Manufacturing Happy Hour

Is the industry ready for humanoids? And perhaps more importantly, does the industry really need them? It’s a debate that’s been going on for some time, and back in episode 200, we even had an audience member call humanoids out as a gimmick! But are there real benefits to using humanoids?

We welcomed back Melonee Wise, the Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, the pros at manufacturing mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions. Melonee explains that there are definitely practical uses for humanoids and explains some ways they may outperform regular robotics in certain scenarios, such as containerized movement.

We hear a little backstory about Melonee’s career and why she founded Fetch Robotics, sold it, and took her current role at Agility Robotics. While running her company, she learned a lot about finding product-market fit and ensuring that the designs of robots are viable, in demand, and safe. Safety is a key theme in this episode, and Melonee reveals some of the specific scenarios we need to prepare for if we ever hope to get a robot from the design stage to implementation.

In this episode, find out:

• Are humanoids overhyped or is there a real use for them?
• The practical applications for humanoids in manufacturing and supply chain management
• The realities of managing robots on a production line and why instructions need to be programmed clearly
• Weighing up the speed of human workers vs. automated vehicles and robots, plus the other factors affecting human workers
• How AI plays into robotics development and why robotics would be advanced enough to progress without AI
• How we could manage data from robots to optimize supply chain management
• Why safety is always the biggest challenge with robotics and machinery and the different scenarios we need to account for before deploying a new piece of robotics
• The dangers of not thinking proactively about safety – both to the industry as a whole and to robotics developments
• What led Melonee to launch Fetch Robotics and how she found product-market fit with a new solution to a common problem
• Why Melonee stepped away from entrepreneurship to take a role at Agility Robotics

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Humanoids would be having their moment right now, whether or not AI was also having its moment. I think that the technology is sufficiently advanced enough that we can do the work without leveraging AI if we needed to. Now, will AI help? Yes."
• “There are two factors that make containerized movement great for humanoids. One, it's very standard work and robotics always loves standard processes. And two, it's highly scalable. So it's worth the investment of the development.”
• “Humanoids are becoming the new best friends of AMRs. So that's where we're seeing a lot of success, especially because they’re highly repeatable and there are a lot of use cases for them.”

Links & mentions:

• Agility Robotics, the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile manipulation robots and automation solutions, working with the humanoid robot, Digit
• Fetch Robotics (now Zebra), Melonee’s original company, acquired by Zebra, is a robotics automation products manufacturer that helps robots work alongside humans

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

U.S. manufacturing is on a roll right now. And organizations like MxD – The Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute are on a mission to help manufacturers build the things they need to build in the modern digital world.

In this episode, we sit down with Berardino Baratta, CEO of MxD, to explore the evolution of digital transformation in manufacturing and its impact on the industry. First, Berardino shares his career story, which takes us from healthcare AI to operating a café during a sabbatical to now helping manufacturers thrive in a digital world.

As MxD celebrates its 10th anniversary, Berardino shares insights on how the organization has evolved over the years as new technology progresses. We dig into the challenges faced by small businesses, the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age, and how MxD is shaping the future of American manufacturing. Berardino shares his perspective on how manufacturing is changing for the better, including a more collaborative approach to improving supply chains and the democratization of data and insights.

In this episode, find out:

• Berardino explains what MxD does to help manufacturers and how its scope has evolved as new technology advances
• Some backstory on Berardino’s varied career from being the CEO of an AI healthcare company to now working as the CEO of the U.S.’s leading digital manufacturing innovation center
• What Berardino learned during his long sabbatical about modernizing operations at a café and how he applied that to his work in manufacturing
• Berardino takes us through MxD’s project history, including working with the Department of Defense and Manufacturing USA
• How modern manufacturing companies feel about creating something that will be democratized vs. maintaining competitive advantages
• Why the industry has become more collaborative over making supply chain improvements
• How manufacturing has changed in the past ten years in line with technological innovations
• What’s working when it comes to fortifying the strength of U.S. manufacturing
• Improvements the industry needs to make when it comes to adopting digital assets

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We quickly realized cybersecurity is critical. We went from being the Digital Manufacturing Institute to the Digital Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Institute. Two sides of the same coin, right? If you're going to adopt digital, it better be secure.”
• “98% of U.S. manufacturing companies are small and medium. 75% have less than 20 employees. What's starting to work is that those small and medium businesses are starting to adopt digital to improve their operations.”
• “With the café, we modernized their entire operations. Right from production in the back house through building their front of the house. We modernized it with technology, not that dissimilar to a digital transformation of a manufacturer.”

