Manufacturing Happy Hour

Zach Arnold is the President of Arnold Machine Inc. (AMI), a premier full-service engineering and equipment manufacturing business that he’s been running for almost three decades. After starting the company in a garage in 1994, AMI now operates out of a 50,000 square-foot facility in Tiffin, Ohio, where they make innovative automated equipment for applications in automotive, appliance, heavy industry, and beyond.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we sat down with Zach to discuss where AMI all started as a side business, eventually progressing to what it is today. Zach discusses the critical lessons he learned along the way, why he embraces innovation in manufacturing, and how he values building relationships as a vital part of the business. He also goes on to explain Machine as a Service and his approach to team training.In this episode, find out:Where AMI’s story started from a side hustle in a garage to where it is todayThe challenges Zach faced when managing a businessWhy innovation is important to embrace rather than fightHow Zach approaches different manufacturing marketsWhat Machine as a Service is and the benefits of it The importance of team training and getting the right people in the right rolesEnjoying 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 be afraid to work, work, work and be a sponge. Soak up everything you possibly can.”“Keep the customer up to speed on what exactly is going on, answer questions, and do business with integrity.”“The nuts and bolts, for the most part, the processes, the components that we use, the thought process, it's all very similar.”Links & mentions:Arnold Machine Inc. (AMI), collaborating with clients to engineer custom automation equipmentClover Club, the go-to tavern in Tiffin, 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.

Andrew Crowe might just be the most important person in manufacturing right now. He's a teacher, brand energizer, and a strong proponent for diversity in manufacturing, but that’s just scratching the surface. After discovering the promise and potential of manufacturing after college, he created the Elevate Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. Elevate is a program that brings together companies, educators, and the next generation of aspiring youth to fill critical manufacturing jobs and lead the new American manufacturing renaissance.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Andrew shares his story and how he finally found his passion in manufacturing. He discusses why manufacturing is such a great career for young people in terms of salary, training, and progression. He also shares how he teaches and inspires the next generation of manufacturing industry leaders. In this episode, find out:How Andrew’s background influenced his decision to go to college and pursue a careerHow Andrew first discovered his passion for manufacturingElevate’s mission to inspire the next generation of manufacturing industry leadersDiversity and inclusion in the manufacturing industryHow Andrew works with individuals and companies to get people into 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:“We’re moving from a skilled trade to a smart trade.” – Andrew Crowe“Industry 4.0 is on the way right now.”  – Andrew Crowe“All hope is not lost. American manufacturing is coming back.”  – Andrew CroweLinks & mentions:Elevate Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, website coming soon…Ranken Technical College, the leading Missouri technical collegeAndrew Crowe on MakingChips, another fantastic manufacturing podcast where you can hear more about Andrew’s storyEarthbound Beer, a local St. Louis craft brewery on historic Cherokee StreetSaint Louis Hop Shop, a retail craft beer store located in the Cherokee Street Business District of St. Louis, MOBlack is Beautiful, a collaborative beer industry effort to raise awareness for the injustices people of color face daily 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.

