In this episode of the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Reeves Smith, Director of Sales at Leapfrog, to share his decades of IT experience helping manufacturers tackle cybersecurity, digital transformation, and the complexities of modernization. Reeves breaks down real-world challenges and actionable steps for manufacturing leaders ready to secure and streamline their operations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Common Technology Struggles for Manufacturers
• Reeves shares why so many small and midsize companies hit technology roadblocks as they try to scale up and modernize, and how the pace of tech change often outstrips internal IT skills and resources.
• The Truth About Cyber Threats
• Why being a smaller manufacturer doesn’t mean hackers will overlook you—attackers are often targeting your organization’s connections and customer networks. Hear a real story of a multi-million-dollar impersonation attack that almost put a business under.
• The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
• Threats are growing more sophisticated, and so are the entry points—from IoT devices to remote laptops. Reeves explains why old strategies won’t cut it for today’s manufacturing environments.
• People: The Essential Security Layer
• Most cybersecurity breaches start with people, not just failed technology. Reeves emphasizes the importance of workforce training, proactive testing, and building a culture of security awareness at every level.
• How AI Is Changing the Game
• From AI-powered phishing to deepfake scams that trick even top executives, manufacturers need to be vigilant. Plus, practical advice for manufacturers just starting to explore AI and automation—like making use of AI tools already embedded in their current platforms.
• Laying the Foundation for Innovation
• Before investing heavily in AI, Reeves explains why upgrading infrastructure, managing and integrating data, and moving applications to the cloud are critical first steps to success.
• Smart Steps for Digital Transformation
• Find out how to prioritize the right projects, avoid costly missteps with public AI tools, and get buy-in from the team, especially when introducing changes to legacy systems.
• Navigating Change and Job Security Fears
• Reeves addresses worries about AI taking jobs and offers a constructive way for employees to use technology as a tool for growth, not just efficiency.
• Why Partnering with Experts Matters
• With security and technology demands growing, Reeves highlights the benefits of working with an experienced IT partner for strategic advice and reliable protection.

Top Takeaways:

• Don’t assume you’re too small to be a target—cybercrime affects manufacturers of all sizes.
• Invest in workforce education; people are your first (and often weakest) cybersecurity layer.
• Start with the infrastructure and data management before chasing advanced AI.
• Use trusted IT partners to assess your situation and guide tailored solutions.
• Consider security and productivity side by side—good cybersecurity shouldn’t slow down production.

Connect with Reeves Smith and Leapfrog:

• Email: reeves.smith@leapfrogservices.com
• Website: leapfrogservices.com

Ready to modernize your manufacturing security? Listen to this episode for an expert’s roadmap to resilient, future-ready operations!

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan welcomes Grace Bilbrough, Director of Marketing for ProWood, a leading brand under UFP Industries. Grace shares her journey from event planning to becoming a key marketing strategist, and reflects on the pivotal role company culture played in ProWood’s successful rebrand and business transformation.

Grace and Lisa dive deeply into the importance of transparency, open communication, and recognizing employee contributions as cornerstones of Pro@ood’s culture. Grace reveals practical ways her team bridges cross-department silos, fosters entrepreneurial thinking, and keeps employees motivated, even throughout periods of change and growth. She offers insights into how initiatives like leaderboards, town halls, and regular updates keep competitive spirits high and teams aligned with company goals.

Learn how new ideas—like the launch of ProWood’s upcoming True Frame Joists—are sourced directly from employee feedback on the front lines, and how their culture of care extends from manufacturing lines to customer partnerships. Whether you’re navigating change in your own organization or looking for fresh ways to spark employee engagement, Grace shares actionable takeaways you can implement today.

Key Topics:

• The value of transparency and honest communication through change
• Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship across a large organization
• Practical strategies for employee recognition and alignment
• Collaborating across marketing, sales, operations, and product teams
• Translating internal culture into long-lasting customer relationships

Connect with Grace Bilbrough on LinkedIn or via email at GBilbrough@prowood.com to continue the conversation.

Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring stories about building a people-first culture in manufacturing!

Welcome to the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast! In this episode, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Ben Hansen, a 5-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, founder of an 8-figure staffing firm, and expert in maximizing profitability for $2M–$50M companies. Ben is the "Profit Doctor," helping businesses identify and eliminate “profit leaks” to significantly boost bottom-line results.

Key Topics Covered:

- Ben’s Journey: From his early days at Dell and Microsoft to launching his own fast-growth company and eventually becoming the go-to expert for curing "profit-itis."

- Understanding Profit-itis: Why having strong revenue doesn’t always mean healthy profits, and what profit-itis looks like in manufacturing companies.

- Biggest Profit Myths Debunked: The dangers of focusing solely on revenue growth and why the popular “hockey playbook” doesn’t work for most businesses.

- The 80/20 Rule & The 50/20 Formula: Ben explains how identifying and cutting the least profitable products, clients, and employees can fast-track margin improvement.

- Profit Killers: How profit psychology, unprofitable products, toxic employees, and the myth that “more is always better” can undermine your success.

- Simplifying Financials: Transforming complex P&Ls into actionable reports that help non-accountants make better decisions.

- Accounting Blind Spots: Common mistakes in financial analysis, including underestimating the cost of difficult clients and the impact of soft costs.

- Growing Without Growing: How many firms can substantially improve profits without adding a single dollar to revenue—sometimes by getting smaller and more focused.

- Actionable Steps: Ben shares his Profit Accelerator and Profit CFO programs, designed to simplify your numbers and create massive gains.

Resources & Links:

- Connect with Ben Hansen at https://www.profitdoctor.com

- Find Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansenprofitdoctor

- For CEOs looking to break the cycle of low profits, schedule a check-in with Ben

If you’re a business leader tired of working harder for less, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world strategies you can put to work right away!