Manufacturing Happy Hour

When we talk about building a more productive and competitive manufacturing industry, talk of AI, automation, and other new tech usually crops up. But let's not forget the basics – the way we power, staff, and build sustainable practices. That stuff's also important.We're in an era of transformation right now, but it's definitely not the first time the US has gone through this. In fact, we get a little history lesson in this episode from Ted Fertik, VP of Manufacturing & Industrial Policy at BlueGreen Alliance. With a PhD in Economic History, we hear how today's manufacturing challenges mirror our history and what we can learn from it.As we look to the future, Ted talks about today's greater demands on the electrical grid but also why a low carbon economy and electrification are the future. Ted gives us a breakdown on the work that BlueGreen Alliance is doing to make manufacturing more sustainable and attractive to fresh talent and investors.In this episode, find out:Ted shares his background as a PhD grad in Economic History with a focus on industrySome stories from industrial history that inspired Ted to build a career, including the history of Brazil and the UK's industriesHow industrial strategy has been successfully rolled out in other countries in the pastWhat the BlueGreen Alliance does to help build a low carbon economy and a stronger industryWhy focusing on investment into transformation benefits everyone, not just the economyThe connection between sustainability and productivity and why they benefit each other and workersWhy manufacturing is such a critical part of a healthy modern economy, especially in the USWhat a low carbon future could look like and why we can't overlook the effect on the demand for electricityHow manufacturing and industry can attract talent and the role of trade unionsHow to attract investment to a capital-intensive industry and the role of the public sector in making it economically viableWhy we need to make sure that the benefits of careers and investment in manufacturing are widely felt across the populationEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"We need the benefits of the manufacturing economy to be really widely felt. And we need them to be real.”“There's a powerful link between making things with less carbon and the prospect of huge gains in productivity and in material wellbeing for people.”“As we're thinking about building out manufacturing, an affordable, stable, and reliable clean grid is an essential ingredient to a thriving, future-facing manufacturing sector in the US.” Links & mentions:BlueGreen Alliance, an organization that shapes US industrial policy with a focus on good-paying union jobs and environmental progress St. Arnold's Mussel Bar, serving an extensive variety of mussels, Belgian beers, waffles, and more in a ground-level, brick-lined space near Dupond Circle in Washington, DC Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Get ready for a front-row seat to Europe's biggest automation event! In this bonus episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Luecke and Jake Hall – The Manufacturing Millennial – share their excitement and preview what's ahead at Automatica 2025, taking place June 24–27 in Munich, Germany.Chris and Jake discuss:What makes German manufacturing a global powerhouse in automation and vocational trainingWhat to expect from Automatica: major exhibitors, international tech showcases, and epic trade show boothsWhy this event is a must-attend for anyone in robotics, smart manufacturing, and industrial automationPlus, they crack open a special "Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty" IPA, brewed just for the occasion, and share some of their favorite Munich spots to check out between sessions. Whether you're attending the event or watching from afar, this episode sets the stage for one of the year's most important industrial showcases.

We're seeing a huge leap in potential when it comes to what AI can accomplish in industrial settings. Not only can it catch errors, it can provide intelligent insights to prevent them in the first place, reduce waste, save costs, and improve processes. Recorded live from Automate 2025, we sat down with Alvin Clark, Senior AI Engineer at NVIDIA, to discuss AI agents in manufacturing and how they're reshaping industrial inspections. We hear about all the different use cases of AI agents, including error detection and understanding the root cause of errors, saving costs, and even supplying training data to patch the gaps in “tribal knowledge” of manufacturing processes. You'll hear real examples of how AI agents have saved costs and reduced errors drastically when monitoring SOPs and how they can provide multimodal maintenance assistance. Alvin also takes us through how NVIDIA's Metropolis works at helping developers create visual AI agents and why the next few years will see visual AI inspections take off in manufacturing. In this episode, find out: Alvin shares his background in the AI space and why he saw potential in AI earlier than most Why 2012 was the real AI boom and how we saw a shift from the algorithm being king to data being king Alvin's explanation for what an AI agent does in four stages How AI agents are evolving beyond capturing data to providing intelligence in industrial settings How vision inspection can perform not only real time error detection but also real time failure analysis Use cases for AI agents and examples of how Alvin has seen them most successful How AI agents could also address the skills gap and replace the multimodal “tribal knowledge” we'll lose when people start retiring Alvin breaks down how Metropolis works to help developers build visual AI agents How simulation, training and data transform what AI agents can accomplish Alvin's perspective on where manufacturers are in their industrial AI journeys The role of systems integrators in leading the AI revolution What the next phase of AI agents will look like 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: “Metropolis is a combination of models and tools that are used to build what we call vision analytics. So anytime you're looking at video images and you want to extract information from that, these are the tools that can help you do that.” - Alvin Clark “It's not really the ability to catch the error, it's the ability to, as quickly as possible understand the genesis that caused the error.” - Alvin Clark  ”If I had to kind of describe an AI agent, it is a collection of one or more models that can perceive, reason, and potentially plan and then execute.” - Alvin Clark Links & mentions: NVIDIA Metropolis, automating physical spaces and infrastructure with interactive visual AI agents and services AlexNet, a convolutional neural network architecture developed for image classification tasks, like identifying a cat Make sure to visit

Imagine having a tireless teammate watching your back 24/7, never missing a beat when it comes to keeping you safe. That's exactly what AI agents in manufacturing are capable of today. Spot AI uses cameras and AI agents to spot safety issues, send alerts, and collect data that can improve safety training in the future. Yes, a human could do all that. But who wants to spend 8 hours a day reviewing footage? In this episode, Dunchadhn Lyons, Director of Engineering, shares a real-world example of a safety manager freeing up time and reducing safety incidents by 40%. He joins us at Batch Brewing for our Automate afterparty, along with this episode's co-host, Jake Hall, aka The Manufacturing Millennial. We explore how AI agents are transforming ordinary security cameras into intelligent safety monitors that can spot forklift near-misses, missing PPE, and operational bottlenecks before they become costly problems. Plus, we chat about how these "AI teammates" can capture and preserve the invaluable knowledge of experienced workers before they retire – addressing one of manufacturing's biggest challenges. Tune in for the full story and don't forget to subscribe! In this episode, find out: Dunchadhn breaks down the basics of what an AI agent in manufacturing is and how they're designed to make our lives easier How Spot AI uses cameras as “AI teammates” to monitor for potential safety issues and use data for training How an AI agent could be used to fill in the gaps in knowledge after people start retiring in manufacturing Where Dunchadhn sees the future of AI agents headed and how Spot AI could expand beyond using cameras The best use cases for AI agents and Spot AI's solution in manufacturing Dunchadhn shares an example of one workplace where they achieved a 40% reduction in safety issues How manufacturers can get started with improving safety with AI and why adopting Spot AI's solution is simpler than you might think How to get buy-in from a team to use cameras for safety monitoring How Spot AI can also help businesses make operational improvements, with one example of a company avoiding millions in lost revenue Where can AI agents go in the future? Dunchadhn shares his predictions for the future of AI agents in manufacturing The best way to get more people onboard with AI agents 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 40% reduction in safety incidents means that people are safer. It means you can go to work, get your job done, and you can go to your family without having a fear of ending up in the hospital for a couple of weeks." "AI agents can serve as training mechanisms for other new human employees so that tribal knowledge is not lost.""These AI teammates are really about supporting humans, making humans safer, making humans more efficient, and augmenting human abilities. There's definitely no notion of replacement or monitoring." Links & mentions: Spot AI, video AI agents for the physical world Batch Brewing, brewery and restaurant located in Corktown, Detroit, MI

Without customer buy-in, even the most innovative robotics automation products can fall flat. But the approach most manufacturers take with new products is to build them first, then get feedback. In this episode, you'll hear how one company flipped the script and did robotics product development the other way around. Joining this episode is Anthony Leo, President of IPR Robotics, a robotics automation company, to explain how a customer advisory board became invaluable for uncovering exactly what customers need – before they even built the product. You'll also hear Mandy Dwight, Founder of Dwight & Company, a marketing and sales company that works with automation companies to tell and sell their story to customers. While they come from different areas of the sales cycle, both Mandy and Anthony share great insights into how products are transformed from ideas to implemented solutions. We hear about how to avoid customer prevention and friction in the sales cycle, how larger companies can act like startups, and the secrets to selling based on value, not just technical specs. In this episode, find out: We talk about all the important food places and bars in the Boston and Detroit areas our guests come from How Anthony and Mandy first met and decided to start working together Why companies need to fully support those in R&D to drive product innovation How IPR's Sawyer robot brought something new to the market at the time as a two-armed humanoid robot The different strengths that Mandy and Anthony bring to the manufacturing and product innovation space The top lessons they've learned from their previous experiences in the industry that they still use in their roles today Why the most important lesson Mandy learned as a marketing business founder is to listen to customers The importance of telling a company's value story and selling beyond the tech spec sheets Why all stakeholders in the sales cycle need to understand the value story and how that can look different for each one Why Anthony built an advisory board of customers to get feedback and insights before starting development How large companies can use startup style tactics to fast-track product innovation What a “customer prevention team” does to remove friction from the buying process Why you sometimes need to build an ecosystem of partners to reduce friction The secrets to a great product innovation team and why silos in a company should be avoided Mandy explains more about what IPR Robotics does from her perspective as a marketer 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: "Instead of burning a bunch of cash trying to go through development, let's go find three to five customers that we think fit in the wheelhouse of the problem we think we found and ask them if they wouldn't mind being involved in the development of the product." – Anthony "A lot of founders tell the technical story... But a customer wants to hear value. How is this automation going to show up in my facility and really be a game changer." – Mandy "People buy from people at the end of the day. Some people are willing to spend more money with people they trust and solve problems... compared to saving 10, 20% and dealing with headaches the whole way through." – AnthonyLinks & mentions:

How does a startup scale? It all starts with a great product that solves a real problem. And sometimes that means taking the slow and steady road to startup success.Recorded at Trillium Brewing in Boston, we sit down with Adi Dalvi, the VP of Sales at OSARO, a company that specializes in robot piece-picking and machine learning solutions to automate warehouse tasks. With minimal marketing in the early days, OSARO managed to grow and scale operations to deliver holistic systems to solve real warehouse challenges. The secret? Rather than rushing technology and products to market and hoping someone bites, OSARO spent years perfecting products before deploying. We hear about how its founders, with backgrounds in industry, achieved calculated growth and targeted the right customers from the beginning. Adi shares his view on the four types of people you need on your startup team, how OSARO set 3-step criteria for finding the right customers, and Adi's approach to getting great case studies from customers. In this episode, find out:Adi gives a breakdown of what OSARO does – developing vision software and machine learning to integrate with articulating arm robots in the warehouseWhat “calculated growth” means at OSARO and the importance of taking the time to develop products before deploying Why Adi wouldn't describe OSARO as a startup anymore and instead a company in early-stage growthWhy companies shouldn't rush to get products out when they're still in the research project stageThe benefits of having founders come from industry The three-step criteria OSARO used to pick the right customers in the beginningHow startups can extend their runway and keep investors updated with the progress Adi's method for getting customer case studies in the early negotiation stages with customers What four types of founder backgrounds bring to a startup and why you benefit from having them allHow OSARO managed to achieve growth without marketing in the early days by focusing on perfecting the product Adi's advice for startups just trying to get early customers so they can grow and scale successfullyThe best part about running this podcast and how things have changed since going down the entrepreneur routeEnjoying 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:"Really testing your product, making sure it's robust with actual products that you're going to pick is very important as you move from very early company to somebody that can scale.""They wanted to have a deployable product before they actually deployed to a customer site... You don't want to deploy a research project into your customers' warehouses where they're actually fulfilling orders for their customers.""What [someone with a VC background] brings is they've seen a lot of competing technologies and understand what those technologies are doing well and what they're not doing well."Links & mentions:OSARO, manufacturer of robot piece-picking and machine learning solutions to automate warehouse tasksAdi's Pittsburgh brewery crawl, including Grist House, Dancing Gnome, Pittsburgh Brewing Co., and

