Accelerating Digital Transformation in Manufacturing with David Blue

In this episode of The Manufacturer’s Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with David Blue, founder and CEO of Saltbox Mgmt. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, Salesforce implementation, and enterprise sales, David shares candid insights into how manufacturers can modernize operations, enhance customer engagement, and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

What’s Inside:

- David’s Journey: How the pandemic was the catalyst for starting Saltbox Mgmt and why manufacturers still have a long road ahead in digital transformation.

- Changing Buyer Demographics: The shift in customer expectations—how younger, “born-online” buyers want more self-service and digital options.

- Blending Old & New: Why it’s not about choosing between personal relationships or automation—but creating frictionless, blended experiences across multiple channels.

- Practical Automation Wins: Real-world examples (like Shorr Packaging) of starting small—digital commerce, order intake, and ERP integration—to drive efficiency without disrupting value-added jobs.

- The Human Element: How digital tools free up sales and service teams to focus on high-value activities, rather than replacing jobs outright.

- Combatting Tariffs with Tech: Unpacking David’s Salesforce blog—how digital commerce and order management can help manufacturers defend their margins and adapt to global trade uncertainty.

- Subscription Economy for Manufacturers: What it takes to successfully offer digital subscriptions and services alongside physical products—including why good data and systems integration are essential.

- Data-Driven Decisions: The importance of clean, real-time data to enable self-service and support next-gen business models.

- Where to Start: David’s #1 tip for manufacturing leaders—talk to your customers, prioritize high-value/low-effort wins, and remember: transformation is a journey, not a sprint.

Connect with David Blue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-blue/

- Saltbox Mgmt: https://saltboxmgmt.com

Key Quote:

“Listen to your customers. Build a roadmap around what they want and start with small, high-value wins to fuel your digital journey.”