221: "Building America" from the Heartland Featuring Nucor Vulcraft

Manufacturing Happy Hour

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추가했습니다 four 년 전

Chris Luecke에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Chris Luecke 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.

<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/uncuffed">Uncuffed</a></span>

1
Uncuffed

구독 취소

13일 전13d ago

구독 취소

매달

Uncuffed empowers people in California prisons to tell their own stories. The award-winning collaboration between incarcerated student producers and professional journalists shines light on the human experience of people before, during, and after their prison terms. The new Season 4 is hosted by formerly incarcerated producer Greg Eskridge. https://www.WeAreUncuffed.org

약 1년 전 23:37

MP3•에피소드 홈

Nucor Vulcraft is a company that’s not just supporting the construction of warehouses, schools and hospitals but also helping to build up the local community and the legacy of American manufacturing. We explore how it’s helping to shape the lives of the people who work there and beyond thanks to community investment and a people-first approach.

Jayden and Gaby both share their stories in this episode about working for Vulcraft and how it has evolved its technology, safety practices, and quality over the years. Places like Norfolk are hubs for manufacturing and engineering, so we look at how Vulcraft and downtown revitalization projects have been key to retaining talent in the area.

In this episode, find out:

How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment
Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companies
A brief history on Vulcraft and how it’s closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues today
How community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big family
Why Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their career
How one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturing
What other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and Vulcraft
Vulcraft’s commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovations
Insights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety
What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades ago
How Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotions

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:

“It's hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden
"My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they’re the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby
"I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." Jayden

Links & mentions:

Nucor Vulcraft, part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America.
Nucor Detailing Center, a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality.
Divots Brewery, craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and hops

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

273 에피소드

#A Miniseries

221: "Building America" from the Heartland Featuring Nucor Vulcraft

Manufacturing Happy Hour

13 subscribers

published 약 1년 전

MP3•에피소드 홈

In this episode, find out:

How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment
Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companies
A brief history on Vulcraft and how it’s closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues today
How community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big family
Why Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their career
How one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturing
What other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and Vulcraft
Vulcraft’s commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovations
Insights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety
What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades ago
How Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotions

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:

“It's hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden
"My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they’re the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby
"I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." Jayden

Links & mentions:

Nucor Vulcraft, part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America.
Nucor Detailing Center, a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality.
Divots Brewery, craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and hops

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

273 에피소드

#A Miniseries

Wszystkie odcinki

Manufacturing Happy Hour

1
226: Building a Community of Machine Shop Entrepreneurs Featuring Russell Winter, Founder of US MFG 47:13

9일 전47:13

나중에 재생

리스트

47:13

When like-minded entrepreneurs sit down to swap stories, advice, and connections, it’s a major win for everyone. This is one of the great things about manufacturing because this industry thrives on collaboration, not just competition. In this episode, we hear from Russell Winter, Founder of US MFG, who’s on a mission to connect entrepreneurs in the machine shop space together, while also acquiring shops from retiring owners that would have otherwise gone out of business. With the number of machine shops steadily declining, people like Russell are breathing new life into the space with technology and innovative ideas. Russell shares his story of how he got started, how he chooses whether to acquire a new shop, the red flags to watch out for, and the two main things he looks at when accessing a business. We hear more about his efforts to build bridges in the community and his thoughts on inspiring the next generation of manufacturing business owners. In this episode, find out: Russell shares an overview of how he buys machine shops and brings them together with software Retiring owners of machine shops who don’t have a clear succession plan often close their doors for good unless someone like Russell steps in How Russell decides which machine shops to acquire by looking at finances and culture to find red flags Why bringing people in with more experience is a huge part of succeeding in this space How Russell finds mentors and collaborates in his network Advice for entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities What led Russell to realize he needed to change the mission of US MFG to a more community-focused approach How do we create awareness in the next generation of manufacturing business ownership? The skills and knowledge we need to prepare young people for a future in manufacturing and business ownership Why shop classes in high schools are a growing trend and what this means for the industry How Russell’s company teaches important skills like financial literacy through his shops Russell shares the first major project he remembers manufacturing 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: “The cool part about these shop classes is their instructors are often very mutual and collaborative with the industry that's around the high school. They'll have a board of business owners saying, 'This is who we're looking to hire. Can you teach them more turning work or a specific software?'” “Something that I've worked on developing a lot more is a mindset of trust but verify as opposed to just trust. Going over things with a fine-toothed comb, actual financials, and setting clear expectations at the beginning really pays off.” “There's a saying: if you want investment, ask for advice. And if you want advice, ask for investment. People are always going to give you advice because there's something to improve on, and if you're willing to take it and learn and grow and actually put it into action, then they're like, 'Oh, I see an investment here.'” Links & mentions: US MFG partners with entrepreneurs to acquire, operate, and grow manufacturing companies within a collaborative network SCORE Business Mentoring , providing free business advice for starting or growing a small business through their network of 11,000 volunteer mentors in-person and online; part of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Discourse Coffee , a music-driven coffee workshop in Milwaukee, WI, located in the same building as local, community-driven radio station Radio Milwaukee Make 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 Happy Hour

