Manufacturing Happy Hour

Justin Sherman grew up in the shadow of one of Boeing’s largest manufacturing facilities in Everett, WA. However, it wasn’t until he started his career that he was exposed to the realities of manufacturing careers, including the lack of diverse talent in this field.Now, as the Founder of Equity Machine Works SPC – a social enterprise committed to creating opportunity through support, training, and employment for disadvantaged populations – he’s helping to level the playing field.In this episode, Justin explains the importance of attracting diverse and young talent to the manufacturing field as a whole. We hear about the limitations that come with a lack of diversity in the field, and actual statistics that prove there’s a skill gap that needs to be filled. He also shares tips on how to foster a diverse talent-friendly work environment and to eventually become part of the change. In this episode, find out:What diversity means in this contextWhy diversity is vital to the survival of businesses in the manufacturing industryWays to ensure diversity thrives within the fieldHow organizational culture attracts diverse and upcoming talentWhy embracing hybrid business models is beneficial What characterizes a workplace that’s ready for diverse talent 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:"Compensation is not only about money — it's thoughtful provisions and subsidies.”"Taking a person-centric approach doesn’t only make work-life more functional, it gives access to more talent.”“Looking at skilled positions like machinists and welders, both of them are about 95% male.” Links & mentions:Equity Machine Works, a social enterprise operating as a manufacturing organization with the aim of bridging the skills gap within the industry and providing sustainable diversity practicesOrion Industries, a non-profit social enterprise that provides vocational services and employment to individuals with barriers to employment Skills Inc., a self-supporting company offering a wide range of manufacturing jobs to people of all abilitiesHiring for Diversity, by Arthur WoodsPioneer Industries Manufacturing, a social enterprise specializing in aerospace part productionQuinn’s Pub, a hip gastropub located 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.

Nan Li is a Managing Director at Obvious Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs reimagining every sector of the global economy. Nan leads the firm’s investments in companies harnessing deep tech to transform legacy industries like pharmaceuticals, protein therapy, industrial materials, and manufacturing.In this episode, we learn about what Nan looks for in startups and why it’s not just about a winning business idea. It’s also about the founder and the team themselves. We hear some insights into how the tech world has been changing and moving towards greater adoption of robotics. Nan also shares his predictions for the future and why he thinks startups will increasingly spread advanced technologies to legacy industries. In this episode, find out:Why networking is crucial in the startup worldThe importance of having an open mind as an investorWhy startups will distribute tech to other industriesNan’s favorite examples of startups leading the way in techWhat investors look for in a founder and teamHow startups in the Midwest differ from Silicon ValleyWhat to expect from Nan’s Machine Visions podcastEnjoying 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:“I think the first thing [I look for] is a team that is not tripped up by the technology alone.” “I think there's just going to be an explosion of new companies being started that are very problem-specific and tackle different things.”“I think that we will start seeing documented company-wide deployments of robots in the thousands of units in the next five years.”Links & mentions:Obvious Ventures, venture capital firm investing in entrepreneurs reimagining legacy sectors of the global economyMachine Visions Podcast, a show about the acceleration of robotics deployed across every sector of our economy hosted by Nan LiToronado, a classic craft beer bar in San Francisco, 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.

