Manufacturing Happy Hour

M&A may look like a numbers game on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. According to this episode’s guest, selling a business is as much about psychology and emotions as it is about the facts and figures.In this episode, we welcome Clint Bundy, Managing Director at Bundy Group, who shares his experience, advice, and stories on helping people sell their businesses. We kick things off with Clint’s most memorable M&A experiences and why the reality of selling can be an emotional rollercoaster.Clint shares his expertise on how to understand the true value of your business, what buyers are looking for, and how to win the numbers game when coming to a final price agreement. He also talks about what businesses can do to prepare for a sale and why utilizing tech and great systems is the most important step to take. Whether you’re planning your exit soon or far in the future, there are some great take-home points from Clint in this episode. After all, his advice is to plan way ahead of time, so give this episode a listen before you even think about getting that For Sale sign!In this episode, find out:Clint shares his wildest M&A stories from his career, including one poor guy who fainted from the stress of selling his businessHow his background as a financial analyst prepared him for a career in investment banking The one thing Clint wishes he’d done a better job of when starting his career in his 20s Why selling a business is “a war of numbers” with buyers and sellers both wanting the best price (which means different things to each)How companies are using automation and new tech to build better systems and the impact this has on a business’ saleA breakdown of the top steps in selling a business and what goals sellers should strive forWhy a lack of preparation is the number one mistake sellers make Surprising facts about preparing a business for sale that will really appeal to investorsWhy selling a business is mostly about psychology, not just numbers The four signs of a good company that investors look for The current state of M&A in the automation space, including who’s buying and selling What it’s like helping a business sell when the market conditions aren’t idealEnjoying 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:“Motivation is the foundation of transactions – a motivated buyer + a motivated seller.”“We want to show the strongest possible financials and the strongest possible story, past, present, and future, to get the seller an above market price.”“We have to remember when a buyer is buying a company, they are buying the future.”Links & mentions:Bundy Group, a boutique advisory firm with an industry-focused senior team and over 200 successful transactionsThe Old Fields, formerly The Old Garage, this Southfields London pub is situated on Southfield High Street just a minutes walk from the Underground station, and close to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis ClubMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

As 2025 approaches, automation trends like autonomous mobile robots and humanoid robots are taking center stage in manufacturing. Discover how AI enhances fault code analysis and aids in preventative maintenance while also supporting traditional jobs. The conversation dives into innovative strategies for attracting and retaining talent amidst labor shortages. Plus, get insights on community engagement and the importance of preserving the knowledge of retiring workers in this evolving landscape.

FTI are at the center of some of the most important macro trends taking place in manufacturing today. From building biodigesters to driving innovations in energy solutions, they are helping companies optimize production systems, use automation, and address sustainability challenges. So how do they do it? In this episode, we’re joined by FTI’s Kevin Senn to discuss trends in manufacturing and automation, the growth of data centers, AI, and more. Kevin highlights how FTI differentiates from their competitors by offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from high-concept development and engineering consultation to full design services, in-house manufacturing, and automation packages. We also cover FTI’s unique approach to industrialized construction, including their approach to offsite prefabrication, and explore Kevin’s transition from a solutions architect to Director of Automation. Finally, we discuss how energy is the common thread that binds the seemingly diffuse sectors in which FTI operates.In this episode, find out:FTI’s ‘pathway to smarter energy’ - a stepwise approach to helping customers become energy independentWhy energy resilience is something that every company can enjoy and be customized to fit individual needsHow FTI capitalized on emerging markets thirty years agoWhat the manufacturing industry looks like going into 2025 with regards to automation and sustainabilityThe trend towards prefabricated buildings and why this is happeningWhy FTI has seen such growth in the data center space, especially with electric vehicle infrastructureWhy automation is integral to creating efficient and scalable solutions Why a level of responsibility and ownership is needed when using AI, especially considering sustainabilityEnjoying 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:“A lot of the growth that the company is seeing at the moment is tied to that data center market growth.”“There were some really conscious decisions that the leadership team of this company made looking at these emerging markets.”