Manufacturing Culture Podcast - podcast cover

Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Manufacturing is about more than products—it’s about people. On The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, I sit down with leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes to uncover the stories behind their journeys in the industry. We talk about where they started, how they’ve grown, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. Each episode brings a unique perspective—some practical, some inspiring, and all rooted in the human side of manufacturing. From lessons learned on the shop floor to big ideas shaping the future, it’s all about the people who make it happen. Because at the heart of every company are the people who work there, and every person has a story.
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Episodes

Beyond Logos and Colors: Emily Wilkins' holistic approach to branding in manufacturing

In this riveting episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we welcome Emily Wilkins, the marketing superhero disrupting the manufacturing industry with her unique approach. Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal, Emily made it her mission to reimagine the marketing landscape for small manufacturing shops, emphasizing the role of culture in driving growth and satisfaction. Hear the inspiring story of how Emily worked with Peters Heat Trading to create a powerful tagline that encapsulates their et...

Jul 27, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 29

The Alchemist of the Aftermarket: Kris Harrington

Get ready for episode 28! We had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Kris Harrington, the CEO of GenAlpha Technologies. Kris is a true trailblazer in the manufacturing industry, and she's here to share her secrets to success and revolutionize how we think about business! From the moment Kris starts speaking, you'll be captivated by her infectious energy and passion for all things tech-savvy. She's breaking barriers left and right, transforming the way OEMs conduct business and service th...

Jul 20, 20231 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Unleashing Creativity and Collaboration: John Buglino of Optessa

In episode 27 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we are thrilled to introduce our guest, John Buglino, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Optessa. John's impressive journey from New York Community Bancorp to becoming a marketing powerhouse at Optessa offers a wealth of insights. This episode delves into the profound influence of company culture on a business's growth, John's exceptional ability in demand and lead generation, B2B marketing, and the art of cultivating meaningful relationshi...

Jul 13, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Shaping the Future of Manufacturing: Doug Berger

In this exhilarating Episode 26 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with the visionary Doug Berger, founder of Industry Reimagined 2030. They embark on a thought-provoking journey, exploring how culture, Lean practices, leadership, and technology intersect to usher in a new era of manufacturing. Doug’s captivating stories of transformation and insights into results-driven culture are an eye-opener for anyone in the industry. His dedication to empowering individuals thr...

Jul 06, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Forging Cultures in Manufacturing: Magdalena Domzalska-Pol of Spartanburg Steel Products

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast. In this episode, we bring you a stimulating conversation with a leader who knows how to meld cultures as skillfully as Spartanburg Steel Products melds metals - Magdalena Domzalska-Pol. With over a decade of experience in HR and a keen understanding of global work cultures, Magdalena has a unique perspective on employee engagement, training and development, and workforce planning. Join us as we explore Magdalena's journey from her early...

Jun 29, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Revolutionizing Manufacturing - A Deep Dive with Adam Crandall

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer welcomes guest Adam Crandall, the Chief Revenue Officer at Addtronics. Crandall is an inspiring leader and innovative thinker who shares his cultural evolution and growth journey at Addtronics. Listen in as we explore how this manufacturing titan is revolutionizing the industry through robotic automation and strategic team building. With insightful discussions on company culture, manufacturing challenges, and the bright future ...

Jun 22, 20231 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Tiffany Bellows - Charting New Heights in Workforce Development

Join us in this riveting episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast as we sit down with Tiffany Bellows, the Workforce Stability Leader for Boeing Mesa. With over 20 years of experience at Boeing, Tiffany has a wealth of knowledge to share about workforce development, building robust talent pipelines, and fostering a resilient company culture. During our conversation, Tiffany takes us on a journey through her impressive career trajectory, shares insights about the High School Development Progr...

Jun 15, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Work Hard, Play Hard: Devin Gassoff of DROP Sprockets

In this riveting episode, we take you on an exciting journey to the heart of the Kootenay region in British Columbia, Canada. Join us as we chat with Devin Gassoff, the dynamic Production Manager at DROP Sprockets, a company that exemplifies the "work hard, play hard" ethos of its scenic surroundings. Devin's inspiring leadership style and his unique approach to incorporating the outdoor lifestyle of Kootenay into the company culture is a lesson in innovative management. From his extensive exper...

