Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Join us in a compelling new episode of Manufacturing Culture, where host Jim Mayer sits down with Nate Ankrum, President of Genuine Machine Products. This isn't your average chat about company culture; this is a deep dive into a transformational journey that resonates from the shop floor all the way to the U.S. Military's most critical missions. Nate is a third-generation manufacturing pro who's fought through the trenches to transform Genuine Machine's culture from good to great. He shares the gritty, real-world challenges he's navigated—from open communication to decoding behavioral types—spilling the secrets that have not only empowered his employees but also elevated the company's mission of serving America's defense. Don't miss this eye-opening episode filled with practical insights, heartwarming stories, and a dash of patriotic pride. Whether you're a manufacturing veteran or a newcomer, you'll walk away with a new understanding of what it means to build a culture that's truly 'Made in America, For America.' If you're ready to up your game in manufacturing leadership or just looking to be inspired by someone who truly understands the nuts and bolts of both company culture and patriotic duty, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. So sit back, hit play, and let Nate Ankrum's blueprint for cultural excellence inspire you today!

Join Jim as he sails into the fascinating world of manufacturing culture with Corey Dickens, a seasoned sailor turned Solutions Consultant at Brightly, a Siemens company. In this riveting episode, Corey draws from his blend of military and industrial maintenance experience to dissect the cultural crossroads between tradition and modernity in the manufacturing landscape. Listen as Corey uncovers the pressing challenges the military and manufacturing sectors face, where honoring the time-tested norms must be balanced with evolving workforce demands. Discover the pivotal role of empathy, respect, and positive culture in retaining valuable employees and fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Dive into Corey's insights on how Brightly seamlessly infuses cultural values into their cutting-edge products and solutions, accentuating collaboration and open communication. From hackathons to handling resistance in technology adoption, Corey sheds light on the nimbleness required in today's rapidly transforming industrial world. Wrapping up with a profound discussion on 'extreme ownership' and the universal significance of human respect, this episode is an inspiring exploration of the cultural complexities and the uncharted territories of the manufacturing industry. Whether you're a military enthusiast, manufacturing professional, or a curious listener, this journey with Corey promises to enrich your perspective on leadership, innovation, and the timeless essence of culture. Tune in and let Corey's narrative inspire you to bridge the traditional with the contemporary and lead with empathy and excellence in your professional endeavors.

In this captivating episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer takes listeners on an educational tour through the fascinating world of student-run manufacturing businesses. Joining Jim are Craig Cegielski of Cardinal Manufacturing and Chris Townsend of Eagle Manufacturing, who unveil their innovative educational approaches. Here's what you can expect: Discussion of Their Respective Student-Run Manufacturing Businesses: Craig and Chris reveal the inner workings of their successful programs, Cardinal Manufacturing and Eagle Manufacturing, providing unique insights into their creation, growth, and overall operation. Models and Skills Provided by Their Programs: Learn how these visionary teachers offer an incredible hands-on learning environment, equipping students with essential manufacturing skills and the adaptability and problem-solving capabilities that the industry demands. Importance of Teaching Employability Skills: Our guests highlight their programs' crucial role in teaching real-world skills, marrying traditional education with tangible experiences that prepare students for the workforce. Challenges Faced in Building and Establishing Their Programs: Craig and Chris candidly share the hurdles they've overcome to create and grow their unique educational models, painting a picture of persistence and innovation. Setting High Expectations for Students and Building a Positive Culture: Discover how both instructors set the bar high, cultivating a culture that fosters achievement, teamwork, and a sense of purpose within their student-run businesses. Roles and Responsibilities of Students in Their Businesses: Gain insights into how students take on roles that mimic real-world jobs, transforming classrooms into thriving microcosms of the manufacturing world. Impact of Student-Run Businesses on Students' Futures and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Learn how these programs are not just about grades or projects; they're launch pads for future success, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit that follows students long after graduation. Promotion of Their Programs and Available Resources: Craig and Chris share how they have championed their programs locally and nationally, creating a ripple effect that inspires others in education. Advice for Starting Student-Run Manufacturing Businesses: If this episode ignites a spark, don't miss the expert advice on how to start a similar program in your school or community. This episode is not just a behind-the-scenes look at an education model; it's a blueprint for the future, a rallying cry for innovation, and a testament to the power of hands-on, student-centered learning. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply someone passionate about the future of manufacturing, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into what education could be. Join us in exploring the future today!

