In this episode of Tech Talk with Irony, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Sannah Vinding, a strategic leader in manufacturing with over 20 years of experience. They discuss the evolution of Sannah's podcast, the importance of networking, and how to bridge engineering and marketing. Sannah shares insights on the challenges faced by manufacturing leaders, the significance of adaptability, and the role of communication in building trust within teams. They also touch on the impact of automation and digitalization in the industry, the value of mentorship, and advice for young leaders looking to advance in their careers.

Takeaways

• Sannah Vinding has over 20 years of experience in B2B marketing and product development.
• The podcast started as a way to network and give back during the pandemic.
• Bridging engineering and marketing creates a unique skill set in manufacturing.
• Adaptability and continuous learning are crucial for leaders in manufacturing.
• Building trust and communication within teams is essential for success.
• Automation and digitalization should be approached step by step.
• Mentorship and internal development are key to nurturing talent.
• Recognizing others in the organization fosters a positive work environment.
• Networking is vital for young leaders to advance their careers.
• It's important to embrace change and be open to new ideas.

In this episode of Tech Talk, Jordan Dieterle interviews Mark LeVine from Thermosystems, discussing the company's growth, culture, and commitment to employee engagement.

Mark shares insights on talent acquisition, the importance of soft skills, and how the company navigates generational differences in the workforce. The conversation highlights the significance of career awareness, development opportunities, and the balance between work and personal life in engineering careers.

In this conversation, Marc LeVine and Jordan Dieterle discuss the importance of trust in the workplace, career development pathways, and the critical role of soft skills in professional success. They emphasize the need for effective networking, particularly through LinkedIn, and the value of building genuine relationships in one's career.

The discussion also touches on the significance of mentorship and the responsibility of professionals to help others in their field.

Takeaways Thermosystems has a strong commitment to employee engagement and culture.

The company focuses on customer relations, financial stability, and employe relations.

Soft skills are essential for career development and are often overlooked in education.

Thermosystems provides learning and development opportunities for employees.

Generational differences impact work preferences and career aspirations.

Career awareness is crucial for young professionals entering the workforce.

Flexibility in work schedules is important for employee satisfaction.

The company values social responsibility and community involvement.

Networking events are beneficial for both employees and customers.

Thermosystems aims to bridge the gap in soft skills training for engineers. We hire adult people, we trust adult people, we don't micromanage them.

Career paths should be flexible to accommodate personal growth.

Soft skills are essential for success in engineering roles.

Networking is crucial for career advancement.

LinkedIn is the primary platform for professional engagement.

Building relationships takes time and effort.

Mentorship can significantly impact career development.

Employers look for candidates with strong soft skills.

It's important to present oneself well on social media.

Helping others can lead to personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Thermosystems, employee engagement, talent acquisition, soft skills, generational differences, career development, work-life balance, engineering careers, HVAC, energy markets, career development, soft skills, networking, LinkedIn, employee empowerment, engineering careers, business development, professional growth, mentorship, trust in the workplace

In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle speaks with Charles Johnson about his extensive background in the controls industry, the purpose behind his podcast 'It's a Controls Problem', and the various challenges faced in the field.

They discuss the importance of education in controls, the integration of IoT and Automation 4.0, and the significance of predictive maintenance in modern industrial settings.

The conversation highlights the need for effective communication and understanding in the controls domain, as well as the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on the industry. In this conversation, Jordan Dieterle and Charles Johnson discuss the fundamentals of troubleshooting in HVAC and controls systems.

They emphasize the importance of starting with the basics, understanding the customer's experience, and the necessity of effective communication in technical support. Through real-world examples, they illustrate how a systematic approach can lead to quicker resolutions and the value of networking within the industry.

