Connect with John Gardner: johngauthor@gmail.comIn this episode of *The Manufacturers Network Podcast*, host Lisa Ryan interviews John Gardner, a seasoned expert in American manufacturing and the author of *Manufacture Local: How to Make America the Manufacturing Superpower of the World*. With over two decades of experience, John shares his unique journey, which began in his father's manufacturing shop in Ohio and eventually led him to launch a cutting tool business. His path included an unexpected detour into Hollywood, but he ultimately returned to the manufacturing world, where he now advocates for rebuilding America’s industrial strength. Throughout the conversation, John highlights the challenges facing American manufacturing today, emphasizing the risks of overreliance on foreign production. He draws on historical and modern examples to illustrate how a weakened domestic industrial base poses significant national security threats. John also discusses how manufacturing once provided a clear path to the middle class and argues that the decline in industrial jobs has contributed to the widening economic gap. He passionately advocates for reintroducing manufacturing and trade education in high schools, which would inspire a new generation of industrial leaders and entrepreneurs.John also explores the importance of reshoring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., a trend that gained momentum after recent global events exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain. He explains how protective tariffs can support domestic industries and drive economic growth. John offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience, direct communication with clients, and identifying market needs through immersion in the industry.Throughout the episode, John stresses the importance of recognizing America’s manufacturing heritage and the need to preserve it for future generations. He shares insightful stories from his own experiences. He outlines the strategic steps necessary to rebuild the country's industrial base, including the role of innovation, investment, and policy changes like the COOL Act (Country of Origin Online Labeling Act). For those looking to learn more, John’s book, *Manufacture Local*, is available on major platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.To wrap up the episode, John shares how listeners can connect with him and get a copy of his book. He leaves the audience with a powerful reminder: the future of American manufacturing lies in the hands of those willing to embrace innovation, advocate for change, and inspire the next generation to engage with this vital industry.

On the latest episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan had an insightful conversation with Jonathan Hughley, partner and patent attorney at the Chicago-based intellectual property law firm Marshall Gerstein. With a background in both mechanical engineering and law, Jonathan offers a unique perspective on the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in manufacturing. Jonathan’s journey into patent law began with his fascination for understanding and improving how things work. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he gained firsthand experience through internships with industrial equipment manufacturers. However, he soon realized that engineering wasn’t his ultimate path. Inspired by his sister, who was in law school, Jonathan discovered patent law as the perfect combination of his engineering expertise and passion for innovation. Today, as a partner at Marshall Gerstein and chair of the firm’s industrial and mechanical technologies practice group, he continues to protect the innovative advancements of manufacturers.During the episode, Lisa and Jonathan explored the importance of a solid IP strategy in today’s highly competitive global market. Jonathan explained that IP covers patents, copyrights, and trademarks, each offering different types of protection for intellectual assets. In manufacturing, securing these assets early on can prevent competitors from infringing on your innovations and create a foundation for sustained growth. Jonathan stressed the importance of protecting even minor improvements, as they can significantly impact a company’s market position, particularly with the rapid pace of advancements like artificial intelligence (AI).Key Insights from the EpisodeUnderstanding Intellectual Property (IP): Jonathan explains the different types of IP, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks, and their importance in protecting innovations. - Patents* protect new inventions or processes. - Copyrights* safeguard original artistic works like books, movies, and songs. - Trademarks* protect distinctive words, phrases, and designs that identify goods or services.- The Importance of an IP Strategy: Jonathan emphasized that a robust IP strategy is crucial for manufacturers to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. Early protection of products, processes, and designs can ensure secure market entry and long-term success.IP as a Sound Investment: Jonathan likened IP protection to investing in the stock market. Companies should protect multiple ideas early, as it's hard to predict which innovations will succeed. Doing so creates a "security blanket" for future growth.- Encouraging Innovation through IP: Jonathan discussed how IP protection fosters innovation within companies, especially large firms. Regular brainstorming sessions, cross-departmental collaboration, and reward-based incentives can drive a culture of innovation and increase patent filings.- Early Engagement in the IP Process: Jonathan highlighted the importance of engaging IP professionals early in the invention process to ensure thorough patent applications. Strategic advice from attorneys can help inventors navigate their innovations' potential market needs and technical feasibility.Tune in to this enlightening conversation for valuable insights on how manufacturers can safeguard their innovations and create long-term success through intellectual property strategies.

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan chats with Dave MacDonald, the owner of Better Together Group. Dave dives into what he calls the "3 i's"—intensity, integrity, and intentionality—and explains how these principles can transform your hiring process. Think of it like maintaining a furnace or an HVAC system in your home: you need the right elements working together to create a comfortable environment.Lisa raises a common worry about the time it takes to hire properly, but Dave makes a strong case that rushing the process can lead to a bad work culture. Investing time and effort into hiring the right people helps build a sustainable business. Dave knows what he's talking about, given his extensive experience in hiring truck drivers and blue-collar workers, and he emphasizes the importance of partnering with companies that truly respect their employees.One of the big takeaways from this episode is the importance of aligning potential hires with your company's values. Dave shares his personal philosophy—WTF, which stands for work hard, tell the truth, and finish the job. This approach stems from his own life experiences and has shaped the culture at Better Together Group.Dave also touches on the role of technology in hiring. While tech can boost productivity, he believes personal interaction is crucial for truly understanding candidates. He prefers working with family-owned, mid-sized enterprises, which he finds more adaptable and good at building personal relationships.We also discuss soft skills, particularly emotional intelligence and the ability to maintain relationships in a diverse manufacturing environment. Dave argues that these skills are just as crucial as technical know-how.All in all, Dave MacDonald provides invaluable insights about the importance of taking a personal and empathetic approach to hiring. For more tips and free hiring guides, visit the Better Together Group's website.

In this episode of the Manufacturers' Network podcast, I spoke with Alex Ladd, the CEO of Mindstream Analytics. With over 15 years of experience in financial software systems and a successful track record that includes more than 50 implementations for industry giants like Verizon, Bayer Corporation, and Time Warner Cable, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in technology innovation and change management to the table.Alex Ladd begins by sharing his unique journey into the world of technology. Interestingly, Alex was a history major with no formal background in computers or programming. A spontaneous job offer in his early career led him to a role that involved building a computer simulation to help businesses understand reporting and analytics around KPIs. This opportunity served as Alex's introduction to the world of technology, and this role ignited his passion and expertise in the field.Ladd then discusses the importance of data in manufacturing, specifically focusing on JD Edwards, a historically significant enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. While JD Edwards is adept at managing production schedules and general ledgers, it falls short on analytics. Alex explains how modern tools and EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) solutions can complement ERP systems by offering deeper insights through advanced data analytics.One key takeaway from the episode is the importance of integrating various systems and fostering collaboration between different departments within a manufacturing organization. Alex highlights the need for synchronization between production planning, sales planning, procurement, and other departments to ensure that data is cohesive and comprehensive.Alex identifies common pitfalls that manufacturers face in their data management strategies. One significant issue is the lack of integration between production and sales data, often resulting in inefficiencies and misaligned objectives. Additionally, Alex discusses the importance of master data management and the need to ensure that everyone uses consistent data definitions.Regarding improving production planning and analysis, Alex advocates for using EPM solutions, which can aggregate and analyze data across various facets of an organization. He also touches upon the growing role of AI and machine learning in streamlining operations and enhancing data accuracy. Though still in its early stages, AI has the potential to impact data analysis and operational efficiency in manufacturing significantly.Lessons Learned1. Unconventional Paths Can Lead to Success: Alex Ladd’s transition from a history major to a tech leader emphasizes that career paths need not be linear. A combination of opportunity, curiosity, and willingness to learn can lead to a successful career in unexpected fields.2. Integration is Crucial: The episode underscores the importance of integrating different data systems within an organization. Ensuring that sales, production, procurement, and other departments use cohesive data sets can drive better decision-making and operational efficiency.3. The Evolution of ERP Systems: While ERP systems like JD Edwards are foundational, they need to be complemented by advanced analytics tools to unlock the full potential of data in manufacturing.4. Involvement Leads to Success: One standout point from Alex is that organizations actively involved in their data projects tend to see better results. Engagement and collaboration between consultants and in-house teams are critical for successful data management.5. Future of AI in Manufacturing: AI and machine learning are emerging as powerful tools for data analysis and operational efficiency in the manufacturing sector. Keeping abreast of these technologies can offer competitive advantages.Alex Ladd’s insights on data management, integration, and the role of modern tools in enhancing manufacturing efficiency offer invaluable lessons for industry professionals. By breaking down departmental silos and leveraging advanced analytics and AI, manufacturers can unlock the full potential of their data to drive better decision-making and operational efficiencies.Contact InformationIf you wish to continue the conversation with Alex Ladd, you can reach him via email at aladd@mindstreamanalytics.com or connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermladd).

