Manufacturing Happy Hour

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. 

Reshoring, customer success, and sustainability – just some of the topics we cover in this cornucopia of an episode with Sean Murray, VP of Customer Success at Bright Machines.Sean joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career and his insights into the industry. We explore the concept of software-defined manufacturing, why there’s such a push toward re-shoring and the benefits of flexible manufacturing. Sean shares some all-important advice for manufacturers looking to re-shore, as well as some insights into customer success and why it’s a rising star in the manufacturing world. Tune in to hear Sean’s perspective on the changes happening across manufacturing and to learn the secrets behind making M&Ms from his time in factory work. In this episode, find out:How Sean first became interested in manufacturing Why software-first companies are leading the wayHow software-defined manufacturing worksThe role of customer success in manufacturingWhy flexible manufacturing can boost your business and revenueWhy there’s such a big push for re-shoringSean’s advice for manufacturers looking at reshoring Repurposing hardware and sustainability 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:"Manufacturers don't want to be burned again by a point solution that’s hard to integrate. They need a full stack, and it has to add value. That's the shift that’s happening now, and the early adopter phase is over. We're in the real product phase, which is wonderful.”“To approach manufacturing now with a customer success mindset is really just to recognize that the market has changed a bit, that there's not as many manufacturing gurus around as there used to be, and that the automation is more advanced.”“With flexible manufacturing, you can build lots of something and switch over to the next product and then the next product, which means your higher paid workers are more effective, they're utilized in a better way, and they can build higher margin products.”Links & mentions:Bright Machines, a software and robotics company focused on automation in the manufacturing industry.The Manufacturing Hub podcast, a podcast that explores manufacturing news, insights, and cutting-edge technologies to educate and inspire leaders and workers in manufacturing. 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 all know how fast-paced the world of manufacturing is…and when processes and technologies progress, so does the way we work. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Nicole Wolter, President & CEO of HM Manufacturing, reveals all about her management style, interview processes and focus on young talent. Plus, she tells us about what it’s like to take over a family business, why she stays on top of robotics trends and what life is like on a board of directors. There are plenty of tips for manufacturing recruiters, budding manufacturers, directors and…well…just about anyone in the industry. So tune in! In this episode, find out: What’s behind the curtain of HM Manufacturing’s interview process How Nicole deals with team burnout How she transformed her family business Why Nicole focuses on hiring young talent The benefits of staying up-to-date with robotics and tech in the workplace What HM Manufacturing is involved in What it’s like being on a board of directors What’s mHub? The biggest aerospace and food manufacturing trends 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: “Find something you’re passionate about and then find an organization that speaks to it.” “A different vibe, a different energy to help loosen up your team is super important.” “It’s OK for something to not be 100% perfect one day.” Links & mentions: HM Manufacturing: https://www.hmmanufacturing.com/  HM Manufacturing on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hmmanufacturing HM Manufacturing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmanufacturing/  HM Manufacturing on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMManufacturing  Nicole on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWolterHMmfg  Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-wolter-29107716/  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 cover a whole lot of ground in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour – from Industry 4.0 to innovation in industrial sectors, IIoT, connectivity, machine learning, proof of concepts, and everything in between.Joining this episode is Igor Marinelli, Founder of TRACTIAN, who has plenty of insights, perspectives, and advice to share on condition monitoring and more. Igor details his background from being a frontline worker to where he is today and explains what prompted him to start TRACTIAN. We hear why he has huge respect for frontline maintenance workers, why he thinks innovation for innovation’s sake isn’t the way forward, and his advice on integrating new systems into old practices. In this episode, find out:What TRACTIAN doesHow Igor’s background led him to start his companyAdvice for younger and older industrial professionalsWhy you need to start with the problem, not the solutionThe problem with how Industry 4.0 is portrayedWhy industrial sectors are ready to be disruptedIgor’s thoughts on machine learning The challenges of integrating new systemsEnjoying 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 very technical and show real data and experiments of how you could improve what you’re doing.” “It's important that you consider that you might not know everything, and even though you've been doing this process for 25 years, there might be something that could be done better. So you just have to be open to that.”“You need to tackle the problem, understand the problem, and then think about a solution for that. Because if you start from the solution, this is not going to work, right?”Links & mentions:The Nook, a popular neighborhood bar with park views in Atlanta, GATRACTIAN, an end-to-end condition monitoring and asset management solution 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.