Manufacturing Talks: Recent Episodes
Jim Vinoski
Jim Vinoski is the industry executive who entrenched himself in the front lines of manufacturing over his 30-year career. He helped companies such as Ralston-Purina and General Mills make products ranging from food to plastics and paints to bourbon. Jim tells you the stories of successful enterprises built from blood, sweat and tears by talking to the very people doing the hard work.
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Jim Vinoski discusses his new book, "American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation," highlighting the importance of American manufacturing.
He chose 22 companies, emphasizing their deep community roots and critical roles in national defense and everyday life. Jim aims to educate the public and policymakers on the necessity of reindustrializing America, noting the decline in sectors like textiles and steel. He believes the book's lessons on business fundamentals and resilience are crucial for the industry's future. He encourages readers to purchase the book and plans future episodes to delve deeper into each company featured.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction to Jim Vinoski's New Book
01:15 - Purpose and Inspiration Behind the Book
03:20 - Selection of Companies Featured in the Book
05:30 - Audience and Goals of the Book
09:11 - Business Lessons and Future Plans
Here's a link with all your options to get your very own copy!
https://www.manufacturingtalks.com/american-manufacturing-book
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It was great fun to focus on nuclear energy for the second week in a row!
Your host Jim Vinoski interviews Julia Cartwright from the American Institute for Economic Research about nuclear energy and regulations. Cartwright, an economist, professor, and deep thinker, discusses the inefficiencies of government intervention in energy policies, citing examples like the Road to Housing Act and the regulatory capture. She highlights the potential of nuclear energy, particularly thorium, which is more efficient and abundant than uranium and plutonium. Cartwright criticizes the U.S. for not utilizing its uranium-233 reserves and advocates for a technology-neutral policy. She also emphasizes the need for regulatory certainty to encourage investment in nuclear energy and small modular reactors.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Background of Julia Cartwright
04:15 - Julia's Views on Government Regulation and Industrial Policy
08:14 - Energy Policy and Favoritism
17:01 - Challenges and Opportunities in Nuclear Energy
25:57 - Regulatory Barriers and Permitting Reform
29:04 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Julia covered a lot of ground and offered a wealth of useful industry and policy recommendations. Tune in for the whole thing!
Julia's articles mentioned in the show:
"Ending the Era of Energy Favoritism" - https://aier.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Julia-Cartwright_Energy-Favoritism_v3.pdf
Thorium reactor technology - https://azfreenews.com/2026/01/julia-cartwright-america-risks-losing-the-advanced-nuclear-race-to-china/
U-233 - https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2025/09/30/america_cant_lead_on_nuclear_while_destroying_its_own_fuel_1138084.html
Julia's page at AIER - https://aier.org/people/julia-r-cartwright/
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Your host Jim Vinoski interviews Brett Rampal, a nuclear expert with 20 years of experience, about the current state and future of the nuclear industry. Brett highlights the industry's significant regulatory challenges, noting the need for reform and better project management. He discusses the impact of recent presidential administrations on nuclear energy support and the potential for new projects, including the Trump administration's goal to quadruple the nuclear fleet by 2050. Rampal also emphasizes the importance of advanced technologies and the role of regulatory engagement in driving progress. He concludes with optimism about the industry's future, despite past setbacks.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
04:18 - Historical Context and Industry Changes
07:51 - Regulatory Environment and Challenges
12:55 - Recent Developments and Industry Support
17:00 - Project Management and Workforce Development
24:43 - Regulatory Reform and Future Plans
26:33 - Advanced Technologies and Market Demand
36:01 - Positive Outlook and Industry Collaboration
41:06 - Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
Do check out the whole show - you'll be glad you did!
Brett's page at the National Center for Energy Analytics website: https://energyanalytics.org/team/brett-rampal
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It was very cool to return the favor for Aaron Witt, founder of training platform BuildWitt and host of Dirt Talk, where your host Jim Vinoski appeared a couple months ago.
Aaron Witt discussed his mission to promote the construction and mining industries through micro learning and continuous improvement. He highlighted the critical infrastructure workforce shortage, noting 80-85% of contractors struggle with workforce retention. He emphasized the need for innovative training methods and modern tools to attract and retain young workers. Aaron criticized the slow U.S. mine permitting process, which delays projects and increases costs. He also stressed the importance of government support and private sector collaboration to drive infrastructure development and improve productivity.
Of course, in keeping with our July focus on red tape, Aaron shared his thoughts on what our hyper-regulatory environment is costing us.
Aaron's points about our need for meaning and purpose were particularly compelling.
This is such a great, wide-ranging, deeply informative conversation!
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction of Aaron Witt and BuildWitt
02:24 - Aaron's Career path and his Founding of BuildWitt
04:39 - Micro-learning and Continuous Improvement
07:58 - Workforce Challenges in Construction and Mining
11:46 - The Role of Technology and Modern Tools
23:10 - The Impact of Regulations on Infrastructure Development
36:32 - The Importance of Purpose and Meaningful Work
47:18 - The Role of Government and Private Sector Collaboration
51:56 - The Future of Infrastructure and Workforce Development
53:56 - Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Be sure to tune in for the whole show! You'll be glad you did.
BuildWitt: https://buildwitt.com/
Dirt Talk: https://aaron.buildwitt.com/the-dirt-talk-podcast
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Regulations have gotten so bad we mostly don't even talk about them anymore.
That's a huge problem, because red tape is the number 1 thing that can derail our reindustrialization efforts, our nuclear resurgence, and our energy independence.
Your host Jim Vinoski tackles the problem head-on, discussing the extensive impact of red tape regulations on American manufacturing and energy sectors. He highlights the staggering growth of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which expanded from 130,800 pages in 2000 to over 190,000 pages by 2023. Studies by Mark and Nicole Crain for the National Association of Manufacturers reveal that federal regulations cost the U.S. economy over $3 trillion, with an average annual compliance cost of $277,000 per firm. Manufacturing firms, particularly small ones, bear a significant burden, with costs per employee ranging from $24,800 to $50,100.
Jim concludes by emphasizing the need for radical regulatory reform to support reindustrialization and energy production.
Links:
NAM's summary on the cost of regulations: https://nam.org/issues/regulatory-and-legal-reform/
The full NAM report by Nicole and Mark Crain: https://nam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NAM-3731-Crains-Study-R3-V2-FIN.pdf
The American Action Forum's report on nuclear regulatory costs: https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/putting-nuclear-regulatory-costs-context/
Jim Vinoski's recent Substack on the total cost of regulations in industry: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/the-unseen-costs-of-regulations
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Here's a superb example of a public-private partnership to help with our desperate need for more skilled trades gurus.
Jim Vinoski interviews Jason Wells from the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, which trains the U.S. defense industrial base workforce. The program, based in Danville, Virginia, focuses on skilled trades like machining, welding, and quality assurance, integrating technology to stay relevant. It has graduated nearly 2,000 students in five years, with a current annual graduation target of 1,000. The program's success is attributed to local, state, and federal funding and collaboration with industry. The initiative highlights the importance of a proactive approach to workforce development and the need for a national perspective on the skills gap.
Highlights:
00.00 - Introduction and Overview of ATDM
02:05 - Economic Transformation and Workforce Development
07:07 - Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Vision
14:53 - National Recognition and Federal Programs
19:53 - Challenges and Adaptations in Training
24:21 - Impact and Future of ATDM
32:04 - Government Support and Industry Collaboration
35:10 - Addressing the Skills Gap and Future Outlook
41:02 - Closing Thoughts and Final Remarks
The ATDM is just a phenomenal example of what needs to be happening much, much more broadly to turn the tide on our dearth of skilled trades workers.
ATDM website: https://atdm.org/
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It was a pleasure to be joined once again by Samuel Gregg, who is President of the American Institute for Economic Research, and joined us to discuss a recent article of his that's right up our alley.
Sam and our host Jim Vinoski did a deep dive into his article, "Dear Conservatives: Industrial Policy is a Dead End," which critiques the British and American approaches to industrial policy. He argues that government intervention in the economy, as seen in China and Japan, often leads to misallocation of resources, cronyism, and economic stagnation. Sam emphasizes the importance of market-driven outcomes over government-engineered results. He also highlights the inefficiencies of public sector investments and the need for less regulation to foster innovation and competitiveness. He advocates for a return to the principles of economic liberty and the American founding.
The discussion wrapped up with a brief conversation about another of Sam's recent articles, this one about the establishing of our country: "Why the West Needs the American Founding." Sam touches on how the founding principles are relevant to the above discussion.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Industrial Policy
02:01 - Philosophical Opposition to Industrial Policy
04:05 - China's Economic Transformation and Misallocation of Resources
07:59 - Lessons from Japan's Economic Stagnation
10:33 - Impact of Industrial Policy on Competitiveness
13:53 - Cause and Effect in Industrial Policy
16:41 - Opportunity Costs and Public Sector Inefficiency
21:25 - Defense Policy vs. Industrial Policy
26:02 - Regulation and Economic Dynamism
29:29 - Reflecting on Economic Freedom and Interventionism
Links to the articles:
https://capx.co/dear-conservatives-industrial-policy-is-a-dead-end
https://spectator.org/why-the-west-needs-the-american-founding/
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It was illuminating to hear from Mike Musheinish, CEO of Detroit Axle, about the effects of tariffs on his aftermarket auto parts-making business.
Mike discussed the severe impact of the new tariffs on his business. Initially, tariffs cost his company $25,000 per $1 million in parts, but this rose to $725,000. This forced Detroit Axle to raise prices, affecting profitability and consumer affordability. Mike highlighted the broader economic consequences, including inflation exacerbated by rising energy costs. He criticized tariffs for favoring large corporations and creating a "tariff mafia."
Mike advocated for better infrastructure and education to support domestic manufacturing, emphasizing the need for competition to drive down costs and improve quality. He also praised the potential of employing returning citizens.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction - Mike's Background and Business Model
02:42 - Impact of Tariffs on Detroit Axle
05:34 - Challenges of Tariffs and Market Dynamics
08:53 - Regulation and Competition
12:15 - Positive Actions for Manufacturing
16:26 - Challenges of Producing in the USA
26:18 - Support for Returning Citizens
29:44 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tune in and take in the whole show, because this one has a lot of the details of the current reality for the hardworking people on the front lines of American manufacturing.
Check out the Detroit Axle website here: https://www.detroitaxle.com/
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It was great to return the favor of podcast guesting with Melinda Tse, Louis Leung, and Jared Plumb from inFlow Inventory. They had our host Jim Vinoski on their show, "The Secret Life of Inventory," a few months ago.
For their visit with us, we dove into their strategy of making their show an integral part of marketing their industrial inventory management software.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:08 - Guest Backgrounds
06:28 - Inflow Inventory's Origin and Focus
08:20 - The Role of the Podcast in Marketing
23:36 - Challenges and Future Plans
25:46 - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
This was a great exploration of a really fascinating way to make the most of social media and content creation to help sell software services.
inFlow Inventory's website: https://www.inflowinventory.com/
Jim Vinoski's appearance on "The Secret Life of Inventory:" https://secretlifeofinventory.buzzsprout.com/2232037/episodes/18945032-manufacturing-beyond-machines-culture-ownership-succession-ft-jim-vinoski
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Your host Jim Vinoski discusses the latest newsletter from the National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA), highlighting key articles. He praises Jonathan Lesser and Portia Roberts' critique of wind power, noting its low capacity factor (25%) compared to nuclear (90%). Vinoski also summarized Ike Keifer's op-ed criticizing corn ethanol, citing a 28% increase in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. He highlights a shortfall in the nuclear workforce, advocating for training and delayed retirement.
Jim also gives an update on his upcoming book, "American Manufacturing," and mentions his next episode on inventory management with inFlow Inventory. He emphasizes the need for better forecasting and leadership in energy and workforce issues.
Highlights:
01:12 - Introduction to the NCEA Newsletter
02:36 - Critique of Wind Power Subsidies
11:25 - Environmental and Economic Impact of Corn Ethanol
15:00 - Nuclear Workforce Shortfall
20:24 - Mark Mills's Note on AI Revolution and Energy
25:40 - Closing Remarks, the Book Update, and the Upcoming Episode
Check out the whole newsletter, and do click the links and read the articles. You'll be glad you did.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ncea-newsletter-may-26-national-center-for-energy-analyti-yiaye/
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Your host, Jim Vinoski, goes solo and discusses the impact of regulations on American manufacturing, emphasizing that hyper-regulation has driven jobs offshore and hinders reindustrialization efforts. He highlights the Trump administration's deregulation initiatives, such as repealing the Obama-era endangerment finding and implementing a 10:1 regulation rollback policy. Jim notes that manufacturers face nearly 300,000 regulations, adding significant costs. He also addresses the role of labor laws and unions in deindustrialization and the high costs of inputs compared to China. Finally, he details his plans to delve deeper into these issues throughout July on his Manufacturing Talks platform, here on YouTube, on his related podcast outlets, and on his Manufacturing Talks Substack.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Regulations and Their Impact on Manufacturing
03:15 - Trump Administration's Efforts on Deregulation
06:29 - Challenges Posed by Labor Laws and Unions
08:15 - Cost Differences Between American and Chinese Manufacturing
09:15 - Future Plans for Discussing Regulations
Last week's Substack article Jim mentioned: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/american-reindustrialization-wont
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Software for manufacturing feels like a minefield sometimes. These guys get it.
Benny Buehler from Uptool, a startup focused on improving American machine shops, joined us this week. Benny, with a background in metal additive manufacturing, co-founded Uptool with Alex Huckstepp to address the inefficiencies in traditional manufacturing software. Uptool's AI-driven software automates the quoting process, reducing response times and increasing win rates. The platform integrates with email and cloud services, ensuring seamless operations. Uptool aims to help machine shops become faster, more responsive, and more productive, ultimately contributing to the growth of American manufacturing. The company has gained significant traction, with many customers already experiencing positive results.
Here are the highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - Benny's Background
03:43 - Challenges in Advanced Manufacturing
07:28 - Machine Shops' Skepticism Towards Software
10:29 - Uptool's Solution for Machine Shops
14:00 - AI Integration in Uptool
21:22 - Cloud-Based Software and Continuous Improvement
24:41 - Future Opportunities and Expansion
This was a fascinating deep dive into how effective solutions for software for manufacturing are designed and implemented. The part about keeping up with AI developments was enlightening!
Do check out the whole thing.
Uptool website: https://uptool.com/company
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We've got a shorter episode for you this week. Your host Jim Vinoski flies solo for deep dive into the event he attended last week, the Energy Futures Forum by the National Center for Energy Analytics. It was a pow-wow with some very smart folks and a few big names talking the latest and greatest on energy in America and beyond.
The highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:46 - Senatory Alan Armstrong
03:25 - Ezra Yacob, EOG Resources
04:53 - Chris Womack, Southern Company
06:05 - Toby Rice, EQT
07:03 - Andy Power, Digital Realty
08:15 - John Bear, MISO
09:35 - David Rosner, FERC
10:15 - Nat Sahlstrom, Meta
11:40 - Mark Hume, Blackrock
12:25 - Pierce Norton, ONEOK
13:45 - Matt Neal, Seimens Energy
15:00 - Nicole Holmes, GE Vernova
16:20 - Jesse Ausubel, Rockefeller University
17:17 - Zach Dell, Base Power
18:10 - Damion Shelton, Agility Robotics
20:00 - Daniel Yergin, S&P
Again, this is just a brief summary of the topics each speaker brought to light - but it's still chock-full of important points!
To close, Jim gave an update on his upcoming book, American Manufacturing: 22 Tales of Integrity, Ingenuity, and the Modest Heroes Who Built a Nation, which is coming very soon!
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What an amazing episode!
Our guests this week are Seth Kanor and Vinny Livoti from Enabling Devices, a company that creates assistive technology for people with disabilities. Seth's father, a medical engineer, founded the company in the 1970s after witnessing the transformative impact of a simple switch on a child with cerebral palsy. The company has since grown, focusing on customized solutions based on user needs. Vinny, an assistive technology specialist for 24 years, shares stories of lives changed through their products, such as an eye blink switch that enabled a nonverbal boy to communicate and a custom-made switch for a paraplegic drummer. They discuss the importance of listening, innovation, and the human touch in their work.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introductions
05:54 - Early Days and Company Growth
07:26 - Listening and Innovation
09:40 - Challenges and Success Stories
26:03 - Technological Advancements and 3D Printing
31:42 - Balancing Production and Personal Touch
34:11 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
These are some of the very best and most meaningful stories we've ever had on this show. You owe it to yourself to check out the whole thing!
Enabling Devices website: https://enablingdevices.com/
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What a treat it was to have John Suh as our guest to talk broadly about how advanced tech will help reindustrialize America!
John is a seasoned engineer with experience at Hyundai, Xerox, and General Motors, and he discussed his innovative work on combining robotics with car design, particularly an off-road vehicle with robotic suspension. Despite the project's end at Hyundai, John believes in its future potential. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to reindustrialize, leveraging AI and new technologies to reinvent manufacturing. He also highlighted the importance of rethinking assumptions about the world, such as the existence of roads, and developing a mathematical language for creativity and innovation to better integrate AI. John advocates for a comprehensive industrial policy to revitalize American manufacturing.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:23 - John's work on the Hyundai Ultimate Mobility Vehicle concept
05:53 - The current state of the automotive world
11:03 - Opportunities with advanced manufacturing tech and robotics
15:59 - Humanoid robots
24:05 - John's exploration of a new language for manufacturing
32:51 - Industrial policy
We covered a whole lot of ground in this one! Do check out the whole thing.
Here is a link to our host Jim Vinoski's Forbes article about the Hyundai UMV concept project: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2020/10/21/hyundai-and-autodesk-join-forces-to-design-ultimate-mobility-vehicles/
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The wide range of opinions on the right path forward to revitalize American shipbuilding gave us an idea: how about having a couple previous guests with differing opinions on to debate them?
Many thanks to Colin Grabow of the Cato Institute and Lance Lemcool, a career shipbuilding executive, for taking on the challenge!
For background on each, tune in to their previous individual episodes with us:
Lance - https://youtu.be/DGiAzabXwro
Colin - https://youtu.be/hW1Hdlor0II
Lance is cautiously optimistic about President Trump's Maritime Action Plan and the SHIPS Act, emphasizing the need for government subsidies to revitalize the industry. Colin is skeptical, noting the U.S. has averaged 0.15% of global shipbuilding output over the past decade, ranking 19th in 2024. Both agree on the historical ineffectiveness of government policies and the need for a robust commercial shipbuilding industry for national security. They debate whether government subsidies or leveraging allied shipyards is the better approach.
These guys both really know their stuff, and they represented their differing views with great expertise and exemplary respectfulness. It's nice to see that reasoned debate still exists!
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David Rashid, an expert on trade cheating, discussed his experiences and the challenges of combating trade fraud. He detailed how his competitor shifted production from China to Thailand to avoid tariffs, leading to a significant loss of business. Despite efforts, including hiring investigators and engaging the DOJ's Trade Fraud Task Force, the case remained unresolved. David emphasized the complexity and slow progress of trade enforcement, highlighting the need for more resources, transparency, and legislative support. He also mentioned the de minimis exemption, which allowed undervaluation, and the non-resident importer loophole, which hindered enforcement. David advocates for better education and advocacy to address these issues.
Highlights:
00:00 - David's Background
06:32 - Introduction to Trade Cheating
08:15 - David's Experience with Trade Cheating
11:47 - Legal and Enforcement Efforts
15:36 - Challenges in Enforcing Trade Laws
22:27 - Legislative and Educational Efforts
29:23 - Conclusion and Call to Action
This is a critical reality that gets far too little attention.
You can learn more at David's website, and by connecting with him firsthand. Those links are here:
David's website: https://trade-fraud-awarenes-u8dl.bolt.host/
David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rashid-b4017a/
David's email: drashid71@gmail.com
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For our 200th episode, we have a guy who has one whale of a life story!
Denny LaVé, a US Senate candidate from Idaho, talks about his background in the trades, entrepreneurship, and faith. Denny discusses his company, Precision Precast Erectors, which specializes in precast concrete installations. He shares his journey from an iron worker to business owner, emphasizing the dignity and financial stability of trades jobs. Denny highlights the importance of faith in personal growth and societal well-being, and his campaign's focus on revitalizing American manufacturing and resource extraction. He also addresses the challenges young people face in establishing households and the need for systemic changes in healthcare and tax policies.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
06:09 - The Importance of Skilled Trades and Career Guidance
14:17 - Entrepreneurship and Risk-Taking
18:37 - Faith and Personal Growth
26:04 - Running for Office and Public Policy
32:07 - Challenges Faced by Young People
38:07 - The Role of Public Policy in Supporting Trades and Manufacturing
45:27 - The Importance of Faith in Public Life
48:31 - Denny's Vision for the Future
54:55 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Of all our episodes, this one is the most worthy of diving into the whole episode. What a great bunch of insights and ideas Denny brought us!
Denny's campaign website: https://www.dennyforsenate.com/
Denny's book: https://newlionofidaho.com/
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For Episode 199, we dive into a whole host of important topics with our longtime pal Gail Robertson. She's the "recovering journalist," entrepreneur, and fellow manufacturer and podcaster who has been on several times before and helped with our most important episodes.
Gail discussed her diverse background in journalism, fundraising, and marketing, which led to her involvement in the manufacturing sector, particularly mold-making. She explored the importance of storytelling in manufacturing, discussing examples Jim threw out there like Zamboni and Tigercat Industries. Gail emphasized the need for better Canada-US relations, highlighting the economic interdependence and the potential for collaboration. She also discussed the challenges of polarization, the impact of media, and the importance of curiosity and open communication in fostering understanding and cooperation.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
03:33 - Gail's Transition to Manufacturing
07:35 - Challenges in Manufacturing and Media
10:43 - Canada-US Relations and Manufacturing
22:19 - Finding Your Own Sources of Information
33:35 - The Power of Storytelling in Manufacturing
48:08 - Keeping Yourself Open to Differing Viewpoints
69:09 - Final Thoughts and Future Collaboration
As you can see, this was a wide-ranging conversation that hit on a whole bunch of important manufacturing and business topics. You owe it to yourself to check out the whole thing!
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Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 11. That's important to know given the incredibly dynamic situation in the Middle East.
We have a confluence of potential crises to analyze here, and who better to help us with it than the walking encyclopedia AND world atlas, G. Allen Brooks, publisher of the newsletter "Energy Musings?"
Allen and I discuss the energy situation around the Straits of Hormuz bottleneck and its implications for our shipbuilding crisis. Allen highlights the significant disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, affecting 20% of global oil flow and 20% of LNG shipments through the Straits. He emphasizes the critical need for energy security and a viable US shipbuilding industry. Allen discusses the Trump administration's Maritime Action Plan, the challenges of reopening the Jones Act, and the importance of international cooperation. He also stresses the role of nuclear power as a long-term energy solution and the need for champions in the administration and Congress to drive maritime policy.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
04:14 - Current Energy Market Disruptions
10:30 - Impact on Global Supply and Demand
12:19 - Shipbuilding and National Security
17:33 - Trump Administration's Maritime Action Plan
27:20 - Challenges and Opportunities in Maritime Policy
33:30 - Energy Policy and Nuclear Power
This is one of my richest episodes ever, in the depth and rigor of the analysis and opinions Allen brought us. Check out the whole thing!
Links to Allen's articles:
Straits of Hormuz lessons - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-13-2026
The Iran situation's reshaping of energy security strategies - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-9-2026
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Prepare to be challenged in how you think about the effects of AI on manufacturing!
Radu Spineanu and Mike Carroll have done the deep thinking and exhaustive research on what AI means for the industrial world so you don't have to.
Radu and Mike from Humble Manufacturing talk all about the integration of AI in manufacturing. Radu, a third-time founder, and Michael, with extensive experience at Georgia Pacific and other industry companies, discuss the evolution of AI, emphasizing the importance of causal models over LLMs like ChatGPT. They highlight the need for AI to handle real-world manufacturing challenges, such as decision latency and friction. Radu mentions the rapid advancements in AI models since October 2022, while Michael stresses the importance of trust and permission layers in AI systems. They predict significant changes in manufacturing business models, including the elimination of friction and the creation of a capacity exchange market.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introductions
04:37 - Challenges and Misconceptions in AI for Manufacturing
07:53 - The Role of Data and Human Interaction in AI
16:03 - The Future of AI in Manufacturing
23:27 - The Impact of AI on Business Models and Organizational Change
26:20 - The Role of AI in Eliminating Friction and Improving Efficiency
32:37 - The Potential for AI to Create Winner-Take-All Markets
This is such a different and all-encompassing take on this vital topic. You owe it to yourself to check out the whole discussion!
