

The Manufacturing Executive
Joe Sullivan
On The Manufacturing Executive podcast, we’ll explore the strategies and experiences that are driving midsized manufacturers forward. You’ll hear conversations with passionate manufacturing leaders who have compelling stories to share about their successes and struggles. You’ll also hear interviews with B2B Sales and Marketing experts about what’s working on the business development front and how to make these ideas actionable. Episodes will feature topics related to industrial marketing and lead generation, manufacturing sales strategy, technology, and industrial sector innovation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 0sec
How Manufacturers Can Engage Website Visitors in Real Human Conversations w/ Nelson Bruton
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.

Jul 15, 2025 • 0sec
Finding the Root Causes of Success Rather Than Failure w/ George Pesansky
George Pesansky has spent more than 30 years driving operational excellence and performance improvement in the manufacturing sector.
And his perspective turns some conventional wisdom on its head.
In this episode, he’ll reveal why focusing on the root causes of SUCCESS (rather than failure), leads to breakthrough results on the shop floor and beyond.
He’ll challenge the notion that copying industry giants is the surest path to operational improvement.
And he'll share his approach to maximizing the value already there inside of your workforce.

Jul 8, 2025 • 0sec
Reshaping the Homebuilding Industry with Advanced Robotics and Microfactories w/ Vikas Enti
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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 0sec
Industrial DataOps and Rise of AI Agents w/ Aron Semle
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.

Jun 24, 2025 • 0sec
Fair Chance Hiring: Transforming Businesses and Lives w/ Marcus Sheanshang
In today's conversation, CEO of JBM Packaging, Marcus Sheanshang, will share how his company's Fair Chance Hiring program – focused on recruiting, hiring and training previously incarcerated individuals – has not only filled critical staffing gaps but created transformational second chances in their lives.
From setting up training equipment inside prisons to providing comprehensive support services, this second-chance program is making a meaningful difference – both for his employees and the company.

Jun 17, 2025 • 0sec
Stronger Relationships, Stronger Manufacturing: The Power of Trust w/ Michael Kornuta
In this episode, founder and CEO of NORAMARK, Michael Kornuta, shares how his experiences in design and fabrication have led him to observe a lack of connectivity among U.S. manufacturers – particularly when compared to the Chinese manufacturing ecosystem.
And he'll offer a perspective on why stronger networks that are rooted in trust will be key to the future of American manufacturing.

Jun 10, 2025 • 0sec
Lessons from China: Competing on Innovation, Energy and Agility w/ Drew Allen
Is American manufacturing falling behind?
In this episode, Drew Allen, CEO of Grace Technologies, warns that the rise of advanced manufacturing in China is creating urgency.
From extensive investments in solar and nuclear power to the expansive rise of dark factories, China’s manufacturing facilities are running faster and smarter.
We'll talk about why upgrading our energy infrastructure, embracing relentless factory iteration, and building anti-fragile, highly adaptable teams are vital for keeping pace with China, and for future-proofing the US manufacturing economy.

Jun 3, 2025 • 0sec
Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster
Alex Webster, Founder and CEO of SDMS Robotics, shares his unconventional journey from film school graduate to CNC machinist and ultimately to robotics entrepreneur.
In this conversation, Alex pulls back the curtain on the real-world challenges facing machine shops today, from labor shortages to high operational costs of floor space.
He also illustrates how success in modern machine shops isn’t just about adding robots to existing processes. It’s about rethinking and reshaping those processes to find a balance between traditional lean principles and the forward-looking opportunities automation creates.

May 27, 2025 • 0sec
What Manufacturers Truly Need From an MES System w/ Graham Immerman
In this conversation, Chief Revenue Officer at MachineMetrics, Graham Immerman, unpacks the evolution of manufacturing software — from the early challenges of “blind” factory operations to the power and pitfalls of MES systems today.
Most importantly, he breaks down what he believes manufacturers TRULY need in their production software – from downtime tracking and OEE to scheduling and work order tracking.

May 20, 2025 • 44min
Exit Planning for Manufacturing Leaders and How to Protect Your Legacy w/ Amy Julian and Bryan Graiff
For so many owners of midsized B2B manufacturing organizations, their companies are like children to them. For years (or often decades) they've nurtured them and watched them grow.
And inevitably, the time comes to prepare for an exit from the business. It's an overwhelming prospect with so much to consider.
Amy Julian and Bryan Graiff of Armanino are here to talk about all of those factors, including the following:
– When to start planning
– How to identify the value drivers (and value eroders)
– Defining the roles of your team for after your exit
– Tax considerations
– Which types of advisors to recruit as your guides
– How to evaluate different types of buyers (and their motivations)
– What to expect on the other side of your exit
– And more