Bundy Group Insights welcomes Chris Luecke, creator of Manufacturing Happy Hour, for a candid conversation on storytelling, community, and growth in the modern industrials age. Chris shares how his "leadership podcast disguised as a manufacturing show" evolved into a full-time platform spanning weekly episodes, live tours, and conference after-parties that connect operators, engineers, and executives. He breaks down how manufacturing and industrials brands can use authentic, low-lift content (think iPhone walk-throughs on the shop floor) to showcase real people and real applications—building trust long before the sales conversation.

The discussion turns to artificial intelligence and automation: why they're job creators over the long run, how roles get repurposed (e.g., welders advancing into fabrication with Co-Bots (Collaborative Robots)), and why leaders must communicate the path forward—especially to frontline teams. Chris also shares practical marketing advice for advanced manufacturers: commit to consistent, audience-first content, play the long game on trust, and convert that goodwill into productive trade-show follow-ups, partnerships, and revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic beats overproduced: short, candid shop-floor videos can outperform polished assets for reach and trust.
• Feature the frontline: highlight skilled workers and the problems they solve to humanize your brand.
• AI & robotics reallocate work: adoption creates new roles and promotion paths (e.g., welding → fabrication with Co-bots).
• Trust compels action: sustained, value-first content makes post-event follow-ups welcomed—not pushy.
• Pick one channel and be consistent: podcast, LinkedIn, or YouTube—show up weekly and compound.
• Community is a growth engine: live shows, tours, and after-parties connect ecosystems and accelerate deals.

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