Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark - Flex Line Automation In this episode of 'Small Town, Big Business,' host Deb Barnett sits down with Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark of Flex-Line Automation from Chester, Illinois. They discuss the company's 40-year journey from a family farm shop to becoming a significant player in industrial automation. Cathy and Lauren share insights into the challenges and successes of running a family business, the impact of automation on manufacturing, and the importance of community and collaboration. They also discuss their experiences as women in the industry and the transformative role of social media and AI in modern business. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgements 00:43 Meet Kathy and Lauren: The Faces Behind FlexLine Automation 01:18 The Origin Story of FlexLine Automation 03:24 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years 04:47 Becoming a Woman-Owned Business 05:43 Lauren's Journey into the Family Business 07:56 The Importance of Small Town Manufacturing 10:30 What FlexLine Automation Does 14:00 Reaching Out to Rural Manufacturers 18:26 The Role of Automation in Modern Manufacturing 24:39 Women in Manufacturing: Breaking Stereotypes 32:18 Challenges of Running a Family Business 34:09 Balancing Family and Business Dynamics 36:00 Challenges of Joining a Family Business 37:37 Embracing Technology and AI 45:19 The Importance of Networking and Resources 48:41 Collaboration and Industry Insights 51:59 The Conveyor Cougar and Social Media 55:42 The Why Behind FlexLine Automation 01:03:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois. https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Our guest: https://flex-lineautomation.com/