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan talks with Patrick Stroth, the national practice leader for mergers and acquisitions at Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. Patrick, based in the bustling heart of Silicon Valley, shares his vast knowledge and expertise in securing clean exits for owners and founders of lower-middle-market companies who are looking to sell their businesses.Patrick shares his career journey, explaining how his passion for mergers and acquisitions grew from his background as a lifelong insurance professional. He discusses why mergers and acquisitions are both exhilarating for the business world and profoundly life-changing for business owners, often marking the pinnacle of their professional careers. Patrick emphasizes that a solid and efficient exit strategy can facilitate smoother transitions, quicker sales, and happier outcomes for sellers.One of the foremost topics discussed revolves around "Representations and Warranties" and their critical role in selling manufacturing businesses. Patrick enlightens listeners on how these disclosures are prepared by sellers and verified by buyers during the due diligence process. He elucidates the potential risks when breaches in these reps and warranties occur, explaining how the traditional indemnification clauses can be a source of stress and possible financial clawbacks for sellers.In an innovative turn, Patrick introduces an emerging solution tailored for the lower middle-market segment: Transaction Liability Private Enterprise (TLPE) insurance. This insurance product provides the necessary protection for deals between $1 million and $30 million. He breaks down how this insurance policy allows sellers to cover any possible breaches, thus alleviating buyers' concerns and negating the need for large escrow holds. Patrick shares real-world examples, like a metals fabrication company that faced a post-transaction issue with a key supplier renegotiating terms due to an oversight in the original contract. Such scenarios, which might have posed significant financial risks to the sellers, were mitigated through the protection offered by the TLPE policy, proving its efficacy and value.In actionable takeaways for listeners considering selling their manufacturing business, Patrick advises securing an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions to effectively navigate the complex waters of business transitions. He highlights that specialized M&A attorneys add invaluable expertise, ensure smoother transactions, and reduce stress.For those interested in exploring the benefits of TLPE further or seeking personalized advice, Patrick offers his contact information and encourages reaching out via email or LinkedIn.Key Takeaways:1. Understanding Representations and Warranties: Grasp the significance of reps and warranties in the sale process and the risks associated with potential breaches.2. Transaction Liability Private Enterprise (TLPE) Insurance: Consider TLPE insurance for deals between $1 million and $30 million to safeguard against financial risks from reps and warranty breaches.3. Specialized Legal Advice: Engage an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions to ensure a smoother and more secure transaction.4. Real-life Applications: Learn from examples of how TLPE insurance provided crucial coverage and peace of mind to both buyers and sellers.Actionable Strategies:- Start Early: Begin planning your exit strategy well before you intend to sell your business to ensure all disclosures and financial statements are in order.- Consider TLPE Insurance: Evaluate if TLPE insurance is a good fit for your transaction to reduce escrow holds and ensure a cleaner exit.- Hire Specialists: Engage professionals specializing in M&A to help navigate and mitigate potential risks effectively.Contact Information: - Patrick Stroth on LinkedIn: [Patrick Stroth](https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickstroth)- Email: pstroth@libertycompany.com

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan introduces Stephen Gold, the President and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance since 2001. Stephen, who has transformed the Alliance into a leading network for manufacturing leadership, shares insights from his diverse career and the challenges facing the manufacturing sector today. Stephen started his career in government relations, communications, and law before moving into manufacturing associations in 2000 and joining the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in 2001. Recognizing the essential role of manufacturing in the economy, he joined the Manufacturers Alliance in 2011.Stephen highlights the top challenges for manufacturing leaders, including finding skilled workers, technological advancements, cybersecurity threats, supply chain complexity, and global market volatility. The workforce challenge is paramount, as finding workers with the right skills for modern, technologically advanced factories is difficult. Technological changes such as digitalization, robotics, cloud computing, and AI rapidly evolve, and manufacturers struggle to integrate these technologies into legacy systems. Cybersecurity is another significant concern, with manufacturers being a primary target for cybercriminals due to the potential for extorting money by shutting down production lines.Stephen explains that manufacturers are collaborating with high schools and technical schools to build a skilled workforce, though it's a piecemeal and long-term approach. Additionally, manufacturers are leveraging new technologies to create more transparent supply chains and adapt to disruptions caused by global and political shifts. He also emphasizes the increasing importance of peer-to-peer networking in solving industry challenges, with the Manufacturers Alliance facilitating these connections through meetings, benchmarking surveys, webinars, and online discussion boards.Lisa and Stephen also discuss the evolving role of manufacturing CEOs. The new generation of leaders is expanding their leadership capacities, focusing on self-awareness, relatability, and adaptability, and seeking guidance from board members and senior leadership teams. Finally, Stephen encourages listeners to visit the Manufacturers Alliance website for a wealth of research and insights, noting that anyone can contact him directly via email for further information.

