Connect with Scott Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpeters74/

In this inspiring episode of The Manufacturers’ Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Scott Peters, a third-generation plastics and mold making expert who has spent nearly five decades shaping not just molds, but mindsets. As the founder of Molded Marketing and a lifelong advocate for the skilled trades, Scott brings a blend of technical expertise, leadership insight, and heartfelt storytelling to the conversation. Together, Lisa and Scott explore the dramatic transformation of mold making—from the “dungeon days” of manual processes to today’s precision-driven world of CNC machines and wire EDM technology. Scott shares how innovations like EDM, once unimaginable, now define modern tooling—and how this shift opens the door for younger, tech-savvy professionals to see manufacturing as a rewarding, purpose-driven career.

Scott and Lisa discuss why the old narratives around manufacturing no longer serve us, and how reframing the industry as a force for good can help attract a more diverse and motivated workforce. Scott emphasizes that mission-driven messaging—how manufacturing saves lives, supports families, and powers everyday life—is far more effective than focusing on pay or promotions. He shares his passion for storytelling as a recruitment tool, highlighting how manufacturers can use impact-focused narratives to inspire students, parents, and career changers alike.

The episode also dives into gender equity and DEI in the trades. Scott talks about the growing presence and leadership of women in mold making and manufacturing, from apprentices on the shop floor to owners and executives. He points to the work being done through organizations like SPE’s “Women Making the Mold” series and the Women in Manufacturing association, encouraging listeners to create inclusive workplaces where respect, equal pay, and equal opportunity are non-negotiables.

Education and workforce development take center stage as well. Scott champions early engagement with vocational and technical schools, urging manufacturers to participate in curriculum design, mentorship programs, and plant tours. He highlights initiatives like the SPE Foundation’s PlastiVan program, which brings hands-on science and plastics education to students across the country. His message is clear: if you want great people, you have to grow them—and that means teaching the basics first. Foundational mechanical knowledge, strong work ethic, and curiosity must come before CAD/CAM and digital tools.

Lisa and Scott also explore how safety and communication are at the heart of great culture. From his global experiences—including lessons learned in Chinese manufacturing environments—Scott shares real-life examples of how leadership presence and proactive plant engagement can prevent accidents, build trust, and create safer, more connected teams. He advocates for peer-led safety walks and on-the-floor conversations as a powerful, low-cost strategy to build accountability and ownership across the team.

Finally, the conversation wraps with a focus on retention. Scott urges manufacturers to eliminate repetitive, mindless tasks and instead challenge team members to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. He explains why trainability and enthusiasm often outweigh experience alone—and how consistent, specific recognition can create a culture where people want to stay. One of the episode’s key messages: “If you want to keep your people, make them feel seen.”

This episode is a masterclass in modern manufacturing leadership—from tools and technology to culture and communication. Whether you’re a shop owner, HR leader, plant supervisor, or workforce educator, Scott’s wisdom and warmth offer practical, proven strategies to help you shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and energized future for...

In this enlightening episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American. Dean shares his journey from a West Point graduate and Army veteran to an entrepreneur passionate about creating American jobs through his 100% American-made apparel brand. Explore the strategic insights Dean gained from his corporate experiences at Procter & Gamble and Mars and how they shaped his mission-driven leadership approach today.

Key Themes and Lessons Learned:

1. Commitment to American Manufacturing and Job Creation:

• Dean Wegner is on a mission to revitalize American manufacturing by producing high-quality apparel made entirely in the U.S. He aims to create jobs and support the American worker, moving away from the industry's reliance on cheap overseas labor.

1. Entrepreneurial Journey and Strategies:

• Dean transitioned from an Army officer to a corporate executive at Fortune 500 companies before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. He stresses the importance of understanding your industry and the power of branding and marketing.

1. Balancing Mission and Profitability:

• Authentically American adheres to a direct-to-consumer business model, inspired by successful examples like Dell and Southwest. This approach helps maintain competitive pricing by cutting out the middleman, ensuring high-quality American-made products remain affordable.

1. Harnessing National Media for Brand Growth:

• Dean shares how national media exposure catalyzes brand awareness and sales but emphasizes the need for sustained marketing efforts to maintain growth momentum.

1. Employee and Customer Engagement:

• Authentically American boosts customer and employee loyalty by staying true to its values. Dean’s commitment to donating 10% of profits to veterans and first responders is a testament to the brand’s purpose-driven ethos.

Fun Fact:

• Authentically American incorporates innovative designs, such as sweat-activated T-shirts, which reveal new messages as you perspire, a nod to their creativity and unique market appeal.

Connect with Dean Wegner:

Visit Authentically American's website at authenticallyamerican.us to learn more about Dean Wegner or explore its range of premium American-made apparel. You can also connect with Dean on LinkedIn to stay updated on his journey and insights into American manufacturing.

Connect with Ivan Madera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-madera-b63b018/

In this episode, we dive deep into aerospace additive manufacturing with guest Ivan Madera. Ivan is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in advanced manufacturing, boasting over 25 years of experience in the industry. Get ready to explore the key challenges, emerging technologies, and strategies that are shaping the future of manufacturing.

Key Themes:

1. Advanced Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Ivan Madera shares insights into the rapid evolution and growing interest in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly focusing on the aerospace and defense sectors. Learn about the critical role of 3D printing in the industry and how it has progressed over the past decade.
2. AI and Robotics in Manufacturing: Discover how artificial intelligence and robotics transform manufacturing processes. Ivan discusses the impact of AI in augmenting human capabilities, providing recommendations, and optimizing efficiencies in production lines.
3. Onshoring and Nearshoring Strategies: Understand the current trends in onshoring and nearshoring and their significance in ensuring a resilient supply chain. Ivan highlights the shift from nearshore strategies to focus more on onshore manufacturing, emphasizing its importance for improving productivity and reducing dependency on foreign partners.
4. Bridging the Talent Gap: With a retiring workforce lacking skilled talent, Ivan addresses the vital need to upskill the new engineers. Listen to strategies for transferring decades of experience to younger employees and the importance of mentorship programs in retaining talent.
5. Technology Adoption Challenges: Ivan illuminates the barriers organizations face when adopting emerging technologies, including resistance to change and the necessity of strong leadership and clear communication to facilitate successful implementation.

Lessons Learned:

• Integrating AI in manufacturing isn't about replacing jobs but enhancing productivity by allowing employees to focus on more critical tasks.
• Creating a development path for young engineers can significantly increase employee retention and build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Leveraging advanced technologies like AI can help traditional manufacturing enterprises modernize and boost efficiency.

Fun Facts:

• Ivan describes AI-augmented engineers as "super engineers," equipped with years of industry knowledge through advanced data analysis.
• The average tenure for employees at Ivan's previous company was an impressive three and a half years, showcasing the effectiveness of strong training and mentorship.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network. Stay connected with us for more exciting episodes exploring the world of manufacturing.