Manufacturing Happy Hour
280 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 96 ratingsWelcome to Manufacturing Happy Hour, the podcast where we get real about the latest trends and technologies impacting modern manufacturers.
Hosted by industry veteran Chris Luecke, each week, we interview makers, founders, and other manufacturing leaders that are at the top of their game and give you the tools, tactics, and strategies you need to take your career and your business to the next level. We go beyond the buzzwords and dissect real-life applications and success stories so that you can tackle your biggest manufacturing challenges and turn them into profitable opportunities.
Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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Episodes
BONUS: A Digital Transformation Story from Rockwell Automation
June 06, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBHow can your company achieve a complete, enterprise-wide digital transformation? In our first ever throwback episode, Bob Murphy - a former Senior Vice President at Rockwell Automation - provides some of the most down-to-earth advice for leading a transformation journey. We recorded this episode in May 2020, but even 3 years later, there are still some major lessons to be learned during this episode.
BONUS: Content Strategies for Manufacturers that Break Through the Noise
May 30, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBFrom self-awareness to consistency, from personal branding to trust-building, there are more than a few ways that manufacturers can break through the noise on social media. In this bonus episode, your host Chris Luecke explores how manufacturers can cut through the noise by creating engaging, insightful content so that you can build trust with your ideal customer audience. While this brand-building strategy is a long-term play, it can yield exponential returns if you have the patience.
Redefining the Role of a Chief Information Officer with Tim Dickson, CIO of Generac
May 23, 2023 09:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBFrom diversity to digital transformation, innovation and best practices, this episode is packed with expert insights on taking your manufacturing leadership game up a gear. Tim Dickson, Chief Innovation Officer at Generac, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss misconceptions around the job title, what his role actually entails and how he aims to improve his leadership qualities every single week. Plus, he shares what Generac does in detail, provides his ideas on innovation and tells ...
New Business Models and User Experiences in Robotics: Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI
May 16, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBAre you ready for a ton of insights from FOUR industry leaders? On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re whetting your Automate appetite again, sharing super-interesting highlights from Automate 2022, ahead of the 2023 event later this month. We are joined by Misa Ilkhechi, founder and VP of Product and Partnerships at Formic, Kel Guerin, co-founder and CIO at Ready Robotics, Etienne Lacroix, founder and CEO at Vention and Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing & App...
Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI
May 09, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBTime to buckle up for a masterclass in manufacturing with not one – but three – manufacturing experts! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we share the best of three interviews conducted at Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI. Chris sits down for conversations with Milton Guerry, President of Schunk, Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America Corporation and Søren Peters, CEO of HowToRobot. They share their career journeys, insights and predictions for manufacturing, AI and automatio...
The Future of Food and Beverage Manufacturing, LIVE from Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, OH
May 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBWhat happens when you put a food and beverage industry leader, a brewer, and an industrial specialist who’s seen hundreds of manufacturing facilities on the same stage? You get this week’s episode. CBT Company recently invited Manufacturing Happy Hour to host a live panel discussion at Cincinnati's iconic Rhinegeist Brewery on the future of food & beverage manufacturing. We were joined by Rhinegeist’s Cole Hackbarth, SugarCreek’s Jeremy Saunders, and CBT’s Larry Hecker for a conversation ...
What Defines a Manufacturing Leader? An Interview with Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger of MakingChips
April 25, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBIt’s time for two manufacturing podcasts to collide! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re delighted to speak to Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger, hosts of the fantastic MakingChips podcast. Nick and Jason discuss their route into making the podcast, how it’s grown and evolved over the years and the attributes that make a true manufacturing leader. In this episode, find out: About creating MakingChips How the podcast has evolved Knowing when content needs to evolve H...
Promoting from Within and Building a Team for the Future with Pamela Frost, President of RND Automation
April 18, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThings move quickly in manufacturing, so how do we stay efficient in the now, while building a strong team for the future? On this episode, we invite Pam Frost, President of RND Automation, on Manufacturing Happy Hour. Pam discusses employee retention, promoting from within and playing to your own and your employees’ strengths. Plus, she reveals why she came out of retirement for RND, what excites her about the future of manufacturing and why fun should be a priority in the workplace....