1
225: From Enterprise Engineering to Owning a Small Manufacturing Business Featuring Amorphic Brewing Founder Ron Hockersmith and a BROADcast For Manufacturers, Live from Milwaukee, WI 44:27

16일 전44:27

나중에 재생

리스트

44:27

What happens when a former engineering leader decides to open a brewery? In the true spirit of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk all about beer in this episode. Recorded live from Amorphic Beer in Milwaukee, WI, we sit down with the Founder, Ron Hockersmith, to learn about what makes their beer special and the company a success even as the hype around craft beer fades. We’re also joined by the brilliant hosts from A BROADcast for Manufacturers, Kris Harrington (CEO of GenAlpha) and Lori Highby (CEO and Founder of Keystone Click), for a 4-way entrepreneurial chat about manufacturing, engineering, leadership, and of course, beer. In this episode, we take a look at the early days of Amorphic Beer and Ron’s career background before he stepped into the brewing world. Ron has taken all the great parts of leading a team from his engineering days and applied them to his business today, and it’s safe to say that’s been a great move for Amorphic. We hear about the team, the operations, the scientific approach to margins and recipes, and some surprising beer facts along the way. In this episode, find out: A little background on Ron’s career and how he came from healthcare manufacturing and defense contracting to start his own brewery Introduction to the hosts of A BROADcast for Manufacturers podcast Why Ron opted for lean manufacturing principles without the formality to run his brewery What a background in engineering taught Ron about leadership and why he runs Amorphic Beer like an international engineering organization What makes the leadership and management of Amorphic Beer different and successful even as the hype around craft beer dies down Why trust in your employees is key to success Ron shares the main differences he’s experienced since working for himself vs. as an employee in a major organization Facts on beer, music, plants, and sports for the “I just learned that…” segment How recent tariffs on Canadian aluminum may have a huge impact on Amorphic Beer in the future 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 run this like it's an international engineering organization." "Don't try and hire for the perfect team because you'll never find the perfect people to fit into the perfect cogs... Find what your people are very good at and then build your organization around that.” "No-one's ever worked for me that I don't trust. Doesn't matter if I'm working in defense contracting for GE or at the brewery, trust them, empower them to do the right things.” Links & mentions: Amorphic Beer , Milwaukee WI brewery where beer is “engineered through scientific experimentation” A BROADcast for Manufacturers , a podcast run by Lori, Kris and Erin exploring stories and manufacturing insights that challenge the status quo Make 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 Happy Hour

1
224: The Role of a State Chamber in a Manufacturing Ecosystem with Mike Johnson, COO Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry 37:50

