Mighty Line Minute with Dave Tabar - Talking Safety Codes & Standards, Music, and Business Innovation

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Dave covers the new Superman film currently in production in Cleveland, Ohio by DC Studios. The film, directed by James Gunn, features David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film began production in Norway in February, 2024, and is expected to be released July 11, 2025 by Warner Brothers, following further production in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Atlanta / Macon, Georgia.

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Dave interviews Matt Hunsberger, President and CEO of SprinkGUARD LLC, the sprinkler protection solutions provider that has become the talk of the fire protection and life-safety industry. Their unique, durable sprinkler guards are Listed and Approved by major sprinkler manufacturers and help assure their safe use in a wide range of industrial and commercial environments. Interview conducted at the NFPA Fire Protection Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, June 2024.

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Dave celebrates “Innovation in America” with James Golinveaux, CEO of Viking Group Inc. of Caledonia, Michigan. Viking has been in business since 1924 and is celebrating 100 years in fire protection. Dave and James discuss fire protection, fire research, residential fire-safety, lithium-ion residential fires, and training using virtual reality. The Viking Group provides independent fire sprinkler contractors with integrated solutions for nearly any fire protection challenge.

Origins in Innovation: Emil Tyden’s Vision

The origins of the Viking Group Inc. can be traced back to the industrious efforts of Emil Tyden, a Swedish immigrant who arrived in the United States in the 1880s. Tyden's initial venture was the development of an innovative railroad car seal in Chicago. This invention marked the beginning of Tyden's long journey in the field of industrial innovation. By the late 1890s, Tyden relocated to Hastings, Michigan, following a business proposition that promised greater opportunities. There, he established the International Seal and Lock Company to manufacture his patented seals.

Tyden's knack for innovation did not stop at seals. He created one of the world’s first automation systems, a significant achievement predating Henry Ford’s mass production of automobiles by a decade. This pioneering spirit laid a robust foundation for Tyden's future endeavors.

Turning Tragedy into Opportunity: The Birth of The Viking Corporation

In 1920, a devastating fire razed Tyden's factory, leading to a pivotal moment in his career. Determined to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the fire, Tyden shifted his focus to the fire sprinkler business. He acquired The Viking Corporation after recognizing the potential in a struggling business introduced to him by a St. Louis businessman who had developed designs for fire sprinklers and valves. Under Tyden's leadership, The Viking Corporation began manufacturing fire sprinklers and valves in Hastings, marking the company's official entry into the fire protection industry.

Expansion and Contractor Collaboration

Tyden's strategy for growth involved partnering with talented "sprinklermen" across the United States. This approach enabled Viking to rapidly develop a network of highly qualified contractors who were instrumental in installing Viking’s fire protection systems. This contractor-focused model remained in place until the mid-1960s, contributing significantly to the company’s rapid expansion and solid reputation in the industry.

Global Expansion: Viking SupplyNet and Beyond

In the early 1990s, Viking took a significant step toward global expansion by founding Viking SupplyNet. This entity served as the exclusive distributor of Viking products and related fire protection components. Viking SupplyNet International was also created to extend the company's reach globally. Today, Viking SupplyNet operates over thirty wholly owned locations worldwide and collaborates with a vast network of independent distributors, ensuring the availability of Viking products on a global scale.

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Dave interviews "Cisco" Meneses, the Founder of the National Fire Escape Association at the NFPA 2024 Convention & Expo. Cisco explains why fire escapes must be inspected by registered design professionals, repaired, and inspectors trained. He further explains why inspections of all fire escapes should be required to be conducted "every 5 years" in all applicable fire and building codes.

Read the fire escape safety  blog 

In this episode of the Mighty Line Minute, host Dave Tabar engages in an enlightening conversation with Cisco, the 'Fire Escape Guy' and founder of the National Fire Escape Association. This discussion sheds light on the crucial aspects of fire escape safety in urban environments, the common oversight of these essential pathways, and actionable steps to ensure their functionality and safety. Cisco shares insights from the National Fire Escape Association about the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent catastrophic failures. Join us as we delve into the steps property owners and city officials can take to prioritize safety and compliance in their buildings. Listen now to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to advocate for safer fire escape routes in your community.

Fire escape safety refers to the practices and regulations aimed at ensuring the functionality, accessibility, and reliability of fire escapes in buildings. This encompasses regular inspections, maintenance, and compliance with safety codes to prevent blockages, structural failures, or other hazards that could impede a safe exit during emergencies. Proper fire escape safety is crucial in urban settings where buildings are closely spaced and the rapid evacuation of occupants can be challenging during fires or other disasters.