Re-Industrializing America through the Factory of the Future, Featuring RIOS’ Bernard Casse
April 11, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBWe’re stepping into the future in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to look at how RIOS is helping to pave a way for the “factories of the future.” We sat down with CEO and Founder Bernard Casse to get his take on where automation and robotics fit into factories and what a smart factory will actually look like. Bernard explores the benefits of using automation to speed up processes, collect data, and adapt according to turbulent market conditions (which we’re seeing plenty of right ...
How Student-Run Ventures are Changing Higher Education: The Story of Marquette University's Blue & Gold Brewing
April 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBBuilding an iconic brewing company for your university community, plus getting real-world business experience? Sounds like a dream come true. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Jackson Cosgriff, Student, and John Knapp, Director of Innovation Alley at Marquette University. We hear the backstory and behind-the-scenes processes of Innovation Alley and its student-led project, Blue & Gold Brewing. John and Jackson share concerns they had heading into the projec...
Globetrotting, Apprenticeships, and Data-Driven Panel Design with EPLAN’s Sean Mulherrin
March 28, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBThinking of breaking out of your bubble to get the most out of your career? This could be the push you need. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Sean Mulherrin, Product Manager at EPLAN. Sean discusses how globetrotting has benefitted his career, explains his passion for apprenticeships and shares his ideas on panel design. Plus, he explains why budding manufacturing pros shouldn’t be scared of change. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a manufacturi...
How Manufacturers Should Leverage Economic Intelligence with Alan Beaulieu
March 21, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBAs generations retire and millennials take up the baton, this week’s guest knows business is in safe hands. But how can the new generations of manufacturers best leverage economics to succeed in business? We are delighted to be joined by Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR Economics, at the A3 Business Forum in Orlando, FL. In this short episode, Alan discusses how he makes economics riveting, explains why millennials are so crucial to business, and gives top tips on true leade...
Software-Enabled Vehicles and the Future of Automotive Manufacturing with Vicki Poponi, VP and Industry Advisor at Salesforce
March 14, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBReady for a masterclass in automotive manufacturing? Strap in! On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vicki Poponi, Vice President – Industry Advisor, Automotive at Salesforce. She discusses her route into the industry and provides a glimpse into the world of software-enabled vehicles. Plus, she explains what the connected car means for consumers, why the customer is at the center of everything and delves into Salesforce’s Trends in Automotive Report – linked below. ...
How Reshoring, Sustainability, and Customer Success are Helping Manufacturers Win with Bright Machines' Sean Murray
March 07, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBReshoring, customer success, and sustainability – just some of the topics we cover in this cornucopia of an episode with Sean Murray, VP of Customer Success at Bright Machines. Sean joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career and his insights into the industry. We explore the concept of software-defined manufacturing, why there’s such a push toward re-shoring and the benefits of flexible manufacturing. Sean shares some all-important advice for manufacturers looki...
How to Attract Young Talent and Build Your Network in Manufacturing with Nicole Wolter
February 28, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBWe all know how fast-paced the world of manufacturing is…and when processes and technologies progress, so does the way we work. On this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Nicole Wolter, President & CEO of HM Manufacturing, reveals all about her management style, interview processes and focus on young talent. Plus, she tells us about what it’s like to take over a family business, why she stays on top of robotics trends and what life is like on a board of directors. There are plenty of...
How Frontline Maintenance Teams are Bringing the Future of Machine Monitoring to Life featuring Igor Marinelli, Founder of TRACTIAN
February 21, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBWe cover a whole lot of ground in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour – from Industry 4.0 to innovation in industrial sectors, IIoT, connectivity, machine learning, proof of concepts, and everything in between. Joining this episode is Igor Marinelli, Founder of TRACTIAN, who has plenty of insights, perspectives, and advice to share on condition monitoring and more. Igor details his background from being a frontline worker to where he is today and explains what prompted him to start TRA...
