Manufacturing Culture Podcast

What does it take to rewrite your story—and help others do the same?In this unforgettable episode, Jim Mayer sits down with HR Huntsman: speaker, strategist, and founder of Leader’s Edge. From a turbulent childhood in the New Mexico desert to building global humanitarian projects and mentoring the next generation of leaders, HR’s journey is a masterclass in intentional transformation.You’ll hear how a single conversation reshaped his definition of success, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how real leadership means empowering others—not commanding them. Along the way, HR delivers raw insights on creative conflict, workplace culture, and what it takes to architect a future worth building.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more purpose, create a culture people believe in, or leave a legacy that actually means something—this episode is for you.TakeawaysCulture is how your people feel about work on Sunday.HR's childhood shaped his desire to change the world.Success is not the goal; being useful is.Leadership is about empowering others, not commanding them.Investing in young leaders is crucial for future success.Work is a noble endeavor that should be respected.Creative conflict is essential for innovation.You can architect your own future intentionally.Public speaking is a privilege to inspire others.Mindset is key to personal transformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun07:22 Defining Culture in the Workplace09:46 HR's Early Life and Influences15:04 The Impact of John Simmons18:38 Evolution of Leadership Philosophy20:52 Creating Leaders Edge Program24:19 Influential Leaders and Mentors25:19 The Essence of Leadership26:58 The Impact of Public Speaking28:40 Mindset and Personal Transformation34:56 Architecting a New Future38:38 The Future of Leadership in Manufacturing45:36 Creative Conflict and Workplace Dynamics

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer talks with leadership coach Nicki Straza about what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe, trusted, and able to contribute. Nicki draws from more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, trades, nonprofits, and mental health.The conversation covers how culture is shaped by the small choices leaders make every day, the importance of seeing employees as individuals, and how resilience grows when people feel supported. Nicki shares lessons from her own career about staying in organizations as culture shifted, and what she learned about power, trust, and the conditions that help people thrive.They also discuss the challenges of generational differences, the risks of losing knowledge as experienced workers leave, and how mentorship and co-creation help teams build lasting cultures.TakeawaysResilience grows when leaders create conditions of trust and safety.Culture is shaped by everyday interactions, not slogans or policies.Leaders need to see their employees as individuals, not just as resources.Generational gaps can create tension, but also opportunities for learning and mentorship.Knowledge transfer is essential as experienced workers retire.Real change happens when leaders and employees co-create their environment.Chapters00:00 — Cold open 01:00 — Welcome 03:00 — What culture looks like in practice 05:30 — Generational differences and shared understanding 08:00 — Co-creation and shared responsibility 10:45 — The role of mentorship in building trust 13:20 — Nicki’s early jobs and lessons about leadership 23:00 — When mission and culture start to drift apart 25:30 — The connection between culture and mental health 28:45 — What resilience means at work 30:20 — Why Nicki stayed when others left 36:45 — Helping leaders reclaim their power in healthy ways 39:15 — Building environments where people can thrive 41:00 — The value of personal contribution 43:00 — Helping others see their potential

In this conversation, Jeremiah Llewellyn, a Marketing Development Specialist at Horn USA, shares his inspiring journey from growing up deaf to thriving in the manufacturing industry. He discusses the importance of embracing imperfection for personal growth, how creativity fuels technological advancements, and the impact of his education on his career. Jeremiah emphasizes the need for innovative internship programs to nurture future leaders and explores how hands-on experiences in Mechatronics Engineering can reshape students' educational paths.

In this engaging discussion, Nelson Bruton, who specializes in live chat solutions for industrial companies, shares his insights on enhancing B2B interactions. He emphasizes the crucial role of human connection in the digital landscape, advocating for conversational marketing to reduce friction in the buying process. Nelson reflects on his personal journey and the balance between energy and calmness in leadership. They also explore how AI can complement human interaction and the importance of cultivating a positive workplace culture for better business outcomes.

