People in Production Podcast with Ryan Nelson

What if the most valuable tool on your shop floor isn’t a machine, but trust? We sit down with Katherine O’Toole of the Kansas City NTMA to unpack how humility, human-powered networking, and a smart partnership with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers sparked a new kind of regional expo—one that actually shortens supply chains, surfaces hidden capabilities, and helps local OEMs meet local suppliers.

Katherine brings a grounded, no-frills perspective shaped by growing up in a family tool-and-die shop. She shares why owning the “connector” role beats chasing perfection, and how the “Who Not How” mindset transformed event planning from a solo grind into a high-impact collaboration. We get into the nuts and bolts of the Kansas City Manufacturing Expo: a kickoff with NTMA’s national president Roger Atkins, two rounds of targeted breakouts for HR, purchasing, engineering, cybersecurity, and leadership, and an expo floor designed for real conversations, not just scans and swag. Small and midsize manufacturers learn to differentiate beyond capability lists, while OEMs discover the speed and clarity of working with suppliers they can visit over lunch instead of flying across time zones.

You’ll hear why abundance beats competition, how local partnerships let shops bid bigger jobs together, and what it looks like to build a culture where people don’t just tolerate each other—they trust each other. Expect practical insights you can use immediately: preparing your booth, clarifying your specialty, walking the floor with a sourcing plan, and turning introductions into purchase orders. It’s a blueprint for resilient, regional manufacturing that values people, proximity, and shared wins.

If you’re ready to meet the partners who will move your work faster and smarter, join us. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a stronger local bench, and leave a quick review to help more builders find the show.

Expo Website: https://www.mamstrong.org/kc-mfg-expo-and-conference
Registration:  https://portal.mamstrong.org/eventDetail?id=a0yPo000007tANhIAM
Ryan's LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/circleof5

Catherine O'Toole from Kansas City NTMA joins us to discuss upcoming events designed to strengthen the Midwest manufacturing community through intentional networking and collaboration.

• April 24-25: Joint Chapter Summit with St. Louis NTMA featuring company introductions, economist Chris Kuehl, shop tours, and networking opportunities
• BattleBots KC competition showcasing 26 teams from 16 schools with 250+ students participating
• Women's Manufacturing Day bringing 50 female students together with 25 industry mentors
• Annual golf tournament funding workforce development initiatives (nearly sold out with 33 teams)
• Economic update with DC insider Omar Nashashibi coming May 28
• Collaborative Manufacturing Expo with Missouri Association of Manufacturers planned for October 28-29

Join us for these events to build relationships, grow your regional network, and be part of strengthening the Midwest manufacturing footprint. As Catherine says, "We are stronger together."

From purchasing his first CNC machine with no prior experience to building a successful manufacturing business with 14 machines and 10 employees, Ian shares his journey of calculated risk-taking and growth.

• Starting with a small 1,500 square foot facility and expanding to a 14,000 square foot building
• Learning the complex world of CNC machining through manufacturer support and networking
• Creating systems to replicate knowledge and remove himself from day-to-day operations
• Finding significant company growth during 2020 when many businesses struggled
• Building a professional network through NTMA to overcome the isolation of entrepreneurship
• Developing effective hiring practices through trial and error
• Balancing business growth with family life and keeping work stress away from home
• Manufacturing's biggest threat: young people not knowing the trade exists

Ian Reel from Kaw Valley Precision shares his non-traditional journey from industrial arts teacher to manufacturing entrepreneur, revealing how he strategically built his business while mitigating risks. As a former industrial arts teacher, he discusses the challenges facing industrial education programs in schools and the strategic approach he took in testing market demand before fully committing to manufacturing.

• Kaw Valley Precision specializes in aftermarket firearm parts with diversification into automotive, locks, oil and gas, electronics, injection molding, and food industries
• Ian's background includes growing up around his father's production woodworking business and earning a degree in industrial arts education
• Industrial arts programs in schools are facing challenges
• Ian identified underserved markets in the firearms industry
• He developed his first product by leveraging his network of manufacturing connections
• Rather than immediately investing in equipment, he subcontracted manufacturing for four years while teaching
• The business grew to approximately 15 products before Ian took the leap to purchase CNC equipment
• Ian emphasizes the importance of family support when starting a business, calling it a team decision
• His approach demonstrates how to test market acceptance before making major capital investments
• Now serving on the KCNTMA board, Ian is committed to addressing the manufacturing skills gap

Get involved with KCNTMA and the upcoming Bots KC event in late April to see students engaged in robotics competitions and help support the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Manufacturing leaders from the Kansas City and St. Louis chapters of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) discuss how their organization creates value for members and fosters collaboration across regional boundaries. The conversation explores both national and local benefits of NTMA membership while highlighting upcoming initiatives to strengthen manufacturing throughout Missouri.

