In this episode of Manufacturing Runs The World, host Justin Schnor sits down with Dan Engerer, founder of Brainchild Engineering and creator of the Engerer Automatic Shower Cleaner. Dan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring a product from idea to market—spoiler alert: it’s way harder than it looks.

He shares raw, unfiltered insights on the pitfalls of prototyping, the brutal time cost of refinement, why most inventors fail to commercialize, and why bootstrapping beats investors (at least for him). Dan also opens up about transitioning from a service-based business to launching his own product—and the mindset shift that came with it.

Whether you're an inventor, product developer, or just curious about what it takes to build something from scratch, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and straight talk you won’t hear anywhere else.

Key Topics:

• Why refinement is the true bottleneck in product development

• The myth of overnight success (and the reality of 2-month "2-day" projects)

• Bootstrapping vs. investor funding: what Dan really thinks of Shark Tank

• How 3D printing is reshaping modern manufacturing

• Marketing without the gimmicks: why a great product markets itself

Links & Resources:

• Brainchild Engineering

• Engerer Shower Cleaner (Pre-Sale)

From Law Enforcement to Manufacturing Success: Jeff Salyer’s Journey In this episode of Manufacturing Runs The World, host Justin Schnor sits down with Jeff Salyer, Senior Account Manager at Wysong, to explore his unexpected journey from law enforcement to manufacturing sales. Jeff shares how a chance encounter on a plane completely changed his career, the secrets behind Wysong’s 55% growth in a down year, and how automation is reshaping the industry.

We also discuss:

• How Wysong sets itself apart with custom-built machinery
• The power of brand awareness in a legacy manufacturing company
• Robots vs. skilled labor—why the future is a balance of both
• Jeff’s marketing strategies that took Wysong’s TikTok to 28K+ followers!
• His advice for career growth and how he juggles sales, marketing, and business development

Whether you’re in the manufacturing industry or just love an inspiring career transformation, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and valuable lessons.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how Jeff is making waves in the world of metal fabrication!

🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

#ManufacturingRunsTheWorld #Manufacturing #Sales #Automation #CareerSuccess

In this must-listen episode of Manufacturing Momentum, host Justin Schnor sits down with Doug, a veteran in the welding industry and a key player at Cloos North America, to uncover the seismic shift happening in manufacturing. With over two decades of experience, Doug has witnessed firsthand how automation and robotics are transforming the way we build, weld, and compete on a global scale.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The rise of the “second renaissance” of automation—why it’s happening now and what it means for manufacturers.

✅ The truth about robots vs. human welders—are they really replacing skilled labor, or is there a bigger opportunity?

✅ How companies can stay ahead of the curve by embracing automation instead of fearing it.

✅ Why U.S. manufacturing must evolve to remain competitive in the global economy.

✅ The biggest challenges facing manufacturers today—from talent shortages to supply chain struggles.

Doug also shares Cloos North America’s ambitious growth plans, their new 47,000-square-foot facility, and how they’re positioning themselves to lead the charge in high-tech welding and automation solutions.Whether you’re a manufacturer, an engineer, or just someone fascinated by the future of industry, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about automation.🎧 Tune in now to hear why automation isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for the future of manufacturing!

In this episode of Manufacturing Momentum, host Justin Schnor sits down with Mike Newell, Director of Marketing at Kimura Foundry America, to explore the cutting-edge innovations driving their success in the foundry industry. Mike shares how Kimura's unique capabilities allow them to deliver production-intent castings in as little as five days, giving them a critical edge in a niche market with limited competition. Beyond manufacturing, the conversation delves into the importance of networking and marketing innovation. Justin and Mike discuss connecting with potential clients like Walker Manufacturing and exploring email outreach automation to boost business development efforts.Key Takeaways

• How Kimura Foundry leverages 3D sand printing for rapid prototype and low-volume production
• The advantages of fast turnaround times in the casting industry
• Balancing aggressive growth goals with maintaining customer satisfaction
• Adapting to evolving market trends, including electric vehicle production

In this episode of Manufacturing Momentum, we sit down with Samantha Snabes, co-founder of re:3D, to explore how her company is transforming large-scale, open-source 3D printing with affordability, accessibility, and social impact at its core.

Samantha shares how re:3D, a Kickstarter-funded social enterprise, has grown into a global leader in industrial 3D printing, serving clients like NASA, Nokia, and Remington. We dive into the company’s Gigaprise program, which donates one printer for every hundred sold, and their bold goal to create 500 jobs within five years.

She also discusses how nearshoring is reshaping manufacturing, why they’re hiring aggressively, and her plans to engage policymakers on advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

Guest: Samantha Snabes, Co-founder of re:3D

Website:https://re3d.org

Episode Highlights:

re:3D's Mission and Growth (03:27 - 10:07)

• Founded in 2013 as a social enterprise, committed to open-source technology
• Affordable, large-scale 3D printing to empower communities and industries
• Funded via Kickstarter, with no external investors
• Now in over 50 countries, serving clients like NASA, Nokia, and Remington

Scaling Through Word-of-Mouth (10:07 - 19:59)

• Relies on organic marketing and earned media instead of paid ads
• Manufactures in-house to stay agile in a shifting supply chain landscape
• Gigaprise program: One printer donated for every 100 sold
• Scaling up production, reducing lead times, and expanding facilities

Future Vision & Workforce Expansion (19:59 - 25:23)

• 500 new jobs planned in the next five years
• Hiring a senior machinist to lead an apprenticeship program
• Advocating for advanced manufacturing and workforce development with policymakers

Key Takeaways & Timestamps:✅ Open-Source Model & Social Enterprise Impact (06:08 - 06:44)✅ Growth Driven by Word-of-Mouth & Earned Media (08:39 - 08:45)✅ Gigaprise Program: Making 3D Printing More Accessible (10:24 - 10:29)✅ Manufacturing Strategy & Nearshoring Advantages (11:23 - 11:34)✅ Long-Term Vision: 500 Jobs & Sustainability Goals (18:56 - 19:27)

This conversation explores the journey of Walker Manufacturing, a family-owned business in the lawn care industry, highlighting its evolution, leadership transitions, and the impact of technology on manufacturing processes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of innovation, customer feedback, and the balance between automation and human skills in maintaining a competitive edge. The speaker shares valuable insights and advice for small manufacturers looking to grow and adapt in a changing landscape.

Website:https://walker.com

Takeaways

• Walker Manufacturing was started by the speaker's parents in the 1950s.
• The company has evolved from manufacturing golf cars to lawn care equipment.
• Leadership has transitioned through generations of the family.
• Competing with larger companies requires innovation and superior customer service.
• Technological advancements like laser cutting and robotic welding have transformed manufacturing processes.
• A balanced approach to automation is essential for efficiency.
• Customer feedback is crucial for continuous product improvement.
• Small manufacturers should start projects on a smaller scale to manage risks.
• The journey of Walker Manufacturing includes both successes and challenges.
• Manufacturing provides opportunities for skilled workers who enjoy hands-on work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Walker Manufacturing
01:29 Transition of Leadership and Family Legacy
03:46 Global Expansion and Market Competition
04:58 Technological Innovations in Manufacturing
07:20 Fostering a Culture of Innovation
09:54 Skills Gap and Workforce Development
12:38 Customer Feedback and Continuous Improvement
14:55 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends
21:29 Future Innovations in Manufacturing
23:06 Navigating Technology and Automation
27:40 Lessons from a Manufacturing Journey
30:45 The Impact of Manufacturing on Communities