a BROADcast for Manufacturers

American manufacturing is facing a major workforce crisis—with an estimated 2.1 million jobs potentially unfilled by 2030. But what if the solution is already trained and ready? This week, Lori and Erin talk with Ben Kohler, leader of the Next Frontier Advanced Manufacturing Institute (NFAMI), about how his organization is solving two problems at once: helping veterans transition into civilian careers and filling manufacturing talent gaps.

Ben shares how NFAMI provides tuition-free, hands-on training in welding and CNC machining to veterans, military spouses, and their adult children. Based in Montana but ripe for national expansion, the program turns military discipline and technical know-how into highly sought-after manufacturing skills.

📧 Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-kohler-25b96115

🔗 Learn more: www.nfami.org

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of A BROADcast For Manufacturers as the ladies go live with three inspiring leaders from the heavy equipment world. We’re spotlighting the upcoming Women in Equipment Conference, hosted by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), and hearing firsthand from the women shaping the future of this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Guests:

• Kirsten Erickson – Business Development Specialist, AED

linkedin.com/in/kirsten-erickson-4932a552

• Alexandra Norris – VP of Operations, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services

linkedin.com/in/-alexandra-norris

• Jenna Weber – Marketing Manager, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaweber22/

From navigating career pivots to building community in rooms where they were often the “first” or “only,” these women bring candid insights and career-boosting wisdom. We also dive into how AI, empathy, and bold networking are reshaping the future of manufacturing and construction.

Resources & Links:

• Women in Equipment Conference: aednet.org
• Specialty Equipment Insurance Services: specialtyequipmentinsurance.com

Is your team constantly firefighting instead of executing strategy? Tyler Nielsen, founder of Vast Insight Partners, joins the BROADcast to reveal how mid-market manufacturers can close the costly gap between strategic intent and operational chaos. With deep experience in FP&A, forecasting, and operations, Tyler shares smart, actionable insights to get cross-functional teams aligned—without a massive system overhaul.

From data paralysis to siloed decision-making, we break down what really holds teams back from profitability and performance. You'll also hear how tariffs and global supply chains are reshaping operations, and why visibility and alignment are your new superpowers.

👤 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjnielsen/

1. “We call it the execution gap—where strategic intent dies and operational chaos begins.”
2. “Hope is not a strategy. A plan is not execution.”
3. “Your P&L is a news report. It’s already happened. You can’t change it.”
4. “Technology is a multiplier—not a Band-Aid.”
5. “An engaged employee will do more than you ever imagined—and that starts with visibility and alignment.”

When GE Healthcare told Sarah Tilkens she was “too good where she was,” she turned rejection into redirection—and launched The KPI Lab. In this episode, she shares how her journey from corporate ops leader to executive coach is reshaping how businesses approach problem solving, people leadership, and continuous improvement.

Sarah brings sharp strategy and a heart-first mindset to every challenge—from leading Kaizen events to coaching executives and mapping out better standards for success.

• Why your problem-solving process needs to start with defining success
• How to shift from being the “hero” to being the “guide” for your team
• The power of experimentation (and what biology taught Sarah about business)
• Why most business failures stem from a lack of clear standards
• The difference between solving problems for your team vs. with your team
• A smarter way to build problem-solvers using “what” questions instead of “why”
• How to market like a guide by understanding what your customers are really searching for

• “I was just so sure of what I wanted to do—and I was unwilling to just be anymore.”
• “We hadn’t defined what good looks like. That’s why the system was chaotic.”
• “When you’re building problem solvers, you don’t ask why, you ask what.”
• “If the goal is to get healthy, but we all measure it differently, we’re not on the same page.”
• “Experiments give us permission to get it wrong—safely—and learn from it.”
• “Your customers are searching for the problem. Your brand needs to be the guide.”

The world is noisy. Economic uncertainty, workforce turnover, AI disruption, and generational divides have leaders second-guessing their every move. In this crossover episode of Broadcast for Manufacturers and Blue Collar BS, the gloves come off as Lori Highby, Erin Courtenay, Brad Herda, and Steve Doyle unpack how fear-based leadership is silently sabotaging teams—and what it really looks like to lead with confidence.

This candid, not-so-safe-for-work conversation blends humor and hard truths as the group shares real stories, sharp insights, and a few Brad jokes along the way.

If you’re a business owner, manufacturing leader, or executive navigating change, this is the reminder you didn’t know you needed: confidence is contagious—fear is, too.

• How fear-based leadership shows up (and spreads like wildfire)
• The true cost of indecision and "zigzag" management
• What each generation really wants from leadership today
• How to show confidence—even when you're unsure
• Why Gen Z is leapfrogging into leadership roles
• And yes, what a beetle nursery can teach us about emotional intelligence 🪲

“You can’t control the economy, but you can control how you show up as a leader.” – Brad Herda

“It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’—but you still need to move forward.” – Lori Highby

“The moment you zigzag, people stop trusting what you say.” – Erin Courtenay

“Fear-based leadership doesn’t inspire—it repels.” – Steve Doyle

In this episode of ABFM, we sit down with Tyler Marcus, a dynamic force in manufacturing and mentorship. Tyler shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his path, including his non-traditional journey into business, the power of soft skills, and the true value of making time for mentorship.

We explore:

• The shift from traditional career paths to purpose-driven leadership
• Why humility and listening are critical in management
• The future of American manufacturing
• How mentorship changes lives — one conversation at a time

Whether you're in the industry or just love stories of people charting their own course, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you define impact and legacy

“AI isn’t something you just shove into a business. It needs to solve a real problem. That’s where the ROI comes in.”

“It’s great to want AI, but the real question is: do you even have the data you need? If the ERP is messy, AI can’t fix that.”