What role does higher ed play in making sure manufacturing thrives? Universities and other higher ed hubs are playing a leading role in shaping the future of this industry. And MIT is a prime example of this, with specialist courses to help graduates and professionals get the skills they need to bring new innovations to life. We're joined by the Principal Investigator of MIT's LEAP Group (Learning Engineering and Practice), Dr. John Liu. As someone deeply involved in building much-needed programs, including the MicroMasters and TechAMP, we asked for his take on manufacturing today, what we can learn from history, and higher ed's role in revitalizing the industry. We also talk about the hot topic of globalization and offshoring and what research says about the impact on the U.S. as an innovator economy. In this episode, find out:An introduction to LEAP Group and Dr. John's role in researching and leading programs to help the future of manufacturing leaders How John's career pivoted to the manufacturing side of techWhat people should know about MIT's history in manufacturing, including innovative practices and technologies we still use todayWhat can we learn from history that applies to manufacturing in today's AI-driven world? The impact of globalization and the conclusions that an MIT report came to about its impact on an innovator economy How manufacturing has changed since the report was published and what John would add that's relevant today What is MIT doing to help educate and drive innovation across manufacturing and techDr. John explains his involvement in the MicroMasters program as its founder The four principles of manufacturing that remain universal and timelessHow MIT's programs differ from trade or regular tech schools How the TechAMP program differs from MicroMasters as a program for professionals already in the industry Dr. John gives an overview of MIT's collaborations with the DoD and Manufacturing USA The important role that higher ed plays in reindustrialization Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"If we just continue to set up walls, we'll never learn and innovate. And so how do we, instead of setting up walls, reach across walls and learn from all the innovation that's happening?""We lose our ability to innovate if we produce elsewhere. Why? Because when you actually are forced to go from prototype to make a lot of these things, the design changes in all these sorts of ways... That's a whole type of innovation that is not as celebrated in our country today.""No matter what age, what company, you always have to be able to control four things: manufacturing processes, manufacturing systems, the supply, the people and finances. Always these four."Links & mentions:The Machine That Changed the World, a book written by MIT professors about finding success in automotive manufacturing, which led to the popularity of lean manufacturingMaking in America: From Innovation to Market, a book written by MIT scientists, engineers and social scientists about rebuilding the industrial landscape in the U.S.TechAMP, a 12-month program at MIT LEAP Group to bridge the gap between technicians and engineers

Sometimes indecision costs more than a wrong decision. Making decisions is a leader's bread and butter, but during times of uncertainty or crisis, they often become more cautious and hesitant. The danger here is getting left behind while more confident, proactive leaders charge ahead. Jason T. Ray, Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, is a regular on Manufacturing Happy Hour, so we compare some of the insights he made when he was last on the show to what he's seeing in the industry today. One of the big ones was on the skills gap – or “leadership gap” as Jason calls it. The good news is that this seems to be closing, with more manufacturing leaders taking advantage of the vast amounts of information and industry insights out there in the form of articles and podcasts. We hear Jason's approach to great leadership in manufacturing and the positive changes he's seen in the industry lately. We also chat about scaling effectively, complying with CMMC, and how to avoid getting lost in the AI hype cycle. In this episode, find out:The four pillars that are leading Paperless Parts to greatness and successful expansion Why the leadership gap (which Jason said last time was responsible for the skills gap) seems to be closing Positive changes Jason's seeing when it comes to preparing younger professionals for leadership positionsHow to navigate through uncertain times and the important lesson he learned in the Navy that he still uses todayThe power of decisive leadership and what happens when leaders are overly cautious The leading indicators in the industry that Jason watches closely to help him make great long-term decisions The gap between data and information and why data alone is not enough to make good decisions How small to medium manufacturers can win government contracts and become CMMC compliantThe common mistake shop leaders make about AI and why leaders should start with the low-hanging fruit that we know AI is great for The easiest ways to scale in today's market and how to get your team onboard with a growth mindset Jason's thoughts on the opportunities of reshoring and why we need to meet the right balance between global collaboration without dependenceJason talks about the Cutting Through the Noise videos series and why he aims to highlight the truly important insights in the industry for busy manufacturing leaders Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I think they're putting young people in their organizations in positions of responsibility. I think more and more they're realizing that these young professionals are ready to take on that responsibility and those folks are bringing new ideas in.”“I think it is such an important understanding of what the right level of global collaboration is where you have not fallen into dependence.”“When you're leading through a period of uncertainty that tends to lead folks to indecision. And that can waste a lot of people's time and shatter your team's confidence in your ability as a leader. The folks that are most successful at leading through a crisis lead with very decisive action.”Links & mentions:Paperless Parts, quoting software for manufacturers to help part manufacturers streamline the quoting process Cutting Through the Noise, a new video series run by Jason that gets straight to the point on manufacturing...

What does it take to find the best talent in the manufacturing industry these days? When it comes to automation, you can use location (or lack of location) to your advantage. In this episode, Kyle Mahan of Ohio-based Wauseon Machine takes us through their approach to securing the best automation talent. We'll also hear some history on the organization, learn about Kyle's career, and share strategies for robotics and automation integrators.

It's not every day that a former NFL player joins the podcast. And it's not every day you see one make such a dramatic career pivot from pro football to craft brewing and small business ownership.But that's exactly what Brandon Fields did. When he was winding down his football career, he found his passion in brewing, starting out with a home brewing kit. He teamed up with his wife Katie and opened up Inside the Five Brewing Co., which has scaled to three locations and 120 team members as a full-service beer manufacturing empire. Katie and Brandon wear many hats across each area of the manufacturing process – from the crafting itself to the sales side to distribution – even their kids get involved. Today, they run the business with a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly vibe that keeps loyal beer fans sipping. Hear about their story from NFL to brewing, what it's like running a small full-service business, their approach to managing talent, and developing their distinct branding. Also learn how beers like “Snap to the Face” and “Big Fat Boss Baby” get their names.In this episode, find out:Brandon gives us the background on his time playing in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, plus the story behind the beer ‘Snap to the Face'What made Brandon decide to move from the NFL world into professional brewing The biggest lesson learned from Brandon's NFL days that he applies to his life now as a small business owner How Brandon and Katie learned how to grow and scale a brewing business to three locations and 120 team members The most rewarding parts of manufacturing craft beers and experimenting with new beer flavors How Brandon and Katie's kids get involved in the craft brewing life and inspired the names of some of their top beers The benefits of being a full-service manufacturer, managing the manufacturing, distribution, and sales A reality check on what the transition from NFL to brewing was like for Brandon and what he learned from Katie's people management approach The strategy behind developing Inside the Five's distinct branding and why it's about more than just the visuals Why it's important not to force a brand style that doesn't feel natural How Inside the Five's branding has added to their success by being a welcoming, family-friendly ethos that gets people to stick around for another beer Katie's approach to managing the competition and why it's key to focus on your own success Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“You have to have that drive, that perfectionist in you to want to constantly do better... But it's that constant, “how can we improve?” Good is not good enough." – Brandon Fields“We're beginning to end in terms of product. So if you see it in a bar, our people sold it, made the sales pitch, got it there, gave it to them. So our hands are on it from beginning to end.” – Brandon Fields"Figuring out what does branding mean to me? Not just the logo, the slogan, the colors, the font, but what message do you want to send and how do you want people to feel when they're at your location?” – Katie Fields"A lot of people ask me about competitors, like when another craft brewery opens. The more the merrier, because our success is not based on what someone else is doing. If we're not successful, it means we need to change something.” – Katie FieldsLinks & mentions:Inside the Five Brewing Co., a Northwest Ohio full-service brewpub with unique...

Manufacturing and engineering are full of talented, passionate people. Just listen to literally any of these episodes for proof of that. But what is it that keeps people in this space motivated and fulfilled? Ask 10 different people, and you'd likely get 10 very different answers. For this episode, we posed the question to three guests – Steve Ilmrud, VP of Operations for North America at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Jeff Van Horn, Owner & Sr. Project Manager at Industrial Technology Solutions Inc., and Randy Smith, a CNC Programmer & Machinist in the Aerospace and Defense Industries.We explore the common threads throughout all their careers, paying particular attention to the art of metrology – how we measure things in manufacturing. Without accurate measurement, products wouldn't make it out the door and manufacturers would be left with a bunch of scrap and route back to square one. On-the-job training is another big focus of our talk, and we hear why we should prioritize proactive rather than just reactive training, plus how modern tools are shaping both training and production efficiency.In this episode, find out:What is metrology? Jeff, Steve, and Randy give their own definitions in relation to how they've used it in their careers Why measuring things throughout a fabrication process is critical to reducing waste Real examples of how good metrology practice has helped manufacturers build the best products (and what happens when it's not used)Why the right data and statistics are critical for improving reliability Leveraging metrology during on-the-job training to be more proactive than reactive to challenges How modern tools and technology can help manufacturers be more proactive and productive Working smart vs working hard and using the right technology The mindset shift that manufacturers need to adopt, both in training and production How focusing on the three Ps (people, parts, and process) has helped Steve stay focused and solve challenges The common themes that keep Jeff, Steve, and Randy motivated in their careersEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"You cannot wait to inspect all your parts, especially in the fabrication shops, when they're done. If you don't catch it during the process, it's going to end up in rework." – Jeff Van Horn"Regardless of the parts you're making or what you're doing, real-time inspection and feedback are really critical and it can save you a lot of time and time and aggravation." – Randy Smith"It comes down to people, parts, and process – the three Ps. Almost any challenge I've had in my career can be addressed through the three Ps." – Steve IlmrudLinks & mentions:Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, empowering makers to innovate and create without limit with solutions support optimization throughout the product lifecycle, specializing in metrology, production, and design & engineeringLeica Absolute Tracker ATS600, the first ever direct scanning laser tracker that can digitally pinpoint and inspect large parts and surfaces that are simply out of range of traditional handheld 3D laser scanners, touch probes,

An AI agent can create. It can predict. It can analyze data. But for it to really drive change and enhance operations, it needs to take action. That's the next step of machine learning and AI, says Kence Anderson, CEO of Composabl, a company that helps manufacturers create multi-agent AI systems.Our discussion with Kence is probably one of the most important you'll hear on the podcast lately. AI has been a big topic for a while now, but we dig further into how it can be applied at an industrial level to help manufacturers and engineers make decisions and solve problems. We start with Kence's overview of AI agents, specifically in manufacturing, and talk about what drew him to this industry. Kence talks about how companies can find a balance between capturing data and also using expertise from your team (and why it's crucial to do this before they start retiring!)In this episode, find out:What is an AI agent and how could manufacturers implement them to take action? Ways AI agents can take how engineers and manufacturers already use machine learning to the next level Kence explains how he first entered the manufacturing world with a mechanical engineering degree and roles in startups Why Kence believes that high-value technology needs methodology combined with a platform to enable widespread adoption 3 reasons why AI in manufacturing has always fascinated Kence Why AI agents need to be taught specific information and why this enhances rather than restricts how they workThe importance of collecting data but also interviewing experts in your team to gain their unique knowledge Kence shares an example of how an extruder making Cheetos is way harder than just programming a machine How Kence uses simulations to enable AI agents to practice and learn tasks before they're implementedWhere does the AI agent live? Kence gives a detailed explanation of how AI agents are stored and communicate with wider internal systems Different ways AI agents can not only be taught but also teach others The steps manufacturers need to take to start using AI agents and why the first one should be to identify the high-value skills in danger of extinction 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 thing that moves the needle is decisions. And so, if you're predicting something, analyzing something, it's only to serve the purpose of making great decisions.”“ You can have an AI just look at your data and discover a bunch of stuff that you know Susan and Joe over there could have told you in 15 minutes. So there's this need to capture and codify high-value subject matter expertise, frankly, before it goes extinct.”“There's a hundred million engineers out there in an industry that if you empower them with the right tools, they'll innovate and engineer systems the same way as they have everything else.”Links & mentions:Composabl, a platform that combines the power of Composite AI with expertise to design and deploy multi-agent AI systems for industrial environmentsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Today's bonus episode is all about MEPs, and actually a very urgent issue related to MEPs. For context, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions by helping small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, make operational improvements, and reduce risk.To put it in more simplified terms - MEPs provide resources to small- and medium-sized manufacturers that allow them to adopt new technology, upskill and train their people, and ultimately create jobs in their area. Every state has one, they go by different names in different states, and it was recently announced that this program was being defunded.Specifically, funding for 10 state MEP initiatives expired at the end of March, and the government's controlling agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), chose not to renew them. This is a moving target, it could change (as it already has once by extending the deadline to the end of the fiscal year), and quite frankly manufacturers don't know what's going to happen. It hasn't been communicated as to why this cut is taking place, but the reality is right now is there is a concern across the manufacturing community that funding for the entire MEP initiative - across all 50 states - might get cut.As a result of this action, a number of manufacturing podcasters got together to discuss the situation and actions that you, as manufacturers, can take to have your voices heard and say "This is ridiculous. My MEP has helped my business and community succeed for XYZ reason." We cannot afford to lose a critical resource like this that so many small- to mid-sized manufacturers rely on. All this an more in today's episode.

