode on the brewing industry. This time, the attendees from one of our recent “virtual happy hours” with our Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community get to ask the questions. We discuss why people, process, and technology are so critical to digital transformation in brewing, while tackling recent events and their impact on brewers. From COVID-19 & remote work to flexibility in markets like Germany where purity law is king, there’s more great discussion amongst our panelists from the Canadian beer market.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We invited a panel of industrial brewing experts onto one of our recent “virtual happy hours” with our Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community, and the conversation was too good not to turn it into a podcast! This episode features a fireside chat that we co-hosted with Steve Grundy, the Founder & CEO of Top 5 Solutions, who assembled a rockstar cast of beer industry leaders, including:Connor MacDonald, a Brewing Automation and Controls Expert at McRae IntegrationStephen Rich, Brewmaster and Director of Innovation & Education at Cowbell BrewingNicholas Chan, Owner of ICONICK Project GroupIn this first episode of our 2-part deep-dive into the beer industry, our panelists cover:Smart manufacturing and brewing industry technologyTrends impacting manufacturing and the associated need for flexibility in beer-makingAn in-depth discussion on sustainability, including examples of lowering your carbon footprint and reducing water usageMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Jim Quinn knows a thing or two about successfully scaling companies. Throughout his long career as an operations leader, Jim has optimized supply chains for profitable growth at companies like Apple, FitBit, and Applied Materials, just to name a few.Jim is now the CEO at Plethora, a company that provides flexible Manufacturing as a Service options for making custom parts in as fast as 3 days. In this episode, we discuss how Plethora’s novel software automates the quoting, DFM, and CAM processes for manufacturers looking to bring their CAD files to life quickly and economically through precision CNC machining. Beyond Plethora, Jim shares some of his best operations & supply chain lessons with stories and strategies from all points of his career. From Buddhism to cucumber-basil gimlets, this episode has it all.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

When it comes to digital transformation in manufacturing, no one has more experience and passion than Bob Murphy. Bob is the Sr. VP of Connected Enterprise Consulting at Rockwell Automation and one of the organization’s leaders that led Rockwell through their own digital transformation across their global manufacturing facilities.In this episode, Bob links up with Scott Feldmann from Accenture’s Industry X.0 team to share the strategies and stories of a successful enterprise-wide MES implementation. From aligning the right people, processes, and technologies to expanding a transformation beyond the four walls of the enterprise – creating a ‘digital thread’ that starts with your suppliers and ends with your customers – Scott and Bob share real-world examples while addressing listener questions during one of our recent virtual happy hours.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Galina Antova is a security savant and the Co-Founder of Claroty, a leader in cybersecurity for operations technology for critical infrastructure. But, we cover a whole lot more than attack vectors and the current security threat landscape on today’s show.In this episode, we kick off our interview discussing OT security strategies before moving to discussions on startups, managing rapid growth, and taking on unconscious bias in the workplace. Galina has thrived as a leader in a male-dominated industry, and she shares her story as well as the actions everyone can take to even the playing field.From leading through uncertainty to navigating through a “perfect storm” in OT cybersecurity, this episode is packed with value from start to finish.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