“If you improve worker productivity by 10%, what does that mean to the business? That’s the kind of question you need to ask before implementing anything.”

“The biggest mistake I see? Companies spend six figures on AI tools—then realize they had no clean data to begin with.”

“Start with the use case. Understand the data. Then decide if AI is the answer—not the other way around.”

“AI is no longer just for Fortune 500s. Mid-sized manufacturers are realizing they can leverage it too—if they have the right strategy.”

“We used to work mostly with enterprise. Now, AI is pulling us into mid-market manufacturing because the demand and curiosity are finally there.”

Lisa Kenning, CEO of Matrix Automation, alongside her powerhouse team: Don Rentz, Greg Millinger, and special guest Scott Walberg.

Lisa shares her journey from helping her dad at age 10 to leading a company at the forefront of digital transformation in manufacturing. Together, the group dives into the importance of mentorship, the legacy of family-run businesses, and how lean principles and traceability tech have helped manufacturers achieve near-zero defect rates—even in highly complex, regulated environments.

• Lisa’s early days at Matrix and the values instilled by her father
• Why mentorship—both formal and informal—matters, especially for women in manufacturing
• How Matrix Automation helps manufacturers reduce defects and improve traceability
• Real-world success stories from automotive and medical device manufacturing
• Why lean principles apply across all industries—from bourbon to wheelchairs
• The hidden costs of waiting too long to invest in continuous improvement
• Empowering frontline operators through smarter systems and data
• Learning across generations: Mahjong, magnetism, and mental health

• Lisa Kenning, CEO, Matrix Automation
• Don Rentz, General Manager, Matrix Automation
• Greg Millinger, Technologist & Product Architect
• Scott Walberg, President, Lean Innovation, LLC

Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com.

Melanie is an author, business owner, and process consultant with 25+ years in executive leadership, strategic planning, global marketing, national sales management, and quality. She led three business turnarounds in Europe and the USA in Fortune 500 companies. Now she supports clients focused on profitable growth. Her company is aptly called TopLine Results Corporation.

Melanie's book – Ignite Topline Growth: How RevOps and Go-To-Market Alignment Spark Success – was written based on her passion for sales and marketing alignment. She’s experienced the superpower that comes with great alignment of go-to-market teams and delights in sharing that wisdom with others.

Connect with Melanie!

TopLine Results Corporation

LinkedIn

[email protected] 

Ignite Topline Growth: How RevOps and Go-To-Market Alignment Spark Success by Melanie Varin

Links

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

Highlights

00:00 Introduction and Volunteer Work Discussion

03:27 Introducing the Guest: Melanie Varin

04:30 Melanie's Journey and Insights on Sales-Marketing Alignment

06:24 The Importance of Sales-Marketing Collaboration

06:41 AdCirrus ERP Sponsorship and Further Discussion

17:43 Leadership and Team Development

20:53 Advice for Manufacturers and Growth Strategies

28:16 The Impact of AI and Education

34:58 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with the Broads!

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs!  

Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions!

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn!

Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com.

With over two decades of experience in the manufacturing industry, Jim Mayer is a recognized leader, storyteller, and advocate for the transformative power of connection. As the founder of The Manufacturing Connector, Jim has built a platform that strengthens the industry through innovative content, leadership development, and community-building initiatives. His work inspires collaboration, empowers emerging

leaders, and celebrates the human side of manufacturing.

A passionate advocate of manufacturing, Jim is dedicated to amplifying the voices of industry leaders and sharing the values and innovations that drive the sector forward. Through his leadership programs, live events, and thought-provoking media, Jim equips professionals with the tools and insights they need to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Known for his authenticity, humility, and innate curiosity, Jim is a sought-after speaker who engages audiences with his unique ability to connect people to ideas, opportunities, and each other. His commitment to fostering meaningful growth and innovation continues to shape the future of manufacturing and elevate its culture.

Connect with Jason!

The Manufacturing Connector

LinkedIn

​​Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Lead the Change Tour 2025

[email protected] 

 (480)532-2717

Highlights

00:00 The Power of Body Language

04:22 Introducing Jim Mayer: A Leader in Manufacturing

09:00 Jim Mayer on Leadership in Manufacturing

17:45 The Leadership Development Continuum

25:36 The Importance of Culture in Manufacturing

26:45 Understanding Organizational Culture

28:28 The Impact of Hiring for Culture

30:03 Defining Buzzwords and Values

30:58 Marketing and Culture Alignment

35:57 Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions

40:56 The Importance of Intentional Culture Building

41:36 Fun Facts and Personal Stories

Connect with the Broads!

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs!  

Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions!

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn!

Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com.

Jason is the founder of Greenwood Consulting - a specialist B2B e-commerce consultancy. For 25+ years Jason has been helping brands and suppliers expertly architect compelling digital buying and brand engagement experiences.

Along with hosting The E-Commerce Edge Podcast, he is a passionate eCommerce mentor, commentator, keynote speaker and content producer who loves giving back to the industry.

Jason was born and raised in the USA, spent nearly 30 years in New Zealand and is now based in Mexico with his wife Sarah and dog Herbie.

Connect with Jason!

Greenwood Consulting

LinkedIn

Links

The Monte Carlo drink recipe

New Amazon Ads research explores how major milestones can impact the relationship between consumers and brands

Highlights

00:00 Favorite Drinks and New Discoveries

04:24 Introducing Jason Greenwood

08:03 Challenges in Digital Transformation

14:36 The Role of AI in Manufacturing

28:16 Unlocking Customer Insights for Digital Services

29:40 The Importance of Self-Service in E-Commerce

30:34 B2C vs. B2B: Different Goals, Different Experiences

35:21 Challenges in Digital Transformation for Manufacturers

40:46 Interesting Facts and Personal Insights

49:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with the Broads!

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs!  

Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions!

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn!