Manufacturing Happy Hour

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.

Places like Kansas City’s West Bottoms district make up the foundations of American manufacturing and industry. And in this episode, we head straight to The Ship, a unique bar in the heart of the historic West Bottoms district to meet with Scott Brown of the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel at Faultless Starch.

We take a look back into the history of the area and why West Bottoms was put on the map thanks to its proximity to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and the early railroads in the 1860s. Scott talks about why the region became such an agricultural hub and played an important role in the livestock industry of Kansas City. Today, the district is undergoing a period of revitalization, with investments in infrastructure being key to attracting new businesses and residents.

Scott highlights some of the area's top businesses, including Faultless Brands, which has been manufacturing starch products in West Bottoms since 1887. We also talk about the legendary American Royal BBQ events and why Kansas City BBQs may give Texas a run for its money…

Check out our Made Here City Series in collaboration with the Industrial Solutions Network.

In this episode, find out:

• How West Bottoms’ industrial history was shaped by the river and railways connecting Kansas City
• How the industrial background and area made Kansas City and the surrounding areas rich in agricultural history
• How Kansas City’s bridges connected different parts of the region, leading to expansion of the industry
• The impact of the stockyards coming to the region in the late 1800s
• The role of West Bottoms neighborhood in Kansas City cattle exchange history
• Where we see remnants of the old industry in Kansas City
• What is the American Royal today?
• The ultimate question: is Kansas City BBQ the best in the world?
• Why West Bottoms became a go-to district for haunted houses in Kansas City
• Why West Bottoms is thriving now and what you can find in the district today
• Why West Bottoms’ development is a model for other cities revitalizing areas

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:

• "You don't give up on an area because it goes into blight, it goes into neglect, some decay. It's again, location, location and if you have the people there and it's cool, it will come about."
• "Before Kansas City came about, this area where we're in now was known as the French Bottoms. And located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri River, it was a natural place of trade and people were using the river at that time."

Links & mentions:

• West Bottoms, official site of the West Bottoms Business District Association, the organization dedicated to continued revival of our most historical area in downtown in Kansas City
• Visit KC, guide to the West Bottoms with most of this episode’s restaurant recommendations (and more) included
• The Ship, a simple exterior gives way to this cool speakeasy offering classic cocktails & live entertainment

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.

A recruiter, a manufacturing leader, and a technology leader all walk into a bar… and tackle the skills gap problem head-on over some beers!

The skills gap has been a hot topic in manufacturing. So, in true Manufacturing Happy Hour style, we sit down with a beer and discuss. Recorded live from Founders Brewery, MI while on tour with SwipeGuide, we sit down with Ann Wyatt of Ann Wyatt Recruiting, Ryan Lillibridge, VP of Mission Design & Automation, and CEO and Founder of SwipeGuide, Willemijn Schneyder.

First up, we talk about how the stigma of heading into the trades is thankfully on the decrease. We swap insights on how the idea of "hireability" is changing, and what companies can do to lower the barriers to entry. A common theme throughout is that manufacturing leaders need to be more flexible when it comes to hiring. Do all candidates need a Master’s in mechanical engineering? Probably not. For the future of manufacturers, attitude and aptitude are the golden tickets.

We rounded out the conversation talking about upskilling and reskilling your workforce. Part of the skills gap problem isn’t just about attracting people to manufacturing. It’s also about missing a trick with your existing workforce. Sometimes, you need to tap into their knowledge and interests and reskill them for an increasingly tech-heavy future.

In this episode, find out:

• Ann, Ryan, and WIllemijn introduce themselves and their unique perspectives on addressing the skills gap
• How the stigma around trade jobs has evolved
• How the term “hireability” has evolved in today’s market from a recruiter’s perspective
• What companies can do to lower the barriers to entry into manufacturing and why recruiters should look at attitude and aptitude, not just experience and formal education
• Ann, Ryan, and Willemijn share which job requirements they think are outdated in today’s market and the top skills that manufacturing recruiters should look for
• Why technology is not the solution but a catalyst to empower the workforce
• How upskilling and reskilling existing staff could help to ease the burden of the skills gap
• Why people are the most valuable asset of a business that leaders should invest more in

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:

• “Technology can put a value to frontline knowledge.”
• “We do automation. We put automation systems into factories, but if they haven't spent time on their people, their manufacturing equipment does not run well because they haven't upskilled their team.”
• “We have to prioritize attitude and aptitude over ten plus years’ experience.”