How do you rebrand an iconic St. Louis beer that’s 169-years-old? You need to understand the cultures it connects with, create a customer base that drives the brand forward on your behalf, and have passion that allows you to make courageous decisions.No one knows this better than master marketer and “conductor of creativity” Corey Smale. Corey is the Brand Manager for Stag Beer, one of Pabst Brewing’s regional beers. Over the past year, Corey has reshaped the brand while still respecting its heritage, and it’s reflected in the beer’s sales growth.In this episode, Corey walks us through his journey as a marketer – most recently leading the Stag brand – and how they’ve connected with their audience and executed on “dope ideas” – from live events to user-generated content – that have resulted in gaining market share for the first time in years. There are plenty of actionable marketing ideas that B2B brands can pull from this beer-fueled conversation.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 last episode of our cybersecurity mini-series with Rockwell Automation, we’re switching our focus to industrial control system product security. This includes an overview of security standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and how they apply to ICS providers of products and services.Seasoned security experts Megan Samford and Shoshana Wodzisz jump on the show this week to walk us through our topic. With their focus on global product security, we’ll dive into how ICS security fits into critical infrastructure, as well as the ins-and-outs of IEC 62443. From the importance of 3rd party certification to why it's important to avoid repurposing IT standards, our series wraps up with some actionable details that every information security leader should hear.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s IT Manager or Chief Information & Security Officer. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Cybersecurity for a full list of industrial security resources from Rockwell Automation. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We probably all remember where we were when news started to break about COVID-19 shutting down the world around us. Dan Stutterheim was at the NCAA Big 12 Tournament when he got word that sports – and everything else – were going on hiatus. As it became clear that life as we know was about to change, he quickly doubled-down on protecting his team and his business.Dan is the CEO of Kasa, a Salina, KS-based controls and automation company that is known just as much for their resilient culture as they are for their engineering expertise. In this episode, Dan walks us through the steps he took to keep his people and his business healthy at the start of COVID-19. This includes activities Kasa had been focused on long before the pandemic, including courageous culture dialogues and narrowing focus to a few key success metrics. Dan also shares lessons he’s learned from his team as they navigate these uncharted waters, and new business practices they plan to maintain moving forward.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We just finished discussing what manufacturers can learn about operations and customer experience from the amusement park industry, so now let’s have some fun. Josh Liebman from the AttractionPros podcast is back for another episode, only this time, it’s all about roller coasters.Josh and I have each ridden our fair share of coasters around the world and it’s a wonder that we kept this episode to less than an hour. We’ll be sharing some of our favorite rides, trips, and stories about some of the craziest coasters on the planet. While we might not be talking about industry best practices in this episode, there’s no better topic to give us a short “vacation” from our typical content.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Do you love roller coasters? Great! Then you’ll love this episode! Once you look behind the curtain, amusement parks are basically one giant industrial operation. Today, we’re going to be pulling some manufacturing lessons from the world of attractions and entertainment.From ride operations to consulting, Josh Liebman has made a career out of having a fun. He’s the co-host of the AttractionPros podcast and has worked in the amusement industry for over a decade. Having picked up a thing or two about keeping a park running and creating an unforgettable customer experience, Josh shares what he’s learned through stories from his days operating roller coasters and leading guest service communications at some of the world’s most renowned theme parks. From Universal Islands of Adventure to Cedar Point, this episode covers some thrilling ground while providing cross-industry advice for leaders in fast-paced environments.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Asset inventory. Anti-malware strategy. Risk assessments to look at your overall OT readiness. There are more than a few investments that need to be made to have a robust industrial cybersecurity program. But it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, let alone a massive capex investment.In this episode, Rockwell Automation’s Global Services Portfolio Commercial Team Lead Kamil Karmali returns to Manufacturing Happy Hour for the 3rd installment of our cybersecurity mini-series. Kamil first takes us through Defense in Depth, a multifaceted layering approach to security including policies, physical requirements, and even device-level requirements. Then, we define the NIST Framework and its 5 functional topics: identifying, protecting against, detecting, respond to, and recovering from cyber threats.Kamil gives some great detail on “good, better, and best” approaches to cybersecurity that any manufacturing leader can act on regardless of the time and capital they have available. We even provide the perfect starting point along with some great case studies so that you know there’s more than one way to run a successful cybersecurity program.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s IT Manager or Chief Information & Security Officer. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Cybersecurity for a full list of industrial security resources from Rockwell Automation. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Tim Shope and his team at Avid Solutions are redefining what it means to be a systems integrator. While they specialize in process control and integrated solutions, they’re taking their craft a step further and offering true industrial IoT solutions, from wearables to remote access.In this episode, Tim and I discuss smart manufacturing in the context of the collaborative work Avid has been doing with CESMII: The Smart Manufacturing Institute. We’ll discuss the impacts of AI on controls programming, the democratization of application libraries, as well as some cool examples of smart manufacturing projects that Avid Solutions is doing in conjunction with CESMII and the University of North Carolina.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

