The Manufacturers Network

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/asklisaryanHere's something I know to be true: Employees don't just want to work for a Paycheck — they want to work for a purpose. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves.And here's the good news: manufacturing companies are uniquely positioned to deliver exactly that. When you give back — to your employees, your community, and causes that align with your values — you're not just doing good in the world. You're building loyalty, pride, and a culture people fight to stay in.Today, we're talking about Acts of Service That Build Loyalty — how purpose-driven companies create stronger teams by making the world a better place.________________________________________This episode is brought to you by Grategy — where we help manufacturing leaders create cultures people want to work in and nobody wants to leave. Through the Six Gears of Grategy®, we give leaders practical tools to strengthen their teams and drive results — from onboarding to leadership development to purpose-driven culture strategies that inspire loyalty. Learn more at LisaRyanSpeaks.com.________________________________________Why This Matters More Than EverYears ago, "giving back" was an afterthought; something you did with leftover time and budget. But today's workforce has fundamentally different expectations. They want to work for organizations that stand for something beyond profit margins.I see this passion at every association meeting I keynote at. The event locations are full of people who are passionate about things that most people totally take for granted. They are also deeply committed to solving problems most of the world doesn't even know exist: technical challenges, industry innovations, breakthrough solutions. They're not just making products; they're making things that matter.The pandemic proved this point powerfully. Almost overnight, companies pivoted to produce masks, face shields, ventilator parts, hand sanitizer, whatever was needed. It didn't matter if it fit their business model; they stepped up because it was right. And employees felt it. They knew they were part of the solution, contributing to something that truly mattered.That sense of purpose stuck. And many employees are still looking for that feeling today.As Simon Sinek says, "People don't care what you do, they care why you do what you do." Employees are asking: What does this company believe in? Does my work matter beyond the product we make? Are we using our influence to make a difference?When the answer is yes, and when your actions match your words, that's when people feel a deep, emotional connection to your mission.And that connection creates loyalty you simply can't buy. ________________________________________Busting the MythsMyth #1: Purpose-driven culture is only for non-profitsManufacturing companies can have even more impact by tying their products, services, and profits to something meaningful. Take a packaging company. On the surface, it's boxes and pallets. But what if their mission includes using sustainable materials and helping customers hit environmental goals? Now they're not just "making boxes" — they're contributing to a cleaner planet.Or consider a tool-and-die shop sponsoring scholarships for local students in skilled trades. They're not just filling a talent pipeline — they're changing lives and giving young people a future in manufacturing.Manufacturing moves the needle because you're part of the infrastructure that keeps the world running.Myth #2: Acts of service have to be massive initiativesIt's not about writing big checks or launching high-profile campaigns. It's about creating authentic opportunities for employees to get involved. One client sets up monthly volunteer days at a local food bank - on company time. Another keeps a "community board" where employees can post service projects, and coworkers can pitch in.Sometimes it's even simpler: donating scrap materials to a vocational school for welding practice, or employees building a ramp for a coworker's family member.These smaller, personal efforts often have the biggest emotional impact. They show that service isn't corporate speak, it's embeddedin how you operate every day.________________________________________How to Lead with PurposeStrategy 1: Connect the Work to the MissionPeople need to know their job means more than cranking out widgets or meeting quotas. Yes, we make "things," but those things solve problems, improve lives, and sometimes save lives. When people know the why, they work harder, care more, and stick around longer.Quick Action: At your next team meeting, share a story about how your product made a real difference. Maybe it helped a customer hit a critical deadline or kept a community safe. Don't be afraid to inject personality: "We thought we were just shipping boxes, but it turns out we were shipping hope... in corrugated form."Strategy 2: Give Employees Opportunities to Serve TogetherRolling up your sleeves next to a coworker in a non-work setting changes everything. Whether assembling care packages, reading to kids, or sorting cans at a food bank, people connect differently. Those connections stick when they return to work.Quick Action: Organize at least one voluntary service day annually. Make it easy — clear schedules, arrange transportation, and feed people. More people show up when sandwiches are involved.Strategy 3: Align Acts of Service with Company ValuesRandom giving is good. Strategic giving that aligns with your mission and values? That resonates deeply with employees and customers. It's the difference between "We donated to something" and "We donated to something that reflects exactly who we are."Quick Action: Ask your team to nominate causes that connect with your company's values. Choose one or two to support together. When the cause comes from employees, you get instant buy-in.Strategy 4: Lead from the FrontWhen the boss is stacking boxes at the food drive or swinging a hammer on a Habitat build, it changes everything. It sends a clear message: "This isn't PR. This is who we are." Be there for the work, not just the photo op. Employees spot a "selfie-only" leader from a mile away.Quick Action: Show up ready to get your hands dirty at your next service event. Pro tip: don't wear your best shoes unless you want a permanent reminder of your service day.________________________________________Here's what I've learned after years of working with manufacturing leaders: Companies that lead with purpose don't just do well, they do good while doing well. They attract better talent, retain top performers longer, and create cultures that become magnetic.Your employees are already proud of what they make. When you show them how their work connects to a bigger mission and give them opportunities to serve that mission together — that pride transforms into something deeper: loyalty, purpose, and a sense of belonging that no competitor can steal.The world needs what you make. But more than that, it needs companies that make things AND make a difference. When you lead with purpose, you don't just build better products — you build better teams, stronger communities, and a legacy that matters.That's how you create a culture people don't just work in, it's one they believe in.Thanks for joining me for this episode of The Manufacturers Network. I’m Lisa Ryan, reminding you that culture is not a perk; it’s your strongest competitive advantage. We’ll see you next time.

