Manufacturing Happy Hour

For many people, YouTube is the first port of call for instructions. Whether it be for simple things around the house like setting up a new TV or building a cabinet, or more complex things entirely. 

One man covering those more complex things is Tim Wilborne. Tim’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 50,000 subscribers, focuses on industrial automation, programming PLCs and helping you become a better technician. 

Tim joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss his background in the industry and his YouTube channel in detail. He explains why he started the channel, how his family are a huge part of its success and how to cope with haters. 

Plus, he reveals why the industry hasn’t progressed as far as it could and tells us why he believes the automation world needs more content creators. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Tim’s background in the industry 
• How Tim started a YouTube channel 
• Why subscribers and likes aren’t always so important 
• How Tim amassed over 50,000 subscribers 
• How to figure out what content to create 
• About work-life balance in a family business 
• How to deal with haters online 
• Why Tim thinks his industry could’ve progressed further 
• How constructive criticism helps Tim 
• Why he thinks more industry experts should create YouTube content 
• Advice for budding automation YouTube creators  

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: 

• “It takes thick skin. Just keep trying.” 
• “There were lots of times I thought I had it, and then, all of a sudden, we’d have a major defeat.” 
• “It's a long game and I think most people aren't prepared for how long of a game it is.” 

Links & mentions: 

• TW Controls, focused on automation, PLC programming, and building control panels, specializing in Allen Bradley PLC training designed to help maintenance technicians and electricians troubleshoot machines 
• Tim Wilborne on YouTube, the long-running channel brought to you by TW Controls offers some of the best industrial automation training and how-to’s on the internet 
• Automation Fair and other events from Rockwell Automation  
• Momentum Coffee, a co-working space and coffee shop, walking distance from Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, plus additional locations 

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. 

While the metaverse is a relatively new concept for most of us, this week’s guest has worked in this space for some time.

Our guest on Manufacturing Happy Hour is emergent technologist and GatherVerse founder, Christopher Lafayette.

Tune in to hear about Christopher’s background, what his job title really means, his take on the metaverse’s role in manufacturing and MedTech and the importance of inclusion and diversity in tech.

Plus, Christopher explains skepticism towards the metaverse and the reasons behind it. It’s a meaty one, so be ready to immerse yourself in a metaverse masterclass.

In this episode, find out:

• What an emergent technologist does
• Why the metaverse is a game changer for manufacturing
• How MedTech could change in the metaverse
• Why people are right to be skeptical of tech advancements
• The right way to bring manufacturing into the conversation
• About awareness and education surrounding the metaverse
• Whether we should care about the metaverse
• About the metaverse and diversity/inclusion
• How to approach skeptics
• About Christopher’s LinkedIn Learning class

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 we think of the metaverse, we ingress into entertainment. But medical technology has the single biggest global impact.”
• “It’s important for (tech) leadership to get good-sourced information from people who actually know what they’re talking about.”
• “The metaverse is here, but as we know it today. We can’t put in concrete terms that “this is what it is” because we don’t completely know what it’s going to be.”

Links & mentions:

• Official Website - Christopher Lafayette, connect with Christopher on areas of expertise, events, press, and speaking categories across the metaverse, NFTs, tech inclusion, MedTech, and removing barriers to innovation GatherVerse, a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, and share human-centered approaches to the metaverse
• Black Technology Mentorship Program, a mentor-mentee program that inspires, educates, and brings underserved Black communities into technology
• Course - What is the Metaverse?, Christopher’s official course on the metaverse on LinkedIn Learning
• Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn
• Follow Christopher on Twitter
• Follow Christopher on Instagram

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.

Is there really a manufacturing skills gap? Why is manufacturing moving back to the U.S.? And how can machine shop owners switch to an investment mindset? These are all great questions that we answer in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. 

Jason T. Ray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts and a former Manufacturing Happy Hour guest. He jumps back on the show for a discussion on machine shops, reshoring, the importance of profit and investment, the skills gap, and everything in between. We hear his take on how COVID affected supply chains and led to more shop owners buying from American companies, and the different ways business owners have changed their mindset in the past few years. 

Jason also explains that if we want to solve the skills gap in manufacturing, we need to “look in the mirror” and figure out where we’re going wrong from a management perspective. There’s plenty of food for thought in this episode, so check it out to hear more of Jason’s words of wisdom. 

