The Manufacturing Executive

In today’s conversation, you'll hear from CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Pete Connolly. Pete has spent over 40 years navigating the manufacturing landscape – from running divisions at a global defense company to leading a statewide organization dedicated to empowering small and midsize manufacturers. He’ll break down what the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network actually does, and why it’s so critical – especially in the face of workforce shortages, shifting supply chains and the ongoing challenge of keeping manufacturing jobs close to home. You’ll also hear how creative workforce programs, hands-on training tours, and targeted support are shaping the next generation of industry talent.

What separates high-performing engineering teams from the rest? In this conversation, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, Aaron Moncur, will talk about the often overlooked drivers of engineering success, from the power of clear communication to the role of psychological safety and trust within teams. He'll explain why technical expertise alone isn’t enough to thrive, and how practical things – like choosing a phone call over an email or empowering engineers to act independently – can make all the difference. We’ll also discuss how engineering education is evolving beyond traditional degrees, with innovative ways for professionals to learn, connect, and grow.

In this engaging discussion, Kendra DeKeyrel, Vice President of Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, reveals how AI is transforming manufacturing. She discusses AI's role in real-time defect detection and optimizing field service. Kendra also explores the concept of autonomous AI agents that can streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Listeners will gain practical insights on overcoming data challenges and preparing for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into asset management.

In today’s conversation, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, John Loyack, will use the success of his home state to illustrate what it takes to become a thriving manufacturing hub today. You’ll hear why the workforce itself must be treated as critical infrastructure – every bit as important as roads or utilities. We'll dig into what’s driving major companies to choose certain locations over others, and how customized training solutions and leadership development programs arecontributing to those decisions. And for those unsure of where to start, you’ll get practical advice for tapping into state-level support you might not even know exists.

From a global pandemic to kick off this decade to the tariff rollercoaster of 2025, recent history has created plenty of reasons for American manufacturers to assemble a base of credible, responsive suppliers right here in North America. In today's conversation, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, Mike Wynn, will discuss why purchasing teams – often accustomed to low-cost overseas sourcing – find themselves navigating this unfamiliar territory in today's manufacturing environment. He'll share details about his organization's process for rapidly identifying and vetting potential suppliers, explain why understanding stakeholder needs up front is critical, and spell out some of the characteristics that makes a supplier truly stand out (or get quickly weeded out).

Mark Reich, a senior coach at Lean Enterprise Institute and a former Toyota expert, delves into Hoshin Kanri, a strategic planning method for fostering alignment in organizations. He shares his insights on the disconnect between strategy and reality, highlighting the pitfalls companies face. The conversation emphasizes the need for transforming company culture and developing accountability among leaders. Reich illustrates how empowering teams and maintaining open communication can drive genuine change, transforming stagnant company visions into actionable goals.

How can you transform a website visit from a qualified prospect into a real, human conversation? This is the question my guest, President of ManufacturingChats.com, Nelson Bruton, will be answering in today's episode. Specifically, he'll explain how a human-powered website chat function can drive that engagement. In this conversation, we'll explore the misconceptions around live chat, the impact of changing buyer behaviors and what it means to eliminate friction from your customers’ journey.

In this engaging discussion, George Pesansky, a seasoned expert in operational excellence and co-founder of Capacity to Care, shares his transformative insights on manufacturing success. He argues that focusing on the root causes of success can yield greater results than traditional failure analysis. George challenges the idea of imitating industry giants, urging leaders to nurture their workforce's inherent strengths. Listeners will also hear about empowering communities through employee engagement and the parallels between coaching and business management.

Imagine a future where homes are built faster, more affordably, and with the flexibility to meet the needs of any community—all while tackling the immense challenge of climate change. Today’s conversation is centered on rethinking one of the world’s oldest industries: construction. Co-Founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, Vikas Enti, will explore why building more homes, more sustainably, isn’t just about introducing new materials or labor-saving technology, but about revolutionizing the entire manufacturing process itself. From software-defined microfactories to mass customization, we’ll uncover how radical new approaches are reshaping the landscape of housing and workforce development. Get ready to hear what the future of manufacturing in the construction industry could look like – with a blueprint for real change.

In this conversation, Chief Technology Officer of HighByte, Aron Semle, dives into the concept of Industrial DataOps. He talks about some of the unique challenges with collecting and managing data in manufacturing environments and the importance of contextualizing it all to drive action. Aron also touches on the the rise of AI agents. He explains how agents can automate complex tasks, capture tribal knowledge, and empower operators with real-time insights, helping manufacturers of all sizes improve efficiency and decision-making.