“Resilience, I think, is something that every company can achieve.”Links & mentions:Rockwell Automation, an American provider of industrial automation and digital transformation technologiesFTI, a dynamic organization leveraging unified growth to create unparalleled possibilities and shape the future of energy Raised Grain Brewing, located in Waukesha, WI, this brewery has an extensive beer lineup that often pays tribute to local guitar hero Les PaulMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Manually manufacturing control panels is difficult. It demands highly skilled labor, years of reading schematics, and the ability to troubleshoot. What’s more, it’s a time-consuming process. This is where automated and semi-automated panel design and assembly comes in. Not only does this innovation drastically reduce the amount of time spent manufacturing panels, but it also frees up skilled laborers to do higher-value work. In this episode, we’re joined by Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski. Join us as we discuss the difference between semi-automated and automated panel design and assembly, how to help customers overcome technology hesitancy, and why automation is nothing to be afraid of. In this episode, find out:The difference between automating panels in America and the rest of the worldThe importance of having a story to tell that’s backed by data, rather than just conceptualHow EPLAN and Rittal use “lighthouse customers”Best practices for effective collaboration How automation is helping solve the skilled labor shortageWhy there’s no right or wrong way to start with automationBrian’s “Girl Scout cookie enterprise,” and Kruno’s favorite football team and animal!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:“Before, we had a story to tell conceptually, now we have a story to tell because we have actual data to back it up.” - Brian Jung“If we can help customers going from manual to semi-automated, they are saving a lot of time.” - Kruno Kutnohorski“You're not displacing a human, right? They're doing other jobs that bring value to the company.” - Brian JungLinks & mentions:EPLAN, provides ECAD software and service solutions for electrical panel builders, electrical design, automation and mechatronic engineeringRittal, the world's leading systems provider for Enclosures, Power Distribution, Climate Control, IT infrastructure, 19" racks, and software and servicesGolden Road Brewing Company, Los Angeles' largest craft brewerMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

When selecting talent for manufacturing roles, grades don’t matter nearly as much as hard work and talent. A's and B's are all very well, but a willingness to learn and the hunger to improve daily can’t be taught. Becoming a great engineer isn’t about knowing everything right out of the gate, it’s about figuring it out. In this episode, we’re joined by Cody Myers, Jon Rauner, and Mick Yrkoski of Behlen Mfg. Co. Join us as we discuss Behlen’s approach to hiring, their relationship with the wider community in Columbus, Nebraska, and their “pay-it-forward” mentality. Behlen’s approach to development, which includes tiered meetings, profit-sharing initiatives, and partnering with local colleges, has helped them continue to grow and progress since their inception almost ninety years ago. In this episode, find out:Why metal-forming and manufacturing is still an artBehlen has a personal connection to the community and culture of Nebraska – they value their employees as names rather than numbers How, at Behlen, the focus is on balancing today's tasks with long-term success, valuing sustainable decisions over immediate profitsWhy Behlen values hard work and drive over great grades and talentWhy a pay-it-forward mentality is vital for nurturing the next generation of talent, especially with apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local colleges The reason maintenance teams are the ‘rockstars’ of the manufacturing worldThree-tiered meetings allow an organization to foster alignment across different levels of the company and enhance decision-makingThe overlooked importance of culture at manufacturing firms and why people are the keyThe different opportunities in manufacturing that people don't talk about or don't see – whether that’s opportunities in HR, IT, or accountancyEnjoying 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 still view metal as an art.” - Cody Myers“One of our global values is continuous learning.” - Cody Myers“I would take a technician anytime that has drive and aspires to be better over somebody that knows the answer and doesn’t have to do the research.” - Mick Yrkoski Links & mentions:Behlen Manufacturing, a steel fabrication companyIndustrial Solutions Network, a network of manufacturing technology companies providing the collective information, technology, tools and services to manufacturing communitiesCentral Community College, a multi-campus community college serving a 25-county area in central NebraskaMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

AI skepticism – much like AI itself – is here to stay, whether we like it or not. While getting buy-in can be difficult, and deploying it as a solution within a company is even harder, the key thing to remember is that AI, like any new tool, must address a pain point. The only way folks will be persuaded as to its use will be when it solves a problem that was previously thought unsolvable.In this episode, we are joined by Adam Gluck, the CEO and Founder of Copia Automation. Join us as we explore the problems that AI is solving, why a customer-centric culture is so key to developing useful products, and the need for Silicon Valley to overlap with industries that have existed for over two hundred years.The problem-first mindset is one that’s helped Copia evolve since July 2020 and navigate hype cycles in tech. What’s more, by keeping users front of mind, they can use AI as a “painkiller” rather than a “vitamin”. This means Copia create proactive, targeted solutions