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan and guest Ron Crabtree, Founder and CEO of Meta Ops and Meta Experts, talked about the critical topic of shaping organizational culture and talent management strategies for manufacturers. Ron Crabtree emphasized the importance of shaping organizational culture as leaders, focusing on creating an attractive workplace and a safe work environment, encompassing both physical and emotional safety. The discussion also shed light on addressing mental health challenges in the workplace and the need for employees to feel safe to speak up.The decreasing importance of pay and increasing significance of access and openness within the C suite were highlighted, as well as the rising trend of digitization in the workforce. Ron Crabtree stressed the pivotal role of leveraging computers and lean practices to drive continual improvement and eliminate waste in processes within an organization. The importance of understanding processes before embarking on digital transformation and utilizing techniques such as value stream mapping for process improvement was also discussed.Lisa Ryan raised the concern about employees' comfort levels and familiarity with technology, inquiring about how companies are addressing skill development and buy-in for digital transformation and AI adoption. The conversation concluded with a focus on workforce development strategy, the significance of self-driven employee development programs, and the value of engaging employees in visualizing the future state of work.Key Takeaways:1. Shaping Organizational Culture: Leaders need to focus on creating a safe, attractive workplace and fostering open communication to address mental health challenges and alleviate employee disengagement.2. Digital Transformation and Lean Practices: The trend of digitization in the workforce calls for leveraging computers and implementing lean practices to drive continuous improvement and eliminate waste in processes within an organization.3. Workforce Development Strategy: Planning for future work requirements, self-driven employee development programs, and engaging employees in visualizing the future state of work are vital for preparing employees for future skills and job requirements.Actionable Ideas:- Implement value stream mapping to deeply understand processes and identify areas for improvement while considering the impact of IT systems on workflow.- Encourage employees to recognize and acquire new skills, create a safe environment for change, and incentivize their involvement in workforce development.- Provide avenues for contact with experts like Ron Crabtree through LinkedIn or email for further discussion and information on shaping organizational culture and talent management strategies for manufacturers.

In this episode, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Marilyn Rosa-Green, an executive coach and strategist specializing in food and beverage manufacturing, to discuss the essential role of empathy in leadership within the manufacturing industry.Lessons Learned:1. The Importance of Reframing and Nurturing Oneself: Marilyn emphasizes the importance of reframing and nurturing oneself to live a more fulfilling life, highlighting the different relationships with mental health. She shares her personal experience of caring for a brother with severe brain injury and the impact on emotional management.2. Investing in Well-Being and Resisting Change: Marilyn underlines the significance of investing in well-being and resisting change, both for oneself and the team, to address challenges in manufacturing environments.3. Fostering Better Communication and Relationships: Key themes for fostering better communication and relationships within the team include self-awareness, understanding core values and motivation, consistent and constant communication, and being visible and collaborative.4. Self-Compassion and Reenergizing: Marilyn emphasizes self-compassion and reenergizing as better ways to approach employee self-care, shedding light on the importance of training and self-care for leaders and employees in the manufacturing industry.Actionable Ideas for Leaders:- Actively provide resources and education for mental health discussions in the workplace.- Offer proactive measures and support for employees' mental well-being.- Demonstrate empathy and support employees in emotional situations such as bereavement or family reasons.- Incorporate empathy in leadership styles to better support frontline workers' mental health and well-being.- Leverage empathy effectively to increase productivity and build employee loyalty.This conversation illuminates the imperative need for empathy in manufacturing leadership. Through personal experiences, expert insights, and actionable strategies, leaders in the manufacturing industry can foster a culture of empathy, ultimately creating more supportive, productive, and successful teams.Remember to connect with Marilyn Rosa-Green on LinkedIn for further discussions and insights on cultivating empathy in manufacturing leadership.

