Daniel is the fourth (and likely not last) generation to take the helm at Essmann + Schaefer, giving him deep experience in the global steel rule industry. He describes how his company achieves tight tolerances with modern equipment, the opportunities for market differentiation and production quality they’ve capitalized upon and how diemakers’ expectations of steel rule have changed since the 1970s. In addition to sharing the “universal language” (or lament) of the diemaker, Daniel covers how his company has faced what for many could be challenging situations—recruiting new talent, navigating ever-changing technology, dealing with trade issues, working with family, etc.—only to go on to celebrate their 70th year in business.

Daniel is the fourth (and likely not last) generation to take the helm at Essmann + Schaefer, giving him deep experience in the global steel rule industry. He describes how his company achieves tight tolerances with modern equipment, the opportunities for market differentiation and production quality they’ve capitalized upon and how diemakers’ expectations of steel rule have changed since the 1970s. In addition to sharing the “universal language” (or lament) of the diemaker, Daniel covers how his company has faced what for many could be challenging situations—recruiting new talent, navigating ever-changing technology, dealing with trade issues, working with family, etc.—only to go on to celebrate their 70th year in business.

After being born into his family’s business and working for his stepfather in a variety of capacities over the last 9 years, Miles has learned a lot before the age of 30 about both struggle and success.

He shares how setting goals (quotes within one hour; every job done the same day), a sharp market focus (folding carton and corrugated dies, blankers and steel counters) and investment in training and good people has resulted in Milwaukee Steel Rule Dies growing from 4 to 28 employees. Learn how they: continue to attract diverse and deeply talented individuals; intentionally hire a specific skill set which then supports the ongoing performance of their machinery; ensure that their machines are always operating at full capacity; and create a never-ending flow of young employees. And, oh yeah—the secret to bringing in 50 new customers.

Melissa Monster-van Golverdingen, Managing Director of PolyMX in the Netherlands, is one of the founding members of WomenConnect, whose goal is to provide personal and professional development opportunities, facilitate networking and help women make meaningful connections with peers throughout the world. With both an online presence through a special invite-only LinkedIn Group and a physical presence at various industry-related events held throughout the year, WomenConnect hopes to strengthen the industry by diversifying industry participation. Melissa also comments on her own company’s growth and installation of eco-friendly heat and sustainable practices.

Well-known and revered industry consultant (or self-named insultant) Kevin Carey is an amazing resource, sharing a cornucopia of diecutting/diemaking industry tips, tricks and secrets. Beginning with his early days serving as a passionate apprentice in diecutting, gluing, converting and diemaking; to his days as a master craftsman; to publishing magazines, presenting seminars and consulting with industry giants, Kevin shares insights into the real problems companies face (hint: they’re NOT technical); big changes, throwbacks and threats to success; why we should be optimistic; where we are failing; changing the way we think; how to effectively use TechTeam, blogs and Odyssey; and capitalizing on the IADD network to spark innovation and creativity. This may be the best 40 minutes you spend today!

Host Gino Gualtieri and guest co-host Ian Young (of Diebec Ltd.) speak with Kazuaki Asai and translator Yume who traveled from Japan to attend Odyssey Expo. Quality, quality and more quality is the main theme of this episode. From zone patching to kaizen implementation to the Kingpin transfer system, Kazuaki has been involved in industry inventions for years. New products and innovation continue to be a big reason why

Container Graphics Corp. has been around since 1960, before IADD's beginings. Listen to Neil Saunders, President of Container Graphics Corp., tell about his running around a small garage in Toledo, OH while his father began the, now third-generation, business. His father began making dies in 1962, partnered with Ward machinery and began learning about and designing rotary dies just as they took off. Hear about his professional growth, from building and home design, to graphics, to dies and his thoughts on how the industry continues to grow and evolve, along with the dies themselves. With 15 facilities and 425 associates, he is constantly looking for new ways to approach challenges and improve processes. Listen to his advice on bringing in the next generation of diecutters and diemakers - keywords: culture and hands-on training.

Container Graphics Corp. has been around since 1960, before IADD's beginings. Listen to Neil Saunders, President of Container Graphics Corp., tell about his running around a small garage in Toledo, OH while his father began the, now third-generation, business. His father began making dies in 1962, partnered with Ward machinery and began learning about and designing rotary dies just as they took off. Hear about his professional growth, from building and home design, to graphics, to dies and his thoughts on how the industry continues to grow and evolve, along with the dies themselves. With 15 facilities and 425 associates, he is constantly looking for new ways to approach challenges and improve processes. Listen to his advice on bringing in the next generation of diecutters and diemakers - keywords: culture and hands-on training.

Bill Drew, VP of Johnson Steel Rule Die Co., shares his story of working alongside generations of family in the industry, witnessing the transition from handmade dies to automation and how that affects employee skills, the industry and drives him to Odyssey Expo each year to witness, first-hand, the latest and greatest. Bill digs further into his family’s history, from watching his grandfather make block dies to learning how to cut and bend dies by hand as a young boy. He expresses his love for the industry and his business, the challenges he faces with hiring, his passion for customers and employees, the importance of turn-around times, why he joined IADD and what it takes to run a family business and a young family at the same time!

Bill Drew, VP of Johnson Steel Rule Die Co., shares his story of working alongside generations of family in the industry, witnessing the transition from handmade dies to automation and how that affects employee skills, the industry and drives him to Odyssey Expo each year to witness, first-hand, the latest and greatest. Bill digs further into his family’s history, from watching his grandfather make block dies to learning how to cut and bend dies by hand as a young boy. He expresses his love for the industry and his business, the challenges he faces with hiring, his passion for customers and employees, the importance of turn-around times, why he joined IADD and what it takes to run a family business and a young family at the same time!