“Shiny Object Syndrome” is a big issue when it comes to cybersecurity investments. That last thing you want to do is invest a lot of money into cybersecurity solutions before having a grasp on the fundamentals.In this second installment of our cybersecurity mini-series, we’ll cover the basic steps all enterprises should take to improve cybersecurity. Umair Masud – Rockwell’s Director of Technical Security Oversight to the CISO – will walk us through the the fundamentals of cybersecurity, focusing on 3 essential pieces of a good security program: Processes, People, and Technology.We’ll explore these fundamentals, or “cyber hygiene” as they’re often called, in the context of security programs & risk assessments, specialized cybersecutiry jobs, and a deep-dive discussion around patch management.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s IT Manager or Chief Information & Security Officer. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Cybersecurity for a full list of industrial security resources from Rockwell Automation. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Welcome to the first ever Manufacturing Happy Hour mini-series. For the course of this 4-part series, we’ll be teaming up with Rockwell Automation’s cybersecurity team to bring you actionable security advice for industrial manufacturers.Steve Ludwig – Program Manager for Safety & Security at Rockwell Automation – joins us for our first episode. We start off with the basics as Steve shares why cybersecurity matters and why it’s a vital piece of a digital transformation journey; security isn’t just about protecting data and intellectual property, but assets, workers, and the environment as well.We’ll cover security in the context IT and OT integration, discuss the inherent link between safety and cybersecurity, and wrap up with some discussion on where these cyber threats are actually coming from.After you listen, forward this podcast to your company’s IT Manager or Chief Information & Security Officer. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/Cybersecurity for a full list of industrial security resources from Rockwell Automation. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Bottom Line Concepts is helping companies save jobs and protect employee benefits. How do they do this? They partner with companies – from manufacturers to retailers to professional sports organizations – to reduce their costs by auditing for refunds and negotiating for future savings.CEO Josh Fox jumps on the show today to share his story and walk us through Bottom Line’s performance-based business model. Josh shares stories and great examples from inside and outside of the manufacturing industry, as well as ways for both companies big and small to partner with Bottom Line. We’ll also get to know Josh a bit more as he shares why he’s been driven to keep at this business for over a decade.We traveled down to Beverly Hills for this conversation, and it was actually the last in-person interview we did before shelter-in-place took effect in March 2020. Honestly, when it comes to identifying cost savings to protect jobs and benefits, the timing couldn’t be better.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Matthew Putman is a Renaissance Man for the 21st century. He’s a scientist, author, teacher, and jazz pianist, as well as the CEO of Nanotronics, a science technology company that brings together robotics, automation, 3D imaging, and artificial intelligence for powering factories. They’re on a mission to redefine manufacturing for the future.In this dynamic interview, Matthew provides an overview of Nanotronics’ Brooklyn Navy Yard Smart Factory, manufacturing supply chains and leadership in the face of a wartime situation like COVID-19, as well as the intersections of art and science as it relates to his work in AI. From examples of their technology in practice to actionable tips for leading through uncertainty, few guests are able to cover such a range of topics as thoroughly as Matthew Putman.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 our last full-length episode, Chuck Swoboda joined us for a discussion about innovation at Milwaukee Brewing Company. Since we recorded the show in front of a live audience, in this bonus episode, we’re answering your questions about innovation, covering everything from risk-taking to getting organizational buy-in on your innovative ideas.Make sure to check out our full interview in Episode 13, and subscribe to Chuck’s podcast Innovators On Tap. 

