Manufacturing Happy Hour

Willemijn Schneyder and her team are changing the game for post-sales support. Willemijn is the CEO and proud Founder of SwipeGuide, a next-generation instruction software that provides an intuitive way to create enhanced-reality work instructions.So how is this creating a revolution? Well, you're going to hear about that in this week’s show. Before venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship, Willemijn was in marketing, e-commerce, and, more recently, new product development. She was no stranger to matching organizations with technological solutions, and this paved the way for SwipeGuide.In this episode, she gives a detailed overview of what SwipeGuide does and how it works. She also explains how it's tapping into the previously overlooked knowledge of frontline workers. Willemijn touches on the topic of diversity and bias in the workplace and discusses why she believes crowdsourced solutions like SwipeGuide are the future of manufacturing.In this episode, find out:What SwipeGuide doesInsights into Willemijn’s career before SwipeGuideHow Willemijn’s background in retail and consultancy prepared her for entrepreneurshipHow SwipeGuide was foundedHow SwipeGuide evolved from a home user manual into an industrial manualA practical example of how SwipeGuide worksThe role of frontline workers in developing SwipeGuide’s scopeHow Willemijn leads a distributed teamWillemijn’s take on inclusive leadership and tackling unconscious biasWhat lies in the future for SwipeGuideEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Though frontline workers aren’t the ones that buy from us, they embrace us — so we serve them so they can adopt the solution, create the content and get the results.”“There's much more recognition of the expertise that frontline workers have in the industry and the vital importance of their skill sets than ever before.”“A lot of what’s wrong with technologies today is they’ve been built by teams that aren’t diverse.”Links & mentions:SwipeGuide, a collaborative, cloud-based work instruction platform that captures frontline knowledge to shape and enhance work processes in minutesLagunitas Case Study, a video featuring how one of Heineken’s largest brands is leveraging SwipeGuideIn Den Uiver, a whiskey bar in Haarlem, NetherlandsMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Scot Lindemann has seen a thing or two when it comes to robotics. The guy has over 30 years of engineering and leadership in this space, from his long tenure with JR Automation to where he is now as the CEO of Mission Design and Automation, a Western Michigan-based robotics integrator and automation company. It's only appropriate that he take us through the world of robotics, "then and now," in today's episode.Today, Scot shares his story and what it was like formally entering the field of robotics back in the 80s. We discuss how he's seen technology and the industry evolve, and some of the things that he feels are still the same. We talk about how automation impacts more than just the bottom line of the balance sheet and how small- and mid-sized players can leverage the power of automation today. Finally, we wrap up with some of Scot’s tips for attending trade shows.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Rachele Focardi is a generational diversity expert, international speaker, author, and Founder of XYZ at Work. We've talked about attracting the next generation to the workforce on this show quite a bit, but today is probably our most holistic conversation to date when it comes to all of the generations in the workforce and the wonderful things each generation brings to the table.In this episode, Rachele explains why generational diversity is such a key issue across industries and how it has a unique place in the manufacturing industry. She explores how the pandemic leveled the playing field for each generation and spurred collaboration in and out of the workplace.For the stats fans out there, Rachele offers some pretty juicy stats on this phenomenon. She also gives us a sneak peek at a few of the topics she’s going to discuss at the upcoming Automate Show in Detroit (without giving too much away). In this episode, find out:What a Future of Work Strategist doesInsights from Rachele’s educational and career backgroundWhat inspired Rachele to focus on generational diversityWhy generational diversity is so vital in the present-dayWhat each generation brings to the tableWhy people perceive multigenerational collaboration negativelyThe role of the pandemic in opening people’s minds to generational diversityRachele’s take on diversity in the manufacturing industryWhat Gen X brings to the tableEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I'm confident that if we jump on generational collaboration while it's hot, people will work together to create a reality where generations make decisions and run the world together.”“Hiring people and then losing them because your environment is not multi-generationally harmonious is a reality employers have to deal with.”“Though generational diversity is diversity, it does make us stronger.”Links & mentions:XYZ at Work, a service that helps organizations foster a culture of cross-generational collaboration and understanding to drive employee engagementMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Are you ready for 2022's biggest automation event in North America? Automate 2022 is right around the corner.Hosted by A3 - The Association for Advancing Automation - Automate is bringing together over 500 exhibitors and thousands of attendees for the ultimate networking, education, and technology event. The event takes place in Detroit, MI June 6-9 and you can register for FREE at https://manufacturinghappyhour.com/Automate2022.In this preview episode, Alex Shikany - A3's VP of Membership & Business Intelligence - jumps on the show to share what to expect from Automate 2022. From keynote speakers to the first ever Automate LIVE - a first of its kind Game Day-style showcase - this episode should give you all the reason you need to head to Detroit. Plus, The Manufacturing Millennial Jake Hall joins us as a special co-host for this episode. We hope to #SeeYouInDetroit.

