In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, guest Mary Cecile Neville (MC) joins host Lisa Ryan to discuss manufacturing best practices, focusing on collecting data and workforce development. They delve into the importance of emotional intelligence in the industry and highlight cultural aspects such as collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity. The conversation touches on emerging trends in manufacturing, digital transformation, and the significance of passion in attracting and retaining employees. Additionally, MC Neville and Lisa Ryan share personal interests and reflections on the rapid advancement of technology in the industry. Stay tuned to hear more about the impact of manufacturing technology and the passion driving this crucial industry forward.

Lesson Learned:

The conversation underscores the significance of creating a workplace culture that values collaboration, empathy, fun, passion, emotional intelligence, flexibility, and inclusivity. Listeners gain valuable insights into these elements' vital role in driving organizational success and nurturing a robust and motivated workforce.

Key Themes:

- The rapid advancement of technology in the manufacturing industry

- Balancing productivity, stress, and humor in the workplace

- The pivotal role of passion in attracting and retaining employees

- Recognizing the significance of seemingly mundane industries

- The value of in-person events and the need for empathy and emotional intelligence in the workplace

Fun Facts:

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the first 3D-printed car, the Strati, built at IMTS in 2014.

- An exhibit at INTS and a student summit with speakers and exhibitors, including NASA and Boston Dynamics, are on the horizon.

- MC Neville's background in ski and snowboard organizations has greatly influenced her approach to leadership and workplace culture.

The IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere, is held in Chicago every two years. It showcases diverse industry sectors and emerging technology.

Manufacturing best practices, Workforce data collection, Cultural aspects in manufacturing, Emerging trends in manufacturing, Digital transformation, Workplace culture, Emotional intelligence in the workplace, 3D printing technology, Chicago manufacturing technology show, Employee retention, Organizational success

This week's guest is Dan Shea, Managing Director at Objective, who will discuss mergers and acquisitions in the manufacturing sector. With over 30 years of success in M&A, particularly in manufacturing businesses, Dan shares expert insights into the key factors driving value in manufacturing businesses, preparing companies for potential sales, and the current state of the M&A market.

Key Themes:

1. Factors Driving Value in Manufacturing Businesses:

- Proprietary Aspects: Dan emphasizes the importance of uniqueness in manufacturing businesses, including intellectual property, manufacturing know-how, technology, brand recognition, and strong customer relationships.

- Operational Efficiency: Buyers seek companies that operate efficiently, generate ample profits, and demonstrate a competitive edge in manufacturing their products.

2. Reasons for Selling Manufacturing Businesses:

- Succession Planning: Many business owners consider selling when there is no clear succession plan or next-generation leadership to take over the company.

- Baby Boomer Transitions: With many baby boomer business owners reaching retirement age, selling businesses becomes a natural transition.

3. Preparing for a Successful Sale:

- Strategic and Administrative Preparation: Dan discusses the importance of strategic planning, investment in facilities and equipment, workforce management, diversification, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

4. Ensuring a Smooth Transition:

- Confidential Nature: Dan emphasizes confidentiality during a potential sale to prevent undue worry and uncertainty among employees, customers, and suppliers.

- Employee and Customer Considerations: Dan highlights the importance of maintaining employee and customer trust during the transition by ensuring their well-being and minimizing potential disruption.

Lessons Learned:

- Mergers and acquisitions in the manufacturing sector require intricate planning, strategizing, and a meticulous understanding of the business's value drivers and market dynamics.

- Securing trustworthy advisors, including lawyers and investment bankers, is crucial for navigating the sale process and maximizing the value realized from the transaction.

Fun Facts:

- Dan shares an anecdote about a client's surprise at receiving an unexpectedly high number of offers for their business while highlighting the potential for success in the sale process.

- The impact of nearshoring on manufacturing businesses is illustrated through a real-world example of a Mexican company benefiting from transferring volumes to their Mexican operations due to customer proximity.