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Yep, we're back to shipbuilding again!
Because it's vital.
This time, industry insider Lance Lemcool, an executive who has spent his whole career in the shipbuilding world, discusses the current state of American shipbuilding, highlighting its decline and the need for government support. He emphasizes the industry's volatility, the importance of a stable workforce, and the need for consistent government purchases to stabilize the market. Lance advocates for the passage of the SHIPS for America Act to provide funding for the supply chain and shipyards. He also notes the success of other countries like China and South Korea in shipbuilding due to government investment and automation. Lance sings the praises of the American worker's ability to compete globally if given a level playing field.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:56 - Current State of American Shipbuilding
06:56 - Pride and Dedication in Shipbuilding
14:27 - Challenges and Solutions in Shipbuilding
20:58 - Government's Role and International Competition
31:38 - Learning from Other Countries
39:40 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This was the deep dive of all deep dives! You really owe it to yourself to spend the time absorbing the whole thing. It's a masterclass in what's ailing us and what we can do to fix it.
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You guys know I'm all about reliable and affordable energy, a strong military, and rebuilding America's industrial might. That's what makes Tom Holm such a great fit as a guest! As he put it, it's "preaching to the preacher."
Tom, who is Executive Director of the Energy Defense Council, discussed the potential of nuclear energy to enhance military dominance and economic resilience. He highlighted the U.S.'s abundant energy resources and innovative capabilities, emphasizing the need for advanced nuclear power to support military bases and export technology. He shared his experience with the Philippines, where American-made nuclear reactors will soon be installed, and stressed the importance of regulatory reforms to facilitate energy innovation. Tom also underscored the strategic value of self-sufficient military bases and the broader economic benefits of reshoring manufacturing to bolster American infrastructure and security.
Tom produces the annual Technology, Energy , and Vehicle Conference, or TEVCON, which is coming up in April. That link and a couple other important ones are down below.
TEVCON: https://tevcon.com/
Energy Defense Council: https://tevcon.com/about_the_show.cfm
InfraGard: https://infragard.fbi.gov/
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This show is a solo promo for my upcoming book, which went to the publisher last week.
In it, I discuss the book, tentatively titled, "Inspiring American Makers," which profiles 22 American manufacturers to counter the misconception that the U.S. no longer manufactures. I highlight the country's second-place ranking in global manufacturing and advocate for a resurgence in national industrial power. I also emphasize the positive impact of automation on manufacturing jobs, which have evolved beyond the dangerous and dirty tasks of the past. Finally, I address the decline in male workforce participation and the need for education reform to value hands-on trades.
My book aims to inspire and inform about the dynamic and essential role of American manufacturing.
To get regular email updates about it, please sign up for my newsletter here:
http://eepurl.com/i1RHCI
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section. And definitely share this with your friends and colleagues!
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Yep, we're right back to discussing the American shipbuilding crisis!
During our January focus on shipbuilding, one of the best articles we used as a resource was one on the Jones Act co-authored by Colin Grabow at the Cato Institute.
Colin joined us to share his broader perspectives on the U.S. shipbuilding situation.
Colin discussed the complexities of shipbuilding, emphasizing the need for free market principles. He highlighted the inefficiencies of the Jones Act, which mandates U.S.-built ships for domestic water transport, noting it has failed to protect U.S. shipbuilding competitiveness. He pointed out that U.S. shipyards build fewer than three large ocean-going cargo ships annually, compared to China's 800. Colin suggested reducing tariffs on steel, attracting skilled foreign workers, and rethinking the Jones Act to allow U.S. shipyards to specialize and compete globally. He also criticized the Ships for America Act for its potential to exacerbate labor shortages in the Navy.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
04:53 - Philosophy on Shipbuilding and the Jones Act
08:14 - Challenges and Failures of the Jones Act
14:47 - Historical Context and Government Involvement
18:36 - Government Regulation and Market Dynamics
22:05 - Comparative Analysis with Other Countries
25:19 - The Ships for America Act and Its Implications
31:39 - Navy Shipbuilding Challenges
33:27 - Recommendations for Improving Shipbuilding
This was an incredibly deep and detailed discussion, folks. Tune in for the whole thing and learn a bunch about not just shipbuilding but lessons that apply to American manufacturing as whole.
Colin's article about the Jones Act: https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/pa845.pdf
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Too many manufacturers still struggle with effective maintenance management, and still scratch their heads over what they should be doing with AI.
MaintainX has answers for them on both counts. They're leading the digital revolution in maintenance and operations, enhancing the way teams work and collaborate worldwide.
Hugo Dozios-Caouette, CTO and co-founder of MaintainX, joined us to discussed the company's AI-assisted industrial maintenance software. MaintainX focuses on improving maintenance efficiency by reducing paper-based processes and enhancing user experience. Hugo emphasized the importance of starting AI implementations at the field level to build trust and capture critical knowledge. The company aims to automate routine tasks, improve data accuracy, and provide just-in-time assistance to technicians. Future plans include enhancing AI capabilities, improving asset management, and facilitating machine connectivity to optimize operations and compliance.
Here are some of the highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
04:09 - Focus on Maintenance in Manufacturing
08:02 - Consumerization of Enterprise Software
08:43 - Integration of AI in Manufacturing
11:09 - Challenges of Top-Down AI Implementation
14:09 - Importance of Frontline Workers' Knowledge
18:20 - Maintain X's Solutions and Implementation
21:18 - Preparing for Maintain X Implementation
26:04 - Future Directions for Maintain X
This is a meaty episode! Tune in for the whole thing.
MaintainX website: https://www.getmaintainx.com/
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It's the fourth and final week of the monthlong solo efforts by our host Jim Vinoski and his deep dive into the crisis in American shipbuilding.
This week's episode focuses on identifying solutions to the tremendous problems we face.
Jim discusses a number of the solutions his research has identified for the crisis, emphasizing the need for a stronger Navy presence and consistent ship orders to support existing shipyards. He highlights the impact of regulatory costs and labor issues, advocating for a national consortium to review regulations and improve workforce development. Jim supports the Ships for America Act for public funding to boost shipbuilding but acknowledges potential unforeseen consequences. He calls for studying successful shipbuilding nations like China and Europe to learn best practices.
At the end, however, Jim expresses skepticism about the likelihood of implementing these solutions due to current political priorities and the utter insanity of much of our "expert" class.
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It's the third week of solo efforts by our host Jim Vinoski to do a deep dive into the crisis in American shipbuilding. This week's episode is focused on identifying the causes of the problems.
Jim discusses the crisis in American shipbuilding, citing historical inefficiencies and current challenges. He references articles by Brian Potter, Colin Grabow, Inu Manak, Daniel Ikenson, and Samuel Czwartacki to highlight issues like high labor and input costs, the impact of unions, and protectionist laws like the Jones Act. Post-WWII, America's share of global shipbuilding dropped from 60% to 2%. He notes the decline in shipyards from 50 to 14 and the shift from ocean-going vessels to barges. Vinoski criticizes current policies and regulations, advocating for deregulation and domestic mining to support the industry.
Highlights:
00:00 - Problems in the American Shipbuilding Industry
04:29 - Impact of the World Wars, and the Post-War Period
06:45 - Decline in Shipbuilding Capabilities
10:26 - The Specific Causes
Here are the links to the resource articles:
https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/why-cant-the-us-build-ships
https://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/jones-act-burden-america-can-no-longer-bear
https://americarenewing.com/issues/primer-deterioration-abuse-and-waste-in-the-shipbuilding-industry/
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It's a second week in a row with a solo show by our host Jim Vinoski!
Jim discusses the reluctance he has encountered repeatedly in his efforts to address the crisis in American shipbuilding. Despite significant declines—from 60% to 0.3% of global ocean-going shipbuilding capacity—and critical national security implications, many experts and high-ranking officials avoid the topic like the plague. Jim cites examples of ghosting and political pressures as some of the possible reasons for this silence. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the issue, noting the U.S.'s current Navy strength, and the need for collaboration with allies.
Highlights:
00:00 - Shipbuilding Crisis in America: Introduction and Background
03:15 - Challenges in Engaging with Shipbuilding Experts
04:32 - Potential Reasons for the Reluctance to Discuss Shipbuilding
07:45 - Call to Action and Future Plans
Jim plans to explore potential solutions in future episodes, urging open dialogue to prevent a decline similar to Great Britain's fall from greatness.
Resources:
- Our show with Brent Sadler: https://youtu.be/vSkzceC7gJs
- John Konrad's gCaptain website: https://gcaptain.com/
Jim Vinoski's Forbes shipbuilding article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2025/11/28/can-america-recover-from-its-shipbuilding-crisis/
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This week we've got a solo effort by our host, Jim Vinoski.
He's going over the basics of an article from a year ago last September by Brian Potter with the same title as our episode.
Jim discusses the decline of American shipbuilding, highlighting that the U.S. now holds only 0.3% of global shipbuilding capacity, producing about five ships annually, while China produces over 1,000. He references an article by Brian Potter, noting that American shipbuilding has been uncompetitive since the days of wooden ships. Factors include rising labor costs, government regulations, and lack of investment. Vinoski emphasizes the need for government focus and investment to improve shipbuilding quality and competitiveness, suggesting that a national strategy is required to address these challenges.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - Historical Context and Decline in Shipbuilding Capacity
02:15 - Challenges in American Shipbuilding
04:05 - Government and Industry Influences on Shipbuilding
07:55 - Efforts to Improve Competitiveness
09:26 - Future Directions and Call to Action
We'll be devoting all of January to the shipbuilding topic, so tune in next Tuesday for more!
In the meantime, here's the link to Brian Potter's excellent article.
https://www.construction-physics.com/p/why-cant-the-us-build-ships
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Nick Reinhart has a good chunk of the answer.
Nick founded Kreate, which makes toolboxes and storage totes for Home Depot, and a whole lot more.
Nick discussed his company's rapid growth in plastic injection molding in the U.S. since 2018. Kreate operates four facilities with 110 machines, employing 600 associates, and has an exclusive partnership with Home Depot. The company focuses on advanced automation, including AI and servo-driven machinery, reducing labor costs to 1.5-2%. Nick emphasized the importance of skilled trades, proper wages, and continuous investment in technology. Future plans include expanding into the $2.4 billion outdoor self-composting toilet market and acquiring more companies. He highlighted the need for capital, deep know-how, and a committed workforce to reindustrialize America.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:22 - Kreate's Product Categories and Market Position
04:47 - Advancements in Automation and AI
08:42 - Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing
11:58 - Future Growth and Expansion Plans
18:13 - Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers
25:00 - Create's Engineering Capabilities
There is so much good stuff here... you really owe it to yourself to tune in for the whole thing.
Here are a couple of useful links:
Kreate: https://kreate.com/
Krevera: https://www.krevera.com/
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Across the industrial world, everybody is TALKING about autonomy and AI-enabled production.
What most people are actually DOING, meanwhile, is scratching their heads over how the heck to use all the data they already gather.
That's where Oleksandr Khimiak from Advisource AB and their Factory Cortex service come in.
What a treat to chat with Oleksandr and talk honestly about what the real needs in our factories are versus the pie-in-the-sky flying car dreams.
Oleksandr dove into what Factory Cortex can do for your operation. It's a cognitive layer for manufacturing processes. He highlighted the structural crisis in Western manufacturing due to globalization, talent drain, and generational knowledge gaps.
Factory Cortex helps by combining Lean Six Sigma with data science to identify and address root causes of issues like unplanned stops and quality defects. Oleksandr emphasized the importance of understanding problems before implementing solutions and shared a five-phase implementation process. He noted that Factory Cortex makes your existing data streams actionable by integrating with existing systems, like your ERP and MES. The approach aims to transform manufacturing culture from firefighting to continuous improvement.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
04:47 - Challenges in Modern Manufacturing
10:56 - Impact of Micro Stops and Firefighting in Manufacturing
20:33 - Introduction to Factory Cortex
24:24 - Integration with Existing Systems and Custom Solutions
30:00 - Assessment and Implementation Process
33:28 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
This one is chock-full of good, useful information if you're right there in the trenches in manufacturing. Check out the whole thing.
Oleksandr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleksandr-khimiak/
Advisource AB: https://www.theadvisource.com/
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What great fun this episode was!
Jay Dekmar, founder of Lok Grips, had us out to his Wyoming, Michigan, shop to record right on the factory floor and hear all about how he founded his business and what he's got going on.
Jay shared his journey from a tool and die apprentice to owning a successful pistol grip manufacturing business. Initially, he faced challenges in the job shop market but found success with pistol grips, starting in 2014. By 2018, he focused solely on grips. Today, Lok Grips employs 32 people and uses 15 CNC machines, with 40% automated. Jay emphasized the importance of automation, which has increased efficiency and job satisfaction. He also discussed future plans to expand into base pads and magazine extensions, targeting a $500 million market.
Check out the whole show, and do swing over and have a look at our companion "Welcome to the Machine" piece on just what Jay and his team do to make their superb grips: https://youtu.be/kCyTZJ9kTqQ
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When aren't you in cost-cutting mode in manufacturing? "Never" is indeed the right answer.
But is all cost-cutting effective? "No" is the right answer.
But Chuck Deise is here to help with that.
Chuck, from EFESO Management Consultants, joined us to discuss strategies for sustainable cost-cutting in your industrial business. He highlighted a survey EFESO did with Industry Week, revealing 85% of companies face severe cost pressure, with 91% having more aggressive targets for 2025 and expecting the same aggressiveness for next year.
Chuck emphasized the need for standardized, digitized processes and organizational models to achieve 10-15% cost savings. He stressed the importance of reliability, using advanced sensors and predictive maintenance to improve uptime. He also underscored the significance of a robust performance management system and cultural change to ensure long-term cost reductions and operational efficiency.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
05:30 - Survey Findings on Cost Pressure and Cost Takeout Targets
10:45 - Challenges and Opportunities in Cost Takeout Programs
16:33 - Cultural Change and Operational Improvement
29:17 - Digital Strategy and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
EFESO Management Consultants: https://www.efeso.com/
The EFESO/Industry Week survey: https://www.argoconsulting.com/resource-insights/2026-manufacturing-industry-report/
Chuck's email: charles.deise@efeso.com
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It was great to have Mush Khan join us for his second appearance!
Mush, co-founder and CEO of Alchemy Industrial, leads a team of talented and passionate people who are dedicated to building a domestic manufacturing industry. This time around, he discussed Alchemy's focus on reshoring battery energy storage systems for commercial and industrial customers, avoiding residential and grid-scale systems. He highlighted the increasing demand and spikiness of power use, leading to significant business impacts, including demand charges and power quality issues. Mush emphasized the importance of AI in manufacturing, citing a project to incorporate AI into their systems. He also stressed the need for American reindustrialization, advocating for innovative solutions rather than replicating existing methods. He encouraged collaboration across borders and sectors to address manufacturing challenges.
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:46 - Focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems
03:25 - Challenges and Opportunities in Power Management
08:47 - AI and Reindustrialization
12:19 - Reimagining Manufacturing for the Future
14:49 - The Role of AI in Job Creation and Reskilling
17:09 - The Importance of Celebrating Manufacturing Heroes
29:25 - Building a Strong Manufacturing Community
33:59 - The Future of American Manufacturing
Alchemy Industrial: https://alchemyindustrial.com/
Mush's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mushkhan/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BirXuLj%2BKQbSKpL0r3nlRDw%3D%3D
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One thing that's critical in reindustrializing America is teaching our youth about building their own companies.
But according to Dave Goerlich, we aren't always doing the greatest job at that.
Dave is co-founder and CEO of The Refinery, a software development firm specializing in manufacturing. He joined us to discuss the importance of entrepreneurship education. He criticized current programs for focusing too much on business plans and competitions, advocating instead for hands-on experience. Dave emphasized the need for mentorship and real-world learning, citing the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program as a model. He highlighted the shift in The Refinery's focus from software development to advisory services. Dave also stressed the importance of execution over ideas and the value of building in public to gather feedback and refine solutions.
Highlights:
- Dave's Journey to Entrepreneurship
- The Refinery's Niche and Market Focus
- Market Segments and Clientele
- Entrepreneurship Education and Challenges
- The Role of Competition and Market Testing
- Mentorship and Real-World Experience
- The Importance of Execution Over Ideas
This is really vital and really practical stuff. Check out the whole show!
The Refinery: https://the-refinery.io/
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Why are five of the biggest American defense contractors neck-deep in divisive, destructive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices? Dustin DeVito had a great article about that recently (link at the bottom), and he joined us to discuss just why that needs to change, pronto.
Hint: it's not just about DEI.
Dustin, director of research at the 1792 Exchange, discussed the organization's efforts to steer corporations away from divisive social and political issues, focusing on accurate data and trustworthy analysis. He highlighted the top five defense contractors' involvement in DEI initiatives, which he views as discriminatory and contrary to their core business priorities. Dustin emphasized the importance of companies focusing on their core business objectives rather than yielding to political activism. He also noted the effect of the Business Roundtable's wrongheaded 2019 statement on corporate governance, and emphasized in contrast the need for companies to align their policies with non-controversial causes.
Here are some highlights:
- Challenges with DEI in Defense Contractors
- Impact of DEI on Corporate Governance
- Critique of Business Roundtable's Statement
- Specific DEI Practices and Their Actual Effects
- Legal and Public Pressure on Corporate Policies
- Positive Examples and Future Directions
We're at a crucial moment in national defense, when we need to focus on rebuilding our capabilities in an enormous way. We have neither time nor money to waste on failed divisive social experiments.
Dustin's article: https://shorturl.fm/QVbCc
The 1792 Exchange: https://1792exchange.com/
My anti-DEI Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/its-time-to-abolish-dei
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What I love about this episode is how Tony Gunn utterly, shamelessly shatters the myth of perfection.
Tony is a prominent advocate for manufacturing, and he shared his diverse and challenging journey from a troubled high school student to a leading voice in the industry. He discussed his early struggles, including dropping out of high school and being kicked out of multiple universities. Tony detailed his career progression from machining to sales and consulting, highlighting his contributions, such as creating patents and improving efficiency in precious metals machining. He also revealed his transition to public speaking and media, aiming to make manufacturing more visible and accessible. Tony announced plans to launch his own YouTube channel and podcast, "The Machinist Club," to further promote the industry.
Some of the highlights:
- Tony Gunn's Early Life and Education
- Transition to Machining and Early Career
- Career Progression and Sales Role
- Transition to Public Speaking and Media
- Future Plans and Vision for Manufacturing
There is so much goodness here, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice NOT to check out the whole thing!
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Software runs the world these days, and the machining world is no different. And the biggest name in software there is Mastercam, so it was educational to have Russ Bukowski as our guest for this episode.
Russ, president of Mastercam, discussed the integral role of software in modern machining and Mastercam's mission to solve manufacturing challenges. He highlighted Mastercam's evolution, including its annual release cycle and recent acquisitions. Bukowski emphasized the importance of bridging the skills gap through AI features like Mastercam Co-Pilot and apprenticeship programs. He noted the need for automation to enhance productivity and quality of life for employees. Bukowski also stressed the importance of education and vocational training to address the trades gap and support reshoring efforts by improving efficiency and reducing costs in U.S. manufacturing.
Highlights:
- Mastercam's Mission and History
- Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Manufacturing
- The Role of Education and Parental Influence
- Mastercam's Efforts in Workforce Development
- Reshoring and Efficiency in Manufacturing
- Future Opportunities for Mastercam
This is an incredibly informative episode for those in machining, general manufacturing, and the business world alike! Check out the whole show.
Mastercam's website: https://www.mastercam.com/
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The money game when it comes to funding your industrial business just got a bit easier.
Scott Peper, founder and CEO of Mobilization Funding, joined us to discuss his journey from sales in the medical device industry to founding Mobilization Funding, which provides working capital loans to manufacturers and commercial contractors. Scott highlighted the importance of understanding cash flow and the challenges manufacturers face in securing financing. He introduced the Maximus app, designed to streamline loan processes and provide real-time information to business owners. Scott emphasized the need for good systems, processes, and financial organization to attract investors and lenders. He also mentioned his book, "The Big Book of Cash Flow," and various educational resources available on their website and podcast.
Highlights:
- Understanding Manufacturing Cash Flow
- Introduction to the Maximus App
- Challenges and Pitfalls in Manufacturing Investments
- The Role of Mobilization Funding in Manufacturing Growth
If you need help with financing your business and getting your vital work accomplished, check out the whole show and the links below.
Mobilization Funding website: https://mobilizationfunding.com/
The Maximus app: https://mobilizationfunding.com/mobilization-funding-launches-maximus/
Cash flow tool: https://mobilizationfunding.com/project-cash-flow-calculator/
The Mobilization Mindset podcast: https://legacy.mobilizationfunding.com/realmferpod/
Scott's book, The Big Book of Cash Flow: https://tinyurl.com/43tsczth
capital #funding #cashflow #manufacturing #industry #banking
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Talk about a vital subject!
Our host Jim Vinoski interviews Brent Sadler, a retired US Navy Captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, about the sorry state of American shipbuilding and the US Navy's needs. Sadler highlights the US Navy's shortage of ships, emphasizing the need for 575 ships to counter threats from China and Russia. He discusses the decline in US shipbuilding capacity, the importance of leveraging allies like Japan and South Korea, and the need for significant investment in infrastructure, workforce training, and new technologies. Sadler also mentions the Ships for America Act and the Maritime Action Plan as key legislative initiatives to support the revitalization of US shipbuilding.
Highlights:
- Challenges in US Shipbuilding
- Complexities of Reviving US Shipbuilding
- Numbers and Timing for Navy Strength
- Impact of Neglect and Need for Action
- Commercial Shipbuilding and Global Competition
- Administration and Legislative Efforts
- Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation
US shipbuilding now represents about 0.4% of global deliveries, and China's capacity is about 1,000 times that of America's.
It's long past time we start fixing this.
Resources
Brent's books:
- Naval Power in Action: Seizing the Initiative in the New Cold War with China - https://tinyurl.com/mrskfm5f
- U.S. Naval Power in the 21st Century: A New Strategy for Facing the Chinese and Russian Threat - https://tinyurl.com/4dwrr779
A few of Brent's articles:
- The Nation Needs a Shipbuilding Revolution - https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/february/nation-needs-shipbuilding-revolution
- How To Judge the U.S. Navy’s Next Force Design - https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/how-judge-the-us-navys-next-force-design
- America’s Maritime Revival: Sailing Into Some Headwinds - https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/americas-maritime-revival-sailing-some-headwinds
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It's always a treat to hear from folks who are building new American manufacturing businesses. So chatting with Michael Goerlich, who makes gun holsters just outside of Cleveland, was great fun.
Michael, owner of Raven Concealment Systems and president of Threshold Strategic Consulting, discussed his journey from a failed college student to a successful manufacturer. He detailed the growth of Raven, which started as a weekend hobby and expanded into a significant business due to the post-9/11 concealed carry market. Goerlich highlighted the challenges of the firearms industry, including access to capital and the impact of the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of agility and innovation, particularly in additive manufacturing, to stay competitive. Goerlich also shared his views on the potential for American manufacturing to thrive, especially in the Rust Belt.
Highlights:
- Michael's Background and Early Career
- Starting Raven Concealment Systems
- Expansion and Injection Molding
- Challenges and Opportunities in the Firearms Industry
- Consulting and Strategic Advice
- Impact of the Pandemic on the Firearms Industry
- Future of Manufacturing and American Innovation
It was an excellent conversation chock-full of practical know-how for everyone in manufacturing. Check out the whole thing!
Raven Concealment Systems: https://rcsgear.com/
Threshold Strategic Consulting: https://www.thresholdsc.com/
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Man, this one was so much fun! I had one of my new favorite authors ever, Zach Hanson, join me to discuss ideas on closing the skilled trades gap from a very personal point of view.