A History Lesson in Industrial Automation Recruiting with Gary Miller, CEO of Miller Resource Group
February 14, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIt’s time for a comprehensive history lesson in industrial automation recruiting. We sat down in the MRG Studios in Naperville, Illinois, with Gary Miller, CEO of Miller Resource Group, an industrial recruiting firm focused on hard-to-find personnel in automation, robotics, food and beverage and more. We’ve gotten to know a few members of the team over the years, which is why it was about time we shared a conversation with their CEO! In the episode, Gary talks about how he was introduced ...
The State of Manufacturing: Resilience in Uncertain Times with Willem Sundblad
February 07, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBWhat is the current state of manufacturing? Who better to ask than Willem Sundblad, CEO and Co-Founder of Oden Technologies, who commissioned The State of Manufacturing 2022 report? Surveying over 300 manufacturing leaders has highlighted some fascinating food for thought on topics like the labor market, inflation, demand changes, investing in sustainability, and more. Willem joins Manufacturing Happy Hour again to talk more about the findings and his own personal take on why businesses a...
The New American Manufacturing Renaissance Continues with Andrew Crowe
January 31, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBIt’s been about two years since Andrew Crowe, public speaker and Founder of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, was last on the show in episode 46 – and so much has happened since then. This time around, we sit down over a couple of beers in St. Louis to catch up on what he has been working on and how much The New American Manufacturing Renaissance has grown since. The New American Manufacturing Renaissance is a movement intended to show how manufacturing is a great career option...
Running a US Shoemaking Business on Heritage and Sustainability with Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi
January 24, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBStrong values like sustainability, empathy, and wellness might seem at odds with running a successful business for some, but not Sara Irvani, CEO of Okabashi. In fact, values like these have been fundamental to Okabashi’s success since it launched in 1984. Sara joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to clue us in to what it’s like leading a family-owned and operated shoe brand. A proudly USA-based footwear company, Okabashi is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness and uses th...
How to Build an Industrial Automation YouTube Channel with Tim Wilborne
January 17, 2023 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBFor many people, YouTube is the first port of call for instructions. Whether it be for simple things around the house like setting up a new TV or building a cabinet, or more complex things entirely. One man covering those more complex things is Tim Wilborne. Tim’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 50,000 subscribers, focuses on industrial automation, programming PLCs and helping you become a better technician. Tim joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss his backgr...
The Metaverse, MedTech, and the Ethics of Emergent Technology with Christopher Lafayette
January 10, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBWhile the metaverse is a relatively new concept for most of us, this week’s guest has worked in this space for some time. Our guest on Manufacturing Happy Hour is emergent technologist and GatherVerse founder, Christopher Lafayette. Tune in to hear about Christopher’s background, what his job title really means, his take on the metaverse’s role in manufacturing and MedTech and the importance of inclusion and diversity in tech. Plus, Christopher explains skepticism towards the metaverse an...
Machine Shops, Reshoring, and Addressing the “Management Gap” with Paperless Parts’ Jason T. Ray
January 03, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIs there really a manufacturing skills gap? Why is manufacturing moving back to the U.S.? And how can machine shop owners switch to an investment mindset? These are all great questions that we answer in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Jason T. Ray is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paperless Parts and a former Manufacturing Happy Hour guest. He jumps back on the show for a discussion on machine shops, reshoring, the importance of profit and investment, the skills gap, and everything in...
A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Custom Ski Manufacturing with Mike McCabe
December 27, 2022 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBWhat’s the most important part of starting and running a manufacturing business? The finances? The team? The materials? Well, this Manufacturing Happy Hour guest has some expert insights, experience and advice, so stay tuned. It’s time to hit the slopes for this week’s episode as we invite Mike McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Folsom Custom Skis, to share his story and provide top tips for manufacturers. Tune in for tales of Mike’s early days in the industry, the creation of his business,...
BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)
December 23, 2022 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBWe're back for Part 2 from the 2022 Vision Show, hosted by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation.
BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by A3)
December 20, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIn October 2022, we ventured to Boston, MA for the Association for Advancing Automation's annual Vision Show and Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference (AMRL). In the past, these had been 2 separate events, but this year, A3 brought them together under one roof. You really can't have robotics without imaging and you can't have mobile robotics without machine vision. The tie-ins are endless. It just made sense to bring these events together and it was great being part of this week...
