Manufacturing Happy Hour

Let’s get this out of the way first: Manufacturers are leaving money on the table. If you’re a US manufacturer and you have yet to take advantage of the R&D tax credit, you need to listen to this episode.This week, we are joined by Jessie Cahill and Scott Hamilton, who are both experts in Research & Development Tax Credit Services at CohnReznick. These two are helping put money back in the pockets of manufacturers through the R&D Tax Credit.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, you’ll get a bit of tax advice for free. Jessie and Scott explain the benefits and process behind claiming for R&D tax credits. They dispel some common myths and urge everyone in manufacturing to check if they’re eligible. It’s not just the guys in lab coats who get approved. As long as you’re creating, designing, or improving something, you could be in with a shot to save some serious cash on your tax bill.In this episode, find out:What R&D tax credit isWho can qualify for tax creditThe top activities that qualify for R&D tax creditHow manufacturers can be more proactive about tracking what’s eligible for tax creditsEnjoying 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 really a broad credit. So most companies are going to qualify for this.” – Jessie Cahill“You don't think of R&D, and people making little fixes and changes, as really counting towards it, but it does.” – Jessie Cahill“What I like to tell clients is, if you've got people in the United States, working on smart stuff, then you probably are eligible for the credit.” – Scott HamiltonLinks & mentions:CohnReznick LLP, a leading advisory, assurance, and tax firm helping forward-thinking organizations achieve their vision with extensive expertise in the R&D Tax CreditFive Boroughs Brewing, a brewery and taproom in the heart of Sunset Park, BrooklynHi-Time Wine Cellars, specializing in tequila, this wine & spirits shop is located in Costa Mesa, 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 with another additive manufacturing episode of the podcast. This time, we’re talking to Jeff Mize, the CEO of PostProcess Technologies. Jeff and his team are revolutionizing additive manufacturing by pioneering automated and intelligent solutions to remove the biggest bottleneck in the 3D printing process: post-processing.Yes, the company is literally named after the third step in the additive manufacturing process. PostProcess is basically the Kleenex of the 3D printing world. Talk about great branding!In this episode, Jeff takes us through how PostProcess spotted a gap in the market and transformed it with a little help from data science and digitization. We talk about how additive manufacturing is taking the medical and dental worlds by storm, and why PostProcess is committed to making its operations as safe and sustainable as possible. We also get to hear the biggest lesson that Jeff learned from his time in Silicon Valley and how it’s helped to shape the trajectory of his career.  In this episode, find out:What the three steps in additive process design areHow PostProcess Technologies spotted a gap in the post-printing marketWhy additive manufacturing is ripe for leveraging data scienceThe biggest lesson Jeff learned from his time in Silicon ValleyHow additive manufacturing is transforming the medical and dental worldWhy PostProcess is determined to improve safety and sustainabilityThe biggest challenges in the manufacturing sectorEnjoying 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:“They have developed 3D printed guides for surgery…printed for each individual patient, which takes a lot of the guesswork out. And so, the surgeon becomes less of an artist and more of a scientist.”“Many people weren't measuring their ROI in terms of how much time they were actually spending on post-printing. In fact, on average of the post-print spend is about 25 to 30% of the overall cost.”“When I started digging in additive manufacturing, I thought, this market is absolutely ripe to leverage data science.”Links & mentions:PostProcess Technologies, revolutionizing the way manufacturers scale through the world’s first and only automated support removal and surface finishing for 3D printed parts36 Handles, an easy-going bar in El Dorado Hills serving up classic pub fare, many draft beers, and live musicYoung’s Vineyard, winery serving old vin Zinfindel located in Amador County, CaliforniaVilla Toscano Winery, also located in Plymouth, 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.