Links & mentions:

• MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute; MxD advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness; in partnership with the Department of Defense
• Manufacturing USA, a network of regional institutes, each with a specialized technology focus; Manufacturing USA institutes like MxD convene business competitors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to test applications of new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future
• Chicago Cut Steakhouse, a stylish modern steakhouse with a patio overlooking the Chicago River where Berardino and Chris have both dined before
• Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery, avant-garde haunt in Aurora, IL with seasonal, creative entrées, whiskeys from around the world, and outdoor seating

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

In 1989, Kansas City's beer scene was revitalized with the founding of Boulevard Brewing Company, filling a void left by the closure of hundreds of local breweries during Prohibition and the subsequent decades.

Our guest, Adam Hall from Boulevard Brewing Company, takes us on a fascinating journey into the brewery's evolution from humble beginnings to its present-day status as a staple on Kansas City's beer scene. In this episode, learn about the evolution of Boulevard's beer lineup, the pivotal role of Kansas City’s rich beer heritage, and how innovation keeps the brewery ahead of trends without chasing them.

Adam also shares unique insights into Boulevard's community involvement, sustainability efforts, and the collaborative spirit among Kansas City brewers. Plus, don't miss out on their creative beer and food pairings, including a new Chamoy and peach ring-infused sour ale!

Plus, make sure to follow the MADE HERE series with the Industrial Solutions Network by going to industrialsolutionsnetwork.com/madehere.

In this episode, find out:

• How Boulevard Brewing started out in 1989 as a small brewery with a few taps in an old gift shop
• The history of Kansas City’s breweries before Prohibition and what happened afterward
• How founder John McDonald was inspired to brew a variety of beers while on a trip to Europe
• About Boulevard’s first successful beer, which was an American wheat beer, and how it remains their bestseller today
• How hiring an innovative brewer with a robust list of recipes helps keep Boulevard Brewing on the forefront of what’s happening in the industry
• How they collaborate with other craft breweries to share techniques and improve production efficiency
• Boulevard’s position as a mid-sized brewery, larger than typical craft breweries but smaller than macro breweries, allows for quality-focused growth
• The future for the brewery is to increase its presence in markets outside Kansas City while maintaining a tight and high-quality beer profile
• How Boulevard's commitment to innovation includes adopting new manufacturing techniques to enhance efficiency and product quality

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “While Kansas City didn't experience Prohibition in the same way that other cities did, we never really stopped serving beer, manufacturing shut down almost completely.”
• “We want to grow. We want more people to try our beer. We think that if you try our beer, you'll like our beer. We try to make something for everybody.”
• “In the early 2000s, we were doing over a hundred thousand barrels on our original brew house, which kicks out 35 barrels at a time. If you do anything a hundred thousand times in increments of 35, it'll tell you that brew house was running 24 hours a day.”

Links & mentions:

• Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery in Kansas City, Missouri that combines traditional brewing techniques with modern methods
• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, the best barbeque in Kansas City, the barbeque capital of the world

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

If you are one of the 100,000 people that’s going to IMTS 2024 – North America's largest manufacturing trade show – there's a lot in this episode for you. We’re joined by 7 other manufacturing leaders as we enjoy a glass of bourbon and chat about what we’re expecting to see at IMTS this year, September 9 through 14, 2024 in Chicago, IL.

This episode was recorded live from MakingChips HQ at their “Boring Bar” in Rockford, IL where we were joined by a number of past guests of Manufacturing Happy Hour. The crew discusses everything from IMTS to artificial intelligence to our thoughts on the future of manufacturing and what it will take to continue to enhance the vibrancy of this industry.

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Let’s raise a glass to 200 episodes down and counting! It’s been an incredible journey so far and to mark this milestone, we’re bringing you a special live episode – this time with host Chris Luecke in the hot seat.

So what’s it been like running the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast? Chris tells us in his own words how much he’s learned as the podcast has grown in the amazing manufacturing community.