We’re back for Part 2 of our 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference double feature. This time we’ve got 6 more interviews with leaders from across the robotics and logistics world. These conversations were recorded live at A3’s recent show in Memphis, TN, where hundreds of leaders from across the industry converged for a long-awaited reunion full of keynotes, demos, and plenty of hallway conversations.Jake Hall “The Manufacturing Millennial” joins us again as we talk shop with our next round of guests, including:·     Daniel Theobald, Founder and CIO of Vecna Robotics·     Jason Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of Waypoint Robotics·     Ben Waters, Co-Founder and CEO of WiBotic·     Melonee Wise, CEO of Fetch Robotics·     Michael Patrick Perry, VP of Marketing at Dexterity·     Aaron Prather, Senior Technical Advisor at FedExOnce again, we owe a big thanks to A3 – The Association for Advancing Automation – for bringing these amazing folks together. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

We’ve got not 1, not 2, but TWELVE interviews for you this week on Manufacturing Happy Hour in a special two-part episode. A3’s 2021 AMRs and Logistics Conference in Memphis, TN brought together robotics and technology leaders from across the industrial world and we had the opportunity to speak to 12 of the individuals that are leading the way in this space. We owe a big thanks to A3 – The Association for Advancing Automation – for bringing these amazing folks together.In these episodes, Jake Hall – The Manufacturing Millennial and past guest of the show – joins Chris Luecke to co-host these interviews as we talk robotics, workforce, and career. Get ready to learn from the following six guests in Part 1 of this special feature:·     Ed Mullen of MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)·     Erik Nieves of Plus One Robotics·     Joe Gemma of Calvary Robotics·     Ryan Finelli of Humatics·     Carole Franklin of A3·     Roger Christian of Yaskawa MotomanMake sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What’s it like to be in the business of “selling smiles”? Jake Kilcup, Chief Operating Officer at Rocky Mountain Construction, fills us in. Rocky Mountain Construction or RMC is a roller coaster manufacturer based in Hayden, Idaho. If you’ve ever taken a ride on Goliath at Six Flags Great America, the Lightning Rod at Dollywood, or Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain, you’ve seen their handiwork in action.In this episode, Jake takes us behind the scenes at RMC to share a bit about the manufacturing process, what it’s like working as a close-knit team, and how RMC has grown so quickly. You’ll hear about the secrets of RMC’s success, why planning is essential with any type of manufacturing, and how to keep a positive mindset when things get tough.We round off the talk by swapping roller coaster stories, and Jake explains why seeing the finished project and how it makes people feel makes it all worthwhile.In this episode, find out:What it’s like to be in the business of “selling smiles”The typical RMC manufacturing processHow RMC grew quickly and learned important lessons along the wayWhy you need solid plans no matter what area of manufacturing you’re inWhat the typical timeframe to complete a project looks likeWhy anything is possible, it’s all just down to mindset What it’s like working as a close-knit teamWhy grit and determination are the most important tools of the tradeEnjoying 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:“You can work on something forever to try to make it more efficient, or just make it better. But there has to be a point where you say, okay, this is acceptable, and it's on time.”“Anything is possible. You just have to change your frame of mind.”“We're a fun, family-owned, hard-working company that focuses on fun. And thankfully, we're in an industry that's solely based on selling smiles.”Links & mentions:Rocky Mountain Construction, roller coaster designer and manufacturer based in Hayden, IdahoThis Is How We Roll, a documentary about RMC created by Coaster StudiosMad Bomber Brewing Company, brewery located in Hayden, IDMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Dana Mantilia is a cybersecurity expert specializing in security and employee training, as well as identity theft protection. She’s the Founder of Identity Protection Planning, where she assists small to medium-sized businesses through her security products and services. Plus, she’s built a great name for herself in the security space through her viral videos that simplify some of the most important topics in cybersecurity.In this episode, Dana takes us through some of the simple steps that all businesses need to take to ensure they’re better protected from cyber-attacks. She explains why businesses shouldn’t just relegate cybersecurity to the IT department. It should be something that everyone gets involved in.Dana shares the two simplest ways everyone can better protect themselves and the company they work for and why cybersecurity practices start at home.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 most cybersecurity issues stem from non-technical employeesWhy education on cybersecurity is essentialHow to start with the basics of cybersecurityWhy cybersecurity isn’t just about firewallsWhy being a small company doesn’t mean you’re safe from hackersThe starting steps that companies can take to become more secureHow Dana’s company meets CMMC requirementsWhy you should probably change your Google account passwordEnjoying 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:“From a hacker’s point of view, it's 100 times easier to trick somebody into giving something away versus trying to learn how to hack all this stuff and get into the system.”