Manufacturing Happy Hour

Want a taste of one of the best events in manufacturing? This week, we're giving you an inside look at the A3 Business Forum.This is the Association for Advancing Automation’s premier leadership and networking event that takes place at the beginning of every year, but really, it’s a community, and not just any community. The people in this association easily make up the single strongest group of manufacturing and automation leaders in the industry.Much like the A3 Business Forum, this compilation episode covers a variety of topics including robotics, education, hiring and talent retention, as well as cybersecurity. We've got 6 interviews for you and we're also bringing back Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to help host these discussions. Here are the leaders you’ll hear from in this episode:·      Jeremy Dodson and Jay Korpi of NextLink Labs·      Fady Saad, Co-Founder of MassRobotics·      Suzy Teele, VP of Strategic Partnerships at the ARM Institute·      Greg Smith, President, Industrial Automation Group at Teradyne·      Jim Devaprasad, Professor and Director of Robotics at Lake Superior State University·      Michael “Sully” Sullivan of Miller Resource GroupMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Eddie Saunders Jr. is a guy who wears a bunch of hats.He’s the Creative Director and Brand Collaborator at Flex Machine Tools. He's got a background in theater. He runs an MMA gym. But – since this is a manufacturing podcast – you're most likely to know him as the host of the Flex & Friends, a web series where Eddie chats with influential and passionate leaders in the manufacturing industry.While Eddie’s only been running this series for just over six months at the time of this episode in February 2022, he's made quite a name for himself in a short period of time.In this episode, Eddie shares a little bit of everything from his multifaceted background and how it’s contributed to the success of Flex & Friends. He discusses the groundwork he did before starting the podcast and how the first six months have panned out for him. Eddie also offers actionable tips for manufacturing leaders looking to create content for their brands.In this episode, find out:How Eddie went from theater to manufacturingHow Flex & Friends beganWhat Eddie considered before starting Flex & FriendsMarketing tips that work across industriesLessons Eddie has learned from running an MMA gymActionable tips for manufacturing leaders creating contentEnjoying 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 impossible to ignore the stigmas in manufacturing, but there are also a lot of amazing human beings in our broad and dynamic world, and my number one intention is to tell their stories.”“I would highly recommend that if you don't have the confidence to reach out to other individuals doing what you want to do, then I would say keep your eyes and ears open and watch what's being done.”“If you go into it just to make cool content, you're setting yourself up to fail, and not only will you fail to achieve an ROI, you’ll fail to achieve an ROE, which is a return on the effort.”Links & mentions:Flex Machine Tools, an industrial machine tools company with a growing set of product lines and applications, including FlexCNC Vertical Machining Center, FlexJet Waterjet, FlexArm tapping, FlexBeam Drill Line, and FlexErgoFlex & Friends, a link to Eddie’s web series through Flex Machine Tools’ YouTube pageGreat Lakes Brewing Company, an iconic microbrewery located in Cleveland, OH with house suds, an updated American menu, free tours, and a patioMake 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 role of investment banking in manufacturing and logistics? Our guest this week is here to answer that question.Firdaus Pohowalla is Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, where he leads investment banking coverage for robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, or if we're talking in acronyms, RAAI.In this episode, Firdaus gives us a little backstory on how he got to where he is now and why he’s always had an interest in tech and robotics. He explains why there’s such a big focus on RAAI in the investment world and what he thinks are the most exciting areas of these growing industries. Firdaus goes on to explore the idea of robotics as a service (RaaS) and why that business model is so attractive to companies, customers, and investors. Firdaus also highlights the biggest challenges in the RaaS space and his advice for new companies looking to get involved in robotics. Finally, Firdaus breaks down the confusing alphabet soup that is Series A, B, and C funding rounds. In this episode, find out:How he got involved in investing and roboticsWhy Cascadia Capital focuses on the RAAI spaceThe most exciting areas of RAAIHow robotics as a service works and why it’s attracting so much interestThe challenges of RaaS and why the markets are slow to move on itAdvice for new companies looking to get involved in RAAIHow the Series A, B, C funding rounds workThe effects of robotics and automation on the job market 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:"B round is critical. If I think about all the rounds out there, the B round is where you really make or break your company.”