Zach is the author of "The Trade Gap," about his journey from a white-collar tech job to learning trades in rural Idaho. Zach discusses the societal push for college over trades, his personal debt from higher education, and the impact of AI on jobs. He emphasizes the importance of skill acquisition for knowledge workers, sharing his experiences with welding and electrical work. Zach advocates for lifelong learning and monthly "misogi" challenges to build practical skills. He also mentions his other books, including "Turning Feral" and historical fiction set in Idaho.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Zach's Background and Personal Experiences
- The Trade Gap and Zach's Pursuit of DIY Skills
- Zach's Take on the Societal Success Mindset and College Debt
- Skill Acquisition and Personal Satisfaction
- Reaching Youth and Continuous Learning
- Zach's Other Books and Final Thoughts
This was such a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation - you owe it to yourself to check out every last word! You'll be glad you did.
And do check out Zach's books as well: https://tinyurl.com/4vpwy24h
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Jim Vinoski hosts Mike Becker in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk to set the example that people with opposing views can address their differences rationally and respectfully.
Mike, a consultant at Becker Quality Improvements, shares his background in food safety and continuous improvement, highlighting issues like cost pressures and inadequate sanitation practices. They discuss the evolution of food safety standards, the impact of government policies, and the challenges of balancing individual liberty with government intervention.
Highlights:
Introduction and Background of Guests
• Mike shares his background, including his 30-year tenure at General Mills, his interest in continuous improvement, and his current consulting firm, Becker Quality Improvements.
• Mike discusses his consulting work, focusing on food safety, pathogen reduction, and implementing SQF standards.
• He highlights the impact of his consulting on smaller companies, emphasizing the importance of thorough cleaning and sanitation practices.
Food Safety Concerns and Challenges
• Jim asks Mike about the top concerns in the food safety industry.
• Mike identifies cost pressure as a significant issue, particularly in the thorough cleaning required for micro-level contaminants like salmonella and listeria.
• He mentions the Boar's Head incident as an example of poor sanitation practices leading to plant closures.
• Mike discusses the role of the USDA and CDC in food safety and the potential impact of reduced pathogen monitoring.
Progress in Food Safety Over the Years
• Mike shares his observations, noting significant improvements in sanitation and pathogen level cleaning since the early 90s.
• He acknowledges that larger companies have made more progress than smaller ones due to cost pressures.
• Jim shares a personal anecdote about an acquaintance with salmonella, highlighting the prevalence of foodborne illnesses.
Political Philosophies and Personal Backgrounds
• Mike explains his early voting history, influenced by his father's views, and his shift from Republican to Democrat after the 1992 RNC convention.
• Jim shares his own political journey, influenced by his father's NRA membership and his rural upbringing in Michigan.
• Both discuss the polarization of political views over the years and the impact of influential figures like Pat Buchanan and Rush Limbaugh.
Influences and Influences on Political Views
• Mike mentions his early interest in history and his reading of American Revolution figures.
• He also mentions reading Ayn Rand and listening to political commentators like Keith Olbermann.
• Jim shares his interest in Austrian economics and his reading of authors like Ayn Rand and Henry Hazlitt.
• Both discuss the influence of their upbringing and personal experiences on their political views.
Government Intervention vs. Individual Liberty
• Jim and Mike discuss the balance between government intervention and individual liberty.
• Mike emphasizes the importance of government in areas like highways and defense, while acknowledging the need for thoughtful spending.
• Jim expresses skepticism about government's ability to manage effectively, citing examples of mismanagement and the impact of private equity on manufacturing.
• Both agree on the need for measured approaches to government spending and the challenges of addressing the national debt.
Current Political Issues and Concerns
• Mike identifies political violence and radical rhetoric as major concerns, mentioning the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.
• He discusses the impact of mental health issues on violence and the need for better mental health programs.
•
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What a great show it made to have as our guest the one and only Scott MacKenzie, manufacturing advocate and industry commentator extraordinaire!
Scott is managing director of Industrial Talk Media, and he shared his journey from starting an industrial maintenance company to launching a media platform. He emphasized the importance of storytelling in manufacturing and the need to inspire the next generation. Scott discussed the challenges of workforce development, reshoring, and the necessity of better marketing and apprenticeship programs. He highlighted the role of passion and authenticity in promoting manufacturing careers. Scott also touched on the critical need for reliable capital and the potential of the capital market to support manufacturing growth. The conversation underscored the importance of engaging meaningfully with industry professionals and the public to foster a positive perception of manufacturing.
Highlights:
Scott's Journey into Industrial Media
- Scott's background, including taking a company public, retiring, and then starting an industrial maintenance company.
- His initial struggles with the business model of industrial maintenance and his decision to start a podcast to connect with potential clients.
The Evolution of Industrial Talk Media
- The importance of having a platform to share stories and connect with industry professionals.
- Scott's his philosophy of just doing it and overcoming initial fears and challenges.
- The need for more voices in the manufacturing industry and the importance of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.
Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing
- The challenges of reshoring and the need for better marketing and education to attract the next generation of workers.
- The importance of promoting manufacturing as a viable career path and the role of apprenticeship programs.
- The need for better marketing strategies to attract talent and the challenges of finding reliable capital for manufacturing projects.
- Scott's experiences with staff augmentation and the challenges of managing a workforce in the industrial maintenance industry.
The Importance of Passion and Marketing in Manufacturing
- The importance of passion and engagement in marketing and promoting manufacturing.
- Creating landing pages and the challenges of navigating the digital marketing landscape.
- The need for meaningful relationships and engagement with potential clients and partners.
- The importance of showcasing the cool and innovative aspects of manufacturing to attract young talent.
This was a show packed with useful content and advice. You should really tune in the for the whole thing!
Find Scott's superb shows and more at the Industrial Talk website: https://industrialtalk.com/
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Anyone in industry knows the harsh reality of the skilled trades gap. Every affected business needs to be involved in bringing more of our youth into careers in the trades.
Want a great example? That's exactly why we invited Angie Simon, co-founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, and Maria Ford, President of Commercial and Industrial at Stanley Black & Decker, to the show.
Angie shares her journey from a mechanical engineer to leading a construction company and founding the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, which promotes skilled trades through a fast-growing series of hands-on summer camps. The program has grown from two camps in 2021 to 51 camps in 2023, now hosting nearly 900 students.
Maria highlights Stanley Black & Decker's $60 million commitment to overall trades education efforts and the importance of hands-on training. She shares details about their DeWALT subsidiary's involvement with the HMSE, and her own personal participation in a camp this year.
The conversation emphasizes the need for continued growth and support for trades education.
Here are some highlights:
- Development and Impact of Heavy Metal Summer Experience
- Challenges and Growth of Heavy Metal Summer Experience
- Support from Stanley Black and Decker and DeWALT
- Future Plans and Aspirations
This is a great episode with some absolutely priceless insights on how to reach not only our young people, but their parents and educators too, to show them what rewarding careers they can find in the skilled trades.
Links
HSME: https://www.hmse.org/
Our host Jim Vinoski's Forbes article about HSME: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2025/08/28/the-heavy-metal-summer-experience-helps-industry-introduce-students-to-the-skilled-trades/
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How can work process automation help your manufacturing team? That's exactly what Filip Aronshtein joined us to talk about. He's co-founder and CEO of Dirac, a company that automates digital work instructions for manufacturers. Dirac's platform generates 3D animated assembly instructions from CAD files, improving efficiency and reducing errors. The company recently raised a seed round led by Founders Fund and Coatue, and partnered with Siemens to integrate with their Teamcenter PLM software. Dirac's software has been adopted by various industries, including aerospace, defense, and agriculture, and has shown significant reductions in build times and error rates. And hey - if you're a techie, give them a shout - they're aggressively hiring engineers with hardware backgrounds!
Here are some of the highlights:
- Details of Dirac's Assembly Instruction Process
- Model-Based Work Instructions and Their Benefits
- Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Manufacturing
- Applications and Success Stories
It was a great discussion of how modern tech can streamline your operation.
Check out the whole thing, and be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe!
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With factory tech being all the rage in manufacturing these days, it was a treat to get some insights from a global expert.
Andre Moreno, Senior Vice President of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, joined us to discuss his company's extensive experience and offerings in industrial automation and its focus on power generation, sustainability, and reindustrialization in the U.S.
And Andre should know, because Schneider Electric operates over 200 factories globally, including 40 in the U.S., and emphasizes open automation, software-centric solutions, and AI integration. The company also addresses workforce challenges through digital transformation consulting and training. In our discussion, Andre highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and sustainability, noting that 70% of companies struggle with scaling digital transformation. Schneider Electric's approach includes a comprehensive strategy for energy management, from demand reduction to smart grid solutions and diverse power generation sources.
Here are some highlights:
- Schneider Electric's lighthouse plant and open automation
- Digital transformation and consulting services
- Addressing the workforce skills gap
- Power generation and energy efficiency
- Schneider Electric's approach to cybersecurity and sustainability
This one is chock-full of wisdom you need if you're in manufacturing and searching for ways to future-proof your business.
Check out the whole thing!
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Shep Hickey founded Bryzos, a metals trading platform, and he hosts the podcast "Irregardless." Shep shares his journey from steel distribution to digital trade, emphasizing the need for efficient systems and technology. He discusses the importance of team building, focusing on aptitude and adaptability. He highlights the significance of multimedia for business transparency and community engagement. Shep also delves into the challenges of reshoring, the skills gap, and the impact of technology on youth, advocating for more outdoor activities and self-initiative.
Here are some highlights:
- Shep's transition from the hidebound world of legacy steel distribution to founding his digital trading platform
- How Shep built his team and his multimedia recording setup
- The rationale behind launching "Irregardless"
- The challenges and opportunities in American manufacturing today
- The effects of screens and tech on our youth, and what we should be doing about it
And much, much more. This is one where you really need to tune in for the whole thing.
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Paul Tice, author of The Race to Zero: How ESG Investing Will Crater the Global Financial System, recently wrote an article about the Trump administration's plan to do away with the EPA's Obama-era Endangerment Finding that classed CO2 as a pollutant. He joined us to dive into that excellent news as well as other heartening developments regarding regulations in general.
Paul, a senior fellow at the National Center for Energy Analytics, discussed the recent developments in energy policy and regulations. In addition to highlighting the EPA's proposal to repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding, he emphasized the need for a unified national energy policy and criticized state-level regulations. He also discussed the potential for a nuclear renaissance, advocating for large reactors and private equity involvement. Paul also expressed optimism about the current administration's direction but warned that significant efforts are needed to address remaining regulations and legal challenges.
Here are some vital links:
The article we mentioned up above about the Endangerment Finding proposal: https://tinyurl.com/mudh64e9
Paul's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-race-to-zero-paul-h-tice/1143943099
Paul's latest National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA) report, “A Strategy for Financing the Nuclear Future,” which lays out their recommendations for breaking the current logjam around restarting nuclear construction in the U.S.: https://energyanalytics.org/financing-the-nuclear-future/
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One of the most amazing categories of story out there is where huge tech leaps in manufacturing completely reshape how we make things. That's why this chat with Jim Belosic, founder of SendCutSend, is so riveting.
Jim Belosic discussed his journey from graphic design to manufacturing. He highlighted the company's innovative approach, which leverages software to streamline manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for physical prints and reducing minimum order quantities. SendCutSend has manufactured over 50 million parts without using prints. Belosic emphasized the importance of software in modern manufacturing, the challenges of scaling, and the need for reskilling workers. He also advocated for government support for equipment manufacturers and encouraged entrepreneurs to start manufacturing by solving specific pain points.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Challenges and opportunities in manufacturing
- SendCutSend's unique approach
- The future of manufacturing and reshoring
- Jim's advice for the future for manufacturers
Jim's done some revolutionary stuff - tune in for the whole show and learn all about it!
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Lawrence Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, about his journey and insights on free markets and business policies. Larry credits his father's common sense and anti-communist sentiments for his advocacy of liberty. He discusses his roles at the Mackinac Center and FEE, emphasizing the importance of free market principles and deregulation. Larry highlights Argentina's economic turnaround under Javier Milei, contrasting it with the failures of socialism. He also addresses the challenges of protectionism and the need for character development in maintaining freedom and free markets.
Here are some of the highlights:
- The impact of independent think tanks
- Argentina's economic miracle
- Challenges and opportunities in American manufacturing
- The role character plays in maintaining liberty and free markets
And oh so much more. Definitely tune in for the whole show!
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy: https://www.mackinac.org/
The Foundation for Economic Education: https://fee.org/
The essay "I, Pencil," by Leonard Read: https://fee.org/ebooks/i-pencil/
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It's always a good show when we talk about metal. So it was pure awesome having Merrin Muxlow, who leads partnerships for the Investment Casting Institute, join us to tell us about the world of metal casting.
Merrin discusses the importance of investment casting in various industries, including aerospace and heavy machinery, and highlights the need for localized production due to supply chain disruptions. She emphasizes the role of education and collaboration in addressing the manufacturing skills gap. Merrin also touches on the integration of 3D printing and automation in casting processes, aiming to make production faster and more efficient. The conversation concludes with a call for sustained efforts to revitalize manufacturing and promote hands-on learning.
Highlights:
- The Importance of Investment Casting
- Educational Programs and Public Perception
- Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing
- The Role of Academia and Personal Experiences
- Advancements in Manufacturing Technology
- Regulations and Public Policy
It's a brilliant discussion thanks to Merrin's expertise - tune in for the whole thing!
The Chris Power article: https://www.thefp.com/p/america-wont-exist-if-we-cant-build-things-china-industrial-power
Our host's Forbes article about the METAL program: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2025/06/30/new-mtu-iacmi-partnership-expands-metallurgy-education-and-outreach/
The Investment Casting Institute: https://www.investmentcasting.org/
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So, this dude sends me a copy of his book... then pesters me relentlessly to read it.
And I'm really glad he did.
Jeff Leimbach's Broken Supply Chains: How Financial Engineering Hollowed American Manufacturing and the Complex Journey to Resilience absolutely nails the main factors that drove so much of American industry overseas. So it was a treat to have him on the show to talk about how we got here and how we fix things.
Jeff's ideas come from his decades of experience in manufacturing. He discusses the negative impact of short-term financial strategies, such as private equity's focus on quick returns, which often leads to the extraction of value from companies. He emphasizes the need for innovation, continuous education, and collaboration among government, educators, and businesses to revitalize manufacturing. He calls for manufacturers to advocate for themselves and the industry, and for increased awareness of available resources and support.
Highlights:
- Discussion on Financial Engineering and Extraction
- Impact of Private Equity on Manufacturing
- Challenges and Solutions for Manufacturing
- The Role of National and Local Organizations
- Call to Action for Manufacturers
There's so much more, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check out this whole episode, and go get your own copy of Jeff's book and read the whole thing. Then join us in helping right our American industrial ship.
Jeff's book: https://tinyurl.com/2hte5p5p
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What a great bunch of know-how Ed Marsh, founder of Ed Marsh Consulting, brings us in this episode! He discusses the importance of revenue growth in manufacturing and emphasizes the need for a systematic approach similar to manufacturing's continuous improvement, focusing on integrated steps and prioritizing efficiency. Ed highlights the disparity between advanced manufacturing processes and outdated marketing and sales strategies. He stresses the importance of board directors understanding modern revenue growth methods and the role of AI and digital tools in enhancing sales processes. He also tackles the challenges of balancing private equity expectations with long-term business sustainability and the necessity for companies to adapt to changing customer.
Here are the details:
04:00 - Revenue Growth and Marketing Challenges
08:15 - Continuous Improvement in Revenue Growth
14:45 - The Role of Executives and Boards
21:45 - Private Equity and Family Businesses
27:30 - Changing Mindset from Internal to Customer Focus
There's a whole lot more, too! Check out the whole thing.
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What a treat it was to have Patrick Anderson, founder of Anderson Economic Group, join us to discuss the economic impact of electric vehicle (EV) costs and tariffs on the automotive industry! Patrick always brings fresh, informed insights backed with oodles of research.
Patrick highlighted that EVs are more expensive than traditional vehicles, with real-world costs often exceeding initial projections. Anderson also noted the significant tariff costs on American-made cars, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 per vehicle, which are affecting sales and job markets. He emphasized the importance of realistic market analysis and the potential for policy changes to impact EV subsidies. Additionally, he shared insights on the resurgence of internal combustion engine vehicles and the need for quality improvement in the industry.
Here are the highlights:
01:15 - Anderson Economic Group Overview
04:30 - Tariffs and Their Impact on the Auto Industry
06:30 - Used Cars and Tariff Uncertainty
15:00 - Cars Cost Cognitive Dissonance
24:30 - The General Motors Response to Market Realities - the EV transition that wasn't
32:30 - Chart: the Tariff Impact on Car Prices
38:15 - Final Thoughts and Music Recommendations
What a rich discussion this one was! Tune in for the whole thing - you'll be glad you did.
Links:
Patrick shared his music choices, starting with Led Zeppelin tribute band Zepparella. Here they are live doing "The Rain Song" and "Going to California:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9smvLgcTCfI
He also recommended the Neil Anderson Jazz Quintet's "M-199:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0v2hUipyv8
Here's Patrick's company's site: https://www.andersoneconomicgroup.com/
Here's the GM press release about its new investment in ICE vehicles: https://investor.gm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gm-invest-4-billion-its-us-manufacturing-plants
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Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies as a whole have not been doing well lately. They're the ones that make your foods and beverages as well as other daily use items like toiletries and cleaning supplies.
But there are winners and losers in the mix. Peter McDonald, founding partner at McDonald's Strategy Partners, joined us to do a deep dive on which CPGs are doing well and which are struggling, and the reasons for all that.
Peter discusses the current state of the CPG industry and highlights the struggles of legacy companies due to decelerated population growth, reduced household income, and the rise of private label brands.
He praises companies like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Nestle for their growth strategies, emphasizing their global exposure and innovation. He notes the success of emerging brands like Chobani and Fairlife, attributing it to their focus on consumer needs and innovation.
Peter also discusses the importance of value addition in manufacturing and the strategic decisions behind outsourcing.
It's a whole lot of good stuff. Check out the whole thing, and do leave your own ideas and questions in the comments section!
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The inimitable Mike Rowe joined us to talk about his passion for promoting skilled trades, highlighting the significant increase in open positions from 2.3 million in 2009 to 7.6 million today. We chatted about his new partnership with PureTalk, a wireless company, to support veterans transitioning into trades.
All that and a whole lot more!
Mike Rowe's Passion for Promoting Trades
Rowe discusses the increase in open positions in skilled trades from 2.3 million in 2009 to 7.6 million today, emphasizing the need for jobs that don't require a four-year degree.
He shares the establishment of his foundation in 2008, which has awarded $12 million in work ethic scholarships to promote trades.
Challenges and Opportunities in Skilled Trades
Rowe talks about his meetings with governors and Cabinet members to address the skills gap and the need for reinvigorating manufacturing.
Jim Vinoski shares his own experience in manufacturing and the need to promote trades, comparing it to the decline in manufacturing jobs over three generations.
Rowe mentions his offer to President Obama in 2009 to help with the highway infrastructure act and the challenges of attracting a generation not interested in manual labor.
He discusses the double whammy of demographic pressure and societal expectations, exacerbated by the removal of shop class from high schools.
New Partnership with PureTalk
Rowe explains how the partnership started with PureTalk advertising on his podcast and their shared values in supporting American-made products.
He describes his visit to PureTalk's campus in Georgia and their commitment to customer service done in the U.S.
Rowe highlights PureTalk's support for America's Warrior Partnership and their introduction to Medal of Honor recipient Clint Romesha.
Veterans and Skilled Trades
Rowe emphasizes the suitability of veterans for skilled trades due to their soft skills and teachability.
He discusses the need for a reverse boot camp to help veterans transition back into civilian life.
Authenticity and Marketing in Skilled Trades
Rowe and Vinoski discuss the importance of authenticity in marketing and advertising, particularly in promoting skilled trades.
Rowe shares his approach of using satisfied customers and happy employees in his campaigns, rather than traditional storyboards and focus groups.
Personal Anecdotes and Respect for Trades
Jim Vinoski shares his admiration for Mike Rowe's career journey, including his Eagle Scout status, opera singing, and QVC days.
Rowe humorously recounts his experiences, including wrestling Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street and his multiple firings from QVC.
They discuss the respect Rowe has earned from tradespeople and veterans, highlighting the importance of promoting the value of skilled jobs.
Rowe emphasizes the need for societal buy-in to reinvigorate trades, not just for Gen Z but also for their parents.
The Importance of Local Manufacturing
Rowe and Vinoski discuss the significance of local manufacturing and the pride in American-made products.
Rowe shares examples of companies like American Giant and Montana Knife Company, which emphasize the quality and story behind their products.
They discuss the challenges of promoting jobs that are often dismissed as unworthy, highlighting the importance of showcasing the entire supply chain.
Rucking and Veteran Support
Jim Vinoski and Mike Rowe discuss their experiences with rucking, a form of hiking with a heavy backpack, as a way to understand the physical demands of military service.
They discuss the importance of supporting veterans through programs like the Black Horse Forge,
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"Manufacturing jobs aren't coming back to America, because rich nations are always service economies."
Wrong on all counts!
Our esteemed host explains why this oft-repeated statement is flat-out false, and what has really led to the decline of much of American industry.
We're already reshoring, and we can cement that trend and accelerate the recovery of American industry by fixing those root causes:
- Overregulation
- Dumb financial decisions
- Destroying our electric generation infrastructure
Tune in for the whole thing. It won't take you long, and it will be well worth your time.
Links to my relevant Substack articles:
Once Again, the "Rule" that Wealthy Economies Deindustrialize is Inane
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/once-again-the-rule-that-wealthy
Major Media Narrative of the Day: "Manufacturing Jobs Aren't Coming Back." Don't Believe It For a Second!
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/major-media-narrative-of-the-day
"Wealthy Nations Become Service Economies" is Just Plain Dumb
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/wealthy-nations-become-service-economies
America's Bike Makers And the Dell Computer Model: Pending Disaster or a Sound Business Strategy?
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/americas-bike-makers-and-the-dell
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Noel Joyce, an assistant professor at NYU Shanghai, discussed his open-source adaptive quad mountain bike design. After a mountain biking accident left him a wheelchair user for 20 years, Joyce pursued industrial design. He designed a bike to address the limitations of existing adaptive bikes, which often break down and are cost-prohibitive. Joyce's bike is modular, made from machine parts, and open-source, aiming to make adaptive biking more accessible and affordable. He has built bikes globally and is exploring non-profit models to fund builds. Joyce emphasized the importance of inclusivity in design, benefiting both people with disabilities and the broader market.
Introduction and Background of Noel Joyce
Noel shares his background in industrial and product design, teaching design innovation at NYU, and his involvement in the bike project.
Noel's Journey and Initial Inspiration
Noel recounts his 20-year journey as a wheelchair user after a mountain bike accident, which ended his military career.
He studied industrial design at the Institute of Technology in Ireland and later got involved in startup design collaboratives.
Noel discusses the challenges of finding work as a designer with a disability and his experience with small startups.
He describes his work at a hardware startup accelerator in Shenzhen, China, and his work at NYU Shanghai.
Reconnecting with Cycling and Design Challenges
Noel shares his experience of reconnecting with cycling by using an adaptive hand cycle and exploring local trails.
He describes the limitations of his initial adaptive bike, which led to frequent breakdowns and the need for frequent repairs.
Noel decided to design a more robust and capable bike, reaching out to adaptive bike companies for collaboration but facing rejection.
He eventually found a company in Spain to build a carbon fiber adaptive mountain bike with assistive drive and hydraulic disc brakes.
Designing and Building the Adaptive Bike
Noel explains the challenges of using the carbon fiber bike, including frequent breakdowns and high costs of replacement parts.
He decided to design and build his own bike using machine parts that could be easily replaced and modified.
Noel made the design open-source to make it accessible and affordable for others with disabilities.
He emphasizes the importance of user experience and real-life testing in the design process.
Impact and Future Plans for the Adaptive Bike
Noel discusses the impact of the adaptive bike on people with disabilities, allowing them to experience freedom and independence.
He mentions the potential for the bike to be used in the Paralympics and the importance of designing for the entire spectrum of human conditions.
Noel highlights the potential for the bike to open new markets and opportunities for people with disabilities.
He shares his plans to build more bikes with various organizations and the potential for non-profit collaborations to fund bike builds.
Collaborations and Industry Support
Noel talks about the support he received from the cycling manufacturing community, including help from SRAM and Specialized.
