In part 2 of the conversation, our host Jim Mayer and Drew Crowe explore the contributions of black inventors throughout history, including Alice Parker's revolutionizing of heating systems, Lloyd Hall's innovations in food preservation, and Otis Boykin's advancements in electronics. This conversation explores the contributions of Black innovators in various fields, highlighting their impact on mobility, medical technology, education, and more. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and cel...
Feb 29, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 59
In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Andrew Crowe, a prominent figure in manufacturing, about the transformative impact of the American Manufacturing Renaissance Tour, now known as the Champions of Champions Tour. The tour has successfully increased STEM program enrollments and industry engagement in local communities. Andrew emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in inspiring the next generation in manufacturing. The conversation de...
Feb 22, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 58
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Danny Hill Jr., a master CNC machinist, about his journey in the manufacturing industry and his efforts to support previously incarcerated individuals. Danny shares his experiences and challenges in the field, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the need for companies to embrace diversity and eliminate bias. He also highlights the role of organizations like the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) in providing training and opportunities for ...
Feb 15, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 57
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews guest Susanne Mariga, a fractional CFO and expert in the Profit First method. Susanne shares her journey in finance and entrepreneurship and explains how the Profit First method helps businesses prioritize profit and financial stability. She discusses the allocation of revenue in Profit First, creating an illusion of scarcity, and the impact of Profit First on company culture. Susanne also addresses the unique challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs ...
Feb 08, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Courtney Tate, the owner of OnTime Quality Machining, shares his journey as a black entrepreneur in the manufacturing industry. Growing up in a challenging environment, Courtney found his passion for CNC machining and started his own business. He is dedicated to bringing jobs back to his community and offering opportunities for underrepresented individuals. Courtney also uses Autodesk Fusion 360 and video game concepts to engage young people in manufacturing. He envisions franchising OnTime Qual...
Feb 01, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 55
In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer explores the intersection of culture and neuroscience, focusing on BTFA and its impact at GKN Aerospace. The guests include David Bovis, creator of the BTFA model; Levent Turk, who has extensive experience in Lean Transformations; and Edwin van den Berg, the VP of the Lean Academy at GKN Aerospace. The episode emphasizes the role of leadership in shaping company culture, particularly in manufacturing. The guests discuss how BTF...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 54
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Jim Vasilopoulos, founder and CEO of Rafty Advisors and author of the book 'Clarity.' They discuss the importance of leadership, culture, and soft skills in organizations. Jim Vasilopoulos shares his journey in manufacturing and IT, and how he helps companies navigate complex challenges and improve their performance. He emphasizes the need for leaders to have an open mind, be open to change, and seize opportunities. They also discuss the role of leaders...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Summary In this episode, Nikki Gonzales shares her journey in the manufacturing industry and her transition to startup culture. She discusses the challenges and changes in the industry, particularly in relation to the role of women. Nikki also talks about the factors influencing the increase of women in manufacturing and the importance of diversity and inclusion. She shares her experience using LinkedIn for personal branding and building relationships in the industry. In this conversation, Nikki...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Adrian Koehler, a founder and senior partner at Take New Ground, shares his journey and expertise in leadership, culture, and transformation. He discusses his background growing up in a small town in Illinois and his passion for sports and competition. Adrian emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy in understanding different perspectives. He also shares his experience in nursing and pediatric intensive care and his involvement in activism and philanthropy. Adrian's work in community b...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Summary In this end-of-year special episode, host Jim Mayer recaps the first season of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast and shares highlights, reflections, and key takeaways. He starts by introducing himself and his background in the manufacturing industry. Then, he discusses impactful episodes and quotes from the season, emphasizing the importance of culture, leadership, and communication in manufacturing. Jim also provides a preview of the upcoming second season, which will focus on specific ...