What's getting VCs to look beyond Silicon Valley in the tech startup scene? The Midwest is not just an up-and-coming place for investors to watch. It's now a region that more investors are betting on. With companies like Path Robotics, the Midwest is taking its status as a manufacturing hub and merging it with the kind of innovative tech traditionally associated with the coastal cities. For this episode, we hear from two sides of the conversation – from Andy Lonsberry, CEO of Path Robotics, and Nima Gard, the company's Director of AI, along with Nils Root from Drive Capital, a VC firm that operates in the Midwest manufacturing and tech scene.They join us live from Columbus, Ohio to talk about what makes the region a hot spot for manufacturing innovation, why it's not the “next Silicon Valley” (and doesn't have to be), and what companies like Path Robotics are getting right. We also dig into the tech at Path Robotics and where AI fits into the future of new technological developments in the industry.In this episode, find out:Why Columbus is seeing a wave of tech startups and VC interest Andy explains why Ohio was the perfect spot to build Path Robotics and how it's using machine intelligence to specifically solve manufacturing problems How manufacturers can successfully decide what to focus on now and in the future The technology behind the scenes at Path Robotics and data is the number one biggest focus The secrets behind Path Robotics' 3x growth and where data fits into that What Andy's most excited about building at Path Robotics and the importance of practical applicationsHow Path Robotics closes the deal cycle faster, works with their CRO and isn't afraid to disqualify leadsWhat can other regions learn from Columbus and why the startup scene is increasingly seen as an exciting opportunity rather than a risk The skills gap in manufacturing and how AI will realistically change manufacturing jobs in the future How humans and robots can realistically interact, create value and solve problems togetherEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:”Everyone still asks, 'when are you going to move to Silicon Valley? When are you going to move to the East Coast?' And the main reason is that the talent is here.” – Andy Lonsberry“More great world-class technology businesses will be built outside of Silicon Valley in the next 20 years than will be built inside of Silicon Valley. So Drive is just investing behind that thesis.” – Nils Root“One of the hardest things in robotics is data. Data is the bottleneck. The fact that we are not seeing a GPT moment in robotics is because we don't have enough data as we had for text and language.” – Nima GardLinks & mentions:Drive Capital, a Columbus, OH-based VC that's companies are proving that you can build a world-class technology company anywherePath Robotics, providing precise robotic welding systems. No programmer required. Designed for precision, efficiency, and scalability.Makerspace Central is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in...

Robotics is a cool field, no doubt about that. But what's cooler than using it to change people's lives?When he was seven years old, Aadeel Akhtar met a girl in Pakistan with a missing leg. This kickstarted a fascination with helping people regain control over lost limbs and a decision that pivoted his planned career in medicine to robotics and prosthetics. Today, he's the CEO and Founder of PSYONIC, the company behind the world's first touch-sensing bionic hand. He's on a mission to make this tech as accessible as possible, and we hear about the challenges of balancing philanthropic ventures with running and scaling a business. Host Chris Luecke gets to try out the hand remotely in this episode and talks about the different use cases of bionic tech, from helping humans to helping robots. We talk about crowdfunding, getting investment, how the hand works, and what PSYONIC is working on right now to make the Ability Hand even better.Plus, Aadeel is our very first Shark Tank alumni, so we get to hear about the nerve-wracking behind-the-scenes story of demonstrating the Ability Hand in front of the Sharks. In this episode, find out:What PSYONIC does to help people regain mobility and control with bionic limbs The moment that kickstarted Aadeel's passion for helping people with lost limbs and pivoted his planned career from medicine to robotics The challenges of funding R&D in bionics and making the tech accessible to as many people as possibleWhat the early days of making prototypes and testing them out on the first patients What made Aadeel realize he needed to go into business and production rather than just researching bionics Why San Diego is PSYONIC's chosen HQ and how it's partnering with medical and biotech companies What PSYONIC is working on now to make bionic hands feel more natural for users Chris gets to remotely control the Ability Hand from across the country How Aadeel is working on making the tech accessible through Medicare and the Ability FundDifferent ways Aadeel and PSYONIC have approached getting funding, from crowdfunding to venture capital to government grants The challenge of keeping up with demand and prioritizing accessibility while running a successful business that's focused on the mission How PSYONIC helps both humans and robots with its tech, including NASAThe biggest tech advances that have made this possible today, including micro controllers and AI What it's really like being a contestant on Shark Tank and how Aadeel prepared for his pitch and eventual negotiations Why Aadeel is optimistic that bionics is becoming a bigger 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:“We're bridging both the neurotech side with the robotic side, with AI being the connecting piece between the two.”“We would be attaching the hand directly to your bones, muscles and nerves that are in your forearm to give them the most optimal control possible.”“Seeing the amount of interest at the intersection of neurotech and robotics and having big investors behind it shows this is an exciting field that's up and coming.”Links & mentions:PSYONIC, supercharging humans and robots with advanced capabilities, including the world's first touch-sensing bionic hand

We've been on tour for the past couple of months, recording live episodes in some of the manufacturing hot spots around the country. Indiana is our current stop, where Guggman Haus Brewing hosted us for an episode all about innovation, technology, culture, and, of course, Indiana's manufacturing prowess. Manufacturing makes up a huge portion of Indiana's economy and culture, so we look behind the scenes at what the state is getting right to make it a manufacturing hub. We welcomed Noel Hopkins, the Principal of Digital Growth at CliftonLarsonAllen and digital transformation expert, joins along with self-titled “private equity mercenary” Steve Martin, who sits on the board at Elevate Ventures. We also welcomed Kathy Miller, President and Co-Founder of YK2020 and OPSisters, plus co-author of the book Steel Toes and Stilettos.Noel, Steve, and Kathy share their takes on local manufacturing and how it's adapting to the rapid evolution of tech like AI. But it's not just tech that's shaping the industry. We also explore the human element of manufacturing and why we need leaders who are open to change and growth (even if it means making some mistakes along the way). In this episode, find out:What can manufacturers learn from IndianaThe role of digital transformation in manufacturing and the best ways to implement it Why leadership is key to driving transformation and the top characteristics good leaders need The challenges facing Indiana's manufacturing industry from a private equity viewpoint Why you should always look at the problems facing your organization first, then find tech to solve it (not the other way around)Why fewer companies are using tech for the sake of it and are becoming more intentionalLessons learned from past experiences and why manufacturing is all about the people Areas where technology is making the most difference and how it impacts the people working with it How to build scale and transferability within organizations with the three Ps – people, planning, process The importance of having a vision and the ability to execute on it and why leaders are central to this Why hesitancy is the most dangerous thing manufacturers could do right now Innovation's impact on psychological safety in the workplace, plus why we need to be open to making mistakes Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes: ”If we create a culture that basically penalizes thinking, then we're never going to get any new ideas.” – Steve Martin“ I think the most dangerous thing manufacturers could do right now is pause or wait, or be overly cautious and risk falling way, way behind.” – Noel Hopkins“No matter what technology we're working with, what inventions, manufacturing is about people. And so, we can't lose sight of that.” – Kathy MillerLinks & mentions:CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), an advisory, audit, tax and consulting firmIndustry Trends: Lessons Learned from Florida Manufacturing DaysGuggman Haus Brewing, a family-owned microbrewery and coffee Haus in the northwest side of downtown IndianapolisElevate Ventures, an

Manufacturers up and down the country are doing great work and naturally, you want the world to know about it – especially your potential customers. So we turn the spotlight on marketing in this episode to take a look at the folks who get the name out there for manufacturing companies big and small. Recorded live from the 2025 Industrial Marketing Summit in Austin, TX, we sat down with…Rachel Cossette, Marketing Manager at Rogers Machinery Company Jenni Gritti, Senior Marketing Communications Consultant at Caterpillar IncJim Hessin, Regional Sales Manager at CADENAS PARTsolutions Greg Knox, CEO of Knox Manufacturing Solutions Steve Lamensdorf, SVP of CX at IcreonKerry Nedic, Strategic Marketing Leader (Masoneilan & Consolidated Valves) at Baker HughesRich Ward, Director of Marketing at AcroMatRachel, Greg and Rich chat in part one about how to make marketing magic with a small team, with lots of actionable advice on sales-marketing alignment and revising strategies.Jenni and Kerry give us the enterprise-level view of marketing with a conversation about balancing company policy with creativity, video and social media content, and getting leadership involved.Finally, in part three, we talk to Steve and Jim about the technology we can use to power marketing and why sometimes we need to rip up the playbook and start new things from scratch.All have slightly different experiences and insights to share from different areas of marketing, so no matter what type of manufacturing organization you're in, there's something in here for everyone. In this episode, find out:How Rich helped to build the marketing strategy for AcroMat from the ground upHow marketing can encourage salespeople to become amplifiers for the company and create content online What not to do as a B2B marketer and why good marketing is all about show, don't tellHow sales and marketing have become more aligned today and when marketing became a focus for GregHow to be effective with a small marketing team by focusing on priorities and boundaries Why regular communication is the most important way marketing and sales can work together How to get buy-in from leadership and why marketing can feel like a relay race Why you need to be a subject matter expert, not just a marketer, to earn respect both externally with customers and internally How marketers can make things happen in a large enterprise How to balance company guidelines with creativity in your content The tools and methods that enterprise marketers need to take more advantage ofWhy authentic video content is far more effective than clean and polished content The challenge of getting leadership willing to create content and share their stories Advice for marketers in manufacturing to cultivate stories and new ideas How new technology is empowering today's marketersMarketing technology that's underrated and the challenges of adopting new tech in a disorganized systemTips for manufacturers to get over the hurdle of adopting new technology Why staying the same is the worst thing you can do in marketing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got.” – Jim Hessin“I found a lot of success in giving guys an iPhone, giving them some guardrails, and saying, 'go!' And that is the stuff that people really resonate with. It's incredibly authentic. These people are the experts. They

When you imagine a rural versus an urban manufacturing company, that picture might look a bit different. But some things are the same. Both types of manufacturers face challenges, but do they face different ones? The good news is that there are some incredible people and businesses in the industry who are on a mission to bridge connections, build up local communities, and train future talent to solve those challenges.Live from the Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference, we sit down with three manufacturing champions to talk about the different challenges facing rural and urban-based manufacturers. We chat about the great work that companies and individuals are doing to raise awareness of the opportunities in manufacturing and connect the dots between businesses and future talent.You'll hear from Krisi Schell, Executive VP of HR at SRC Holdings Corporation, Chris Oravec, the Director at L&R Industries, and Manufacturing Happy Hour regular Drew Crowe, Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance. Krisi, Chris, and Drew all bring their experiences of different sides of manufacturing, what they've learned about connecting with the local community and solving the talent shortage issue. In this episode, find out:How to make a company people want to work for – Krisi explains SRC Holdings' approach to building a company culture of businesspeople Why more organizations don't open up their finances to the employees despite the positive impact on SRC Holdings Some background on SRC Holdings Corporation as a job saver and creator The benefits of organizations, particularly in rural areas, investing in the local community Krisi's advice for manufacturing leaders to build their culture and communityChris gives us a backstory on his company as a family-owned, small-town manufacturerHow L&R Industries manages to attract and retain talent by looking after its people The different ways L&R Industries gets involved with and gives back to the community Chris' advice for attracting and retaining talent, plus building connections with other organizations What Drew has learned from traveling around the country to talk to manufacturersThe different challenges for rural-based manufacturers vs. those in the inner cities Drew explains the two main parts of his mission – raising awareness and building connections between organizations and potential talent Strategies that are working for rural and urban manufacturers and how to get the right people involved to solve challenges 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:“Being conscious of what you give to the community is where you are able to build that brand and build those relationships and then attract the talent that you need.” – Krisi Schell“If you can get an employee to buy into, say putting a new product line in, they want to be involved in that project. And the company wants them to be involved. Your productivity is going to go through the roof.” – Chris Oravec“ When manufacturing left the inner cities, it almost took that middle class with it. And it took a lot of opportunity with it.” – Drew CroweLinks & mentions:SRC Holdings, helping Original Equipment Manufacturers sell parts and whole goods through custom remanufacturing programs

When like-minded entrepreneurs sit down to swap stories, advice, and connections, it's a major win for everyone. This is one of the great things about manufacturing because this industry thrives on collaboration, not just competition.In this episode, we hear from Russell Winter, Founder of US MFG, who's on a mission to connect entrepreneurs in the machine shop space together, while also acquiring shops from retiring owners that would have otherwise gone out of business. With the number of machine shops steadily declining, people like Russell are breathing new life into the space with technology and innovative ideas. Russell shares his story of how he got started, how he chooses whether to acquire a new shop, the red flags to watch out for, and the two main things he looks at when accessing a business. We hear more about his efforts to build bridges in the community and his thoughts on inspiring the next generation of manufacturing business owners. In this episode, find out:Russell shares an overview of how he buys machine shops and brings them together with softwareRetiring owners of machine shops who don't have a clear succession plan often close their doors for good unless someone like Russell steps inHow Russell decides which machine shops to acquire by looking at finances and culture to find red flags Why bringing people in with more experience is a huge part of succeeding in this space How Russell finds mentors and collaborates in his network Advice for entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities What led Russell to realize he needed to change the mission of US MFG to a more community-focused approach How do we create awareness in the next generation of manufacturing business ownership?The skills and knowledge we need to prepare young people for a future in manufacturing and business ownershipWhy shop classes in high schools are a growing trend and what this means for the industry How Russell's company teaches important skills like financial literacy through his shops Russell shares the first major project he remembers 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 cool part about these shop classes is their instructors are often very mutual and collaborative with the industry that's around the high school. They'll have a board of business owners saying, 'This is who we're looking to hire. Can you teach them more turning work or a specific software?'”“Something that I've worked on developing a lot more is a mindset of trust but verify as opposed to just trust. Going over things with a fine-toothed comb, actual financials, and setting clear expectations at the beginning really pays off.”“There's a saying: if you want investment, ask for advice. And if you want advice, ask for investment. People are always going to give you advice because there's something to improve on, and if you're willing to take it and learn and grow and actually put it into action, then they're like, 'Oh, I see an investment here.'” Links & mentions:US MFG partners with entrepreneurs to acquire, operate, and grow manufacturing companies within a collaborative networkSCORE Business Mentoring, providing free business advice for starting or growing a small business...