that deliver value where it matters most.In this episode, find out:Adam shares his career path, including his work for Uber and his sociology undergraduate degreeWhy it is harder for graduates to get software engineering jobsHow, in engineering, a self-taught approach can be less restrictive when learning new approaches or facing new problemsHiring smart people is often the most important step in solving hard problemsCopia has evolved since July 2020, and the key to this has been their market understanding, adoption, activation, and backup and disaster recoveryHow DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets writtenAdam chose to move to New York from San Francisco because of the large number of seed rounds, proximity to venture capital and large amount of talentHow the current enthusiasm for industrialization and manufacturing among venture capitalists and young companies will persist long-termEnjoying 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 want to build something people can use every single day as part of their standard workflow and that solves material problems for them.”“DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets written.”“Ultimately, you can try and solve things with processes organization, but you're going to actually solve problems with really smart people.”Links & mentions:Copia Automation, bringing modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation, standardizing processes to drive quality, efficiency, and uptime at scaleReindustrialize, a summit exploring how technology will shape the future of the US industrial baseAmerican Dynamism, part of a16z, investing in founders and companies supporting the national interest: aerospace, defense, safety, education, and manufacturingFounders Fund, a San Francisco based venture capital firm organized by Peter Thiel and others, investing in companies building revolutionary technologiesGeneral Catalyst, a global investment and transformation company that partners with the world’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to drive resilience and applied AIConstruct Capital, an early stage venture capital firm, investing in founders who are reimagining the foundational industries of our economyDante NYC, legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting in New York City’s West VillageLobby Bar at the Chelsea Hotel, high-end cocktail bar inside of NYC’s Chelsea Hotel offering seasonal cocktails, artfully prepared plates, and late-night hoursMake 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’ve all been guilty of taking energy for granted at some point, from mindlessly flicking on light switches to filling up our cars on the way to work. We may grumble about the costs, but when was the last time you really thought about where it all comes from?The availability of energy is something that affects us all, and leaders in the industry are calling for a re-envisioned future. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Jordan from TECHMAR, Gakuo Ndonga of WD Bearings, and Meaghan Ziemba, host of Mavens of Manufacturing. Recorded live at the Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference, we dive into what it truly means to re-envision energy for the future. Key themes from our conversation include challenging traditional ways of thinking, spreading awareness, and the importance of collaboration. The secret to innovation in energy isn’t just about new tech (although that’s important), it’s also about bringing fresh voices into the conversation. But as we see across manufacturing, it’s not always easy to sell younger generations on a future career in energy. So we look at what industry leaders can do to communicate and spark excitement to keep energy ticking. In this episode, find out:What does it mean to re-envision energy? Meaghan, Michelle, and Gakuo all share their perspectives and career storiesWhy we need to avoid taking energy for granted and remember that it’s a valuable, scarce resource How maintenance and reliability are handled in the energy industryHow leaders can talk to their customers about re-envisioning operations Changes in the workforce and how this can drive innovation for energy Gakuo shares a story of a tour he took in an experimental mine that had a classroom in it How industry leaders can communicate with others about the energy industry to drive excitement and awareness The trick to getting more comfortable sharing your stories to tell others about your career Advice for businesses on communicating with educators and young people and why a new approach is needed for a new generationWhy it’s so important to find your passion and communicate that wellHow focusing on relatable everyday items can help you to communicate the value of working in energyWhy continuous learning is key and the importance of approaching everything from a student perspective 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:“We have to treat energy as a very valuable resource that's not always there. And the way we do that is by bringing people together. People have to be excited to be in this industry to keep energy going.” – Gakuo Ndonga"We all have to be advocates for this industry... If you have a really cool story, or if you know of a really cool story, share that with everyone." – Meaghan Ziemba"Looking forward to the future, the direction we are headed, the infrastructure that is being built, clean energy, renewable energy, carbon capture—those things are our future." – Michelle JordanLinks & mentions:Mavens of Manufacturing, a live video series that celebrates women in manufacturing WD Bearings, manufacturers of high-quality bearings that specializes in tech, manufacturing, and researchTECHMAR, epoxy grout manufacturers that specializes in protecting equipment from