Manufacturing Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer speaks with Andrew Johnson about the intricacies of manufacturing culture, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and lessons learned from early-career failures. They discuss the dynamics of family businesses, the challenges of innovation, and the evolution of ShelfAware as a digital inventory management platform. The conversation also touches on change management in the manufacturing sector and the future of American manufacturing, highlighting the need for innovation and a return to the trades.TakeawaysMost supply chain conversations focus on systems, margins, and speed.Culture in a work context is all about authenticity.Failures in early career can lead to valuable lessons.Family dynamics can complicate business operations.Innovation requires clear communication and employee buy-in.The evolution of ShelfAware was driven by customer needs.Change management is crucial in the manufacturing sector.American manufacturing is on the brink of a renaissance.Investing in trades can provide job stability and fulfillment.Innovation must focus on creating better, stronger products.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Family Business Dynamics05:04 Understanding Culture in Manufacturing07:17 Lessons from Early Career Failures13:12 Rebuilding Culture After Setbacks15:29 Influences from Family Business Leadership17:56 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business21:32 Evolution from O-Rings to ShelfAware28:15 Change Management in Industrial Settings29:56 Innovation vs. Tradition in Manufacturing34:18 The Role of Leadership in Change Management37:09 The Renaissance of American Manufacturing37:36 Heavy Tech: A New Venture in Manufacturing47:12 Rebuilding American Manufacturing: Challenges and Opportunities

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Vanderwarf, a business growth strategist and sustainability advocate. They discuss the importance of sustainability in manufacturing, the role of culture in business, and the need for a skilled workforce. Mark shares his early experiences that shaped his views on growth and sustainability, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift towards investing in people. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on the industry, the intersection of sustainability and the middle class, and the importance of balancing technological advancements with environmental considerations. Mark concludes with a call to action for individuals to take personal responsibility and contribute positively to their communities.TakeawaysSustainability is essential for the future of manufacturing.Culture defines the identity and purpose of a company.Investing in people leads to better business outcomes.The manufacturing industry faces a skilled labor shortage.Mindset shifts are crucial for embracing sustainability.Technology and AI can enhance efficiency in manufacturing.Sustainability is linked to rebuilding the middle class.Balancing technological needs with environmental sustainability is vital.Time management is a key factor in business success.Personal responsibility and community contribution are important for change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Van Der Werf07:09 Defining Culture in Manufacturing08:18 Early Experiences Shaping Growth and Sustainability13:54 The Need for a New Exchange in Manufacturing17:11 The Skilled Labor Dilemma21:39 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mentality26:37 Investing in People for Future Success28:37 Reframing Sustainability in Manufacturing36:06 The Role of Technology in Empowering Workers41:31 AI's Impact on Business Efficiency45:49 Sustainability and the Middle Class50:21 Balancing AI Needs with Sustainability54:39 Mindset Shifts for a Better Future

SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Erica Armstrong discusses her journey from traditional healthcare to founding Root Functional Medicine, a virtual clinic focused on treating root causes of chronic diseases. She emphasizes the importance of nutrition, the role of dietitians, and the need for a new approach to healthcare that prioritizes employee wellness and addresses the underlying issues affecting the American workforce. Dr. Armstrong also shares insights on the future of healthcare in America and the potential for functional medicine to become mainstream.TakeawaysDr. Erica Armstrong is transforming healthcare by focusing on root causes.Root Functional Medicine aims to treat chronic diseases effectively.Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness.The healthcare system often overlooks the importance of diet and lifestyle.Functional medicine provides a more personalized approach to health.Early detection and prevention can significantly reduce healthcare costs.Employee wellness programs can enhance workplace culture and productivity.Access to functional medicine can empower patients to take control of their health.The integration of technology in healthcare can improve patient outcomes.Healthcare reform is essential for rebuilding the middle class.Chapters00:00 Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Erica Armstrong's Journey09:07 The Shift to Root Cause Medicine18:23 The Role of Nutrition in Health27:28 Functional Medicine: A New Approach36:15 The Future of Healthcare in America

Join industry titans Paul Vaz, Robert Quinn, Matt Leibel, and Trey Brown as they dive into the fast-paced world of manufacturing. Paul discusses innovative robot painting techniques, while Robert highlights the extreme precision required in semiconductor production. Matt reveals how AI can optimize manufacturing workflows, and Trey shares effective practices to boost speed without sacrificing quality. They also tackle the pressing need for trade education and ways to engage the next generation in this evolving field.

