Manufacturing Culture Podcast

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

Episode SummaryWhen Stephanie Chrystal walked into her first machine shop, she had no idea she’d one day be named ANCA’s Female Machinist of the Year. But according to her, the real story isn’t about the award—it’s about the team behind it.In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Stephanie, a geometric grinding specialist at Sandvik Coromant, whose leadership helped grow a small, post-COVID crew into a record-breaking, high-performing team. Together, they dig into how she landed in machining almost by accident, why she believes true leadership starts with empathy, and what it means to build a culture where everyone plays a role and no one is left behind.From tinkering on cars to training new machinists, Stephanie’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a title to lead—just a commitment to your people.Top TakeawaysLeadership isn’t about authority—it’s about action. Stephanie never asked to lead, she just stepped up when her team needed her most.Culture thrives when everyone has a role. Whether you’re an operator or upper management, shared success depends on teamwork.Work-life balance isn’t a buzzword—it’s how you build long-term productivity and morale.Asking questions is a leadership skill. Stephanie empowers her team by making curiosity safe.Recognition is great—but team success is greater. Stephanie may have won the award, but she insists the spotlight belongs to everyone.Manufacturing needs more leaders who care about people as much as performance.Chapters00:00 – A Precision Shop and a Powerful Leader 02:49 – Stephanie Chrystal: Culture Starts with the Team 06:14 – From Best Buy to Machining: An Unexpected Career Path 08:48 – Discovering Her Passion for Grinding and Problem-Solving 10:47 – COVID, Consolidation, and a Skeleton Crew 12:40 – Tripling the Team and Building Momentum 15:23 – Life Outside the Shop: Coaching, Disc Golf, and the Outdoors 17:00 – Winning the ANCA Female Machinist Award 18:34 – Why She Believes the Team Deserves the Credit 21:14 – Overcoming Bias and Proving Herself in the Shop 23:29 – Advice for Anyone Who Doesn’t Think They “Fit” in Manufacturing 24:58 – The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and Human Craft 27:46 – What Needs to Change in Manufacturing Culture 29:32 – Final Reflections and How to Connect with Stephanie

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Bill Ross—a private equity investor who’s chosen a different path. After two decades in traditional deal-making, Bill stepped away from the short-term mindset that defines much of his industry to take a more personal, hands-on approach to building businesses. Bill opens up about his journey from rural New York to the world of private equity, and why he believes real value in manufacturing comes from understanding people—not just profit. He shares the story behind his investment in AutoTool, a robotics integrator in Columbus, Ohio, and what it’s really like to help a founder-led company transition into its next chapter. This conversation goes far beyond financials—it’s about culture, legacy, leadership, and what it means to build something that lasts. Whether you're a founder, an operator, or someone navigating the future of automation and supply chain innovation, this episode will leave you thinking deeply about how we define success in manufacturing—and who we build it for. Takeaways: The best deals aren’t just financial—they’re personal. Bill shares why long-term relationships and cultural alignment matter more than spreadsheets. Culture isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s built on trust, clarity, and a commitment to doing things right—even when it’s hard. Transitioning from founder-led businesses takes humility. Success often means helping founders stay involved and honoring what they’ve built. Leadership isn’t about control. Bill talks about the power of a “quiet ego” and knowing when to step back and let others lead. Automation and sustainability aren’t buzzwords. They’re the backbone of a competitive, resilient manufacturing industry. Private equity can be a force for good—if it’s done right. Bill breaks down how hands-on partnerships can create lasting value. Failure is part of the journey. Bill reflects on tough calls, missed opportunities, and how those moments made him a better leader.Chapters:00:00 Building a Lasting Legacy in Manufacturing03:30 The Journey of Bill Ross: From Investor to Operator07:20 Defining Culture: A Personal Perspective13:40 The Path to Private Equity: Bill's Story19:04 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship20:15 A Hands-On Approach to Private Equity23:17 The AutoTool Story: Quality and Innovation29:01 Traits of Successful Founder-Led Companies29:05 The Role of Founders in Business Transitions30:22 Leadership Lessons from Experience35:08 Learning from Failures38:43 The Future of Automation in Manufacturing41:09 Challenges in Innovation and Sustainability43:42 Motivation and Personal Mission46:16 Humanizing Private Equity