23일 전37:50

나중에 재생

리스트

37:50

Manufacturing is a hotbed of activity, interest, and innovation right now and states like Nebraska are leading the way. As part of our Made Here series, we toured Nebraska’s manufacturing heartland to hear stories from leaders, experts, and innovators who want to spread the word about the opportunities and community benefits of manufacturing. We round off our Nebraska tour with Mike Johnson COO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who shares a wider perspective on how manufacturing is impacting local communities, the economy, and the individuals who make it all happen. We talk about why manufacturing opportunities are great for people from all walks of life, with some inspiring stories about women in the space becoming role models for future manufacturers. Mike also explains the role of a Chamber of Commerce and why we should celebrate and showcases manufacturing careers for the benefit of all. We hear a great example of Nebraska doing this with its annual competition for the coolest innovations in Nebraska – featuring a fire-breathing drone and an all-terrain wheelchair. In this episode, find out: A summary of what we’ve heard and learned as we round off the Nebraska tour of our Made Here series We recap on the last time Mike was on the show and how perceptions of the industry have changed since Old perceptions of the dirty and dangerous stereotype of manufacturing are changing, leading more young people to consider it as a career Why rural Nebraska is writing a playbook for reinvigorating manufacturing and the impact this has on the economy and community The role of education institutions in training and encouraging more to consider manufacturing careers The best ways to connect with the local community and involve everyone in the manufacturing scene Why we’re seeing more women in manufacturing plus some inspiring stories from Mike How a Chamber of Commerce can act as a conduit for manufacturers to share their voice on what the industry needs The coolest things made in Nebraska, including a fire-breathing drone 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: ”The chamber of commerce is the conduit for manufacturers of any shape and size across the state to convene and partner on what the voice of this industry in this state needs right now.” “State departments are starting to see that when manufacturers automate, they make more stuff, more stuff made means higher wages are paid to people, higher multipliers than hitting the local communities. And so the state can see higher tax revenues and then in the future, lower tax rates.” “I think it's really important for young women to see that “I can do this” and I don't have to be a big dude to be able to do this type of work.” Links & mentions: NE Chamber , delivering economic and workforce growth, a competitive business climate, and a network of leaders with the connections and know-how to help Nebraska businesses succeed Nebraska Manufacturing Competitiveness Study , January 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska Make 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 Happy Hour

1
223: The State of Automation Halfway Through the Decade, Live from the 2025 A3 Business Forum 1:12:21

30일 전1:12:21

나중에 재생

리스트

1:12:21

Take your mind back to five years ago. Many of us were celebrating the start of what we thought would be an exciting decade for automation. And well… it’s certainly been different and not quite how most of us expected. Now, we sit squarely in the middle of a decade that has pushed automation and AI front and center of so many industries now. So how close were our pre-pandemic predictions on automation? And more importantly, where is automation headed next? This episode was recorded live at the 2025 A3 Business Forum, co-hosted by Jake Hall aka the Manufacturing Millennial, and features five conversations with industry leaders helping to shape automation’s future. We look at robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and the broader tech and manufacturing industries, plus we swap predictions on the second half of the 2020s. This week’s guests include: Peter Zafiro, General Manager at LinMot USA Christelle Keefer - Global Business Development Manager, Education at ABB Juan Aparicio - Founder & CEO at Reshape Automation David Dechow - Machine Vision & Automation Solutions Architect at Motion Automation Intelligence Alex Shikany - Executive Vice President at A3 Jake Hall will be joining us for Automate 2025 in May, so don’t miss the chance to grab tickets and learn more here . In this episode, find out: Why 2025 A3 Business Forum is the perfect spot for a conversation about automation What the convergence of technologies has meant for automation’s applications in manufacturing and beyond Peter explains the biggest pain point that LinMot was experiencing and how automation became key The role of motion vision today and how it’s evolved with the help of automation Why now is the best time in history to be involved with automation How STEM education paves the way for the growth of robotics The biggest hurdles to getting education institutions on board with STEM Some of the top non-profit organizations to keep an eye out for How AI has developed over the first half of the decade Two ingredients that every successful application should have in the world of AI Examples of AI deployed successfully and where this is likely to change in the future How elements of vision tech have accelerated in the past 10 years Alex’s perspective on automation’s evolution throughout the first half of this decade The biggest things we’re looking forward to in 2025 and beyond What to expect at Automate 2025, which this episode’s co-hosts Chris and Jake will be attending in May 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: "This is the best time there is in this industry. It's the convergence of all these technologies, whether it's robots, cobots, linear motion... the difference-maker will be how you introduce automation to your employees and make it easier to do more fun jobs." - Peter Zafiro "Schools are starting to realize that the students need to be exposed to STEM way earlier than just high school. High school is too late. College is too late. Let's get those kids exposed at an earlier age to the amazing field of manufacturing." - Christelle Keefer "Behind every robot, there are a lot of people. There are people selling the robots. There are people installing the robots. There are people maintaining the robots." - Juan Aparicio "No one I talk to thinks that automation is going to become less relevant or less important to their future plans in the next 10 years, 20 years. Almost every single CEO or leader of these companies has automation at the top of their list." - Alex Shikany Links & mentions: A3 – The Association for Advancing Automation , North America’s largest automation trade association representing more than 1,200 organizations involved in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision & imaging, motion control & motors and related automation technologies Automate Show , experience the largest event in Automation #Automate2025 Jake Hall - The Manufacturing Millennial , where this week’s co-host Jake Hall discusses the latest technology in the automation and manufacturing space in an engaging style for all audiences Project Lead The Way , where STEM curriculum meets career readiness; created by teachers and led by educators, PLTW motivates, prepares, and supports teachers as they strive to make every child in every grade STEM-successful FIRST Robotics , a global robotics community preparing young people for the future and the world's leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education REC Foundation , home of the VEX family of robotics programs for elementary school through college students includes 1.1 million students in 70 countries Detroit Lions War Room 2019 vs. 2021 Make 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 Happy Hour

