Manufacturing Culture Podcast

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

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Garret Tornquist, Senior Product Manager at Epicor, to explore the power of a team-first culture in manufacturing. Garret’s career has taken him through multiple industries, including medical devices, education technology, and manufacturing, and through it all, one thing has remained constant: success is built on culture, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace failure.Garret shares how his experiences in team sports shaped his leadership philosophy, why he believes culture is an organization’s greatest competitive advantage, and how failure is not just inevitable—it’s essential for growth. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in manufacturing, what he’s learned from building products that serve manufacturers, and why great teams create great leaders—not the other way around.TakeawaysCulture is often underrated in organizations.Team success is more important than individual accolades.Leadership should empower teams rather than micromanage.Failure is a crucial part of growth and innovation.AI will enhance jobs rather than replace them.People take pride in their work, which drives success.Building relationships and trust is key to effective leadership.The journey from intern to product manager is filled with learning opportunities.Understanding customer needs is vital for product success.A strong company culture leads to better performance.Chapters00:00 Connecting Diverse Industries Through Culture08:47 Lessons from Team Sports20:52 The Role of Manufacturing in the Economy30:21 Leadership in Manufacturing: A Team Mentality37:16 The Importance of Embracing Failure44:24 Goals for 2025: Balancing Personal and Professional Life50:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Rachel Marshall, co-owner of Excel Machine Manufacturing, a family-run CNC shop. Rachel shares her journey from a background in sales to embracing the challenges of running a machine shop alongside her husband, Luke. They discuss the importance of work culture, communication, and balancing family life with business responsibilities. Rachel emphasizes the value of community in manufacturing, the lessons learned in their journey, and the aspirations for the future of their business. The conversation also touches on personal passions, including fitness and Rachel's love for mac and cheese, showcasing her vibrant personality and dedication to both her family and her work.TakeawaysWork culture is essential, even in small family businesses.Communication is key in balancing work and family life.Transitioning into a new role can be challenging but rewarding.Building relationships with customers is crucial for business success.Women in manufacturing can bring valuable skills to the table.Fitness routines can enhance productivity and mental clarity.Social media has created a supportive community for women in manufacturing.It's important to instill strong values in the next generation.Finding a niche can help small businesses thrive.Embracing change and challenges can lead to personal growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rachel Marshall and Excel Machine Manufacturing02:38 The Importance of Work Culture in Family Businesses06:39 Rachel's Journey into the CNC World11:29 Transitioning a Legacy Business16:24 Challenges of Running a Family Business18:23 Niche Focus and Business Strategy21:13 Lessons Learned in the CNC Industry25:09 Teaching Values to the Next Generation26:25 Exploring Alternative Education Paths28:21 The Importance of Physical and Mental Fitness31:23 Building a Supportive Community in Manufacturing34:49 Future Aspirations for Excel Machine36:59 Personal Touch: Mac and Cheese Preferences37:59 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Arthur Field, Director for Strategic Partnerships at MTD CNC. Arthur shares his extensive journey through the manufacturing industry, discussing the importance of culture, innovation, and collaboration. He reflects on his early experiences in assembly and machining, the challenges he faced, and the leadership roles he took on. Arthur emphasizes the significance of building partnerships and the future trends in manufacturing technology, including AI and data monitoring. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive culture in manufacturing and Arthur's commitment to helping others succeed in their careers.TakeawaysCulture revolves around appreciation and collaboration.Alignment of values is crucial for organizational success.The journey into manufacturing can be driven by various motivations.Early experiences shape perspectives on industry challenges.Leadership requires understanding and supporting team members.Partnerships are essential for driving innovation in manufacturing.AI and data monitoring will shape the future of the industry.Unbiased reporting can foster trust in manufacturing solutions.Continuous improvement is key to long-term success.Personal experiences can enhance the understanding of industry dynamics.Chapters00:00Introduction to Manufacturing Innovation06:06Arthur's Journey into Manufacturing11:16Transitioning to Machining17:08Leadership Lessons Learned22:44The Path to MTD CNC30:18The Excitement of Building Partnerships35:39Memorable Partnerships and Innovative Solutions43:01Future Aspirations and New Ventures