Links & mentions:

• SwipeGuide, a hassle-free how-to platform for frontline training, made simple
• Mission Design & Automation, a leading intelligent automation integrator in Michigan
• Ann Wyatt Recruiting, specialist recruitment company for manufacturing companies
• Founders Brewery, brewery in Grand Rapids, MI

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.

Improve productivity or work on sustainability? Why not both?

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Dunford, CEO of Guidewheel and a member of the Executive Committee for the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing within the World Economic Forum, for a fascinating chat about productivity, sustainability, and innovation in manufacturing. Lauren shares how Guidewheel evolved from an energy management system to a full-fledged factory ops platform.

We kick things off with Lauren's path to manufacturing, including her experience at Stanford's MBA program and how it's proven invaluable as Guidewheel scales globally. She offers a refreshing perspective on the value of education and practical experience in the startup world.

Lauren reveals the pivotal moment that reshaped Guidewheel's approach. It's a classic tale of listening to your customers – in this case, two power users who unlocked a 20% productivity boost using Guidewheel in ways the team hadn't anticipated.

We dive deep into the connection between productivity and sustainability, exploring how data-driven decisions and operational effectiveness naturally lead to more sustainable practices. The role of AI in manufacturing naturally comes up and we discuss how it's simplifying complex processes and enabling real-time decision-making on the factory floor. 

In this episode, find out:

• Lauren shares how she became involved with the World Economic Forum  and her experience so far 
• We hear about Lauren’s early career, starting with Stanford 
• What led to Lauren starting Guidewheel and where she saw a gap in the market 
• How the MBA and five years of work experience paved the way for Lauren to build her career 
• Lauren’s mission for sustainable solutions and how she came up with the idea behind Guidewheel 
• The moment Lauren realized she needed Guidewheel to pivot
• The most important aspects of measuring sustainability and the tangible impact on business 
• The benefits of using data-driven decisions on the factory floor and why it should be brought into existing routines 
• The investor perspective on using data to drive decision-making 
• How AI can help technology solutions provide insights and predictive analyses 
• How manufacturers think about productivity and sustainability today 
• How has Guidewheel has evolved as technology advances  
• What a “factory ops champion” is and Guidewheel’s approach to tapping into those champions
• Why manufacturing is probably the coolest industry to work in today

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:

• “Once you start bringing data into those decisions, sustainability is the natural direction because “do more with less” results in more productive and efficient operations.”
• “Being able to use data to pinpoint the areas where you can grow in addition to the areas where you can be more efficient, from an investor standpoint, is just absolute gold.”
• “AI-powered is one of the new things we've really leaned in to, getting more and more predictive and ahead of breakdowns or problems.” 

Links & mentions:

• Guidewheel, the plug-and-play FactoryOps platform

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.

Think about a world where robots are ubiquitous. Where robots are a part of our lives like The Jetsons promised us. Like having WALL-E or R2-D2 as a buddy. The Robotics Summit & Expo is a precursor to that…

The Robotics Summit & Expo – hosted by WTWH Media – is an event focused on the commercialization of robots. The work that needs to be done to get robots out into the world. To make them more adoptable by industrial companies. This is where engineers and developers get educated on where robotics are today, and what work still needs to done - the technology, the business models, etc. - to deliver on the promises of robotics - the positive promises of robotics - that many of us probably grew up envisioning.

This episode is a recap of the event with various interviews mixed in. Guests and co-hosts include:

• Jonathan Hurst, Chief Robotics Officer at Agility Robotics
• Joyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at MassRobotics
• Scott Sizemore, Director of Commercial Marketing at Electrocraft
• Meaghan Ziemba, Host of Mavens of Manufacturing
• Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial
• Mike Oitzman, Co-Host of The Robot Report Podcast

How can simulation revolutionize manufacturing? Graham Wloch, the Director of Business Development at Visual Components, joins the show this week to fill us in on the power of simulation.

We hear about Graham’s early career and what made him pivot into the world of simulation, automation, and robotics. Graham shares what he believes are the top challenges facing manufacturers and why now is the time to start thinking ahead and embracing new technology.