1
222: A Bootstrapper's Guide to Re-Industrializing America with Jim Belosic, CEO of SendCutSend 1:00:52

5 weeks 전1:00:52

나중에 재생

리스트

1:00:52

Is venture capitalism and manufacturing the perfect match for America’s new industry boom? Or will the industry bootstrap its way to success on the slower path? The verdict’s clear in this episode with Jim Belosic, the CEO of SendCutSend. Jim shares a down-to-earth take on succeeding as a manufacturing business with a mix of VC and bootstrapping. Rather than aiming for the dot-com boom level of success and all the private yachts that come with it, a slow and steady approach is ideal for manufacturing businesses, says Jim. We hear a little background on SendCutSend’s start and laser-focused approach to customer service, plus why Jim is such a big fan of the bootstrapping route. We hear his opinion on why manufacturing might be making a comeback, how to raise the visibility of the industry to plug skill gaps, and why we may need to “chill out” a bit when it comes to AI. In this episode, find out: Why bootstrapping is a great alternative path to industrialization and why Jim believes VC doesn’t belong in manufacturing How the future of entrepreneurship is changing back to traditional family-led routes Jim shares his background in manufacturing as a sign shop artist and what he learned about the effects of new tech on industry Why we’re due for a re-boom in the manufacturing world and how new technology plays a central role Outsourcing abroad – the next phase – why we’re due for a re-boom because the tech is even better How manufacturing can become more visible and enter the digital era with help from younger generations Why it’s not enough to only be a good manufacturer today, you also need to be a good marketer too How manufacturers can make simple changes to their digital presence to move in line with what customers want Why teaming up with local competitors can be mutually beneficial Jim explains why investing in and paying your staff well is the number one important thing to do in this industry Why you shouldn’t compete on price but instead on the quality of the service and the value your customer receives 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: “The way to success in manufacturing is you can't just be a good manufacturer. You actually have to be a good marketer too.” “A lot of people look at their competitors and want to burn them down. That usually just ends up with both of you catching on fire. So instead, try and be friendly.” “We’re poised for a manufacturing re-boom because the technology is even better now. This newest generation of machines is set up so well with alarms and error control, communication, and reliability, you're not just upgrading your speed or the reliability of the machine, you're upgrading your entire workforce.” Links & mentions: SendCutSend , online sheet metal fabrication service; get custom parts delivered in just a few days (upload STEP or DXF files for instant pricing) A Bootstrapper’s Guide to Re-Industrializing America , Jim’s article that inspired this episode Make 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 Happy Hour