He explains the importance of having a tangible product to show potential collaborators and the challenges of getting initial support.
Noel discusses the potential for manufacturers to gain insights into designing for disabilities and the benefits for the broader market.
He mentions the potential for the adaptive bike to influence the design of regular bikes and other products.
Open Source and Community Involvement
Noel emphasizes the importance of making the design open-source to allow more people with disabilities to learn and contribute.
He discusses the p
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Matt is Head of Reindustrialization at Veryable. We featured them in our early days, when the company's CEO, Mike Kinder, joined us for our Episode 11.
Now, with reindustrialization happening in real time, Matt is here to tell how Veryable is uniquely suited to helping supply chain companies with their labor needs as they grapple with the volatility that new opportunities bring.
Matt is also the host of Veryable's podcast, US Manufacturing Today. Our host Jim Vinoski is appearing with him the same day this show first airs! See the link for his show at the end of these notes.
Here are some of the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
02:30 - maximizing uptime and getting workers the feedback and upskilling they're looking for
04:30 - things affecting labor demand: regulatory reform, trade agreements, immigration reform
08:00 - how companies build a labor pool within the Veryable solution
10:50 - worker shortage? More accurate to say worker access
14:30 - what makes Veryable different: balancing worker supply and demand
18:00 - forcing the service economy: "It doesn't work in theory, and it doesn't work in practice."
22:30 - machines are great for physical tasks, but they make worker that's needed more upskilled and sophisticated
27:00 - how regulations just offshore our pollution and injuries
30:00 - opportunities for professionals
And so much more!
Tune in for the whole thing.
US Manufacturing Today podcast: https://www.veryableops.com/us-mfg-today-podcast
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Peace Corps veteran Clay Martin found his calling, and he's now founded company #2 that's focused on helping industry employers find skilled workers who want to come here from Puerto Rico.
In case you weren't previously aware, that is a territory of the United States, so the people there can come here with no red tape and no immigration complications. And there are a whole bunch of trained and eager workers wanting to do just that. Clay specializes in playing matchmaker between them and the companies here in the US that need their skills.
Here are some of the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
06:00 - the nuances that make it work
07:30 - the Puerto Rican economic challenges and effects of Hurricane Maria have made some people there look to the mainland for work
10:00 - no visa needed, no red tape - Clay can get you 12 to 20 workers here in 2-4 weeks
12:30 - Clay helps you deal with flights and housing
17:30 - being available and caring are easy things to say, but Clay believes in delivering
19:30 - Clay is now looking at adding nursing as a skill he recruits for - huge demand here!
21:15 - creating a program - help out as much as needed
23:15 - entrepreneurs: don't overestimate the risk! (Jeff Bezos)
27:30 - overcome your insecurity: connect widely, learn to deal with all different kinds of people
There's a whole lot more too! Tune in for the whole thing, especially if you're struggling to recruit for the skills you need for your industrial business.
Clay's website for Isla Talent: https://www.recruitingpuertorico.com/
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One half of the Energy Bad Boys came back on the show to discuss our electric grids and the good, the bad, and the ugly about them.
Isaac Orr and Mitch Rolling published a Substack last month telling how my home state of Michigan's insane energy policies will likely shut down the last remaining iron mine in the Upper Peninsula, the Tilden mine. Now Isaac is on the show to do a deeper dive into that, the realities for all the states chasing the nonsensical green power dream, and how the Trump administration is trying to help.
Here are the highlights.
Channels:
00:00 - introduction
02:30 - taking always-on power for granted
04:00 - how the monopoly power generation companies benefit from building new stuff - even if it's ineffective
06:00 - Mitch and Isaac's Substack (link down below) - the rising costs for Michigan's electricity and what that means for the Tilden mine
10:00 - how the promises of the green energy activists about falling costs are untrue, and what the actual rising costs mean for consumers and jobs
12:45 - the problem of urban voters ignoring the needs and realities of largely rural mines, manufacturing, and supply chains
16:00 - the difficulty of getting the general public to understand the need for domestic metals and minerals supply chains
19:30 - the need for low-cost and reliable power for manufacturing and data centers
21:00 - the Trump administration's best moves: undoing Biden's bad stuff
22:00 - reconsidering the Endangerment Finding
29:45 - why "all of the above" is a bad energy answer
30:45 - nuclear
32:30 - the problems with Europe
This is a densely packed episode, so it's best to tune in for the whole thing.
Here are a couple of helpful links:
Mitch and Isaac's Michigan energy disaster Substack: https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/a-michigan-iron-mine-will-pay-15
The Always On Energy Research website: https://www.aoenergy.org/
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Chris is with Global Search Network and is Senior Talent Acquisition Leader for Consumer Packaged Goods North America. So he is right there on the front lines of today's tough recruiting game.
Chris joined us to share valuable insights on what he sees every day that can help you no matter what part you're playing: hiring manager, HR, recruiter, or candidate.
Here are the highlights:
Guest Introduction
Chris shares his background, including his initial job at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and his transition to recruitment, emphasizing his preference for the family atmosphere at Global Search Network over corporate life.
Challenges and Market Dynamics
Chris discusses the importance of acquiring new clients to maintain a steady stream of job opportunities, as his core clients often have consistent needs.
He highlights the challenges of a slow market and the necessity of maintaining an active pipeline of both candidates and clients.
Chris describes the current job market as having many openings, with clients sometimes being too selective or taking too long in the interview process, leading to candidates accepting other offers.
He praises Chobani for having an efficient recruitment process and the ability to expedite decisions when needed, contrasting it with other clients who may take longer.
Client Relationships and Recruitment Processes
Chris elaborates on the importance of having a supportive and efficient recruitment process, using Chobani as an example of a client with a well-organized system.
He mentions the role of coordinators in managing the recruitment process, which helps in expediting decisions and keeping candidates updated.
Jim and Chris discuss the benefits of having a supportive and efficient recruitment process, with Chobani being a gold standard in this regard.
Chris shares his appreciation for having Chobani as a main client, noting their growth and acquisitions, and expresses a wish for more clients like them.
Impact of COVID-19 and Candidate Expectations
Chris notes the significant impact of COVID-19 on candidate expectations, particularly the desire for remote or hybrid work arrangements.
He observes that newer candidates prefer not to work on the manufacturing floor and often leave jobs quickly for career growth, unlike older generations who valued stability.
Chris emphasizes the importance of patience and performance in career growth, advising newer candidates to be patient and produce results before seeking promotions.
Jim and Chris discuss the misconception that there is a lack of workforce for manufacturing jobs, with Chris believing that a capable workforce can be found for any job.
Workforce Availability and Job Descriptions
Chris argues that there is always a workforce available for manufacturing jobs, despite the common narrative that there is a shortage.
He believes that if jobs were available in the U.S., the workforce would adapt and fill those roles.
Jim and Chris discuss the importance of detailed job descriptions to ensure candidates understand the requirements and fit for the job.
Chris shares his experience with remote roles and the challenges of attracting candidates who read the job description carefully, emphasizing the need for clear and accurate job postings.
Networking and Job Search Strategies
Chris advises job seekers to network on LinkedIn and connect with employees at companies they are interested in, increasing their chances of success.
He emphasizes the importance of reading job descriptions carefully and ensuring that candidates meet the requirements before applying.
Chris highlights the success of LinkedIn as a job board, notin
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Right on cue, all the major media outlets are chiming in on how "manufacturing jobs aren't coming back," with claims that deindustrialization is somehow just a natural and wonderful thing for a wealthy economy.
Nonsense.
Your host with the most, Jim Vinoski, takes apart the "evidence" for those claims piece by piece, and then points out the elephant in the room: it's over-regulation that has caused the problems, and radical deregulation is needed to revitalize our industrial base.
A few highlights:
Wealthy countries naturally become service economies: hogwash
Manufacturing employment naturally drops as a country modernizes: nope
Productivity improvements explain all losses of US manufacturing jobs: uh-uh
Tune in for the whole priceless education!
Here are my last two Substack articles that I mentioned:
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/major-media-narrative-of-the-day
https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/p/wealthy-nations-become-service-economies
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Rory has a stellar career's worth of know-how and insights, and he came guns-a-blazin' to fill us in on everything the wise manufacturing leader, executive, or owner needs to know to compete in today's marketplace.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
03:00 - Rory's first day inside a factory
05:15 - the colossal importance of manufacturing
09:00 - the latest in manufacturing tech and what industry leaders need to know
12:40 - US manufacturers need to stop beating themselves up - we're the world's best innovators and designers
18:00 - the manufacturing workforce numbers shortfall and how we solve it
21:30 - how manufacturing and academia need to work together
26:00 - how to improve worker training and apprenticeship programs
31:45 - electrification and the super-cycle of innovation
And oh so much more! This is an information- and solution-rich episode, folks - one of our best ones ever!
Tune in for the whole thing.
Rory's "Igniting American Manufacturing" podcast: https://dailynewsnetwork.com/topics/shows/igniting-american-manufacturing/
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Martha is an economist with the Center of the American Experiment in Minneapolis, and she did a video a few months ago for PragerU about growing up in Malawi and how very different her life was there versus since she came to America for school then work.
I saw the video right as I was first starting with my now routine message about how manufacturers have to stop apologizing for what we do. Martha's even more fundamental message about how much we take for granted and how different people's circumstances are based on economic systems and basic freedoms really struck a nerve with me. So I invited her to deliver that message here on my show as well.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
02:00 - Martha's childhood in Malawi
03:45 - her initial plan to go back home and work for the government
06:00 - why freedom and prosperity go hand in hand
08:45 - why blaming businesses for inequality is wrong
12:20 - how Malawi had less inequality - because almost everybody was poor
16:00 - the economics of plenty - Adam Smith's passage about self-interest
17:35 - the differences between starting a business in Malawi versus the US
20:50 - the differences that property rights bring
24:00 - service provision: private sector versus government
26:00 - Martha's current work in Minnesota
This one is so important. Too many people in the Western world have bought into the falsehoods about the evils of capitalism and the wonders of collectivism. Martha brings not theories, but real-world distinctions between the two systems and her own experiences living under each. Her message is a powerful one.
Tune in and take in the whole thing.
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For Episode 150, we wanted something really meaningful. Dan Meyer brought it.
Say you're in manufacturing and you can't find enough people to do the jobs you need done on your factory floor. (Sound familiar?)
Here's a thought: there is a whole class of people who are desperate for jobs, but because of a past bad decision, they're locked out of the very things they need to turn their lives around, with gainful employment being the biggest hurdle.
Want to give them a chance? Then tune in and hear just how to do it and why it's so important from one of the very first activists for second-chance hiring, Dan, who is founder and CEO of Nehemiah Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati.
Dan covers just how he was inspired to hire the formerly incarcerated, his early challenges and how he overcame them, and what second chance hiring does for people, businesses, and the community.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
01:45 - Dan's corporate background with P&G, Pepsico, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and his founding of his first company, Changing Paradigms
03:00 - selling that company and founding Nehemiah Manufacturing
06:30 - challenged to hire a felon: did it, but after the first few, started losing them
07:30 - hiring a social worker to solve that problem
09:30 - Nehemiah's pillars, including building community, affordable housing, and legal support
13:45 - now have 170 second-chance employees, with turnover of 15%
18:20 - getting other companies to buy in, including Kroger
21:00 - "people don't change" - why that's a myth
23:30 - educational help and Nehemiah U
25:00 - addressing fears of liability or violence - not a problem
28:00 - if you need more info, reach out to Dan
There is much, much more, and every bit of it is critical. Tune in and check it all out!
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Episode 149 features longtime leader from the Department of Energy and now CEO of CURIO Ed McGinnis talking about safely and profitably reprocessing all the "waste" nuclear fuel we have collecting at our many nuclear reactor sites across the country. It turns out most of it can be made into new fuel, and what remains - 3-4% - can be safely disposed of in boreholes.
Ed tells us all that and how the reprocessed fuel not only makes new fuel, but also much-needed isotopes and rare metals as well, and as a result the CURIO process can be very profitable.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
01:15 - Ed's thirty years with the DOE
05:15 - the public's understanding of nuclear energy
11:00 - President Carter's ban on nuclear waste reprocessing
14:30 - the CURIO opportunities
15:45 - the problem with PUREX, the old method of reprocessing: it makes weapons-grade plutonium
17:30 - oh, and it uses nitric acid
19:15 - one person's waste is another person's treasure
20:45 - CURIO's way to reduce waste to a 3-4% remnant
22:15 - storage requirements for the remnant
23:30 - isotopes and metals extraction
27:00 - CURIO provides two types of fuel: uranium and proliferation-safe plutonium
33:00 - using the uranium in existing reactors
35:30 - 2-3 scale-ups for CURIO, and full commercialization by 2035
37:00 - using the SpaceX model
There is a whole whale of a lot of detail to all this, so please do tune in for the whole discussion. This is a vital topic for our skyrocketing energy needs and protecting the environment.
Subscribe, please - and like and comment too! Share it with your friends.
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Tony Demakis is one of those sons of a manufacturing-related business owner who didn't want to take over from his dad.
Until he did.
Now he runs Alliance Specialties/Alliance Laser Sales, and has great insights on how to succeed in our corner of the business world and how to build a great team.
He's also a fellow manufacturing show host, with his Manufacturing Alliance Podcast.
So it was great fun hearing his takes on everything from how he landed back in the family trade to his faith to his vision for leadership both inside and outside of work.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
02:45 - did not like his dad's shop
04:00 - how he came back to work for his father
06:15 - how he started his podcast
07:15 - an early partnership with Bales Metal Surface Solutions
10:00 - what Alliance does
12:00 - how to build great people
15:00 - talking faith
20:15 - American-made
27:45 - looking to the past for what's needed now
31:45 - business is back!
32:45 - the strong survive
34:45 - tell your story!
And there's plenty more where that came from!
Tune in and check out the whole thing. Share it with your friends! Follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe and sign up for alerts for future shows!
A couple of helpful links:
Alliance Specialties/Alliance Laser Sales: https://alliancelasersales.com/
The Manufacturing Alliance Podcast: https://alliancelasersales.com/tmfgalliance/
The book I mentioned in our discussion, Freedom's Forge: https://tinyurl.com/sr7sp3k7
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It's another stellar multi-generation family business: Malco Products in northeast Ohio, where they make the very best stuff folks use for auto detailing. Company president Seth Glauberman joined us for Episode 147 to tell us all about the company history, how he landed in the family business, and what's hot for the company these days.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
04:00 - how Seth would up joining the business
05:15 - Malco and what they do: specialty chemicals
10:30 - taking the company to the next level
15:30 - the amazing amounts of talent available in the Rust Belt
21:00 - a global company's challenges: tariffs, etc.
24:30 - we talk bicycling!
26:30 - rebranding
28:00 - Malco needs a sales guy!
29:00 - Malco's Quality Improvement Teams and what they've accomplished
There's a whole lot more, too. Tune in for the whole thing!
Do add your comments or questions, and please like and subscribe. Follow us on LinkedIn and share this one with your friends!
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If you're looking for a great example of real-world results that using AI in the manufacturing realm can bring, you definitely want to hear this discussion with Chris Kuntz. He's the VP of Strategic Operations at Augmentir, provider of AI-based connected worker software. He covered how Augie, the company's generative AI assistant for industrial work, can make things better in a number of ways for your frontline employees, their supervisors and managers, and your whole operation.
Here are some highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
02:30 - the founding of Augmentir by guys who brought us Wonderware and Thingworks, and who discovered their next tech task to tackle was workforce challenges
05:00 - work process automation
08:15 - the launch of Augie, the work assistant
11:45 - how Augie presents solutions in a way to make work safer and more efficient
16:30 - skill level versus experience level
20:00 - an example of how Augie works with operators: autonomous maintenance
23:30 - worker pushback about spying or monitoring? Not a problem
27:30 - integrating workers' tacit knowledge
29:40 - how we're still just in the beginning of what's possible
This was a really rich discussion, so there's a whole lot more in there. Tune in for the whole thing, and please add your questions or comments so we can get you any additional information you're looking for.
Also, if you like this, please subscribe here and follow us on LinkedIn, and shar this with your friends too!
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Lots of manufacturers, especially those with small and medium-sized businesses, take a "it'll be fine" approach to their IT. Since it's not necessarily central to the business, it's easy for owners and managers to put off dealing with it or just leave to the same folks who've always handled it for them.
Jeff Borello, co-owner and CEO of Andromeda Technology outside Chicago, says that's exactly the wrong thing to do.
Jeff joined us for Episode 145 to chat about why IT is more and more critical to the business of manufacturing. Below are some of the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
03:00 - where the name Andromeda Technology came from (IYKYK)
05:30 - the critical nature of cybersecurity and multifactor authentification
08:15 - the incredible potential cost of a cybersecurity incident, and why you need an insurance policy that covers them
11:00 - why it's vital to have the right IT team, whether internal or external
14:45 - business process automation
18:30 - how to create a strategic advantage with your IT approach
22:40 - AI: Jeff says be careful with Copilot in Office 365!
25:00 - how Andromeda Technology differentiates itself
And there's oh so much more! Definitely check the whole thing out - it's a truly crucial subject you don't want to miss.
If you want to learn more about Jeff's company: https://www.andromeda-tech-solutions.com/
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Are you curious about how manufacturers can keep up with the rapid advancements of the digital age? Join us as we chat from afar with Australian John Broadbent, the visionary behind Realise Potential. John shares many insights into the evolution of Industry 4.0, from the early days of PLCs and automation to today's AI-driven innovations, but you may be surprised as his recommendations for the best path forward for manufacturing leaders seeking to future-proof their operations.
Through our conversation, you'll uncover the essential steps in implementing Industry 4.0, starting with the foundational task of connecting equipment and gathering data. We tackle the challenges organizations face when diving headfirst into AI without a robust data foundation, and explore how incremental improvements can drastically enhance operational efficiency. John shares real-world examples, like reducing packaging errors, to illustrate the tangible benefits of integrating data-driven insights into everyday processes. We also confront the hurdles operational leaders encounter in championing innovation, particularly when met with resistance from higher management.
Shifting gears, we delve into the leadership dynamics within the manufacturing sector, emphasizing the transition from proof of concept to proof of value. John discusses the pressing need for strategic leadership and long-term planning, contrasting it with the short-term mindset often driven by the corporate or private equity mindsets. Finally, we explore John's personal advocacy work, especially his commitment to supporting men, whether in dealing with midlife struggles or needing to foster deeper connections. His journey of personal growth and dedication to service is both inspiring and a call to action for others in the industry. Don't miss this insightful episode with a leading figure in manufacturing transformation.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
13:45 - unlocking the advantages of Industry 4.0 with digital transformation, whether through factory digitalization or work process automation
19:41 - challenges in manufacturing leadership and strategy
29:08 - empowering men through advocacy, service, and connection
John's book site: https://manunplugged.com.au/
Realise Potential website: https://realisepotential.com.au/
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Gearheads unite! Episode 143 features the CEO of Hellwig Products, Melanie Hellwig-White, chatting about how they make cool aftermarket parts like helper springs and sway bars.
It's a great fourth-generation manufacturing business story. Here are some highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
01:00 - how Melanie landed in the family business
03:00 - helper springs and the founding of Hellwig Products
04:45 - Jim's helper spring experience
07:15 - the ag workforce in Visalia, California knows how to work
09:30 - Melanie's move up the ladder
12:30 - the breadth of Hellwig's product range
15:00 - the company's ability to shift as vehicles change
18:45 - the sway bar side of the business
22:00 - dealing with vendor price increases and business craziness
24:00 - how Melanie's generation and her Dad's compliment one another
And there's so much more! It's a marvelous story - tune in for the whole thing! And as always, leave us your questions and comments, like and subscribe, and share it with your friends.
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This is a must-see chat with two true innovators in 3D printing! (Sorry for the little snafu with the camera viewfinder indicators showing up on-screen!)
Jason Murphy runs Next CHAPTER (not Next Generation, as I said in the video) Manufacturing and Brandon Teets runs Accel Digital Solutions, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Both companies recently appeared in episodes of our playlist "Welcome to the Machine - links are below.) Jason does metal 3D printing and Brandon does plastic, and both have hugely valuable insights to share about this growing new production technology. Here are some of the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - introduction
01:50 - the current state of 3D printing
04:50 - the importance of materials
08:00 - 3D printing and production efficiencies
11:00 - "we start closer to the finish line"
13:30 - conformal cooling reducing downstream molding cycle times
15:00 - the efficiencies in reusing printing powders
18:30 - better parts from better materials
22:00 - the need for all manufacturers to consider 3D printing solutions
24:45 - "resetting the norm"
And there's a whole bunch more. Tune in and check out the whole thing, post your questions and observations in the comments section, and be sure to like, share, and subscribe!
Here are the links to their "Welcome to the Machine" episodes.
Next Chapter Manufacturing: https://youtu.be/7VJg7WoIenQ
Accel Digital Solutions: https://youtu.be/7CZo9hrFTmw
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For Episode 141, we got a great education in the state of business for farm tractors. Mahindra is a tractor maker headquartered in India, and they happen to have the best-selling model in the world. The President and CEO of their North and South America business, Viren Popli, joined us to fill us in on all the latest and greatest in this vital manufacturing sector. Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
04:15 - Mahindra's overall business overview
06:00 - the India and China dynamic
08:30 - India's big opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years
11:15 - the farm equipment sales slowdown: inflation, politics, labor, commodities
16:00 - focus: mechanization
17:30 - tech solutions for the labor challenge - precision ag, autonomy
18:45 - the roles of AI and data
19:15 - the power needed to drive AI
27:30 - energy in India: primarily coal and solar
29:00 - nuclear
31:00 - Mahindra's start in the US: 20 years ago one guy in Texas, now 500 dealers in US and Canada, all family-owned
32:30 - new tractor line
33:15 - manufacturing in Detroit and Houston
Yep, it was a rich conversation! Check out the whole thing, and be sure to like, comment, and subscribe - and share it with your friends!
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Eric is a no-hold-barred reporter on all things automotive (and a whole lot more!) Lately that means he's not reporting a lot of good news. So when he promised he could be positive about Subaru's offerings, I took him up on it. That landed him our first episode of the new year! Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
02:00 - had an issue with his first Subaru and got great treatment
03:30 - early Apple iPlay use
04:30 - Subaru big for outdoorsy folks
08:30 - offroad capabilities
10:30 - changes made incrementally
11:30 - early marketing to LGBT
13:00 - marketing to dog lovers and supporting pet adoptions
17:45 - quality focus
22:00 - rankings of most-American-made cars
26:00 - environmental aspects of EVs
31:00 - hybrids
Yes, dog lovers, Subaru is very interested in your business! (And before we forget, here is the promised link to Andrew Cotter's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mrandrewcotter - enjoy!
There's a whole lot more (and still more in Eric's article about Subaru that we discussed, which you can find here: https://starkmanapproved.com/subarus-triumph-and-the-shame-of-gm-and-ford/), so tune in for the whole thing. Be sure to offer your comments, and if you like this one, please share it with our friends and hit the like and subscribe buttons too!
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Grace Stanke is back! Our inspiring friend - former Miss Wisconsin, former Miss America, accomplished classical violinist, and now working nuclear engineer - join us again to give us the lowdown as she wraps up her first year in her new career.
Here are the highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - intro
02:20 - the hottest things going in nuclear right now
05:30 - Grace's pre-career diversion to go climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
11:00 - Grace is engaged!!
11:15 - the first half of Grace's job: nuclear fuels engineering for pressurized water reactors
12:40 - the second half of Grace's job: advocating for nuclear energy
16:30 - the boost nuclear is getting from tech companies
22:00 - the new public support for nuclear
25:30 - create your own success!
26:30 - an update on nuclear fusion
30:00 - the battle of the silverware
31:00 - advances in nuclear fuels
What an educational discussion it was!
Tune in for the whole thing.
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Episode 138 features longtime manufacturing hand Mush Khan. He co-founded an industrial consultancy called Alchemy Industrial, and he's got an encyclopedic knowledge of the world of manufacturing, the state of industrial affairs these days, and what it takes for producers to succeed. And he's here to share it with all of you!