“If you look at the development of the technology, and you see the sophistication of the software that's complementing all of the earlier stage solutions that have been coming out, the market is really poised for significant growth.”“I'd say the most important thing, and this is emotional, is make sure that you have real passion and conviction around your business idea. That's kind of entrepreneurship 101.”Links & mentions:Cascadia Capital, leading middle market investment bank with a focus on applications for robotics, automation, and AI for food, beverage, and agribusiness applicationsRAAI Supply Chain Quarterly Marketing Report from Cascadia Capital (Fall 2021)2021 AMR & Logistics Conference Takeaways from Cascadia Capital Queen Anne Beerhall, cool beer hall focusing on European & local brews plus eats, with an industrial look & ample seats in Seattle, WAMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Laura Timbrook is a national board-certified health and wellness coach who is focused specifically on the manufacturing industry, particularly on shift workers. She's also a speaker on the topic and runs her own podcast Outspoken Nutrition. We haven't really approached this topic on the show before, but it's one that Laura is uniquely qualified to cover.Health and wellness isn’t a topic that’s discussed much in the manufacturing industry. But that doesn’t mean it’s not been an important issue since the inception of the sector. In this episode, Laura discusses the evolving nature of occupational health and wellness, especially as it stretches to accommodate the needs of workers in the manufacturing industry.She also shares her thoughts on what she believes health and wellness will look like in the near future. She then goes on to share some words of advice for industry leaders looking to embrace the notion of a healthier workforce.In this episode, find out:What being healthy looks like from a broader perspectiveHow to reframe the health and wellness conversation for a shift worker in manufacturingHow wellness contributes to retention and productivity in the workplaceThe evolution of wellness in the manufacturing industryWhat companies that have a thriving health and wellness culture are doing rightHow COVID has changed the general attitude towards healthCommon mistakes organizations make when implementing health and wellness initiativesAdvice for manufacturing leaders looking to adopt a health-conscious cultureEnjoying 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 start small, you’ll make bigger changes.”“When we talk about what encompasses health and wellness, it’s not just sleep, nutrition, movement, it also covers relationships and an overall sense of purpose.”“Give your employees access to their “numbers,” once they start to see specifics on their health it suddenly hits home.”Links & mentions:Outspoken Nutrition, a podcast that focuses on simple and doable ways to lead a healthy lifestyle and make better health-related choices.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.

Erik Nieves is a robotics expert and an individual who believes technology should be used to elevate human existence and well-being. Erik has a very long history in the robotics world and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Plus One Robotics, a company that makes vision software for logistics robots. More than that, they deliver a novel approach that allows industrial robots and humans to work together. If you're trying to figure out what all this means, you'll want to listen to this interview…In this episode, Erik breaks down the problem of technology hesitancy, what that means for companies’ bottom lines, and the overall labor shortage in this industry. He explains how robots can help, but also where humans need to step in and lend a helping hand.Erik explains why we need to be empathetic to those who are a little technology hesitant and try to understand why that is. He also shares some stories of how he first got started in robotics, what it’s done for his career, and why he’s never looked back since. In this episode, find out:How Erik first got started in roboticsWhat the phrase “robots work, people rule” meansWhy technology hesitancy is a bad thing for manufacturingWhy we need to understand why people are hesitantThe mindset shift that needs to happen for people to embrace roboticsWhy keeping technology exclusive to remain competitive as a brand is bad for everyoneEnjoying 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:“Robots are pretty good, but they're not going to be all the way. So when they need help, they raise their hand and go, can you give me a leg up on this? And that's when the human intervenes.”“If you are hesitant to bring in technologies that will get the work done a different way, well guess what, you're just going to run your people ragged.”“Robots work, people rule is first off an admission that technology can only take you so far.”Links & mentions:Plus One Robotics, providing vision software for logistics robots that delivers an unparalleled approach to human-robot collaboration to tackle the challenges of variability and workforce shortagesSeñor Veggie, a low-key, colorful eatery featuring an eclectic menu of organic, locally-sourced vegan eats in San Antonio, TXMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