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Greetings everyone and welcome back to Mighty Line Minute. We've got a great episode today. We're continuing with Business Innovation in America. And I'm really pleased today to talk about a company that you'll all be interested in, and that's ShieldMark Incorporated. ShieldMark Inc. was established in 2003 by Thomas Goecke of Cleveland, Ohio. He created a warehouse and manufacturing floor stripe product branded Mighty Line® in 2006. Goecke had identified significant operational and cost impacts that resulted from seasonal repainting of factory and warehouse floors. This occurred often during plant shutdowns. That downtime involved the removal of old floor paint, repainting, and the relocation of equipment and storage from revised layouts. 

Thus became the drive to create a new technology-improved industrial-grade floor tape that was both durable and long lasting. A floor tape that could withstand busy manufacturing and warehousing operations. At the same time,he and his family recognized the importance of incorporating new and vibrant color schemes and enhancing safety and visual features associated with the tape. To solve this industry-wide issue. The ShieldMark team developed a patented durable floor stripe called Mighty Line®, made of 50 mil thick PVC with a unique patented bevel edge and rubber cement-based adhesive.

The new color schemes help to enhance 5S organization and vehicle versus pedestrian areas as well as establishing clearly marked and delineated areas for unique storage. They include diagonally-striped tape to indicate special hazards or risks and to highlight specific storage areas for different product types. The product, produced and distributed under the strict supervision of ShieldMarkIncorporated, quickly gained popularity, and was soon found throughout theUnited States.

Further enhancements were made to ensure that Mighty Line® branded floor tape was sufficiently robust to offer a three-year limited warranty, a first in the industry.

Users of Mighty Line® tape would also soon discover that removal did not leave an adhesive residue, making it a standout feature. Also available are floor products that include photo luminescence and reflective center stripes, and floor tape that has been tested under the more reliable ASTM E303 dynamic coefficient of friction standards. 

With its immense range of sizes, widths, thicknesses, and colors, Mighty Line®is considered a leading supplier of industrial floor tape and signage throughout the United States and in the world today. Their unique product line includes options, such as angles, t's, dots, segments, arrows, letters, and even footprints. 

Today mighty line has a growing user network fueled by their increasing production and branded floor tape throughout the U.S. and beyond. Their product line has been enhanced to meet the high demand for 5 S and floor safety signs. Examples include stop signs, fire extinguisher, signs, forklift travel signs, and pedestrian signs to assure safe egress. 

Their line of clear adhesive, windows has been expanded to include various shapes and sizes for use with bar or scan codes throughout the workplace. The clear adhesive windows are especially strong, and enhance durability, effectiveness and the longevity of those floor-marked scan codes. 

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Welcome back, everyone. This is Dave with Mighty Line Minute, and today I'll be discussing Business Innovation in America, showcasing how great ideas combined with spirited leadership, technical know-how, and a motivated workforce lead to success.

Recently, I discovered Avanti Press, a highly creative card company based in Detroit, Michigan. They specialize in distinctive greeting and specialty cards, all exclusively manufactured in the USA.

What intrigued me most about Avanti Press was their expertise in growing their business while pioneering the specialty card market from a humble yet creative beginning.

In 1980, Rick Ruffner and his wife set out to create unique and amusing greeting cards, featuring vibrant colors, humorous photography, and clever verses. Their goal was to depict funny situations that resonate with everyday life, delighting and touching the heart. How great is that? I'm already sold! Today, their cards are renowned for their distinctive style and humor, appealing to a wide audience.

Several years ago, Avanti Press introduced their America line of cards to commemorate vintage and iconic American images. They collaborated with renowned photographers from the 20th century and prestigious archives to achieve this.

Today, the Avanti Press America line captures a pictorial journey across the U.S., celebrating everyday moments and American heroes. It's a small but brilliant idea that quickly became a hit and continues to deliver on its promise of timeless visual and emotional entertainment.

Three of my favorites from this collection are:

• Roosevelt Riding Horseback (1905)
• Three Female Workers Sitting on a Steam Engine (1918)
• Tuskegee Pilots Sitting on Wing of Airplane (1944)

Recently, the Avanti Press team was captivated by the heartwarming image of Smoky, the World War II Yorkshire Terrier, perching from a military helmet, along with her remarkable story. Inside the new card honoring Smoky is a touching quote: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

You can learn more about Avanti Press at AvantiPress.com or find their cards on Amazon or PaperCards.com.

Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to join us today and learn more about Business Innovation in America. We look forward to seeing you next week. In the meantime, visit MightyLineTape.com to see how their products can help you maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

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Today, we have  renowned animal sculptor Susan Bahary. Susan is celebrated for her incredible bronze sculptures that pay tribute to the deep connection between humans and animals.