What happens when a former engineering leader decides to open a brewery? In the true spirit of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk all about beer in this episode. Recorded live from Amorphic Beer in Milwaukee, WI, we sit down with the Founder, Ron Hockersmith, to learn about what makes their beer special and the company a success even as the hype around craft beer fades. We're also joined by the brilliant hosts from A BROADcast for Manufacturers, Kris Harrington (CEO of GenAlpha) and Lori Highby (CEO and Founder of Keystone Click), for a 4-way entrepreneurial chat about manufacturing, engineering, leadership, and of course, beer. In this episode, we take a look at the early days of Amorphic Beer and Ron's career background before he stepped into the brewing world. Ron has taken all the great parts of leading a team from his engineering days and applied them to his business today, and it's safe to say that's been a great move for Amorphic. We hear about the team, the operations, the scientific approach to margins and recipes, and some surprising beer facts along the way.In this episode, find out:A little background on Ron's career and how he came from healthcare manufacturing and defense contracting to start his own breweryIntroduction to the hosts of A BROADcast for Manufacturers podcast Why Ron opted for lean manufacturing principles without the formality to run his breweryWhat a background in engineering taught Ron about leadership and why he runs Amorphic Beer like an international engineering organizationWhat makes the leadership and management of Amorphic Beer different and successful even as the hype around craft beer dies down Why trust in your employees is key to success Ron shares the main differences he's experienced since working for himself vs. as an employee in a major organization Facts on beer, music, plants, and sports for the “I just learned that…” segment How recent tariffs on Canadian aluminum may have a huge impact on Amorphic Beer in the future Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"We run this like it's an international engineering organization." "Don't try and hire for the perfect team because you'll never find the perfect people to fit into the perfect cogs... Find what your people are very good at and then build your organization around that.”"No-one's ever worked for me that I don't trust. Doesn't matter if I'm working in defense contracting for GE or at the brewery,  trust them, empower them to do the right things.”Links & mentions:Amorphic Beer, Milwaukee WI brewery where beer is “engineered through scientific experimentation”A BROADcast for Manufacturers, a podcast run by Lori, Kris and Erin exploring stories and manufacturing insights that challenge the status quoMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Manufacturing is a hotbed of activity, interest, and innovation right now and states like Nebraska are leading the way. As part of our Made Here series, we toured Nebraska's manufacturing heartland to hear stories from leaders, experts, and innovators who want to spread the word about the opportunities and community benefits of manufacturing.We round off our Nebraska tour with Mike Johnson COO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who shares a wider perspective on how manufacturing is impacting local communities, the economy, and the individuals who make it all happen. We talk about why manufacturing opportunities are great for people from all walks of life, with some inspiring stories about women in the space becoming role models for future manufacturers. Mike also explains the role of a Chamber of Commerce and why we should celebrate and showcases manufacturing careers for the benefit of all. We hear a great example of Nebraska doing this with its annual competition for the coolest innovations in Nebraska – featuring a fire-breathing drone and an all-terrain wheelchair. In this episode, find out:A summary of what we've heard and learned as we round off the Nebraska tour of our Made Here seriesWe recap on the last time Mike was on the show and how perceptions of the industry have changed sinceOld perceptions of the dirty and dangerous stereotype of manufacturing are changing, leading more young people to consider it as a career Why rural Nebraska is writing a playbook for reinvigorating manufacturing and the impact this has on the economy and communityThe role of education institutions in training and encouraging more to consider manufacturing careersThe best ways to connect with the local community and involve everyone in the manufacturing sceneWhy we're seeing more women in manufacturing plus some inspiring stories from MikeHow a Chamber of Commerce can act as a conduit for manufacturers to share their voice on what the industry needs The coolest things made in Nebraska, including a fire-breathing droneEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:”The chamber of commerce is the conduit for manufacturers of any shape and size across the state to convene and partner on what the voice of this industry in this state needs right now.”“State departments are starting to see that when manufacturers automate, they make more stuff, more stuff made means higher wages are paid to people, higher multipliers than hitting the local communities. And so the state can see higher tax revenues and then in the future, lower tax rates.”“I think it's really important for young women to see that “I can do this” and I don't have to be a big dude to be able to do this type of work.”Links & mentions:NE Chamber, delivering economic and workforce growth, a competitive business climate, and a network of leaders with the connections and know-how to help Nebraska businesses succeedNebraska Manufacturing Competitiveness Study, January 2024Coolest Thing Made in NebraskaMake sure to visit

Take your mind back to five years ago. Many of us were celebrating the start of what we thought would be an exciting decade for automation. And well… it's certainly been different and not quite how most of us expected.Now, we sit squarely in the middle of a decade that has pushed automation and AI front and center of so many industries now. So how close were our pre-pandemic predictions on automation? And more importantly, where is automation headed next?This episode was recorded live at the 2025 A3 Business Forum, co-hosted by Jake Hall aka the Manufacturing Millennial, and features five conversations with industry leaders helping to shape automation's future. We look at robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and the broader tech and manufacturing industries, plus we swap predictions on the second half of the 2020s.This week's guests include:Peter Zafiro, General Manager at LinMot USAChristelle Keefer - Global Business Development Manager, Education at ABBJuan Aparicio - Founder & CEO at Reshape AutomationDavid Dechow - Machine Vision & Automation Solutions Architect at Motion Automation IntelligenceAlex Shikany - Executive Vice President at A3Jake Hall will be joining us for Automate 2025 in May, so don't miss the chance to grab tickets and learn more here.In this episode, find out:Why 2025 A3 Business Forum is the perfect spot for a conversation about automationWhat the convergence of technologies has meant for automation's applications in manufacturing and beyondPeter explains the biggest pain point that LinMot was experiencing and how automation became key The role of motion vision today and how it's evolved with the help of automationWhy now is the best time in history to be involved with automation How STEM education paves the way for the growth of robotics The biggest hurdles to getting education institutions on board with STEMSome of the top non-profit organizations to keep an eye out for How AI has developed over the first half of the decade  Two ingredients that every successful application should have in the world of AI Examples of AI deployed successfully and where this is likely to change in the future How elements of vision tech have accelerated in the past 10 yearsAlex's perspective on automation's evolution throughout the first half of this decade The biggest things we're looking forward to in 2025 and beyond What to expect at Automate 2025, which this episode's co-hosts Chris and Jake will be attending in MayEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"This is the best time there is in this industry. It's the convergence of all these technologies, whether it's robots, cobots, linear motion... the difference-maker will be how you introduce automation to your employees and make it easier to do more fun jobs." - Peter Zafiro"Schools are starting to realize that the students need to be exposed to STEM way earlier than just high school. High school is too late. College is too late. Let's get those kids exposed at an earlier age to the amazing field of manufacturing." - Christelle Keefer "Behind every robot, there are a lot of people. There are people selling the robots. There are people installing the robots. There are people maintaining the robots." - Juan Aparicio "No one I...

Is venture capitalism and manufacturing the perfect match for America's new industry boom? Or will the industry bootstrap its way to success on the slower path? The verdict's clear in this episode with Jim Belosic, the CEO of SendCutSend.Jim shares a down-to-earth take on succeeding as a manufacturing business with a mix of VC and bootstrapping. Rather than aiming for the dot-com boom level of success and all the private yachts that come with it, a slow and steady approach is ideal for manufacturing businesses, says Jim.We hear a little background on SendCutSend's start and laser-focused approach to customer service, plus why Jim is such a big fan of the bootstrapping route. We hear his opinion on why manufacturing might be making a comeback, how to raise the visibility of the industry to plug skill gaps, and why we may need to “chill out” a bit when it comes to AI.In this episode, find out:Why bootstrapping is a great alternative path to industrialization and why Jim believes VC doesn't belong in manufacturing How the future of entrepreneurship is changing back to traditional family-led routes Jim shares his background in manufacturing as a sign shop artist and what he learned about the effects of new tech on industry Why we're due for a re-boom in the manufacturing world and how new technology plays a central role Outsourcing abroad – the next phase – why we're due for a re-boom because the tech is even betterHow manufacturing can become more visible and enter the digital era with help from younger generations Why it's not enough to only be a good manufacturer today, you also need to be a good marketer tooHow manufacturers can make simple changes to their digital presence to move in line with what customers want Why teaming up with local competitors can be mutually beneficial Jim explains why investing in and paying your staff well is the number one important thing to do in this industry Why you shouldn't compete on price but instead on the quality of the service and the value your customer receivesEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The way to success in manufacturing is you can't just be a good manufacturer. You actually have to be a good marketer too.”“A lot of people look at their competitors and want to burn them down. That usually just ends up with both of you catching on fire. So instead, try and be friendly.”“We're poised for a manufacturing re-boom because the technology is even better now. This newest generation of machines is set up so well with alarms and error control, communication, and reliability, you're not just upgrading your speed or the reliability of the machine, you're upgrading your entire workforce.”Links & mentions:SendCutSend, online sheet metal fabrication service; get custom parts delivered in just a few days (upload STEP or DXF files for instant pricing)A Bootstrapper's Guide to Re-Industrializing America, Jim's article that inspired this episodeMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We're pulling up a chair in the up-and-coming downtown Norfolk area in Nebraska for this episode. Recorded at the Nucor Detailing Center, we chat with Mechanical Engineer Jayden Prauner and Detailing Center Lead Gaby Pena, about what it means to be part of the Nucor family.Nucor Vulcraft is a company that's not just supporting the construction of warehouses, schools and hospitals but also helping to build up the local community and the legacy of American manufacturing. We explore how it's helping to shape the lives of the people who work there and beyond thanks to community investment and a people-first approach.Jayden and Gaby both share their stories in this episode about working for Vulcraft and how it has evolved its technology, safety practices, and quality over the years. Places like Norfolk are hubs for manufacturing and engineering, so we look at how Vulcraft and downtown revitalization projects have been key to retaining talent in the area. In this episode, find out:How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companiesA brief history on Vulcraft and how it's closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues todayHow community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big familyWhy Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their careerHow one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturingWhat other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and VulcraftVulcraft's commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovationsInsights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades agoHow Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotionsEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“It's hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden"My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they're the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby"I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." JaydenLinks & mentions:Nucor Vulcraft, part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America.Nucor Detailing Center, a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality.Divots Brewery, craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and...

