Manufacturing Happy Hour

Are you ready for a ton of insights from FOUR industry leaders? On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re whetting your Automate appetite again, sharing super-interesting highlights from Automate 2022, ahead of the 2023 event later this month. We are joined by Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic, Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics, Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO at Vention and Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing & Applications Development at Universal Robots. Hear insights, tips and experiences on topics such as robotics-as-a-service, predictions for the future, AI, and so much more.  In this episode, find out: A history on robotics-as-a-service Misa Ilkhechi’s journey as a startup co-founder What’s exciting about the industry Transitions in user experiences What’s changed and what hasn’t in robotics Why we need to simplify robotics How VCs are getting involved in startups How AI can be the backbone of robotics Top insights from industry leaders Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Manufacturing is getting consumerized. More companies need to learn how to better brand yourself in the industry beyond just the specific product you’re providing.” – Etienne Lacroix, CEO and founder of Vention “When you go out into the real world, you can listen to people’s problems and understand.” – Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics “AI and machine learning is really accelerating and helping eliminate the need for point-to-point programming.” – Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic Links & mentions: Formic, removing the risk, expense and headache of automating your own with flexible, no CapEx contracts. They grow your business by making it easy to afford and deploy robotic automation. Ready Robotics, making your robots better by eliminating risks and challenges of deploying automation.  Vention, making industrial automation better, easier and more accessible for all manufacturers by reengineering the process of designing, simulating, procuring and commissioning industrial equipment. Universal Robots, dedicated to making the world a better place, one cobot at a time. They are an innovative robotics company, helping the world work with robots, not like robots. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Time to buckle up for a masterclass in manufacturing with not one – but three – manufacturing experts! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we share the best of three interviews conducted at Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI. Chris sits down for conversations with Milton Guerry, President of Schunk, Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation and Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. They share their career journeys, insights and predictions for manufacturing, AI and automation, plus reveal top tips for manufacturing leaders and team members alike.  In this episode, find out: How Milton Guerry began his career How Mike Cicco started in the industry Søren Peters’ first steps in manufacturing Guests’ thoughts on the current state of manufacturing, AI and automation The importance of mentorship The future of collaborative robots New routes into the industry Why strong teams are key to success The importance of communication Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We can all be very secure that this industry is going to be super-strong.” – Milton Guerry, President of Schunk “The key to mobility is just continuing to reinvent yourself in terms of business needs at the time.” – Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation “In everything you do, if you don’t believe in it or think that it’s right, you should probably be doing something else.” – Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot Links & mentions: SCHUNK, an internationally active technology company, a leading supplier of products made with high-tech materials like carbon, technical ceramics and sintered metal, as well as machines and systems for environmental simulation, air conditioning, optical machines and many other processes. HowToRobot, your automation marketplace, helping buyers specify their needs and putting them into contact with sellers across the globe.  FANUC, a leading global manufacturer of factory automation, they specialize in industrial robots, CNC systems, wire cut EDM and injection moulding machines among other things. All products are engineered to optimize energy usage. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

What happens when you put a food and beverage industry leader, a brewer, and an industrial specialist who’s seen hundreds of manufacturing facilities on the same stage? You get this week’s episode.  CBT Company recently invited Manufacturing Happy Hour to host a live panel discussion at Cincinnati's iconic Rhinegeist Brewery on the future of food & beverage manufacturing. We were joined by Rhinegeist’s Cole Hackbarth, SugarCreek’s Jeremy Saunders, and CBT’s Larry Hecker for a conversation that covered more than a few critical manufacturing topics. In this episode, you’ll hear our panelists discuss the characteristics of a modern maintenance program, why flexible manufacturing is so important to food & beverage manufacturing, and plenty of innovative ideas for recruiting and training your people.  We also have a bonus Q&A where we cover some very candid questions around making manufacturing more accessible to everyone. You’ll even learn a few things about the Cincinnati manufacturing community and what makes the industry in that region so unique. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. In this episode, find out: The realities of maintaining and scaling a brewery Why all processes should focus on the end user Why you need everyone on your team to be on the same page How a great onboarding program can prepare new hires How staff retention challenges affected the craft beer industry Why companies should be flexible for their employees Why automation isn’t about getting rid of jobs How to decide which processes to automate How we can encourage more women into manufacturing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: [Automation] is just simplifying the manual labor and the jobs that don’t take skill to do, so that our brewers, who are very skilled and very intelligent, can think about how to make beer taste better.” – Cole Hackbarth “I think the most important thing is to make sure everyone's on the on the same page between management, maintenance, production, QA – you have to have buy-in from all four, or it's going to be a disaster.” – Larry Hecker “Why are women not wanting to come to the industry? Let's be honest, we don't make it easy. Keep that in mind, how do we make it easy? There's a lot of things like safety strategies, which are intended for male-sized people, and women are at a disadvantage.” – Jeremy Saunders Links & mentions: Rhinegeist Brewery, a craft brewery based in the historic Over-the-Rhine brewery district in Cincinnati, OH. CBT Company, an industrial distributor that provides customers with products, technologies, and solutions in automation, pneumatics, belting, and more. SugarCreek, an innovative food manufacturer that helps companies develop “brand-worthy food solutions.” Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