Live from Broken Bat Brewery in Milwaukee, we’re joined by Manufacturing Happy Hour alumni, including Meaghan Ziemba, the perfect host for this episode, plus lots of manufacturers, creators, and tech leaders.

Chris shares some of the best advice he’s heard from guests on the show, including how to be a self-advocate, the importance of connecting with the next generation of talent, and the power of networking events in fostering a community. We hear some behind-the-scenes details of handling feedback, producing those early episodes, and why Chris decided to start the podcast in the first place.

Huge thanks to anyone who’s listened to and supported the podcast over the years. Here’s to another 200 episodes!

In this episode, find out:

• Introduction to our host this episode, Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing
• Chris explains how he feels about it being the 200th episode and reflects on his first guest on the show
• Why Manufacturing Happy Hour began as a way to connect with younger manufacturers
• Why community and networking have always been such a big feature of the Manufacturing Happy Hour mission
• Chris reflects on the most memorable moments from his podcast
• The top challenges Chris faced when creating the podcast and the game-changing advice he received
• How listener feedback has impacted Chris’ approach to podcasting and helped him grow
• Why manufacturers need to be an “aggressive self-advocate”
• How podcasts like this help to attract more young people into the industry and why Chris believes we need to listen rather than assume we know what younger people are looking for in this industry
• How podcasting and attending events is making a tangible impact on companies in the industry
• Chris shares his predictions for next year and beyond and his plan for the next 200 episodes
• Rapid fire questions on Chris’ favorite tech, events, guests, podcasts, and some behind-the-scenes stories
• The top things Chris has learned about leadership since starting the podcast
• Introduction to the companies who made this event possible

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “When I say Manufacturing Happy Hour is listened to by leaders in manufacturing, I don't always mean the C-suite. I define leader as anyone who cares about their career, the industry, or their business. People that are driven in their careers.”
• “How do I attract the next generation? I need to listen to the next generation in terms of hearing what they want, rather than just assuming that me, as someone who’s been doing this for five plus years, knows all the answers.”
• “I'm trying to pick the best stories to tell, but I think it's just consistency. It's doing these things on a regular basis that gets folks out there, gets folks talking to people that they might not have met before."

Links & mentions:

• Broken Bat Brewery, baseball themed craft brewery and tap room in Milwaukee
• Mavens of Manufacturing, live video series hosted by Meaghan Ziemba that celebrates women in manufacturing
• Episode 56: Closing the Gender Gap in Manufacturing with Meaghan Ziemba, Meaghan’s guest episode

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Not every new manufacturing project needs to reinvent the wheel. In fact, by using the resources manufacturers already have, companies can save both time and money. The key? Using historical data.

In this episode, we sit down with Yushiro Kato, Founder and CEO of CADDi, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data. Yushiro gives us his backstory before he built CADDi and shares the unique learnings he picked up along the way.

We hear how CADDi’s innovative solutions can streamline operations and reduce costs in procurement and engineering processes. Throughout the episode, Yushiro champions centralized data systems that allow engineers to easily access and reuse past drawings, simplifying supply chains.

Yushiro also highlights the unique challenges of managing a company that spans multiple countries and continents. We hear about some of the key differences in job and skill specialization between the U.S. and Japan, while we sip sake and talk ramen.

In this episode, find out:

• Yushiro explains his entrepreneurial backstory and early experience at McKinsey & Company
• Why seeing the global pain points facing manufacturing inspired Yushiro to build CADDi
• Why so many entrepreneurs come from McKinsey
• How CADDi was founded on the idea of finding solutions in historical records
• Why we don’t see many manufacturing leaders using data to be more competitive
• How democratization of data can be used to empower people at all levels of seniority
• What frontline empowerment in manufacturing looks like
• Yushiro explains the first big issue that needs to be solved in manufacturing
• What it’s like being a CEO for a company that spans five countries

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “Engineers tend to create new drawings over and over again. But why don't you leverage past data if they're mostly identical drawings in the past?”
• “There are a lot of data-related systems in place... but the systems do not really talk to each other. If you want to leverage the data in the past, you need to search across multiple systems, which is super time-consuming.”
• “Jobs are more specialized in the U.S. than Japan. So for example, in marketing, there are a lot of marketers - digital marketers, offline marketers, content marketers. In Japan, they're more generalists because they tend to be in the same company for longer."

Links & mentions:

• CADDi Drawer, a company that helps manufacturers unlock the potential of their historical data
• RAMEN-SAN, a neighborhood noodle joint that slings hot broth, ice-cold beer, and the best '90s hip-hop in Chicago, with multiple locations including River North

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

The Rust Belt cities are welcoming in a new renaissance – and it’s thanks to the rise and return of great American manufacturing!

In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we dive deep into the heart of the new American manufacturing renaissance with a stellar lineup of guests, including Drew Crowe, Michael Eaton, Mary Cecile “MC” Neville, Brad Jones, Jeff Hawkins, and Cynthia Chapple. Recorded at the 4 Hands Brewery in St. Louis, this episode brings together inspiring industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of manufacturing.

Drew Crowe, the Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, and his inspiring career journey take center stage as he shares how manufacturing changed his life. Today, he’s a public speaker and passionate advocate for the industry with a mission to reconnect communities with manufacturing.

We hear how manufacturing is revitalizing cities like St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia, where the industry is not only great for job prospects but also economic growth for the Rust Belt states as a whole. Drew also gives his take on the skills gap, a challenge many manufacturers still face, and how his work is helping to spread awareness of the career opportunities the industry offers.

To hear more from manufacturing leaders, be sure to register for IMTS, taking place September 9-14 in Chicago.

In this episode, find out:

• Drew describes the New American Manufacturing Renaissance and its mission to connect communities with manufacturing
• Drew takes us through his inspiring career journey and how he prioritized learning
• Why the Rust Belt cities are seeing a resurgence thanks to the help of manufacturing
• Why better job opportunities and upskilling help not just individuals but also the city and state achieve longer-term growth
• How manufacturing is helping the cities of St. Louis, Detroit, and Philadelphia and what they’re getting right
• How the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis contributes to communities getting involved in manufacturing
• Drew’s answer to the skills gap and why we need to spread awareness and give potential talent a helping hand
• The importance of relatable and diverse role models
• How events like this and online content help the industry get the attention it needs
• Introduction to the Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
• How manufacturing contributes to the resurgence of cities
• What to expect from IMTS
• Why industry leaders need to meet people where they’re at and know their audience when talking about manufacturing

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “I want to bring back the opportunity where no matter what people look like, no matter where they're from, their sex, gender, political standing, race, whatever it is, we've got a lot of jobs that can change people's lives, and we just got to connect them to it.” - Drew Crowe
• “The world does not go around if we do not create.” - Cynthia Chapple
• “Manufacturers are the backbone of America. They built this country. We didn't need a pandemic to label manufacturers as essential workers. You have always been essential workers, period." - Drew Crowe

Links & mentions:

• Drew The MFG Crowe, often referred to as the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Andrew, or Drew as he prefers, strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to this industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow.
• Delmar Maker District, a hand made movement along St. Louis’ Delmar Blvd. home to arts and crafts studios, eclectic ships, MADE Makerspace, and acclaimed restaurants
• Good Jobs Challenge, supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs as defined by the US Economic Development Administration
• ManufacturingIsSexy.com, apparel so you can Brag and rep the industry proudly, brought to you by Amper
• Black Girls Do STEM, diversifying innovation, empowering Black girls to achieve equitable STEM representation
• 4 Hands Brewing Co., brewery in St. Louis, MO with a tasting room serving a range of beers and pub fare, including City Wide Pale Ale, the world’s greatest beer

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Grab a bite to eat while you listen to this episode, preferably something fresh off the grill. We look behind the curtain of the food and beverage manufacturing world with Doug Wilson, the Director of Engineering at Marlen International.

Doug takes us on a journey through his career evolution from welding to food and beverage manufacturing, sharing pivotal moments that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of organization and workflow efficiency, revealing how his first plant startup taught him that failure can be the best teacher.

Doug breaks apart misconceptions about manufacturing in the food and beverage space and highlights that sanitary practices are make or break in this industry. He also sheds light on the artisanal side of food production, where meticulous recipe testing and quality assurance are key. We hear how Doug has helped smaller companies scale and the lessons they learn along the way when adopting new food processing equipment that makes it all possible.