In this episode, find out: 

• The state of manufacturing in the U.S. 
• Why shop owners are increasingly considering “ownership cost” 
• What’s bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. 
• How the manufacturing tech stack is evolving 
• How different generations solve problems 
• How new tech affects profit and investment 
• Why we need to shift from an expense mindset to an investment mindset 
• Why the skills gap is more of a “management gap” 
• The importance of active over passive management 
• Why agility and speed in business are down to good systems and processes 
• Why manufacturing is essential to innovation 

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: 

• “Now there's this concept called total ownership cost. And that includes shipping and storage and everything else associated with buying those parts.” 
• “Manufacturers aren't just showing up to look at the machines and buy equipment. They're actively coming out and looking for software solutions to solve problems in their business.” 
• “When shops, rather than having an expense mindset, go in with an investment mindset – where they look at dollars out as investments, you start to see a shift in the type of team members they're attracting.” 

Links & mentions: 

• Paperless Parts, helping machine shops quote faster and win more jobs 
• In The Shop, a publication from Paperless Parts, including this post “CMMC: Coming Soon to a Contract Near You” 
• “Pentagon updates timeline for CMMC cybersecurity initiative,” important news for job shop owners going into effect in May 2023 
• Tip Tap Room, an upscale pub that serves beer, wild game, and inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space in Boston, MA 
• Alcove, located in the Boston Harbor on Lovejoy Wharf, serving regionally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired fare in stylishly decorated surroundings  

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’s the most important part of starting and running a manufacturing business? The finances? The team? The materials? 

Well, this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest has some expert insights, experience and advice, so stay tuned. 

It’s time to hit the slopes for this week’s episode as we invite Mike McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Folsom Custom Skis, to share his story and provide top tips for manufacturers. 

Tune in for tales of Mike’s early days in the industry, the creation of his business, the day-to-day of running a boutique ski manufacturer, what he does for his customers and how Folsom has survived and thrived in a challenging industry. 

Plus, Mike provides a ton of sound business advice! A true must-listen. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Mike’s introduction to the industry 
• Where his interest in skiing began 
• His first steps in launching the business 
• The most important part of starting a manufacturing business 
• A rundown of Folsom’s materials and processes 
• How Mike accounts for his success 
• Top business tips for manufacturers 
• Mike’s initial goals for Folsom Custom Skis 
• The importance of your team in a manufacturing business 
• Advice for college students interested 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: 

• “We saw a hole in the market and we’ve stayed really true to what we do to this very day.” 
• “Being lean and nimble is the most important piece, not having huge financial attributes.” 
• “To succeed here, you need somebody that’s really passionate about the sport, passionate about the product, passionate about customer service and passionate about manufacturing.”  

Links & mentions: 

• Folsom Custom Skis, custom building skis engineered specifically for you. Skis can be purchased online or through Folsom’s full-time staff members. 
• Aspen Brewing Company, founded in 2008 with one simple goal – make world-class beer, downstream from nobody. They have two locations in Aspen, both downtown and near the airport. Or, if you’re not in Aspen, you can find their beers throughout Colorado. 

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. 

We're back for Part 2 from the 2022 Vision Show, hosted by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation.

In October 2022, we ventured to Boston, MA for the Association for Advancing Automation's annual Vision Show and Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference (AMRL). In the past, these had been 2 separate events, but this year, A3 brought them together under one roof.

You really can't have robotics without imaging and you can't have mobile robotics without machine vision. The tie-ins are endless. It just made sense to bring these events together and it was great being part of this weeklong extravaganza.

This is somewhat of an anniversary episode since we covered the AMR and Logistics Conference last year with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial. We have another 2-part bonus episode for you this week containing over 10 interviews with leaders in robotics and machine vision, including:

-Erik Nieves, Founder of Plus One Robotics

-Jeremy Bergh, President, North America at IDS Imaging

-Joe Gemma, VP of Sales and Marketing at Calvary Robotics

-Theng Kuoch of CMES Robotics

-Rajesh Iyengar, Founder & CEO of Lincode Labs

-Denise Stafford of KUKA Robotics

-Patty Katsaros of Locus Robotics

-Laura Hoffman, Automation Industry Insider

-Matt Charles, VP of Mobile Robotics at RoBEX

-Melonee Wise, VP Robotics Automation at Zebra Technologies

-Alex Shikany, VP Membership & Business Intelligence at A3

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

We’re all familiar with Microsoft. That’s a given. But we’re certainly not all familiar with the autonomous AI work they are doing. 

That’s why we called on an expert to give us the lowdown on what autonomous AI means, highlight its risks and opportunities and give us his verdict.  