My first encounter with Susan was during a memorable event at the MetroParks of Cleveland. It was a beautiful November day in 2005, Veterans Day to be exact. We were there for the unveiling of the Smoky Memorial, a bronze sculpture created by Susan in honor of Bill Wynne and his famous war dog, Smoky. This moment was not only significant for Bill and his family but also left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Susan has always had a profound love for animals, a passion that has driven her career. Growing up with dogs, she began showing and breeding Afghan hounds as a teenager, developing a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond. This connection ultimately inspired her to focus her artistic talents on creating sculptures that celebrate this unique relationship.

Her journey into the art world began at an early age. Susan recalls her first sculpture in sixth grade, an animal that earned her the only encouragement she received from her teacher. This moment ignited her passion for sculpting, leading to her first official bronze piece of a famous Afghan hound at just 18 years old. Despite trying other career paths, her love for art and animals eventually drew her back to sculpting in 1989.

Susan's work is characterized by her dedication to capturing the essence of the human-animal bond. Among her notable pieces is "Always Faithful," a life-sized bronze Doberman Pinscher unveiled at the Pentagon. This sculpture pays tribute to 25 Marine dogs who served during World War II, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice. Another significant piece, "Faithful Partner," depicts a German Shepherd police dog and was commissioned by the UC Davis Veterinary School. A second casting of this sculpture appeared in the MGM Warner Brothers’ war dog movie, Max.

One of Susan's recent works includes "Sully," a life-size bronze of the service dog trained by America’s Vet Dogs for President George H. W. Bush. This sculpture is displayed at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas. Another notable piece is "Soaring Spirit," a bronze horse unveiled in 2017 in Queensland, Australia, honoring the service and sacrifice of Australian war animals.

Susan's sculptures evoke powerful emotions in those who see them, often bringing tears to the eyes of viewers. Her ability to capture the spirit and significance of these animals in her art has touched many lives.

Currently, Susan is working on the National Service Animals War Memorial, a project that has received unanimous approval from Congress. This memorial will honor all animals that have served alongside humans since the founding of the United States. It will include a wide range of service animals, from war dogs to therapy animals, recognizing their contributions to our safety and well-being.

The next steps for the memorial include site selection and finalizing the design. Susan invites everyone to support this project by visiting the National Service Animals Memorial website, where you can volunteer or donate to help bring this important tribute to life Thank you, Susan Bahary, for your incredible contributions and for sharing your story with us today.

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Greetings everyone, this is Dave with Mighty Line Minute!

In the last two podcasts we learned about Smoky The War Dog and her unofficial, yet instrumental role in serving and entertaining troops during World War II. We also learned about her trainer, Corporal William A Wynne, who as an airborne reconnaissance photographer, brought the world's attention to this small 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier found in a New Guinea foxhole. 

Smoky helped to deliver calm and peace to numerous wartime personnel who were injured and suffering. She continued to serve as both a therapy dog and entertainer throughout the Midwest following Wynne's brief work as a Hollywood dog trainer. 

One of the most famous military animals known in Australia is a donkey known as Murphy (also known as “Abdul” or “Duffy”). During World War I, John Simpson Kirkpatrick, an Australian soldier, used a donkey to transport wounded soldiers to safety. His actions became legendary, symbolizing bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. Simpson and his donkey became iconic figures in Australian military history. 

Sergeant Stubby was an American war dog who served in World War I in France. He became famous for his bravery and loyalty, participating in numerous battles alongside U.S. Soldiers using his keen senses to warn of poison gas attacks. He even apprehended a German spy in the trenches. Sergeant Stubby is one of the most celebrated wartime dogs globally. 

 Wojtek was an extraordinary Syrian brown bear who was adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. Wojtek became an official member of the Polish Army and participated in battles, carrying ammunition while providing moral support to the troops. His story is celebrated in Poland and around the world as a symbol of courage, companionship, and the bond between animals and humans during war time.

Sergeant Reckless was a war horse who served with the United States Marine Corps during The Korean War. Despite her designation as a horse, Sergeant Reckless is often celebrated alongside other famous military animals for her extraordinary contributions and bravery on the battlefield. She carried ammunition and wounded soldiers, and her story has been widely documented and celebrated. She earned numerous awards and honors, including two purple hearts. 

Did you know that there was a National Services Memorial Act recently passed by Congress, which approved and authorized the building of a Memorial on federal land in Washington, DC? There is broad bipartisan support to commemorate the heroic deeds and sacrifices of service animals and handlers in the United States. 

Next week, be sure to tune into Mighty Line Minute to learn more about the planning for this Memorial, as well as hearing directly from world-famed animal sculptor, Susan Bahary of San Francisco. 