Sustainability is a topic that’s near and dear to Doug’s heart, and he lets us in on Marlen’s tactic for reusing energy in the grilling process, which comes with an added flavorful bonus. Our conversation naturally comes to barbeque talk, specifically the world-famous Kansas City Barbeque Society which hosts events and competitions to celebrate a key part of KC’s culture.

In this episode, find out:

• How Doug first became a passionate Kansas City barbeque fan
• Doug’s early career in welding and high-speed printing and packaging
• Important lessons that Doug learned from an early startup that failed around workflow
• How Doug moved into the food processing business at Marlen
• Common misconceptions around food and beverage manufacturing
• What goes on behind the scenes of mass food production around testing and quality control
• Doug shares how he’s helped a number of smaller producers to industrialize and scale (including a truck stand)
• The key to ensuring quality when automation is a huge part of large-scale operations
• How the food manufacturing industry is changing, with a lean toward prepared meals
• How Marlen recycles exhaust fumes to boost energy efficiency
• Doug explains some of his barbeque tools, the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and his time as a judge
• What makes Kansas City a hub of food and beverage manufacturing
• The future of manufacturing in the food sector, Doug’s predictions

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “We take the exhaust gases from the grill and pump it into the oven, so you get more of that smoked flavor. Another nice thing from the environmental side is all that exhaust gas is at 300 degrees, that's just energy you're losing. We can scale way back and reuse all that energy a second time.”
• “If you have nothing but success until you have a failure, how do you know what you need to improve on?”
• “The industry is massive, and I think a lot of people just don't realize how many people touch it along the way."

Links & mentions:

• Marlen International, Kansas City-based manufacturer of batch ovens, smokehouses, chillers, and more. They enable customer success through trusted and robust food processing solutions, application know-how, process expertise and engineering customization.
• The Kansas City Barbeque Society, a competitive cooking organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, famous for Kansas City BBQ. It’s the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 16,000 members.
• Q39, a hip, airy Kansas City BBQ joint with beamed ceilings & exposed brick serving smoked BBQ & wood-fired meats.
• Jack Stack, a bustling local KC chain known for its vast barbeque menu encompassing steak & seafood.

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

What does it really take to excel as a CNC machinist? A hunger to learn, a touch of aggressive self-advocacy, and a knack for problem-solving are the major take-home messages in this episode.

We speak to Christopher Zappettini, Nushrat Ahmed, and Danny Hill Jr., three CNC machinists who all took different paths into the field, skipping the traditional trade school route. They explore the top skills needed in the industry, how to be a great frontline leader, and their top tips that you won’t get from a trade school.

Chris explains what he thinks is sometimes missing from the trade school route, why problem-solving was the number one skill he took from his engineering background, and why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate.”

Nushrat takes us through her transition from automotive engineering to becoming a CNC Swiss operator and shares one underrated skill you need to work in CNC machining. Like Chris, she believes it’s so important to advocate for yourself and learn to market your own skills.

Danny talks about the value of determination and continuous upskilling, pointing out the underrated importance of manual machine skills today, and taking charge of your own skill development.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the manufacturing industry and CNC machining looking to advance their career and become a top CNC machinist.

In this episode, find out:

• Why having an inspiring teacher was key to Chris’ education at ASU
• What Chris learned from his engineering program and early jobs about CNC machining
• Two reasons why people coming out of trade schools don’t hit the ground running – the importance of a good teacher and realizing that you get out what you put in
• Why engineering is about problem-solving at its core
• Why you need to be an “aggressive self-advocate” and take responsibility for your own learning and development through your career
• What does a great frontline leader look like?
• Why solving problems while parts are running is the ideal approach
• Chris’ advice on communication and why overcommunicating is almost never a bad thing
• What Chris believes is the most underrated skill to make it as a CNC machinist
• Why Nush became a CNC machinist after pivoting from an automotive career path
• What Nush believes it means to be a great frontline leader and why you should advocate for and market yourself
• Cleanliness as an underrated skill to be a CNC machinist
• The top characteristics of a frontline leader, according to Danny
• When Danny realized continuous learning was essential for his career
• Danny’s picks for the top practical and underrated skills in CNC machinery