In this episode, Jeremy Parker, the co-founder and CEO of swag.com, shared some fascinating insights into the world of promotional products and swag. He mentioned that his background as a documentary filmmaker led him to the realization that he wanted to pursue a different career. This ultimately led him to start a T-shirt company, which served as a valuable learning experience in manufacturing, marketing, PR, branding, and e-commerce.Parker shared how swag.com was born out of his observations of the changing promotional products industry. He noticed that the industry was growing, but the buyers were getting younger, and they desired a more efficient and streamlined experience for purchasing promotional products. This led him to envision and build the next-generation promotional product company, where the front-end experience was highly automated, while the back-end operations involved a lot of manufacturing and coordination.An interesting highlight was when Parker described the launch of SwagSpace, a division under custom ink. They provided the technology developed over nine years at swag.com for free to allow anyone to sell swag to their audience. This initiative aimed to simplify swag sales and open a new revenue stream for various businesses, such as screen printers, event planners, and designers.The conversation delved into how Swag.com monetized the free technology it provided to partners, leveraging its buying power and dynamic pricing to maintain margins while increasing sales for its partner distributors.Another key highlight was Parker's discussion on integrating AI into their systems. He detailed their upcoming AI helper tool, allowing the system to curate offerings, automatically create mock-ups, and interact with clients to streamline the entire product selection and design process, making it faster and more efficient.The dialogue also touched on the importance of quality and the significance of swag that people actually want to keep, emphasizing the impact of meaningful and practical swag on enhancing brand connection.Additionally, Parker shared anecdotes of unique and unconventional swag requests, such as the case where a company wanted to customize high-quality backpacks for employees, with the logo subtly placed on the inside lining, creating an exclusive, personal connection to the brand.Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the evolving world of promotional products and swag, the role of technology, and the importance of connecting with an audience through thoughtful and purposeful swag.To get in touch with Jeremy, you can visit swag.com or swag.place. Use swag.com. If you want to buy swag or if you're a manufacturer and want to work them. Use wwag.space if you want to start selling swag to your audience. Jeremy's email is jeremy@swag.com.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kerrie Jordan, the Group Vice President of Product Management at Epicor and host of the Manufacturing the Future podcast. With her extensive software technology and manufacturing background, Kerrie provides valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the manufacturing industry.The key theme of this episode is the vital importance of upskilling for organizations to remain competitive and retain top talent. Kerrie emphasizes the need to invest in employees' training and development, highlighting the alarming decline in the commitment to upskilling, as revealed by The Voice of the Manufacturing Worker report. She underlines the significance of empowering frontline workers with technology, predicting a shift towards technologies that enhance shop floor operations, particularly generative AI. Moreover, she stresses the increasing emphasis on sustainability and upskilling in the manufacturing sector.Lessons learned from Kerrie Jordan’s expertise include the need for leaders to tie technology investments to clear outcomes and pragmatic value, reignite interest, and effectively integrate new technologies. Furthermore, the podcast delves into the importance of engaging with younger generations in the workforce, seeking their perspectives on new technology, and leveraging their insights to drive higher retention and engagement.As a special takeaway from this episode, managers are encouraged to actively seek and act on younger or newer employees' suggestions, as they often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can drive organizational growth and success.To connect with Kerrie Jordan and tap into her knowledge, visit epicor.com or find her on LinkedIn at Kiejordan. Don’t forget to check out her Manufacturing the Future podcast for even more valuable insights and discussions on the evolving landscape of manufacturing technology.In conclusion, this episode has shed light on vital strategies for boosting workplace morale, the growing significance of technology in manufacturing, and the imperative need for upskilling and sustainability initiatives. With the actionable insights provided by Kerrie Jordan, organizations can navigate the evolving manufacturing landscape with confidence and drive tangible benefits for their workforce and operations.Tune in to The Manufacturers Network Podcast for more engaging discussions and expert insights from industry leaders like Kerrie Jordan as we continue to explore the future of manufacturing technology and its impact on businesses worldwide.