Here are some highlights.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Talking about his parents, a pipefitter and a seamstress
4:00 - Why he launched Alchemy Industrial
8:00 - The South Park episode about skilled trades
10:00 - Re- and near-shoring
11:30 - The pandemic supply chain wake-up
12:00 - US industrial advantages
13:30 - How we can rebuild our industrial base
18:00 - The need for automation
19:00 - Capturing tribal knowledge
21:30 - International trade and the supply chain implications
23:30 - The regulations situation
26:30 - The warning Germany represents
28:30 - Entrepreneurship
32:30 - Mush's first job as a reliability engineer and the importance of your network
There is so freakin' much here of huge value to everyone in industry! Tune in for the whole thing.
Tell us your thoughts on the state of American manufacturing in the comments section. Please be sure to like and share this episode, and if you're not subscribed already, please do that too! And follow us on LinkedIn and X:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-talks-webshow-and-podcast/
X: @MfgTalks
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Entytle co-founder and CEO Vivek Joshi joined us for Episode 137 to talk about how his company can help you use big data and AI to do all the above.
Here are the highlights:
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
03:30 - Why he founded Entytle
07:00 - The Installed Base Intelligence Platform
07:45 - Where equipment data comes from: ERP and CRM
10:00 - Baby boomer retirements and the tribal knowledge challenge
11:30 - Massively mixed equipment fleets
13:30 - How generative AI helps
16:45 - The problem of being caught up in firefighting
17:30 - The IT challenge: no new systems
20:30 - Benefits: gaining market and wallet share
22:00 - Future opportunities for Entytle: asset action plans and streaming data directly from assets
And much, much more! Tune in to the whole thing and learn all about it.
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Today's manufacturers have to tackle a lot of challenges: lack of skilled labor (or any labor, for that matter!), product differentiation, business direction, where to invest capital, and on and on.
It's been a while since we had a thorough dive into all things manufacturing, so it was great fun to have Chuck Coxhead join us to offer his views. Chuck is General Manager at Koaxis, a maker of coaxial RF cable assemblies. Plus he has decades of frontline manufacturing experience, so he's just the guy to help folks navigate all those thorny industrial challenges. Here are the highlights:
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
04:30 - what manufacturing workers do is cool!
09:30 - the general state of manufacturing - it varies by sector
12:45 - the Boeing example
14:45 - Men in Black paraphrase: "A person is smart... but people are stupid, nervous, etc."
15:45 - Lucent - "too big to fail"
23:45 - how to differentiate
25:45 - advice for US manufacturers
21:30 - automation and robotics
30:30 - some things can't be automated
32:00 - autonomous mobile robots
32:45 - reshoring
34:45 - brainstorm with beer!
Tune in and check out the whole thing - it will be worth your while!
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manufacturing erp #erp software #best erp for manufacturing
She's back! Joining us once again for Episode 135 is Kerrie Jordan from Epicor. She gives us all the latest on ERP software custom-built for manufacturers, along with some big news for the Epicor business. Here are the highlights:
Chapters:
0:00 - show intro
2:15 - Kerrie's start in manufacturing at Oakley
5:00 - "Manufacturing the Future" podcast
8:45 - worker engagement
12:45 - worker-management gap
16:00 - ideas portal
18:30 - fitting upskilling into a busy day
20:30 - addressing turnover
25:00 - set your plant up for success with new tech and modern tools
And there's so much more! Tune in and check out the whole thing. Share it with your like-minded friends, offer your comments and questions in the comments section, and subscribe!
Voice of the Manufacturing Manager report: https://assets.epicor.com/m/35c5d217e82f89ba/original/Voice-of-the-Manufacturing-Manager.pdf
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It's a Manufacturing Talks first: two family members on successive episodes! Last week we had nuclear expert Dan Malburg, and this week we've got his nephew Mark Malburg to tell us all about measuring surfaces.
Mark is President at Digital Metrology Solutions, and he's here to explain why a total geek-o-rama subject like surface metrology is actually vitally important for everyone. Here are some highlights:
3:30 - recognizing the business opportunity
4:30 - advice: keep your employer as your first customer
6:00 - what metrology is
9:30 - what surface attributes are needed for various applications
11:00 - ball bearing example
13:00 - the various measurement technologies
13:30 - why not frickin' lasers?
14;15 - 3D measuring
15:45 - how technology can be a thorn
17:00 - how numbers don't describe enough for surface measures
20:30 - the challenge of "seeing" beneath the surface
23:30 - a new challenge: 3D printing
25:30 - a coming challenge: getting data connected to what matters
28:30 - surfaces are art, not science
Yes, this one is a geek-fest for engineers like me. But it's also got very practical advice and education for anybody. Tune in and check out the whole thing!
Be sure to add your comments and questions, and like and subscribe here for more great shows - plus go follow us on Linkedin too! Tell a friend!
Don't forget to vote on which Malburg was the winner!
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It's pretty clear we need to change course when it comes to our energy policy. Dan Malburg, who has worked in the nuclear energy field for a good long time, and who now serves as Senior Maintenance Instructor for nuclear power plants, joined us to explain why nuclear is our answer. Here are some highlights:
3:00 - reasons nuclear is important: reliability, availability, and footprint
7:30 - addressing safety concerns
11:45 - an update on the restart of Michigan's Palisades nuclear power plant
15:45 - modern upgrades for operations and safety
17:30 - where things stand with Palisades - power generation once again in about a year
19:45 - the potential addition of small modular reactors at Palisades - transmission is the key
21:45 - emergency response
23:15 - spent fuel handling and the need to educate the public
Dan is a true wealth of knowledge, so tune in for the whole thing!
As a Michigan Tech grad, he also requests that you check out Huskies for Common Sense, and we're happy to support their mission: https://huskiesforcommonsense.org/
Please be sure to subscribe here and follow us on LinkedIn, and share this with your friends!
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Here's some more excellent expert input on confronting the manufacturing workforce challenge! Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer at SME (formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) joined us to talk about the nature of the problem and how companies can get ahead of the game. Here are some highlights:
2:15 - SME history and focus - advancing technology and talent
8:00 - smart manufacturing guidance
9:15 - building the talent pipeline with our youth
11:45 - the labor contraction everywhere and the gig economy
13:45 - the effects of the Inflation Recovery Act and CHIPS and Science Act
14:15 - PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education)
17:00 - companies are stepping up more now
21:45 - productivity per worker is flat - tech won't replace jobs, but will upskill for greater productivity
25:45 - without structure, companies will struggle with upskilling - talent management should be part of KPIs
31:45 - workforce attraction and retention strategy
And oh so much more! Tune in for the whole show - you'll be glad you did.
Put your questions and observations in the comments section, please, and be sure to subscribe to the show and follow us on LinkedIn!
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Unless you've been hiding under a rock for a few years, you know we're facing a big problem getting the talent we need. And industry is in a particularly dire state.
That's why it was so valuable to have Colin Dowd join us for Episode 131. He heads up strategy for manufacturing and distribution at Armanino, one of the 20 largest independent accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. He's been warning people in industry and transportation about the "silver tsunami," the giant wave of our most knowledgeable people who are retiring en masse as we speak, and he's got some great suggestions on what we ought to be doing about it. Here are some highlights:
5:00 - Armanino: a top 20 accounting and consultancy company
6:30 - the workforce problems we're seeing now will only get worse
7:00 - next five years, almost every Baby Boomer will be retired
14:20 - time to start making succession plans for all levels and all skills
16:00 - an important part of the solution: mentorship programs
21:30 - back office opportunities
25:00 - expanded recruiting and its tie to skilled trades and second chance candidates
And there's a whole lot more too! Tune in for the whole thing.
Please subscribe here and follow us on LinkedIn and X (@MfgTalks) to get all our latest news! And sign up for our host Jim Vinoski's newsletter.
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Episode 130 features the Senior Vice President Services - Americas Hub at ABB, Pedro Robredo, who heads up all things electrification for that technology giant.
Pedro talks about new technologies to help manufacturers with electrical reliability and cost effectiveness, as well as new business models like assets as services to assist industry with needed equipment upgrades. Here are some highlights:
3:50 - the scope of ABB's electrifications services group
4:30 - ABB's purchase of GE Industrial
6:30 - the move from the break-fix mentality to advisory services focused on electrical safety and reliability (monitor assets and show up when needed)
8:15 - the asset as a service model
11:30 - the Subaru example
13:00 - electricity demand
14:30 - the SDI Heartland example
19:15 - electrical equipment shortages and supply chain constraints
21:00 - sensors on transformers and other equipment to extend life
23:45 - using technician data entry on tablets and AI to capture information and create actionable reporting
26:15 - future-proofing
There's a whole lot of enormously important content here for anyone involved in manufacturing. Check out the whole thing, and please put your thoughts in the comments section!
And don't forget to like, share, and subscribe with abandon!
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Simeon Wallis and Adam Beckerman join us once again from their advisory and accounting firm Aprio for Episode 129 to bring us up to speed on how industry and the country stand economically.
They cover all the ups and downs - interest rate changes, sentiment among their clients and in the manufacturing marketplace, the state of supply chains, and oh so much more!
Here are some highlights:
6:00 - the state of the economy
7:50 - manufacturing sentiment
10:00 - Covid and the supply chain discombobulations, and refilling the supply chain
13:00 - ISM survey vs. Aprio client input
15:00 - new orders vs. inventories
22:00 - what happens after election and Fed rates uncertainties are resolved
23:00 - the mortgage rate impact
24:00 - advice to manufacturers: look for ways to get more efficient
Tune in and get all the latest intelligence to help you navigate things in your own corner of the business world. Please make generous use of the comments section for your own observations or for any questions you might have.
And as always, please subscribe and tell your friends and colleagues to do the same!
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Ian Peterman founded his own design firm out in Los Angeles to demonstrate his philosophy of designing products and systems for sustainability (a.k.a., The Peterman Method). He joined us for Episode 128 to tell us all about that and more.
Ian is not just the CEO of Peterman Design Firm - he's also host of the Conscious Design Podcast, has a book he wrote with his wife Jessica called Conscious Design, and he's the LA Chapter Chair of the Industrial Design Society of America.
So he's pretty invested in this stuff! Here are some highlights from the episode:
3:00 - Peterman Design firm philosophy: coming in as an R&D partner
6:30 - looking at full product life cycles
11:00 - Conscious Design book - a product of the pandemic, when he lost some clients and had some extra time on his hands
16:50 - marketing sustainable products
22:30 - sustainability is efficiency
28:30 - future opportunities: clean energy, new tech platform development
Peterman Design Firm: https://www.petermanfirm.com/peterman-method/
Jessica and Ian's book: https://www.consciousdesignbook.com/
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Semiconductor manufacturing is its own little special corner in the vast manufacturing edifice. It was definitely informative to hear from Gloria Kee, VP of product management at Model N, part of Vista Equity Partners and a revenue optimization and compliance advisory firm serving pharmaceutical, medtech, and high-tech innovators. She brought us the latest and greatest of the history of semiconductor production, what's hot now in the sector, and what to look for down the road.
Here are some highlights:
2:10 - the history of the semiconductor industry
4:00 - why semiconductor production mostly went offshore from America
5:00 - Taiwan - TSMC holds the most proprietary and advanced chips on the market
6:40 - the CHIPS and Science Act and its effects
10:00 - the workforce and talent challenges
12:00 - the "silver tsunami" and how it affects chipmaking ("pass the torch")
15:45 - the race to innovate
16:45 - the Chinese response
It was fascinating to learn from Gloria that, as very different as chipmaking is from most mainstream manufacturing, many of the same challenge and opportunities exist there as do in the rest of industry.
There's a whole lot more to learn, so tune in for the whole show!
If you like it, don't just hit the like button and the subscribe - leave your comments, and share this episode on your social media! And text your friends that they HAVE to listen to it!
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Mark is one of the manufacturing executives our host interviewed for his recent Forbes article on hiring the formerly incarcerated. Mark's company, specialty butter producer Butterball Farms in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been doing second chance hiring for almost three decades now, and Mark had lots of lessons to share about that. He also shared his broader philosophy on how to run a business well, as he covered in his book, The Source. Mark's second book is in the works now. Called The Retention Trap, it focuses on recruitment, people development, talent retention, and a lot more, and Mark talks about that as well.
Here are some highlights:
3:00 - why Mark wrote The Source and what it's about
7:15 - the critical importance of manufacturing jobs and careers
10:45 - the Butterball Farm story with second chance hiring
19:15 - the reality of how poor the current hand-off is for people exiting prison and re-entering society
22:15 - in Michigan, a person leaving prison may be released in a city he or she has never even lived in before
23:45 - resources for employers looking at second chance hiring: Thirty-Two-Two (see link below)
24:45 - the main thing for employers is not to be afraid of it
30:30 - Mark's second book, The Retention Trap, and what it's all about: focusing on the wrong things, and the need to invest in our people and be curious about their lives
There's so, so much more here. Do check out the whole thing.
Here are links to the various things we discussed:
Butterball Farms: https://butterballfarms.com/
The Source: https://www.amazon.com/SOURCE-Mark-Peters/dp/1735895016
Thirty-Two-Two: https://thirtytwotwo.org/
Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2024/09/20/second-chance-hiring-has-become-a-critical-need-for-manufacturers/
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It should come as no surprise that manufacturers are struggling to get the workers they need, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Taylor Evans, President of Rust Belt Recruiting in Cleveland, Ohio, is right in the thick of things. He's now using the methods recruiters have previously reserved for the professional classes to got after these highly sought-after workers.
It was extremely informative to get Taylor's views on the world of recruiting and manufacturing staffing. Here are some highlights:
7:00 - skilled trades workers are every bit as professional as you or me
8:00 - Rust Belt Recruiting provides a higher level of service to those in the trades
12:00 - the effects of reshoring
15:30 - there's currently a bit of stagnation, but not too many laying off
20:00 - business have closed because of lack of available workers
23:30 - the effects of the "silver tsunami"
27:00 - college or not? Change the conversation
This is obviously a top subject for anyone in industry! Tune in and check out the whole thing.
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There are two distinct stories in this episode featuring the CEO of Sticker Mule.
The first one is about how Anthony and his business partners built a successful business making and selling stickers (and now a whole lot more!) It's a great tale of launching an Internet business on a wing and prayer, and lots of hard work.
The second one is about how Anthony sent an email to his customers after President Trump was shot beseeching people of all political stripes to stop the hate. And the partisan lapdog media set on him like a pack of hyenas - but to his credit, he didn't back down one bit!
Here are some highlights:
2:45 - how Sticker Mule came about
7:30 - focus on fixing problems
9:00 - now at 1,200 people, in 39 countries, with 100 engineers, and building their own machines
10:15 - how Anthony started boxing professionally in Mexico
13:25 - their storage platform and buying and selling manufacturers' products
15:30 - all manufacturing is in the US
19:30 - invest in developing their own highly specialized software (no off-the-shelf ERP or MRP) - most systems would break with their volume
21:15 - simple metrics and dashboards
AND... 22:00 - the Trump email drama and its outcome
This is not just a set of two amazing stories, but it's a great primer on how to start and run a business and how to stand up for what's right.
You really should tune in for the whole thing.
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There are a lot of stories out there about the companies that have blessedly tackled the desperate need for a pathway back to gainful employment and a meaningful career for those who've served time in prison.
But you don't hear too many stories from the other side, from the people who have successfully made the transition back from the world of incarceration. So it was a treat to hear from Lester Young, who not only forged that kind of success for himself thanks to an early opportunity from Tyson Foods, but has since become an author, speaker, activist, and advocate to help others along that same path.
Here are some highlights:
4:30 - the mountain of challenges people face re-entering society from prison
7:30 - a simple challenges example that can still be overwhelming: navigating a fast-food restaurant
9:30 - Lester's opportunity: Tyson Foods gave him his first job after prison
11:30 - early understanding from a supervisor with a relative who was incarcerated
12:30 - typical blind spots: needing a person to help the candidate, and the need for emotional support
15:30 - zero to 100 days after release are critical, especially with regard to the psychology of money
19:15 - it takes five years to completely re-integrate
24:00 - for companies: create the environment to create great people
28:30 - conduct a needs assessment, including housing and transportation
33:30 - states should do more to educate companies on the benefits of engaging in second chance hiring
There's an incredible amount of depth in what Lester has to say, since he lived it himself. This one's critical in so many ways, and manufacturing is uniquely positioned to help make a big difference in the lives of people and the state our communities.
Do check out the whole thing!
Lester's website: https://path2redemption.org/
(you can buy his books and connect with him for speaking gigs there!)
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You may have heard a bit about AI, am I right?
But have you heard about how to whether a specific AI business is a good economic opportunity?
Mikhail Taver is here to help. He founded his own investment company, Taver Capital Partners, that was focused on AI back before the big hype took off, and he joined us to talk about how he tells a good bet from a bad one.
Now he's launching an outfit specifically focused on industrial AI, so he also gave us insights on what manufacturers should be looking at when folks come along to sell them the "latest and greatest" in AI applications.
Here are some highlights:
3:35 - founded his company in 2016
5:15 - now working on a second fund focused on industry
12:30 - how manufacturing AI startups can get it right (hint: focus on manufacturing first!)
15:30 - pace your runway! (It's a marathon, not a sprint)
16:30 - get somebody onboard with business know-how
17:30 - for manufacturers: AI is not magic - treat it as just another tool
19:00 - launch into AI project gently - your workers probably fear it
Our chat with Mikhail was a great mix of education about how the VC world views AI and manufacturing combined with practical advice for both AI startup folks and people in manufacturing looking to make use of those tools.
Tune in and check it out. Please do throw your questions or your own observations in the comments! And please text a friend to watch this one if you found it interesting!
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We don't often delve into the world of advertising here, but how can you succeed as a manufacturer without it? Fortunately for Episode 121 we connected with one of the best ever, Adman Emeritus John Bowman from Admeritus.
John's now mostly retired, but he regaled us with absolutely fascinating stories from his career working with great consumer products companies like Folger's, P&G, and General Mills.
Here are some highlights:
5:30 - John's dad, a mechanical engineer, Boy Scout Troop Leader, and a SeaBee who was there for D-Day, and his effect on John's career
13:30 - the first segment of John's career, with companies like Dannon and Goodyear, when he learned to get out into the manufacturing plants
15:00 - the second segment of his career, with companies like De Beers, GM, and P&G, spent building their ad campaigns
16:00 - the third career segment, getting strategic with KitchenAid and seeing how business is done
19:00 - the fourth segment, when John was with Saatchi & Saatchi and focused on General Mills and global leadership
22:00 - advice for manufacturing: get a seat at the table (business strategy and communications strategy)
26:00 - looking for common ground and getting close to the consumers
28:30 - stories from Sikorsky and Folgers
There's a whole lot hear to dive into, so dive away!
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Too many emissions reduction-driven or otherwise environmentally friendly new methods of manufacturing simply cost too much and require too much new equipment and plant disruption, so they rarely fly without big dollops of government pork.
That's why it was such a great time chatting with Ryan Gilliam for Episode 120. His company, Fortera Corporation, has a modified way to make cement (the "glue," as he puts it, for concrete) that not only cuts CO2 emissions, but increases yield with equipment that bolts right onto existing cement-making processes and a production method that's economically competitive with existing ones.
Here are some highlights:
- 6:30: why CO2 emissions are so high in how we make cement today
- 9:15: how Fortera's new production materials fit right in with ASTM regulations
- 10:15: how Fortera makes the process more efficient by weight of production at the kiln
- 11:00: the new process achieves 70% CO2 reduction even using existing fossil fuel power
- 14:15: the new process is economically competitive even with capital and operating expenses figured in
- 22:30: current blends are comparable to existing cement in flow and set times
- 26:00: the ideal future - zero net CO2 cement production
Tune in and here all the geeky details! This is some really good stuff.
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We don't talk about the steel industry near enough around here. Yet it's the fundamental form of manufacturing, a precursor to so much other production!
So it was a true pleasure to be joined for Episode 119 by Anna Frounfelker. She's cut her teeth in the industry with several different companies over her nearly ten years of experience. She's currently the Inside Sales Representative and Director of Social Media Marketing for Ferrosource, a global procurement and distribution company focused on supply chain and risk management in steel.
Tune in and hear Anna share what she's learned in the past decade! Here are some highlights:
7:30 - the appeal of steel for young women
10:15 - the lowdown on the proposed US Steel purchase by Nippon
12:45 - the national security implications of the steel industry
14:30 - Anna's biggest challenges so far
18:00 - tariffs
22:15 - how the steel industry can appeal to the younger generations - a strong culture of "work hard and play hard"
We think Anna is going places in the content creation world, so tune in and you can say you saw her here before she hit it big!
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Polymath Mark Mills joins us again for a rousing discussion of what's ailing America when it comes to ensuring affordable and reliable energy.
Mark is putting the finishing touches on his new outfit - he's now the
Executive Director of the National Center for Energy Analytics. He joined us for Episode 118 to tell us about their first paper coming out about the deleterious effects of the SEC's new climate reporting requirements, and a whole lot more. Here are some more details:
3:50 - the needs for EV infrastructure
6:00 - the SEC's new regs (making my old pals at General Mills figure out how much CO2 is produced to make their Cheerios, for example)
9:30 - the effects of this kind of back-door legislation through regulation
11:50 - nothing exists without hydrocarbons
15:00 - the regulatory costs for manufacturers
21:40 - grid battery storage costs for given backup time periods (SHOCKING!)
25:30 - Germany goes all net zero and their electricity costs triple
27:15 - making the business environment friendly for manufacturing
30:00 - ROBOTS!
32:30 - humanoid robots in particular - why Mark is a fan
As with every time Mark visits us, this one is riveting and invigoratingly educational. Tune in for the whole thing!
Mark's new think tank: https://energyanalytics.org/
Mark's book that he mentioned at the start: The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, The Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy
https://www.amazon.com/Bottomless-Well-Twilight-Virtue-Energy/dp/0465031161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AY8BDUQNYY72&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Vrsp_5SSNXi8E7MKFBVYTy4m2Vnra_4p9yl4HafWFNXJ1shyctKA8m2U4Z9eEKbUcEwWtvjAsBg9drA8JODY_DPGFyGFZFNrXZRv_P-saP3tY-WDRpB8duyQL20zgm6S0dkZ-vnK89cV4Tqqt7DbKjOaO8XYG762Huc982xughh8-huccc1Nejpm6Xh8wD3MEAvlLQhNyvy-PWW7crgne3GY4SMPUNqlIMpCBrcHMVM.IFOef_KRgiYrOSK0_5aW09XFdUIqcXO0Zv7H35s4AWM&dib_tag=se&keywords=twilight+of+fuel&qid=1725926593&sprefix=twilight+of+fuel%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1
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Adam Gluck was a founding engineer on Uber's engineering strategy team, where got an early education in development and operations (DevOps). He quickly learned how industrial coding errors and cybersecurity breaches are increasingly a very costly Achilles heel for manufacturers.
He founded Copia Automation to help tackle the problem, so it was extremely educational to have him join us for Episode 117. Here are some highlights:
2:15 - DevOps
4:00 - Copia and industrial DevOps
5:30 - source control: testing, deployment, and monitoring
7:00 - device links and backup
9:00 - problems in industrial coding
10:00 - the compounding of the problem with much more automation coming
16:00 - the disconnect between popular apps and industrial programs
18:30 - "shadow IT" - who's touching your software??? (ad hoc changes)
19:00 - "the PLC stopped working"
23:00 - cybersecurity
25:45 - the governance control problem - source control
These are critical topics if you're in manufacturing, so do tune in and learn all about them!
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Model No. produces high-end light fixtures and furniture with a new end in mind: elevating the experience while eliminating the waste. They collaborate with architects and designers along with industry partners to use regenerative and biodegradable materials.
It was a treat to have Phillip Raub, CEO of Model No., and Rahul Kasat, VP at 3D Systems, to talk about the methods the company uses to become more circular. Here are some highlights:
8:00 - the part material science development plays
10:00 - printing with biodegradable materials to reduce costs and increase value
11:00 - the new capabilities of 3D printers
15:00 - the kinds of printing materials used
22:00 - customer-driven R&D at 3D Systems
24:50 - contract manufacturing and partnerships as a part of Model No.'s business
27:00 - using recycled materials in 3D printing
And there's so much more! Tune in and check out the whole show - it's extremely educational and uplifting!
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There have been countless breathless reports about the ongoing "boom" in American manufacturing. After all, look at the countless billions of dollars being spent to build plants! Good times are back!
Except they aren't. Actual manufacturing activity is down, and has been in contraction mode for a long time.