“Let's start with some basic cyber hygiene, some basic policies, and get the culture within the organization to start paying a little bit more attention to what we're clicking on.”“85% of the problems are being caused by the non-technical people either clicking on something or giving away credentials accidentally.”Links & mentions:Identity Protection Planning, offering a range of cybersecurity trainings, products, and services; helping to protect Americans, their families, and their businesses from ID theft and cyber crimesCyber Security with Dana Mantilia, click here to subscribe to Dana’s YouTube channelCMMC Accreditation Body, Dana’s company makes the process for meeting the needs and requirements of CMMC simple; if you are a manufacturer working with the DoD, learn more about CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Module Certification) hereMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Joachim Hensch is a master tailor and for years dreamed of opening his own shop. In reality, he did that on a much larger scale during his 24+ year career at HUGO BOSS. There, he moved from product development to becoming the Managing Director of their massive Izmir, Turkey facility, where he led a best-in-class digital transformation. Now, he’s helping other manufacturing leaders with their digital transformations through Joachim Hensch Consulting.In this episode, Joachim takes us through the story of his career. He shares the learnings he’s picked up along the way that allows him to give world-class advice to his clients today. He explains why digital transformation is a must, but it has to be done the right way. Joachim has seen many mistakes from business leaders, and it often boils down to focusing too much on the tech rather than building a plan first.Joachim also shares his thoughts on Industry 4.0 and reveals how it’s not really about the tech. It’s about solving the complexities of a growing company. We round the talk off by agreeing that there is one thing you can’t apply digitalization to – and that’s having a beer with friends.In this episode, find out:Why companies need to embrace digital transformationJoachim’s early career as a tailorHow Joachim pivoted to a managerial role at HUGO BOSSHow he managed to motivate and speak to a team of 4,000 peopleWhy Joachim decided to build a digital twinThe impact transparency in the workplace has on moraleTop mistakes in digital transformation to avoidWhy now is the best time to start a businessEnjoying 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:“There's a huge misunderstanding because people always start with tech. And what I do nowadays is I help organizations and companies and leaders in first crafting the plan.”“One of the tools to handle complexity is digitalization. But we don't start with digitalization. This is just the tool.”“When you do this transformation, you have to make a lot of bold moves. And you have to also accept that a lot of things won’t work, so you have to be fast in making corrections.”Links & mentions:Joachim Hensch Consulting, helping manufacturers create their factory of the future with the tools of Industry 4.0…no academic talk, just action!VIDEO: Joachim Hensch, TEDxBergamo, Smart Factory? Smart People?VIDEO: Creating a tailored production process with Joachim Hensch, The Leadership NetworkHUGO BOSS, a German luxury fashion house headquartered in Metzingen, Baden-WürttembergMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Willem Sundblad was born into the manufacturing world in Sweden as part of a family with a long history in the pulp & paper industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Oden Technologies, he’s continuing that legacy in the US through his company, one that’s leading the charge in the machine learning space.In this episode, Willem digs into the heart of the machine learning discussion in manufacturing. He highlights the process of integrating it into a company and why the culture of the workforce is key to success. Willem shares his thoughts on guided analytics and explains how intelligent alerts can improve efficiency across the board.Willem rounds off the discussion by explaining how Oden Technologies is helping to solve some of the common problems in manufacturing and how machine learning will impact the workforce.In this episode, find out:Why applying new technologies to a company is so challengingHow machine learning and narrow AI work in the context of manufacturingHow guided analytics workWhen to know you’re ready for machine learningWhy the adoption of machine learning is about culture and the workforceHow Oden Technologies is helping to solve common problems in 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:"You want the skill and the will in the factory to be high.”“Machine learning can be really effective at actually understanding the true patterns.”“The real challenge was to really understand user behavior, the manufacturer, the real problems that you're trying to solve, and working on the machine-to-machine angle, wasn't really going to drive that.”Links & mentions:Oden Technologies, industrial IoT and analytics software for manufacturersWillem Sundblad, Forbes ContributorÅre, one of the leading Scandinavian ski resortsAkvavit, a distilled spirit that is principally produced in SwedenMalort, “Like a Schnapps, but instead of peppermint, it’s flavored with screams of the damned” 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.