Keywords:

Manufacturing businesses, Mergers and Acquisitions, Manufacturing sector, Business value, Strategic planning, Succession planning, Baby boomer transitions, Business sale preparation, Confidentiality, Business transition, Investment advisors

In this episode, Lisa Ryan is joined by special guest Tom Geiss, the founder of GD&T Basics and a certified senior-level ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing professional. Tom shares his journey from being an engineer in the automotive world to creating GD&T Basics, a resource that has empowered countless professionals in the engineering industry. He delves into the importance of standardizing communication and the practical use of GD&T, shedding light on the critical role of GD&T in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry's efficiency and standardization.*

**Lessons Learned:**

- Standardizing communication is crucial in preventing costly manufacturing issues and ensuring clear and confident communication in the engineering industry.

- GD&T is not just jargon; it is a language of precision that simplifies complex geometric requirements and provides a standardized way of defining functional geometric requirements.

**Key Themes:**

1. *Impact of Standardization:* Tom discusses the impact of specializing in niche areas and its benefits to individuals and companies. He highlights the significance of standardizing communication through GD&T in the engineering and manufacturing industry.

2. *Real-World Simplification:* The approach of GD&T Basics in simplifying GD&T through a real-world 80-20 training approach. It focuses on relating GD&T concepts to how professionals engage with them daily, making the learning process more accessible.

3. *Remote Team and Company Culture:* Tom emphasizes hiring for culture fit and self-motivation in a remote work environment. He discusses how virtual meetings, regular check-ins, and in-person meetups contribute to maintaining a cohesive company culture.

**Fun Facts:**

- Tom Geiss and his team at GD&T Basics have developed an outstanding culture of self-motivated individuals who work cohesively in a remote environment.

- The GD&T Basics team is a small yet powerful group of nine individuals who have successfully worked with many companies, from small machine shops to major global entities like Honeywell, SpaceX, and Disney Imagineering.

In this engaging episode, Tom Geiss shares his profound insights into the world of engineering and manufacturing and the human side of building a successful company and team. If you want to learn more about geometric dimensioning and tolerancing or want to connect with Tom Geiss, visit gdandtbasics.com or find him on LinkedIn!

In the latest episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan dives into the world of roofing and construction with an expert in the field, Heidi Ellsworth, the president of Roofers Coffee Shop. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Heidi shares invaluable insights, addressing crucial topics such as inclusivity and diversity, safety, and the roofing industry's future. Join us as we explore the key takeaways from this enlightening conversation.

Key Themes:

1. Inclusivity and Diversity:

The roofing industry recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in retaining employees. Understanding different cultures and providing inclusiveness through bilingual efforts and translators is crucial for fostering a supportive work environment.

Lesson Learned: Companies are investing in English as a second language training, leadership training in Spanish, and utilizing technology for effective communication, emphasizing the value of understanding and catering to diverse workforce needs.

2. Safety and Employee Retention:

Safety is a significant concern, especially for immigrant workers. Companies are actively promoting a culture of safety through education and involving employees' families in safety discussions. This approach not only ensures a safe work environment but also contributes to enhanced employee retention.

Lesson Learned: Efforts to prioritize safety and involve employees in safety protocols are pivotal for creating a positive and long-lasting work culture.

3. Attracting Young Talent:

Initiatives such as SkillsUSA incorporating roofing competitions and curriculum into trade schools aim to make the roofing industry a viable career option for younger generations. The industry is actively working to attract young talent by showcasing the opportunities and potential for growth within roofing and construction.

Lesson Learned: By investing in programs that appeal to younger generations, companies can proactively contribute to building a skilled workforce for the future.

4. Technology Advancements:

he roofing industry is undergoing a technological transformation. From adopting project management software and drones for roof inspections to incorporating AI for instant quotes and upcoming robotics for shingling roofs, technology is revolutionizing the way business is conducted within the industry.

Lesson Learned: Embracing technological advancements is essential for staying competitive and efficient in a rapidly evolving industry.

5. Work Flexibility and Gratitude:

Flexibility in work schedules, remote work policies, and a culture of intentional gratitude and appreciation for employees have been key factors in improving business and industry involvement. The focus on work-life balance and gratitude has positively impacted employee morale and productivity.