SummaryIn the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer speaks with Janelle McGrath, CEO of MarketVeep, about the importance of happiness in business and workplace culture. Janelle shares her journey as an entrepreneur, her unique approach to fostering a positive work environment, and her innovative practices at MarketVeep, including a dedicated wellness day for employees. The conversation also touches on the future of manufacturing, leadership, and the evolving role of technology in the workplace. In this conversation, Jennelle shares her insights on happiness, the importance of community, and the journey of personal and professional growth. She discusses her podcast, 'Boundless Life', and how it aims to spread happiness by showcasing diverse life experiences. Jennelle emphasizes the significance of travel, especially for children, and how it broadens their perspectives. The discussion also delves into marketing strategies for manufacturers, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of building a supportive community. Jennelle's journey reflects a commitment to creating a legacy that encourages individuals to live their happiest lives, regardless of their professional roles.TakeawaysHappiness should be at the core of business culture.Company culture is more than perks; it's about genuine happiness.Value alignment between employees and organization leads to fulfillment.Innovative workplace initiatives can enhance employee well-being.Community and collaboration are vital in the manufacturing industry.Personal branding is becoming increasingly important in marketing.Leadership requires adaptability and a focus on human-centric approaches.Finding your people can lead to a supportive and inclusive environment.Life is too short to settle; pursue what makes you happy.The journey of happiness is ongoing and requires constant reflection.Chapters00:00 The Happiness-Driven Business Model08:43 Defining Culture Through Happiness18:08 Janelle's Entrepreneurial Journey26:16 Innovative Workplace Practices35:06 The Future of Manufacturing and Leadership36:23 Exploring Boundless Life41:04 Navigating Doubts and Finding Support46:42 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics51:56 Building a Legacy in Manufacturing55:55 Advice for the Next Generation

What happens when we stop accepting “the way things have always been done” and start questioning the sacred truths of manufacturing? In this episode, host Jim Mayer sits down with Joe Hungerman, a continuous improvement leader who has built his career on curiosity, reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom.Joe’s path from supply chain management to technology was anything but traditional. Along the way, he explored psychology, education, and leadership—building a unique perspective on why company culture is the real driver of improvement and how technology can empower people rather than replace them.In this conversation, Jim and Joe discuss:The myths holding manufacturing back—and why questioning them is the key to progress.Why company culture isn’t just a leadership talking point—it’s the foundation of every organization.How psychology and education influence problem-solving, leadership, and workplace culture.The role of technology in democratizing continuous improvement and why Joe’s new venture, See/Eye, is focused on making these tools accessible to all.This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked at a process, a policy, or even a leadership approach and thought, “There has to be a better way.”Resources & Links:Learn more at themfgconnector.comConnect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramCheck out The Manufacturing Connector on YouTube for insights on solving real manufacturing challenges.Explore leadership and workplace culture on our new podcast, Work, But Make It Human.Connect with Joe on LinkedinHow to Support the Show:Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps us continue bringing you conversations that challenge the status quo in manufacturing.Chapters00:00 - Challenging Sacred Truths: Joe Hungerman’s Journey BeginsJim introduces Joe Hungerman and his journey of reinvention.The importance of curiosity in shaping a career across industries.04:17 - Why Company Culture Is the CompanyJoe shares why culture isn’t a side initiative—it defines everything.How culture impacts trust, leadership, and improvement in manufacturing.06:06 - Early Influences: Psychology, Problem-Solving, and Breaking the MoldJoe’s early curiosity and how psychology shaped his problem-solving mindset.How questioning “the way things are done” led him into continuous improvement.08:28 - The Road to Reinvention: From Supply Chain to TechnologyJoe’s experience in supply chain management and operations.How discovering lean, Six Sigma, and Deming set the stage for his career evolution.10:01 - Education vs. Real-World Learning: The Gaps No One Talks AboutJoe’s perspective on higher education vs. hands-on experience.Why education needs mentorship and real-world application to be effective.15:09 - The Psychology of Business: Understanding People to Drive ChangeHow psychology and leadership intersect in problem-solving.Why knowing how people think and work is critical for real transformation.19:08 - Continuous Improvement as a Mindset, Not a ProcessCI is more than a set of tools—it’s a way of thinking.Why real improvement requires challenging outdated beliefs.22:10 - From Supply Chain to Tech: The Moment Joe Knew It Was Time to PivotJoe’s transition into agile and technology.The surprising connections between manufacturing principles and tech.30:12 - The Birth of See/Eye: Making Continuous Improvement Accessible for EveryoneWhy Joe launched See/Eye to democratize knowledge.The barriers that keep organizations from truly embracing CI.35:53 - The Lean Startup vs. Lean Manufacturing: Understanding the DifferenceWhy agile and lean manufacturing aren’t the same thing.How startup culture is reshaping how we think about CI.42:05 - Building a Culture That Supports Real Continuous ImprovementWhy most companies fail at sustaining CI initiatives.How leaders can create an environment where real improvement happens.50:53 - Advice for Future Leaders: What Joe Wishes He Knew SoonerJoe shares his biggest career lessons and advice for the next generation.Why curiosity and questioning everything is the key to growth.01:02:14 - Partnering with Education to Shape the Future of CIJoe’s vision for partnering with universities and businesses to build better training.Why mentorship and hands-on learning will define the next wave of CI.