1
221: "Building America" from the Heartland Featuring Nucor Vulcraft 23:37

6 weeks 전23:37

나중에 재생

리스트

23:37

We’re pulling up a chair in the up-and-coming downtown Norfolk area in Nebraska for this episode. Recorded at the Nucor Detailing Center, we chat with Mechanical Engineer Jayden Prauner and Detailing Center Lead Gaby Pena, about what it means to be part of the Nucor family. Nucor Vulcraft is a company that’s not just supporting the construction of warehouses, schools and hospitals but also helping to build up the local community and the legacy of American manufacturing. We explore how it’s helping to shape the lives of the people who work there and beyond thanks to community investment and a people-first approach. Jayden and Gaby both share their stories in this episode about working for Vulcraft and how it has evolved its technology, safety practices, and quality over the years. Places like Norfolk are hubs for manufacturing and engineering, so we look at how Vulcraft and downtown revitalization projects have been key to retaining talent in the area. In this episode, find out: How the downtown Norfolk area is on the up, thanks to local community investment Jayden gives us a quick overview of what Vulcraft does and how it sits in the Nucor family of companies A brief history on Vulcraft and how it’s closely tied to the culture and community of Norfolk – something that continues today How community events, investment, and connections with local schools all make Nucor employees feel like one big family Why Jayden and Gaby decided to stick around in Norfolk rather than head to a bigger city for their career How one internship at Vulcraft was enough to make Gaby swap her chosen career path and set out into manufacturing What other similar small, remote communities can learn from Norfolk and Vulcraft Vulcraft’s commitment to improvement and investing in the right things – from people to safety innovations Insights into the recent safety innovations and investments Nucor Vulcraft has made to prioritize frontline staff safety What the day in the life of a frontline leader looks like today vs. how it looked decades ago How Nucor Vulcraft invests in team development and careers with training, role swapping and internal promotions 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: “It's hard to go anywhere around town without seeing Vulcraft or the Nucor name sponsoring an event or donating time. It's surprising how many events you go to and know that your company is willing to sponsor that." Jayden "My daughter told me, 'Mom, today at school, all the Nucor kids, like the parents work for Nucor, we all sat together.' Even the excitement that the kids get just knowing that they’re the Nucor family is really big, at least for me it is." Gaby "I think it starts with putting the people first. I think Nucor and Vulcraft do a great job of not only saying it but really meaning it and showing it through their actions." Jayden Links & mentions: Nucor Vulcraft , part of the Nucor family, Vulcraft is the largest producer of open web steel joists and joist girders in North America. Nucor Detailing Center , a one-of-a-kind drafting facility designed to reduce drafting and modelling times to improve productivity and quality. Divots Brewery , craft brewery in Nortfolk specializing in handcrafted beers with American grown barley and hops Make 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 Happy Hour

1
220: From Irrigation to Metals to Pharma: Systems Integration in the Heartland featuring Huffman Engineering 22:09

7 weeks 전22:09

나중에 재생

리스트

22:09

This is a quick,” boots on the ground” episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It's all about what it's like being a systems integrator in a close-knit state and close-knit manufacturing community, just like the community you'll find in Nebraska. Huffman Engineering is an engineering services firm specializing in control system integration that serves Nebraska and beyond across the Midwest and we have four individuals from there team on the show this week: Jason Weedin, Jim Fricke, Kim Arms Shirk, and Alex Flamme. We discuss some of the main industries across the state and take a deep dive into one that's uniquely Nebraskan. Plus, we hear what characterizes Nebraska's manufacturing community as a whole, and some of the things that make their collective, state-wide manufacturing ecosystem so strong. Recorded live from Dusters Brew Pub in Columbus, NE. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.…

Manufacturing Happy Hour

1
219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork 1:06:49

8 weeks 전1:06:49

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리스트

1:06:49

The manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We’re joined by Skillwork’s Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they’re transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation. At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork’s model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time. Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry’s future. Listen to find out: How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork’s innovative staffing solution for skilled trades Skillwork’s “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturing Why manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty) How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting process Why nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled trades The critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gaps The value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelines Examples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gaps Underrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right now The freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffing 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: “The idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott “I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin “Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett Elliott Links & mentions: Skillwork , supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled labor Copa Cabana , upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patio Boy Scouts of America , one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States Make 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 Happy Hour

1
218: Why Buying and Selling a Business Is a "War over the Numbers" Featuring Clint Bundy of Bundy Group 49:52

9 weeks 전49:52

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리스트

49:52

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 business How 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’ sale A breakdown of the top steps in selling a business and what goals sellers should strive for Why a lack of preparation is the number one mistake sellers make Surprising facts about preparing a business for sale that will really appeal to investors Why 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 ideal 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: “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 transactions The 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 Club Make 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 Happy Hour

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BONUS: 3 Automation and Workforce Trends Impacting Manufacturers in 2025 30:14

10 weeks 전30:14

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30:14

As 2025 gets rolling, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with some of the “buzziest” topics in manufacturing right now…artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, the list goes on! With all the hype and a renewed focus on onshoring and supply chain, what should manufacturers be focused on in 2025? While there are more trends than can be fit into a 30-minute podcast episode, today’s episode dives into 3 stats and stories from some of 2024’s best episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour that explore proven automation technologies that are helping manufacturers succeed today, novel ways companies are attracting and retaining talent, and one of the most down-to-earth applications for artificial intelligence on the factory floor. Plus, you’ll get a preview of what’s coming from Manufacturing Happy Hour – including tours, merch, and more – throughout the new year.…