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The most ideal situation is to get parts running and while they're running, solve the problems while it's still in the shop. You start solving the problems while the parts are being produced.” - Christopher Zappettini
• “You don't need to know numbers. Your handwriting doesn't have to be nice. You don't have to be good at reading. But you need to be neat. There are so many moving parts, you're going to be grabbing so many things, you're going to be moving so much, it'll make your life easier if everything has its place.” - Nushrat Ahmed
• “I want to learn all of it. Let me master this one thing, then I'm going to the next, and the next, and the next. The more and more I make myself more marketable. In this trade, there's nowhere else to go but up. I want to just learn the new and latest technology to come." - Danny Hill Jr.

Links & mentions:

• Zappettini Consulting, consultancy offering comprehensive solutions to optimize CNC operations
• Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., a down-to-earth brewpub with a variety of craft beers and imaginative American fare, including a peanut butter and jalapeño jelly burger
• Summit Coffee, coffee brand in North Carolina that sells unique seasonal drinks including tiramisu lattes
• Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company, a small coffee roaster based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Ever wonder why some machine shops are thriving while others are shutting their doors?

In this episode, we welcome back Manufacturing Happy Hour alumnus Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop, to crack open a virtual beer at GRUFF Brewing in Bellingham, Washington.

Paul serves up top notch insights on why some machine shops are thriving while others are closing their doors. He explains that some industries are driving the most success right now, including defense, commercial spaces, aerospace, and medical devices. But it's not only about being in the right industry – Paul emphasizes the need for sales-driven strategies, industry-specific certifications, and the adoption of automation and technology as keys to staying competitive.

We hear how ProShop has tripled its value since Paul was last on the show in 2020, and he shares the secret sauce for ProShop’s amazing growth. He also touches on the culture and mindset necessary for successful technology adoption in machine shops, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, leadership, and humility.

In this episode, find out:

• Why are some machine shops thriving while others are shutting down in 2024?
• The industries that are booming are in aerospace, medical devices, defense, commercial space and why other industries are struggling in comparison
• Paul explains how a shop can still succeed even if they’re not focused on the top industries by being sales-driven
• Why shops that have optimized their processes with automation tech are doing so well
• Paul outlines detailed advice for a shop that might want to pivot industries
• The moment Paul realized he’d found the secret sauce to growing ProShop
• Why Paul believes in giving back to customers, not just to drive sales but to boost value
• The all-important culture and mindset that a shop that adopts tech has and why “we’ve always done it this way” is such a dangerous statement
• Highly regulated industries are more likely to adopt tech to manage compliance and the greater complexity of the business, but what can those in less regulated industries do to adopt a similar approach?
• Paul explains how he’s been busy since his last guest appearance on the show – tripling the value of ProShop thanks to changing the company’s goals
• Why transparency and customer care are the key things that Paul believes are responsible for ProShop’s success
• Paul explains why he finally began a funding round after seven years of bootstrapping the business
• The benefits of bootstrapping your business like Paul and his advice for those who want to go a similar route
• Paul shares some backstory on his 2 podcasts and why he keeps one entirely separate from his business
• The biggest benefit of running podcasts for Paul

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!

Tweetable Quotes:

• “The shops that are thriving the most right now are the ones that are specifically targeting and are really sales-driven into industries that are hot."
• “This whole concept of transparency and focusing on client success and sharing their stories and celebrating their wins and, what I like to say, the heroes of the economy as they are, I think is a really important part of our growth story.”
• “You can have the best product in the world and no one's going to buy it if they don't really believe in it and see it and ask if that can be a part of their success as well.”

Links & mentions:

• ProShop ERP, easily store and manage all job and company data. From setup sheets, tool lists, inspection plans, drawings, sales reports, estimating data, inventory, job costing, labor tracking, all QMS records, and more.
• Machine Shop Mastery, hosted by Paul Van Metre, this is the podcast that helps elevate the importance of the machine shop industry and reveal the secrets of success for machine shops while inspiring other shop owners or would-be shop owners to follow their passions
• Manufacturing Transformed, Paul’s other podcast that offers a peek into how companies are benefiting from ProShop
• GRUFF Brewing Co., serving Bellingham, WA delicious craft beer, draft cocktails, and food

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.