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Elvin Hurst, the founder of Country Craft, who shares his journey from a farmer to a successful entrepreneur in the cabinetry industry. Elvin discusses the challenges of maintaining craftsmanship in a changing workforce, the importance of family values in business, and the evolution of Country Craft over the years. He reflects on the support he received from his family and community, the impact of technology on craftsmanship, and his hopes for the future of the business as it transitions to the next generation.TakeawaysElvin Hurst's journey began with a table saw that his wife gifted him.Country Craft started in a garage and grew into a large facility.The company's motto is to provide quality at a fair price.Finding skilled craftsmen is a challenge in today's workforce.Family values play a crucial role in the business's success.Elvin's children now run the company, continuing the legacy.Technology has been embraced while maintaining craftsmanship.Support from family and community was vital in the early days.The importance of staying positive during economic challenges.Elvin hopes for a future where his grandchildren can take over the business.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:49 The Birth of Country Craft05:30 Challenges in Craftsmanship and Workforce08:15 Navigating Economic Challenges10:43 Family Business Dynamics13:29 Memorable Moments and Values16:12 Future Concerns and Legacy

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Danny Gonzales, a media expert in the manufacturing sector. They discuss the importance of storytelling and digital marketing in changing perceptions of manufacturing, the impact of AI on content creation, and the need for a strong organizational culture. Danny shares his journey into the industry, the challenges manufacturers face in marketing, and the significance of vulnerability in leadership. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of manufacturing and the opportunities for growth through effective communication and engagement.TakeawaysManufacturing is often perceived negatively, but it has a lot of creativity and innovation.Storytelling can change the perception of manufacturing and highlight its impact.Many manufacturers are unaware of the positive effects they have on the world.AI is democratizing content creation, making it accessible to all companies.A strong organizational culture is essential for attracting and retaining talent.Marketing strategies often lack a clear direction and understanding of the customer.Vulnerability in leadership can build trust and improve company culture.Internal and external communications should align to reflect company values.The manufacturing industry needs to overcome outdated narratives to attract new talent.Knowledge transfer from experienced workers to younger generations is crucial for the industry's future.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast01:13 The Excitement of Industrial Marketing Summit03:07 Danny Gonzalez's Unique Perspective on Life06:53 Defining Culture in the Manufacturing Context09:19 Danny's Journey from Accounting to Video Production12:08 The Wonder of Manufacturing Facilities14:09 Overcoming Negative Perceptions in Manufacturing17:41 The Importance of Authentic Storytelling19:50 The Shift in Manufacturing Narratives21:29 The Role of AI in Content Creation24:06 The Rise of Generative AI in Marketing26:38 Authenticity in AI-Driven Storytelling28:17 Balancing Human and AI Content32:43 Common Pitfalls in Industrial Marketing34:39 Leveraging Company Culture in Storytelling39:12 Vulnerability and Transparency in Manufacturing40:57 Future Success Metrics for Industrial Marketing

Scott Peters on Trades, Talent and the Culture Shift Manufacturing Can’t AvoidScott Peters is one of those guests who reminds you why the industry still matters. He came up in the late seventies, learned the trade before CNC was common, built model-kit molds that ended up on Kmart shelves, moved into medical devices where your mistakes affect real lives, and eventually ran a 300-person plant in Guangzhou where “yes-boss culture” smashed into his belief that people should think for themselves.This conversation isn’t polished. It’s real. Offshoring. Apprenticeships. Pay. Responsibility. Pride. And the uncomfortable truth that young people won’t line up for jobs that pay less than McDonald’s.Scott argues that culture isn’t a slogan. It’s whether people feel safe enough to tell you you’re wrong and proud enough to stand beside the work they produce. If you care about the future of plastics, the trades or the next generation coming up behind us, this one is worth the time.What you’ll hearScott’s jump from the Marines to an apprentice mold maker after his mother spotted a classifieds ad and pushed him toward it.What mold shops looked like in the late seventies and early eighties when CAD wasn’t an option and everything ran on skill, graphite smudges and problem solving.Why seeing his designs turn into products on store shelves changed how he viewed responsibility and pride in the trade.How managing a Chinese plant forced him to break top-down culture and build a team willing to challenge him instead of nodding along.Why he thinks shops are losing young talent to Amazon warehouses and fast food, and how transparent pay ladders used to keep apprentices motivated for years.The generational damage caused by offshoring and why communities still don’t trust manufacturing jobs even as the work returns.How to build culture that works on the floor instead of in HR decks: respect, honesty, disagreement and shared ownership of deadlines.Where to listenAvailable on all platforms. Search “Manufacturing Culture Podcast.”#manufacturingculture #manufacturing #trades #skilledtrades #plastics #injectionmolding #moldmaking #manufacturingjobs #engineering #operations #leadership

