Greg McHale, the CEO of Datanomix, kicks off the first episode of Manufacturing Mavericks by interviewing Rolar Products CEO Jack Russell. Jack shares his unconventional path from a kid in Muskegon tinkering on a homemade mini bike to buying a 3-person machine shop with his 401k. Jack talks about the importance of creating a great company culture, technology's role in his success, and how he empowers his employees to help grow the business.

Highlights:

• Tinkering on a minibike (3:32)
• Jack’s first job in manufacturing (8:41)
• Igniting a fire in the belly (11:07)
• Unexpected benefits of working 2nd shift (14:37)
• Jack loses his job and pivots (19:38)
• Getting back into manufacturing (21:02)
• Learning the good and the bad of running a company (25:53)
• Jack cashes out his 401k to buy a company (27:17)
• How Jack grew the business (31:15)
• Building a great company culture (36:15)
• Investing in technology (42:39)
• How to ask employees to help you make more money (54:31)
• Advice for just starting out (59:02)

Links Referenced:

• Manufacturing Mavericks: https://mfgmavericks.com
• Rolar Products: https://rolarproducts.com/ 
• Jacks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-russell-92253914/

The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work?

It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it.

• Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us
• Data that makes sense on day one
• No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry
• Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior
• Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App
• Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning
• Best-in-class partnerships and integrations
• The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins
• Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you
• Every customer starts with our Pilot Program

Learn more at www.datanomix.io