Greg McHale, the CEO of Datanomix, kicks off the first episode of Manufacturing Mavericks by interviewing Rolar Products CEO Jack Russell. Jack shares his unconventional path from a kid in Muskegon tinkering on a homemade mini bike to buying a 3-person machine shop with his 401k. Jack talks about the importance of creating a great company culture, technology's role in his success, and how he empowers his employees to help grow the business.

Highlights:

• Tinkering on a minibike (3:32)
• Jack’s first job in manufacturing (8:41)
• Igniting a fire in the belly (11:07)
• Unexpected benefits of working 2nd shift (14:37)
• Jack loses his job and pivots (19:38)
• Getting back into manufacturing (21:02)
• Learning the good and the bad of running a company (25:53)
• Jack cashes out his 401k to buy a company (27:17)
• How Jack grew the business (31:15)
• Building a great company culture (36:15)
• Investing in technology (42:39)
• How to ask employees to help you make more money (54:31)
• Advice for just starting out (59:02)

Links Referenced:

• Manufacturing Mavericks: https://mfgmavericks.com
• Rolar Products: https://rolarproducts.com/ 
• Jacks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-russell-92253914/

The Datanomix Difference: What Makes It Work?

It’s not just what you see. It’s how fast you see it, how clearly it shows up, and how easily your team acts on it.

• Simple machine and data connectivity, handled by us
• Data that makes sense on day one
• No Operator Input™ means zero burden on your team for data entry
• Product Tracks built for actual shop floor behavior
• Stay connected to your shop floor with the Datanomix Mobile App
• Kick-Ass Coaching that walks the shop floor with your team and keeps you winning
• Best-in-class partnerships and integrations
• The Datanomix Community built on real relationships and real wins
• Mountains of success stories with manufacturers just like you
• Every customer starts with our Pilot Program

Learn more at www.datanomix.io

At Datanomix, we've had the good fortune of visiting hundreds of shops all over the country where we've met some of the most innovative, resilient, and driven leaders in American manufacturing. Manufacturing Mavericks is our way of showcasing these amazing people and how they're improving processes, applying technology, and aligning their company culture to ensure American manufacturing will thrive for generations to come.

They are the mavericks, the stewards, and the future of American manufacturing greatness. And it is our honor to have them tell their stories. 

Subscribe to Manufacturing Mavericks on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or your favorite podcast app. You can also learn more about the show at mfgmavericks.com.