John Paul Surdo, President of Americas for Bystronic, joins FMA President/CEO Ed Youdell on the Ed Talks podcast.

They chat about the strides that the metal fabrication industry has made is recent years by implementing advanced technologies like automation, robotics, and AI, and how that raised the bar on the sector's skilled workforce.

They also talk about what it means to be a leader in the metal fabrication industry, how FABTECH reflects the advancements the sector has made, navigating changes in current supply chain landscape, and the importance of attracting younger generations into the workforce through facility tours and hands-on learning in manufacturing camps like SparkForce.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Nora Harding, Executive VP at Special Products and Manufacturing (SPM), joins FMA President/CEO Ed Youdell on the Ed Talks podcast.

SPM is a 62-year-old manufacturing company with three facilities in Texas. They were named The Fabricator's 2025 Industry Award winner and appear on the FAB 40 list.

Harding talks about SPM's strong company culture centered around their "BUILT" principles (Best people, Urgency, Integrity, Learning, Teamwork), which have helped foster an engaged and empowered workforce.

She also talks about how the company places a strong emphasis on community involvement through programs like "Built to Serve" and "Special Wish", which provide support and resources to their employees and local community. SPM also actively engages with local schools and technical centers to promote manufacturing careers and provide educational opportunities.

Haring discusses the company's use of lean practices, automation, and commitment to continuous improvement have helped them attract and retain top talent while improving productivity and efficiency.

This episode was sponsored by AMADA America.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

Sarah Richards, the Visionary/CEO of Mankato, Minn.-based Jones Metal, joins FMA President/CEO Ed Youdell to discuss how her family-owned metal fabrication business in Mankato, Minnesota attracts, develops, and engages its workforce.

She talks about how Jones Metal has developed a strong company culture focused on values like kindness, grit, positivity, ownership, and helpfulness. This helps attract and retain talented employees.

Sarah also touches on how the company partners closely with the local technical college to develop a pipeline of skilled workers through internship and apprenticeship programs.

Sarah and Ed also talk about her being named Fabricators & Manufacturers Association's board chair, her previous life as a professional golfer, and her childhood ambition to become the first female quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

Email us at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about FMA's foundation, SparkForce.

Leadership in manufacturing goes beyond the walls of the corner office. It’s seen throughout the shop floor and in the satisfaction of customers.

I’m Ed Youdell, President and CEO of Fabricators and Manufacturers Association and host of Ed Talks, the newest addition to the FMA Podcast Network.

Here at FMA, we believe the key to unlocking manufacturing’s full potential is through attracting, developing, and engaging the people that drive the industry forward.

Join me as I speak with business leaders about their unique approaches to workforce development and shaping the future of the industry.