In this episode, Lisa Ryan talks with Laura Phillips, Vice President of Engineering and Procurement at Pella Corporation, about what it really takes to sustain a century-old company while staying future-ready. Laura shares how Pella’s culture of caring boldly, where truth, accountability, and collaboration coexist, continues to drive innovation and inclusion across 21 manufacturing sites and 11,000 team members.From her early doubts about fitting into a male-dominated field to leading large engineering and procurement teams, Laura traces her journey through mentorship, curiosity, and courage. She and Lisa dig into how manufacturers can modernize without losing their soul, create workplaces where people belong, and make manufacturing a career destination for the next generation.Key Takeaways:Turn Fear into Fuel: Manufacturing isn’t the “dirty and dull” image from old textbooks—it’s bright, high-tech, and full of creativity and problem-solving.Caring Boldly: Pella’s three culture pillars: care, learn, deliver results, show up in how teams challenge each other honestly while still supporting one another.Innovation Through Listening: The award-winning SteadySet installation system was born from conversations with installers about safety, efficiency, and pride in their work.Representation Matters: From hosting Girl Scouts to collaborating with universities, Laura shows how early exposure changes how young people, especially girls, see the trades.Flexible Futures: Four-day workweeks, job sharing, and automation are reshaping what flexibility looks like on the factory floor.Tech That Serves People: Automation at Pella is designed to reduce strain, prevent injury, and make jobs more ergonomic and rewarding.People Before Process: Laura’s bottom line: strategy fails without people. Listen first, engage early, and build every improvement together.Memorable Quote: “No strategy is effective without the team. The people are the most important thing; make it about them.”Connect with Laura Phillips:🔗 LinkedIn: Laura PhillipsAbout the Host:Lisa Ryan, CSP, is a keynote speaker, author, and Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy®, helping manufacturers and skilled-trades organizations keep their best employees from becoming someone else’s. Learn more at Grategy.com.

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan sits down with Ben Wynne, Chief Technology Officer of Intrepid Automation, to explore how additive manufacturing and automation are transforming modern production—without erasing the craftsmanship and knowledge that built it.Ben shares how his team helps manufacturers digitize decades-old tooling, preserve tribal knowledge, and bridge the gap between traditional foundries and cutting-edge technology. Their approach proves that innovation doesn’t have to mean disruption, it can mean integration.Together, they discuss:Why the future of manufacturing depends on capturing legacy expertise before it’s lostHow additive manufacturing can strengthen, not replace, existing processesThe role of AI and automation in reshoring and reindustrializationPractical ways smaller manufacturers can collaborate with tech partnersHow to keep your workforce engaged (and unafraid) as technology evolvesBen also offers a powerful reminder: the factory of the future isn’t built on robots alone, it’s built on memory.Connect with Ben Wynne:LinkedIn: Ben WynneWebsite: Intrepid Automation#Manufacturing #AdditiveManufacturing #Automation #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #Innovation #CrackingTheRetentionCode

