The Voices of Manufacturing

Join Mark Keho and Rob Atkins, veteran general foremen from Kawasaki Engines. Discover their fascinating career journeys from humble beginnings in Iowa and Missouri to leading roles in the machining and die casting departments. Gain insights into their experiences, the evolution of Kawasaki's manufacturing processes, and the importance of continual improvement and mentorship. This episode is packed with industry knowledge, personal stories, and engaging trivia, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in manufacturing. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Mike Reader, VP of Sales and Engineering at Precision Plus, shares his journey from intern to executive. Mike discusses the evolution of the manufacturing industry, the importance of youth apprenticeships, and the role Precision Plus played in producing ventilator parts during COVID-19. He offers insights into overcoming industry challenges, the significance of family businesses, and the innovative spirit driving modern manufacturing. This episode provides valuable lessons for professionals at all levels, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of the manufacturing sector.

In this insightful episode, Jeff Gentry from Shaw Industries shares his philosophy on tackling difficult and often overlooked tasks, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing challenges. He encourages listeners to seek out opportunities that others shy away from, as these are often the most rewarding. Gentry also discusses his unique approach to personal management, treating himself like a team and continuously learning new skills to overcome obstacles. His engineering mindset shines through as he advises, "If you run into a brick wall, learn masonry to take it down."

In this episode of the Voices of Manufacturing podcast, we interview Samantha Lawrence, the Learning and Development Coordinator at Johnsonville. Samantha shares her unique career journey from being an English teacher and learning leader in the Sheboygan School District to her current role at Johnsonville. She discusses the joy of supporting diverse member goals, ranging from becoming the best operator to starting a nonprofit. Samantha highlights her certifications in various areas, including mental health first aid and talent optimization, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and innovative training methods. The episode also touches on the significance of transferable skills, mentorship, and creating an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Allen's impressive career spans from being an automation engineer at Colgate Palmolive to holding significant roles at Walmart, Tesla, and various tech companies. Tune in as we delve into Allen’s journey, starting from his childhood in Long Island, his hands-on experiences in global manufacturing, and his transition into tech leadership as VP of Product at Dozuki.

Starting at the Canada Department of National Defense, Echo worked on aircraft avionics systems and later transitioned to the private sector, becoming an engineering manager and now a senior advisor. She emphasizes a key lesson: ambition doesn’t always equate to capacity. Echo also discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of moving from public to private sectors, and her interest in green energy's future.

In this episode of the Dozuki podcast, Andrew Dendis from RTX discusses his experience in a leadership development program, emphasizing the importance of versatility, networking, and dynamic problem solving in manufacturing and aerospace industries.

Thomas has been observing the trends of the manufacturing workforce over the past decade as a training manager. He’s noticed the workforce has changed dramatically over that time. In this episode, Thomas breaks down the modern manufacturing employee and what they want in a job and employer. During this interview with Thomas, we will cover the three big areas that employees are focused on and how manufacturing companies can align their operations to meet these demands.

Our insightful discussion covers the dangers of insignificant improvements, the challenges posed by an overload of initiatives, and the drawbacks of rigid processes. Learn how to counter these mistakes by adopting strategic focus, embracing a growth mindset, prioritizing key projects, and maintaining the fundamental processes of your business.