Craig Francisco is back on the podcast! And this time, he’s here to get technical…Craig Francisco is the President at RōBEX, a new automation company that works with food, glass, and tissue industries. He’s previously spoken with us about digital marketing, but now it’s time to dive deep into the world of automation and robots. In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Craig shares the top 3 automation trends he and his team at RōBEX are most excited about in 2021. From autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to leveraging new business models like their FLEXX Machine-as-a-Service program, we get into the details on this one. Craig also shares pragmatic advice on how to get customers comfortable with new technology and how to build a company culture that allows you to stay on the cutting edge.In this episode, find out:How to prioritize which technologies to focus onHow to get customers comfortable with new technologyWhat Craig is most excited about in the automation worldThe top three automation trendsWhat it takes to create a great company 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:“Never sacrifice company culture for revenue.” – Craig Francisco“What can we do to bring value to our customers without having them extend their funds?” – Craig Francisco“Engage the right person, that’s going to help you understand if something’s going to work for you.” – Craig FranciscoLinks & mentions:RōBEX LLC, an industrial robotics and industrial automation company with uncommon experience & expertiseMiR, a popular brand of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)The Automation Solution Podcast, Craig’s podcast covering innovative, value-added, smart technology solutions that automate and optimize manufacturing processesFLEXX, RoBEX’s Machine-as-a-Service programMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Nick Fallucca is passionate about pizza and people. He's the Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Palermo's Pizza, a company that's been an Italian frozen food staple in the Midwest and beyond for over 50 years.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we sit down with Nick to talk about all things pizza and what goes on behind-the-scenes in food manufacturing. He takes us through the challenges of packaging, experimenting with new ideas, and competing for shelf space. Nick also shares why building relationships with customers is so important and why you need to be passionate about what you do. We round off our talk on the importance of community and the ultimate debate of whether pineapple belongs on pizza.In this episode, find out:What it’s like growing up in a family businessThe challenges of pizza manufacturingHow to create a great product that sellsWhy it’s important to build relationships in salesWhat it takes to be successful and competitive in manufacturingThe importance of community and charityEnjoying 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 either innovate or you die."“A business is just a person behind a desk. It’s not like you’re selling to some robot. There’s still a person making those decisions.”“You’ve got to be so passionate about it that it’s not just your job. It’s kind of your life.”“When you open a pizza…there’s nothing hidden. All the ingredients are front and center. So, making a great pizza every time is not easy.”Links & mentions:Palermo’s Pizza, Nick’s family business and award-winning pizza brandOnly the Paranoid Survive, Andrew S. Grove’s book on overcoming challenges as a business leaderStart With Why, Simon Sinek’s popular book for leadersHosed On Brady, one of Chris’ go-to Brady Street barsThe Roman Coin, a craft beer bar in Milwaukee that Nick recommendsArizmendi Bakery, a bakery and pizzeria in Emeryville, CaliforniaLiguria Bakery, a San Francisco bakery famous for its fresh focacciaMake 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 familiar with the term “digital twin” in manufacturing, maybe it’s time to start thinking of blogs, videos, and social media content as the digital twin of your sales force. Greg Mischio is the Owner & Founder of Winbound, a marketing agency that provides content marketing for small marketing departments with a focus on manufacturing and industrial verticals. He also knows a thing or two about good beer in Madison, WI (which is definitely a plus).In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we sit down with Greg to chat about all things content marketing. We look at how you can create real results with great content by understanding why customers buy. Greg shares the common mistakes people make with content marketing, why the written word is still critical, and how you can build a presence through referrals. We round off our talk on the best ways to get started with content marketing. In this episode, find out:What a digital twin is The importance of bringing value and getting real resultsThe number one mistake people make in content marketingWhy the written word is still critical in sales and marketing How to use a digital twin in manufacturing Why referrals are so important to building an online presence The best way to get started in content marketing. 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:“Sales start with great content.”"What are you awesome at? If you’re a small marketing team, focus on that and then bring in help around you because it’s hard to do it on your own.”“If you’re servicing people and you’ve got something of value, they’re probably going to keep you around.”Links & mentions:Winbound, a marketing agency that creates content that’s mapped to the customer journey and marketing for distribution via search, social, and niche-based paid advertising. Winbound’s clients have enjoyed double and triple-digit increases in traffic and leads.Vintage Brewing Company, house-made craft beer and food with multiple locations in the Madison, WI areaALT Brew, a Madison, WI-based brewery that makes gluten-free beer taste goodCafé Hollander, a restaurant with excellent Belgian beers with locations in Milwaukee and MadisonMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Gavin Collier is an attorney turned serial entrepreneur. After cutting his teeth as an attorney and cofounding multiple companies, he's now focused on his latest venture as the CEO of Dynamic Blending, a global cosmetic manufacturing company. Dynamic Blending was just ranked #17 on Inc. 5000's list of fastest-growing private companies in 2020.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Gavin’s varied career journey from law to contract manufacturing. We look at the reasons behind Dynamic Blending’s impressive growth and Gavin’s focus on people at the heart of the business. Gavin says that people are the secret to success and highlights the importance of keeping great customers happy and building a reliable team. We round off our talk with Gavin’s tips for turning ideas into real successes. In this episode, find out:How Gavin made the leap from a law background to contract manufacturingHow success in cosmetics is about more than just the product. It’s also down to the packaging and marketingHow important great products are to creating a successful manufacturing businessThe reasons behind Dynamic Blending’s crazy-high growth in 2020Why keeping customers happy is Gavin’s number one focusThe importance of having a great team that shares ideas freelyHow to push through challenges and get where you want to go with your business.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 products speak for themselves…If you have a great product, people will buy it.”“We’ve been looking for ways to solve our customer’s problems, and that has made us a more attractive business to do business with.”“You’ve got to put your money where your mouth is. If you really believe in something, you’ve got to risk a lot to get it.”Links & mentions:Dynamic Blending, a contract manufacturing company based in Utah that specializes in cosmetics.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.