Takeaways • Charles Johnson has over 24 years of experience in the controls industry. • The podcast aims to educate about various aspects of controls. • There is a gap in mentorship for younger professionals in the field. • Real-world problems often get labeled as 'controls problems'. • Predictive maintenance can save companies significant downtime. • IoT and Automation 4.0 are becoming integral to modern controls. • Understanding control fundamentals is crucial across different automation sectors. • The podcast discusses both foundational and current hot topics in controls. • Effective communication is key in resolving controls issues. • Training and development of younger talent is essential for the industry's future.                           •  •Start with the basics when troubleshooting any issue. • Always communicate directly with the customer to understand their experience. • Don't overlook simple solutions; they can often resolve complex problems. • Documentation and communication profiles are crucial in technical support. • Real-world experience is invaluable in understanding controls systems. • Networking with industry experts can provide additional insights and solutions. • Understanding both electrical and mechanical systems is essential for troubleshooting. • Using visual aids like drawings can help clarify complex issues. • Patience and thoroughness are key when dealing with technical problems. • Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the ever-evolving field of automation.

In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Ian Rush, an automation expert with a military background. Ian shares his journey from the Marine Corps to the automation industry, discussing the importance of teamwork, urgency, and building connections. He emphasizes the growing need for automation in manufacturing and the value of networking within the industry. Ian also highlights his initiative, Automation Connections, aimed at fostering relationships among professionals in the field. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of automation and the importance of recruiting new talent into the industry.

Takeaways

• Ian Rush transitioned from the Marine Corps to automation. • He founded Rush Manufacturing to help small manufacturers with automation. • The military instilled in Ian a sense of urgency and leadership skills. • Teamwork is essential in the automation industry. • Automation is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. • Building connections is crucial for success in automation. • Ian started Automation Connections to foster industry relationships. • Networking events help professionals share knowledge and resources. • Local collaboration can enhance the automation industry. • Recruiting young talent is vital for the future of automation.

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Daniel Allison, known as 'The Average Dude', about the concept of Masterminds and the importance of networking.

They discuss how connections can lead to opportunities, the significance of energy and proximity in personal and professional growth, and the three pillars of Masterminds: Proximity, Data, and Energy.

Daniel shares his extensive experience in sales and business development, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and the value of building a community.

The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of facilities management and the integration of technology.  In this conversation, Jordan Dieterle and Daniel "The Average Dude" discuss the importance of networking and building proximity in business relationships, particularly in the field of facility management.

They emphasize the need for real conversations and trust in business dealings, the empowerment of women in the industry, and the continuous learning that comes from engaging with others.

The discussion also highlights the role of facility managers as integral to business success and the value of community engagement through initiatives like First Sip.

Takeaways

• Networking grows your business and net worth. • Connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. • Energy and mindset are crucial for success. • Masterminds combine experience, learning, and networking. • Proximity to the right people enhances growth. • Continuous learning is essential for personal development. • Creating a supportive community fosters collaboration. • Masterminds focus on sharing knowledge and experiences. • The future of facilities management is intertwined with technology. • Building connections is about service, not just sales.                                                                             • Building proximity is essential for effective networking. • People prefer to do business with those they know and trust. • Creating real conversations leads to better business relationships. • Women in facility management bring unique perspectives and skills. • Facility managers play a crucial role in business operations. • Continuous learning is vital for professional growth. • Networking events should foster genuine connections. • Engaging with the community enhances business opportunities. • Energy and enthusiasm are key in business interactions. • Masterminds can provide valuable insights and connections.

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E Automated, host Jordan Dieterle shares his insights and experiences in the manufacturing and automation industry.

He discusses the mission of the podcast, which is to empower manufacturers with knowledge and tools to thrive in a fast-paced world.

Jordan emphasizes the importance of addressing the skills gap in manufacturing and encourages listeners to engage with him on topics they want to hear about.

He expresses his passion for innovation and teamwork in solving complex manufacturing challenges, aiming for a successful 2025 for the industry.

TAKEAWAYS

• The podcast aims to empower manufacturers with knowledge. • Real-world stories from industrial professionals are valuable. • Addressing the skills gap is crucial for the industry. • Teamwork is essential for solving complex manufacturing problems. • Continuous learning is necessary for growth in manufacturing. • Engagement with listeners is a priority for the podcast. • The host has a passion for innovation in automation. • Understanding pain points helps tailor solutions for manufacturers. • The podcast seeks to explore new technologies and trends. • 2025 is seen as a year of growth and success for manufacturing.