This is a quick,” boots on the ground” episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It's all about what it's like being a systems integrator in a close-knit state and close-knit manufacturing community, just like the community you'll find in Nebraska.Huffman Engineering is an engineering services firm specializing in control system integration that serves Nebraska and beyond across the Midwest and we have four individuals from there team on the show this week: Jason Weedin, Jim Fricke, Kim Arms Shirk, and Alex Flamme.We discuss some of the main industries across the state and take a deep dive into one that's uniquely Nebraskan. Plus, we hear what characterizes Nebraska's manufacturing community as a whole, and some of the things that make their collective, state-wide manufacturing ecosystem so strong.Recorded live from Dusters Brew Pub in Columbus, NE.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We're joined by Skillwork's Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they're transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation.At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork's model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time.Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry's future.Listen to find out:How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork's innovative staffing solution for skilled tradesSkillwork's “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturingWhy manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty)How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting processWhy nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled tradesThe critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gapsThe value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelinesExamples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gapsUnderrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right nowThe freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffing 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 idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott“I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin“Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett ElliottLinks & mentions:Skillwork, supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled laborCopa Cabana, upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patioBoy Scouts of America, one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United StatesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

M&A may look like a numbers game on the surface, but there's a lot more going on behind the scenes. According to this episode's guest, selling a business is as much about psychology and emotions as it is about the facts and figures.In this episode, we welcome Clint Bundy, Managing Director at Bundy Group, who shares his experience, advice, and stories on helping people sell their businesses. We kick things off with Clint's most memorable M&A experiences and why the reality of selling can be an emotional rollercoaster.Clint shares his expertise on how to understand the true value of your business, what buyers are looking for, and how to win the numbers game when coming to a final price agreement. He also talks about what businesses can do to prepare for a sale and why utilizing tech and great systems is the most important step to take. Whether you're planning your exit soon or far in the future, there are some great take-home points from Clint in this episode. After all, his advice is to plan way ahead of time, so give this episode a listen before you even think about getting that For Sale sign!In this episode, find out:Clint shares his wildest M&A stories from his career, including one poor guy who fainted from the stress of selling his businessHow his background as a financial analyst prepared him for a career in investment banking The one thing Clint wishes he'd done a better job of when starting his career in his 20s Why selling a business is “a war of numbers” with buyers and sellers both wanting the best price (which means different things to each)How companies are using automation and new tech to build better systems and the impact this has on a business' saleA breakdown of the top steps in selling a business and what goals sellers should strive forWhy a lack of preparation is the number one mistake sellers make Surprising facts about preparing a business for sale that will really appeal to investorsWhy selling a business is mostly about psychology, not just numbers The four signs of a good company that investors look for The current state of M&A in the automation space, including who's buying and selling What it's like helping a business sell when the market conditions aren't idealEnjoying 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:“Motivation is the foundation of transactions – a motivated buyer + a motivated seller.”“We want to show the strongest possible financials and the strongest possible story, past, present, and future, to get the seller an above market price.”“We have to remember when a buyer is buying a company, they are buying the future.”Links & mentions:Bundy Group, a boutique advisory firm with an industry-focused senior team and over 200 successful transactionsThe Old Fields, formerly The Old Garage, this Southfields London pub is situated on Southfield High Street just a minutes walk from the Underground station, and close to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis ClubMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

As 2025 gets rolling, there's no doubt you're familiar with some of the “buzziest” topics in manufacturing right now…artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, the list goes on!With all the hype and a renewed focus on onshoring and supply chain, what should manufacturers be focused on in 2025?While there are more trends than can be fit into a 30-minute podcast episode, today's episode dives into 3 stats and stories from some of 2024's best episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour that explore proven automation technologies that are helping manufacturers succeed today, novel ways companies are attracting and retaining talent, and one of the most down-to-earth applications for artificial intelligence on the factory floor.Plus, you'll get a preview of what's coming from Manufacturing Happy Hour – including tours, merch, and more – throughout the new year.

FTI are at the center of some of the most important macro trends taking place in manufacturing today. From building biodigesters to driving innovations in energy solutions, they are helping companies optimize production systems, use automation, and address sustainability challenges. So how do they do it? In this episode, we're joined by FTI's Kevin Senn to discuss trends in manufacturing and automation, the growth of data centers, AI, and more. Kevin highlights how FTI differentiates from their competitors by offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from high-concept development and engineering consultation to full design services, in-house manufacturing, and automation packages. We also cover FTI's unique approach to industrialized construction, including their approach to offsite prefabrication, and explore Kevin's transition from a solutions architect to Director of Automation. Finally, we discuss how energy is the common thread that binds the seemingly diffuse sectors in which FTI operates.In this episode, find out:FTI's ‘pathway to smarter energy' - a stepwise approach to helping customers become energy independentWhy energy resilience is something that every company can enjoy and be customized to fit individual needsHow FTI capitalized on emerging markets thirty years agoWhat the manufacturing industry looks like going into 2025 with regards to automation and sustainabilityThe trend towards prefabricated buildings and why this is happeningWhy FTI has seen such growth in the data center space, especially with electric vehicle infrastructureWhy automation is integral to creating efficient and scalable solutions Why a level of responsibility and ownership is needed when using AI, especially considering sustainabilityEnjoying 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 lot of the growth that the company is seeing at the moment is tied to that data center market growth.”“There were some really conscious decisions that the leadership team of this company made looking at these emerging markets.”“Resilience, I think, is something that every company can achieve.”Links & mentions:Rockwell Automation, an American provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technologiesFTI, a dynamic organization leveraging unified growth to create unparalleled possibilities and shape the future of energy Raised Grain Brewing, located in Waukesha, WI, this brewery has an extensive beer lineup that often pays tribute to local guitar hero Les PaulMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Manually manufacturing control panels is difficult. It demands highly skilled labor, years of reading schematics, and the ability to troubleshoot. What's more, it's a time-consuming process. This is where automated and semi-automated panel design and assembly comes in. Not only does this innovation drastically reduce the amount of time spent manufacturing panels, but it also frees up skilled laborers to do higher-value work. In this episode, we're joined by Rittal's Brian Jung and EPLAN's Kruno Kutnohorski. Join us as we discuss the difference between semi-automated and automated panel design and assembly, how to help customers overcome technology hesitancy, and why automation is nothing to be afraid of. In this episode, find out:The difference between automating panels in America and the rest of the worldThe importance of having a story to tell that's backed by data, rather than just conceptualHow EPLAN and Rittal use “lighthouse customers”Best practices for effective collaboration How automation is helping solve the skilled labor shortageWhy there's no right or wrong way to start with automationBrian's “Girl Scout cookie enterprise,” and Kruno's favorite football team and animal!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:“Before, we had a story to tell conceptually, now we have a story to tell because we have actual data to back it up.” - Brian Jung“If we can help customers going from manual to semi-automated, they are saving a lot of time.” - Kruno Kutnohorski“You're not displacing a human, right? They're doing other jobs that bring value to the company.” - Brian JungLinks & mentions:EPLAN, provides ECAD software and service solutions for electrical panel builders, electrical design, automation and mechatronic engineeringRittal, the world's leading systems provider for Enclosures, Power Distribution, Climate Control, IT infrastructure, 19" racks, and software and servicesGolden Road Brewing Company, Los Angeles' largest craft brewerMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

When selecting talent for manufacturing roles, grades don't matter nearly as much as hard work and talent. A's and B's are all very well, but a willingness to learn and the hunger to improve daily can't be taught. Becoming a great engineer isn't about knowing everything right out of the gate, it's about figuring it out. In this episode, we're joined by Cody Myers, Jon Rauner, and Mick Yrkoski of Behlen Mfg. Co. Join us as we discuss Behlen's approach to hiring, their relationship with the wider community in Columbus, Nebraska, and their “pay-it-forward” mentality. Behlen's approach to development, which includes tiered meetings, profit-sharing initiatives, and partnering with local colleges, has helped them continue to grow and progress since their inception almost ninety years ago. In this episode, find out:Why metal-forming and manufacturing is still an artBehlen has a personal connection to the community and culture of Nebraska – they value their employees as names rather than numbers How, at Behlen, the focus is on balancing today's tasks with long-term success, valuing sustainable decisions over immediate profitsWhy Behlen values hard work and drive over great grades and talentWhy a pay-it-forward mentality is vital for nurturing the next generation of talent, especially with apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local colleges The reason maintenance teams are the ‘rockstars' of the manufacturing worldThree-tiered meetings allow an organization to foster alignment across different levels of the company and enhance decision-makingThe overlooked importance of culture at manufacturing firms and why people are the keyThe different opportunities in manufacturing that people don't talk about or don't see – whether that's opportunities in HR, IT, or accountancyEnjoying 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 still view metal as an art.” - Cody Myers“One of our global values is continuous learning.” - Cody Myers“I would take a technician anytime that has drive and aspires to be better over somebody that knows the answer and doesn't have to do the research.” - Mick Yrkoski Links & mentions:Behlen Manufacturing, a steel fabrication companyIndustrial Solutions Network, a network of manufacturing technology companies providing the collective information, technology, tools and services to manufacturing communitiesCentral Community College, a multi-campus community college serving a 25-county area in central NebraskaMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

AI skepticism – much like AI itself – is here to stay, whether we like it or not. While getting buy-in can be difficult, and deploying it as a solution within a company is even harder, the key thing to remember is that AI, like any new tool, must address a pain point. The only way folks will be persuaded as to its use will be when it solves a problem that was previously thought unsolvable.In this episode, we are joined by Adam Gluck, the CEO and Founder of Copia Automation. Join us as we explore the problems that AI is solving, why a customer-centric culture is so key to developing useful products, and the need for Silicon Valley to overlap with industries that have existed for over two hundred years.The problem-first mindset is one that's helped Copia evolve since July 2020 and navigate hype cycles in tech. What's more, by keeping users front of mind, they can use AI as a “painkiller” rather than a “vitamin”. This means Copia create proactive, targeted solutions that deliver value where it matters most.In this episode, find out:Adam shares his career path, including his work for Uber and his sociology undergraduate degreeWhy it is harder for graduates to get software engineering jobsHow, in engineering, a self-taught approach can be less restrictive when learning new approaches or facing new problemsHiring smart people is often the most important step in solving hard problemsCopia has evolved since July 2020, and the key to this has been their market understanding, adoption, activation, and backup and disaster recoveryHow DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets writtenAdam chose to move to New York from San Francisco because of the large number of seed rounds, proximity to venture capital and large amount of talentHow the current enthusiasm for industrialization and manufacturing among venture capitalists and young companies will persist long-termEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I want to build something people can use every single day as part of their standard workflow and that solves material problems for them.”“DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets written.”“Ultimately, you can try and solve things with processes organization, but you're going to actually solve problems with really smart people.”Links & mentions:Copia Automation, bringing modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation, standardizing processes to drive quality, efficiency, and uptime at scaleReindustrialize, a summit exploring how technology will shape the future of the US industrial baseAmerican Dynamism, part of a16z, investing in founders and companies supporting the national interest: aerospace, defense, safety, education, and manufacturingFounders Fund, a San Francisco based venture capital firm organized by Peter Thiel and others, investing in companies building revolutionary technologies

We've all been guilty of taking energy for granted at some point, from mindlessly flicking on light switches to filling up our cars on the way to work. We may grumble about the costs, but when was the last time you really thought about where it all comes from?The availability of energy is something that affects us all, and leaders in the industry are calling for a re-envisioned future. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Jordan from TECHMAR, Gakuo Ndonga of WD Bearings, and Meaghan Ziemba, host of Mavens of Manufacturing. Recorded live at the Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference, we dive into what it truly means to re-envision energy for the future. Key themes from our conversation include challenging traditional ways of thinking, spreading awareness, and the importance of collaboration. The secret to innovation in energy isn't just about new tech (although that's important), it's also about bringing fresh voices into the conversation. But as we see across manufacturing, it's not always easy to sell younger generations on a future career in energy. So we look at what industry leaders can do to communicate and spark excitement to keep energy ticking. In this episode, find out:What does it mean to re-envision energy? Meaghan, Michelle, and Gakuo all share their perspectives and career storiesWhy we need to avoid taking energy for granted and remember that it's a valuable, scarce resource How maintenance and reliability are handled in the energy industryHow leaders can talk to their customers about re-envisioning operations Changes in the workforce and how this can drive innovation for energy Gakuo shares a story of a tour he took in an experimental mine that had a classroom in it How industry leaders can communicate with others about the energy industry to drive excitement and awareness The trick to getting more comfortable sharing your stories to tell others about your career Advice for businesses on communicating with educators and young people and why a new approach is needed for a new generationWhy it's so important to find your passion and communicate that wellHow focusing on relatable everyday items can help you to communicate the value of working in energyWhy continuous learning is key and the importance of approaching everything from a student perspective 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 treat energy as a very valuable resource that's not always there. And the way we do that is by bringing people together. People have to be excited to be in this industry to keep energy going.” – Gakuo Ndonga"We all have to be advocates for this industry... If you have a really cool story, or if you know of a really cool story, share that with everyone." – Meaghan Ziemba"Looking forward to the future, the direction we are headed, the infrastructure that is being built, clean energy, renewable energy, carbon capture—those things are our future." – Michelle JordanLinks & mentions:Mavens of Manufacturing, a live video series that celebrates women in manufacturing WD Bearings, manufacturers of high-quality bearings that specializes in tech, manufacturing, and researchTECHMAR, epoxy grout manufacturers that specializes in protecting equipment from vibrations...