He breaks down the three main elements of simulations and explores how they can transform manufacturing processes all the way from ideation to production. Getting buy-in from leadership is always a challenge, but as Graham tells us in this episode, simulation can make that all-important buy-in easier and faster to achieve.

Tune in to the episode to hear Graham explain real-world examples of how simulation enables companies to become forward-thinking and why a simulation-first culture is key in manufacturing today.

In this episode, find out:

• Graham takes us through his early career and high school drafting experience
• Why Graham moved into mechanical design and the top things he learned
• How Graham made a pivot to working in simulation and how his previous experience helped
• Why Graham stands by his quote: the big no longer eat the small, the fast eat the slow
• The evolution and importance of simulation in manufacturing
• Real-world examples of companies using simulations and why simulation is not industry-specific
• Why manufacturers need to create a simulation-first culture
• How offline programming for robots helps to speed processes up

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:

• “If you take simulation and you get everybody on that same page from concept and design to process, to robot programming, to controls validation, and everybody has that same information, everybody's able to share that vision.”
• “With the right simulation tools, you can do shipping and receiving, you can do product and part delivery. You can really turn the level of detail up as high as it'll go and understand how this living, breathing factory is going to get you to where you need to be.”
• “We always look for companies that are forward-thinking, that are excited to incorporate technology to not only improve the bottom line but even make employees’ lives better.”

Links & mentions:

• Visual Components, a world-leading 3D simulation and visualization specialist offering total process solutions for manufacturers, system integrators, and machine builders
• The Oxford Tap, offering a fresh take on classic pub fare in Oxford, MI, including ghost pepper wings

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 barrier to entry when it comes to robotics is breaking down fast. More and more companies and industries are realizing that robotics is a realistic solution to all sorts of problems. And companies like HowToRobot are paving the way forward.

In this episode, we sit down with Søren Peters, CEO and Founder of HowToRobot.com, a platform that provides information and advice on robot suppliers and industrial automation. We hear how Søren stepped away from the world of IT and found his feet in the world of robotics.

He shares his take on the evolution of robots, the challenges in adoption, the disconnect between suppliers and buyers, and more. We talk about why manufacturers tend to focus on automating complex tasks over easier, more immediately impactful ones.

We round off the episode with some fun talk about Danish expressions and favorite beer spots in the U.S. and Copenhagen in true Manufacturing Happy Hour style!

In this episode, find out:

• How companies can get started with robotics in manufacturing
• Why manufacturing companies have gone beyond the “why should we use robots stage?”
• A common mistake when using robots for the first time
• Why people get overwhelmed when purchasing robotics equipment
• Why custom solutions aren’t always the best option and how it can hurt your chances of getting financing
• How the industry can make robots more accessible
• The common challenges in financing robot equipment
• Why more people are seeing the value of what HowToRobot has to offer
• Why Søren made his career pivot from IT to robots
• Søren’s predictions on robotics in the next few years
• Danish phrases and beer talk!

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 think a lot of people in the manufacturing world are past the “why robots,” if that makes sense. The “how,” on the other hand, I think it's a big one, you know, where do you get started?”
• “We see sadly often that they start by replicating a human. They think of it as an addition, or an add-on, or a replacement of that specific person's task, which is often a terrible place to start.”
• “The platform game is still too immature. You need to help the buyer much, much more and sometimes the seller. So, there’s an advisory management part to this that if we don't do that, these deals are just going to fall through.”

Links & mentions:

• HowToRobot.com, the go-to platform to find industrial automation, robotics suppliers, and expert advice on robots
• Mikkeller Brewing, a world-renowned Danish craft brewery
• Søernes Ølbar, Chris’ favorite beer bar in Copenhagen
• Cows on Ice and Owls in the Bog: The Weird and Wonderful World of Scandinavian Sayings, by Katarina Montnémery

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.

How do you adopt a cybersecurity strategy that fits your manufacturing business? 

In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, host Chris Lueke is speaking to Mollie Breen, CEO & Founder of Perygee, an automation platform for IT and security teams, built to eliminate the visibility challenges of the digital-first world. 

They kick off by exploring significant developments in cybersecurity over the past few years. Mollie highlights the dual role AI plays, assisting both hackers in identifying vulnerabilities and defenders in fortifying network security. She underscores the importance of reverting to cybersecurity fundamentals amid tech evolutions, noting that a shift back to basics is essential for adapting to new threats effectively. 

