How Manufacturers Improve

In this episode, Kirby Sneen and Jody O'neil discuss how you define and identify high potential talent. 

In today’s job climate, we need people who can lead teams, grow businesses, and become next-generation company leaders. Consequently, we have to find the people who aspire to grow themselves develop teams and have a vision on how to do it. If you don’t identify these people your prospects for future growth will be limited, leaving you, your customers, even your own team members wondering how you’ll be successful in the future. Today’s guest, Jody O’Neil, is a results-driven, business and customer-focused Human Resources professional. She is effective in operating in a changing environment while maximizing results. Jody holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. She also holds several professional certifications in the HR field, the SPHR, SHRM-SCP and the Plan Sponsor Professional for retirement plans. In her spare time, she spends time with her family (including 4 grand kiddos) and on the lake with her “Pontoon Neighbors”, and also giving back by holding a seat on the board of directors for a local philanthropic women's organization called GIVING WoMN here in the Twin Cities.

Jody joined the Bernard Group in June 2020 as their VP of Human Resources. She provides overall Human Resources leadership to the organization. She is a member of the Senior Management team and is responsible for driving human resources and talent management business practices and strategies that anticipate and support the changing needs of the organization and achievement of TBG’s financial and operational objectives.

To learn more about the online Strategic Leader Online Certification beginning in January 2022, visit us at www.mfrall.com/certifications

Data validates our improvement efforts so that we can spend our time on the right things and invest our energy in the right places.  In this episode, Kara Slocum, the Director of Operations at Artistic Finishes Inc. joins Kirby Sneen to dive into how you can practically apply data to get the results you want to achieve.

To learn more about how you can apply data through our Greenbelt certification visit www.mfrall.com/certifications

The sponsor for today’s podcast is CBIZ, a leading provider of professional services focused on accounting, benefits, insurance, HR and payroll solutions. To learn more visit www.cbiz.com

In this episode, Neal Johnson shares about how to have effective 1-on-1’s

Neal Johnson is passionate about identifying, creating, and teaching leadership tools. He is currently the Director of Manufacturing at GN Resound – a global leader in Hearing aid development and manufacturing.  He has been at GN for just short of 5 years, and prior to GN he worked in the printing industry for both privately and publicly held printers.  

To learn more about the certification programs offered at Manufacturers Alliance visit us online at: www.mfrall.com/certifications

In this episode, Tammi Dorion shares about how to improve your coaching skills

Tammi is a highly adaptable, dynamic leader skilled in driving lean methodology.  She has a passion for fostering a continuous improvement culture by engaging employees in daily initiatives and pursuing business excellence in all functional areas. 

Enjoy our conversation as we talk about a practical plan anyone can use to help ensure they are focused on helping others reach higher levels of performance.

If you like the Manufacturers Alliance podcast, join our community of Manufacturers as they create better leaders and problem solvers. For more information, visit our website at https://www.mfrall.com/membership-podcast

Kelly is a Lean Manufacturing Coach at GE Aviation in Rutland, Vermont.  She joined GE in 2019 after 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience in solar and industrial consumer products.  Kelly has been practicing continuous improvement for her entire career and in the last year and a half has transitioned from practicing to coaching.  She completed her bachelor’s degree at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and she lives with her family in the Upper Valley nestled between Vermont and New Hampshire.

Enjoy our conversation on why her company wanted to create and dedicate roles to lean coaching, overcoming the struggles lean coaches can face, and a few practical next steps you can take if you want to continue to improve your coaching skills. 

If you like the Manufacturers Alliance podcast, join our community of Manufacturers as they create better leaders and problem solvers. For more information, visit our website at https://www.mfrall.com/membership-podcast

Our Sponsor for today’s Episode is Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

In this episode, Kirby Sneen, Jeremy Blake and Brittany Bowling talk about providing day-to-day feedback.

If you like the Manufacturers Alliance podcast, join our community of Manufacturers as they create better leaders and problem solvers. For more information, visit our website at https://www.mfrall.com/membership-podcast

Manufacturer of the Year Award Winners share their biggest improvements and lessons learned this past year. Featuring guests:

Don DeMorett – PHS West

Don serves as president of PHS West, LLC.  PHS West manufactures motorized carts, tugs and lifters designed to bolster the safety and efficiency of material handling and product movement applications in a wide range of markets.    PHS is located in Rockford, MN and is part of the global SUNNEX Equipment Group, located in Spånga, Sweden. 

Prior to PHS West, Don served as the COO of MOCON, Inc and President & CEO of GearGrid Corporation.  He holds a BS degree from St Cloud State University, an MBA from the University of St Thomas, and is a graduate of Minnesota Executive Program at the Carlson School of Business.  

John Ledy - Innovize

John started working at GML, now Innovize, in 1981 and gained a wealth of experience working a variety of positions including production manager, salesperson, buyer, and estimator. John was promoted to President in 1987. Over the years, Innovize has acquired several competitors that have been merged into our business.

John's interests include spending time with family, water skiing, snow skiing, and road course auto racing. John married Julie Overbye in 1987 and they have four children, Jenna, Chad, Jillian, and Chloe.

Chris Hillman – Starkey

With over 20 years of experience developing, transforming and leading global businesses and world-class operations, Chris Hillman is responsible for Starkey's operational execution. In his previous role as Vice President and General Manager of Global Services Supply Chain for GE Healthcare, Chris Hillman successfully executed the aftermarket equipment business’ commercial operations, supply chain and operations strategies.

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In this episode, Kirby speaks with Tim Reimann about how you can apply a Transformational Leadership approach to change operating systems, evolve an existing culture, launch to product lines or brands and grow and develop your workforce far beyond what you ever thought possible.

Tim is the 2021 Keynote Presenter for our annual Manufacturer of the Year Awards Ceremony and Conference.  The gala and preceding conference will be Wednesday, September 29th 2021. To learn more and register visit: www.mfrall.com/manufacturer-of-the-year-awards

In this episode, Kirby speaks with Nic Lysdal, a Continuous Improvement Manager at CDI Curbs.  Nic loves learning and helping people around him to grow personally and professionally. Enjoy our conversation as we talk about how Nic progresses throughout his career and what you can do to help develop the next generation of leaders on your team.  

If you’re looking to learn more about how to transition into your new role as a leader, check out our Supervision Fundamentals Certification. You’ll learn how to delegate tasks, improve communication, de-escalate conflict, manage performance, maximize your team contributions, and overcome resistance to change. For more information, visit our website at https://www.mfrall.com

In this episode, Recruiting that gets results, Kirby speaks with Sarah Lampert, a Human Resources Business Partner for Park Industries.