Dec 28, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Zach Carlin, a versatile entrepreneur and business consultant. Zach shares his journey from being a professional athlete to flipping gyms and scaling small to medium-sized businesses. He emphasizes the importance of failure and learning from it, as well as the role of leadership in shaping company culture. Zach highlights the need for leaders to be champions of the culture and align their values with the organization's values. He also discusses the diff...
Dec 21, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Brittany Greer, the executive director and founder of Rosie Riveters, a STEM program for young girls. Brittany shares her background working with the World Association of Nuclear Operators and how she identified the gap in STEM programming for young girls. She explains how she founded Rosie Riveters and the challenges of implementing STEM education. Brittany emphasizes the importance of data and problem-solving skills in addressing the retention of wome...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Lonnie Wilson, a lean manufacturing expert and founder of Quality Consultants. Lonnie shares his journey from working at Chevron to starting his consulting firm specializing in cultural change. He emphasizes the importance of respect for people and creating a learning culture in the manufacturing industry. Lonnie also discusses the learning model maturity cycle and the danger zone of pseudo-competence. Overall, the c...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Mike White, the founder of Secchi, an employee engagement software company. They discuss the role of data-driven decision-making in unlocking the workforce's potential and improving company culture. Mike shares his journey in HR and how he founded Secchi to address the challenges frontline supervisors face. They also explore the impact of industry on company culture and the importance of leadership in shaping it. The conversation highlights the role of ...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this insightful episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer engages in a fascinating conversation with Matt Kownick, the visionary owner of Left Hand Engineering. They discuss the evolving culture and significant changes within the manufacturing industry, focusing on equipment utilization, the impact of automation, and foresight into the future of manufacturing. Matt Kownick shares the proactive approach of Left Hand Engineering in educating employees about business operation...
Nov 23, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this captivating episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with the esteemed Terry Iverson, the visionary former President and CEO of Iverson and Company. Terry delves into his remarkable journey through the manufacturing landscape, shedding light on the transformative culture of Iverson and Company and the pivotal role of values in hiring practices. Terry opens up about his strategic decision to sell the company and passionately discusses his involvement with CHA...
Nov 16, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Get ready for an electrifying journey on the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, brought to you by the fantastic team at Speroni! This episode, hosted by the ever-curious and engaging Jim Mayer, features a powerhouse of the manufacturing world – Ryan Kuhlenbeck, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Pico MES. In a world where digital technology is rapidly transforming the manufacturing landscape, Ryan stands at the forefront, navigating through challenges and leading the charge toward a brighter, more ...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this all-star episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer invites you to step up to the plate with guest Chris Caves. From knocking it out of the park in minor league baseball to hitting home runs in the insurance industry, Chris brings a unique perspective to teamwork and leadership. Together, they dig deep into the playbook to reveal the hidden strategies that make a manufacturing team championship-worthy. From mentorship and interdependence to crystal-clear communication, ...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Get ready for an exhilarating ride into the world of startups, manufacturing, and ground-breaking innovation! In today's episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Laura Teicher, the dynamic force behind FORGE's awe-inspiring mission. Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring a hard tech idea from prototype to market? Laura spills the secrets! With FORGE's laser-focused support, over 700 startups in sectors like climate tech, medical devices, and robotics hav...
Oct 19, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Get ready for an electrifying episode that will shift your perspective on what's possible, both in the manufacturing world and in life. We're honored to feature Dr. Ivan Rosenberg, a trailblazing pioneer in reimagining the talent landscape with his game-changing initiative, the Uniquely Abled Project. Ivan dives deep into how he's transformed the employment landscape for individuals with autism, making the impossible not just possible but extraordinary. Forget what you think you know about limit...