Mollie provides background on her time at the NSA, revealing the surprising routine nature of tackling seemingly insurmountable tasks due to robust capabilities and top-tier expertise available. Her time at the NSA played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey with Perygee, where she navigated the intricate processes within governmental organizations to introduce innovative security measures. 

Mollie and Chris also discuss practical advice for implementing cybersecurity strategies within organizations of varying sizes. Mollie touches on the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by medical device companies due to heavy regulations and the criticality of their operations. The conversation then moves to the timing and evolution of cybersecurity roles within growing businesses.

To wrap up, they discuss the potential for leadership in cybersecurity across all levels of an organization. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders across the manufacturing sector looking to enhance their cybersecurity strategies and foster a more secure operational environment.

In this episode, find out:

• What’s new in cybersecurity, AI, and going back to basics 
• Mollie’s journey with the NSA and how that lead to her founding Perygee
• Mollie offers practical cybersecurity advice for companies of all sizes
• How training can go a long way in the context of cyber security 
• Mollie expounds on the right approach to cybersecurity in public vs. private companies
• Unpacking cybersecurity strategies for small to medium-sized businesses
• Understanding the unique cybersecurity challenges in medical devices
• The benefits of learning from different cybersecurity approaches across industries
• Mollie talks about the future of cybersecurity leadership in 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:

• “You have to remember cyber is an offensive and a defensive game.”
• “Inevitably every time you have to secure a new thing, there's an ushering in of going back to the basics and asking yourself, ‘what do we do?’”
• “I'm glad we're moving into a position where people are more informed. Doing something just out of fear of the headlines isn't necessarily the best decision for the organization.”

Links & mentions:

• Perygee, an automation platform for IT and security teams purpose-built to eliminate the visibility challenges of the digital-first world
• NIST Framework, excellent guidelines for getting started with cybersecurity
• Cyber Readiness Institute, free resources for small businesses

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.

It’s been a hot minute since we covered eCommerce on the show, but since COVID, it’s become a growing part of manufacturing and distribution. COVID lockdowns essentially shut off the traditional methods for buying and selling manufactured supplies, and companies were forced to adopt a new way of doing things or get left behind. It’s meant great things for the industry, so we thought we’d get the eCommerce perspective in this episode from Znode's Chief Commercial Officer, Tom Flierl.

Tom joins the podcast to explore the link between eCommerce and manufacturing, how Znode presents a seamless solution, and the reasons why there’s been a spike in eCommerce system adoption. We look at how distribution and manufacturing have adapted, and Tom shares some examples of companies that have embraced new solutions and seen the benefits of integrating everything into a one-stop shop solution.

Tom also chats about AI as the next big thing for manufacturers to lean into, why salespeople are still vital for the industry, and some tips on how to assess the effectiveness of an eCommerce solution.

In this episode, find out:

• Where eCommerce and manufacturing meet
• Tom explains what Znode does
• We hear about Tom’s early experiences in print media and being an “early internet guy”
• How Tom’s background in sales and marketing helped his career during the dot-com bust
• How Tom’s family history helped to prepare him for a career in eCommerce and manufacturing
• The possible causes for the spike in eCommerce system adoption
• How future-ready are distributors and manufacturers today?
• How COVID impacted eCommerce system adoption
• What eCommerce looks like in manufacturing (with examples)
• Why the role of salespeople in eCommerce is still just as important
• Dealers and distributors’ approaches to working with eCommerce
• How people can assess the effectiveness of an eCommerce solution

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 think COVID forced a lot of shifts in everybody's lives. And I think it forced a lot of shifts in even how businesses go to market and the importance of digital.”
• “The big win that we're seeing is a lot of ERPs are moving to offer APIs now. Our platform and some others can take those APIs, talk to each other, and present the right data to the right customer when they log in and give them the right experience by exchanging data with lots of other systems.”
• "It's all about adoption. If adoption isn't there, whether it's the end customer or the distributor or channel, it’s probably not working. I would argue that that applies for distributors and manufacturers.”

Links & mentions:

• Znode, an all-in-one, headless, B2B eCommerce platform developed to enable growth through a rich set of built-in features
• Request a Demo of Znode’s B2B eCommerce platform
• Foxtown Brewing, large brewery located inside of a classic building in Mequon, WI

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.