The Manufacturing Executive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

With the reshoring of American manufacturing all over the headlines during this first half of 2025, the question from inside the industrial sector seems to be, "How are we supposed to make that happen on such an fast timeline?" In today's conversation, Founder and President of Cleveland Automation, Rylan Pyciak, will talk about some of the obstacles in our manufacturing infrastructure that will inevitably slow us down – from production of raw materials to a complex, internationally dependent supply chain to availability of labor. As the leader of an automation business, he'll also talk about where automation fits into the picture and what else we can do to prepare accordingly.

When you've got five projects on your plate and a sixth one gets added, but it's not due for another year, how worried are you about getting it done? Rhetorical question of course. But my guest today will tell you why we need to change that mindset. In today's episode, Clint Padgett, CEO and President of Project Success, Inc, will talk about how to plan for and manage successful projects that finish on time and without that dreaded sense of panic as the deadline approaches – or worse yet, passes.

Last week I was approached by some of my manufacturing leader friends about a panel they just recorded on the MakingChips podcast about a critical issue that's likely familiar to many of you by now. And that is: Defunding of the MEPs or Manufacturing Extension Partnerships. In case you're not familiar, the MEPSs are public-private partnerships that exist in every state throughout the US. These organizations exist to help small manufacturers with everything from securing grants for training and upskilling to lean manufacturing to ERP implementation to cyber security and more. Now – despite all the talk from our current administration about bolstering the American manufacturing sector, 10 MEPs had already been defunded at the time of this recording. And plans for this to continue are looming in the weeks and months ahead. Here's the problem: For the US manufacturing to grow, we NEED our small manufacturers who represent such an overwhelmingly large percentage of our manufacturing economy to thrive. And we need to support them more right now than ever before. I've been asked to syndicate this conversation to bring attention to the issue with THIS audience of The Manufacturing Executive, in hopes of activating YOU to speak up and to take action. So in this panel, you'll hear from five manufacturing leaders – most of which you'll likely recognize. They'll get you up to speed and most importantly, they'll tell you what YOU can do to help: – Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP – Nick Goellner of Advanced Machine & Engineering and MakingChips – Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing – Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing and MakingChips – Jim Mayer of The Manufacturing Connector