It’s time for two manufacturing podcasts to collide! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re delighted to speak to Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger, hosts of the fantastic MakingChips podcast. Nick and Jason discuss their route into making the podcast, how it’s grown and evolved over the years and the attributes that make a true manufacturing leader. In this episode, find out: About creating MakingChips How the podcast has evolved Knowing when content needs to evolve How MakingChips set out to equip and inspire What makes a great manufacturing leader How their content can help manufacturing leaders The importance of developing relationships Why manufacturing leaders should self-assess How content serves businesses Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “If you’re a manufacturing leader, you should be equipping, you should be inspiring and you should be building relationships.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “A manufacturing leader needs to know how to develop relationships with clients and partners.” – Jason Zenger, Host of the MakingChips podcast “It’s important for us to contribute to the community and the industry at large.” – Nick Goellner, Host of the MakingChips podcast Links & mentions: MakingChips website Connect with Nick Goellner on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Zenger on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Things move quickly in manufacturing, so how do we stay efficient in the now, while building a strong team for the future?  On this episode, we invite Pam Frost, President of RND Automation, on Manufacturing Happy Hour. Pam discusses employee retention, promoting from within and playing to your own and your employees’ strengths. Plus, she reveals why she came out of retirement for RND, what excites her about the future of manufacturing and why fun should be a priority in the workplace. There’s plenty of excellent advice to take from this one, so listen close! In this episode, find out: How Pam built success at Pridgeon & Clay How to successfully promote from within Why listening is crucial to success in any business How to retain employees Why Pam came out of retirement for RND Automation How to achieve operational excellence The best ways to foster a collaborative environment Why you should have fun at work Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s important to celebrate the past, celebrate today and look forward to the future.” “If we can come together and all enjoy each other’s company, I think it helps a lot.” “Two ears, one mouth – listen at least twice as much as you talk!” Links & mentions: RND Automation: Engineers, designs, and manufactures robotic, packaging and assembly automation equipment Complete Automation Solutions (CAS) Holdings: Parent company of RND Automation that also includes iAutomation and Paneltek Follow Pam on LinkedIn Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

