Manufacturing Happy Hour

Is there really a manufacturing skills gap? Why is manufacturing moving back to the U.S.? And how can machine shop owners switch to an investment mindset? These are all great questions that we answer in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Jason T. Ray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts and a former Manufacturing Happy Hour guest. He jumps back on the show for a discussion on machine shops, reshoring, the importance of profit and investment, the skills gap, and everything in between. We hear his take on how COVID affected supply chains and led to more shop owners buying from American companies, and the different ways business owners have changed their mindset in the past few years. Jason also explains that if we want to solve the skills gap in manufacturing, we need to “look in the mirror” and figure out where we’re going wrong from a management perspective. There’s plenty of food for thought in this episode, so check it out to hear more of Jason’s words of wisdom. In this episode, find out: The state of manufacturing in the U.S. Why shop owners are increasingly considering “ownership cost” What’s bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. How the manufacturing tech stack is evolving How different generations solve problems How new tech affects profit and investment Why we need to shift from an expense mindset to an investment mindset Why the skills gap is more of a “management gap” The importance of active over passive management Why agility and speed in business are down to good systems and processes Why manufacturing is essential to innovation 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: “Now there's this concept called total ownership cost. And that includes shipping and storage and everything else associated with buying those parts.” “Manufacturers aren't just showing up to look at the machines and buy equipment. They're actively coming out and looking for software solutions to solve problems in their business.” “When shops, rather than having an expense mindset, go in with an investment mindset – where they look at dollars out as investments, you start to see a shift in the type of team members they're attracting.” Links & mentions: Paperless Parts, helping machine shops quote faster and win more jobs In The Shop, a publication from Paperless Parts, including this post “CMMC: Coming Soon to a Contract Near You” “Pentagon updates timeline for CMMC cybersecurity initiative,” important news for job shop owners going into effect in May 2023 Tip Tap Room, an upscale pub that serves beer, wild game, and inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space in Boston, MA Alcove, located in the Boston Harbor on Lovejoy Wharf, serving regionally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired fare in stylishly decorated surroundings  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’s the most important part of starting and running a manufacturing business? The finances? The team? The materials? Well, this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest has some expert insights, experience and advice, so stay tuned. It’s time to hit the slopes for this week’s episode as we invite Mike McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Folsom Custom Skis, to share his story and provide top tips for manufacturers. Tune in for tales of Mike’s early days in the industry, the creation of his business, the day-to-day of running a boutique ski manufacturer, what he does for his customers and how Folsom has survived and thrived in a challenging industry. Plus, Mike provides a ton of sound business advice! A true must-listen. In this episode, find out: Mike’s introduction to the industry Where his interest in skiing began His first steps in launching the business The most important part of starting a manufacturing business A rundown of Folsom’s materials and processes How Mike accounts for his success Top business tips for manufacturers Mike’s initial goals for Folsom Custom Skis The importance of your team in a manufacturing business Advice for college students interested in 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: “We saw a hole in the market and we’ve stayed really true to what we do to this very day.” “Being lean and nimble is the most important piece, not having huge financial attributes.” “To succeed here, you need somebody that’s really passionate about the sport, passionate about the product, passionate about customer service and passionate about manufacturing.”  Links & mentions: Folsom Custom Skis, custom building skis engineered specifically for you. Skis can be purchased online or through Folsom’s full-time staff members. Aspen Brewing Company, founded in 2008 with one simple goal – make world-class beer, downstream from nobody. They have two locations in Aspen, both downtown and near the airport. Or, if you’re not in Aspen, you can find their beers throughout Colorado. 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 back for Part 2 from the 2022 Vision Show, hosted by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation.

In October 2022, we ventured to Boston, MA for the Association for Advancing Automation's annual Vision Show and Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference (AMRL). In the past, these had been 2 separate events, but this year, A3 brought them together under one roof.You really can't have robotics without imaging and you can't have mobile robotics without machine vision. The tie-ins are endless. It just made sense to bring these events together and it was great being part of this weeklong extravaganza.This is somewhat of an anniversary episode since we covered the AMR and Logistics Conference last year with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial. We have another 2-part bonus episode for you this week containing over 10 interviews with leaders in robotics and machine vision, including:-Erik Nieves, Founder of Plus One Robotics-Jeremy Bergh, President, North America at IDS Imaging-Joe Gemma, VP of Sales and Marketing at Calvary Robotics-Theng Kuoch of CMES Robotics-Rajesh Iyengar, Founder & CEO of Lincode Labs-Denise Stafford of KUKA Robotics-Patty Katsaros of Locus Robotics-Laura Hoffman, Automation Industry Insider-Matt Charles, VP of Mobile Robotics at RoBEX-Melonee Wise, VP Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies-Alex Shikany, VP Membership & Business Intelligence at A3Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’re all familiar with Microsoft. That’s a given. But we’re certainly not all familiar with the autonomous AI work they are doing. That’s why we called on an expert to give us the lowdown on what autonomous AI means, highlight its risks and opportunities and give us his verdict.  On episode 118, Brian Evergreen, Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour. If the episode title (or Brian’s job title) doesn’t make a ton of sense to you just now, you’re in the right place because Brian is keen to define the term in detail. Brian also provides advice for getting new technology initiatives off the ground, from AI to machine learning and more. Plus, there are a ton of pragmatic tips and tricks for leading through tech transformations. In this episode, find out: Brian’s route into AI (via chess?) Baseline definitions of AI, autonomous AI and autonomous transformation Why to take a human-centric approach to AI The risks and opportunities surrounding AI How to ensure AI projects succeed, scale and don’t get stuck The lowdown on Brian’s book and writing process How to avoid ‘pilot purgatory’ Where Brian would like a beer with Chris 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: “The right time to get started with autonomous AI really depends on your outlook or perspective as a business leader.” “If designed correctly, there’s no great physical risk associated with autonomous AI.” “87% of machine learning models never make it into production. I'm curious how that will change as these autonomous AI technologies become more adopted.” Links & mentions: ATX West, this week’s show sponsor. Taking place from February 7-9 in Anaheim, CA, this event showcases the latest automation and intelligent robotic technology, focusing on how to better automate manufacturing processes. Discover the world of automation and build smarter solutions with ATX West. Woodman Lodge, Snoqualmie, Washington, a historic saloon serving what they describe as “some of the best steaks you’ll find anywhere in Western Washington”. 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.

