Get ready for an electrifying journey on the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, brought to you by the fantastic team at Speroni! This episode, hosted by the ever-curious and engaging Jim Mayer, features a powerhouse of the manufacturing world – Ryan Kuhlenbeck, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Pico MES.

In a world where digital technology is rapidly transforming the manufacturing landscape, Ryan stands at the forefront, navigating through challenges and leading the charge toward a brighter, more connected future. He shares his riveting story from his early days in automotive manufacturing to spearheading Pico MES, a beacon of innovation in digital manufacturing technology.

Dive deep into the heart of what makes Pico MES tick – from its mission to bridge the digital divide for small to midsize manufacturers to the transformative company culture that propels them forward. Ryan's insights into their unique hiring process, the embrace of technological evolution, and the power of cultural shifts will leave you inspired and ready to think differently about the manufacturing world.

The episode crescendos with Ryan's invaluable advice on the art of continuous improvement and the strategic importance of laying solid foundations for lasting benefits in the manufacturing industry.

A must-listen for those eager to catch a glimpse of manufacturing's future, where culture and technology intertwine to create something truly spectacular!

Sponsored by Speroni: Leaders in tool presetting and measuring systems.

Connect with Ryan Kuhlenbeck on LinkedIn

In this all-star episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer invites you to step up to the plate with guest Chris Caves. From knocking it out of the park in minor league baseball to hitting home runs in the insurance industry, Chris brings a unique perspective to teamwork and leadership.

Together, they dig deep into the playbook to reveal the hidden strategies that make a manufacturing team championship-worthy. From mentorship and interdependence to crystal-clear communication, Chris shares the invaluable lessons his sports background bestowed on him. But that's not all—discover how these principles can revolutionize intergenerational collaboration and cultivate a caring, supportive work environment.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply directly to your team, ensuring you're always playing at the top of your game.

A special shoutout to our fantastic sponsor, Speroni. They're the real MVPs behind this episode, ensuring we bring you quality content that inspires and motivates.

Want to connect with Chris? Find out more about his game-changing approaches and connect with him on LinkedIn.

So, grab your glove, dust off those cleats, and get ready to be inspired. Trust us—you won't want to miss this one!

Get ready for an exhilarating ride into the world of startups, manufacturing, and ground-breaking innovation! In today's episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Laura Teicher, the dynamic force behind FORGE's awe-inspiring mission.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring a hard tech idea from prototype to market? Laura spills the secrets! With FORGE's laser-focused support, over 700 startups in sectors like climate tech, medical devices, and robotics have experienced transformative growth. Listen in as Laura demystifies how FORGE zeroes in on startups that are the 'right fit' and supercharges them through strategic partnerships with manufacturers.

We'll also delve into FORGE's remarkable synergy with Greentown Labs, its unique collaborations with top-tier universities, and the pioneering impact metrics that keep them at the cutting edge.

Today's episode is generously sponsored by Speroni. To learn more about their incredible offerings, visit Speroni's website.

🔗 Connect with Laura Teicher:

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that's set to turbocharge your understanding of hard tech startups' journey from inception to impact. Share the episode with friends who'll love it as much as you do, and don't forget to rate and review us!

Get ready for an electrifying episode that will shift your perspective on what's possible, both in the manufacturing world and in life. We're honored to feature Dr. Ivan Rosenberg, a trailblazing pioneer in reimagining the talent landscape with his game-changing initiative, the Uniquely Abled Project. Ivan dives deep into how he's transformed the employment landscape for individuals with autism, making the impossible not just possible but extraordinary. Forget what you think you know about limitations—here, we're all about untapped potential and world-changing visions.

A massive shoutout to Speroni, our fantastic sponsor, for making this enlightening conversation possible. Speroni, like us, believes in challenging the status quo and taking innovation to the next level.

Connect with Dr. Ivan Rosenberg on LinkedIn and learn more about the Uniquely Abled Project on their website.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights that will inspire you to reconsider your views on talent and ability. From groundbreaking training methods to cultivating workplaces that don't just include but celebrate every individual's unique abilities, this is more than a conversation—it's a call to action. You'll also discover the broader impact of the Uniquely Abled Project as it begins its exciting journey of expanding its reach to diverse diagnoses and vocations.

Don't miss this life-altering episode. The future is not just inclusive; it's innovative. Here's to building it together!

Get ready for an electrifying conversation that dives deep into the future of manufacturing! This episode features none other than Steven Antalics, Chief of Staff at the cutting-edge startup Industrial Next. We're going way beyond the nuts and bolts of your typical factory; Steven opens up about how they're using mind-blowing robotics and smart automation to literally reshape how we think about production.

But that's just scratching the surface. Ever wondered how you navigate the cultural waters when your team is scattered across different time zones? Steven shares personal insights from the trenches on managing a global team and creating a culture that sings in harmony, from San Francisco to Geneva.

We'll also tackle the big, gnarly questions haunting the industry—Is automation taking our jobs? How do we retrain our skilled labor force? And can robots help make the manufacturing scene more diverse and inclusive?

Steven gives us a backstage pass to Industrial Next's playbook on how to challenge the status quo while embracing ethical and humane practices. From the first gear to the last line of code, this episode is all about how innovation and human ingenuity come together to build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Don't miss this game-changing dialogue—packed with fresh perspectives, heartening real-world stories, and actionable strategies for any forward-thinking professional!