The future is digital, and the manufacturing industry is no exception. Jerry Foster, the CTO of Plex, is one of the select visionaries who jumped on the ‘digitization’ bandwagon quite early in the game. Plex is a company that paved the way for business enterprise software in the cloud through a smart manufacturing platform that connects people, systems, machines, and supply chains.Jerry joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share the company’s unconventional origin story and to break down some of the most interesting parts of their annual State of Smart Manufacturing report. It’s an episode packed full of great insights as we dig into topics like the role of AI in manufacturing and tech paralysis. Tune in to hear more about implementing new technology, plus insights into the worlds of racquetball and Star Wars.In this episode, find out:What is smart manufacturing?How Jerry got his start in smart manufacturingWhat it was like to spearhead the first business enterprise software in the cloudJerry breaks down the smart manufacturing growth trajectoryHow to form a successful integrated team Jerry discusses useful technologies that were once dismissed as “hype”How the role of blockchain fits into manufacturing How AI has evolved over the yearsWhat proactive leaders look likeHow to find a balance between profitability and sustainabilityHow playing racquetball has influenced Jerry’s careerJerry’s advice to manufacturing leaders looking to leverage smart manufacturingEnjoying 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:“Artificial intelligence or machine learning are the only ways to really tame the beast that is data management — it's like getting 100,000 interns to analyze all that data almost for free.”"In my opinion, it's the cloud and the convergence of that data and computing capabilities that have brought AI to the forefront.”“If you've got action-oriented people, no one's thinking about implications, and with analysis-oriented, you'll have great spreadsheets, but no results, so you need both.”Links & mentions:Plex Systems, a smart manufacturing platform that connects people, systems, machines, and supply chains.Plex’s State of Smart Manufacturing Report, an annual report sharing insights from over 300 manufacturing leaders on the challenges facing their business and how they address them using technology.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.

Divya Thadani leads PPG’s strategy and business development for the company's architectural coatings business in the US and Canada. But her impact doesn’t end there. She’s made her mark as a diversity, equality, and inclusion champion at PPG.In this episode, Divya shares some insights from her childhood and how growing up in an entrepreneurial family influenced her life. She explains what she believes is causing the skill shortage gap in the manufacturing industry and how we can make these roles more accessible to underrepresented groups.Divya sets the stage for how large organizations can help close the skill gap through the lens of PPG. She also gives some pointers on how individuals can foster positive organizational changes that transcend individual teams.In this episode, find out:Divya’s experience coming from an entrepreneurial familyThe most important lesson Divya learned from her parents’ businessWhy Divya thinks a certain amount of naivety is blissHow to make engineering roles more accessible to underrepresented groupsThe forces driving the skill shortage of trade professionalsHow organizations can have a direct impact on educational opportunitiesWhy it's important to invest in educational opportunities for underrepresented groupsHow PPG invests in the next generationHow to create positive cultural change beyond your organizationHow the shift to digital impacts PPG’s diversity, equity, and inclusion effortsDivya’s advice for young and upcoming professionalsEnjoying 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 digital shift has enabled us to think very differently about the way we work, how we work, where we work from, which all ties into the DEI conversation.”“Leadership teams need to think about constructive ways to drive cultural change while being intentional with how it permeates their business unit and the company as a whole.”“Enabling underrepresented minorities — whether it’s income or ethnic diversity — involves educating people about the possibilities and giving them access.”Links & mentions:PPG Industries: An American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials.PPG’s Sustainability Report: The company’s 2020 sustainability report strongly focused on its DE&I efforts.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 goes on behind the scenes at some of the top theme parks in the country? A whole lot of custom scenic design, courtesy of 3dx Scenic, a L!VE company that creates immersive 3D expressive designs. Mark Rosenzweig, 3dx’s Senior Account Executive, joins the show to give some insight into what it’s like being part of a team that creates models for theme parks, exhibits, and more. In this episode, Mark breaks down some of 3dx Scenic’s most exciting projects and the challenges that came along with them. He explains how indirect ROI works in a theme park versus projects with a more calculated ROI. Mark also gives us a window into how 3dx Scenic focuses on storytelling with its projects, particularly for models in theme parks or big events. We also hear what Mark believes makes the best guest experience at a theme park. In this episode, find out:What 3dx Scenic doesWhy it’s important to follow a passion with your workThe most exciting projects Mark’s worked onHow far creative liberty goes at 3dx ScenicHow indirect ROI works in a theme park Why photo opportunities have a calculated ROI How 3dx Scenic has overcome challenges Why simplification is key to a good customer experienceEnjoying 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:"Budgets drive jobs. And as long as we have a client or a partner that we're working with that is as transparent as us, we're normally going to work with them. Not only for this job but also long term.”"Parks aren't adding the $20-$30 million coasters like they were three or four years ago. But they do have the capital to put on these events that have a very reliable ROI attached to them.”