What happens when we stop accepting “the way things have always been done” and start questioning the sacred truths of manufacturing? In this episode, host Jim Mayer sits down with Joe Hungerman, a continuous improvement leader who has built his career on curiosity, reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom.

Joe’s path from supply chain management to technology was anything but traditional. Along the way, he explored psychology, education, and leadership—building a unique perspective on why company culture is the real driver of improvement and how technology can empower people rather than replace them.

In this conversation, Jim and Joe discuss:

• The myths holding manufacturing back—and why questioning them is the key to progress.
• Why company culture isn’t just a leadership talking point—it’s the foundation of every organization.
• How psychology and education influence problem-solving, leadership, and workplace culture.
• The role of technology in democratizing continuous improvement and why Joe’s new venture, See/Eye, is focused on making these tools accessible to all.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever looked at a process, a policy, or even a leadership approach and thought, “There has to be a better way.”

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• Check out The Manufacturing Connector on YouTube for insights on solving real manufacturing challenges.
• Explore leadership and workplace culture on our new podcast, Work, But Make It Human.
• Connect with Joe on Linkedin

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00:00 - Challenging Sacred Truths: Joe Hungerman’s Journey Begins

• Jim introduces Joe Hungerman and his journey of reinvention.
• The importance of curiosity in shaping a career across industries.

04:17 - Why Company Culture Is the Company

• Joe shares why culture isn’t a side initiative—it defines everything.
• How culture impacts trust, leadership, and improvement in manufacturing.

06:06 - Early Influences: Psychology, Problem-Solving, and Breaking the Mold

• Joe’s early curiosity and how psychology shaped his problem-solving mindset.
• How questioning “the way things are done” led him into continuous improvement.

08:28 - The Road to Reinvention: From Supply Chain to Technology

• Joe’s experience in supply chain management and operations.
• How discovering lean, Six Sigma, and Deming set the stage for his career evolution.

10:01 - Education vs. Real-World Learning: The Gaps No One Talks About

• Joe’s perspective on higher education vs. hands-on experience.
• Why education needs mentorship and real-world application to be effective.

15:09 - The Psychology of Business: Understanding People to Drive Change

• How psychology and leadership intersect in problem-solving.
• Why knowing how people think and work is critical for real transformation.

19:08 - Continuous Improvement as a Mindset, Not a Process

• CI is more than a set of tools—it’s a way of thinking.
• Why real improvement requires challenging outdated beliefs.

22:10 - From Supply Chain to Tech: The Moment Joe Knew It Was Time to Pivot

• Joe’s transition into agile and technology.
• The surprising connections between manufacturing principles and tech.

30:12 - The Birth of See/Eye: Making Continuous Improvement Accessible for Everyone

• Why Joe launched See/Eye to democratize knowledge.
• The barriers that keep organizations from truly embracing CI.

35:53 - The Lean Startup vs. Lean Manufacturing: Understanding the Difference

• Why agile and lean manufacturing aren’t the same thing.
• How startup culture is reshaping how we think about CI.

42:05 - Building a Culture That Supports Real Continuous Improvement

• Why most companies fail at sustaining CI initiatives.
• How leaders can create an environment where real improvement happens.

50:53 - Advice for Future Leaders: What Joe Wishes He Knew Sooner

• Joe shares his biggest career lessons and advice for the next generation.
• Why curiosity and questioning everything is the key to growth.

01:02:14 - Partnering with Education to Shape the Future of CI

• Joe’s vision for partnering with universities and businesses to build better training.
• Why mentorship and hands-on learning will define the next wave of CI.

Most people think inheriting a family business is a golden ticket. Karla Trotman knows better.

Her journey to leading Electro Soft, Inc. wasn’t about following in her father’s footsteps—it was about earning her place in an industry that wasn’t built for everyone.

From building her own e-commerce company from scratch to taking over the family business and fighting to close the wealth gap in manufacturing, Karla’s story is about legacy, leadership, and breaking barriers.

In this episode, Jim Mayer sits down with Karla for an unfiltered conversation about:

• The reality of family business—why inheriting one doesn’t mean it’s yours to lead.
• Her early years in manufacturing—from cutting wire as a kid to running the company.
• The hard truth about ownership and generational wealth—and why minority-owned businesses face steeper challenges.
• Why she left a successful corporate career to return to Electro Soft, Inc.
• What manufacturing gets wrong about culture, leadership, and inclusion.
• The power of building something bigger than yourself.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader navigating legacy and leadership.
• You believe in building generational wealth and breaking barriers in business.
• You want an inside look at how manufacturing is changing—and who’s leading the way.