James Novak is the CEO of Fiix Software, a company that provides an industry-leading cloud-based CMMS that helps manufacturers plan, track, and optimize maintenance. It's also worth noting that just over one year ago, they were acquired by Rockwell Automation, which brings us back to the premise of today's show…leading through an acquisition!Managing a company acquisition is a tough job, and keeping your team happy through it can be even more challenging. In this episode, James explains the steps leading up to Rockwell Automation’s acquisition and what he did to make the transition as smooth as possible. He explains what the role of a CEO should be in this scenario and some tips for keeping employees reassured and happy with the process. James also gives some insights into how Fiix Software helps manufacturers better plan, track, and optimize maintenance programs. In this episode, find out:What led James to become the CEO of Fiix SoftwareImportant lessons learned from his previous experiences at BlackberryWhy you should always be innovating if you want to grow a companyThe kind of company James wanted to buildHow the Rockwell Automation acquisition happenedHow to lead a team through an acquisitionWhy a CEO should try to keep as many options open as possibleAdvice for other manufacturing leaders looking to be acquiredThe top surprises James faced when Fiix Software was being acquiredEnjoying 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 believe that proper maintenance leads to sustainable outcomes in the world.”“So as long as everyone's focused on the customer, regardless of if you have differences of opinions, nobody's right, nobody's wrong. There are different paths to get there, and I felt like Rockwell was going to get the right thing done.”“If I'm a manufacturing company, and I'm going through an acquisition, or I'm thinking about acquiring, you have to be very, very deliberate about every single move that happens.”Links & mentions:Fiix Software, a cloud-based CMMS software that helps manufacturers plan, track, and optimize maintenance with powerful integrations, reports, and embedded AI tools2Cats Cocktail Lounge, a relaxed, cozy nightclub with a makeshift dance floor serving up music alongside cocktails & wine in Toronto, CanadaMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Darrin Mitchell is the CEO of Mitchell Industries and the Chief Marketing Officer of Manufacturing Masters, an on-demand video platform featuring the world’s best manufacturing information. But before that, he was the CEO of a manufacturing company of his own for almost 20 years called Trout River Industries.In this episode, Darrin gives us a bit of backstory on how he built the ‘Netflix of manufacturing’ after selling Trout River Industries. He shares the challenges of parting ways with his company and the important lessons he learned throughout his career. Darrin doesn’t hold back and gives some solid tips for business owners in the manufacturing space about dealing with competition, finding balance in your life, and making better decisions going forward. He explains how Manufacturing Masters works and how it can help others in their quest to build better manufacturing businesses. 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:Why Darrin built the ‘Netflix of manufacturing‘Why sometimes it’s better to collaborate than competeThe importance of building healthy partnerships in manufacturingWhy you shouldn’t try to be everything to everyoneHow to find a balance between work and home life What it’s like to sell a business that’s become part of your identityHow Manufacturing Masters works 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 very important to occupy the mind space of your current and unknown future customers.”“If your mindset is to compete, you're just using energy that inevitably is just for a completely lost cause. Because ultimately, your customers want to see you as a problem solver, not someone who just beat up their competitor.”“If you're thinking about the future of manufacturing, everything is in partnerships. And you have to make sure they're healthy partnerships.”Links & mentions:Manufacturing Masters, training and content developed just for manufacturers from over 80 industry experts Mitchell Industries, offering a range of coaching and resource servicesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Tanuj Thapliyal is an IT engineer and academic researcher-turned-entrepreneur. He's the Co-Founder and CEO of Spot AI, a video intelligence company that's helping manufacturers access and leverage video from their facility's cameras to make better business and operational decisions. It’s time to think about video security from a completely different perspective…In this episode, Tanuj breaks down the main differences between video security and video intelligence and explains the different use