Get ready for a rollercoaster of inspiration with Jacob Sanchez, the Gen Z powerhouse taking manufacturing by storm! In this electric episode, your host Jim Mayer dives deep with Jacob, who stumbled into manufacturing by pure fate. With his eyes set on cooking class, destiny had other plans and hurled him straight into an engineering class in high school. Jacob didn't just adapt—he thrived.

As a founding member of Titans of CNC Academy, he became a programming and machining virtuoso. His talent knows no bounds, conquering realms from aerospace to medical tech. Fast-forward to today, he's an industry analyst, a content creation dynamo, and a rallying voice for Gen Z in manufacturing. But that's not all; this episode tackles burning topics like mental health, building a thriving company culture, and bridging the generational gaps that challenge our industry.

This electrifying episode is brought to you by Speroni, pioneers in delivering state-of-the-art tool lmanagement systems. They're as committed as we are to propelling the industry into the future.

Don't miss out on Jacob's transformational insights! Tune in and ignite your passion for manufacturing!

In this electrifying episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Joey Hovsepyan, the visionary founder behind Emmet. Joey is on a mission to revolutionize the way metal distribution works in the manufacturing industry. But hold on—it's not just about materials; it's about a cultural transformation!

Journey with us as Joey peels back the layers on his unique career path, from entrepreneurial hustles as a kid to steering the course of Emmet. Get ready to be captivated by his keen insights into the ever-changing landscape of company culture, shaped by his work across diverse fields and industries.

In this unmissable conversation, we explore:

Don't miss this chance to dive deep into the mind of a leader poised to disrupt the status quo and usher in a new era of manufacturing culture.

So grab a seat, tune in, and get ready to rethink everything you know about manufacturing!

Ready to get your gears turning? Strap in for an electrifying ride as host Jim picks the brain of Nicole Donnelly, the dynamo behind DMG Digital. This isn't your run-of-the-mill marketing talk—Nicole is on a mission to accelerate small manufacturers into the digital age, and she's got the street cred to back it up. With years spent hands-on in small business manufacturing and managing accounts for growing businesses, she's the go-to expert you've been waiting for.

Dive into her unique strategy of interviewing subject matter experts within the industry—yes, right from the factory floor to the C-suite—for content that's as authentic as it gets. The conversation turns unflinchingly honest as they tackle the gritty challenges of evolving culture and driving change in the manufacturing realm. Get ready to rethink change management as they discuss why every department, no matter how 'insignificant,' holds the key to success.

Have you ever struggled with perfectionism as a leader? Nicole shares a game-changing decision that revolutionized her team's culture and spurred them toward shared responsibility. She explains why humility and vulnerability aren't buzzwords but pillars of transformative leadership.

Worried about sales and marketing living in silos? Nicole dishes on her ideal clients for a marketing transformation journey and breaks down why sales and marketing are better together—way better.

Don't miss the exclusive peek into her podcast, 'Tales of Misadventure,' where the narratives of resilient entrepreneurs take center stage. From the role of AI to the power of unique branding, Nicole doesn't shy away from the trends shaking the foundations of marketing and culture.

And because let's face it, we've all goofed up—Nicole dishes on why your failures aren't setbacks; they're your secret weapon. Get set to be awestruck and maybe, just maybe, see your world a little differently. Trust us, this is the audio adrenaline shot you didn't know you needed!

Step into the electrifying world of trade shows with this week's Manufacturing Culture Podcast! Host Jim Mayer talks shop with Elizabeth Lein and Jay Partington, the masterminds behind the upcoming Wisconsin Manufacturing Technology Show 2023. Dive into the intricate choreography of event planning as Elizabeth reveals how her hospitality chops are elevating the trade show experience. Jay, an industry titan, takes us down memory lane while explaining the evolution and enduring importance of trade shows in shaping the future of manufacturing.

But we're not just talking shop; we're exploring innovation. Find out how WIMTS 2023 is spotlighting advancements in robotics and automation that could very well change the game for manufacturers everywhere. Discover how these events are more than just a spectacle—they're a rich tapestry of networking, knowledge sharing, and eye-opening seminars designed to bridge the skills gap in the industry.

If you've ever wondered what fuels the buzz and innovation at a major industry event, or if you're looking to get the most out of your trade show experience, this episode is your golden ticket. Tune in and be inspired!

Connect with the Show and Guests

Join us in a compelling new episode of Manufacturing Culture, where host Jim Mayer sits down with Nate Ankrum, President of Genuine Machine Products. This isn't your average chat about company culture; this is a deep dive into a transformational journey that resonates from the shop floor all the way to the U.S. Military's most critical missions.

Nate is a third-generation manufacturing pro who's fought through the trenches to transform Genuine Machine's culture from good to great. He shares the gritty, real-world challenges he's navigated—from open communication to decoding behavioral types—spilling the secrets that have not only empowered his employees but also elevated the company's mission of serving America's defense.

Don't miss this eye-opening episode filled with practical insights, heartwarming stories, and a dash of patriotic pride. Whether you're a manufacturing veteran or a newcomer, you'll walk away with a new understanding of what it means to build a culture that's truly 'Made in America, For America.'

If you're ready to up your game in manufacturing leadership or just looking to be inspired by someone who truly understands the nuts and bolts of both company culture and patriotic duty, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. So sit back, hit play, and let Nate Ankrum's blueprint for cultural excellence inspire you today!