Manufacturing is a key industry that can revitalize communities, but what about in more rural locations? How do smaller communities compete with the big cities for talent, innovation, investment and growth? We head to Northeast Nebraska for this episode to speak with Angie Stenger, the Executive Director of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together – an initiative to transform the regional economy and population growth. From scholarship programs to a new innovation hub and the creation of a vibrant downtown scene, Norfolk is redefining what it means to live and work in a rural community. Angie shares insights on their unique "Growing Together Scholarship," which partners with Wayne State College to offer students not just education, but also housing and a full year of internship experience with local businesses. This not only provides valuable skills to students but also allows companies to "test drive" potential employees.But it's not all work and no play in Norfolk. The city has invested in quality-of-life improvements that rival big city amenities, including a Whitewater Park for river surfing, an amphitheater for festivals, and a thriving arts scene. The goal? To make Northeast Nebraska a magnet for young professionals and families. In this episode, find out:Angie shares some backstory on the resurgence of downtown Norfolk The purpose of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together and how it's helping to “repopulate Northeast Nebraska” How the local community is investing in facilities including attractions, art, and local facilities to attract familiesAngie explains how their partnership with Wayne State College enabled them to build a great scholarship program Why Northeast Nebraska is leading the way with its Growing Together initiativeWhat to expect from Northeast Nebraska's upcoming innovation hub How Angie's organization works closely with local businesses and manufacturers to find out what they need from talent Angie explains what manufacturing and bedrock companies mean to the region and shares examples of innovative tech and companies leading the wayRaising awareness and interest in manufacturing as a career path through the Growing Together initiativeHow Growing Together is measuring success in both the short and long-termAngie's advice to other regions that might want to adopt a similar model of collaboration Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“We're in the middle of the country. This is Nebraska. And we know that if one town succeeds, all the towns around succeed. And so we want to make sure that we're raising all the tides for everyone in the state, but we're starting here in Northeast Nebraska.”“I think in Nebraska, we figure out how to make the things we need and then when the rest of the world sees it, we just figure out how to make it for everybody else.”“If we can show that, "hey, this is an okay place to live," hopefully they'll stay.”Links & mentions:Growing Together Northeast Nebraska, an Aksarben workforce initiative; this plan outlines the proactive transformation of Northeast Nebraska's regional economy and population growth. At its essence, the plan pairs entrepreneurs with investment capital and students to redesign a workforce that can compete in a knowledge-based economy.

Have you ever stopped to think about what goes into getting your favorite Kwik Trip products onto your table? In this episode, we explore the impressive vertical integration model that Kwik Trip uses, a strategy that allows them to maintain almost complete control over their supply chain. Paul Blank, Director of Operations, and Scott Schiebel, Automation Manager, share insights on how this approach not only enhances quality and food safety but also helps the company navigate supply chain challenges that have become all too common in recent years.Kwik Trip's commitment to vertical integration means they handle everything from manufacturing to distribution in-house. With five major food production facilities and their own trucking operations, they can ensure that products like milk and baked goods are delivered fresh to stores—sometimes in less than 24 hours! The episode highlights the crucial role of automation in streamlining these processes, including ingredients prep and order fulfillment. You'll also hear how Kwik Trip prioritizes its workforce despite the big focus on automation. Paul and Scott emphasize that automation is not about replacing jobs but enhancing operations to meet rising demand. In this episode, find out:Paul and Scott give us a quick overview of what Kwik Trip isWhy Kwik Trip uses a vertical integration model and its impact on logistics and supply chain issues How using automation makes vertical integration a powerful strategy An overview of some of the more recent facilities set up at Kwik Trip and how they've improved operationsWhy Kwik Trip is a great example of a company using digital transformation to refine production and distributionHow the team at Kwik Trip makes decisions on production types such as batch and continuous processesHow automation has impacted the people behind the process and why it doesn't mean that anyone loses a job Why predictive maintenance is essential for keeping plants running smoothly How operations leaders collaborate within Kwik TripHow Kwik Trip decides what to produce in-house vs. outsource to other manufacturers The process behind building the right tech for each production line and why everything starts with food safety How Kwik Trip's food innovation team maintains great quality and tests out new ideas for feasibility How the company collaborates and seeks out vendors and OEMs to work with Tips for any manufacturers considering the vertical integration modelKwik Trip's approach to training, hiring and retaining great talent Some stats on the impressive numbers of products that come off the Kwik Trip production linesEnjoying 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 make it. We ship it. We sell it. This allows us to control pricing that's best for our guest. It also allows us to manage quality and food safety.” – Paul Blank"Our maintenance staff has a CMMS program, and they are diligent about PMs and staying on top of the equipment in terms of the routine needs. And that pays dividends long term since there's less unexpected downtime." – Scott Schiebel"Automation really is part of our growth pattern. There isn't a project that we take on without evaluating whether or not automation fits or how it may fit. It doesn't mean we automate everything, but where we do, Kwik Trip grows as a whole." – Paul BlankLinks & mentions:Kwik Trip, a popular chain of convenience stores located throughout...

We talk a lot about the skills gap on this podcast, but this episode paints an optimistic picture of what the manufacturing world can achieve when we come together. Partnerships between industry and education are so important because without the right education and exposure to manufacturing, the skills gap could continue to grow.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Josh Gamer, Dean of the Integrated Technology Division at Western Technical College, and Kris Gengler, Education Foundation Manager at Ashley Furniture, to talk through the important intersection between education and manufacturing.Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College have an amazing partnership and work closely together to find ways to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of manufacturers. We cover a lot in this episode – from why Western Wisconsin is such a manufacturing hub to the upcoming Wanek Center of Innovation at Western Technical College and what it will mean for manufacturing businesses and students.Kris and Josh share their predictions on the industry, talk about apprenticeships, and the type of skills and technology that future manufacturers will get to learn at places like Western Technical College. In this episode, find out:What makes manufacturing in Western Wisconsin so special and important to the regionThe types of manufacturing that Western Wisconsin specializes in and how the area manages to attract and retain talent What Western Technical College's Wanek Center of Innovation will mean for manufacturers and why it's been a group effort between education and industryWhat Ashley Furntiure and local education institutions learned from a group trip to Germany to visit manufacturers and trade showsWhy you need to be willing to look outside your immediate bubble and learn from othersJosh lists some of the different ways students and manufacturers will benefit from the new CenterWhy we need to talk to younger kids about manufacturing to plant the seed earlyHow Western Technical College's apprenticeship programs have evolvedJosh does some podcast shoutouts to organizations he's partnered withEnjoying 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 want to understand how you're truly doing, you have to open your eyes and be willing to look outside. Go to a different state. Consider another country. Visit other manufacturers, other educational institutions because if you don't do that, you do run the risk of falling behind.” – Dr. Josh Gamer“Manufacturing here in Western Wisconsin, you have people who are very hardworking, very smart, and they have a drive to succeed and they continue to want to learn, to expand, and to find a better way.” – Kris Gengler“When those businesses are successful, it's keeping the money within an area. And that's really what manufacturing does for an area. And when it does that, it, it enhances everything. It enhances healthcare, it enhances distribution, it enhances education. It just creates a whole lot of good for an area.” – Kris Gengler Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Are you leveraging all the resources available in the local manufacturing community? By stepping out the doors and making an active effort to engage with the wider community, there's so much opportunity to grow, learn, and help others to level up this industry.Recorded live at CBT Company's More Than MFG Expo, this episode features some fantastic industry experts who share their takes on engaging local, state, and federal resources for manufacturers. This event was the perfect backdrop to our conversation on connecting manufacturers with vendors, educators, organizations, and experts.We talk about some of the brilliant programs and organizations manufacturers need to know about including AMIP, TechCred, JobsOhio, and Women in Manufacturing (WIM), which provide advice on funding, resources, recruitment and retention, and training, as well as connections with other great organizations.Tune in to hear from:Will Healy, Founding Board Member, AMIPFabian Schmahl, Managing Partner, Bold Promises Delivered (and a former plant manager and GM)Allison Grealis, President & Founder, Women in ManufacturingJennifer Thomas, Research Director, REDI CincinnatiElise Ring, Vice President, Marketing, CBT CompanyIn this episode, find out:Will shares what AMIP is and how it seeks to proactively help the manufacturing community How AMIP helps manufacturers succeed and guides them to find resources and helpWhy reaching out to collaborate with other companies, manufacturers, educators, and organizations is a win-win for allFabian explains what JobsOhio does to help people find their career paths in manufacturingWe hear about Fabian's first experiences of trying to get funding for manufacturing projects and how the processes have improvedWhy Fabian uses the term “return on engagement” instead of “investment” and carves out time specifically to Why there's never been a better time to invest in solar power, thanks to generous government incentives Allison introduces Women in Manufacturing and explains the missions of her organization to help employers connect with women What is REDI Cincinnati and how does it help to connect manufacturing businesses with resources, talent and partner opportunities Advice for those in the Cincinnati area and beyond to access similar resources How CBT Company is helping manufacturers leverage resources Elise's advice for manufacturers to start collaborating in the communityWhy Cincinnati has such a strong manufacturing community Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"We can't wait for NAM or the government to fix our problems. We have to fix it locally in our community." - Will Healy"You have to ask for help; there are resources out there waiting for you to tap into." - Fabian Schmahl“We engage with everybody locally before we needed something from them.” - Fabian SchmahlLinks & mentions:CBT Company, representing hundreds of the best-known brand names in the industry for automation, electrical, mechanical power transmission, and custom belting products in the greater Cincinnati areaAMIP, southwestern Ohio's Advanced Manufacturing Industry...