vibrations Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference, a conference that connects industry leaders and insights on workforce development, leadership and innovationMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Manufacturing is a key industry that can revitalize communities, but what about in more rural locations? How do smaller communities compete with the big cities for talent, innovation, investment and growth? We head to Northeast Nebraska for this episode to speak with Angie Stenger, the Executive Director of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together – an initiative to transform the regional economy and population growth. From scholarship programs to a new innovation hub and the creation of a vibrant downtown scene, Norfolk is redefining what it means to live and work in a rural community. Angie shares insights on their unique "Growing Together Scholarship," which partners with Wayne State College to offer students not just education, but also housing and a full year of internship experience with local businesses. This not only provides valuable skills to students but also allows companies to "test drive" potential employees.But it's not all work and no play in Norfolk. The city has invested in quality-of-life improvements that rival big city amenities, including a Whitewater Park for river surfing, an amphitheater for festivals, and a thriving arts scene. The goal? To make Northeast Nebraska a magnet for young professionals and families. In this episode, find out:Angie shares some backstory on the resurgence of downtown Norfolk The purpose of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together and how it’s helping to “repopulate Northeast Nebraska” How the local community is investing in facilities including attractions, art, and local facilities to attract familiesAngie explains how their partnership with Wayne State College enabled them to build a great scholarship program Why Northeast Nebraska is leading the way with its Growing Together initiativeWhat to expect from Northeast Nebraska’s upcoming innovation hub How Angie’s organization works closely with local businesses and manufacturers to find out what they need from talent Angie explains what manufacturing and bedrock companies mean to the region and shares examples of innovative tech and companies leading the wayRaising awareness and interest in manufacturing as a career path through the Growing Together initiativeHow Growing Together is measuring success in both the short and long-termAngie’s advice to other regions that might want to adopt a similar model of collaboration 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:“We're in the middle of the country. This is Nebraska. And we know that if one town succeeds, all the towns around succeed. And so we want to make sure that we're raising all the tides for everyone in the state, but we're starting here in Northeast Nebraska.”“I think in Nebraska, we figure out how to make the things we need and then when the rest of the world sees it, we just figure out how to make it for everybody else.”“If we can show that, "hey, this is an okay place to live," hopefully they'll stay.”Links & mentions:Growing Together Northeast Nebraska, an Aksarben workforce initiative; this plan outlines the proactive transformation of Northeast Nebraska’s regional economy and population growth. At its essence, the plan pairs entrepreneurs with investment capital and students to redesign a workforce that can compete in a knowledge-based economy.The Aksarben Foundation, proudly recognizing individuals and families with strong Nebraska values since 1895, and helping develop the leaders of tomorrow through education, scholarships, career training, community grants, and increasing access to opportunities in NebraskaAngie’s evening bar crawl across downtown Norfolk, NE includes Bar A for appetizers, Fifth Street Tavern for cocktails, and the Green Light Great Night for live musicDistrict Table and Tap, once the historic Elkhorn Hotel, this 100-year-old building has been restored to house a restaurant with a great beer selection in Norfolk, NEDivots Brewery Taproom, beer handcrafted in small batches using American-grown, Midwestern barley and northwestern hops with a taproom location in downtown Norfolk, NEMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Have you ever stopped to think about what goes into getting your favorite Kwik Trip products onto your table? In this episode, we explore the impressive vertical integration model that Kwik Trip uses, a strategy that allows them to maintain almost complete control over their supply chain. Paul Blank, Director of Operations, and Scott Schiebel, Automation Manager, share insights on how this approach not only enhances quality and food safety but also helps the company navigate supply chain challenges that have become all too common in recent years.Kwik Trip’s commitment to vertical integration means they handle everything from manufacturing to distribution in-house. With five major food production facilities and their own trucking operations, they can ensure that products like milk and baked goods are delivered fresh to stores—sometimes in less than 24 hours! The episode highlights the crucial role of automation in streamlining these processes, including ingredients prep and order fulfillment. You’ll also hear how Kwik Trip prioritizes its workforce despite the big focus on automation. Paul and Scott emphasize that automation is not about replacing jobs but enhancing operations to meet rising demand. In this episode, find out:Paul and Scott give us a quick overview of what Kwik Trip isWhy Kwik Trip uses a vertical integration model and its impact on logistics and supply chain issues How using automation makes vertical integration a powerful