KEYWORDS manufacturing, automation, skills gap, technology, podcast, industry insights, career advancement, teamwork, innovation, challenges

In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Nick Hobbs, VP of Sales at Apera AI, a company specializing in robotic vision technology.

They discuss the innovative features of Apera's AI-driven systems, the importance of customer experience, and the journey of Nick from a system integrator to a leading sales strategist.

 The conversation highlights the challenges faced in automation, the impact of AI on operational efficiency, and the continuous innovation that keeps Apera at the forefront of the industry.

Takeaways

• Apera AI offers the fastest vision cycle time in the world at 0.3 seconds.
• The company focuses on software-based solutions rather than hardware, enhancing flexibility.
• AI eliminates the need for extensive programming, simplifying the setup process for users.
• Customer experience is prioritized through risk-free purchasing options.
• Nick Hobbs emphasizes the importance of adapting to customer needs in automation.
• The company has successfully implemented solutions in various industries, including automotive and railway.
• Continuous innovation is key to staying ahead in the competitive automation market.
• Apera AI's technology can operate effectively in challenging environments, including outdoors and in fog.
• Customer feedback has led to global standardization of Apera's systems in major companies.
• The partnership with R&E enhances the implementation and support of Apera's technology.

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E Automated, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Bill Steward, the new Workforce Engagement Manager at R&E Automated.

Bill shares insights into the company's services, including automation field service and manufacturing processes like E-coating.

He discusses the importance of employee care and engagement, the challenges faced in workforce communication, and strategies for attracting and retaining talent.

Bill emphasizes the need for a caring culture to improve employee satisfaction and reduce turnover, ultimately leading to a more successful organization.

Takeaways

• R&E Automated has two main business units: field service and product build.
• Field service includes automation support from engineers and maintenance personnel.
• E-coating is a process that enhances the lifespan of sheet metal products.
• Bill's new role focuses on employee care and engagement.
• Communication is a key area for improvement within the company.
• Employee satisfaction metrics are being tracked to enhance retention.
• The company aims to create a caring culture for its employees.
• Retention issues can significantly impact company culture and costs.
• Internal recruitment through employee referrals is a priority.
• Bill is committed to addressing employee feedback and concerns.

In this episode of Tech Talk with R&E, host Jordan Dieterle interviews maintenance manager Trent McJunkin, who shares insights on building effective teams, implementing sustainability practices, and leveraging automation in maintenance operations.

Trent emphasizes the importance of reliability, the role of CMMS in maintenance management, and offers advice for newcomers in the field.

The conversation also touches on the psychology of maintenance and the need for continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Takeaways

• Building a strong team is crucial for maintenance success.
• Sustainability practices can simplify maintenance operations.
• Automation should not replace understanding of basic processes.
• CMMS systems are essential for efficient maintenance management.
• Crisis management preparation is key in maintenance operations.
• Housekeeping impacts efficiency and productivity on the floor.
• Networking is vital for newcomers in the maintenance field.
• Continuous improvement requires feedback from the floor staff.
• Understanding variability helps in achieving reliability.
• A good system empowers people to perform better.
• Variability is the enemy of reliability

In this episode of Tech Talk, host Jordan Dieterle interviews Charl Greeff, CEO of Boysen Gruppe, discussing his journey from plant manager to CEO in the manufacturing industry.

They explore the importance of culture, trust, safety, and quality in leadership, as well as the need for continuous learning and embracing diversity in the workplace.

Charles shares insights from his career, emphasizing the significance of having a clear purpose and the challenges of making tough decisions in manufacturing.

Takeaways

• Culture is a huge driver in manufacturing success. • Trusting your team is essential for effective leadership. • Safety must be prioritized and lived by leaders. • Quality control is crucial for maintaining profitability. • Continuous learning is necessary for personal and professional growth. • Diversity brings strength and innovation to teams. • Leaders must communicate their vision clearly. • Having a progression plan helps navigate career paths. • Engaging with different cultures enhances workplace dynamics. • Leaders should learn from various sources, including past experiences.