• NTMA operates on national and local levels with three key pillars: networking, learning, and advocacy
• National membership provides critical lobbying in Washington DC, industry benchmarking reports, and conferences that connect manufacturers across the country
• Local chapters focus on workforce development through apprenticeship programs and educational opportunities
• Both Kansas City and St. Louis chapters emphasize relationship-building and breaking down competitive barriers
• Joint Business Summit planned between chapters to keep manufacturing business local through strategic partnerships
• Presidents of both chapters have 40+ year company involvement with NTMA, demonstrating long-term value
• "She Leads: Women Driving Manufacturing" initiative supports female leadership in the industry in Kansas City
• NTMA membership benefits owners transitioning businesses by establishing valuable industry relationships
• Associate members (vendors/suppliers) are encouraged to build genuine relationships rather than directly selling
• Upcoming Manufacturing Expo will showcase regional capabilities to OEMs and potential customers

Register for the Joint Chapter Business Summit happening this April in Kansas City to connect with manufacturers across Missouri and explore partnership opportunities.

This episode brings to light the dynamic happenings within the Kansas City manufacturing community. As we discuss the future events lined up, you'll get a look into the collaborative energy driving the chapter. 

• Recap of February activities, including the brew night and networking success 
• Insights from the Missouri Association Manufacturers Tradeshow and Conference and shared experiences 
• Announcement of the joint chapter event and its significance 
• Highlights of the She Leads meeting and its focus on empowering women in manufacturing 
• Encouragement for member engagement and the value of authentic connections 

Check out the Webinar on "Getting the Most out of Your NTMA Membership" Live on 3/6/25 @ 3:00 PM (CST) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNmqDLn_Jp8

Register for Ryan's webinar - "Why Your Leadership Funnel Is Broken: Stop Fishing in a Pond You Never Stocked" - https://meeting.zoho.com/meeting/register?sessionId=1071061220

This episode covers the inspiring journey of a tech entrepreneur transitioning to the manufacturing sector, sharing valuable insights about entrepreneurship through acquisition, business readiness, and the vital role of communication. Listeners will gain practical tips on preparing for a successful business sale and fostering a thriving workplace culture. 
• Exploring the transition from technology to manufacturing 
• Importance of mentorship and personal background in career decisions 
• Understanding the seller's perspective in the exit strategy process 
• Key factors buyers consider when evaluating a business 
• The need for clean financial records and separation of personal/business finances 
• Critical steps for preparing a business for sale 
• Insights on talent management within the manufacturing industry 
• The significance of communication in leadership decisions 
• Ways to run a sellable business for long-term viability

The episode dives into the transformative journey of KCSP Machine, highlighting the company’s rebranding from Kansas City Screw Products to a modern precision machining entity. We discuss operational strategies, workplace culture, and the importance of networking within the manufacturing sector. Here are some of the topics Brandon shares his wisdom on.

• Importance of rebranding for modern manufacturing 
• Overview of precision machining services 
• Ideal clients and regional versus national partnerships 
• Handling varying production needs: short-run and long-run 
• Consultation with engineers and print-to-part approach 
• Integrating long-term employees with new talent 
• Emphasis on communication and company culture 
• Emotional intelligence in leadership and management 
• Building relationships through community engagement 
• Future aspirations and continued growth through networking

This episode highlights the exciting initiatives at the Kansas City chapter of NTMA for 2025, focusing on community building, empowerment through events like She Leads, and collaborative opportunities with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. Katherine discusses January's activities and plans for February, emphasizing the core mission of supporting manufacturing professionals through strategic networking and advocacy efforts.

• January's focus was on laying groundwork for 2025
• February events including She Leads and Member Appreciation Night
• Discussion on empowering women in manufacturing
• Importance of community engagement for collective success
• Upcoming Missouri Association of Manufacturers event
• Announcement of joint event with the St. Louis chapter
• Encouragement for member involvement and collaboration

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The conversation revolves around the critical need for manufacturing companies to shift their focus from hiring for immediate needs toward investing in employees' long-term careers. By recognizing the value of character over traditional skills, bridging gaps between management and operational realities, and developing leadership, firms can foster talent retention and build thriving teams.

• The need for quality talent over mere numbers 
• Importance of transferable skills from other industries 
• The disconnect between executive goals and floor realities 
• Necessity of leadership training for successful management 
• Creating clear career pathways enhances employee retention 
• Financial costs associated with employee turnover 
• Call for equal investment in people and machinery