Jun 08, 20231 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Steering Towards the Future: Al and Abby Youngwerth of VersaBuilt Robotics

In this thrilling episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, join us as we traverse the exciting world of automation with our guests - Al and Abby Youngwerth of VersaBuilt Robotics. A unique father-daughter duo, Al and Abby, provide a fascinating glimpse into the heart of a company pushing the boundaries of manufacturing technology. Discover how Al, with his extensive experience in product development and leadership, and Abby's diverse background in professional sports, artistic endeavors, an...

Jun 01, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Clearing the Air: Culture, Clean Energy and Inclusion with Oransi's Peter Mann

In this riveting episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we welcome Peter Mann, the visionary founder, and CEO of the leading air purification company, Oransi. Dive deep into Peter's journey of building an innovative company culture, his experiences merging with Aviemore Technologies, and his drive toward clean energy. But the conversation doesn't stop there; Peter shares his personal experiences and advocacy for autism awareness and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the manufac...

May 25, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Educating the Future of Manufacturing: A Special at Westwood High School

Join host Jim Mayer in this thrilling episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, recorded on-site at Westwood High School, home of the Warriors. We're diving deep into the intersection of education and manufacturing, featuring enlightening discussions with our special guests: Allison Seitz, District Director for Mesa Public Schools at ElevateEdAZ, Chad Jacobs, Instructor at Westwood High School, and three enthusiastic students, Zeno Trent, Jackson Kelley, and Noah Gransee. Tune in to hear fir...

May 18, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Pedaling Through Manufacturing: Matt Guse's Journey to Building a Winning Company Culture

Join us on this exhilarating episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast as we chat with Matt Guse, the President of M.R.S. Machining Co., Inc., a top-tier machine shop in the nation. We explore the cultural journey and evolution at M.R.S. Machining, how Matt's passions and community involvement have shaped the company culture, and discuss the importance of balancing a strong culture with innovation in the manufacturing world. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with unique perspectiv...

May 11, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Matt Antenucci of Brennan Manufacturing Group

In this exciting episode, we sit down with Matt Antenucci, General Manager of Brennan Manufacturing Group (BMG), to explore his incredible journey from custom car shops to the aerospace industry. Matt shares his insights on the cultural transformation he has led at BMG and how fostering a high-octane, inclusive, and innovative culture has been the key to the company's success. Tune in to discover Matt's thoughts on open communication, employee growth and development, and fostering a sense of bel...

May 04, 202337 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Mark Whitten of Spartanburg Steel Products

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Whitten, President and CEO of Spartanburg Steel Products. With over 25 years of manufacturing experience, including international assignments in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Mark is a passionate senior business leader who believes in the power of workplace culture to drive sustained improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and profits. Mark shares his cultural journey at Spartanburg Steel ...

Apr 27, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Scott Harms and Ashley Harms of MetalQuest Unlimited

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Scott and Ashley Harms of MetalQuest Unlimited. MetalQuest Unlimited is a highly innovative and efficient CNC-based manufacturing company in Nebraska and Idaho. Scott started the company in 1996, and it has grown into a thriving business with over 80 employees. Ashley, who joined the company to help open a new location in Northern Idaho, shares her experiences as a manufacturing woman and how MetalQuest prioritiz...

Apr 20, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing

In this episode of Manufacturing Culture, host Jim Mayer interviews Meaghan Ziemba, a technical writer, brand storyteller, and marketer who's passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing industry. Meaghan shares her experiences writing for the sector since 2008 and hosting her live video broadcast series, Mavens of Manufacturing, which focuses on women in manufacturing and aims to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in the industry. Throughout the episode, Me...

Apr 13, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Lisa Masciantonio of Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, our host Jim Mayer is joined by Lisa Masciantonio, Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute. Lisa brings over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader and shares her expertise in cultivating and executing business strategies, formulating long-term strategic client relationships, and developing business solutions for ongoing competitiveness. Together, Jim and Lisa explore how robotics in manufa...

Apr 06, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Chris Flemming of Maximum Industries

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Chris Flemming, Vice President of Operations at Maximum Industries. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Chris shares his journey from a machine operator to a leader in the tooling department and his experiences working on many different types of materials and machines. As an active member of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), Chris also discusses his passion for developing a strong a...

Mar 30, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Jordan de Botton Former CEO of Emlu Precision

In this exciting episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we welcome our first international guest, Jordan de Botton, the recent owner of Emlu Precision in Montreal, Canada. Born and raised in Montreal, Jordan studied Mechanical Engineering at McGill and spent 13 years at C&D Aerospace, later becoming Zodiac Aerospace and Safran Aerospace. During his time in the industry, Jordan worked in design, change management, installation support, manufacturing engineering, projects, and engineeri...