Listen now and hear Karla’s powerful story.

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• 00:00 – What It Really Takes to Build a Legacy
• 03:05 – Culture Isn’t Perks—It’s the Foundation of Everything
• 04:47 – From Cutting Wire as a Kid to CEO
• 08:33 – Why She Left Corporate to Take Over the Family Business
• 12:46 – Belly Button Boutique: The Side Hustle That Changed Everything
• 16:55 – Family Business is a Responsibility, Not a Right
• 18:33 – How to Build Generational Wealth in an Industry That Resists Change
• 26:06 – Why Manufacturing’s Reputation is Holding It Back
• 34:39 – Fixing Culture from the Inside Out
• 37:20 – Diversity is More Than a Buzzword—It’s an Economic Imperative
• 46:25 – No One is Going to Hand You Success—You Have to Build It
• 54:16 – The Future of Manufacturing Belongs to Those Who Create It
• 59:58 – One Final Truth About Leadership and Legacy

In the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Bob Wilson, a seasoned manufacturing expert with a rich background in lean principles and operational improvements. Bob shares his journey from the shop floor at Toyota to leadership roles at Ford and AMD, emphasizing the importance of culture in manufacturing. He discusses the challenges and successes he faced, the significance of learning from consultants, and the future of lean manufacturing in the age of automation. Bob's insights on engaging employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement provide valuable lessons for leaders in the industry.

Takeaways

• Culture is the foundation of a successful manufacturing environment.
• Engaging employees leads to better problem-solving and innovation.
• Learning from experiences at Toyota shaped Bob's leadership style.
• Automation must be culturally accepted for successful implementation.
• Consultants should empower organizations to learn and grow, not do the work for them.
• Continuous improvement is essential for long-term success.
• Understanding the process is key to effective leadership.
• Cultural readiness is crucial for adopting new technologies.
• The future of manufacturing will heavily involve AI and automation.
• Flexibility and adaptability are vital in a changing industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Transforming Manufacturing Culture
• 16:08 Innovations in Problem Solving
• 30:08 Engaging Employees for Success
• 36:31 Integrating Customer Feedback into Standard Work
• 44:36 The Role of Consultants in Business
• 50:25 Cultural Readiness for Change
• 55:40 The Future of Lean and Automation
• 01:04:26 Pushing Boundaries in Leadership

Culture. Chaos. Continuous Improvement.

Manufacturing leaders love to talk about Lean, AI, and operational excellence, but few truly understand how to bring those ideas to life. Kevin Claxon does.

In this episode, Toyota-trained Lean expert Kevin Claxon shares how he went from the factory floor to leading high-stakes operational transformations—including a million-dollar mistake that became his greatest leadership lesson.

We dig into:

• Why continuous improvement fails at most companies—and how to fix it
• How AI and automation will impact jobs and the middle class
• The leadership mindset needed to drive real change in manufacturing
• What companies must focus on to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond

This episode is packed with real-world insights on culture, technology, and the future of manufacturing leadership. Don’t miss it!

Takeaways:

• Continuous improvement must be embedded in organizational culture, not treated as a project.
• Leadership buy-in is critical—without it, change efforts will fail.
• Mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures—Toyota’s approach to root cause analysis proves this.
• AI should be used to eliminate non-value-added activities, not replace jobs.
• Communication is key—teams must align on goals and track measurable progress.
• Understanding customer needs is essential—both for internal operations and external success.
• Technology adoption must consider people and processes first—bad processes plus tech = bigger problems.
• The future of manufacturing will demand skilled workers who can adapt to evolving technologies.
• A growth mindset and curiosity are vital for professional success.
• Manufacturers must prepare for 2025’s supply chain risks, new regulations, and evolving workforce demands.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Kevin Claxon and his expertise
• 02:43 – Why culture is the foundation of continuous improvement
• 05:29 – Kevin’s journey: From Toyota to consulting
• 08:29 – Lessons from launching a greenfield Toyota plant in Tupelo, MS
• 11:26 – The defining moment that led Kevin to Lean Six Sigma
• 15:11 – A high-stakes operational integration project that pushed Kevin’s limits
• 18:43 – How middle-market manufacturers can scale and improve operations
• 21:07 – Overcoming leadership challenges and building buy-in
• 23:19 – Balancing quick wins vs. long-term improvements
• 25:28 – Kevin’s leadership philosophy: Building trust and clear communication
• 27:28 – How to align teams with company goals and mission
• 29:28 – What excites Kevin about the future of manufacturing
• 31:26 – AI and automation: Does AI take jobs, or create new ones?
• 34:02 – How AI should be used to eliminate inefficiencies, not workers
• 37:58 – Will technology rebuild or shrink the middle class?
• 40:18 – What’s next for Kevin and his career
• 44:07 – Kevin’s million-dollar mistake at Toyota and the leadership lesson it taught him
• 48:23 – What manufacturers need to focus on in 2025

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Garret Tornquist, Senior Product Manager at Epicor, to explore the power of a team-first culture in manufacturing. Garret’s career has taken him through multiple industries, including medical devices, education technology, and manufacturing, and through it all, one thing has remained constant: success is built on culture, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace failure.