We’re stepping into the future in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to look at how RIOS is helping to pave a way for the “factories of the future.” We sat down with CEO and Founder Bernard Casse to get his take on where automation and robotics fit into factories and what a smart factory will actually look like. Bernard explores the benefits of using automation to speed up processes, collect data, and adapt according to turbulent market conditions (which we’re seeing plenty of right now!) Bernard also tells us a little about how RIOS has achieved its Series A funding round and how current economic conditions are affecting venture capitalists and start-ups.  In this episode, find out: Bernard’s educational background and why he did a PhD What factory automation in the future could look like Why automation isn’t just about labor replacement How smart factories will operate How automation can help with data analysis Step one for getting into automation Bernard’s experience with funding rounds and VCs Why VCs are increasingly looking for category creators What sets RIOS apart from the competition Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “We walk them through how they can increase productivity, we walk them through how we are building process optimization modules for them, and how we're delivering robots.” “It's a lot of data that we’re aggregating and then transforming that in business intelligence to allow the customer to really understand their operations to optimize based on that understanding.” “We are envisioning the smart factory to be connected to other systems and networks, allowing you to seamlessly share data and communicate with other factories, supply chain partners and customers. So this would enable the factory to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the market.” Links & mentions: RIOS, a company that provides factory automation-as-a-service with end-to-end AI-powered robotics work cells  Antonio’s Nut House, a now-closed dive bar that Bernard used to frequent during his earlier career days  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Building an iconic brewing company for your university community, plus getting real-world business experience? Sounds like a dream come true. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Jackson Cosgriff, Student, and John Knapp, Director of Innovation Alley at Marquette University. We hear the backstory and behind-the-scenes processes of Innovation Alley and its student-led project, Blue & Gold Brewing.  John and Jackson share concerns they had heading into the project and the future of student-run business, plus they tell us whether they believe applied learning is the future of higher education. This episode is packed with inspirational advice and plenty of beer chat! In this episode, find out: The backstory of Innovation Alley and Blue & Gold Brewing Behind the scenes stories of Blue & Gold Brewing The beer brainstorming process What’s next for student-run business What concerns they had about their project Whether applied learning is the future of higher education Advice for other universities looking to introduce similar programs Why it’s time to think outside the box Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s OK to have a big idea! Don’t shut that idea down.” – John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University “People get drawn into working up these ladders when they don’t really enjoy it. A lot of people are happy working with their hands and that’s what I loved about this project.” – Jackson Cosgriff, Student at Marquette University “I knew right away (this project) was going to be a winner!” - John Knapp, Executive Director – Innovation Alley at Marquette University Links & mentions: Blue and Gold Brewing, a student-run business owned by Blue and Gold Ventures LTD, aimed to develop collaborative partnerships with community business owners. Marquette University students team up with the below brewing companies (all Marquette alums) to learn about craft brewing: https://www.bandgbrewing.com/  Innovation Alley, driving students to reimagine education in the classroom and in workplaces, creating a ripple effect far beyond the walls of the campuses at Marquette University: https://www.marquette.edu/innovation-alley/  Broken Bat Brewing, the brainchild of Milwaukee baseball fan Tim Pauly, providing a unique, welcoming atmosphere in the Walker’s Point neighborhood in Milwaukee. Spreading the love of craft beer and baseball while giving back to their community: https://brokenbatbrewery.com/  Good City Brewing, a brewing company created by Dan and David, close friends from grad school who saw the untapped potential of craft beer in Milwaukee. Focused on pursuing excellence, prioritizing relationships and engaging their local place: https://www.goodcitybrewing.com/ Gathering Place Brewing, an award-winning, community centered craft brewery located in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. Making European-inspired styles with American twists: https://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/  Follow Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-cosgriff-0310b7182/  Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmknapp/  Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Thinking of breaking out of your bubble to get the most out of your career? This could be the push you need. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Sean Mulherrin, Product Manager at EPLAN. Sean discusses how globetrotting has benefitted his career, explains his passion for apprenticeships and shares his ideas on panel design. Plus, he explains why budding manufacturing pros shouldn’t be scared of change. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a manufacturing industry expert. In this episode, find out: How to use data effectively The past, present and future of control panel building Why you should break out of your bubble in manufacturing The benefits of apprenticeships Why you should design panels for troubleshooting How to find your passion What Sean has learned from working around the globe How end users and integrators should view panel building Why you shouldn’t be afraid of change Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “Travel really opens up your eyes and makes you less afraid of change, professionally and personally.” “Digitalization is the way forward.” “If you design for troubleshooting, you can use data to generate the information for building the panel, as well as making it available for troubleshooting. You’re future-proofing.” Links & mentions: Jost Van Dyke - One of the smallest of the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke encapsulates an abundance of charm and history. Its rich history has fostered some of the Caribbean’s best dining, with barbecue, Indian food and seafood dominating menus across their many beachside eateries: https://www.bvitourism.com/the-islands/jost-van-dyke  EPLAN, providing software and service solutions in the fields of electrical engineering, automation and Mechatronics engineering Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

As generations retire and millennials take up the baton, this week’s guest knows business is in safe hands. But how can the new generations of manufacturers best leverage economics to succeed in business? We are delighted to be joined by Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR Economics, at the A3 Business Forum in Orlando, FL. In this short episode, Alan discusses how he makes economics riveting, explains why millennials are so crucial to business, and gives top tips on true leadership. Plus, he tells us who the unsung heroes of business are and why he sets out to make a difference in the world every day. Alan manages to make economics so fascinating – this is a must-listen. In this episode, find out: Why millennials must be taken seriously What Alan thinks business leaders miss Why leadership is not all about taking charge The most fulfilling parts of Alan’s career Alan’s views on how leaders should act Alan on the heroes of the economy Alan’s clear mission and goals Making a difference in the world every day Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It makes me feel really good about life when we can make a difference in the world.” “My generation is retiring in record numbers, and you’re left with millennials. Those are the smartest people in the room.” “A leader without integrity is just the CEO or boss, not a real leader.”  Links & mentions: Follow Alan on LinkedIn Find out more about ITR Economics Find out more about the A3 Business Forum 2023 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty. 

Ready for a masterclass in automotive manufacturing? Strap in! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vicki Poponi, Vice President – Industry Advisor, Automotive at Salesforce. She discusses her route into the industry and provides a glimpse into the world of software-enabled vehicles. Plus, she explains what the connected car means for consumers, why the customer is at the center of everything and delves into Salesforce’s Trends in Automotive Report – linked below. In this episode, find out: Vicki’s first steps in the industry Why people are afraid of new technologies Vicki’s transition into the automotive world How her manufacturing roots help in business What she’s learned in her current role at Salesforce The importance of customer centricity Behind the scenes of Vicki’s role The progress being made around digital customer experience What automotive manufacturers need to learn in the coming months/years Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “It’s human nature to be afraid of something new.” “There’s so much data in the auto industry, it’s crazy. But you have to think about how to connect the data. That’s where technology is so wonderful.” “Future customers really want to be engaged.” Links & mentions: Compagnon Wine Bistro – a neighborhood bistro with a French twist, serving a variety of organic, biodynamic wines and food with fresh seasonal produce and locally raised meats, fish and poultry Follow Vicki on LinkedIn Salesforce Follow Salesforce on Twitter Get $350 off registration for Supply Chain USA 2023 Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.