Mar 23, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Steven Tamasi, CEO of Boston Centerless

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Steven Tamasi, CEO of Boston Centerless, to discuss his experience as a second-generation entrepreneur, his passion for operational excellence, and the role of core values in creating a world-class manufacturing operation. Throughout the conversation, Steve shares his insights into the importance of core values in creating a successful business. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the manufacturing indus...

Mar 16, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Scott, Nate, and Current and Former Students of Wemoco CTE Program

Join host Jim Mayer on the latest episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast as he sits down with a group of very special guests to explore the crucial role of manufacturing education in shaping the industry's future. In this episode, instructor Scott Prince and current and former Wemoco CTE students Mika, Noah, Cierra, and Marissa share their experiences and insights into the skills and knowledge critical for success in manufacturing. But that's not all - they are also joined by the Weld Scie...

Mar 09, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Jason Ray of Paperless Parts

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Jason Ray, the CEO and Founder of Paperless Parts. Jason shares his unique journey from serving in the United States Navy to founding his innovative platform for the manufacturing industry. The conversation dives into the importance of maintaining a positive and productive company culture in the fast-paced world of manufacturing, exploring the core values that drive Paperless Parts' culture. Jason also shares thr...

Mar 02, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Andrew "The MFG" Crowe of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance

Join host Jim Mayer on this week's episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast as he sits down with the leader of The New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Andrew "The MFG" Crowe. They dive into the ever-changing landscape of the manufacturing industry, exploring the gig economy's impact and how it affects manufacturing. They also discuss the importance of breaking down unconscious bias in hiring practices and the role manufacturing can play as a positive force for change in communities. Drew...

Feb 23, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Jim King of Okuma America

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer talks with Jim King, the President and COO of Okuma America, about his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. They cover a range of topics, including the importance of using company values to shape the culture, the impact of small wins and "digital high fives" on employee morale, the use of KPIs to drive performance and improvement, and employee and leadership development. King shares insights on effective communication...

Feb 16, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Chris Blumhoff of FN Smith Corporation

Join us on this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast as we sit down with Chris Blumhoff, a seasoned expert in the manufacturing industry. Chris has a diverse background in various sectors, including micro-electronics, overhead door manufacturing, and as a Regional Manager with IMEC. In this episode, Chris shares his journey, insights into creating a thriving manufacturing culture, and his experience as the Chief Operating Officer of FN Smith Corporation. Don't miss this opportunity to ga...

Feb 09, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Bill Padnos of the National Tooling and Machining Association

Join us on this week's episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast as we welcome Bill Padnos, the Executive Director of the National Tooling & Machining Association Foundation. Bill is a thought leader in the industry, overseeing programs such as the National Robotics League and the association's education and training initiatives. In this episode, we will delve into Bill's unique perspective on manufacturing industry culture and how he advocates for policies and funding to support workforc...

Feb 02, 202349 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Nicole Wolter of HM Manufacturing

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we are joined by Nicole Wolter, CEO and President of HM Manufacturing. Nicole shares her insights and her journey with the organization. From joining her father in the family business to her partnership with local high schools to build an intern program, Nicole advises manufacturing leaders on building a culture that incorporates trust, empathy, and collaboration. If you are looking for ways to improve the culture in your workplace, this is t...

Jan 26, 202356 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP

If you want to improve your company culture, this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast with guest Paul Van Metre from ProShop ERP is a must-listen. In it, he shares the cultural journeys his machine shop and software companies have been on, three cultural initiatives and their impacts, and how ERP systems help improve shop cultures. This is an inspiring episode for anyone looking to create a better company culture for their employees. Paul's insights will surely help you on your journey ...

Jan 19, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Kristin Carlson of Peerless Precision, Inc

Kristin Carlson is President of Peerless Precision, Inc., in Westfield, MA, a small precision machine shop specializing in manufacturing small, complex mechanical components mainly for the Aerospace and Defense Industries. She shares with us the cultural journey Peerless has been on since her dad bought it in 1997, the changes that happened when she took over, and three things she has done to change the culture.

Jan 11, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Manufacturing Culture Podcast Trailer

Welcome to the Manufacturing Culture podcast. Today we'll discuss culture and how to build a positive culture in the manufacturing workplace.

Jan 07, 20236 min
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