Tune in and learn from your host why pork-fueled spending like what we're seeing now almost never delivers the goods when it comes to actual functioning, job-creating, value-delivering manufacturing plants. The "boom" we're seeing now is a bad episode that's been repeated again and again.
Bad enough that politicians constantly play this game, but to have people who ought to know better in our own world of manufacturing also getting suckered by this fairy tale now is really just too much.
Sources:
Granholm projects: https://dailycaller.com/2021/01/27/jennifer-granholm-michigan-energy-companies-bankrupt/
Inflation Reduction Act and Chips and Science Act delay and cancellations: https://seekingalpha.com/news/4141224-delays-impact-40-of-biden-administrations-biggest-climate-projects-ft
Whitmer administration projects: https://www.bridgemi.com/business-watch/michigan-has-spent-1b-ev-battery-plants-so-far-theyve-created-200-jobs
July ISM PMI report: https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-report-on-business/pmi/july/
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It was fascinating speaking with Nick Haase, who co-founded MaintainX to bring modern tech solutions to manufacturing maintenance. You'd think that's a pretty niche application, and yet almost every central element of his platform he brought up also proved to be a fundamental good business practice.
Here are the highlights:
2:40 - the MaintainX story
7:00 - the importance of user friendliness
10:00 - disconnects on software development
12:30 - integrating with other systems
14:50 - underutilized systems: OEM data, how to gather it, and how to make it actionable
20:00 - AI and machine learning
21:40 - the quality of data is critical: how to build a data foundation (1. capture structure, and store; 2. work towards predictive)
25:30 - the importance of knowledge capture and transfer for developing the workforce of the future
27:50 - augmented reality
Nick brought us a whole bunch to think about, but trust me - it will be worth every minute for you to tune in to the whole thing!
The MaintainX website: https://www.getmaintainx.com/
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Matt Guse started in machining as a teenager and eventually took over the machine shop his dad founded.
Along the way he became a fierce advocate for his team members and for new ways to develop the workforce of the future. Oh, and a committed bicyclist just like your host, so be ready for some serious bike talk toward the end.
Here are some highlights:
4:00 - making the business work
5:20 - get help! Matt hired a part-time CFO
6:40 - find a mentor
7:10 - sports officiating lessons for business
12:20 - developing the future workforce: Cardinal Manufacturing (covered in a previous episode of Manufacturing Talks - see link below)
17:00 - appearing on Fox Business
20:40 - the importance of company culture
24:30 - a long chat about cycling
Matt brings some seriously inspirational ideas from his manufacturing and entrepreneurial experiences. Tune in and check out the whole show!
Links:
Our episode about Cardinal Manufacturing featuring Craig Cegielski: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1861953/episodes/11432832-episode-26-craig-cegielski-tech-ed-teacher-and-founder-at-cardinal-manufacturing
The M.R.S. Machining website: https://www.mrsmachiningco.com/
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Calling off work is the easiest thing to do, right?
Maybe not, and maybe that breakdown in communications is costing you a lot more than you think.
Sheila Stafford, co-founder and CEO of TeamSense, joined us for Episode 112 to explain how her company's platform to facilitate offtime call-ins for your team members can actually reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.
Sheila learned all this firsthand in her time on the floors of various manufacturing operations. The dysfunctional communication methods she witnessed for herself inspired her to help found and launch TeamSense.
Here are some highlights from our chat:
7:30 - manufacturing-specific design - careers vs. jobs
8:40 - it's not an app, so people don't get bent out of shape about you commandeering their personal devices
11:00 - remove manual processes and multiple different contact methods, and automate the data
12:30 - fix language barriers!
18:30 - it's an employee portal!
22:00 - facilitate schedule and vacation management
25:30 - future opportunity: leverage AI to add more automation
Tune in for an extremely educational conversation!
The TeamSense website: https://www.teamsense.com/
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Alex Krüger is the co-founder and CEO of United Manufacturing Hub (UMH), our subject company, and Frank Thelen is co-founder and CEO of Freigeist, a venture capital fund that's backing them. They joined us for Episode 111 to explain all about why digitalization is now a must for manufacturing companies, and how you can best go about it. Here are some of the highlights:
5:30 - your digital use case and single source of truth
11:45 - how to build internal tech innovation - it has to become part of your company's DNA
14:00 - how to make your data actionable
19:00 - reduce complexity and try something out
24:00 - get manufacturing people and the manufacturing world involved
Find out how UMH is helping manufacturing companies become tech companies, and learn some specific changes you can make so you don't get left behind in this critical transition.
Bruce Bigelow joins us for Episode 110 to share the latest and greatest in one of the biggest coming pieces of science technology ever. The Giant Magellan telescope, which is being constructed in Chile, will open up vistas of our universe we couldn't even have dreamed about a few years ago.
This instrument features some extraordinary designs and manufacturing methods that enable it to do what it will be able to do. Bruce tells us all about them, and about where things stand on the building of this amazing scientific tool.
Their website: https://giantmagellan.org/
The latest news: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/06/13/2898457/0/en/Giant-Magellan-Telescope-Enclosure-Ready-for-Construction.html
My Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2022/08/02/magic-mirrors-will-power-the-giant-magellan-telescope/
Multiple generations of ownership of a family business make for a great story - but they also historically make for increasing difficulties in making the business work. Matthew Nix. President and CEO of Nix Companies, took the industrial company that his ancestors originally started as a blacksmith shop over 120 years ago and with the help of his wife and brother and others, grew it through acquisitions to include custom fabrication, maintenance services, real estate and other business areas.
In addition to creating a true success story with the family business, Nix also helps set the example of valuing people and doing good for society by doing well as a business.
Tune in and hear Matthew tell the whole inspiring story!
Who knew the fast-growing car wash smash hit company Tommy's Express is also into manufacturing?
When you learn why, it makes perfect sense. Ed Ouellette, the company's National Franchise Development Manager, joined us for Episode 108 to explain how so many of the cool and user-friendly features you see at Tommy's are there because they make them for themselves!
Listen at around the 12:45 mark when Ed explains how that easy-to-drive-onto conveyor belt came from the carrot processing industry.
Stay for his explanation at around 26:00 about how consistency is the key!
There's a whole lot more before, in between, and after - check out the whole thing! And leave your questions and comments for us, and do please leave us a like, share the show, and subscribe!
It should be job one for everyone, but especially for manufacturers, to ensure the people who work for us go home every night in at least as good condition as they were in when they showed up for the job.
Among other offeringss, Vector Solutions focuses on providing training that helps make that happen every single day. Clare Epstein, Vector's General Manager, Commercial Business Sector, joined us for Episode 107 to tell us all about it.
This one's important, folks - tune in the for the whole thing!
** My apologies for the echo on my audio! Fortunately I was smart enough to let our awesome guest do most of the talking.
Nothing like throwing yourself a challenge! Los Angeles Brands has its production of skin care and beauty products right there in the LA area, just to make things interesting. Then they launch their products against some of the biggest, best-known, and best-funded brands there are!
Lori Waiser and Brad Hollowaty joined us to tell us how they do all that successfully. There are a couple of big reasons we learn along the way, like how the two of them make a very powerful team by each bringing very different strengths to the mix, and how having a foot on both coasts (Brad and the HQ are out west, while Lori and her product expertise are in the New York City area) is a huge advantage.
Other highlights:
13:00 - ask a lot of questions
14:40 - in this area of corner of business, manufacturing in the US is critical
16:00 - cost and regulatory challenges
20:30 - finding areas of white space to go after, and their innovative business model
24:50 - product advantages and creating differentiation
It's one heck of a great story, and Lori and Brian tell it extremely well! Check out the whole show - you'll be glad you did!
Oh, and here's their business link: https://losangelesbrands.com/
This is the most important episode we've done so far. That's because, if we don't heed the call to action from author Paul Tice in his book, The Race to Zero: How ESG Investing Will Crater the Global Financial System, our economy and our way of life are doomed. He joined us for Episode 105 to tell us why.
According to Tice, ESG - standing for environmental, social, and governance - investment mandates that were put together by a host of bad actors in the environmental activism and global governance realm are now being put into action by national regulatory bodies. And what they essentially do is commandeer everyone's investment dollars to serve their impossible net-zero agenda.
Here are some of the main points from the episode:
6:20 – ESG is “the corporate equivalent of inviting a vampire into your house.”
9:15 – ESG is the funding mechanism for the climate change agenda
10:30 – the illuminating example of the Dakota Access Pipeline story
17:00 – the lackluster response from the energy companies about the assault on their existence
23:30 – IEA says by 2025, no more investment in oil and gas
29:25 – the case for optimism
35:00 – aggressively going after the crowd who are destroying finance – antitrust and the Sherman act, RICO, and the like
40:55 – why logic won’t work
It's vital you learn all about Tice's warnings, because time is short and your future depends on it. Check out the whole episode, and do also check out the links for his books and his new place of research "residence" at the links below.
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Investment-Scam-Progressive-Financial/dp/1641773472/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
National Center for Energy Analytics: https://energyanalytics.org/
The terrible headlines of recalls and foodborne illnesses can have people thinking our food supply is a disaster. But the fact is that while it's safer now than at almost any time in the past, there are always places where our producers can improve. Michelle Brydalski, VP of Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory at Charcuterie Artisans, joined us to tell us all the latest when it comes to the safety of the food we buy and eat. Your host can vouch for her personally - he had the great pleasure of working with her at General Mills some years back!
Tune in to hear what our food processors do to make sure what they make is safe, and where there are some challenges to be addressed. Michelle tells it like it is, whether it's celebrating the great work our manufacturers do, or highlighting the areas that still need more work.
Oh, and if you've got a food-oriented startup or small company that needs help to make sure you have all your bases covered, you should give Michelle a call!
Having just founded Always On Energy Research, Isaac Orr and Mitch Rolling -experts on power generation and our creaky grids - joined us to give us their unique perspectives on America's electricity situation. They publish routinely on the subject on their Substack, "Energy Bad Boys."
Isaac is the VP of Research and Mitch is the Director of Research at their new outfit, and they bring incredible depth to this critical discussion. Here are some highlights:
7:00 - why the levelized cost of electricity measure is misleading
10:50 - MISO and the shutdown of its coal-fired power plants
16:45 - the closure of the Metal Technologies Northern Foundry in Hibbing, Minnesota, because of high electricity prices
19:00 - our need to build reliable power generating plants, particularly nuclear
Tune in and learn a whole lot more about this vital topic!
Isaac and Mitch's Substack: https://energybadboys.substack.com/
Always On Energy Research website (not active as of this show's date, but keep checking back!): aoenergy.org
For our 102nd episode, your host is joined by his pal who helped him with a Forbes article about mining a year ago, and who has been his go-to guy for metals intelligence ever since.
Konstantin Christoulakis is a senior manager of procurement and risk for a metals trading company, and has oodles of experience in supply chains in general. He talks about the coming demand for metals, especially copper, and how today's mining isn't positioned to fill that demand. He offers his thoughts on why that is and what we should do to start fixing it.
Konstantin's in-laws were miners, so in addition to his intensive career experience in the metals world, he also has some close contacts who have helped shape his understanding of that side of our critical supply chains.
Tune in and get ready for some serious learning!
Additional resources:
The Forbes article Konstantin helped with - https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2023/04/28/theres-not-enough-copper-for-our-electrification-plansand-biden-is-making-it-worse/
The slides Konstantin refers to near the end - https://ln5.sync.com/dl/7f317fb40/vafuzx3k-hh7dp8ke-kv3tr3xy-6u3dxzgf
In a recent Forbes article, your host explained how Germany was undergoing the beginnings of deindustrialization as a result of its horrible energy policies, and how that should be a warning to America.
Unfortunately the current administration's regulatory policies now have the US on an even worse path than Germany. This is an existential threat to all of American industry, and it's past time for manufacturing leaders to start doing what the farmers have been doing in Europe.
Tune in and hear Jim Vinoski explain it all, and please comments, share, and subscribe.
Here are some links to what Jim talks about:
German deindustrialization Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2024/02/29/german-deindustrialization-is-a-wake-up-call-for-us-manufacturers/?sh=781e22dc7c0c
Biden regulatory blitz: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-congress-regulation-administrative-state-democrats-republicans-government-agencies-1c40da77
John Hinderaker's piece at the Powerline blog on the recent EPA power plant insanity: https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2024/04/us-set-to-regress-from-modernity.php
Explanation of the ongoing Supreme Court review of the Chevron case: https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/01/supreme-court-likely-to-discard-chevron/
Yes indeed, Episode 100 is upon us! We could have a celebrity or a head of state as a guest, but it was obvious the right choice was a guy that fans of the show have heard from many times before! John Farabee, our intro and outro voice-over guy, is also one of the most knowledgeable and insightful supply chain gurus we know. So as the only other guy besides our host whose voice has appeared on every episode, it only made sense to finally have him share his thoughts on that topic that has had pretty much everyone's attention since the dark days of Covid.
Tune in and hear first his Lou Holtz quote that is his guiding supply chain principle, then stay tuned for the whole thing as John shares his deep wisdom about the state of our supply chains now, the lessons we should have learned from the drama of the past few years, and where things are headed.
And be sure to stay till the end when John and our host, both tremendous believers and and supporters of the Boy Scouts of America, share their thoughts on why that program is more crucial than ever for our young people.
One last note: John mentions another old friend of the show, Dean Wegner, whose company Authentically American is a story John is particularly fond of. You can find Dean's stuff here: https://www.authenticallyamerican.us/
Augury got its start using a unique way to monitor manufacturing machine health: the sound of the equipment! It's one of those ideas that, once you hear it, seems so blindingly obvious - except you didn't think of it!
Now they have over 150 of the largest manufacturers as customers, and they continue to grow.
The company uses AI to reduce waste and downtime and to improve processes in all kinds of industries. Their VP of Strategy, Artem Kroupenev, joined us for Episode 99 to tell us all about it.
Tune in and learn about the whole story, and how they might help you!
Augury website: https://www.augury.com/
Link to your host's 2019 Forbes article about Augury: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2019/09/30/the-machine-whisperers-this-startup-improves-machine-health-through-digital-transformation/
Like too much of American manufacturing, our domestic production capacity for printed circuit boards - the things on which the computer chips that power so much of our world anymore reside - departed decades ago for other lands.
Now we're too dependent on foreign nations for that supply, and especially worrying is how much we're dependent on a potential geopolitical adversary.
David is executive director at the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, and he joined us for Episode 98 to tell us how we lost this vital industrial capability and what he thinks we need to do to get at least some of it back.
Tune in and check out the whole story!
Manufacturing looks like it's turning the corner here in the US, so now is a good time for our domestic producers to look at expanding their businesses. Frank Seidel, Managing Director at Wamser Batra USA, thinks India is a great market to look at, and he joined us to tell us why that is and what companies here need to do about it. He looks at demographics and income growth and says India beats China as a growth market hands down.
Now, to be fair, what Wamser Batra USA does to make their money is to help companies do exactly the above. But Frank didn't join us for a no-hold-barred sales job - he brought practical advice on how to get started, what to do along the way, and how to succeed at what he says has to be a long-term play. Here's a timeline with some highlights:
7:20 - the importance of due diligence
10:40 - why it's critical company leaders actually go to India
14:30 - why you should bring the CEO of any Indian company you're going to partner with here to the US
17:40 - the different production options, like making here and exporting there, making domestically for each separate market, or making there and importing here
There's a whole lot more great advice and concrete steps to take. It boils down to what Frank shared with me separately: "Don't just go to India because it looks like a good opportunity. Make sure it's the right fit for your business."
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
At one time, when he lived in the shadow of southwest Michigan's Palisades nuclear power plant, former business owner, author, and employee communications guru Shawn Connors opposed nuclear energy. But then he decided to do his own research and discovered that the horror stories in the media that had convinced him nukes were dangerous were just plain wrong.
That's when he founded the Atomic Garage Movement, which uses the arts to help convince people that nuclear energy is safe, clean, and reliable.
He has also written both a nonfiction educational book and a fictional novel that both help tell the real story of nuclear energy (links below!)
He joined us for Episode 96 to tell us all about his conversion, and why he believes we should ditch all the arbitrary deadlines for replacing our electricity generating stations, stop retiring our coal and gas plants, and instead embark on a program to replace them when their production lives end with nuclear plants.
And about Palisades? He's revved up to see it reopened, and thinks it can help make Michigan a nuclear center for the nation.
Here are the links:
Books:
Non-fiction: The Quick Read Nuclear Energy Guide: 21 Easy-to-Understand Q&As - https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Nuclear-Energy-Guide-Understand-ebook/dp/B0CH8MNNH4?ref_=ast_author_dp
Novel: Chain Reaction: A Story About Power in the Age of Climate Change -https://www.amazon.com/Chain-Reaction-Story-Climate-Change/dp/B0CGLH8M1P/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Article that I read that first flagged Shawn's work for me: https://www.bridgemi.com/guest-commentary/opinion-wind-solar-arent-enough-case-palisades-nuclear-plant
Atomic Garage Movement site: https://atomicgaragemovement.com/
Modiv is a real estate investment trust (REIT). That's company uses investor money to trade in real estate. For Modiv, it's not just any real estate - the company focuses entirely on manufacturing properties, investing in industrial properties via long-term net leases. Their CEO, Aaron Halfacre, joins us for Episode 95 to tell us why that's a good business proposition for his investors and for the owners of the manufacturing companies alike.
Aaron also discusses how Modiv's corporate values are rooted in the small-town strong-work-ethic background he grew up with.
You can learn more about Modiv here: https://modiv.com/
Episode 94 once more features our friends from Aprio, a CPA-led advisory firm with over 700 clients in their Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. Simeon Wallis and Michael Lange join us to discuss their latest quarterly "Manufacturing and Distribution Insights" report, which is a great look into the state of business for American industry.
Simeon is Chief Investment Officer and leader of Aprio’s Wealth Management Practice, and Michael is Partner in Assurance Services at Aprio, so they bring a whole lot of expertise to the subject.
The latest issue had more good news for manufacturers, including a slight rise in manufacturing sentiment from the Institute for Supply Managers and a boom in plant construction spending. But there were also indications of weakening demand, and a fresh ISM report came out after we recorded showing a decline in the outlook of industry professionals. Michael and Simeon dive into all the details of their report and give their insights about the current state of things and where they think we're headed.
Tune in and hear the whole expert story!
View the Aprio quarterly insights report here: https://www.aprio.com/6-manufacturing-distribution-insights-from-q1-2024-and-what-they-mean-for-you/
Fluke Reliability has been a mainstay in manufacturing maintenance for a long, long time. With tools like temperature and vibration monitors and acoustic and thermal imaging, they've helped make true preventive maintenance a reality for industry. So it was extremely informative for Episode 93 to chat with their president, Ankush Malhotra, about their recent acquisition of Azima DLI, which is helping supercharge Fluke's aggressive push into the use of AI for machine failure prevention.
Ankush gives us a deep dive into what Fluke has going on with its new efforts, and how they can help manufacturers of all kinds stay competitive in today's tough business environment.
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
Doesn't it seem like every single day now brings fresh news of another monstrous dollop of tax money is being given away somewhere in the US to coerce some manufacturer to build and "create jobs?" That's great news, right?
Not so much, and James Hohman, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy right here in Michigan, is here to tell us why it's not. Here are just a few of the points he covers:
20:00 - a better way: create a better business environment and quality of life
23:45 - job creation and loss under these schemes
26:00 - money spent versus jobs created
30:00 - economic development program spending versus schools and prisons
Check out the whole thing to learn why the better road is to let manufacturers pay their own way while making the business environment and workforce attractive enough that they'll come to your state anyway!
Starting first with the supply chain and production disruptions of the pandemic, and now being reinforced by the unrest in the Middle East, the idea that outsourcing manufacturing is always a cost savings move has been shown to be wrong.
Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative, has been saying that for years. In fact, he came up with a calculation tool, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Estimator, to show businesses that in many cases manufacturing right here in the USA makes the most economic sense. (See the links at the bottom of this page.)
Harry joined us for Episode 91 to dive into all the details. Here are a few of the highlights of our chat:
12:11 - reshoring job figures
22:11 - how reshoring can cut emissions
24:30 - the effect of reshoring on worker education and workforce development
30:18 - the relationship between reshoring and sound Lean principles
Harry rightly points out that for us to convince our younger generations that manufacturing is a good career choice, there have to be manufacturing jobs available. That's why the increasing head of steam reshoring is seeing is so important.
Tune in and check out the whole discussion!
The Reshoring Initiative's home page: https://www.reshorenow.org/
TCO Estimator tool: https://www.reshorenow.org/tco-estimator/
Grace Stanke spent her reign last year as Miss America promoting nuclear energy. And she knows what she's talking about - in December she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in nuclear engineering! She joined us for Episode 90 to talk about why nuclear is safer and less expensive than you might think, and why there are even bigger things on the horizon with Small Modular Reactors and, one day, nuclear fusion!
Some highlights:
4:00 - how Grace chose nuclear engineering
19:00 - the nuclear power generation business is safer for its workers than grocery or fast food!
22:30 - nuclear energy is clean energy!
24:20 - we need 70% of our power to be reliable baseload, and Grace thinks 30% to 40% ought to be nuclear
It's well worth your time to check out the whole thing! Grace shares other experiences too, like when she played an AC/DC song on her violin for the talent portion of an earlier pageant, and how she recorded with us just before she jetted off to Africa to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Appearing on Broadway in Les Misérables... playing a part on General Hospital... and launching an AI-driven industry software services company?
Yep, yep, and yep, if you're Michael Lynch. He joined us for Episode 89 to chat about all of it.
After earning a living singing, dancing, and starring on stage and screen, Michael served as CEO of Right Hemisphere Inc., a provider of small tools for graphics professionals. The company was acquired by SAP, where Michael led the Internet of Things business. The he co-founded Praxie, a business process automation company.
Michael dives into the specific services Praxie brings to manufacturing customers, including making data actionable and making Lean efforts more effective.
This one was fun, entertaining, and educational! Check out the whole thing!
Episode 88 is another must-listen. Energy economist, entrepreneur, commodities trader, and author Dr. Lars Schernikau joins us to talk about his latest book, The Unpopular Truth about Electricity and the Future of Energy, which he co-wrote with Professor William Hayden Smith.
Lars dives into just why our current path of rapid additions of variable renewables is wrong and why battery storage and hydrogen won't help. He introduces his concept of eROI - energy return on investment - and tells us why it's crucial. He tells us why coal is still vital and why nuclear is an absolute must, and how geothermal and even off-planet solar might play a part in our energy future.
And finally, he explains why the situation right now in Germany ought to be educating us all on exactly the wrong way to do things energy-wise.
Do tune in and listen to the whole thing!
Check out Lars's homepage here: https://unpopular-truth.com/
And get a copy of his book (highly recommended!) here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM3T8BBG?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JXKGDT67BYEJ37BEAEB3
It's been a while since we covered 3D printing here. Who better to chat with about it than Blake Teipel, who joined us for our Episode 87? He co-founded Essentium, maker of high-speed extrusion 3D printers and materials, and they were just acquired by Nexa3D. Now Blake is Chief Strategy Officer for the combined company, and he'll be there at the helm taking Nexa3D into the future.
Despite some doldrums in the industry right now, Blake is bullish on that future. Tune in and hear him talk about the industry's strengths and opportunities, including fast-improving hardware, software, and materials. He gives us his thoughts about the need for industry consolidation and how companies can position themselves for success.
With GlobalData recently predicting that the 3D printing global business will reach $70 billion by 2030, the insights Blake has to offer are crucial if you're wanting to learn what's what in additive.
Tune in and check out the whole show - you'll be glad you did!
Montana isn't just one of America's fastest-growing states in population. It's also rapidly expanding its manufacturing base, growing it by 14% last year alone!
Why? Not because of giant dollops of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Governor Greg Gianforte, a serial entrepreneur and former small businessman himself, and the Montana legislature have focused on improving the general business environment and other areas critical to industrial companies like skilled trades training. They've tried to tackle all the different areas of government that were holding manufacturing back. And it's working.
The governor joined us for Episode 86 to talk about all of it: the tax relief efforts he has led, the reductions in regulations that he worked with the legislature to pass, his efforts to solve the housing crunch so many areas of the country are still struggling with, and his partnering with educational institutions and business groups to make sure the workers that manufacturing employers need will be there.
Companies like Hyundai's New Horizons Studio, German high-tech vacuum component maker VACOM, and military ammunition producer Brixtel Defense have all selected Montana for new facilities.