Garret shares how his experiences in team sports shaped his leadership philosophy, why he believes culture is an organization’s greatest competitive advantage, and how failure is not just inevitable—it’s essential for growth. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in manufacturing, what he’s learned from building products that serve manufacturers, and why great teams create great leaders—not the other way around.

Takeaways

• • Culture is often underrated in organizations.
  • Team success is more important than individual accolades.
  • Leadership should empower teams rather than micromanage.
  • Failure is a crucial part of growth and innovation.
  • AI will enhance jobs rather than replace them.
  • People take pride in their work, which drives success.
  • Building relationships and trust is key to effective leadership.
  • The journey from intern to product manager is filled with learning opportunities.
  • Understanding customer needs is vital for product success.
  • A strong company culture leads to better performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 Connecting Diverse Industries Through Culture
• 08:47 Lessons from Team Sports
• 20:52 The Role of Manufacturing in the Economy
• 30:21 Leadership in Manufacturing: A Team Mentality
• 37:16 The Importance of Embracing Failure
• 44:24 Goals for 2025: Balancing Personal and Professional Life
• 50:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Rachel Marshall, co-owner of Excel Machine Manufacturing, a family-run CNC shop. Rachel shares her journey from a background in sales to embracing the challenges of running a machine shop alongside her husband, Luke. They discuss the importance of work culture, communication, and balancing family life with business responsibilities. Rachel emphasizes the value of community in manufacturing, the lessons learned in their journey, and the aspirations for the future of their business. The conversation also touches on personal passions, including fitness and Rachel's love for mac and cheese, showcasing her vibrant personality and dedication to both her family and her work.

Takeaways

• Work culture is essential, even in small family businesses.
• Communication is key in balancing work and family life.
• Transitioning into a new role can be challenging but rewarding.
• Building relationships with customers is crucial for business success.
• Women in manufacturing can bring valuable skills to the table.
• Fitness routines can enhance productivity and mental clarity.
• Social media has created a supportive community for women in manufacturing.
• It's important to instill strong values in the next generation.
• Finding a niche can help small businesses thrive.
• Embracing change and challenges can lead to personal growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Marshall and Excel Machine Manufacturing
• 02:38 The Importance of Work Culture in Family Businesses
• 06:39 Rachel's Journey into the CNC World
• 11:29 Transitioning a Legacy Business
• 16:24 Challenges of Running a Family Business
• 18:23 Niche Focus and Business Strategy
• 21:13 Lessons Learned in the CNC Industry
• 25:09 Teaching Values to the Next Generation
• 26:25 Exploring Alternative Education Paths
• 28:21 The Importance of Physical and Mental Fitness
• 31:23 Building a Supportive Community in Manufacturing
• 34:49 Future Aspirations for Excel Machine
• 36:59 Personal Touch: Mac and Cheese Preferences
• 37:59 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Arthur Field, Director for Strategic Partnerships at MTD CNC. Arthur shares his extensive journey through the manufacturing industry, discussing the importance of culture, innovation, and collaboration. He reflects on his early experiences in assembly and machining, the challenges he faced, and the leadership roles he took on. Arthur emphasizes the significance of building partnerships and the future trends in manufacturing technology, including AI and data monitoring. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive culture in manufacturing and Arthur's commitment to helping others succeed in their careers.

Takeaways

• • Culture revolves around appreciation and collaboration.
  • Alignment of values is crucial for organizational success.
  • The journey into manufacturing can be driven by various motivations.
  • Early experiences shape perspectives on industry challenges.
  • Leadership requires understanding and supporting team members.
  • Partnerships are essential for driving innovation in manufacturing.
  • AI and data monitoring will shape the future of the industry.
  • Unbiased reporting can foster trust in manufacturing solutions.
  • Continuous improvement is key to long-term success.
  • Personal experiences can enhance the understanding of industry dynamics.

