Manufacturing Culture Podcast

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Eric Whitley, the Director of Industrial Transformation at L2L. Eric shares his extensive journey in the manufacturing industry, from his early experiences with his father's work in manufacturing to his current role in digital transformation. The conversation explores the evolution of manufacturing perceptions, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology on the shop floor. Eric emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in manufacturing to attract and retain talent, as well as the significance of balancing personal and professional life. The episode concludes with insights on the future of manufacturing technology and advice for the next generation entering the field.TakeawaysManufacturing has been a part of Eric's life since childhood.The perception of manufacturing as dark and dirty is changing.Continuous learning is essential in the manufacturing industry.Tinkering and hands-on experiences are crucial for youth engagement.Teaching others is one of the greatest joys in Eric's career.Digital transformation is vital for modern manufacturing.AI and technology must be accessible to shop floor workers.Balancing work and personal life is key to success.The future of manufacturing relies on embracing new technologies.Everyone in the industry should be seen as a main character in their own story.Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Lynn McMahon, a mechanical engineer turned PLC programmer, shares her journey and insights in the manufacturing industry. She discusses her early influences, career highlights, personal projects, and the challenges women face in engineering. Lynn also talks about advancements in the industry, such as the transition to cloud-based systems and virtualization. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability and her work in helping companies achieve their sustainability goals. Lynn is passionate about preserving the environment, particularly the lakes in her hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. In this conversation, Lynn McMahon shares her experiences as a mechanical engineer and her work in process controls and automation. She discusses the challenges and successes of her career, including her work on wind tunnels and her efforts to modernize process controls in various industries. Lynn also talks about the importance of sustainability and engineers' role in creating a more sustainable future. She shares her thoughts on the need for engineers to be adaptable and open to change and the importance of considering the long-term impacts of engineering projects. Lynn also discusses her interest in law and plans to attend law school. Throughout the conversation, Lynn emphasizes balancing and pursuing hobbies and passions outside work.TakeawaysLynn McMahon's journey from mechanical engineering to PLC programmingChallenges faced by women in engineering and the need for changeAdvancements in the manufacturing industry, including cloud-based systems and virtualizationThe importance of sustainability and Lynn's work in helping companies achieve their goalsLynn's passion for preserving the environment, particularly the lakes in her hometown, and the importance of modernizing process controls and automation in various industries to improve efficiency and sustainability.Engineers must be adaptable and open to change to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field.The significance of considering the long-term impacts of engineering projects and prioritizing sustainability.The value of pursuing hobbies and passions outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Amy Teal, the CEO and co-founder of ShopFloor Coffee. Amy shares her journey into manufacturing, from studying drafting and design to working in project management and 3D printing. She explains how the idea for ShopFloor Coffee came about and how it supports workforce development programs. Amy discusses the importance of aligning values in company culture and the challenges of choosing which organizations to support. She also talks about the plans for ShopFloor Coffee, including product innovation and participation in trade shows like IMTS. In this conversation, Amy Teal discusses her company, Shop Floor Coffee, and how it combines coffee, community support, health and wellness, and leadership principles. Amy emphasizes the importance of having a plan when starting a business and continuously adjusting and adapting to meet the needs of the industry. She also highlights the significance of listening and understanding team members' personalities and learning styles as a leader. Amy encourages listeners to support Shop Floor Coffee by purchasing coffee and reaching out for collaboration opportunities.TakeawaysAmy Teal's journey into manufacturing was winding, from studying drafting and design to working in project management and 3D printing.ShopFloor Coffee supports workforce development programs by donating 20% of its proceeds to organizations that impact the manufacturing community.Amy emphasizes the importance of aligning values with company culture and finding the right fit for employees to thrive.Choosing which organizations to support and make an impact with ShopFloor Coffee is a challenge due to the many significant initiatives in workforce development.Plans for ShopFloor Coffee include product innovation and participation in trade shows like IMTS. Having a strategy is crucial when starting a business. It helps define goals and guide decision-making.Leaders should prioritize listening and truly understanding what others are communicating.Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. It involves recognizing and validating one's own emotions and understanding the feelings of others.Leaders should adapt and adjust their strategies based on feedback and industry needs.Supporting local businesses like Shop Floor Coffee can positively impact the community.Collaboration and networking with others in the industry can provide valuable insights and support.Taking care of personal health and wellness is important for maintaining work-life balance.Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential to personal and professional growth.Connect with Amy on LinkedInBuy good coffee and support Skill Up Arizona. Use code SkillUpAZ for 10% off.