Manufacturing Happy Hour

1
217: The Intersection of Energy, Automation, and Construction with FTI's Kevin Senn 48:48

11 weeks 전48:48

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리스트

48:48

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 independent Why energy resilience is something that every company can enjoy and be customized to fit individual needs How FTI capitalized on emerging markets thirty years ago What the manufacturing industry looks like going into 2025 with regards to automation and sustainability The trend towards prefabricated buildings and why this is happening Why FTI has seen such growth in the data center space, especially with electric vehicle infrastructure Why automation is integral to creating efficient and scalable solutions Why a level of responsibility and ownership is needed when using AI, especially considering sustainability 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: “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 technologies FTI , 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 Paul Make 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 Happy Hour

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216: Automating Control Panel Design and Fabrication Featuring Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski 45:26

12 weeks 전45:26

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45:26

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 world The importance of having a story to tell that’s backed by data, rather than just conceptual How EPLAN and Rittal use “lighthouse customers” Best practices for effective collaboration How automation is helping solve the skilled labor shortage Why there’s no right or wrong way to start with automation Brian’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 Jung Links & mentions: EPLAN , provides ECAD software and service solutions for electrical panel builders, electrical design, automation and mechatronic engineering Rittal , the world's leading systems provider for Enclosures, Power Distribution, Climate Control, IT infrastructure, 19" racks, and software and services Golden Road Brewing Company , Los Angeles' largest craft brewer Make 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 Happy Hour

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215: How Manufacturers Can Connect with the Community to Attract Top Talent featuring Behlen Mfg. Co. 46:21

13 weeks 전46:21

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46:21

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 art Behlen 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 profits Why Behlen values hard work and drive over great grades and talent Why 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 world Three-tiered meetings allow an organization to foster alignment across different levels of the company and enhance decision-making The overlooked importance of culture at manufacturing firms and why people are the key The different opportunities in manufacturing that people don't talk about or don't see – whether that’s opportunities in HR, IT, or accountancy 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 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 company Industrial Solutions Network , a network of manufacturing technology companies providing the collective information, technology, tools and services to manufacturing communities Central Community College , a multi-campus community college serving a 25-county area in central Nebraska Make 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 Happy Hour

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214: From DevOps to Building AI for Industrial Code with Adam Gluck, CEO and Founder of Copia Automation 50:48

14 weeks 전50:48

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리스트

50:48

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 degree Why it is harder for graduates to get software engineering jobs How, in engineering, a self-taught approach can be less restrictive when learning new approaches or facing new problems Hiring smart people is often the most important step in solving hard problems Copia has evolved since July 2020, and the key to this has been their market understanding, adoption, activation, and backup and disaster recovery How DevOps AI for the software space has transformed the way software gets written Adam 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 talent How the current enthusiasm for industrialization and manufacturing among venture capitalists and young companies will persist long-term 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: “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 scale Reindustrialize , a summit exploring how technology will shape the future of the US industrial base American Dynamism , part of a16z, investing in founders and companies supporting the national interest: aerospace, defense, safety, education, and manufacturing Founders Fund , a San Francisco based venture capital firm organized by Peter Thiel and others, investing in companies building revolutionary technologies General Catalyst , a global investment and transformation company that partners with the world’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to drive resilience and applied AI Construct Capital , an early stage venture capital firm, investing in founders who are reimagining the foundational industries of our economy Dante NYC , legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting in New York City’s West Village Lobby Bar at the Chelsea Hotel , high-end cocktail bar inside of NYC’s Chelsea Hotel offering seasonal cocktails, artfully prepared plates, and late-night hours Make 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 Happy Hour

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213: Re-Envisioning Energy and the Future of Industry, Live from the Empowering Pumps & Industry Conference 33:42

15 weeks 전33:42

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리스트

33:42

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 stories Why 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 industry How 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 generation Why it’s so important to find your passion and communicate that well How focusing on relatable everyday items can help you to communicate the value of working in energy Why 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 Jordan Links & 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 research TECHMAR , 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 innovation Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.…

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221: "Building America" from the Heartland Featuring Nucor Vulcraft