Oct 12, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Get ready for an electrifying conversation that dives deep into the future of manufacturing! This episode features none other than Steven Antalics, Chief of Staff at the cutting-edge startup Industrial Next. We're going way beyond the nuts and bolts of your typical factory; Steven opens up about how they're using mind-blowing robotics and smart automation to literally reshape how we think about production. But that's just scratching the surface. Ever wondered how you navigate the cultural waters...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Get ready for a rollercoaster of inspiration with Jacob Sanchez, the Gen Z powerhouse taking manufacturing by storm! In this electric episode, your host Jim Mayer dives deep with Jacob, who stumbled into manufacturing by pure fate. With his eyes set on cooking class, destiny had other plans and hurled him straight into an engineering class in high school. Jacob didn't just adapt—he thrived. As a founding member of Titans of CNC Academy, he became a programming and machining virtuoso. His talent ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this electrifying episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Joey Hovsepyan, the visionary founder behind Emmet. Joey is on a mission to revolutionize the way metal distribution works in the manufacturing industry. But hold on—it's not just about materials; it's about a cultural transformation! Journey with us as Joey peels back the layers on his unique career path, from entrepreneurial hustles as a kid to steering the course of Emmet. Get ready to be captivated b...
Sep 21, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Ready to get your gears turning? Strap in for an electrifying ride as host Jim picks the brain of Nicole Donnelly, the dynamo behind DMG Digital. This isn't your run-of-the-mill marketing talk—Nicole is on a mission to accelerate small manufacturers into the digital age, and she's got the street cred to back it up. With years spent hands-on in small business manufacturing and managing accounts for growing businesses, she's the go-to expert you've been waiting for. Dive into her unique strategy o...
Sep 14, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Step into the electrifying world of trade shows with this week's Manufacturing Culture Podcast! Host Jim Mayer talks shop with Elizabeth Lein and Jay Partington, the masterminds behind the upcoming Wisconsin Manufacturing Technology Show 2023. Dive into the intricate choreography of event planning as Elizabeth reveals how her hospitality chops are elevating the trade show experience. Jay, an industry titan, takes us down memory lane while explaining the evolution and enduring importance of trade...
Sep 07, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Join us in a compelling new episode of Manufacturing Culture, where host Jim Mayer sits down with Nate Ankrum, President of Genuine Machine Products. This isn't your average chat about company culture; this is a deep dive into a transformational journey that resonates from the shop floor all the way to the U.S. Military's most critical missions. Nate is a third-generation manufacturing pro who's fought through the trenches to transform Genuine Machine's culture from good to great. He shares the ...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 34
Join Jim as he sails into the fascinating world of manufacturing culture with Corey Dickens, a seasoned sailor turned Solutions Consultant at Brightly, a Siemens company. In this riveting episode, Corey draws from his blend of military and industrial maintenance experience to dissect the cultural crossroads between tradition and modernity in the manufacturing landscape. Listen as Corey uncovers the pressing challenges the military and manufacturing sectors face, where honoring the time-tested no...
Aug 24, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this captivating episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer takes listeners on an educational tour through the fascinating world of student-run manufacturing businesses. Joining Jim are Craig Cegielski of Cardinal Manufacturing and Chris Townsend of Eagle Manufacturing, who unveil their innovative educational approaches. Here's what you can expect: Discussion of Their Respective Student-Run Manufacturing Businesses : Craig and Chris reveal the inner workings of their success...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this riveting episode, Jim Mayer sits down with Charlie Hushek, the General Manager of Phoenix Heat Treating, to unearth the world of heat treating in metal processing. Charlie opens the door to this critical yet often overlooked industry and shares how it plays a pivotal role in shaping the metals we use daily. From discussing the various challenges and innovations in the heat treating industry to investigating the adoption of digitalization and ERP systems for job tracking and quality contr...
Aug 10, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, join host Jim Mayer as he welcomes Phil Johnson, CEO of the Master of Business Leadership program. Phil's remarkable journey starts from his humble upbringing in a small Canadian town and leads him to become a leading figure in emotional intelligence across the globe. Phil unpacks emotional intelligence's critical role in our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, highlighting its contrasts with intellectual intelligence. He explains the strong con...
Aug 03, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 30
