Season 7 kicks off with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, President of FlexLine Automation, a 15-person, woman-owned integrator known for moving fast, shipping when it counts, and adapting the playbook—from conveyors and robotics to a TikTok presence that actually reaches engineers.

We talk about what leadership really means in a family business, how FlexLine is using AI to automate drawings and quoting, and why an automation company that won’t automate itself will eventually get noticed.

Cathy also shares how her agricultural roots shape how she approaches factory problems: use what you have, fix what breaks, and design for reality. From autosteer tractors to rural manufacturing, we explore why some of the most important automation work happens outside major tech hubs.

We also challenge a common myth: going direct isn’t always faster or cheaper. Custom automation often requires an integrator’s experience, inventory, and responsiveness.

If you care about practical automation—AI that saves engineers time, robotics that fit the job, and service that actually shows up—this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Cathy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%90%86-cathy-rinne-a1764a11/

Website: https://flex-lineautomation.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theconveyorcougar

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

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🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

When a chance conversation at a beer bar introduced her to the word “SCADA,” Margarita Rosenkrans had no idea it would spark a career in industrial automation. In this episode, Courtney and Alicia chat with Margarita—Sales Engineer at Inductive Automation—about her path from graduating in the middle of a hiring freeze to thriving in both support and sales engineering roles. We cover her behind-the-scenes insights from OT SCADA CON, the culture and community at Inductive, favorite Ignition features, troubleshooting war stories, and even how she used Ignition’s Maker Edition to build her wedding website. Whether you’re an Ignition pro or just automation-curious, you’ll enjoy this mix of career lessons, tech talk, and personal stories.

Thank you to Inductive Automation for sponsoring this Episode and the recent support of OT SCADA CON - where we were lucky enough to meet Maggie in person!

Find out more about the Ignition Community Conference happening Sept 16 - 18 in Sacramento CA and get your tickets to Level Up! your SCADA game.

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

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🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com

Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference OT SCADA CON attended by 100+ automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.

🎬 Credits

Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes

P.S. - Help our podcast grow with a 5-star podcast review if you love us!

Ever wondered what it takes to lead automation projects at trailblazing companies like Tesla and The Boring Company?

Nikki chats with Riddhi Padariya about her journey from nerdy high schooler inspired by "How It's Made" to becoming a controls engineering leader in industries ranging from tissue manufacturing to carbon capture and underground tunneling. They dive into hands-on lessons, breakthrough technologies like virtual commissioning, the power of industry communities, and Riddhi’s passion for making automation more accessible, especially for the next generation of engineers.

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This episode is brought to you by SPS Atlanta. Smart Production Solutions is the world's premiere industrial automation trade show is coming to the US!

Register today: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/SPSA0925/landing.asp?sc&aban&hkey&iq&vip&tm

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Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Riddhi on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/riddhipadariya/

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

Curious how someone ends up building a career around machine vision and industrial automation?

Nikki sits down with Kerry Pierce, discussing the winding path that led her from computer engineering to becoming a machine vision integrator, the invaluable lessons learned along the way, and how she’s helping demystify the field for newcomers.

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This episode is brought to you by SPS Atlanta. Smart Production Solutions is the world's premiere industrial automation trade show is coming to the US!

Register today: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/SPSA0925/landing.asp?sc&aban&hkey&iq&vip&tm

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Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kspierce/

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

How do you build business skills as a chemical engineer?

In this episode of the Automation Ladies podcast, Ali G chats with Brielle Reisman, who shares her experiences at Applied Control Engineering, and the importance of combining technical skills with business acumen. Brielle shares how she embraced the value of personal branding and content creation in the engineering industry, particularly for women.

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Brielle on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brielle-reisman/

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

How will AI change Industrial automation?

Ashlesha Anil Chaudhari and Alex Kaderi from Masked Owl Technologies join us this week to discuss how their team is building practical solutions to support engineers and rethink the use of AI and new technologies on the factory floor.

Hear firsthand insights into what manufacturers are actually adopting, where they're finding real value, and why some initiatives stall out.

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Ashlesha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlesha-anil-chaudhari-7853169a/

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kaderi-18338bb8/

Learn more about Masked Owl Technologies: https://www.maskedowltechnologies.com/

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

How is automation and robotics changing the future of farming?

Katie Bradford, Founder and CEO of Rotate8, joins Nikki to share her story of building practical automation that empowers small farms to thrive without sacrificing repairability or local expertise.

Tune in to hear the challenges and opportunities in ag-tech, the design of accessible robotic platforms for small farms, and why an open-source, repairable approach matters for sustainable farming.

Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-katie/

————-

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...

Think ticks can’t find you at work? Think again!

In this special episode hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez sit down with tick expert Emily Merritt (aka the “Tick Chick”).

Learn firsthand what Lyme disease can really mean, what to watch for after a bite, how to handle household exposure, and tips you won’t find on a repellant can.

Ready to rethink what you know about ticks? You’ll want to hear this.

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Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez/

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymerritt-clearlead-marketing/

————-

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________

🎙 About Automation Ladies

Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io

__________________________________________________________________

🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/

__________________________________________________________________

👩‍🏭 Connect with the Hosts

Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!

Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!

Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales

Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez

Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering

__________________________________________________________________

🎟 The Automation Ladies Community Conference: https://otscada.com...