AI, Autonomous Transformation, and Avoiding "Pilot Purgatory" with Microsoft's Brian Evergreen
December 13, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBWe’re all familiar with Microsoft. That’s a given. But we’re certainly not all familiar with the autonomous AI work they are doing. That’s why we called on an expert to give us the lowdown on what autonomous AI means, highlight its risks and opportunities and give us his verdict. On episode 118, Brian Evergreen, Global Head of Autonomous AI Co-Innovation at Microsoft, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour. If the episode title (or Brian’s job title) doesn’t make a ton of sense to you just now,...
BONUS: How gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference is Connecting Startups, Investors, and Corporations
December 06, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBThis week, we're diving into gener8tor's OnRamp Manufacturing Conference. gener8tor is a turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations, and their OnRamp Conferences are a subset of that. gener8tor’s annual manufacturing event brings together startups, investors, and corporations for this unique “dealmaking conference” and this year, in October 2022, we headed to Indianapolis. There, we sat down for 8 intervi...
How Composites Manufacturing Impacts Marathon Running with ARRIS' Riley Reese
November 29, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBHow can composite manufacturing help you level-up as a runner? Well, this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour will reveal all. Riley Reese, CEO and Co-Founder of Arris, is on the show this week to talk about the power of composite manufacturing in footwear and its potential in industries such as aerospace, sportscars, skiing equipment, and many more. As an avid runner himself, we break down some of the top spots in California to go training and his favorite and most memorable marathons. He...
BONUS: Series A, B, C, and D Funding Rounds Explained, plus a behind-the-scenes update from Manufacturing Happy Hour
November 22, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 9.46 MBIt's Thanksgiving week here in the US, and since so many of you are based here, we're bringing you a shorter bonus episode this week as we try something new. First, you'll get a general update from Manufacturing Happy Hour, including our new newsletter - 5 Quick Manufacturing Insights - as well as partnership opportunities. Then, we'll highlight one of the most helpful moments from the show in the past year. Firdaus Pohowalla, Managing Director at Cascadia Capital, appeared on Episode 80 and...
Building an Automation Company on Ambition and Hustle with Malachi Greb
November 15, 2022 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBWe’ve got a bit of a different Manufacturing Happy Hour episode this time – it’s one of our first long-form episode at a trade show. Joined by co-host Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, we recorded this at the 2022 The Vision Show AMR & Logistics Conference in Boston. Our guest is Malachi Greb, Owner of Elite Automation – a frequent trade show attendee with the goal of leading the “biggest automation company in the world.” An ambitious target, no doubt, but Malachi knows exactly how...
BONUS: Exploring Manufacturing Partnerships Part 2, Live from IMTS 2022 (brought to you by KUKA)
November 11, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBWe’re back for Part 2 of our bonus episodes with KUKA from IMTS 2022. We’ll be jumping back into our partnership conversations while taking an even deeper dive into additive manufacturing in these last 5 interviews of our short series. Stick around until the end to get a full recap on what characterizes great industrial manufacturing partnerships. Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com/KUKApartners for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay I...
BONUS: Exploring Manufacturing Partnerships Part 1, Live from IMTS 2022 (brought to you by KUKA)
November 08, 2022 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week on Manufacturing Happy Hour, we’re exploring what makes an industrial partnership great. Is it the tech? Is it the company culture? Is it the size of the company? Today’s podcast answers all of these questions in the context of a global robotics company, KUKA, and all of their partners. We spent an entire day at IMTS 2022 exploring applications from 3D printing to machining to launching robots into space, all while interviewing KUKA’s partners that make all of these applications ...
Buying a Manufacturing Company with No Experience featuring Everyday Technologies' Cody Lee
November 01, 2022 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBCan you really make a business work if you have no experience? Cody Lee, the President and Owner of Everyday Technologies, made that very leap when he took over the business. While his experience was limited, he’s had some fantastic advice from his father and father-in-law, which has helped Cody thrive in his new venture. Cody joins this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour to share where it all began, what led him to buy the business, and how he’s determined to scale it in the future. He...