Most people think inheriting a family business is a golden ticket. Karla Trotman knows better.Her journey to leading Electro Soft, Inc. wasn’t about following in her father’s footsteps—it was about earning her place in an industry that wasn’t built for everyone.From building her own e-commerce company from scratch to taking over the family business and fighting to close the wealth gap in manufacturing, Karla’s story is about legacy, leadership, and breaking barriers.In this episode, Jim Mayer sits down with Karla for an unfiltered conversation about:The reality of family business—why inheriting one doesn’t mean it’s yours to lead.Her early years in manufacturing—from cutting wire as a kid to running the company.The hard truth about ownership and generational wealth—and why minority-owned businesses face steeper challenges.Why she left a successful corporate career to return to Electro Soft, Inc.What manufacturing gets wrong about culture, leadership, and inclusion.The power of building something bigger than yourself.This episode is for you if:You’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader navigating legacy and leadership.You believe in building generational wealth and breaking barriers in business.You want an inside look at how manufacturing is changing—and who’s leading the way.Listen now and hear Karla’s powerful story.Visit themfgconnector.com for more episodes.Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to join the conversation.Chapters00:00 – What It Really Takes to Build a Legacy03:05 – Culture Isn’t Perks—It’s the Foundation of Everything04:47 – From Cutting Wire as a Kid to CEO08:33 – Why She Left Corporate to Take Over the Family Business12:46 – Belly Button Boutique: The Side Hustle That Changed Everything16:55 – Family Business is a Responsibility, Not a Right18:33 – How to Build Generational Wealth in an Industry That Resists Change26:06 – Why Manufacturing’s Reputation is Holding It Back34:39 – Fixing Culture from the Inside Out37:20 – Diversity is More Than a Buzzword—It’s an Economic Imperative46:25 – No One is Going to Hand You Success—You Have to Build It54:16 – The Future of Manufacturing Belongs to Those Who Create It59:58 – One Final Truth About Leadership and Legacy

In the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Bob Wilson, a seasoned manufacturing expert with a rich background in lean principles and operational improvements. Bob shares his journey from the shop floor at Toyota to leadership roles at Ford and AMD, emphasizing the importance of culture in manufacturing. He discusses the challenges and successes he faced, the significance of learning from consultants, and the future of lean manufacturing in the age of automation. Bob's insights on engaging employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement provide valuable lessons for leaders in the industry.TakeawaysCulture is the foundation of a successful manufacturing environment.Engaging employees leads to better problem-solving and innovation.Learning from experiences at Toyota shaped Bob's leadership style.Automation must be culturally accepted for successful implementation.Consultants should empower organizations to learn and grow, not do the work for them.Continuous improvement is essential for long-term success.Understanding the process is key to effective leadership.Cultural readiness is crucial for adopting new technologies.The future of manufacturing will heavily involve AI and automation.Flexibility and adaptability are vital in a changing industry.Chapters00:00 Transforming Manufacturing Culture16:08 Innovations in Problem Solving30:08 Engaging Employees for Success36:31 Integrating Customer Feedback into Standard Work44:36 The Role of Consultants in Business50:25 Cultural Readiness for Change55:40 The Future of Lean and Automation01:04:26 Pushing Boundaries in Leadership

Culture. Chaos. Continuous Improvement.Manufacturing leaders love to talk about Lean, AI, and operational excellence, but few truly understand how to bring those ideas to life. Kevin Claxon does.In this episode, Toyota-trained Lean expert Kevin Claxon shares how he went from the factory floor to leading high-stakes operational transformations—including a million-dollar mistake that became his greatest leadership lesson.We dig into:Why continuous improvement fails at most companies—and how to fix itHow AI and automation will impact jobs and the middle classThe leadership mindset needed to drive real change in manufacturingWhat companies must focus on to stay ahead in 2025 and beyondThis episode is packed with real-world insights on culture, technology, and the future of manufacturing leadership. Don’t miss it!Takeaways:Continuous improvement must be embedded in organizational culture, not treated as a project.Leadership buy-in is critical—without it, change efforts will fail.Mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures—Toyota’s approach to root cause analysis proves this.AI should be used to eliminate non-value-added activities, not replace jobs.Communication is key—teams must align on goals and track measurable progress.Understanding customer needs is essential—both for internal operations and external success.Technology adoption must consider people and processes first—bad processes plus tech = bigger problems.The future of manufacturing will demand skilled workers who can adapt to evolving technologies.A growth mindset and curiosity are vital for professional success.Manufacturers must prepare for 2025’s supply chain risks, new regulations, and evolving workforce demands.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Kevin Claxon and his expertise02:43 – Why culture is the foundation of continuous improvement05:29 – Kevin’s journey: From Toyota to consulting08:29 – Lessons from launching a greenfield Toyota plant in Tupelo, MS11:26 – The defining moment that led Kevin to Lean Six Sigma15:11 – A high-stakes operational integration project that pushed Kevin’s limits18:43 – How middle-market manufacturers can scale and improve operations21:07 – Overcoming leadership challenges and building buy-in23:19 – Balancing quick wins vs. long-term improvements25:28 – Kevin’s leadership philosophy: Building trust and clear communication27:28 – How to align teams with company goals and mission29:28 – What excites Kevin about the future of manufacturing31:26 – AI and automation: Does AI take jobs, or create new ones?34:02 – How AI should be used to eliminate inefficiencies, not workers37:58 – Will technology rebuild or shrink the middle class?40:18 – What’s next for Kevin and his career44:07 – Kevin’s million-dollar mistake at Toyota and the leadership lesson it taught him48:23 – What manufacturers need to focus on in 2025