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan talks with Sameer Narkar, Founder and CEO of Konnect Insights, a bootstrapped SaaS company that’s redefining how enterprises manage customer experience.What started as a small team of engineers in India has grown into a platform used by 400+ global brands in 35+ countries, managing over a billion customer interactions every year. Konnect Insights helps businesses unify social listening, omni-channel ticketing, analytics, and publishing all in one place.Sameer shares what it takes to grow a tech company without external funding, how AI can actually simplify work instead of overcomplicating it, and why passion and trust, not just technology, win customers and retain top talent.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What “omni-channel” really means for customer experience (and why most companies get it wrong)The difference between plug-and-play AI and purpose-built, “home-cooked” AIHow to scale globally using partnerships instead of massive ad budgetsWhy emotional connection often lands your first five clients before product maturity doesHow to navigate language, culture, and local regulations when expanding internationallyThe three factors that keep core employees loyal for the long haulKey Quote: “Your first customers don’t choose you because you’re the biggest or best; they choose you because they believe you’ll go the extra mile.” — Sameer NarkarAbout Sameer Narkar: Sameer Narkar is the Founder and CEO of Konnect Insights, a unified customer experience management platform combining social listening, omni-channel ticketing, analytics, and publishing. Under his leadership, Konnect Insights has grown organically into a trusted enterprise solution for global brands across 20+ industries.Connect with Sameer: LinkedIn: Sameer NarkarWebsite: Konnect InsightsConnect with Lisa: Website: LisaRyanSpeaks.com LinkedIn: Lisa Ryan, CSPListen now to learn how Sameer turned curiosity, persistence, and partnerships into a global success story and why staying human is still the smartest growth strategy of all.

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Brent Hagan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, to explore what it really means to lead with impact: in business, in culture, and in community.With experience at Amazon, Deliver, Eaton, and Lob, Brent brings a rare perspective on how to scale operations without losing the human connection. He shares stories from massive fulfillment centers to small-town manufacturing plants, where leadership goes far beyond efficiency metrics. From creating bus routes for workers to strengthening local schools, Brent’s approach shows that true supply chain success isn’t just operational, it’s personal.What You’ll Learn:How leaders can leave the communities they enter better than they found themThe balance between autonomy, accountability, and culture on the shop floorWhy technology should simplify, not replace, human problem-solvingThe biggest mistakes companies make during mergers and acquisitions—and how to avoid themHow small and mid-sized manufacturers can use digital tools without losing their people-first approachWhy something as simple as a whiteboard can outperform high-tech dashboardsKey Quote: “You don’t need a building full of Harvard MBAs. You need people who say, ‘This is what we tried, here’s what we learned, and here’s what we’ll do next.’” — Brent HaganAbout Brent Hagan: Brent Hagan is the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, where he leads logistics, supply chain, and operations strategy for a platform powering billions of personalized mail pieces. With leadership experience at Amazon, Deliver, and Eaton, Brent specializes in bridging traditional operations with technology-driven innovation—while keeping people and community at the heart of every strategy.Connect with Brent: LinkedIn: Brent HaganConnect with Lisa:Website: LisaRyanSpeaks.comLinkedIn: Lisa Ryan, CSPListen now to learn how to build a culture that scales and a company that leaves every place it touches better than before.