On episode 118, Brian Evergreen, Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour. If the episode title (or Brian’s job title) doesn’t make a ton of sense to you just now, you’re in the right place because Brian is keen to define the term in detail. 

Brian also provides advice for getting new technology initiatives off the ground, from AI to machine learning and more. Plus, there are a ton of pragmatic tips and tricks for leading through tech transformations. 

In this episode, find out: 

• Brian’s route into AI (via chess?) 
• Baseline definitions of AI, autonomous AI and autonomous transformation 
• Why to take a human-centric approach to AI 
• The risks and opportunities surrounding AI 
• How to ensure AI projects succeed, scale and don’t get stuck 
• The lowdown on Brian’s book and writing process 
• How to avoid ‘pilot purgatory’ 
• Where Brian would like a beer with Chris 

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 right time to get started with autonomous AI really depends on your outlook or perspective as a business leader.” 
• “If designed correctly, there’s no great physical risk associated with autonomous AI.” 
• “87% of machine learning models never make it into production. I'm curious how that will change as these autonomous AI technologies become more adopted.” 

Links & mentions: 

• ATX West, this week’s show sponsor. Taking place from February 7-9 in Anaheim, CA, this event showcases the latest automation and intelligent robotic technology, focusing on how to better automate manufacturing processes. Discover the world of automation and build smarter solutions with ATX West. 
• Woodman Lodge, Snoqualmie, Washington, a historic saloon serving what they describe as “some of the best steaks you’ll find anywhere in Western Washington”. 

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.

This week, we're diving into gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference. gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations, and their OnRamp Conferences are a subset of that.

gener8tor’s annual manufacturing event brings together startups, investors, and corporations for this unique “dealmaking conference” and this year, in October 2022, we headed to Indianapolis. There, we sat down for 8 interviews with individuals that are running startups, managing accelerators and investment funds, as well as leading state initiatives to help manufacturing thrive in Indiana.

This episode explores how these different groups are working together and how they’re all working to take on big initiatives like sustainability, 5G, and the Internet of Things. Our guest lineup includes:

-Maggie Brickerman, Partner at gener8tor

-Dave Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer at IEDC

-Razi Nalim, Founder of Aerodyn Combustion

-Apoorva Kiran, Co-Founder and CEO of Mentore

-Emir Beg, Founder and CTO of Scout Autonomy

-Batuhan Ulasan, COO of Scout Autonomy

-Tim Chiang, Investment Director at Xerox Ventures

-Ashley Bryan, Program Manager at The Heritage Group Accelerator

-Sharina Perry, Founder and CEO of Utopia Plastix

Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/OnRamp2022 for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

How can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more.

As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He explains exactly how his products can impact a runner’s comfort, fatigue levels, and muscle health to get the most performance out of each and every run.

We also explore a little about Riley’s startup experience and the biggest business lessons he’s learned in his career.

In this episode, find out:

• The difference between Arris and Riley’s previous business ventures
• The biggest lessons Riley learned from his startups
• Why manufacturing is “messy”
• Why you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel
• The reasons Riley started Arris
• How composites improve running performance in shoes
• Riley’s top marathon runs and favorite trails
• The reaction and feedback to Arris’ composites plates
• The top benefits of Arris composites in shoes
• How composites materials can be used in other industries
• What’s next for Arris

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:

• “Be really mindful when you're taking on something new that someone else has not already done it in another industry.”
• “Everyone says this but running really does clear your head. It gives you headspace.”
• “We have this passion for the superiority of composite materials. We all had experience with them in different industries, but it's always limited to the really high-end stuff. The products around us day to day aren’t taking advantage of it.”

Links & mentions:

• Arris, Berkeley-based composites manufacturer that produces smarter, lighter, stronger, and more sustainable products at scale for consumer products, aerospace, automotive, and many more industries
• The Rare Barrel, a rustic alehouse in Berkeley that specializes in sour beers

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 Thanksgiving week here in the US, and since so many of you are based here, we're bringing you a shorter bonus episode this week as we try something new. First, you'll get a general update from Manufacturing Happy Hour, including our new newsletter - 5 Quick Manufacturing Insights - as well as partnership opportunities. Then, we'll highlight one of the most helpful moments from the show in the past year. Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, appeared on Episode 80 and talked all about investment banking for robotics, automation, and AI companies. In this short episode, we'll spotlight the moment where he broke down the differences between funding rounds, including how Series B is the "make or break" round for most companies.