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Josh McKain, founder of Henry Rose Consulting, to explore the power of collaboration, leadership, and culture in modern manufacturing.From his unexpected journey from public accounting into the manufacturing world, to building a business focused on organizational alignment, Josh shares the real-world lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into the human side of operations — from tackling turnover and hiring proactively, to creating environments where employees stay, grow, and thrive.Josh also opens up about the risks of entrepreneurship, the role of mentorship, and his newest venture: writing a children’s book. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders at any level who want to build stronger teams and a better future for the industry.Key TakeawaysCollaboration isn’t just a soft skill — it’s how real work gets done.Strong cultures lead to lower turnover and higher engagement.Hiring should be proactive and aligned with company values.Organizational health is the foundation for long-term success.Leadership is shaped by both mentorship and personal experience.A growth mindset helps leaders navigate uncertainty and change.The cost of poor culture is often hidden — until it shows up in results.The future of manufacturing depends on how we lead today.Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to The Manufacturing Culture Podcast 01:10 – Josh McKain's Journey: From Accounting to Manufacturing 03:04 – Defining Culture in the Workplace 04:32 – Early Career Lessons and Transition into Manufacturing 07:58 – What Drives Employee Engagement 09:02 – Mentorship and Its Lasting Impact 10:42 – How Positive Leadership Experiences Shape Culture 14:58 – Proactive Hiring vs. Hiring in Crisis 17:13 – The Real Cost of Turnover in Manufacturing 19:41 – What Parenting Taught Josh About Leadership 25:26 – Advice for People Starting in the Industry 27:13 – Launching Henry Rose Consulting 27:41 – Risk, Fear, and the Leap into Entrepreneurship 31:39 – Business Development and Building Trust 32:37 – Team Alignment and the Importance of Vision 35:21 – Culture as a Competitive Advantage 41:21 – Employee Engagement and Leadership That Works 43:53 – Josh’s Take on the Future of U.S. Manufacturing 47:50 – A Lighthearted Close: Josh’s Children’s Book Journey

Show Description:In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Gina Tabasso, a powerhouse in industrial marketing whose career spans trade publications, Lean Six Sigma certifications, welding credentials, and a deep respect for the people who make manufacturing work.Gina shares how she learned to speak the many “languages” of the industry—sales, marketing, operations, and shop floor realities—and why that fluency matters more than ever. From her time managing publications like Welding Design & Fabrication to launching her own firm, Barracuda B2B, Gina unpacks what makes great marketing in manufacturing—and why so much of what’s out there misses the mark.They talk culture, storytelling, the future of the workforce, and the tension between compassion and success in a field that’s both evolving and enduring.Whether you're on the floor, in the front office, or helping companies grow from the outside, this is a conversation about connection, clarity, and the kind of leadership this industry needs now.Takeaways:Culture in manufacturing needs to evolve—and that shift starts with listening.Certifications like Lean Six Sigma and Sandler Sales create a strong foundation for marketing that works.Sales and marketing can’t operate in silos—they need to collaborate, and speak the same language.Storytelling is more than branding—it’s how manufacturers make themselves understood.Applying process discipline (like Lean) to marketing builds measurable, sustainable growth.Resilience isn’t just a business trait—it’s a human one. And it’s everywhere in manufacturing.Automation is coming, but people—especially a well-supported workforce—remain central to the future.Compassion and professionalism are not opposites; they’re both essential for long-term success.Building a strong network is just as strategic as any marketing funnel.Self-care matters—even in a high-pressure, production-driven world.Chapters00:00 Understanding Manufacturing Culture05:39 Gina's Journey into Manufacturing08:30 The Role of Certifications in Marketing11:29 Insights from Trade Publications14:26 Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers17:21 The Importance of MEPs in Manufacturing19:55 The Future of Manufacturing and Marketing26:16 Emotional Investment in Work and Client Relationships26:50 The Unique Story of Each Business27:48 Understanding Customer Perception28:40 Addressing Internal Culture and Client Relationships30:06 Strategic Planning for Business Growth31:54 Building a Valuable Network33:02 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry35:36 Navigating Job Loss and Career Transitions39:03 Influential Figures in Gina's Journey42:15 The Resilience of Manufacturing46:55 Personal Insights and Advice for Marketers

Stephanie Pryor, an entrepreneur and founder of LANC Marketing, uncovers why the manufacturing industry struggles with visibility. She shares her journey shaped by Bethlehem Steel and discusses the crucial link between culture and marketing. Stephanie emphasizes that visibility is vital for survival, especially to attract the next generation to skilled trades. The conversation dives into refreshing perspectives on marketing as a growth engine, the importance of psychological safety in workplace culture, and the storytelling needed to redefine manufacturing's future.

