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The Manufacturing Automation Podcast

Latest episodes

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Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 6min

Scaling Smart Quoting: Visibility, Rework Reduction, and Better Communication

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the nitty-gritty of improving quoting workflows as the team grows. They talk about reducing rework, creating better internal documentation, and helping team members quickly understand what’s already been quoted and why. Whether it’s through easier access to notes or structuring customer conversations more clearly, this episode is all about removing friction and building quoting systems that scale.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 57min

Staying Ready: Quoting Discipline, Systems Thinking, and Operational Resilience

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt discuss how to lead through uncertainty without overreacting. They dive into improving quoting workflows, building systems that support consistency, and the mindset shift from reactive fixes to resilient infrastructure. From setting up long-term CRM structure to maintaining discipline when momentum feels unclear, this episode offers a grounded approach to keeping your operation sharp—even when things aren’t urgent.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 55min

Treating Marketing Like a Product: Systems, Iteration, and Long-Term Strategy

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt shift gears to talk about building marketing infrastructure with the same rigor and iteration as product development. They cover how to create feedback loops using performance data, the importance of consistency over sprints, and what it looks like to preserve brand voice while testing new tactics. Whether you’re trying to generate demand, establish thought leadership, or just keep the pipeline warm, this episode dives into building a sustainable, systematized marketing engine.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 41min

Building the Muscle: Habits, Systems, and Leadership Mindset in Scaling Teams

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on what it takes to build a company that doesn’t rely on daily firefighting. They explore how developing repeatable habits, systems for information-sharing, and consistent team rituals leads to more predictable outcomes. Michael shares leadership insights on calibration, communication cadence, and the shift from individual heroics to collective readiness. If you’re growing a team and want it to feel less chaotic over time, this episode hits on the mindset and mechanics required.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 49min

Sharpening Focus: Team Ownership, Quoting Expectations, and Leadership Tradeoffs

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt talk through the tradeoffs of staying heads-down in execution versus reigniting marketing efforts. They unpack the importance of team initiative, define clearer quoting expectations, and explore what accountability should look like across roles. Michael reflects on how leadership mindset evolves as the company scales, and how to build a culture where urgency, follow-through, and ownership aren’t optional. A grounded episode on tightening up internally while keeping sight of long-term growth.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 59min

Quarter-End Momentum, Lean Execution, and Building for Sustainable Growth

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on wrapping up Q2 with solid momentum and a clearer vision heading into Q3. They share how quoting systems, lean team habits, and a more disciplined sales process are shaping the next phase of growth. The conversation also dives into the benefits of consolidating operations under one roof—from engineering to final assembly—and building internal clarity to support simultaneous machine builds. If you're thinking long-term but fixing friction today, this episode offers a grounded take on sustainable scaling.
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Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 2min

Execution Highs, Hiring Setbacks, and Hard Lessons in Automation Operations

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack a rollercoaster week—celebrating the smoothest turnkey project delivery in company history while also grappling with a surprise hiring fallout and challenging customer interactions. They reflect on cash flow milestone structures, quoting approaches, and how internal friction often leads to the most meaningful lean improvements. The episode also touches on ambitious goals for machine build timelines, continuous improvement habits, and managing expectations during growth. If you’ve ever hit a high and a low in the same week, this episode is for you.
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

Refocusing from Growth to Execution: Lean Culture, Sales Reset, and Quoting Smarter

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack the reality of stepping back from growth mode to refocus on execution, culture, and systems. Michael shares how working in the business revealed bottlenecks in machining and sparked a deeper investment in lean shop floor improvements. Matt reflects on Automate trade show wins, shifting team energy, and integrating AI into lead follow-up and sales workflows. They also dive into quoting friction, CRM constraints, inventory cleanout, and the tension between chasing growth and staying operationally stable. If you're rebalancing priorities or scaling through simplification, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons.
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May 21, 2025 • 1h 10min

Lean Overhaul, Product Cuts, and Operational Clarity in Automation

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the messy but essential work of simplifying operations, cutting underperforming SKUs, and doubling down on lean principles. They reflect on recent wins in sales and onboarding, explore the unexpected effects of tariff changes on customer demand, and compare strategies for improving customer communication—whether through proven process graphics or Loom videos. The episode also covers website refinement, managing ECR requests, and how leaders can balance engineering pride with execution. Whether you're rethinking product lines or building a leaner shop, this episode delivers lessons in operational clarity and focus.
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May 14, 2025 • 1h 8min

Cutting the Clutter: Lean Mindset, Visual Sales Tools, and Operational Reset in Automation

In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on the shift from high-velocity scaling to focused execution. They talk through the pressures of excess demand, making tough SKU decisions, and leaning into simplified, efficient operations. The conversation also dives into how visuals like sales process flowcharts can boost customer confidence, new Fyxer workflows for email automation, and how to create culture-driven lean adoption across teams. Whether you're navigating burnout, decluttering your shop floor, or rethinking what growth should look like, this episode is a sharp look at simplifying to scale smarter.

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