Thanks everyone for tuning into today's Mighty Line Minute. 

I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Be sure to take a look at Mighty Line's industrial safety products to help you or your management with 5S, safety planning and code compliance. Their line of floor safety enhancements includes signage, floor striping, and safety color-coded products that are recognized as “The best of the best!”

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Welcome everyone again to Mighty Line Minute. Read our blogs and learn about Mighty Line Floor Tape here - https://mightylinetape.com/a/blog/category/mighty-lines-safety-talk-and-toolbox-talk-topics

In our last podcast, we talked  about Smoky, her World War II accomplishments, her efforts post-war with Bill

Wynne, and how they worked hard to create a better world and help humanity.

Today we will follow on last week's podcast regarding Smoky and Bill and 

cover some of those resources that are important to learn from. And at the end 

of the day, you may learn more in terms of what you can do to help make the 

world a better place. I'll begin by looking at some books, then periodicals and 

film. So here we go. Let's get started.

Bill documented his story about Smoky in the self-published book, 

Yorkie  Doodle Dandy.

 It was released in 1996 and it's now in its eighth printing going 

on ninth. It has sold more than 50,000 copies, and it's available in hardback. It's 

also accessible electronically in audio book format. Many other books have 

been written about Smoky; they stack several feet high. I’ll be covering ones 

that deal most directly with Smoky and that had been authorized by William A 

Wynne himself. Here's the best of the best:

The very best book about Smoky, of course, is Yorkie Doodle Dandy, written 

by Corporal William Wynne following his return to the United States in 1945 

from war in the Pacific. While that effort from Bill took many years to 

construct, there is an excellent publication by the 26th Photo Squadron of the 

Fifth United States Army Air Force in World War II. The book, published in 

1946 by members of the 26th Photo Squadron, consists largely of photography 

that accurately recorded the Squadron’s World War Two experiences as they 

were happening.

Smoky, the 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier that was found in a New Guinea foxhole,

commands a full page 100, where she is pictured in her famous jacket sewn by 

American Red Cross nurse. She is also pictured pedaling a scooter, jumping 

through a hoop and standing with her silver award cup, as well as appearing 

later in her famous helmet.

The final 10 pages of the 26th Photo Squadron book are a must-read for anyone 

wanting to immerse themselves in real-time events that occurred to those 

traveling the Southwest Pacific during wartime. Albert J. Miller accurately 

logged the departure, arrival, inter-island travel and return of the Squadron to 

U.S. shores in a well-written rundown of events. A link to the entire book, 

including photos, can be found at smokywardog.com.

The book Yorkie Doodle Dandy by William A. Wynne was first self-published 

in 1996, and is currently in its 8th printing. 

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Mighty Line Minute S1 E19 - Safety 101 with Dave and Wes!

Dave: Greetings everyone and welcome to Mighty Line Minute and the Safety Stripes Network. This is Dave, and I've got a real talent on our show today. We've got Wes Wyatt. I'll have him introduce himself because he's a guy that you're going to want to know if you don't know him already. Wes with Warehouse Safety Tips, it's yours.

Wes: Really glad to be on the show thank you very much for having me on Dave.

Dave: It's great to have you on. From the moment I heard your first podcast, I've been impressed by your passion and enthusiasm, particularly in the area of safety. I don't always come across that with people, but in your passion for safety, how'd you get there?

Wes: I used to do private security where I would go into a place and they’d put me in as someone that drove a tow motor around like to remove waste, or just something that I'd be moving. One of the reasons that I had been placed there was two-fold. One was because of sabotage, which is something that really doesn't have necessarily something to do with safety as far as it does, just people wanting to get out of working. It was a foundry. So somebody was driving around a corner with molten aluminum and they went to an area where there was a pedestrian crossing and because the person not only wasn't paying attention, but was also high at the time. When they came through the area they weren't supposed to be in they slammed on their brakes and the aluminum spilled out and the person that was in the path actually died. It was a very, very, sad story. I was happy to have not been there when it happened.

They had some pressurized compressed gas cylinders that fell down, and one of the containers actually shot through a concrete wall. They had just a myriad of things that were going on. I realized very quickly that it was something where people were going to work to basically feed their families and control their livelihoods. And that person didn't go home that night. It changed my mindset quite literally, immediately, where I thought, you know what, this goes from being you know, something where you hear it in a meeting to being something where you don't ever think about not going home.

This Mighty Line Warehouse Safety Tips came up. It was a perfect opportunity to put safety top of mind again, you know. Someone like yourself, you're very, just immersed in safety. With me, it was more of providing a safety mindset and top of mind, moving from not only having safety top of mind, but how Mighty Line Line's products could help.

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