Jesse Casto, the owner of BetterCNC, shares his journey in the manufacturing industry and his passion for continuous improvement. He grew up in his father's machine shop, learning the importance of innovation and problem-solving. Jesse's vision for BetterCNC is to become the most innovative manufacturing company focusing on process efficiency. He started the company to do things better and constantly find a better way. BetterCNC serves multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and robotics automation. Jesse shares his journey and lessons learned in the manufacturing industry. He discusses his plans for the future, including acquiring a sheet metal shop and applying his golden processes and procedures. Jesse emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and improvement and fosters a culture of innovation in the workplace. He also highlights the value of having a well-designed website to attract customers. Jesse's passion for finding a better way and his dedication to providing a top-notch customer experience shines through in this conversation.TakeawaysJesse Casto's upbringing in his father's machine shop instilled a passion for innovation and problem-solving.BetterCNC's mission is to revolutionize the manufacturing industry by constantly finding a better way and focusing on process efficiency.The company serves multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and robotics automation.Jesse emphasizes the importance of diversifying the business to mitigate the impact of industry fluctuations. Continuous learning and improvement are essential in the manufacturing industry.Fostering a culture of innovation in the workplace is crucial for success.Having a well-designed website is important for attracting customers.Planning and having a clear vision for your business are key.Balancing work and personal life is important for productivity and well-being.Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn

Catherine Bitting shares her journey from Philadelphia to Wichita and her passion for the manufacturing industry. She discusses her role as a program manager at WSU Tech and the importance of building relationships and pushing projects forward. Catherine also highlights the need for soft skills in the manufacturing industry and the challenges of bridging the gap between blue-collar and white-collar workers. In this conversation, Catherine Bitting discusses the importance of building mutual respect across the blue and white-collar lines in the manufacturing industry. She emphasizes the value of recognizing and appreciating the different skills and contributions of both sides. Catherine also highlights the need for leaders to create a culture of respect and inclusivity, particularly for women in the industry. She suggests that leaders should provide resources and support for working mothers and create a safe and welcoming environment for women. Additionally, Catherine shares the importance of understanding different temperaments and using tools like the temperament quiz to improve communication and collaboration within teams.TakeawaysCatherine Bitting's journey from Philadelphia to Wichita is a fascinating blend of love, relocation, and a deep passion for the manufacturing industry.Building relationships and pushing projects forward are key aspects of Catherine's career in manufacturing.Soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, are essential for success in the manufacturing industry.There is a disconnect between blue-collar and white-collar workers in terms of the perception and value of soft skills.Bridging the gap between blue-collar and white-collar workers requires understanding, empathy, and breaking down biases. Building mutual respect across blue and white-collar lines is crucial in the manufacturing industry.Recognizing and appreciating the different skills and contributions of both sides is essential.Leaders should create a culture of respect and inclusivity, particularly for women in the industry.Providing resources and support for working mothers is important for attracting and retaining women in manufacturing.Understanding different temperaments and using tools like the temperament quiz can improve communication and collaboration within teams.Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Chad Spaude and Anne Cotter from Top Floor, discussing how digital marketing can enhance company culture in the manufacturing industry. Chad shares his journey of becoming the owner of Top Floor, while Anne talks about her transition from an external marketing role to the internal sales and marketing team. They emphasize the importance of aligning company values with actions and creating a positive internal culture before showcasing it externally. They also discuss the impact of leadership training and the importance of being authentic in both personal and professional settings. In this conversation, Chad and Anne discuss the importance of company culture in the manufacturing industry and how digital marketing can help enhance and transform culture. They emphasize the need for authenticity and organic change in culture rather than trying to fake it or force it. They also highlight the importance of aligning values between the organization and its employees and the need to hire slow and fire fast to maintain a positive culture. They share their experiences in working with clients who have poor cultures and the challenges they face in building campaigns for such companies. They also discuss their podcast, The Marketing Schematic, and how it serves as a platform for education and learning from