Tune in and learn all the small-government winning ways that have Montana's manufacturing growing fast!
Here's a link to Governor Gianforte's bio: https://governor.mt.gov/About/
Here are a couple of related Forbes articles by your host:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2023/12/22/vacoms-new-us-hq-is-another-win-in-montanas-manufacturing-blitz/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2023/02/03/bozeman-landed-hyundais-new-horizons-studio-rd-center-now-montana-is-on-the-hunt-for-more-manufacturing/
For our Episode 85, we're joined by Jeffrey Korzenik, chief economist at one of our major American banks and author of the very important book, Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community.
He tells us all the critical reason we should all be taking a look at hiring those who've previously been incarcerated or have criminal records. Right now they can find themselves with almost no path to earning a living, which makes it pretty tough to get off the path of crime and onto one of being a productive citizen.
Jeff tells us why it's good economics, good business, and being a good human being to try to give those who've made legal mistakes a second chance.
Jeff also tells about the hurdles companies will face in getting after this laudable goal, and where they can find help to do it.
Check out Jeff's website here, where you can get a copy of his book (highly recommended!): https://www.jeffkorzenik.com/
If you're doing any kind of show about manufacturing, then you want to be just like Damon Pistulka and Curt Anderson, creators and hosts at Manufacturing eCommerce Success! These two wrote the book on how to make engaging content focused on industry.
Plus they were some of the originators at LinkedIn Live, showing the rest of us how to do it right!
They joined us for Episode 84 to tell us all about their backgrounds, how the dark days of the Covid lockdowns helped lead them to launch their legendary show, how they bring such incredible energy, and whole bunch more!
Tune in and check out the whole thing to learn all about these unbelievably great guys and what they do!
The funniest polymath around joins us once again, this time to do a deep dive into his latest book. Mark P. Mills, now Distinguished Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Contributing Editor at City Journal, waxes poetic about his predictions for a whale of a decade in The Cloud Revolution: How the Convergence of New Technologies Will Unleash the Next Economic Boom and a Roaring 2020s.
Tune in and hear his prognostications about everything The Cloud will bring: new and better materials, AI, robots, better education, better jobs, a lot more 3D printing, and a whole lot more!
As always with Mark, it's an enjoyable and educational chat.
Get your own copy of his book here (highly recommended!): https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Revolution-Convergence-Technologies-Economic/dp/1641772301/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704765177&sr=8-1
Guru on all things power generation Meredith Angwin comes back to the show, this time to focus entirely on the big points of her superb book, Shorting the Grid: The Hidden Fragility of Our Electric Grid. (https://www.amazon.com/Shorting-Grid-Hidden-Fragility-Electric/dp/1735358002/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1702947902&sr=8-1)
Tune in to learn all about the cockamamy regulations and horribly skewed incentives that have our power producers doing all kinds of crazy stuff. Learn why wind and solar absolutely make prices for electricity skyrocket every time (hint: backup for when the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine!), why batteries and/or pumped hydro won't save us, and why our current tendency to rely on gas to bail out the renewables is courting disaster. Oh, and hear why your host's home state of Michigan is headed for blackouts!
Here are a few other links referred to in the show:
The Spectator article about Meredith: https://thespectator.com/topic/meredith-angwin-power-grid-prophet-energy/
Jason Hayes's article about Michigan's stupid new power generation mandates: https://www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-lawmakers-should-aim-for-the-least-harmful-net-zero-plan
Mackinac Center for Public Policy: https://www.mackinac.org/
Eric joins us once again for Episode 81!
We chat about the recent news of the $10 billion share buyback at GM, the continuing news of the huge scaling back of the pork-laden Ford battery plant in Michigan, and general discussion of how those companies seem to be going off the rails.
Eric also offers his take on the recent clean energy legislation that Michigan Democrats have foisted on the state.
Tune in and check out the whole show - you'll be glad you did!
And check out Eric's work at https://starkmanapproved.com/.
With a background as an engineer on the production front lines for GM and Tesla, Ryan Kuhlenbeck set out to found a tech company focused on helping the floor operators solve their biggest problems. He's co-founder and CEO of Pico MES (https://www.picomes.com/), which facilitates solutions such as visual task instructions on screens right on front of the worker, ready communication channels to management and plant technical resources, and computer-connected tools to error-proof the job.
Ryan tells us about the risks, rewards, and hard work of launching his own tech company, and talks about all the different solutions Pico MES brings to its customers. He shares some of the actual breakthrough results folks in the field are seeing after bringing his tech to their floors.
If you're a manufacturer almost anywhere in the world, you're having some challenges hiring the people you need.
That's been Magda Dexter's specialty at Saint-Gobain North America, where she's Sr. VP of Communication and Human Resources. She joins us to tell all about their excellent efforts to attract the talent they need, with initiatives like formal mentoring programs, second-chance hiring for the formerly incarcerated, a focus on recruiting military veterans, and so on.
Tune in and check out the whole thing - there are lots of ideas here you can copy!
For Episode 78, we're joined by Adam Beckerman and Simeon Wallace at Aprio, a CPA-led Advisory Firm with over 700 clients in their Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. Their quarterly "Manufacturing and Distribution Insights" report is a great look into the state of business for American industry.
Simeon is Chief Investment Officer and leader of Aprio’s Wealth Management Practice, and Adam is Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Practice Leader and Assurance Partner at Aprio, so they bring a whole lot of expertise to the subject.
The latest issue had some good news for manufacturers, including falling input prices and rising manufacturing sentiment from the Institute for Supply Managers. Adam and Simeon dive into all the details and give their insights about the current state of things and where they think we're headed.
Tune in and hear the whole expert story!
Mark Stemmy joins us for our Episode 77 to talk about all things cycling.
He's the founder of Optimized Cycling Solutions (https://optimizedcycling.com/), "a bicycle studio focused on bespoke products and services, offering custom frames and complete bikes, built in the U.S.A. and Italy."
Plus he's spent decades in the business, and he talks about that history he has with the industry. He goes into great detail about the headwinds the bicycle business is facing these days and why it's got a lot of the players very nervous.
And he tells us the hot trends that will carry the industry forward, as well as his own plans for how he's going to negotiate the rocky road ahead.
If you're a bike nut, you should tune in for a major fix of cycling geekiness!
And if you're not, you should tune in for one whale of an educational episode!
Manufacturers uniquely rely on affordable, reliable energy for their business models.
Unfortunately, legislators in Michigan's House of Representatives just last week passed a bill that will make our electricity a lot more expensive and a lot less reliable.
Here are the basics:
Even before last week's bill, Michigan was already on a path to big problems, with plans to shut down all coal our plants by 2032. They generated 30% of our electricity in 2021, and that was before the Palisades nuclear plant shut down (now folks are desperately trying to reopen that to help keep the lights on).
The new bill mandates 100% "clean" energy by 2040, including 60% from renewables like wind and solar. The new bill doesn't, however, contain an actual plan for how we'll do that and still have reliable energy.
Wind has a capacity factor here of about 40%, and solar even less - during December and January, it drops below 10%.
Oh, natural gas can still be used - as long as it also incorporates carbon capture and storage, a technology that doesn't even exist at scale for grid-level electricity generation.
It's like our legislators just handed us a pile of cloth and ropes, and needle and thread, and told us to jump out of an airplane.
What's the very likely result? Blackouts, almost certainly starting in the next several years as our coal plants shut down.
Manufacturers in Michigan need to start laying in plans accordingly.
I can't believe I got to Episode 75 before doing anything on bicycles! But we went big - Tony Karklins, CEO of Time Bicycles and Cardinal Cycling Group, joined us for a great discussion of my favorite sport!
Tony digs into:
- His own background and how he got to be where he is - including owning his own bike shop as a teenager!
- Why pretty much all bike making went to Asia back at the beginning of the century
- How Europe has already gotten a start on bringing bicycle manufacturing back - especially Portugal
- Why he's bullish on his prospects for bringing some of that production back to America
- Where he thinks the bike making hot spots for the US will be
- What can be made here and what can't
- His growth plans for the Time Bicycles brand
Along with checking out the whole show and hearing all about what Tony has to say about the bike business in general and making them here in America, you should also check out this link: https://www.google.com/search?q=perfection+in+every+strand&oq=perfection+in&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggBECMYJzIGCAAQRRg5MgYIARAjGCcyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgAQyBwgKEAAYgAQyBwgLEAAYgAQyBwgMEAAYgAQyBwgNEAAYgAQyBwgOEAAYgATSAQkxMDkzOGowajSoAgCwAgA&client=ms-android-samsung-rvo1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a74a8778,vid:5bQQqJ3r20E,st:0
And you can find Time Bicycles right here: https://shop.timebicycles.com/
I learned about the Great Lakes Boat Building School while on a sailing adventure with the Boy Scouts several years ago, when we spent the night docked in Hessel, just a few miles away from Cedarville, where the school is located.
For Episode 74, we have Nikki Storey, the school's president, here to tell us all about the history of the GLBBS, what ultra-cool programs they have going on now, what other plans they have for the future, and how on earth this woman from a landlocked farming community wound up running this innovative school for building and maintaining boats! It's marvelous stuff!
Nikki is a ball of fire, and she's chock full of fascinating info about the GLBBS and the boating industry, and about the gorgeous community the school calls home. She tells all about the amazing work the school is doing, in conjunction with its corporate partners, to build the maritime industry's workforce. (She mentions this work by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable along the way: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/24487?utm_source=Currents&utm_medium=orr&utm_campaign=orr)
You can learn even more about the GLBBS here: https://glbbs.edu/
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
Finally! The end of our broadcasting day came at Huntington Place in Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, where we did all-day interviews at the Motion + Power Technology Expo put on by the American Gear Manufacturers Association.
We finished strong! Forest City Gear's Kika Young, CEO, and Jared Lyford, Director of Operations, joined us to talk about their gearmaking shop in Roscoe, Illinois, just north of Rockford.
It's a great story about a family-owned business that's been successful and shown that Americans can still manufacture with the best of 'em. Forest City serves industries ranging from food & beverage to medical to defense to, yes, space! It's certainly no small thing when your company's gears are instrumental to the rousing success of America's Mars rovers, right?
Tune in and hear Kika and Jared tell all about it.
Matt Croson, President of the AGMA, joins us once again for our Episode 65, recorded live from the floor of the Expo at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit!
Matt kicked off a whole day of livestreamed interviews, telling us what the show is all about and what the AGMA does for its membership.
Plus there's a little talk about heavy metal music!
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
We were getting close to the end of our livestreaming day at the MPT Expo in Detroit when Michael Cinquemani joined us for our Episode 72.
Michael brings us full circle on what's represented at this show put on by the American Gear Manufacturers Association. We started with forging and heard from machine makers, toolmakers, and the people who make both gears and bearings. Michael's company puts it all together, making power transmissions and gearing systems for industrial applications and more.
Heck, our host is a mechanical engineer and even he had trouble keeping up with everything Michael had to say!
In addition to running his company, Michael also serves as the Chairman of the Board at the AGMA, so he shared his thoughts on the organization and what it does for industry and its members.
Great stuff - do check it out!
John Perrotti is CEO of Gleason Corporation in Rochester, New York. He sat down to chat with us for Episode 71, in the middle of the afternoon during our full day of livestreaming from the American Gear Manufacturers Association's Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in Detroit.
John's company makes machines like grinders and cutters. They make tools for those machines, too. They make workholding systems for the jobs. They make metrology equipment to check on what the machines make. They make software for those systems. And they make some gears themselves, too - plastic ones, some so small you can barely see them.
Whew! Yeah, Gleason does a lot. John does a great job walking us through all of that, plus telling us about some of the opportunities and challenges he's seeing in the industry.
This was an awfully educational episode! Tune in and see for yourself!
Ruthie Johnston from Croix Gear & Machining in Hudson, Wisconsin, kept our afternoon of livestreaming from the American Gear Manufacturers Association's Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in Detroit moving right along!
She joined us for our Episode 70, and told us how she quite unexpectedly took the CEO role at her company when her husband passed away unexpectedly.
But she got through the rough times and has continued to make the business more successful. And now she's sharing that success by helping develop the community there in Hudson and to assist young people along the skilled trade path.
Tune in and check out!
Our big day at the American Gear Manufacturers Association's Motion + Power Technology Expo was rolling right along as we progressed through the afternoon!
Beau Hallavant sat down with us for Episode 69 and told us all about his company, WD Bearing Group. Now, you may think ball bearings are an industry that's pretty locked down and disruption-proof, but think again. By doing things differently, WD Bearing has chalked up a growth rate that almost anyone will envy. (It's saying a lot when their Director of Sales is thinking maybe a little LESS growth might be okay...)
Tune in and hear all about how they made that happen!
(Bonus points if you can name the movie this episode's title is a quote from!)
Joe Goral keeps our big day of livestreaming moving, joining us for our Episode 68, recorded live from the floor of the Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
Joe shares the ins and outs of his company, Bourn & Koch, a machine tool outfit. They make parts for a bunch of machines made by companies that are now out of business, having bought the intellectual property and design drawings for a whole bunch of them. They are literally keeping part of our industry working!
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
Nicole Wolter, CEO of HM Manufacturing (who does LOTS of other stuff too!), joins us for our Episode 67, recorded live from the floor of the Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit.
Nicole tells us all about her family-owned machine shop that makes gears and more. Plus she tells us all the fabulous work she does to support manufacturing in her community and far beyond!
She might mention golfing, too.
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
Lori Brown and Cindy Hall join us for our Episode 66, recorded live from the floor of the Motion + Power Technology Expo at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit!
Lori and Cindy tell us all about their company, Clifford-Jacobs Forging in Champaign, Illinois. We put them in as our first company interview because forging is the earliest step in gearmaking that was represented at the show! Learn all about what the process is and why it's so important, and how their company is a very special place to work.
Plus there's a little MORE talk about heavy metal music AND REO Speedwagon!
Tune in and check out the whole thing!
In case you missed it when it was actually live...
For our second-ever live broadcast, Eric joined us once again to talk about the hot manufacturing topics of today.
Tune in and hear him discuss the UAW strike and the missteps of automakers like GM and Ford. (CEO pay and recalls, anyone?)
He covers some of the positives and negatives of Stellantis too.
He also gives us some lowdown on EVs and some of the misconceptions around the jobs situation with them and how they stack up against hybrids.
And he waxes poetic about the now-delayed (at best) battery plant Ford was trying to build in Michigan.
Tune in and check out the whole thing! It will be worth your while!
Jason Hayes from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy joined us for Episode 63 to talk about how so much of what we hear about the environment and energy just ain’t so, and how the false narratives are driving some really bad decisions, especially for manufacturers.
He’s an outdoorsman and a former backcountry ranger and forester. He has multiple degrees in environmental science and has specialized in energy production. Now he’s the Director of Energy and Environmental Policy with the Mackinac Center. He joined us to talk about why having access to “abundant, affordable, reliable sources of energy” is critical for our society’s well-being–and is also critical to maintaining our high levels of environmental quality too.
A key point: those trying to sell us on wind and solar aren’t admitting to manufacturers who currently run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that now they’ll have to adjust to making products “when the weather allows.”
He highlights one of the subjects we’ve been hammering, that of Germany and its destructive Energiewende environmental policy that has seen the country shutter all its nuclear facilities and build out enormous amounts of renewable generating capacity, and now has skyrocketing energy prices and ongoing de-industrialization.
He also covers the policies here in our shared home state of Michigan, which have us on a similar path to Germany’s.
Oh, and he points out that recycling isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either.
And finally, he gives us the real lowdown on the causes of wildfires. Hint: it’s not a “climate crisis.”
Tune in for a rousing counter-narrative discussion!
And do check out the Mackinac Center’s superb work at the first link below, and Jason’s page there at the second one.
https://www.mackinac.org/
https://www.mackinac.org/about/staff/752
Mark Mills joins us again, this time for what was our first livestream episode! Maybe you missed the live show, but here it is in all its glory.
He's a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a physicist with a background in mining and manufacturing. Last time he told exactly why there won't be near enough minerals for the "energy transition." Now he's hear to tell us a whole bunch more.
Mark deals the harsh truth on:
- Why we should be optimistic
- Technology that will actually make things better, as covered in his book (link below)
- Why EVs aren't as clean or simple as you might think, and why they're going to send our automotive jobs overseas
- Why the recent dial-back of net zero goals in the UK matters
- Flying cars and walking cars!
It's a deep (but also often funny) episode, and well worth your time! Check it out, and do check out Mark's book too. (I've got my copy!)
https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Revolution-Convergence-Technologies-Economic-ebook/dp/B08YPX96ZF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L2MQ5GGJEJH5&keywords=mark+p+mills&qid=1695684361&sprefix=%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1
PS - many thanks for her excellent work as our producer on this one to Gail Robertson, Chief Curiosity Officer at GailNow and at her Curious Minds web show - do check it out too!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9jTAajk7XaEYerR5ZqrWWg
Bob Worsley doesn't let the grass grow under his feet! First he founded Skymall and sold it to Rupert Murdoch. Then he ran successfully for an Arizona state Senate seat.
And now he's tackling the housing crisis. His new company Zennihome, is using robotic automation to make small housing units, built on the dimensions of shipping containers, "live larger" by making spaces truly multi-purpose. And his two models are designed to be connected together to make everything from a larger single-family home to a multi-story apartment building! They also include green features to make them some of the most sustainable dwellings out there.
And perhaps most important, they're designed to be mass-produced using advanced manufacturing, which will keep costs down and quality up!
I was so impressed by the story, I wrote it up for Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2023/07/21/zennihome-uses-factory-robotics-and-home-automation-to-fight-the-housing-crisis/
And now I'm happy to be joined by Bob for my Episode 61. Tune in and learn all about what this true innovator is bringing to our housing market, which is desperate to be disrupted!
And do check out the ZenniHome website below, where you can see video of the house's automated features: https://zennihome.com/
Meredith Angwin, author and speaker, joins us for Episode 60 to tell us why she thinks our fragile electric grids are soon going to be failing us.
Since she predicted the failure of the Texas grid during the winter storm a couple years ago, you probably ought to be listening to her.
Plus she actually wrote the book on the subject: Shorting the Grid: The Hidden Fragility of Our Electric Grid. As she says, "Grid insiders know how fragile the grid is becoming. Unfortunately, they have no incentive to solve the problems because near-misses increase their profits."
What's the culprit causing the problems? Wind and solar, whose inherent unreliability are destabilizing power generation, and whose relegation of our formerly reliable generating technologies to backup generation are making the unreliable too.
Tune in and learn all the ugly details, and find out about what you need to be doing about our pending disaster.
Your host Jim Vinoski is flying solo again on this one, talking about why the claims that renewables and power storage saved the day in Texas this summer are complete hogwash.
This one's critical. Because what's playing out in Texas is soon going to be playing out everywhere: more and more unreliable power generation, less and less reliable generation, and lots of people lying trying to cover up the coming disaster.
Watch the whole thing, and please like, share, and subscribe to hear a lot more coming about the disaster in the making when it comes to energy in the Western world.
Terry Iverson joins us for Episode 58. He was the third generation leader at his family's machine tool business, Iverson & Company, for most of his career. Then he took a challenge to connect with young people and help sell manufacturing as a great career path, and he was off to the races!
He founded CHAMPION Now, an advocacy to reach out to America's youth. Its focus? Here it is in Terry's own words, from the CHAMPION Now website: "CHAMPION Now® exists to change the image of manufacturing from the unrealistic, stereotypical 'dark and dirty' industry to one that is filled with extremely technology, advanced innovations, and exhilarating and good paying careers available for the next generation."
Terry went on to write not just one, but TWO books about his efforts: Finding America’s Greatest Champion and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing.
Tune in and hear Terry tell all about what you can do as an industry leader. You're needed in the effort! You'll learn about things like opening up your company's doors to help youth learn what manufacturing is all about, and partnering with local schools to help educate kids about their career opportunities and what schooling they need to go after them.
There's a link below to the CHAMPION Now website, where you can learn more and find out about both of Terry's books. There's also a link to the Kickstarter campaign where you can help launch the second book. And there's Terry's email address too!
Take up the challenge, just like Terry did!
CHAMPION Now website: https://championnow.org/
Kickstarter campaign to help launch Terry's second book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1381700333/inspiring-champions-in-advanced-manufacturing
Terry's email: tiverson@iversonandco.com
Jason Haines is owner and consultant out at Industrial Solutions Arizona, braving the brutal Phoenix heat after growing up in southeastern Ohio, helping manufacturers improve what they do! He joined us to talk all about it in our Episode 57.
Jason learned the only way you really can: by working for 20 years himself right out on the factory floor! He talks about why Lean efforts fail and how you can prevent that from happening to you, and what Lean tools are the best for those getting started. And he talks some really smart stuff on involving the front-line workers and on how leaders right up to the very top have to be involved!
Find out more about what he does here: https://www.isiworld.net/
And tune in for the whole thing! You'll be glad you did!
Author of the recent book, The Next American Economy: Nation, State, and Markets in an Uncertain World, (https://www.amazon.com/Next-American-Economy-Markets-Uncertain/dp/164177276X) and Distinguished Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, Samuel Gregg joins us for Episode 56 to talk about the wisest public policies for manufacturing.
He tells us why tariffs and having the government picking winners and losers have been shown again and again not to work, and how they hurt the people they're supposed to help.
Tune in for some really intelligent perspectives on why free markets are the best in general and the best for industry!
You can find more of his excellent work here: https://www.aier.org/people/samuel-gregg/
Sure, he appears regularly on Neil Cavuto's and Maria Bartiromo's shows, but now he's hit the big time: Manufacturing Talks!
Investment strategist and small-government true believer Luke Lloyds joins us for Episode 55 to talk about why so much is going wrong with our economy, what we need to do to fix it, and what manufacturers in particular ought to know!
Plus we talk about bourbon and cigars, rock music, and a whole lot more! Trust us, this one is a great show!
Allan Evans is co-founder of a company called BarrelRM. They've been working for years on a way to bypass the need for years of aging in brown spirits, and he joins us for our Episode 54 to tell all about it.
And you can try his stuff for yourself! The company now has a whiskey specifically formulated for cocktails called W.K. Reed. You can pick some up at the link: https://gacraftspirits.com/products/w-k-reed-whiskey-750ml
Gail Robertson is Chief Curiosity Officer at her own manufacturing-based PR firm, GailNow. She also calls herself a recovering journalist, and is deeply concerned about where that profession is headed. But for our Episode 53, she joins us to tell her whole career story, and to encourage the rest of us to act like the real journalists of old, and challenge the orthodoxy that's being forced on us - whether it's in business, politics, or our personal lives!
Tune in for one of our most enlightening and informative episodes yet!
After reading the immortal Gary Paulsen's childrens' book Hatchet, Phil Rink's daughter couldn't find anything else good to read.
And that's because far too many modern kids' books are politicized, vulgar garbage.
So Phil took matters into his own hands and began writing them himself. His are not politicized, are not vulgar, and are not garbage. Quite the opposite - they're good reads not just for kids, but for adults too!
Why does this matter in manufacturing? Because Phil also takes on some technical challenges as subject matter, whether it's a Mars mission or solar power. That's the kind of reading that will help develop the engineers and manufacturing operators we'll need in the future, and make readers out of them to help them become lifelong learners. That's why it matters.
Tune in to our Episode 52 and hear Phil tell all about how he got into writing for kids. Then order the books for yourself, whether you have kids or not. They're that good.
Matt Croson, President of the American Gear Manufacturers Association, jumps on with us for Episode 51 to tell us all about what his outfit does.
Come for the education about gear-making standards and education, and stay for the discussion about heavy metal music!
Oh, and if you think gears are a thing of the past with high tech taking over, think again. Matt fills us in on all the lates and greatest uses of gears, in everything from spacecraft to EVs.
It's Episode 50!!
To celebrate, we've got our first return guest. Eric Starkman is one of the most courageous voices out there in journalism, bucking the narrative to fill us in on what's really going on in the world of business and policy and so much more.
He talks about the rapidly approaching energy crisis and how the reliable electricity we've become accustomed to looks to be on its way out.
And about the cratering quality of American cars!
Tune in to hear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
And do follow Eric on LinkedIn, and subscribe to his work at https://starkmanapproved.com/.
