Manufacturing Culture Podcast Ian Wilson on real culture, no nonsense branding, and the future of manufacturing
Ian Wilson is a creative turned industrial brand strategist who believes real culture is the level of authenticity people can bring to work. In this episode, he and Jim talk about why manufacturing feels more grounded than other industries, why specs and machines are only half the story, and how authenticity—not polish—is what builds trust online and on the shop floor.
What You’ll Hear
How Ian went from writing music to building brands in manufacturing
Why he believes “you can’t hype up a spring” and what that says about honesty in marketing
What culture really means inside an industrial business
How family-owned manufacturers can turn values and pride into their strongest brand asset
Why too many manufacturers are still “allergic to marketing”
The difference between performative culture and real culture
How to pull real company values from leadership to the shop floor
Why brand voice matters even when buyers only care about specs
How to make digital feel authentic without fluff
The future of manufacturing culture, community, and education
Topics Covered
Authenticity and culture in manufacturing
Industrial marketing and branding
AI’s role in marketing and creativity
Bridging creative and engineering mindsets
Defining company values with honesty
Community and workforce development in the trades
Key Quotes
“Culture is the level of authenticity people can bring with them to work.”
“You can’t hype up a spring. It either works or it doesn’t.”
“Some manufacturers are allergic to marketing—but that’s exactly where the opportunity is.”
“Pretty is easy. Authentic is hard.”
“The future of manufacturing is stronger communities and better futures for our kids.”
Jim’s Take
Ian brings a mix of humor, depth, and hard truth that’s rare in branding conversations. He reminds us that the best marketing doesn’t try to make manufacturing look cool—it shows the real pride and people behind the work.
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