In the manufacturing industry, the Retro Encabulator needs no introduction. However, there’s a good chance you don’t know the actor behind this infamous technobabble video. His name is Mike Kraft, a long-time actor and voice talent, and today, he shares the whole story behind Allen-Bradley’s viral Retro Encabulator video.In this episode, Mike takes us behind the scenes of how the video came to be and the things he’s learned in his career by working in different industries.On the acting side, Mike shares how to deal with rejection and his tips for acting success. Mike explains how announcer-style videos are going out of fashion, which is why it’s so important to know what you’re talking about rather than just pretending to.We also get a hint into whether we’ll ever see a Retro Encabulator reboot anytime soon…In this episode, find out:How the Retro Encabulator video came to beWhy you get to learn a lot about different industries as a voice actorHow to deal with rejectionWhy announcer-style videos are going out of fashionThe story behind the ‘Silver Man’ characterWhether Retro Encabulator will ever get a rebootEnjoying 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 reality of it is you can't be everyone for everybody all the time.”“Know what you're talking about. And be just the best version of yourself you can be, and don't try and be an announcer.”“The way I describe my job poorly is I pretend to know what I'm talking about. That's essential.”Links & mentions:Retro Encabultor, the best viral technobabble video on the internetRockwell Automation, parent company of Allen-Bradley, who really should be taking way more credit for their involvement in the Retro Encabulator video. Hit them up on Twitter and see if they’ll take Mike up on his offer to make a “Retro Encabulator 2.0” video!Retro Encabulator IPA, brewed in collaboration with the engineers and electricians of Great Lakes Brewing Company, Retro Encabulator IPA uses a modial interaction of Simcoe, Centennial, Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops for an enhanced magneto-reluctance and capacitive diractance. Confused by the jargon? In layman's terms, Retro Encabulator is a hop-charged IPA with grapefruit, tangerine, and tropical fruit flavors and a slightly chewy malt body. Part of our Small Batch Pilot System series.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.

Julius Valentine Maina believes it’s time for startups to start thinking about industry and not just cool tech. Julius is the Chief of Staff at gener8tor, a startup accelerator for the creative economy that connects founders, investors, corporations, job seekers, universities, and even musicians and artists.In this episode, Julius explains why he wants to make tech fun and why everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur. He explains how gener8tor helps to educate and support startups in getting funding and improving diversity at a team level and beyond. He speaks about diversity and inclusion and why it needs to be about more than a PR exercise.Julius goes on to explain how he likes to approach Venture Capitalists (VCs) about getting funding and why being a “hype man” is all about building that real connection to the person with the checkbook. In this episode, find out:Why everyone is an innovator on some levelHow gener8tor teaches and supports entrepreneurship in a different wayWhy your founder story should start before your businessWhy diversity should be more than a PR exerciseHow recruitment is the simplest way to increase diversity in your startupWhy building connections is the key to winning a VC’s heartWhy startups all need a “hype man”The benefits of starting with the market first, then the problem as a new startupEnjoying 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 the market, the biggest one, which actually guarantees that you'll hit something. Find the community you're trying to impact and find the problem.”“You want to be investable. You want to be in an industry that matters. Not only now but ten years from now.”“Everybody, at some level, is an innovator and an entrepreneur. They just don't have the resources and the tools to really map that out.”Links & mentions:gener8tor, a turnkey platform offering more than 40 different programs spanning accelerators, corporate programming, speaker series, conferences, upskilling, and fellowships+Guilford Hall Brewery, a European-style dining experience in a revitalized historic Baltimore, MD site, located in the original 1989 Crown, Cork, and Seal factory in Station NorthThe Vanguard, a bar and restaurant in Downtown Bayview Milwaukee that sells some of the best cheese curds in the cityMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.