If you’re in manufacturing, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Aaron Prather pop up on LinkedIn. The company he works for is a household name as well.Not only is Aaron a Senior Technical Advisor at FedEx, but he's also an evangelist for automation and workforce development. Whether you’ve come across his robotics videos on social media, or this is your first time hearing about him, you’ll get to hear his whole story this week on Manufacturing Happy Hour.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Aaron takes us through how he posts fun LinkedIn videos to educate and inspire people to get into robotics and manufacturing. He shares the fantastic story of how he rose through the ranks at FedEx and established a 25-year career there.Aaron also shares his top tips for those thinking about getting into manufacturing and robotics and what you need to do to propel your career forward. We also round off the talk with some pop culture talk and what we can learn from Futurama.In this episode, find out:Why Aaron uses LinkedIn videos to talk about robots in the workforceHow Aaron worked through the ranks at FedEx to get where he is nowHow networking and building connections can propel your careerThe effects of the pandemic on eCommerceHow robots are creating jobs in manufacturingWhat people can learn about technology from FuturamaEnjoying 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:“Don't think that because you didn't go to a four-year college, you're not going to be successful.”“You can do all the robotics and automation you want, but if you don't have the workforce on top of that, buying into it, you ain't getting anywhere with it.”"If you want to get into robotics and automation, look for those old dirty, dangerous job use cases. Those are the ones you go after.”Links & mentions:ARM Institute, a leading research institute specializing in robotics in manufacturingeKami, the Eastern Kentucky Manufacturing InstituteGhost River Brewery, Memphis’ first craft breweryWise Acre Brewery, home of the Prank Calls to Satan IPA, also based in Memphis, TNMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

One of the best things about a career in manufacturing is that there’s so much variety! One person who can attest to that is Sheena Patterson, who joins us in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour.Sheena has been zooming through an incredible career in manufacturing that's taken her from the Midwest to Silicon Valley and back in less than a decade. Having led as an engineer with companies like Ford, Tesla, and Zoox, she's now the Vice President of Operations at Path Robotics, a company that's leading the way in automated welding robots.In this episode, Sheena takes us through her different job roles over the years, what it’s really like to work with Elon Musk, and how she got into the robots-as-a-service field. We hear what working in an automotive plant is like and why people management and relationships are an overlooked part of the manufacturing world.In this episode, find out:How Sheena made the move from Ford to TeslaWhy people management and relationships are a vital yet overlooked part of manufacturingWhy the midwestern startup scene is boomingHow Path Robotic’s robot-as-a-service worksSheena’s top tip for those new to 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:“The industry and technology are changing so much that you can't just drop a piece of equipment and say, ‘Good luck, I hope this lives for the next 30 years.’ You need that as-a-service support model.”“The biggest thing that has allowed me to get to the companies that I want to be at is never saying no to an opportunity.”“We have this influx of more talent, of different mindsets. And I think that just speaks volumes to what the Midwest is able to pull back from the coasts.”Links & mentions:Path Robotics, manufacturers of autonomous welding robotsDrive Capital, a venture capital firm founded to invest in tech start-ups outside of Silicon Valley, invested in more than 40 companies across the United States and CanadaWatershed Distillery, dedicated to producing high-quality gins, bourbon, and other spirits in Columbus, OHMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Is the world of automation and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) something to fear or celebrate?People worry about robots taking jobs, but according to this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest, robots are here to save the day.Jeff Christensen, VP of Product at Seegrid, joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his work with AMR, automation, and problem-solving technology in the manufacturing space. He challenges the idea that automation and robots are something to be worried about and prefers to think of them as more complementary to human workers. Jeff also explains how technological advancement raises the bar for society and why people shouldn’t be so averse to adopting new technology and AMR into their production lines.In this episode, find out:Why robotics is so important in modern manufacturingHow Jeff made a jump from a background in music and economics into the world of AMRWhat autonomous mobile robots are and why they’re usefulHow humans and robots are good at different things How the manufacturing industry has adapted to automation and new technologyWhy some in the industry are hesitant to adapt to automation and AMREnjoying 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 cool. But they're being applied to a real business problem. They're delivering real value. At exactly the time that the market desperately needs a new answer.”“The faster you move, the more advantage you're going to have over your competition in the future.”“The industry is facing all sorts of pressures, economic pressures, demand pressures. They've got to go faster, better, cheaper, all at the same time. And they just can't do with the old ways. And robots happened to be here to save the day.”Links & mentions:Seegrid, a smart solution combing autonomous mobile robots, enterprise software, warehouse equipment, and more.Sharp Edge, a Pittsburgh bar and brewery specializing in Belgian beer.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 does a future-ready manufacturer look like? What trends and practices are here to stay post-pandemic? These are just a couple of the questions that Salesforce set out to answer in their recent Trends in Manufacturing report. After talking to over 750 industry leaders across the manufacturing world to get their take on the future of manufacturing, we had to take the opportunity to learn more about this through an interview with Salesforce’s Director of Manufacturing, Automotive, and Energy, Ryan Moylan.In this episode, Ryan takes us through the facts and figures of the Salesforce report and discusses what they could mean for the future of manufacturing. He also shares some insights into what makes a future-ready manufacturer and how the top companies managed to weather the storm of COVID-19.Ryan rounds it off by sharing the top three things that will help manufacturers succeed over the next decade. He says the top priority is to design a digital transformation roadmap.In this episode, find out:How Salesforce operates in the manufacturing worldWhat the Salesforce Trends in Manufacturing report tells us about the futureHow COVID has been an accelerant for a lot of initiativesHow companies are preparing for the futureThe importance of agility and a proactive responseWhy companies need a digital transformation roadmapWhy future-ready manufacturers store so much in the cloudRyan’s top three things that companies will need to do to succeed in the next decadeEnjoying 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:“Companies need to really hammer out a digital transformation roadmap they can get behind.”“Future-ready manufacturers are ahead as it relates to thinking about and delivering on servitization.”“There are more and more companies that see a first-mover do some things around digital transformation. And they say, ‘Hey, they're setting a precedent that we need to meet.’”Links & mentions:Trends in Manufacturing Report, compiled by Salesforce based on the feedback of over 750 global manufacturing leaders across all industries; you can also check out this interactive tableau dashboard to see trends by industry and regionLeff’s Lucky Town, a homey bar & eatery with signature burgers, large pretzels & a long beer list in a historic venue in Wauwatosa, WIRaised Grain Brewing Co., a great craft brewery with a sick taproom located in Waukesha, WIMake 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 diving back in the archives for this one. We're taking segments from 3 of our past interviews to bring you 3 of the best pieces of leadership advice that had ever come up on Manufacturing Happy Hour. From strategies for shaping culture to taking on unconscious bias in the workplace, this episode is for everyone that considers themselves a manufacturing leader.