Leaving a Startup and Lessons Learned from Plethora with Nick Pinkston (Part 3 of 3)
October 25, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MBWhat does it take to launch a manufacturing startup? And how do you finally walk away from it when it’s time? Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, is back on the show for round three of our three-part series. In this episode, we take a closer look at Nick’s previous ventures, including Plethora, to get an idea of what it’s like to build a company and then close the door to it. Nick shares the top things he wished he’d have known earlier in his career, what he’s learned from previous...
The Future of Hardware, Manufacturing Startups, and Industrial Policy with Nick Pinkston (Part 2 of 3)
October 21, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBWhat does the future hold for hardware manufacturing? We welcome back Nick Pinkston, CEO and Founder of Volition, for round two of a special three-part episode where we dig into all things hardware manufacturing. In this episode, Nick explores the world of hardware startups, VC investment, and the future of the industry. He also breaks down his thoughts on rising trends like 3D printing and AI, and explains which manufacturing tech he’s most excited about. We also hear his thoughts and ex...
Accelerating the Pace of Innovation and Hardware Manufacturing with Nick Pinkston (Part 1 of 3)
October 18, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBWelcome to our first ever “mega episode” here on Manufacturing Happy Hour, a 3-part interview with Nick Pinkston, one of the more fascinating people in the manufacturing world. If you're not already familiar with Nick, he’s has a great track record of leading hardware and manufacturing startups, while much of the rest of the world was preoccupied with the software side of the tech world. Currently, he’s the Founder and CEO of Volition, a marketplace dedicated specifically to industrial compo...
The Power of Having Employees with Strong Personal Brands featuring Daniel Murray
October 11, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBHaving employees with strong personal brands is a great asset for any business, manufacturing or otherwise. In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Daniel Murray, marketing ops leader and the founder of podcast and marketing community, Marketing Millennials. Daniel discusses his career so far, how he simplifies marketing for marketers and the benefits of building personal brands. He also provides unmissable tips on building lasting LinkedIn posting habits and what platforms...
Going from Design to Product and Leading a Remote Team with Adar Hay
October 04, 2022 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBMarketing, manufacturing, and remote work – we cover a lot of ground in this episode featuring Adar Hay, Co-Founder and CEO of Jiga.io. Jiga helps manufacturing companies centralize their supplier sourcing, and Adar explains how the idea for the company first came about. We hear how Jiga has a refreshingly modern approach to marketing and why Adar decided to start a podcast to learn more about potential users. Adar also explains the reasoning behind his remote-first team, and why for rem...
A Look Inside Medical Device Manufacturing with Philips’ Natalia Mendez
September 27, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBWe’ve not covered medical device manufacturing on the show, so we thought this would be a great time to delve into it. In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we talk to Natalia Mendez, VP Head of Manufacturing Medical Devices at Philips. Natalia has lots of great insights into her industry and provides expert advice for both those in the medical space and manufacturers in general. Natalia explains the importance of meeting customers’ needs and dispels myths and misunderstandings abou...
How Lean, Industry 4.0, and Supply Chain are Interconnected with Antonio Hill
September 20, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 67.2 MBThere’s a good chance you already have a tool from the Stanley Black & Decker family in your toolkit. They’re household names, quality, reliable tools, and we wanted to hear more about the manufacturing process behind them. Antonio Hill, Head of Manufacturing Digital Solutions, Global Supply Chain at Stanley Black & Decker, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his career, the challenges of managing supply chains, the impact of Industry 4.0, and what lean manufacturing means to him....
Cybersecurity Apprenticeships, Upskilling, and Startups with gener8tor's Cole Shearer
September 13, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB“A platform for communities to invest in their best and brightest” …that’s how this week’s guest describes the company he works for. Sounds great, right? We invited Cole Shearer, Vice President – Skills Accelerator at gener8tor, to join Manufacturing Happy Hour this week. In this episode, he outlines his career to date, what he does at gener8tor, and provides some top tips for startup founders. Cole explains the struggles of the talent shortage in the cybersecurity space and breaks down ho...