strategy An overview of some of the more recent facilities set up at Kwik Trip and how they’ve improved operationsWhy Kwik Trip is a great example of a company using digital transformation to refine production and distributionHow the team at Kwik Trip makes decisions on production types such as batch and continuous processesHow automation has impacted the people behind the process and why it doesn’t mean that anyone loses a job Why predictive maintenance is essential for keeping plants running smoothly How operations leaders collaborate within Kwik TripHow Kwik Trip decides what to produce in-house vs. outsource to other manufacturers The process behind building the right tech for each production line and why everything starts with food safety How Kwik Trip’s food innovation team maintains great quality and tests out new ideas for feasibility How the company collaborates and seeks out vendors and OEMs to work with Tips for any manufacturers considering the vertical integration modelKwik Trip’s approach to training, hiring and retaining great talent Some stats on the impressive numbers of products that come off the Kwik Trip production linesEnjoying 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 make it. We ship it. We sell it. This allows us to control pricing that's best for our guest. It also allows us to manage quality and food safety.” – Paul Blank"Our maintenance staff has a CMMS program, and they are diligent about PMs and staying on top of the equipment in terms of the routine needs. And that pays dividends long term since there's less unexpected downtime." – Scott Schiebel"Automation really is part of our growth pattern. There isn't a project that we take on without evaluating whether or not automation fits or how it may fit. It doesn't mean we automate everything, but where we do, Kwik Trip grows as a whole." – Paul BlankLinks & mentions:Kwik Trip, a popular chain of convenience stores located throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of MichiganMake 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 talk a lot about the skills gap on this podcast, but this episode paints an optimistic picture of what the manufacturing world can achieve when we come together. Partnerships between industry and education are so important because without the right education and exposure to manufacturing, the skills gap could continue to grow.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Josh Gamer, Dean of the Integrated Technology Division at Western Technical College, and Kris Gengler, Education Foundation Manager at Ashley Furniture, to talk through the important intersection between education and manufacturing.Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College have an amazing partnership and work closely together to find ways to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of manufacturers. We cover a lot in this episode – from why Western Wisconsin is such a manufacturing hub to the upcoming Wanek Center of Innovation at Western Technical College and what it will mean for manufacturing businesses and students.Kris and Josh share their predictions on the industry, talk about apprenticeships, and the type of skills and technology that future manufacturers will get to learn at places like Western Technical College. In this episode, find out:What makes manufacturing in Western Wisconsin so special and important to the regionThe types of manufacturing that Western Wisconsin specializes in and how the area manages to attract and retain talent  What Western Technical College’s Wanek Center of Innovation will mean for manufacturers and why it’s been a group effort between education and industryWhat Ashley Furntiure and local education institutions learned from a group trip to Germany to visit manufacturers and trade showsWhy you need to be willing to look outside your immediate bubble and learn from othersJosh lists some of the different ways students and manufacturers will benefit from the new CenterWhy we need to talk to younger kids about manufacturing to plant the seed earlyHow Western Technical College’s apprenticeship programs have evolvedJosh does some podcast shoutouts to organizations he’s partnered withEnjoying 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 want to understand how you're truly doing, you have to open your eyes and be willing to look outside. Go to a different state. Consider another country. Visit other manufacturers, other educational institutions because if you don't do that, you do run the risk of falling behind.” – Dr. Josh Gamer“Manufacturing here in Western Wisconsin, you have people who are very hardworking, very smart, and they have a drive to succeed and they continue to want to learn, to expand, and to find a better way.” – Kris Gengler“When those businesses are successful, it's keeping the money within an area. And that's really what manufacturing does for an area. And when it does that, it, it enhances everything. It enhances healthcare, it enhances distribution, it enhances education. It just creates a whole lot of good for an area.” – Kris Gengler Links & mentions:Western Technical College, leading institution in Western Wisconsin, Western Technical College prepares students for hands-on careers with a focus on technology and manufacturingAshley Furniture, one of the world’s largest furniture makers, Ashley Furniture combines innovation with craftsmanship to create products for homes everywhereRonald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, this foundation, created by the Wanek family, supports STEM education and community growth through impactful initiativesLa Crosse Bierhaus, a cozy spot in La Crosse serving authentic German beers and food in a fun, Bavarian-inspired atmosphereMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.