In this riveting episode, Jim Mayer sits down with Charlie Hushek, the General Manager of Phoenix Heat Treating, to unearth the world of heat treating in metal processing. Charlie opens the door to this critical yet often overlooked industry and shares how it plays a pivotal role in shaping the metals we use daily. From discussing the various challenges and innovations in the heat treating industry to investigating the adoption of digitalization and ERP systems for job tracking and quality control, Charlie reveals the cutting-edge techniques that drive Phoenix Heat Treating. He talks about their customer-facing approach and the implementation of real-time job tracking, allowing unprecedented transparency and collaboration with clients. This leads to a rich discussion on balancing innovation with the limitations intrinsic to the heat-treating process and how Phoenix Heat Treating continually evolves to meet these challenges. Charlie emphasizes the importance of company culture, continuous improvement, and how the evolution of the company's vision, mission, and values plays a central role in shaping a vibrant work environment. The episode examines new management strategies like introducing the "performance snapshot" approach for performance reviews, outcome-based roles and responsibilities, and a keen focus on core values. It also uncovers how Phoenix Heat Treating identifies and nurtures leaders while managing the multi-generational workforce dynamics. Charlie shares the importance of continuous improvement of leadership skills through asking questions and seeking different perspectives. A thread running throughout the conversation is the company's relentless pursuit of excellence in all areas of its business. Witness the fusion of creativity and technology at WIMTS 2023! Discover a dazzling array of breakthroughs from additive manufacturing to robotics, machining centers to welding. Explore the endless possibilities of the future and the role you can play in shaping it. Don't miss your chance to be at the forefront of innovation. Register now at www.wimts.com. Together, let's turn dreams into realities!

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, join host Jim Mayer as he welcomes Phil Johnson, CEO of the Master of Business Leadership program. Phil's remarkable journey starts from his humble upbringing in a small Canadian town and leads him to become a leading figure in emotional intelligence across the globe. Phil unpacks emotional intelligence's critical role in our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, highlighting its contrasts with intellectual intelligence. He explains the strong connection between emotional intelligence and accountability, a concept that's key to effective leadership. We also explore the intriguing concept of the "five monkeys," which illustrates the importance of elevating our consciousness to inspire transformative change. Discover the two primary motivators for change - pain and passion, as Phil discusses the courage required to step out of the comfort zone and confront ego fear. In an era where business landscapes are getting more complex, Phil emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence within the corporate world, focusing on the manufacturing industry. He provides insightful tips on incorporating emotional intelligence into hiring processes and how creating a more open environment can foster collaboration and positive energy in the workplace. The episode concludes with a stimulating discussion on how Phil's work on emotional intelligence is revolutionizing leadership practices within the manufacturing industry. His narrative is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of understanding our emotional dynamics. Whether in the manufacturing industry or any other sector, this episode is a goldmine for anyone seeking to understand the transformative power of emotional intelligence. Tune in to be inspired and enlightened!

In this riveting episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we welcome Emily Wilkins, the marketing superhero disrupting the manufacturing industry with her unique approach. Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal, Emily made it her mission to reimagine the marketing landscape for small manufacturing shops, emphasizing the role of culture in driving growth and satisfaction. Hear the inspiring story of how Emily worked with Peters Heat Trading to create a powerful tagline that encapsulates their ethos, a testament to her philosophy of intertwining a company's values with its marketing strategies. She also delves into how she involves employees in the marketing process, fostering a vibrant culture while simultaneously strengthening marketing outcomes. In an industry where leadership is paramount, Emily highlights the importance of positive and proactive direction from the top. She reveals her secrets to building marketing strategies that align with a company's core values and culture and boost its appeal to potential customers and employees. Throughout the conversation, Emily's commitment to understanding each company's unique character shines through. She underscores the importance of listening, asking probing questions, and getting beneath the surface to discover what truly makes each job shop unique. By showcasing a job shop's personality, approach to work, and deeply-held values, Emily illustrates how differentiation in the manufacturing sector is about far more than just a company's products or services. As she guides us through the art of attracting the right customers and employees through targeted marketing efforts, you'll be inspired to see your own business through a new lens. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reshape their marketing strategy, redefine their company culture, and, ultimately, transform their business success.