This week, we're diving into gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference. gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations, and their OnRamp Conferences are a subset of that.gener8tor’s annual manufacturing event brings together startups, investors, and corporations for this unique “dealmaking conference” and this year, in October 2022, we headed to Indianapolis. There, we sat down for 8 interviews with individuals that are running startups, managing accelerators and investment funds, as well as leading state initiatives to help manufacturing thrive in Indiana.This episode explores how these different groups are working together and how they’re all working to take on big initiatives like sustainability, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Our guest lineup includes:-Maggie Brickerman, Partner at gener8tor-Dave Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer at IEDC-Razi Nalim, Founder of Aerodyn Combustion-Apoorva Kiran, Co-Founder and CEO of Mentore-Emir Beg, Founder and CTO of Scout Autonomy-Batuhan Ulasan, COO of Scout Autonomy-Tim Chiang, Investment Director at Xerox Ventures-Ashley Bryan, Program Manager at The Heritage Group Accelerator-Sharina Perry, Founder and CEO of Utopia PlastixMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/OnRamp2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

How can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more. As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He explains exactly how his products can impact a runner’s comfort, fatigue levels, and muscle health to get the most performance out of each and every run.We also explore a little about Riley’s startup experience and the biggest business lessons he’s learned in his career.In this episode, find out:The difference between Arris and Riley’s previous business venturesThe biggest lessons Riley learned from his startups Why manufacturing is “messy”Why you don’t always need to reinvent the wheelThe reasons Riley started ArrisHow composites improve running performance in shoesRiley’s top marathon runs and favorite trails The reaction and feedback to Arris’ composites platesThe top benefits of Arris composites in shoesHow composites materials can be used in other industriesWhat’s next for ArrisEnjoying 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:“Be really mindful when you're taking on something new that someone else has not already done it in another industry.”“Everyone says this but running really does clear your head. It gives you headspace.”“We have this passion for the superiority of composite materials. We all had experience with them in different industries, but it's always limited to the really high-end stuff. The products around us day to day aren’t taking advantage of it.”Links & mentions:Arris, Berkeley-based composites manufacturer that produces smarter, lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products at scale for consumer products, aerospace, automotive, and many more industries The Rare Barrel, a rustic alehouse in Berkeley that specializes in sour beers 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 Thanksgiving week here in the US, and since so many of you are based here, we're bringing you a shorter bonus episode this week as we try something new. First, you'll get a general update from Manufacturing Happy Hour, including our new newsletter - 5 Quick Manufacturing Insights - as well as partnership opportunities. Then, we'll highlight one of the most helpful moments from the show in the past year. Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, appeared on Episode 80 and talked all about investment banking for robotics, automation, and AI companies. In this short episode, we'll spotlight the moment where he broke down the differences between funding rounds, including how Series B is the "make or break" round for most companies.

We’ve got a bit of a different Manufacturing Happy Hour episode this time – it’s one of our first long-form episode at a trade show. Joined by co-host Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, we recorded this at the 2022 The Vision Show AMR & Logistics Conference in Boston.  Our guest is Malachi Greb, Owner of Elite Automation – a frequent trade show attendee with the goal of leading the “biggest automation company in the world.” An ambitious target, no doubt, but Malachi knows exactly how he’s going to achieve it. We talk about how Malachi first got into the automation space, his guerrilla marketing tactics, why he’s on a hiring kick, and what it was like venturing into his first international project. We cover a lot of ground with some great actionable tips, especially around trade shows, so don’t miss it! In this episode, find out: How Malachi first got started in automation How Elite Automation is creating growth Why Elite Automation is on a hiring kick Why guerrilla marketing strategies are the way to go Why companies should always aim to add value in marketing  Elite Automation’s winning business strategy  What the manufacturing industry is like in the Midwest What it was like leading Elite Automation’s first international project in India  How Malachi plans to run the biggest automation company in the world The advantages of being young in this industry 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: “Where a business is successful is when it adds value to another company or individuals.” “Why are people spending $10,000-$20,000 on a booth when you can send 10 employees, spend a quarter the amount of money and have them just run around?” “We probably do at least five interviews a week, every single week, no matter if we’re hiring or not. And we're doing that because we're building a backlog of individuals.” Links & mentions: Elite Automation, a robotics and automation solutions company specializing in robotic weld cells, palletizing, material handling, and AMR deployment The Manufacturing Come Up, an industry interview podcast hosted by Elite Automation Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar & Grill, a Nashville-inspired bar located on Franklin Street in Evansville, IN in the former location of a Harley-Davidson dealership  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 back for Part 2 of our bonus episodes with KUKA from IMTS 2022. We’ll be jumping back into our partnership conversations while taking an even deeper dive into additive manufacturing in these last 5 interviews of our short series. Stick around until the end to get a full recap on what characterizes great industrial manufacturing partnerships.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.