“Put the control in the guests’ hands and make it intuitive and easy.”Links & mentions:3dx Scenic, a L!VE company that create immersive 3D expressive designRhinegeist Brewery, a craft brewery based in Cincinnati, OhioMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Roman Piszcz is the Founder and CEO of Quotebeam, a new company that's reducing friction in the purchasing process and building a marketplace for automation parts, quotes, and collaboration. But before Roman became an entrepreneur, he was leading a team at Apple, and that’s where this week’s story begins…Roman joined Apple back in 2016 and worked there for nearly five years as part of the iPhone product operations team. As it is with most entrepreneurs, his company was borne out of a particular pain point he noticed in the industry — the disjointed nature of the machine part procurement process.These days, you’ll find him tackling a whole new set of challenges that he delves into in this episode. Roman also shares a few leadership tips he picked up from his time at Apple and as the CEO of Quotebeam. He gives us some insights into the manufacturing support network he’s building and shares what he sees on its horizon. In this episode, find out:Roman talks about his work with AppleThe importance of raising team members to be leadersAdvice for people managers moving to a new roleWhat inspired Roman to create QuotebeamThe communication problem Quotebeam is looking to solveHow Quotebeam’s transactional and conversational aspects are part of its solutionUnexpected challenges Roman faced as a startup ownerHow Roman’s experience at Apple feeds into his work at QuotebeamWhy data is a huge part of decision-making in businessRoman shares insights into Quotebeam’s core visionHow Roman’s manufacturing support network ecosystem is evolvingEnjoying 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:“Running a start-up is an interesting journey. You get to break things, and no one yells at you.”“You don’t make decisions based on opinions, you make them based on data.”“Engineers don’t need to know everything. They just need to know where to find the right information.” Links & mentions:Quotebeam, the marketplace for automation parts, quotes, and collaborationShadow Puppet Brewing Company, a production craft brewery with an open tasting room, located in Livermore, CAMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Sharad Chadha is the CEO of Sprecher Brewing Company and through hard work, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking, he’s living the American dream. Originally an engineering major, Sharad topped that with an MBA and used his skill and business acumen to rise through the ranks at renowned companies like GE Healthcare, Electrolux, and Samsung. Now he’s pouring all his business acumen into running Sprecher, Wisconsin’s first craft brewery.In this episode, Sharad gives us some insights into his diverse career and how it prepared him for his role as the CEO of Sprecher. He discusses some of the highs and lows of running a company as opposed to working for someone else.Sharad also shares a few decision-making tips for manufacturing leaders, talks about what makes Sprecher stand out from the competition, and reveals his future plans.In this episode, find out:What makes Sprecher specialSharad shares insights into his diverse careerHow Sharad’s numerous roles prepared him for SprecherWhat inspired Sharad to buy a breweryWhat it’s like purchasing and running a companyWhy Sprecher produces sodas as opposed to spirits and hard seltzersMaking decisions as a manufacturing leader Why Sprecher made the switch from beer bottles to cans Why looking at trends is vital before making big decisionsHow to manage and plan for big changesSprecher’s progress during the pandemicThe importance of hiring good leadersSharad’s five year vision for SprecherEnjoying 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:“Challenging experiences teach you resilience and how to look at things from a different angle — and as long as you have that attitude, you can make it through anything.”“Working in a big company is great, but it's not as satisfying as working in a small company where when you do something, you can see the fruits of your labor.”“Running a plant is completely different from knowing about a plant or working with a plant to get your product."Links & mentions:Sprecher Brewing Company Wisconsin’s first craft brewery since prohibition, specializing in the production of beers, flavored malt beverages, and sodas.Green River Soda A classic Chicago soda developed over a century ago, presently brewed by Sprecher Brewing CompanyMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Working on first-generation products and new product development is no walk in the park. But, Milo Werner, General Partner at The Engine, joined the "Build Better 2022" virtual conference to share her wealth of experience.Milo joined Tesla in 2007 at a critical stage in the company's trajectory, where she led new product introduction launching the Model S and Model X powertrains. In addition to Tesla, Milo ran new product introduction at Fitbit, launching four factories in China and transitioning the company to fully automated production. Now she's a general partner at The Engine, where her dedication to solving some of the world's biggest problems, from climate to health to computing and beyond, continues.In this extract from the "Build Better 2022" virtual conference, Milo gives us the low down on how she got her start in both Tesla and Fitbit. We hear about her triumphs and the challenges she faced developing first-generation and new product development. She also answers a bunch of intuitive questions from manufacturers in the audience.In this episode, find out:How Milo got into Tesla and new product developmentChallenges she experienced while working on the Model-S powertrainLessons learned from building a first-generation productChallenges when developing new productsMilo’s transition from Tesla to FitbitWhat characteristics need to align when evaluating a contract manufacturerLessons learned from smaller companies making first-generation productsWhy it’s vital to be open to recommendations from contract manufacturersHow to determine the specifications for how good a product feature should beHow to manage people on long projectsHow to find out if you’re a fit for new product developmentThe future of cars as a serviceEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedbackfrom Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“New product introduction is a wonderful way to meet people and to be that glue that removes silos and brings people together as a cross-functional team.”“The CM industry is run on razor-thin margins, and they've been put in that corner by one customer after another.”“I want to solve problems in our community and society, and Tesla and Fitbit really spoke to me in that regard.”Links & mentions:Tesla, an American electric vehicle and clean energy company that manufactures electric cars, battery energy storage, and other related productsFitbit, an American consumer electronics and fitness companyGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't, a management book that describes how companies go from being good to greatThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team, a business book that describes the many pitfalls teams face as they seek to "grow together"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.