Jake Bernal joins us for Episode 49. He's an engineer who works for Hyundai's New Horizons Studio on their totally cool concept car, the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV). Jake also teaches at Montana State University in Bozeman.
Tune in and hear all about this insanely awesome piece of design and engineering: how the company chose Bozeman for its new R&D facility last year, some of the particular technology challenges, where things stand today, and where they're headed.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2020/10/21/hyundai-and-autodesk-join-forces-to-design-ultimate-mobility-vehicles/
https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/company/newsroom/hyundai-new-horizons-studio-to-design-and-build-ultimate-mobility-vehicles-in-bozeman%252C-montana-0000016829
For our Episode 48, Mark P. Mills joins us to chat about why one of the biggest bottlenecks in the "energy transition" is mining, metals, and minerals. He gave a very lengthy and detailed talk about it at the beginning of the year (see link below), and now he chats with our host Jim Vinoski to tell about some of the basic problems we're already starting to run into.
He's a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a Faculty Fellow at Northwestern University, and a Strategic Partner at Montrose Lane, an investment firm focused on energy technology.
Tune in a learn all about it!
You can find Mark's talk, and some of his other work, at these links:
The energy transition delusion: inescapable mineral realities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgOEGKDVvsg
Articles: https://manhattan.institute/person/mark-p-mills
Website: https://www.tech-pundit.com/
They make the coolest product ever manufactured. Therefore, it was destined someone from the company would make an appearance here on Manufacturing Talks! For our Episode 47, Doug Peters, Regional Sales Manager at the Zamboni Company, joins us to fulfill that destiny.
He tells us all about the history of the company and its iconic products, his favorite moment of his career, and not just a little bit about hockey.
Tune in and hear about the whole story!
Episode 46 features our host Jim Vinoski telling why things are getting critical when it comes to reliable and affordable electrical power. For manufacturing, this is the #1 risk in the medium to long term. You need to understand what's happening, and get involved in driving a major policy course correction.
Here's some reading on the subject:
https://www.manhattancontrarian.com/blog/2023-5-14-biden-federal-government-goes-full-suicide-bomber-against-america
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/most-of-us-faces-elevated-risk-of-summer-blackouts-extreme-heat-nerc/650531/
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/york-gets-tough-owners-natural-091501926.html
https://starkmanapproved.com/the-night-the-lights-go-out-in-america/
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2023/05/here-come-the-blackouts.php
Episode 45 features photographer extraordinaire Viktor Mácha from Prague. When he was still a youth, his parents stopped on a trip to show him some of his country's steel industry, and from that moment he was hooked. (A student of religion and theology, he describes that moment as "a religious experience.")
As market downturns and globalization took their toll on steel plants around the world, Viktor decided he would make his mark by documenting as many of them as he possibly could.
Now he visits as many countries as he can and gets into as many steel mills as he can to take his amazing photos.
Tune in to hear him tell the whole story of how he got started and how it's going now!
And please remember to like, share, and subscribe!
Episode 44 features the co-founders of Red Land Cotton in Alabama, Anna
Brakefield and her dad Mark Yeager.
Mark is a longtime cotton farmer who built his own cotton gin years ago and was looking for a way to get more money for his crops. His daughter went to school for marketing and was good and ready to go into business with her dad, so they founded their company back in 2015. Their first products were super-high-quality bed sheets, and they've done so well that they've since expanded into apparel and accessories too.
Tune in to hear the amazing story of these two entrepreneurs and how they flew in the face of common wisdom to successfully make textiles right here in the good ol' USA!
For our Episode 43, we chat with Melissa McMinn, Master Engraver at Melissa M Studios. She tells us how she got where she is, the tricks of her trade and the tools she uses, the kinds of work she does, and yes, the story of those fabulous dueling pistols!
She's just one of three female Master Engravers in the whole United States.
Episode 42 is a very special one, featuring yours truly, Jim Vinoski! I recently was invited to speak at the Manufacturing and International Trade Day in Helena, Montana. I spoke about the state of manufacturing in the world and in the US, and why I think Montana is positioning itself extremely well to compete for manufacturers looking for a good place to settle.
Many thanks to the Montana Chamber of Commerce and the Montana Manufacturing Association for having me out there, and for their kind permission to use the video they took as material for this episode.
Thanks to our show's sponsor, DYS Media!
I'd also like to thank the sponsors of the event out there in Montana:
Platinum Sponsors:
First Interstate Bank
Montana State Fund
Northwestern Energy
Stockman Bank
Valley Bank of Helena
Applied Materials
BNSF Railroad
Boeing
Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
MSU Innovation Campus
Accelerate MT
OX Workforce Housing
Media Coalition of Montana
Gold Sponsors:
Montana Department of Commerce
Choose Montana
Charter Communications
Pacific Source Health Plans
Sterling CRE Advisors
Allegiance Benefit Plan Management
Blackfoot Communications
Silver Sponsors:
Hydraulics LLC
Wheelhouse
For Episode 41, we're joined by Cedrik Neike, CEO of Siemens Digital Industries and Member of the Board for Siemens overall.
He has two vital messages. First, if you're in manufacturing and you're not working on digitalization, you're getting left behind. And second, no matter how big your company is, Siemens is here to help, with a new modular product offering that lets you pick and choose what you go after and when.
Plus he's just got a whole lot of other great insight into what's hot in the industrial world.
Tune in and check it out!
Episode 40 features Lance Neirby, CEO of Montana Silversmiths in Billings. Learn how he went from undergrad in Minnesota to a Master of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology to Tiffany to Montana! It's a heck of a story.
Lance not only knows the ins and outs of metalsmithing and jewelry making, but he's also doing a bang-up job running the show at his small outfit in the Treasure State. Tune in for a great personal story and an even greater lesson in how to run a business.
Want to learn what's going on in the world of 3D printing (a.k.a. additive manufacturing or AM)?
Nadav Goshen is the CEO of UltiMaker. They recently merged with MakerBot, and now the combined companies are off to the races expanding the market for their existing printers, and looking to the future at new opportunities.
Nadav joined us to tell us all about his fascinating background, what got him into the AM world, and what's big now and down the road at UltiMaker.
Are US automakers headed back to the bad old days of the 1970s? Journalist Eric Starkman joins us for a special episode of our show to drill into that question.
Eric worked in Detroit (among other places) years ago, and he still regularly covers the big stories from the Great Lakes State. Nowadays he exposes the warts that ought to be exposed at his own outlet, Starkman Approved (www.starkmanapproved.com).
Unfortunately, he's had a lot of warts to expose when it comes to the car industry lately. Like half a century ago, American-made cars today are suffering from a steady stream of quality defects and recalls, and the companies that make them have made some rather questionable business decisions lately.
Tune in and hear Eric tell the whole sad story.
Paul Van Metre had his own machine shop, and learned along the way what he really needed when it came to business software.
That's why he shifted hears and helped found ProShop, the ERP solution for machine shops. His software is focused on giving machine shop owners, managers, and workers exactly what they need to maximize the efficiency of their operations.
Tune in and listen as Paul shares what his experiences on the front lines taught him, and how he's brought that knowledge to making his software solution the right one to take your machine shop paperless and to bring it into the 21st century, whether it's your first ERP or you're replacing one that just hasn't gotten the job done.
The #1 middle- to long-term risk to American manufacturers is our increasingly unreliable energy supply. So this episode diving into the reasons things are headed the way they are, and what we can do about it, is our most important one so far.
David Blackmon has been warning us about this for years. It was incredibly educational to hear him talk about how really awful policy decisions are putting our energy security into doubt.
This one is a must-see. Tune in and watch the whole thing.
And if you're a manufacturing leader, educate yourself, start helping educate everyone else, and start speaking up and demanding wiser policy decisions.
Many thanks to our sponsor of this episode, DYS Media.
Montana may not be a state that, when you first think about it, has manufacturing come to mind for you. But there are plenty of reasons it should be.
So it was great fun to chat with Scott Sehnert about his adopted home state. Scott is a VP at First Security Bank Montana in Bozeman, and he also serves as President of the Montana Manufacturing Association. Tune in and hear him chat about all the great things that the Treasure State has happening to make it a great place for manufacturers to set up shop.
Check out the whole thing! Hit the "like" button, share the episode, and sign up as a subscriber!
And follow your host Jim Vinoski and the Manufacturing Talks page on LinkedIn!
Gabe Draper is a self-proclaimed failed machine shop owner. Now he's in another business to help manufacturers avoid the mistakes he made.
He's co-founder of Factur, his company that hunts customers... for their customers. They're all about lead generation, using their specialized tech and tools to generate high-quality sales. Tune in and hear Gabe talk about how you can diversify your customer base and make your business more robust.
Plus he shares some amazing news about his family, and he and I compare notes about bicycling. What's not to love?
Check out the whole thing, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!
Melissa Martin has a whole lot to tell you about what we all need to be doing to rebuild our nation's pipeline of skilled workers.
She has not just one, but TWO jobs where she does her part for all that. She's Director of Marketing at LAB Midwest, a distributor for the whole upper Midwest of training curricula and equipment for the workplace and for STEM materials for schools. And she's the producer of the TechEd Podcast, where she helps bridge the gap between the technical education world and the workforce. So she's a true expert in this stuff.
Tune in and hear her share what schools, businesses, and students should be doing to build the manufacturing workforce we need for the future.
It was such a lot of fun hearing from Kerrie about everything Epicor has going on. Epicor is a software development company specializing in its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite that's designed specifically for manufacturers.
As I mentioned in our chat, I know a lot of you out there get a bad taste in your mouth anytime you hear "ERP." But if you haven't checked out the latest developments, do give our chat a listen, because ERPs have come a long way since the days of the "jack of all trades, master of none" non-solutions.
Plus, Kerrie is a fellow camping enthusiast, so tune in to hear our outdoors stories too!
It's all too common in manufacturing circles to hear about the operations improvement projects that didn't pan out, the Lean transformation that sputtered, or the cultural reset that never got off the ground.
Making sure those kinds of failures don't happen is Dan Burgos's stock in trade. It was lots of fun chatting with him and hearing his thoughts on what both leaders and front-line workers need to do to make these efforts successful, how to identify a bad employee fit before bigger problems arise, and how to successfully transform your company culture.
Tune in and check out the whole thing! And please like, share, and subscribe.
And if you're thinking that it's time to go to work on your own culture, you can get a head-start by using Dan's nifty self-assessment tool: https://alphanovaconsulting.com/business-self-assessment-forms/
Neil Friedman has done a lot of cool things in his time, but maybe the coolest yet is his company's still fairly new product, the circul+ fitness ring. It's got so much going for it: it's unobtrusive, it works for general condition monitoring, exercise, sleep monitoring and improvement, and even help with treating Long Covid. Plus it doesn't have the skin pigmentation glitches that watches do.
It's so cool I wrote about it for Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2021/12/22/is-the-prevention-circul-wellness-ring-the-future-of-wearable-health-monitors/).
Now you can hear all about it straight from Neil.
Check out the whole thing!
And like, share, and subscribe, please.
One thing it's pretty common for manufacturers to miss the mark on is marketing. Especially today, when just about everything marketing-related is changing so fast, though, it's a critically important topic. So it was a treat to host Aaron Marks, who founded Aspire Marketing Group because of the opportunities he saw in this particular vein.
Aaron has nearly two decades of marketing leadership expertise, focused on digital and inbound marketing. His specific focus has helped manufacturers and distributors deliver marketing success. His mission is always to construct, manage, and implement strategies that deliver value to both his clients and their customers.
Tune in and hear all about it! And don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to learn about other great aspects of our manufacturing world.
Jake heads up one of the business units for The Manthei Group, which is one of the most inspiring family business stories I've ever come across. Five generations ago, a couple of German immigrants came over, settled in what's now a popular resort area in northern Lower Michigan, and began farming. After many fits and starts, and lots of amazing business decisions, their family runs a business that literally spans the globe. And it's all still headquartered right up there in little Petoskey, Michigan (and Jake's dad Ben still lives in the old family farmhouse!)
Tune in to hear the whole amazing story.
And like, share, and subscribe, too, please!
Mark O'Brien and I have known each other for a few years, and I've always admired his writing. But when I read his piece entitled, "Give It a Shot," (https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/give-it-a-shot/) I knew I had to have him on here to chat about it.
"I don’t think we’re quitters. I think we don’t try." That's one of the many memorable lines. The article hit home for me in many ways, some good and some bad.
Go read the piece, and give our chat a listen.
And as always, please like, share, and subscribe!
Tech Ed teacher Craig Cegielski of the Eleva-Strum School District in Wisconsin wasn't satisfied just doing the usual stuff when it came to teaching his students the craft and the business of machining. So he came up with an idea: make an actual business out of his upper-level students' work!
That's where Cardinal Manufacturing got its start, and now it's a functioning business that teaches not just machining, but other business skills like accounting, marketing, and fundamentals like how to dress, how to shake a client's hand, and how to address people in a business setting.
Now Craig wants to see the idea spread all across the US, so he's also become an advocate and a speaker encouraging other school districts to follow his lead.
It's an absolutely amazing story, and one that's much-needed in today's manufacturing world, where we not only don't have enough skilled trades workers - we don't have enough work candidates, period!
Tune in and check out the whole thing. And please like, share, and subscribe!
Manufacturers in particular, but really any business in general, can learn a lot from Dave Yonkman! He's the President of his own PR firm, DYS Media, LLC, and he's got a wealth of experience on what works to attract and keep great customers, and how to grow your business.
Here's a preview of our superb chat: make your customers, not you, the heroes in their "stories"!
Dave shares a whole lot more excellent ideas - tune in and check out the whole thing.
And as always, please like, share, and subscribe!
Jason Ray saw an opportunity with the antiquated processes machine shops used to quote their jobs. So he and a friend founded Paperless Parts to help shop owners bring how they do things into the 21st century.
In addition to being a guru on that, Jason is also a wealth of knowledge on the general topic of how to win in today's competitive manufacturing environment. And he should know - since I talked to him a few years ago for the Forbes article I did on Paperless Parts, he's grown his business substantially.
Tune in to hear his story, the story of Paperless Parts, and the tips on how you can do business better.
And as always, like, share, and subscribe, please!
There was a whole collection of characteristics Nikke Gonzales has that made me want to interview her here on Manufacturing Talks: to highlight just a few, she's an expert in automation for industry and supply chain; she takes on seemingly way too much in her life, just like I do; she brings fresh new perspectives to the sometimes stodgy old "make it" and "move it" worlds; and she immigrated to the U.S.A. from Iceland, which was one of my favorite places I've ever visited!
She offered a whole bunch of great thoughts in our discussion. Tune in and listen to the whole thing, and please - if you dig it, like, share, and subscribe!
I always love it here on Manufacturing Talks when I get to explore a business that's tied to one of my personal interests. As a lifelong bicyclist, then, it was an absolute pleasure getting to chat with Shane Cooper, President and Chief Sockologist of DeFeet International, producer high-quality American-made cycling socks and other apparel. Shane had so much to share - about establishing a business to solve a real problem, about catching the attention of the pro cycling world, and about coming back from setbacks that could have destroyed lots of entrepreneurs.
He has a great story. Tune in and catch the whole thing! And and always, please like, share, and subscribe!
Where do I even start when it comes to Ashleigh Walters?
Some years ago she had left her engineering career in corporate America to be a stay-at-home mom. But then her father-in-law came calling; he needed her to sort out the finances at his company, Onex, Inc., in Erie, Pennsylvania which is both a product and service outfit for refractory materials and systems for the steel industry and others. Unfortunately, things were a mess, but Ashleigh buckled down and enlisted the frontline workers to help right the ship. She felt so good about the new direction, when the opportunity came along, she and her husband bought the company.
Then they decided that it was only right that all those workers share more fully in Onex's success. So Ashleigh did some studying and set things up to convert the company to employee ownership.
Then she took a long rest. Nah. just kidding! Actually, she set out to write a book to share her experiences in saving the firm and having her good folks get a part in its ownership. Leading with Grit and Grace: A Journey of Organizational Culture Change came out in 2020.
Tune in and hear all about all of the above!
Titan Abrasive Systems started nearly 70 years ago, originally based in the founder's backyard shed, focused on equipment for sandblasting, surface preparation, and surface finishing. For our 20th episode, their President, Brandon Acker, joined me to tell how the company, based just north of Philadelphia, continues today to make high-quality blast room equipment, blast cabinets, dust collectors, and portable blast systems. Plus he educated me about the latest blast media and new applications for blast equipment, along with his own new manufacturing technologies that continue to make Titan one of the highest-quality providers out there.
Tune in for a great learning experience on a piece of the manufacturing world we all take way too much for granted! And as always, like, share, and subscribe!
When the American flag they'd received as a wedding present quickly became worn and tattered, Katie and Wes Lyon went looking for something much better, and preferably made in the USA. They couldn't find it, though, so instead they teamed up with their friend Max Berry and founded Allegiance Flag Supply to make their own.
After some fits and starts, they found the business model that works, and they not only survived but thrived through the pandemic. Katie visits the "Wall of Metal" to tell us how they did it.
Tune in for the whole thing, and like it and subscribe to hear more great manufacturing stories!
My pals all over the manufacturing world do amazing things. But let's face it: a lot of us were never educated in running a business. So I took advantage of the opportunity to have my friend Chris Panagiotu on the show to give us all some education. Chris is the owner of CAPitalize Your Finances, LLC. He's a wealth adviser and a certified financial planner. He hosts his own podcast, aptly named the CAPitalize Your Finances Podcast, and he also has a book coming out soon! And he's a heckuva great guy, too.
He delivered some really great advice on a few key things those of us in manufacturing should be thinking about and doing.
Listen to the whole thing - it's well worth your time! And as always, like, share, and subscribe!
Way up in Houghton, Michigan, there's a little company that's making nearby Michigan Tech University a new destination for space technology. Brad King, who helped found Orbion Space Technologies, picked the location because of the exceptional technical talent the school generates. (And the staggering natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula doesn't hurt either.)
Tune in and listen to the whole story! As always, if you like it, please like, share, and subscribe!
A lot of you probably know about KA-BAR because of their iconic US Marine Corps fighting knife. But the company's history goes a lot farther back than WWII. It's a fascinating story, and today KA-BAR is making some outstanding products (do check out the tactical spork!)
CEO John Stitt and Director of Sales and Marketing Joe Bradley joined me to tell me all about it. They're a couple of great guys, and we had a fabulous chat.
Do check out the whole thing, and as always, like, share, and subscribe!
Dianna Huff is one of my favorite industrial advocates out there, since we share a passion for American manufacturing (though I will say she beats me big time on actually buying American!) She's had some great experiences in writing about manufacturing and helping producers market their goods in today's digital world. And along the way she's found ways to buy almost everything she uses only if it's made the USA. She recently launched a blog about that, so she's also Publisher of Keep It Made USA, where she helps consumers follow her lead.
Tune and get the whole story straight from Dianna! If you like this, please share, like, and subscribe!
Eric Girouard grew up doing blue-collar work, went to college and learned about business, then worked in the fashion world. But his hometown friends who went into the trades begged him to launch a workwear company to get them the gear they needed.
So he did.
His friends were right about there being a big market for that. It's been going gangbusters ever since with BRUNT's boots, coveralls, and more.
Tune in and hear all about it. And subscribe to hear more cool stories like Eric's!
Here's an educational one for our manufacturing audience. Aimee Ridella, in her previous job with Weber Shandwick, was the best PR partner I had in helping me find great stories for some of my earliest Forbes articles. Now doing internal communications work at DTE Energy, she came on to help teach us what people in manufacturing should be thinking about when it comes to PR, and how they might get help in getting their names out there and in putting the best image forward for their companies.
It was an absolute treat getting this chance to connect with Aimee again, and to hear her excellent advice from her own experiences. Tune in and catch the whole thing - it'll be worth it!
The lumber commodities market can be tough to negotiate, especially for smaller companies. Getting price transparency for buyers and dealing with credit risks for sellers were always a problem, even before today's crazy marketplace conditions.
Mike Wisnefski had been trading lumber since the 1990s, and back in 2009 he saw an opportunity when the CME Group started trading lumber futures on its Globex system. That transition to digital trading eventually led him to help found MaterialsXchange, which digitized the trading of physical lumber. That's made it a heckuva lot easier for the small guys to get what they need, when they need it.
Tune in and listen to Mike tell us all about it!
Back before the pandemic, Mike co-founded his company, Veryable, which introduced an app and other innovations to provide on-demand labor for manufacturing and supply chain companies looking for better way to right-size their workforces.
Then came Covid, and what Mike says was a deliberate attack on small business that's hit manufacturers particularly hard.
Tune in and hear all about it, and learn what you can do to help yourself in these difficult times for staffing and for keeping your business healthy.
Chip and Cory happened on a rather large "barn find" piece of American industrial history, and, taking the bull by the horns, they've now established an exhibit in Pittsburgh of the most amazing handcrafted wooden patterns for steel casting, and thousands of associated drawings.
What brought this steel plant scrapper and oil painter together to accomplish such an amazing and deeply meaningful feat? Tune in and hear the whole story!
Back in the mid-1970s, a guy named Michael John Stevenson got fed up with labels not sticking to plastic. So he came up with a solution: make the graphics part of the plastic itself! So were born Mold In Graphic Systems (MIGS) and Polyfuze, the companies Stevenson founded to sell his labeling solutions.
Now Jason Brownell works with customers on those very same solutions, while also making sure everything at MIGS-Polyfuze is working right. It was a treat to hear him describe their work! Tune in and hear all about it.
For the first episode of 2022, I had a great time talking to Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial. By day, Jake is a Business Development Manager for Feyen Zylstra. But in his social media presence, his passion is to work with manufactures, integrators and end-users to share his knowledge around automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0.
His passion for automation and high-tech manufacturing, and its popularity in our industrial world and beyond, manifests itself mightily on his social outlets. With 23,000 followers and over 8 million views on his content, he ignites conversations about the latest in the manufacturing and automation industry to build relationships, identify go-to-market strategies, and create market accessibility for manufacturing and automation.
Tune in and catch the whole thing!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobrhall/
Website: https://www.themanufacturingmillennial.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCht-nUM5klmIw6mFnGTCvUQ
Gretchen is one of the most-recognized advocates of American industry around. She's President of her own manufacturing technology solutions company, Magenta Technologies, established 2015 after she'd done several stints in telecomms and media. She's also founder of her made-in-America manufacturing advocacy organization, USA LOVES MFG.
Tune in to hear her whole story!
When West Point graduate and former US Army helicopter pilot discovered that just 3% of apparel purchased in the USA is made in America, he set out to change that. His company, Authentically American, sells casual business attire and leisure wear. It's high-quality apparel made in 12 different states by American workers.
Tune in to hear his whole story!
Tom Sega had a travel bag fail him long ago in his former life as a sales guy. A friend recommended he get a new one from Duluth Pack, a maker of high-end duffels and bags right there in his own hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. Tom did and became a huge fan. When the company hit on hard times, he heard about it, bought them, and brought them back.
Then he did it all over again with Spring Creek Manufacturing, maker of canoe accessories and industrial truck racks up in Mountain Iron, Minnesota.
Tune in and hear all about it straight from this salt-of-the-earth CEO.
Ben Findlay is the founder and CEO of Machine Compare, where he's created an online marketplace for buying and selling manufacturing spare parts. Companies anywhere with obsolete or excess parts can list them on the Marketplace, and people who need obscure and hard to get items can search and find them there. As said in my Forbes headline when I wrote about Ben, he's made the whole world your spare parts storeroom - and those of you in manufacturing know exactly how huge that is! Tune in and here his whole story.
The story of Stormy Kromer, maker of iconic winter hats and so much more, is one of my favorite ones in manufacturing. Since they're located in my little Upper Peninsula of Michigan hometown of Ironwood, it involved old family friends, along with that unique brand of upper Midwest can-do attitude. Here's CEO and owner Bob Jacquart to tell you all about it!
Amy Robbins is CEO of Alexo Athletica, maker of concealed carry workout gear. A former model, she started the company after a harrowing personal experience while training for a marathon. Tune in and learn about that, as well as her ups and downs as an entrepreneur!
Titan Gilroy is CEO of Titans of CNC, a Texas machine shop, and creator of his own reality TV show and the Titans of CNC Academy, which provides low-cost education in CNC programming. His own troubled past inspired him to provide a positive outlet for others who might be looking for a better path. Tune in to listen to this inspiring manufacturing icon!