Jake Hall is a believer that the future of manufacturing is in the hands of millennials. By day he’s a Business Development Manager at Feyen Zylstra, but most people know him as “The Manufacturing Millennial.” Through conversations and online manufacturing videos that he releases on a constant basis, he's doing his part to highlight the excitement behind automation and high-tech manufacturing.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Jake about how he built such a strong personal brand and his thoughts on the future of manufacturing. Jake discusses the increasing need for millennials in manufacturing and how they can bring some much-needed innovation into the industry. Jake also shares how he balances his day job with The Manufacturing Millennial brand and his top LinkedIn networking tips.In this episode, find out:How Jake got started with The Manufacturing MillennialHow Jake creates engaging content on LinkedIn to build a recognizable brandWhy more big brands aren’t taking advantage of repurposing manufacturing processes and creating engaging contentThe power of LinkedIn for anyone in the manufacturing industry and why Jake views LinkedIn as a social networking site for professionalsHow networking has benefited Jake and his personal brandThe core reason why Jake pursued manufacturing Jake shares his thoughts on the best paths young people can take in manufacturingWhy the manufacturing industry needs millennials and their innovations How to find time to build a personal brandJake’s tips for LinkedIn networking (plus mistakes to avoid).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:“Stop selling your product, start solving problems…If you solve the problems, selling is easy.” – Jake Hall“Millennials are some of the most innovative people out there.” – Jake Hall“The manufacturing workforce is aging, and as people in skilled trades are retiring, there are huge gaps out there for new electricians and programmers.” - Jake HallLinks & mentions:The Manufacturing Millennial, a solution to help manufacturing companies learn more about new tech, automation, and Industry 4.0.Feyen Zylstra, a team of highly skilled thinkers who help electrical and tech industries with innovative solutions.Titans of CNC, one of Jake’s favorite LinkedIn accounts to check out.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.

Craig Francisco is a modern sales & marketing guru in manufacturing and beyond. In his 25 year career, he's served as an operations leader, a podcast host, a sales consultant, and now he’s the President at RōBEX. This brand-new automation company is taking the world by storm with an incredible team and deep expertise in the food, glass, and tissue industries, just to name a few.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Craig’s varied career, some tips he’s picked up over the years, and how to stay relevant online. We look at what type of social media content most resonates with people and how to build a solid strategy. We round off with some of Craig’s best tips for staying ahead online and how to measure your progress. In this episode, find out:We start by discussing how RōBEX helps businesses find automated, smart technology solutionsWhat lessons Craig has picked up throughout his career from mentors and booksCraig discusses why there’s no reason you can’t be successfulCraig reveals why creating customer avatars is step one in any successful marketing planHow to create valuable content on social media and avoid common mistakesHow RōBEX manages to stay consistent (even through a pandemic)The importance of measuring the results of your strategiesHow to stay relevant online, despite all the competitionEnjoying 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 content is the most important thing in social media, not the frequency” – Craig Francisco “No matter what you do or where you decide to put your money, always measure the results” – Craig Francisco“Make sure you are figuring out how to stay relevant online” – Craig FranciscoLinks & mentions:RōBEX LLC, an industrial robotics and industrial automation company with uncommon experience & expertiseThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Craig’s top book recommendation for sales successJab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, one of Gary Vaynerchuk’s best books on tactical social media strategyBenchmark, the top steakhouse in the Toledo area and one of Craig’s personal favoritesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Karen Kerr has a long track record in Venture Capital and manufacturing. For over 2 decades, she has been developing technology-based businesses, serving as Executive Managing Director at GE Ventures, as