In this episode, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in insurance and hands-on safety consulting, Eric shares his journey from the financial sector to creating innovative solutions for blue-collar safety and OSHA compliance.Key Topics & Takeaways:From Finance to the Shop Floor:Eric recounts his early career pivot from finance to industrial sales and, eventually, risk management for blue-collar businesses. Learn how his dedication to supporting small business owners shaped his approach to safety and compliance.The Pain Points of OSHA Compliance:Discover the two sides of OSHA compliance—the written Injury Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), which is easier to create than ever before, and the real challenge: implementation and documentation of ongoing safety meetings and hazard assessments.Insurance Premiums & Experience Mods Demystified:Eric explains why manufacturers face higher workers compensation premiums and illustrates, with real-world examples, just how costly workplace injuries can be. He offers practical steps to reduce claims and improve your insurance rates.The Power of Recurring Safety Training:Consistency is key! Eric shares why regular, relevant safety trainings (especially with quizzes and gamification) not only reduce accidents but can translate into significant cost savings for businesses.Leveraging Technology & Automation:Eric provides actionable tips on using automated software for tracking safety meetings, hazard assessments, and employee attendance, making compliance less of a headache and more of a business asset.Building a Safety-First Culture:Eric and Lisa discuss the importance of showing employees that safety initiatives are about caring for their well-being—not just checking the OSHA compliance box.Practical Tools & Resources:Eric highlights a free OSHA compliance checklist available on the Safety Team Technologies website and explains how their automated platform can fit any manufacturer’s workflow and budget.Who Should Listen:Manufacturing leaders, HR professionals, safety managers, insurance brokers serving blue-collar industries, and anyone interested in practical strategies for safer, more compliant workplaces.Resources Mentioned: Download a Free OSHA Compliance Checklist: oursafetyteam.com Schedule a no-pressure demo or enroll in automated safety training starting at just $5/employee/monthConnect with Eric Wick:Discover how to simplify OSHA compliance and enhance your safety culture at oursafetyteam.com.Don’t miss this episode if you want to streamline compliance, lower insurance premiums, and send your people home safer every day!

Are you accidentally sabotaging your best people? Even the most skilled, motivated employees can only perform as well as the tools, information, and support they’re given. When access is blocked—whether it’s equipment, training, or their leader, frustration rises, productivity drops, and great talent walks out the door.In this episode of The Manufacturers Network, Lisa Ryan, CSP, breaks down how to remove everyday barriers and create Access That Empowers—so your team can do its best work and choose to stay.You’ll learn:Why the old “stay in your lane” hierarchy doesn’t work anymoreWhat today’s employees expect from leaders (approachability, trust, and real connection)The hidden costs of limited access: bottlenecks, mistakes, and missed ideasFour practical strategies to create access:Ask before it’s a problemBe human and approachableEliminate friction in tools, processes, and trainingOpen doors to growth (cross-training, shadowing, clear paths)Key idea: When you make success easier for your people, they make success inevitable for you.Brought to you by Grategy — helping manufacturing leaders create cultures people want to work in and nobody wants to leave. Learn more at LisaRyanSpeaks.com.

In this episode of the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Reeves Smith, Director of Sales at Leapfrog, to share his decades of IT experience helping manufacturers tackle cybersecurity, digital transformation, and the complexities of modernization. Reeves breaks down real-world challenges and actionable steps for manufacturing leaders ready to secure and streamline their operations.Key Topics Covered:Common Technology Struggles for ManufacturersReeves shares why so many small and midsize companies hit technology roadblocks as they try to scale up and modernize, and how the pace of tech change often outstrips internal IT skills and resources.The Truth About Cyber ThreatsWhy being a smaller manufacturer doesn’t mean hackers will overlook you—attackers are often targeting your organization’s connections and customer networks. Hear a real story of a multi-million-dollar impersonation attack that almost put a business under.The Evolving Cybersecurity LandscapeThreats are growing more sophisticated, and so are the entry points—from IoT devices to remote laptops. Reeves explains why old strategies won’t cut it for today’s manufacturing environments.People: The Essential Security LayerMost cybersecurity breaches start with people, not just failed technology. Reeves emphasizes the importance of workforce training, proactive testing, and building a culture of security awareness at every level.How AI Is Changing the GameFrom AI-powered phishing to deepfake scams that trick even top executives, manufacturers need to be vigilant. Plus, practical advice for manufacturers just starting to explore AI and automation—like making use of AI tools already embedded in their current platforms.Laying the Foundation for InnovationBefore investing heavily in AI, Reeves explains why upgrading infrastructure, managing and integrating data, and moving applications to the cloud are critical first steps to success.Smart Steps for Digital TransformationFind out how to prioritize the right projects, avoid costly missteps with public AI tools, and get buy-in from the team, especially when introducing changes to legacy systems.Navigating Change and Job Security FearsReeves addresses worries about AI taking jobs and offers a constructive way for employees to use technology as a tool for growth, not just efficiency.Why Partnering with Experts MattersWith security and technology demands growing, Reeves highlights the benefits of working with an experienced IT partner for strategic advice and reliable protection.Top Takeaways:Don’t assume you’re too small to be a target—cybercrime affects manufacturers of all sizes.Invest in workforce education; people are your first (and often weakest) cybersecurity layer.Start with the infrastructure and data management before chasing advanced AI.Use trusted IT partners to assess your situation and guide tailored solutions.Consider security and productivity side by side—good cybersecurity shouldn’t slow down production.Connect with Reeves Smith and Leapfrog: Email: reeves.smith@leapfrogservices.com Website: leapfrogservices.com Ready to modernize your manufacturing security? Listen to this episode for an expert’s roadmap to resilient, future-ready operations!