manufacturing marketers. Overall, they emphasize the importance of embracing new strategies, being open to learning, and taking chances on oneself in order to create a positive and thriving culture.TakeawaysDigital marketing can enhance company culture by aligning company values with actions and showcasing them internally and externally.Investing in leadership training and development can improve communication and create a positive work environment.Understanding individual personality profiles, such as the DISC assessment, can help improve communication and collaboration within a team.Creating an authentic and consistent culture in both personal and professional settings leads to greater job satisfaction and employee engagement.If a company's culture does not align with personal values, it may be worth exploring other job opportunities. Company culture in the manufacturing industry is crucial for success and employee satisfaction.Authenticity and organic change are key to building a positive culture.Values alignment between the organization and employees is essential.Hiring slow and firing fast helps maintain a positive culture.Digital marketing can enhance and transform company culture.The Marketing Schematic podcast serves as a platform for education and learning from manufacturing marketers.Connect with Anne and Chad on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Hallie Haupt, the Director of Marketing at IQ Manufacturing. Hallie shares her journey into the manufacturing industry and discusses her role in developing and executing dynamic marketing strategies. She highlights the importance of translating complex technical information into clear and compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Hallie also emphasizes the significance of cross-functional collaboration in creating marketing content that drives results. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her leadership role, the importance of staying motivated, and how she balances multiple responsibilities. Hallie expresses her excitement for the future of the industry, particularly in the development of automation. Overall, Hallie's experiences showcase the energetic and innovative culture at IQ Manufacturing.TakeawaysTranslating complex technical information into clear and compelling messages is crucial in marketing for the manufacturing industry.Cross-functional collaboration is essential in developing marketing content that resonates and drives results.Leadership roles require balancing multiple responsibilities and motivating oneself through challenges.The future of the manufacturing industry is exciting, particularly in the development of automation.IQ Manufacturing has an energetic and innovative culture that fosters collaboration and growth.Connect with Hallie on LinkedIn

Brett Lister and Blaine Radie, co-owners of B&B Dynamic Machining, share their journey in precision manufacturing. Brett started in landscape architecture but quickly realized it wasn't for him and pursued mechanical drafting. He gained experience in tool and die shops and learned CNC programming. Blaine discovered his passion for metal and woodworking in high school and worked his way up from being a part deburrer. They met at a previous employer and decided to start their shop, focusing on continuous learning and personal growth. In this part of the conversation, Brett discusses the importance of culture in a company and shares his experiences with poor leadership and toxic work environments. He emphasizes aligning values between an organization and its employees to create a healthy culture. Brett also talks about his vision of starting a CNC machine school and the industries that BNB Precision serves, including healthcare simulation and magicians' props. Brett and Blaine discuss the importance of positive work environments, the role of leadership in shaping company culture, and the future of American manufacturing. They emphasize the need for smaller shops to thrive and support each other in the industry. They also highlight the significance of networking and building relationships within the manufacturing community. The conversation touches on the challenges of finding skilled machinists and the importance of producing high-quality parts. They express their passion for American manufacturing and the desire to give back to their community.TakeawaysThe importance of continuous learning and personal growth in precision manufacturingThe value of hands-on experience and starting from the bottomThe impact of culture on employee retention and successThe power of visualization and positive thinking in achieving goals Culture starts at the top and is influenced by leadership.The alignment of values between an organization and its employees is crucial for a healthy culture.Consider more than just the money when making career decisions.There is a shortage of skilled machinists, and starting a CNC machine school can help address this issue.B&B serves various industries, including healthcare simulation and magicians' props. Creating a positive work environment and fostering a strong company culture are crucial for success in the manufacturing industry.Smaller shops will likely see a resurgence as more people seek alternatives to working for big corporations.Networking and building relationships within the manufacturing community can lead to opportunities and support.Producing high-quality parts is essential for the reputation and growth of American manufacturing.Giving back to the community and supporting workforce development programs are important ways to contribute to the industry.