cases for the latter. He gives us a bit of backstory into Spot AI and some examples of customers they have helped avert disaster with their fantastic service. Tanuj explains why video intelligence should be about empowering workers with knowledge not Big Brother-style surveillance. He also explains Spot AI’s approach to cyber security and why customers always have full access to their own video to do with as they wish. Tanuj also shares some exciting news about Spot AI’s future.In this episode, find out:What video intelligence is and how it’s different from video security Spot AI’s early beginnings to where it is nowThe different use cases for video intelligenceWhy video surveillance should empower the whole workforce, not watch them How Spot AI remains cyber-secure Spot AI’s plans for the future 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 more people you give access to video to, the more it transforms that organization.”“From a company culture perspective, you need there to be a belief in education, a belief in learning, a belief in sharing knowledge with other people.”“You have to empower customers to keep the data where they want to keep the data, but enable them to solve the workflow and then enable a switch so they can revoke access.”Links & mentions:Spot AI, a company that’s helping manufacturers access video footage to make faster, smarter decisionsThe Brass Monkey, an energetic stop offering steaks, ribs, burgers, and British-Indian curries plus beer & cocktails in Taipei, TaiwanMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Samir Menon, the Founder & CEO of Dexterity, joins us on the show this week to share how his research on “Robots moving in a human-like manner” could contribute to the next phase of robotics. Dexterity is a company that delivers full-stack robot dexterity solutions for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. But even before founding the company, Samir has been on a mission to leverage robotics to "make repetition options." He’s also keen on eventually democratizing robots and deploying them at scale. In this episode, Samir gives us a rundown of how his work at Dexterity is delivering tangible solutions for warehousing and supply chain operations. We hear some insights into how making robots more accessible could benefit not just small businesses but individuals as well. Samir also shares how making repetition an option could address the looming labor shortage in manufacturing and eventually transition people to higher-value work.In this episode, find out:Why making repetitive work optional is crucial in manufacturingThe evolution of roboticsWhy the democratization of robots is vital moving forwardHow the advancements in robotics affect human workersSamir breaks down the past, present, and future of robotics into six stagesEnjoying 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:“When it comes to startups you’ve got to be focused onthe problem you’re solving, technology is just a driver to do that.”“I would love to see robotics enable people to build their own small businesses and take productivity into their own hands.”“It’s important to focus on what delivers long-term success when scaling up in startups."Links & mentions:Dexterity.ai, delivering full-stack robot dexterity solutions for logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations. Their robots pick, move, pack, and collaborate with human-like skill in existing infrastructure to solve the toughest problems in material handling.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.

Jeff Winter is an Industry Executive for Manufacturing at Microsoft who helps manufacturers across the US digitally transform at scale. Plus, he’s seen a few things over the past 15 years through his involvement in the Industry 4.0 community and Smart Manufacturing-centric leadership within organizations like ISA (International Society of Automation).In this episode, Jeff shares some fascinating data management and digital transformation statistics and trends. He explores how the present data generation and storage habits call for more defined data strategies going forward. We hear some IoT trends and common barriers to a successful digital transformation initiative.In this episode, find out:Why there’s a growing gap between data generated and storage capabilities (with statistics!)The current trends around the different types of dataWhy data roles are rising in demandInteresting trends in IoTWhy most digital transformation initiatives failHow company culture affects how organizations address new technologyEnjoying 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:“Digital transformation drastically changes the way companies operate, which is both scary and difficult.”“Spend as much time investing in the right company culture as you do in the right technology.”“Part of your company’s overall data strategy works its way backwards into the data roles needed within the organization.”Links & mentions:Empire Burgers & Brew, spot for elevated comfort fare, cocktails, wine & craft brews, plus a year-round roof deck in Naperville, ILMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.