well as the Senior Director of New Ventures and Alliances at USC's Stevens Center for Innovation (just to name a few). Today, she's the Managing Director at Exposition Ventures in Chicago, IL.In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we discuss Karen’s exciting career in venture capital, how she got started and what she has planned for the future. We also take an in depth look into where manufacturing fits into venture capital, as well as which companies are leading the way with innovative technologies. We round off our talk with what Karen prioritizes when looking for new companies to invest in. In this episode, find out:We start by discussing Karen’s background and how she first got into venture capitalWhat type of firms Karen’s worked with in the pastKaren discusses her projects with Exposition VenturesWe talk about what venture capital looks at when considering new businessesHow GE Ventures has changed over the yearsKaren discusses how far into Industry 4.0 we really areKaren talks us through her interest in manufacturing and technologyInteresting companies that are harnessing Industry 4.0We wrap up our conversation by talking about Karen’s love of baseball and single malt scotch.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 entrepreneur is the most critical thing, and her ability to build a high-functioning team.” – Karen Kerr“It’s really how you manage people in teams…that’s what makes for a successful business.” – Karen Kerr“Companies that can address challenges that apply to different industries…that’s what I look for” – Karen KerrLinks & mentions:Exposition Ventures, Venture Capital advisory servicesmHUB, an innovation center which removes barriers for hardtech entrepreneurs and manufacturersPitchbook, a financial data and software company to help venture capitalists discover new opportunitiesBruichladdich Distillery, a single malt distillery on the Isle of Islay in ScotlandSpringbank 21, Karen Kerr’s favorite single maltMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Chris Grainger has had a long, illustrious career in electrical distribution, currently serving as the Engineering & Services Manager for the Electrical Equipment Company, better known as EECO. Now, he’s also the host of the podcast EECO Asks Why, a show that focuses on the heroes and ideas impacting the industrial world.In this episode, we talk about the origin story of how Chris’s career in electrical distribution got started, how he launched his amazing podcast, and how he secured buy-in from his company. As we dive further into Chris’ love for podcasting, we cover the nuts and bolts of running a good, consistent podcast. Last but not least, we talk about some of Chris’s biggest lessons from podcasting that you’ll want to pay close attention to if you want to start a successful podcast of your own! In this episode, find out: We start the conversation by addressing what the podcast, EECO Asks Why, is aboutWhat drew Chris to the manufacturing industry (and held his interest for 18+ years!)Chris reflects on his self-awareness journey that brought him to the service side of the businessWhat systems and processes help Chris balance his day job and his passion for podcastingWe talk about all the ways Chris prepares for an interview and the importance of doing your front-end homework on your guestsChris reveals one of the most unexpected lessons he learned from hosting a podcastWhy Chris and EECO decided to record and publish two podcast episodes per week instead of oneChris shares some incredible results that have been generated from the EECO Asks Why podcastChris discusses what has been the most rewarding part of hosting a podcast for him personallyWhat hobbies have kept Chris occupied lately besides hosting an amazing 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:“If you really care about the guest and you want to put the best spotlight you can on the guest, you better do your front-end homework.” – Chris Grainger“Everybody has a different style…find one that works for you and make it yours.” – Chris Grainger“When passion and talent align, you get that moment of joy, where you feel like you're doing what you're supposed to be doing.” – Chris GraingerLinks & mentions:EECO Asks Why, an industrial distribution and manufacturing industry podcast focused on the people and ideas in this industry (not product)EECO (Electrical Equipment Company), leading industrial automation and electrical distributor serving Virginia and the CarolinasTom Woodson on EECO Asks Why, Episode 36 of EECO Asks Why featuring one of Chris Grainger’s standout guestsChris Grainger on LinkedInEECO on LinkedInMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.