We're bringing back RōBEX President Craig Francisco one last time as we take on a smorgasbord of topics impacting manufacturing leaders of all specializations. From sales to productivity, Craig shares some of his best lessons that you can find on his legacy podcast The 8 Keys of Sales Excellence in addition to what you can expect from his current show The Automation Solutions Podcast. It's a quick one, but this episode is jam packed with advice that will no doubt fuel your mindset.

This week we're talking all things LinkedIn! It's been awhile since we've done a solo episode of the show for you. In this episode, Chris walks through 4 of his top tips for manufacturers that are on LinkedIn (and we're not just talking about the sales team). From building your personal brand to creating content that prioritizes timeliness over perfection, this episode will help you take your LinkedIn game to another level regardless of your role or title.

Patrick O'Rahilly is the Founder of FactoryFix, a Chicago and Madison-based technology company connecting manufacturers with a network of vetted, skilled professionals through their innovative matchmaking platform. Said another way, Patrick and FactoryFix are taking on the hiring challenges of the manufacturing sector head-on!This episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour was recorded live during a fireside chat from one of our recent virtual happy hours. We cover common hiring mistakes, Patrick's thoughts on the current manufacturing labor market, and what the future of hiring looks like for manufacturers. Then, we open it up to a Q&A and discussion with the rest of the Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community.In this episode, find out:How FactoryFix plays matchmaker between talented professionals and employersThe most common mistakes people make with recruitmentWhy you should be proactive, not reactive when hiringWhy employers need to address the pay rates problemPatrick’s tips for people new to the industryEnjoying 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:“Land and expand. Get in the door, show what you can do, and justify that higher wage.”“There's a lot of unnecessary friction in recruiting and the hiring process…if you’re not hitting these applicants up the same day, forget about it. They’re gone.”“A lot of hiring is reactive. There's no plan for an employee once they get hired into one of these production positions.”Links & mentions:FactoryFix, a platform connecting manufacturers with a network of vetted, skilled professionalsOld Irving Brewing Co., a hidden gem on the northwest side of ChicagoThe Green Door Tavern, since 1872, Green Door Tavern is Chicago's oldest tavern - serving over 100 years of trouble (the good kind)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.