Robert Griggs, founder of Trinity Products, shares his remarkable journey in the steel and fabrications industry. He discusses the implementation of open-book management and the power of continuous improvement in driving growth and employee engagement. Griggs emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and inspiring young people to pursue careers in manufacturing. He also highlights the opportunities and advancements in the manufacturing industry in America. Robert Griggs discusses the importance of reflecting on history and being proud of being an American. He emphasizes that the challenges we face today are not new and that America has always overcome them. He also highlights the need to rebuild the middle class through manufacturing and its positive impact on the nation. Griggs shares his journey and the lessons he has learned, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and leveraging opportunities. He discusses the role of technology and self-sufficiency in the future of manufacturing and construction. Griggs concludes with a positive outlook for the next decade, highlighting factors such as low interest rates, the adoption of AI and technology, and government investment in infrastructure.TakeawaysImplementing open-book management can engage employees and create a culture of trust and accountability.Continuous improvement is essential for staying competitive and driving growth in the manufacturing industry.Giving back to the community and inspiring young people to pursue careers in manufacturing are essential for the industry's future.The manufacturing industry in America is experiencing a renaissance, with technological advancements and growth opportunities. Reflect on history and be proud of being an American.Rebuilding the middle class through manufacturing is crucial for the nation's strength.Take risks and leverage opportunities for personal and business growth.Embrace technology and self-sufficiency for future success in manufacturing and construction.The next decade holds excellent opportunities for the industry, including low interest rates, the adoption of AI and technology, and government investment in infrastructure.Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:17 Robert Griggs's Journey in the Steel and Fabrications Industry06:11 Implementing Open Book Management13:17 The Power of Continuous Improvement13:36 Giving Back to the Community21:21 Inspiring Young People in Manufacturing25:49 The Value of Skills in Manufacturing29:37 The Future of Manufacturing in America30:46 Reflection on History and Patriotism31:03 Rebuilding the Middle Class31:44 Lessons Learned and Future Plans32:06 The Next Decade of Opportunities32:42 Closing Remarks and Contact Information33:12 Introduction and Employee Reviews34:57 Job Openings at Trinity Products36:17 Building a Community at Trinity Products37:09 Testimonials from Team Members38:03 Conclusion and Call to ActionConnect with Robert on LinkedInCheck out Trinity Products and their job openings.This week's collaborative partner is Teamforce AI. Looking to boost engagement in your workplace? Meet Teamforce.ai, your partner in transforming employee experiences. Their innovative kiosk-based solution is designed especially for deskless workforces in manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare. Teamforce.ai measures and enhances engagement, ensuring every team member is heard and valued. Ready to see the difference? Visit themfgconnector.com and learn more about how Teamforce.ai can elevate your organization."

Keith Pfeifer, President at Aerobotix, discusses how hardware drives cultural change in the manufacturing industry. Aerobotix is revolutionizing manufacturing by creating robotic solutions that shape a new culture of precision and automation. Pfeifer shares his journey from starting as a controls engineer to becoming the president of Aerobotics. He emphasizes the importance of hiring smart people and empowering them to take ownership of their work. Pfeifer also highlights the impact of automation on improving the quality of life for employees and increasing production and quality in manufacturing. He believes that the future of manufacturing lies in driving down costs, increasing flexibility, and automating high-value human-intensive jobs.TakeawaysHardware drives cultural change in the manufacturing industry.Automation improves the quality of life for employees and increases production and quality.Hiring smart people and empowering them to take ownership is crucial for success.The future of manufacturing lies in driving down costs, increasing flexibility, and automating high-value human-intensive jobs.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship01:49 Aerobotics: Revolutionizing Manufacturing and Culture06:18 Keith Pfeiffer's Journey to Aerobotics11:24 The Culture at Aerobotics20:30 The Impact of Automation on Manufacturing Culture23:30 Automation Innovation and the Manufacturing Industry28:44 The Paradox of Culture and Automation32:12 The Future of Manufacturing34:22 Advice for Changing Culture in Manufacturing35:57 Final Thoughts and ConclusionConnect with KeithCheck out AerobotixThanks to this week's partner, Pico MES!Transform your manufacturing process with Pico MES, the ideal execution system for small and mid-sized factories. Pico MES streamlines operations with features like visual worker guidance, connected devices, and consolidated data collection. Ready to enhance efficiency and drive productivity? Discover how Pico MES can revolutionize your factory floor. Visit themfgconnector.com today and take the first step towards smarter manufacturing.