Did you know your last meal might have been picked and packed by a robot? With a gaping hole in the labor market in food manufacturing, it seems inevitable. But while food manufacturers are crying out for more staff, some companies like Chef Robotics are offering a solution that'll leave them hungry for more.Rajat Bhageria, Founder & CEO of Chef Robotics, joins this episode to talk about how his company uses robotics and AI to fill in the gap in the labor market, while also offering high-mix manufacturing abilities to customers in food manufacturing.Starting out in stealth mode, Chef Robotics has steadily perfected its product in collaboration with customers and real-world feedback. We hear about the strategy behind the company's aims to scale in the assembly stage of manufacturing rather than branching out into the restaurant space. In this episode, find out:What Rajat learned from his previous tech company about using AIAn origin story to Chef Robotics and why Rajat chose to focus on the pain points in food manufacturing Why Rajat decided to launch Chef Robotics in stealth mode until recentlyWe debate whether you need to be an expert in your niche to succeed in it How Rajat positioned Chef Robotics to customers and investors, focusing on pain points and larger companies We hear how Chef Robotics works and offers the flexibility that high-mix manufacturing Rajat shares his predictions on the future of AI What Rajat has learned from other automation businesses and competitors Why Rajat isn't working on automation from restaurants and is instead happy to stick to his niche for nowRajat shares predictions on the future of food manufacturing and how restaurants will become a place to appreciate human artistryEnjoying 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 biggest pain point is labor shortage... It's actually the number one labor shortage in the US, with over 1.1 million people that companies are looking to hire."“If you're starting a company, you should find a problem statement which is so pressing that your customers are willing to work with you to get there.”“AI gets better over time. And that's what allows us to be flexible without custom. You could build custom hardware or custom software per ingredient. You could do that, but that's not really scalable.”Links & mentions:Chef Robotics, robotics-as-a-service company transforming food production with flexible robots and AIChef Robotics Link to Chat, how to get in touch with Chef RoboticsChef Robotics Case Studies, use cases showcasing their system in action Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What happens when you pair the rich culinary culture of Kansas City with the traditional brewing methods of German beer? KC Bier Co. was founded by Steve Holle, whose love of German beer, his heritage, time spent in the country, and passion for craft brewing were the perfect recipe for starting a traditional German brewery in the heart of Kansas City. He joined this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour as part of our MADE HERE series, created in partnership with ISN, the Industrial Solutions Network, which features stories from the region's most important industrial operations. Steve takes us on a journey through the history of German brewing techniques and why he adopts the same traditions that have served German beer lovers for centuries. While Steve wasn't always in the brewing business, he cultivated his passion for years before finally opening the doors to KC Bier Co. and explains why he decided to focus on the niche of German beer.We swap beer stories, discuss the most underrated German beers, and talk about the impact breweries like KC Bier Co. are having on the bustling culinary scene in Kansas City. There are some great insights in this episode for manufacturers on the power of specializing rather than trying to be everything to everyone, plus much more. In this episode, find out:Steve explains how he first fell in love with German beer due to his heritage and a semester spent in GermanyWhy KC Bier Co. follows “Reinheitsgebot” methods, the German beer purity law that meant beer could only be made with specific ingredients Steve explains what led up to his starting KC Bier Co. and how his plans to become a craft brewer started long agoThe most underrated styles of German beer and how they compare to American lagers How Kansas City's rich culinary scene ties perfectly into the growing brewery scene What the community interaction with competitor brewers and customers has been like for KC Bier Co.What Steve wished more people knew about KC's food and drinks cultureSteve shares his advice for starting a new venture later in lifeEnjoying 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:“Respect what you're doing and make sure you do it well rather than just thinking, ‘oh, that sounds like something fun I'd like to do.'”“I think craft brewing is not so much about being everything to everybody, but it's having a passion for something that you're doing and trying to be the best at that niche that you want to work in.”“Some people question why we don't make stouts and everything else. And I think by focusing on something so specific, we actually bring more variety to the beer drinkers in Kansas City because no one else really does what we do.”Links & mentions:KC Bier Co., Brewer of German-style bier using only water, yeast, and all-imported German malt and hops with a Bavarian-style bierhalle and biergarten in Kansas City, MOMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Fresh off the heels of IMTS in Chicago, the largest manufacturing show in North America, host Chris Luecke invites Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX, onto the show to discuss how maintenance leaders and frontline workers can drive digital transformation. Nick gives us a run-down on his background and how his experiences have contributed to creating an intuitive CMMS and EAM platform. The conversation explores how digitizing maintenance departments can not only facilitate broader digital transformation but also capture invaluable tribal knowledge from an aging workforce. This knowledge transfer is essential as companies prepare the next generation of workers to embrace high-tech solutions.Nick and Chris also explore the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, emphasizing how executives and frontline leaders must collaborate to harness its potential, from making manufacturing more appealing to the younger generation to leveraging data for smarter decisions.In this episode, find out:Meet Nick Haase: Co-Founder of MaintainXWhy frontline workers are the key link between high-tech equipment and peak operational efficiencyNick provides a detailed look at his ‘non-typical' career journey and how he built MaintainXHow moving from pen and paper onto digital platforms tie into a digital transformationWhy you're only as good as your best plant manager if you don't invest in dataHow AI is helping make sure the transition to the next work generation is as seamless as possible What causes Nick to think differently than other people in the manufacturing industryWho's ready for AI in the manufacturing world in this day and ageEnjoying 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:“AI in manufacturing isn't a magic solution—it's a powerful tool that requires high-quality, company-specific data to drive real efficiency gains and smooth workforce transitions.”“You've got this great installation of this incredible software process, but if you aren't considering how that final frontline worker is going to receive that input and deliver data input back into the system, then you're missing the point.”"I was surprised to learn that even at a Fortune 50 manufacturing company, many were still primarily following analog processes on the plant floor."Links & mentions:MaintainX, CMMS and EAM software that prevents downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and delivers the #1 technician experienceMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In the face of a looming talent crisis, with over 3 million manufacturing jobs expected to remain unfilled in the next decade, the industry is turning to generative AI as a vital solution. Host Chris Luecke talks with Andrew Hastert, Director of Digital Strategy and Portfolio at Rockwell Automation, in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour about how GenAI can not only streamline operations but also empower a new generation of workers who may lack traditional manufacturing experience.They cover GenAI's ability to simplify complex tasks, such as programming and troubleshooting, which could significantly reduce the barriers for entry-level employees and help preserve critical tribal knowledge that is at risk of being lost as experienced workers retire.As generative AI continues to evolve, it promises to transform how manufacturers approach workforce challenges. And, in this conversation, Chris and Andrew shed light on its potential to not just fill gaps but also enhance productivity and innovation within manufacturing.In this episode, find out:Andrew defines AI as applying math to data to derive insights not possible with traditional methods, using powerful parallel computingHe explains how GenAI uses the transformer model to create new patterns based on existing ones, widening access to AI capabilitiesHear how the manufacturing industry faces a significant talent shortage, with over 3 million unfilled jobs projected in the next decadeLearn how GenAI can help address workforce challenges by simplifying complex tasks like programming and troubleshootingAndrew talks about data management and AI integration How AI is seen as the top technology to address workforce challenges due to its ability to capture and utilize tribal knowledgeEscaping Pilot Purgatory with GenAIHow The State of Smart Manufacturing report indicates that talent remains the biggest challenge for industrial companiesManufacturers are advised to focus on their biggest business challenges first, then consider how AI can help address themEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I think the promise of generative AI is to dramatically simplify how we take our information, our support documentation, our tribal knowledge, document it, and get it into a large language model.”“Generative AI is just an application of AI using the transformer model to get new patterns generated, based on former patterns.”“Generative AI is not just about automation; it's about empowering new workers to tackle complex tasks that traditionally required years of experience.”Links & mentions:Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation, digital transformation, and information solutionsState of Smart Manufacturing Report, insights on AI, industrial SaaS, and more based of surveying hundreds of manufacturing leadersDemonFlyingFox, AI artist who uses MidJourney AI to bring Balenciaga to the world of Harry PotterThe Vanguard, a Milwaukee whiskey and comfort cuisine institution specializing in late-night, house-made sausage...

Is your shop floor as secure as you think it is? Innovation in the manufacturing world has made IT-OT convergence much more commonplace today, but is the industry taking the potential risks seriously enough? In this episode, we hear from Fortinet's Director of Marketing for OT Solutions, Rich Springer, about the real threats facing manufacturers within OT networks, and why effective OT security is a non-negotiable today...Rich brings bags of experience to the table, from his early days in furniture and glass factories to his time as a Navy submarine officer and later as the global head of SCADA operations for a major wind turbine company. He shares how these experiences shaped his understanding of the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the manufacturing sector. Painting a picture of how an OT threat can bring production to a standstill, Rich recommends that manufacturers use tabletop exercises to assess risk points and their impact on the whole production line. Rich also explains that part of protecting your OT network is about getting IT and OT teams to work together, and he gives practical advice on how to bridge the gap.In this episode, find out:Rich explains Fortinet's position on OT network security We hear about Rich's diverse career background and how his previous roles prepared him for his role at Fortinet The current state of OT convergence and why companies are yet to take actionRich breaks the misconception that air gaps will protect manufacturers from digital threats Advice for better collaboration between IT and OT teams Rich explains why he's optimistic that manufacturers are paying attention to the right things in securityWhat the report says about manufacturers and their approach to OT systems todayWhat it takes for cybersecurity experts to get executives to pay attention to the threats facing OTHow to run a tabletop exercise to assess threat and impact on production What surprises Rich most about cybersecurity in manufacturing todayEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The separation of duties should be decided on the tabletop exercise, not when the fire is burning.”“The technology has evolved. So therefore, it has made this air gap strategy a little less realistic over the years. And this is a common challenge.”“When the systems go down, they go to paper. So if the line hasn't stopped, what happens with our suppliers if we have to go paper? Take your tabletop exercise to that level.”Links & mentions:Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk, a report on how digital transformation in manufacturing has driven a widespread need for cybersecurity awareness2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report, Fortinet's report on OT cybersecurity Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is the industry ready for humanoids? And perhaps more importantly, does the industry really need them? It's a debate that's been going on for some time, and back in episode 200, we even had an audience member call humanoids out as a gimmick! But are there real benefits to using humanoids?We welcomed back Melonee Wise, the Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, the pros at manufacturing mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions. Melonee explains that there are definitely practical uses for humanoids and explains some ways they may outperform regular robotics in certain scenarios, such as containerized movement.We hear a little backstory about Melonee's career and why she founded Fetch Robotics, sold it, and took her current role at Agility Robotics. While running her company, she learned a lot about finding product-market fit and ensuring that the designs of robots are viable, in demand, and safe. Safety is a key theme in this episode, and Melonee reveals some of the specific scenarios we need to prepare for if we ever hope to get a robot from the design stage to implementation.In this episode, find out:Are humanoids overhyped or is there a real use for them? The practical applications for humanoids in manufacturing and supply chain management The realities of managing robots on a production line and why instructions need to be programmed clearly Weighing up the speed of human workers vs. automated vehicles and robots, plus the other factors affecting human workers How AI plays into robotics development and why robotics would be advanced enough to progress without AI How we could manage data from robots to optimize supply chain management Why safety is always the biggest challenge with robotics and machinery and the different scenarios we need to account for before deploying a new piece of roboticsThe dangers of not thinking proactively about safety – both to the industry as a whole and to robotics developments What led Melonee to launch Fetch Robotics and how she found product-market fit with a new solution to a common problemWhy Melonee stepped away from entrepreneurship to take a role at Agility Robotics Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Humanoids would be having their moment right now, whether or not AI was also having its moment. I think that the technology is sufficiently advanced enough that we can do the work without leveraging AI if we needed to. Now, will AI help? Yes."“There are two factors that make containerized movement great for humanoids. One, it's very standard work and robotics always loves standard processes. And two, it's highly scalable. So it's worth the investment of the development.”“Humanoids are becoming the new best friends of AMRs. So that's where we're seeing a lot of success, especially because they're highly repeatable and there are a lot of use cases for them.”Links & mentions:Agility Robotics, the world's leading manufacturer of mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions, working with the humanoid robot, DigitFetch Robotics (now Zebra), Melonee's original company, acquired by Zebra, is a robotics automation products manufacturer that helps robots work alongside humans Make sure to visit

U.S. manufacturing is on a roll right now. And organizations like MxD – The Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute are on a mission to help manufacturers build the things they need to build in the modern digital world. In this episode, we sit down with Berardino Baratta, CEO of MxD, to explore the evolution of digital transformation in manufacturing and its impact on the industry. First, Berardino shares his career story, which takes us from healthcare AI to operating a café during a sabbatical to now helping manufacturers thrive in a digital world. As MxD celebrates its 10th anniversary, Berardino shares insights on how the organization has evolved over the years as new technology progresses. We dig into the challenges faced by small businesses, the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age, and how MxD is shaping the future of American manufacturing. Berardino shares his perspective on how manufacturing is changing for the better, including a more collaborative approach to improving supply chains and the democratization of data and insights. In this episode, find out:Berardino explains what MxD does to help manufacturers and how its scope has evolved as new technology advances Some backstory on Berardino's varied career from being the CEO of an AI healthcare company to now working as the CEO of the U.S.'s leading digital manufacturing innovation center What Berardino learned during his long sabbatical about modernizing operations at a café and how he applied that to his work in manufacturing Berardino takes us through MxD's project history, including working with the Department of Defense and Manufacturing USA How modern manufacturing companies feel about creating something that will be democratized vs. maintaining competitive advantagesWhy the industry has become more collaborative over making supply chain improvements How manufacturing has changed in the past ten years in line with technological innovations What's working when it comes to fortifying the strength of U.S. manufacturing Improvements the industry needs to make when it comes to adopting digital assets Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“We quickly realized cybersecurity is critical. We went from being the Digital Manufacturing Institute to the Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute. Two sides of the same coin, right? If you're going to adopt digital, it better be secure.”“98% of U.S. manufacturing companies are small and medium. 75% have less than 20 employees. What's starting to work is that those small and medium businesses are starting to adopt digital to improve their operations.”“With the café, we modernized their entire operations. Right from production in the back house through building their front of the house. We modernized it with technology, not that dissimilar to a digital transformation of a manufacturer.”Links & mentions:MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute; MxD advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness; in partnership with the Department of DefenseManufacturing...

In 1989, Kansas City's beer scene was revitalized with the founding of Boulevard Brewing Company, filling a void left by the closure of hundreds of local breweries during Prohibition and the subsequent decades. Our guest, Adam Hall from Boulevard Brewing Company, takes us on a fascinating journey into the brewery's evolution from humble beginnings to its present-day status as a staple on Kansas City's beer scene. In this episode, learn about the evolution of Boulevard's beer lineup, the pivotal role of Kansas City's rich beer heritage, and how innovation keeps the brewery ahead of trends without chasing them. Adam also shares unique insights into Boulevard's community involvement, sustainability efforts, and the collaborative spirit among Kansas City brewers. Plus, don't miss out on their creative beer and food pairings, including a new Chamoy and peach ring-infused sour ale!Plus, make sure to follow the MADE HERE series with the Industrial Solutions Network by going to industrialsolutionsnetwork.com/madehere.In this episode, find out:How Boulevard Brewing started out in 1989 as a small brewery with a few taps in an old gift shopThe history of Kansas City's breweries before Prohibition and what happened afterwardHow founder John McDonald was inspired to brew a variety of beers while on a trip to EuropeAbout Boulevard's first successful beer, which was an American wheat beer, and how it remains their bestseller todayHow hiring an innovative brewer with a robust list of recipes helps keep Boulevard Brewing on the forefront of what's happening in the industryHow they collaborate with other craft breweries to share techniques and improve production efficiencyBoulevard's position as a mid-sized brewery, larger than typical craft breweries but smaller than macro breweries, allows for quality-focused growthThe future for the brewery is to increase its presence in markets outside Kansas City while maintaining a tight and high-quality beer profileHow Boulevard's commitment to innovation includes adopting new manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and product qualityEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“While Kansas City didn't experience Prohibition in the same way that other cities did, we never really stopped serving beer, manufacturing shut down almost completely.”“We want to grow. We want more people to try our beer. We think that if you try our beer, you'll like our beer. We try to make something for everybody.”“In the early 2000s, we were doing over a hundred thousand barrels on our original brew house, which kicks out 35 barrels at a time. If you do anything a hundred thousand times in increments of 35, it'll tell you that brew house was running 24 hours a day.”Links & mentions:Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri that combines traditional brewing techniques with modern methods Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, the best barbeque in Kansas City, the barbeque capital of the worldMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in...