Emily Ting from CCS America joins Jim to talk about what culture actually feels like at work, how it shapes the day to day, and why marketing in industrial manufacturing is still years behind other B2B sectors. She walks through her journey from Japanese speaking intern to “do everything” marketer, three years working inside a Japanese headquarters, and the reality of being the bridge between leadership, engineers, sales and the outside world. Emily shares how she translates deeply technical machine vision concepts into something humans can understand, why AI has not killed the need for good lighting, and how a short book about penguins on a melting iceberg helped CCS rethink its culture and distributor program.What you’ll hearHow Emily defines culture as “what you feel in the air” when you walk into work, and why it can either energize you or quietly drain you.The story of how Japanese fluency opened the door at CCS, sent her to headquarters in Japan, and what she learned from that office culture.Practical tips for doing business and filming content in Japan, from privacy expectations to simple etiquette that changes how you show up.What it is really like to be the person who turns hardcore machine vision physics and jargon into useful stories and content.Why leadership asking for ROI without clear goals is such a common pattern, and how she tries to navigate that tension.How CCS Americas had to reset expectations after the Covid boom and get sales, marketing and engineering genuinely aligned again.Why industrial marketing is still behind B2B SaaS, and what manufacturers can borrow without repeating old mistakes.How the book “Our Iceberg Is Melting” turned into required reading and gave everyone a way to see themselves in the change story.Topics coveredCulture as lived experience versus official “values”Working in Japan, unspoken rules and privacy around filmingTranslating technical machine vision and lighting conceptsAI hype in inspection and why fundamentals still matterGetting leadership, engineers and marketing on the same pageRemote and hybrid culture in a small, spread out teamDesigning a distributor program as a culture project, not just a sales programThe messy reality of modern industrial marketingKey quotes“Culture is what you feel in the air when you walk into work. Do you feel ready to do what you set out to do, or like there’s a pressure sitting on your mind all day”“Marketing is much messier than people want. You rarely get a perfect straight line between what you did and the deal that closed.”“Sometimes the decision is no decision. Staying in the status quo feels safer than making a move that might go wrong.”“AI did not make lighting irrelevant. If bad lighting did not matter, those AI companies would not keep coming back to us for help.”“You do not always get the insight you want by asking the question directly. Sometimes you have to go the long way round to reach the part of the customer that actually decides.”

Jim sits down with tax strategist Nik Agharkar, for a conversation that starts with tax day anxiety and spirals into culture, capitalism, immigration, vo-tech, wealth inequality, and what it really means to build a healthy organization. Nik shares why he believes the tax code is an incentive system instead of a punishment, how leadership shapes culture, why Gen Z is choosing trades over college, and how America can rebuild its middle class by fixing the incentives we’ve quietly broken over the last 40 years. This episode is raw, political, personal, and surprisingly hopeful.Why this conversation mattersIf you lead a manufacturing team or run a business, your world is shaped by taxes whether you notice it or not. Nik lays out how incentives in the tax code ripple through hiring, layoffs, wages, infrastructure, and the decline of the American middle class. He explains why trades are rising again, why offshoring hollowed out capacity, and how culture starts with servant leadership rather than command-and-control. This is a rare conversation that connects factory floors, tax strategy, political history, and the lived experience of an immigrant family into one cohesive picture of where we are and what needs to change.What you’ll hear• Why “every day is tax day” if you touch money• Jim’s tax-induced heart palpitations versus Nik’s calm love of paperwork• Nik’s life-as-a-movie: middle school bullying, Jonah Hill, and learning to laugh at everything• His definition of culture built around ownership, servant leadership, and leading by example• Why rules for thee but not for me destroys culture — and what his HR-leader wife taught him about consistency• Growing up between America and India, and why the contrast taught him gratitude, discipline, and risk calculation• How scarcity abroad reframed what “risk” really means in America• Why going to college can be a bigger gamble than going into the trades• The surge of Gen Z and Gen Alpha entering the trades and rejecting the old college playbook• Offshoring, the collapse of vo-tech, and how we quietly kneecapped our own middle class• How tax cuts incentivized bad business, short-term hiring cycles, and underinvestment in people• The 1950s wealth distribution Americans still prefer — and how far we’ve drifted• Why wealth concentration is dangerous, not just unfair• The forgotten history of charitable foundations exploding when tax rates were high• How small businesses pay the price because they don’t have tax departments• Why a kid would be better off buying a Haas machine and starting a job shop than taking on six-figure student debt• The infrastructure crisis — and why we’re not ready to bring manufacturing back onshore• Politics, social media, and how outrage culture destroyed our ability to talk to one another• Why Americans should be critical of every administration, not cheerleaders for a team• The simple fixes: higher corporate taxes, better incentives for small business, and fully funded vo-tech• Nik’s parting message about being better to each other and limiting social media for your own sanityNik’s takeWe’ve got to stop dividing ourselves and start thinking clearly again. Limit your social media. Be better to your neighbor. And stop cheering for politicians — they work for you.Jim’s takeThere aren’t many people who can connect tax code, culture, and the collapse of the middle class and make it interesting, but Nik does it. This one goes way off the rails in the best way.

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 HearHow Ian went from writing music to building brands in manufacturingWhy he believes “you can’t hype up a spring” and what that says about honesty in marketingWhat culture really means inside an industrial businessHow family-owned manufacturers can turn values and pride into their strongest brand assetWhy too many manufacturers are still “allergic to marketing”The difference between performative culture and real cultureHow to pull real company values from leadership to the shop floorWhy brand voice matters even when buyers only care about specsHow to make digital feel authentic without fluffThe future of manufacturing culture, community, and educationTopics CoveredAuthenticity and culture in manufacturingIndustrial marketing and brandingAI’s role in marketing and creativityBridging creative and engineering mindsetsDefining company values with honestyCommunity and workforce development in the tradesKey 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 TakeIan 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.Connect with the Manufacturing Culture PodcastFollow for weekly conversations with the people shaping culture across the industrial world.