Get ready for episode 28! We had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Kris Harrington, the CEO of GenAlpha Technologies. Kris is a true trailblazer in the manufacturing industry, and she's here to share her secrets to success and revolutionize how we think about business! From the moment Kris starts speaking, you'll be captivated by her infectious energy and passion for all things tech-savvy. She's breaking barriers left and right, transforming the way OEMs conduct business and service their equipment and parts online. It's like she's waving a magic wand and making manufacturing dreams come true! But Kris doesn't stop there. She's also a fierce advocate for women in the industry, and she's here to talk about the importance of mentorship programs and the need for visibility and representation. She's paving the way for future generations of women to conquer the manufacturing world, one innovation at a time. And let's not forget about the evolution of the industry itself! Kris dives into the exciting world of digitalization and how it's shaping the future of manufacturing. She spills the beans on employee well-being, responding to failures gracefully, and fostering a culture of feedback that will make your workplace feel like a party every day. By the end of this episode, you'll be on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting what's next for the manufacturing industry. Kris and our host, Jim Mayer, wrap things up by reminding us of the importance of a positive and enjoyable workplace culture. Because let's face it, anything is possible when work feels like a dance party! So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and get ready to be inspired by Kris Harrington and her electrifying journey in the manufacturing industry. This episode will leave you feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to conquer the world! Let's dive in!

In episode 27 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we are thrilled to introduce our guest, John Buglino, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Optessa. John's impressive journey from New York Community Bancorp to becoming a marketing powerhouse at Optessa offers a wealth of insights. This episode delves into the profound influence of company culture on a business's growth, John's exceptional ability in demand and lead generation, B2B marketing, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationships. Beyond his professional accomplishments, you'll get a glimpse into John's role as a professional dad and his relentless pursuit of impactful connections. As we explore the world of AI-driven solutions in manufacturing, prepare to be enlightened by John's unique perspectives. Buckle up for a journey filled with innovation, marketing marvels, and relationship-building insights in this not-to-be-missed episode!

In this exhilarating Episode 26 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with the visionary Doug Berger, founder of Industry Reimagined 2030. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring how culture, Lean practices, leadership, and technology intersect to usher in a new era of manufacturing. Doug’s captivating stories of transformation and insights into results-driven culture are an eye-opener for anyone in the industry. His dedication to empowering individuals through skill-building and advocating for dynamic leadership sets the stage for how manufacturing can evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for aspiring changemakers. Don’t miss Doug Berger’s take on what it takes to reimagine and shape the future of manufacturing.

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast. In this episode, we bring you a stimulating conversation with a leader who knows how to meld cultures as skillfully as Spartanburg Steel Products melds metals - Magdalena Domzalska-Pol. With over a decade of experience in HR and a keen understanding of global work cultures, Magdalena has a unique perspective on employee engagement, training and development, and workforce planning. Join us as we explore Magdalena's journey from her early days at Com40 Limited in Poland to her current role as HR Director at Spartanburg Steel Products in the United States. Discover the cultural shifts she navigated along the way and the strategies she's implemented to foster a positive, engaging culture at SSP. Whether discussing the complexities of compensation and benefits or the delicate work-life balance in the manufacturing industry, Magdalena's insights offer a refreshing take on what it means to lead and inspire in today's manufacturing world. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with wisdom, global perspectives, and a whole lot of heart!