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan welcomes Grace Bilbrough, Director of Marketing for ProWood, a leading brand under UFP Industries. Grace shares her journey from event planning to becoming a key marketing strategist, and reflects on the pivotal role company culture played in ProWood’s successful rebrand and business transformation.Grace and Lisa dive deeply into the importance of transparency, open communication, and recognizing employee contributions as cornerstones of Pro@ood’s culture. Grace reveals practical ways her team bridges cross-department silos, fosters entrepreneurial thinking, and keeps employees motivated, even throughout periods of change and growth. She offers insights into how initiatives like leaderboards, town halls, and regular updates keep competitive spirits high and teams aligned with company goals.Learn how new ideas—like the launch of ProWood’s upcoming True Frame Joists—are sourced directly from employee feedback on the front lines, and how their culture of care extends from manufacturing lines to customer partnerships. Whether you’re navigating change in your own organization or looking for fresh ways to spark employee engagement, Grace shares actionable takeaways you can implement today.Key Topics:The value of transparency and honest communication through changeEncouraging innovation and entrepreneurship across a large organizationPractical strategies for employee recognition and alignmentCollaborating across marketing, sales, operations, and product teamsTranslating internal culture into long-lasting customer relationshipsConnect with Grace Bilbrough on LinkedIn or via email at GBilbrough@prowood.com to continue the conversation.Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring stories about building a people-first culture in manufacturing!

Welcome to the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast! In this episode, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Ben Hansen, a 5-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, founder of an 8-figure staffing firm, and expert in maximizing profitability for $2M–$50M companies. Ben is the "Profit Doctor," helping businesses identify and eliminate “profit leaks” to significantly boost bottom-line results.Key Topics Covered:- Ben’s Journey: From his early days at Dell and Microsoft to launching his own fast-growth company and eventually becoming the go-to expert for curing "profit-itis."- Understanding Profit-itis: Why having strong revenue doesn’t always mean healthy profits, and what profit-itis looks like in manufacturing companies.- Biggest Profit Myths Debunked: The dangers of focusing solely on revenue growth and why the popular “hockey playbook” doesn’t work for most businesses.- The 80/20 Rule & The 50/20 Formula: Ben explains how identifying and cutting the least profitable products, clients, and employees can fast-track margin improvement.- Profit Killers: How profit psychology, unprofitable products, toxic employees, and the myth that “more is always better” can undermine your success.- Simplifying Financials: Transforming complex P&Ls into actionable reports that help non-accountants make better decisions.- Accounting Blind Spots: Common mistakes in financial analysis, including underestimating the cost of difficult clients and the impact of soft costs.- Growing Without Growing: How many firms can substantially improve profits without adding a single dollar to revenue—sometimes by getting smaller and more focused.- Actionable Steps: Ben shares his Profit Accelerator and Profit CFO programs, designed to simplify your numbers and create massive gains.Resources & Links:- Connect with Ben Hansen at https://www.profitdoctor.com - Find Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansenprofitdoctor - For CEOs looking to break the cycle of low profits, schedule a check-in with BenIf you’re a business leader tired of working harder for less, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world strategies you can put to work right away!