Recorded live on-site at FABTECH 2024, this special episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast features Matthew and Lindsay Nix, the dynamic duo behind the transformation of Nix Companies, a fifth-generation family business that has grown into a culture-first manufacturing powerhouse. Host Jim Mayer dives into their remarkable journey—from $5 Saturdays in the shop to 100X revenue growth—unpacking the intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and community-driven mission that fuel their success. They share candid insights on building a scalable company culture, launching a franchise model to empower other owner-operators, and balancing legacy with innovation. If you care about what it feels like to work in manufacturing—and how to make that feeling matter—this episode delivers.Key TakeawaysCulture is the Vibe Inside: It’s more than words on a wall—it’s how it feels when you walk into the shop. And that feeling is built with intentionality, consistency, and values-driven leadership.From Family to Force: Nix Companies grew from four family members to over 200 employees, proving that small-town roots and big-time vision can coexist.Hiring with Intention Changes Everything: Drawing a line in the sand on who they hire—and why—transformed their business and laid the foundation for a thriving culture.Mission, Vision & Values Should Evolve: But they must always be authentic and come from the top—then be reinforced through every level of the organization.Women in Manufacturing: Lindsay’s journey from accounting to sales to external relations shows how women can lead, influence, and thrive in male-dominated spaces.Franchising a Fabrication Model: Nix Companies is pioneering a franchise model in manufacturing to support owner-operators with playbooks, back-end systems, and cultural integration.Community Is Part of the Business Plan: From local schools to Junior Achievement, giving back is not a PR move—it’s who they are.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Nix Company02:51 Building a Strong Company Culture05:51 The Role of Family in Business09:00 Defining Corporate Culture12:11 Personal Journeys and Career Aspirations20:48 Evolving Mission, Vision, and Values23:18 The Formation of Nick's Companies26:13 Integrating Culture Across Business Units31:17 Balancing Tradition and Innovation33:59 Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives35:46 Future Aspirations and Franchise Model

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Ron Crabtree, a seasoned expert in manufacturing and organizational culture. They discuss the critical role of culture in manufacturing, the evolution of perspectives on leadership and change, and the importance of addressing the human side of operational transformations. Ron shares his journey through various industries, emphasizing the need for leaders to be self-aware and vulnerable in order to foster a positive culture. The conversation also touches on the challenges of digital transformation, the wisdom gap in the workforce, and the future of manufacturing as a key driver of economic prosperity. Takeaways Culture is the engine of manufacturing. Leaders must shape culture purposefully. The human side of change is essential for success. Digital transformation requires a clear vision and strategy. Safety must be prioritized in manufacturing environments. The wisdom gap poses a significant challenge for organizations. Effective change management involves connecting the right people. Leaders need to be self-aware and vulnerable. Manufacturing is crucial for building the middle class. Embracing digital transformation is necessary for future success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Culture Podcast 03:08 Understanding Organizational Culture 5:15 Evolution of Cultural Perspectives 7:22 Ron Crabtree's Journey in Manufacturing 17:59 Defining Moments in Career 20:55 The Human Side of Change 22:15 Formula for Sustainable Change 23:44 Understanding Change in Organizations 24:37 Driving Digital Transformation 30:45 Building Trust for Transformation 33:33 Closing the Skills Gap 39:59 The Future of ManufacturingJoin the Lead the Change Tour

Show Notes:In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Clare Epstein, General Manager, Commercial at Vector Solutions, for a raw and grounded conversation on what it really takes to lead in manufacturing today.Clare shares how her path—from urban planning to safety tech leadership—was anything but linear. She opens up about the hard lessons that shaped her leadership style, why empathy isn’t optional, and how treating safety like a checklist is costing companies more than they realize.This is a story about learning to lead with humility, listening more than talking, and doing the real work of building culture from the inside out.Whether you’re in operations, safety, HR, or the C-suite, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership—and remind you what matters most.Key Takeaways:Safety isn’t compliance—it’s culture.Empathy is a learned leadership skill, not a personality trait.A strong safety culture drives retention, engagement, and performance.Leaders must model the behavior they expect—especially when things get hard.Technology is a powerful tool, but it can’t replace human connection.Training should meet workers where they are: mobile, fast, and relevant.The future of manufacturing depends on leaders who prioritize people.Grace—for yourself and others—matters more than you think.Chapters:00:00 – Why Safety Isn’t Just About Rules 02:50 – Clare’s Unexpected Path to Manufacturing Leadership 06:12 – What Culture Means (and Why It’s Hard to Build) 09:05 – From Urban Planning to EHS Software 13:40 – The Evolution of a Leadership Style 17:00 – Lessons in Empathy and Accountability 20:00 – What Most Leaders Get Wrong About Safety 23:50 – Technology’s Role in Safety (and Its Limits) 26:57 – Turnover, Training, and Meeting Workers Where They Are 30:15 – Apprenticeship Models and Generational Shifts 32:00 – Outdated Mindsets That Still Hurt Manufacturing 33:12 – What Keeps Clare Going (And What She’s Proud Of) 36:41 – What the Future of Safety Training Looks Like 41:01 – The One Thing She Wishes She’d Done Sooner 42:35 – Final Thoughts and a Challenge to Leaders EverywhereStay Connected:Reserve your seat for the Lead the Change TourFull archive + resources: themfgconnector.comFollow us: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (and occasionally TikTok)Want solutions? Watch The Manufacturing Connector on YouTube