If you are one of the 100,000 people that's going to IMTS 2024 – North America's largest manufacturing trade show – there's a lot in this episode for you. We're joined by 7 other manufacturing leaders as we enjoy a glass of bourbon and chat about what we're expecting to see at IMTS this year, September 9 through 14, 2024 in Chicago, IL.This episode was recorded live from MakingChips HQ at their “Boring Bar” in Rockford, IL where we were joined by a number of past guests of Manufacturing Happy Hour. The crew discusses everything from IMTS to artificial intelligence to our thoughts on the future of manufacturing and what it will take to continue to enhance the vibrancy of this industry.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Let's raise a glass to 200 episodes down and counting! It's been an incredible journey so far and to mark this milestone, we're bringing you a special live episode – this time with host Chris Luecke in the hot seat. So what's it been like running the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast? Chris tells us in his own words how much he's learned as the podcast has grown in the amazing manufacturing community.Live from Broken Bat Brewery in Milwaukee, we're joined by Manufacturing Happy Hour alumni, including Meaghan Ziemba, the perfect host for this episode, plus lots of manufacturers, creators, and tech leaders.Chris shares some of the best advice he's heard from guests on the show, including how to be a self-advocate, the importance of connecting with the next generation of talent, and the power of networking events in fostering a community. We hear some behind-the-scenes details of handling feedback, producing those early episodes, and why Chris decided to start the podcast in the first place. Huge thanks to anyone who's listened to and supported the podcast over the years. Here's to another 200 episodes! In this episode, find out:Introduction to our host this episode, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of ManufacturingChris explains how he feels about it being the 200th episode and reflects on his first guest on the showWhy Manufacturing Happy Hour began as a way to connect with younger manufacturersWhy community and networking have always been such a big feature of the Manufacturing Happy Hour mission Chris reflects on the most memorable moments from his podcastThe top challenges Chris faced when creating the podcast and the game-changing advice he receivedHow listener feedback has impacted Chris' approach to podcasting and helped him grow Why manufacturers need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” How podcasts like this help to attract more young people into the industry and why Chris believes we need to listen rather than assume we know what younger people are looking for in this industry How podcasting and attending events is making a tangible impact on companies in the industryChris shares his predictions for next year and beyond and his plan for the next 200 episodes Rapid fire questions on Chris' favorite tech, events, guests, podcasts, and some behind-the-scenes stories The top things Chris has learned about leadership since starting the podcastIntroduction to the companies who made this event possibleEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“When I say Manufacturing Happy Hour is listened to by leaders in manufacturing, I don't always mean the C-suite. I define leader as anyone who cares about their career, the industry, or their business. People that are driven in their careers.”“How do I attract the next generation? I need to listen to the next generation in terms of hearing what they want, rather than just assuming that me, as someone who's been doing this for five plus years, knows all the answers.”“I'm trying to pick the best stories to tell, but I think it's just consistency. It's doing these things on a regular basis that gets folks out there, gets folks talking to people that they might not have met before."Links & mentions:Broken Bat Brewery, baseball themed craft brewery and tap room in Milwaukee Mavens of Manufacturing, live video...

Not every new manufacturing project needs to reinvent the wheel. In fact, by using the resources manufacturers already have, companies can save both time and money. The key? Using historical data.In this episode, we sit down with Yushiro Kato, Founder and CEO of CADDi, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data. Yushiro gives us his backstory before he built CADDi and shares the unique learnings he picked up along the way.We hear how CADDi's innovative solutions can streamline operations and reduce costs in procurement and engineering processes. Throughout the episode, Yushiro champions centralized data systems that allow engineers to easily access and reuse past drawings, simplifying supply chains. Yushiro also highlights the unique challenges of managing a company that spans multiple countries and continents. We hear about some of the key differences in job and skill specialization between the U.S. and Japan, while we sip sake and talk ramen. In this episode, find out:Yushiro explains his entrepreneurial backstory and early experience at McKinsey & Company Why seeing the global pain points facing manufacturing inspired Yushiro to build CADDi Why so many entrepreneurs come from McKinseyHow CADDi was founded on the idea of finding solutions in historical records Why we don't see many manufacturing leaders using data to be more competitiveHow democratization of data can be used to empower people at all levels of seniority What frontline empowerment in manufacturing looks likeYushiro explains the first big issue that needs to be solved in manufacturing What it's like being a CEO for a company that spans five countries Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Engineers tend to create new drawings over and over again. But why don't you leverage past data if they're mostly identical drawings in the past?”“There are a lot of data-related systems in place... but the systems do not really talk to each other. If you want to leverage the data in the past, you need to search across multiple systems, which is super time-consuming.”“Jobs are more specialized in the U.S. than Japan. So for example, in marketing, there are a lot of marketers - digital marketers, offline marketers, content marketers. In Japan, they're more generalists because they tend to be in the same company for longer."Links & mentions:CADDi Drawer, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical dataRAMEN-SAN, a neighborhood noodle joint that slings hot broth, ice-cold beer, and the best '90s hip-hop in Chicago, with multiple locations including River NorthMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The Rust Belt cities are welcoming in a new renaissance – and it's thanks to the rise and return of great American manufacturing!In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive deep into the heart of the new American manufacturing renaissance with a stellar lineup of guests, including Drew Crowe, Michael Eaton, Mary Cecile “MC” Neville, Brad Jones, Jeff Hawkins, and Cynthia Chapple. Recorded at the 4 Hands Brewery in St. Louis, this episode brings together inspiring industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of manufacturing.Drew Crowe, the Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, and his inspiring career journey take center stage as he shares how manufacturing changed his life. Today, he's a public speaker and passionate advocate for the industry with a mission to reconnect communities with manufacturing. We hear how manufacturing is revitalizing cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia, where the industry is not only great for job prospects but also economic growth for the Rust Belt states as a whole. Drew also gives his take on the skills gap, a challenge many manufacturers still face, and how his work is helping to spread awareness of the career opportunities the industry offers. To hear more from manufacturing leaders, be sure to register for IMTS, taking place September 9-14 in Chicago. In this episode, find out:Drew describes the New American Manufacturing Renaissance and its mission to connect communities with manufacturing Drew takes us through his inspiring career journey and how he prioritized learning Why the Rust Belt cities are seeing a resurgence thanks to the help of manufacturing Why better job opportunities and upskilling help not just individuals but also the city and state achieve longer-term growth How manufacturing is helping the cities of St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia and what they're getting right How the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis contributes to communities getting involved in manufacturing Drew's answer to the skills gap and why we need to spread awareness and give potential talent a helping hand The importance of relatable and diverse role models How events like this and online content help the industry get the attention it needsIntroduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of citiesWhat to expect from IMTSWhy industry leaders need to meet people where they're at and know their audience when talking about manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I want to bring back the opportunity where no matter what people look like, no matter where they're from, their sex, gender, political standing, race, whatever it is, we've got a lot of jobs that can change people's lives, and we just got to connect them to it.” - Drew Crowe“The world does not go around if we do not create.” - Cynthia Chapple“Manufacturers are the backbone of America. They built this country. We didn't need a pandemic to label manufacturers as essential workers. You have always been essential workers, period." - Drew CroweLinks & mentions:Drew The MFG Crowe, often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he...

Grab a bite to eat while you listen to this episode, preferably something fresh off the grill. We look behind the curtain of the food and beverage manufacturing world with Doug Wilson, the Director of Engineering at Marlen International. Doug takes us on a journey through his career evolution from welding to food and beverage manufacturing, sharing pivotal moments that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of organization and workflow efficiency, revealing how his first plant startup taught him that failure can be the best teacher.Doug breaks apart misconceptions about manufacturing in the food and beverage space and highlights that sanitary practices are make or break in this industry. He also sheds light on the artisanal side of food production, where meticulous recipe testing and quality assurance are key. We hear how Doug has helped smaller companies scale and the lessons they learn along the way when adopting new food processing equipment that makes it all possible. Sustainability is a topic that's near and dear to Doug's heart, and he lets us in on Marlen's tactic for reusing energy in the grilling process, which comes with an added flavorful bonus. Our conversation naturally comes to barbeque talk, specifically the world-famous Kansas City Barbeque Society which hosts events and competitions to celebrate a key part of KC's culture. In this episode, find out:How Doug first became a passionate Kansas City barbeque fan Doug's early career in welding and high-speed printing and packaging Important lessons that Doug learned from an early startup that failed around workflow How Doug moved into the food processing business at Marlen Common misconceptions around food and beverage manufacturing What goes on behind the scenes of mass food production around testing and quality controlDoug shares how he's helped a number of smaller producers to industrialize and scale (including a truck stand)The key to ensuring quality when automation is a huge part of large-scale operations How the food manufacturing industry is changing, with a lean toward prepared meals How Marlen recycles exhaust fumes to boost energy efficiency Doug explains some of his barbeque tools, the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and his time as a judgeWhat makes Kansas City a hub of food and beverage manufacturing The future of manufacturing in the food sector, Doug's predictions Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“We take the exhaust gases from the grill and pump it into the oven, so you get more of that smoked flavor. Another nice thing from the environmental side is all that exhaust gas is at 300 degrees, that's just energy you're losing. We can scale way back and reuse all that energy a second time.”“If you have nothing but success until you have a failure, how do you know what you need to improve on?”“The industry is massive, and I think a lot of people just don't realize how many people touch it along the way."Links & mentions:Marlen International, Kansas City-based manufacturer of batch ovens, smokehouses, chillers, and more. They enable customer success through trusted and robust food processing solutions, application know-how, process expertise and engineering customization.The Kansas City Barbeque Society, a...

What does it really take to excel as a CNC machinist? A hunger to learn, a touch of aggressive self-advocacy, and a knack for problem-solving are the major take-home messages in this episode.We speak to Christopher Zappettini, Nushrat Ahmed, and Danny Hill Jr., three CNC machinists who all took different paths into the field, skipping the traditional trade school route. They explore the top skills needed in the industry, how to be a great frontline leader, and their top tips that you won't get from a trade school. Chris explains what he thinks is sometimes missing from the trade school route, why problem-solving was the number one skill he took from his engineering background, and why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate.”Nushrat takes us through her transition from automotive engineering to becoming a CNC Swiss operator and shares one underrated skill you need to work in CNC machining. Like Chris, she believes it's so important to advocate for yourself and learn to market your own skills.Danny talks about the value of determination and continuous upskilling, pointing out the underrated importance of manual machine skills today, and taking charge of your own skill development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the manufacturing industry and CNC machining looking to advance their career and become a top CNC machinist. In this episode, find out:Why having an inspiring teacher was key to Chris' education at ASU What Chris learned from his engineering program and early jobs about CNC machining Two reasons why people coming out of trade schools don't hit the ground running – the importance of a good teacher and realizing that you get out what you put inWhy engineering is about problem-solving at its coreWhy you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” and take responsibility for your own learning and development through your career What does a great frontline leader look like? Why solving problems while parts are running is the ideal approachChris' advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thingWhat Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinistWhy Nush became a CNC machinist after pivoting from an automotive career path What Nush believes it means to be a great frontline leader and why you should advocate for and market yourselfCleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to DannyWhen Danny realized continuous learning was essential for his career Danny's picks for the top practical and underrated skills in CNC machinery Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The most ideal situation is to get parts running and while they're running, solve the problems while it's still in the shop. You start solving the problems while the parts are being produced.” - Christopher Zappettini“You don't need to know numbers. Your handwriting doesn't have to be nice. You don't have to be good at reading. But you need to be neat. There are so many moving parts, you're going to be grabbing so many things, you're going to be moving so much, it'll make your life easier if everything has its place.” - Nushrat Ahmed“I want to learn all of it. Let me master this one thing, then I'm going to the next, and the next, and the next. The more and more I make myself more marketable. In this trade, there's nowhere else to go but up. I want to just learn the new and latest technology to come." - Danny Hill Jr.Links &...