Chuck Swoboda had an illustrious career at Cree, Inc., and even as a retired CEO, he’s still keeping busy and learning. Chuck now hosts the podcast Innovators On Tap, a show that explores what innovation really looks like through interviews with leaders and change-makers across a range of industries. He’s distilled these lessons through his upcoming book The Innovator’s Spirit, which comes out on May 5, 2020.Chuck and I met up for a live podcast at Milwaukee Brewing Company in – you guessed it – Milwaukee, WI. After throwing a literal happy hour with industry leaders from Rockwell Automation, Marquette University, and Milwaukee manufacturing community, we sat down for a discussion on what innovation really means and how it’s played a role in our respective careers. Make sure to check out Chuck’s podcast Innovators On Tap, and I hope you enjoy this first ever 2-way interview here on Manufacturing Happy Hour.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Social distancing might be a thing right now, but that won’t stop Manufacturing Happy Hour from bring together a bunch of industry leaders for a drink! Tune in this week to hear live footage from the first ever “Virtual Happy Hour” hosted by the Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community. Over 10 marketers, systems integrators, recruiters, and professional association leaders gathered on Zoom for a conversation about the impact the Coronavirus is having on manufacturing, but also to share optimism as to how this “new normal” could result in tremendous opportunities in digital transformation, E-learning, and virtual training just to name a few.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

COVID-19 – better known as the Coronavirus – continues to spread and disrupt the global economy in the process. The manufacturing industry is not immune to its effects, especially as the virus’ origins and highest number of cases are in China, a country which plays a key role in almost every manufacturer’s supply chain.So whether the Coronavirus is a pandemic or not, what can you as a manufacturing leader do to understand its effects on your business and, more importantly, what actions can you take to keep running and growing your business? In this timely bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’ll take a look at how the virus is impacting global supply chains and how leaders in operations, sales & marketing, and the C-suite can respond in turn.This episode barely scratches the surface of an issue worth discussing further, so make sure to join the Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community on LinkedIn to join the conversation. 

Veryable just might be the solution to the workforce shortage challenges we as manufacturing leaders are all too aware of. Veryable is an on-demand marketplace for manufacturing labor, essentially making it “The Uber of the Factory Floor.” You can ramp up and ramp down your workforce as needed, while operators that use the platform have the benefit of creating a flexible work schedule. It’s a win-win for both the manufacturers and the people that keep those plants running.Veryable CTO Noah Labhart jumps on the show this week to share his own story going from developer to company co-founder, as well as some stories about the Veryable platform that really showcase its power to bring manufacturing into the 21st century by taking on one of the biggest issues facing manufacturers today.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

A3 is the Association for Advancing Automation, and at the beginning of every year, they host their annual business forum. Michael "Sully" Sullivan from the automation industry talent search firm Miller Resource Group had the opportunity to attend this past January, and in this edition of "3 Quick Things," Sully shares his 3 biggest takeaways from the event. From evolving perceptions around automation's role in job creation to the economic outlook for the manufacturing industry in 2020, this bonus episode is great food for thought as manufacturing leaders continue to navigate the year - and decade - ahead.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Workplace safety: One of the most important priorities for any manufacturer. Joe Geng has spent his entire career focused on helping people stay safe even in the toughest of work environments through his work at Superior Glove, the largest producer of work gloves in Canada. Now, he’s captured some of his biggest findings on workplace safety through his new book Rethinking Hand Safety: Myths, Truths, and Proven Practices.In this episode, Joe takes us through his journey into the family business, and his most important findings about workplace safety, including how trust is the foundation of a safe work culture as well as the psychology behind wearing (and not wearing) proper PPE. You’ll hear plenty of stories from the new book and actionable tips that will allow you to assess the state of your culture of safety within your own business or operation.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Travis Sheridan really does have the coolest job in the world. As the former President of Venture Café Global Institute (and the current Chief Community Officer of Wexford Science & Technology), he’s traveled the globe helping establish innovation communities in cities like Warsaw, Tokyo, and Philadelphia. He’s basically the Anthony Bourdain of startups.In this episode originally recorded for the show Pubcast Worldwide, Travis shares his thoughts on innovation and whom it should benefit. From scalable venture-backed startups to solving systemic societal issues, we cover a lot of ground, including:Why failure shouldn’t be celebratedWhose human condition is being improved by technologyHow innovation and collaboration vary from culture-to-cultureWe’ll even take a deep-dive into some of the specific Venture Café communities Travis has helped establish, including St. Louis, Rotterdam, and Sydney. There are plenty of parallels between startup life and the challenges manufacturers face – regardless of where you are in the world – and Travis has the passport stamps to prove it.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.