Vision and Imaging 101 with Edmund Optics' Greg Hollows
September 06, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBWe haven’t covered imaging and vision much on Manufacturing Happy Hour, so we thought it was time that changed. This week, we are talking to Greg Hollows, Vice President, Product Strategy at Edmund Optics, who discusses his various roles at Edmund Optics, where he has worked for over two decades. He also looks at the ways imaging has changed since he got started and provides some unmissable advice on succeeding in the industry. Greg gives us so much food for thought in this episode. It’s o...
Using Robots in Machine Shops, 3D Printing, and Beyond with KUKA's Nate Brazelle
August 30, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBIt’s no secret that we’re big fans of robots and what they can bring to the manufacturing world here on Manufacturing Happy Hour. So, we invited fellow robot enthusiast Nate Brazelle, VP of Sales and Marketing at KUKA, onto the show to share his predictions on robots in the future of the industry, where they fit in now, and why they could be the answer to the labor shortage. Nate explains how he first took a step into the world of robotics and shares the challenges and realities of working...
Can Thursday be the New Friday in Manufacturing? An Interview with Joe Sanok, Author of Thursday is the New Friday
August 23, 2022 09:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBIf you already thought that the 5-day work week was one day too long, then this episode will rock your boat. This week, we’re chatting with Joe Sanok, author of Thursday is the New Friday, and he offers a practical breakdown of how the 4-day work week would fit into a manufacturing setting. Before we dive into all that, Joe tells us about his professional background and then offers a brief but detailed history of the 5-day work week (and a bit about the concept of time). We also hear a step...
How Terrence Southern's K-12 STEM program is Sustaining Talent & Elevating Minds
August 16, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBThe worlds of robotics and automation have been picking up speed for some time now. But the pandemic has only fast-tracked the need for the next generation of talent to wield these tools. Organizations such as Illuminate STEM are leading the way for young blood to gain knowledge and fly the flag for robotics for decades to come. Terrence Southern, Founder, CEO & Executive Director at Illuminate STEM, joins this episode to explain how he taught budding robotics workers, how he started his...
A Conversation in Berlin about Robot Operations (#RobOps) with Florian Pestoni, Co-Founder and CEO of InOrbit
August 09, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBIt’s not every day you get to record a podcast episode in Berlin, so when Florian Pestoni told me he’d be in Berlin at the same time as me, we had to meet up to record an interview. In this special live episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we step out of the studio and into the beer garden to discuss what chronic care for robots looks like. Florian is the Co-Founder & CEO of InOrbit, a Silicon Valley-based startup that helps companies managing fleets of robots streamline their robotic opera...
BONUS: What is Industrial Tourism?
August 02, 2022 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBWe're taking a break this week for summer vacation! Sort of. Actually, we have a bonus episode for you that's all about a summer vacation-esque topic: Industrial Tourism. Until this week, I thought "industrial tourism" was a term I made up, but it turns out it's actually a well-documented practice. From brewery tours to visiting upcycled, decommissioned factories, industrial tourism actually covers a lot of ground. In this episode, I share 3 examples of my own industrial tourism experience...
From Blue Collar to Company Founder with Brennen Dugger, President of Blue Collar Automation
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBBrennen Dugger is the President & Founder of Blue Collar Automation, specializing in industrial automation, controls integration, and robotics. Brennen and I recently met at A3's Automate conference when the robot at his booth served me a beer. Obviously, he was perfect for Manufacturing Happy Hour! In this episode, Brennen explains the motivation behind his move from the factory floor to the office of a company founder. He also shares the reason why collaborative robots are practically fro...
The 10 Most Memorable Moments from the First 100 Episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour
July 19, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBWe’ve just hit our milestone episode! The big 100, so it makes perfect sense to mark the occasion with a special episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. While Manufacturing Happy Hour has been around for over 5 years, over the course of 75+ videos and over 130 episodes, we’re choosing to label this one Episode 100 (even if it is closer to 200 episodes at this point). In this episode, we’ll recount 10 of the most memorable moments from the past 5 years, but they might not be the moments you e...