Chapters

• 00:00Introduction to Manufacturing Innovation
• 06:06Arthur's Journey into Manufacturing
• 11:16Transitioning to Machining
• 17:08Leadership Lessons Learned
• 22:44The Path to MTD CNC
• 30:18The Excitement of Building Partnerships
• 35:39Memorable Partnerships and Innovative Solutions
• 43:01Future Aspirations and New Ventures

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Sean Walters, General Manager at CapTron North America. Sean shares his insights on the importance of culture in manufacturing, his journey into the industry, and the role of mentorship in business development. He emphasizes the need for a customer-centric focus in leadership and discusses the challenges and strategies for building resilient supply chains. The conversation also touches on fostering mentorship within teams, balancing personal and professional life, and the innovations CapTron is bringing to the market. Sean highlights the significance of the Four Disciplines of Execution in driving accountability and performance, and addresses the generational differences in the workplace, advocating for a supportive environment for younger employees. The episode concludes with Sean discussing current job opportunities at CapTron and his passion for automation.

takeaways

• Culture will make or break an organization.
• Creating a healthy culture requires constant effort.
• Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Customer satisfaction should always be the priority.
• Resilient supply chains are essential for business success.
• Investing in inventory is key to customer service.
• Transparency fosters a healthy work environment.
• Accountability drives performance and team cohesion.
• Automation creates better jobs and enhances skills.
• Finding the right cultural fit is vital for organizational success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Culture in Manufacturing
• 02:47 Defining Culture in Manufacturing
• 05:29 Sean Walters' Journey into Manufacturing
• 08:24 The Role of Mentorship in Business Development
• 11:23 Customer-Centric Focus in Business Development
• 14:14 Building Resilient Supply Chains
• 17:32 Fostering a Customer-Centric Culture
• 20:10 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership
• 23:13 Mentorship and Coaching in Leadership
• 25:12 Navigating Startup Challenges
• 27:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 29:31 Finding the Right Company Culture
• 33:24 Innovations at Captron
• 35:23 The Four Disciplines of Execution
• 42:44 Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Hedstrom, the executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition. They discuss the importance of reshaping perceptions around skilled careers, the role of culture in organizations, and the challenges faced in building a talent pipeline for the skilled trades. Mark shares his journey from anthropology to leadership roles in various sectors, emphasizing the need for collaboration among educators, businesses, and government to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. The conversation also touches on generational trauma, the significance of leadership, and the importance of finding passion in one's career.

Takeaways

• Culture is crucial for organizational success.
• Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
• Destigmatizing skilled trades is essential for attracting talent.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is key to solving workforce issues.
• Generational trauma affects perceptions of skilled careers.
• The skilled trades offer viable career paths with good pay and opportunities.
• Leadership should focus on creating a culture of learning and acceptance of failure.
• Engaging youth through authentic content can inspire interest in skilled careers.
• The coalition aims to increase the number of students in skilled trades education.
• Philanthropy should focus on significance over mere fundraising success.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast
• 01:49 Mark Hedstrom's Journey and Background
• 04:39 The Importance of Culture in Organizations
• 11:59 Overview of the Skilled Careers Coalition
• 16:33 Challenges and Rewards in Skilled Careers
• 21:51 De-stigmatizing Skilled Careers
• 28:08 Addressing Generational Trauma in Skilled Careers
• 30:45 Understanding the Skilled Trades Gap
• 33:02 The Future of Skilled Careers
• 35:16 Building Coalitions for Change
• 37:29 Lessons in Leadership
• 40:53 The Human Experience in Career Choices
• 44:58 Significance Over Success
• 48:45 Advice for Career Seekers

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Tom Ricciardelli, founder of Select Tech, about his journey from studying chemical engineering at MIT to creating innovative flooring solutions from recycled materials. Tom shares insights on sustainability, company culture, and the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in business and discusses the future of Select Tech in the static control flooring market.

Takeaways

• Tom's journey began with a passion for the environment and hands-on work.
• Select Tech focuses on creating products from recycled materials.
• Innovation in flooring includes adhesive-free interlocking systems.
• Company culture is about fostering a positive, problem-solving environment.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship.
• Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming business challenges.
• Tom believes in trying new ideas, even if they fail.
• Sustainability is at the core of Select Tech's mission.
• The future of Select Tech includes expanding into healthcare static control solutions.
• Tom's proudest accomplishments are his family and their joint business ventures.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast
• 02:52 Tom Ricciardelli: Journey from MIT to Select Tech
• 10:40 Innovating with Sustainability in Flooring Solutions
• 18:01 Company Culture and Leadership Philosophy
• 21:09 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 25:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
• 29:25 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Aspirations