Lesson Learned: Prioritizing work flexibility and expressing gratitude towards employees can significantly enhance individual and organizational well-being.

Fun Facts:

Heidi Ellsworth's commitment to the roofing industry stems from its family-oriented nature and her passion for sharing the stories of the people and families within it.

- Contractors in the roofing industry stand up for their crews and promote a culture of respect and care for their workers.

The Roofing Alliance works with construction management schools across the country and holds a student competition in which undergrad or graduate construction management students compete as if they own their own roofing company.

- Gen Z students are encouraged to consider roofing careers due to high earning potential and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Heidi Ellsworth's insightful conversation illuminates the importance of inclusivity, safety, technological advancements, and employee well-being in roofing and...

Connect with Ann Franz: Ann.Franz@nwtc.edu

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes guest Ann Franz, the executive director of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance. Ann has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives to promote and elevate the manufacturing sector in Northeast Wisconsin since 2006.

Key themes:

1. Importance of Changing the Image of Manufacturing: Ann shares how she and her team work tirelessly to change the negative perception of the manufacturing industry, ensuring that younger generations are aware of the clean, bright, and innovative nature of modern manufacturing facilities.

2. Collaborating with Educational Institutions: Ann describes the challenges and successes of building relationships with educational systems to expose students to the world of manufacturing. She shares initiatives like the Get Real Math program to demonstrate the real-world applications of math in manufacturing.

3. Addressing Industry Challenges: Ann discusses the need for a skilled workforce in manufacturing and describes the efforts made to address this, such as investing in technology and productivity gains through Industry 4.0 initiatives. Additionally, she highlights the importance of soft skills and employability skill training for students.

Lessons Learned:

- Engaging industry leaders is key to driving change in the manufacturing sector, and it's essential to have individuals dedicated to implementing the vision and ideas generated by industry stakeholders.

- Starting small and executing 1-2 initiatives masterfully can lead to further stakeholder excitement and engagement.

Fun Facts:

- Ann Franz's journey in promoting manufacturing began with her first job as a receptionist in a manufacturing company during high school.

- The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance has given over half a million dollars in college scholarships and has seen significant enrollment increases in manufacturing-related programs in educational institutions.

Ann Franz's dedication to promoting manufacturing in Northeast Wisconsin has led to tangible changes in perceptions, growth in educational programs, and increased engagement from industry players. Through her collaborative efforts with academic institutions and industry leaders, she continues to drive positive change in the manufacturing sector.

For more insights into advancing the manufacturing industry and promoting partnerships between industry and education, visit the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance's website or contact Ann Franz at ann.franz@nwtc.edu.

Tune in to the Manufacturers Network Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights from industry leaders.

In this episode, Lisa Ryan interviews Gareth Evans, the CEO and founder of VECKTA, a platform and team of experts that accelerates and simplifies the deployment of on-site energy solutions for businesses globally. With 20 years of experience in the energy and resources sectors, Gareth shares valuable insights into the energy transition, clean energy alternatives, and the future of sustainable energy solutions in this captivating discussion.

**Key Themes and Takeaways**

1. Gareth’s Unique Journey: Gareth shares his unexpected and diverse journey, from aspiring to be a fast jet pilot in the Air Force to becoming an expert in the energy and resources sectors.

2. The Birth of VECKTA: Inspired by his experience supporting ExxonMobil and others after the 2nd Gulf War, Gareth’s mission was to provide clean, reliable, and affordable power, leading to the establishment of VECKTA in 2019.

3. What VECKTA Stands For: Gareth breaks down the meaning of VECKTA, derived from the word “vector.” VECKTA symbolizes providing magnitude, direction, and scale to the energy transition, focusing on creating sustainable solutions.

4. Energy Transition and Business Impact: Gareth explains that businesses must produce more products, more reliably, at lower costs, and in a cleaner way to win or retain contracts despite increasing energy costs and decreasing reliability in the aging power grid.

5. Role of Government Policies: Gareth discusses the impact of government policies and regulations, highlighting incentives and mechanisms that support businesses in transitioning to distributed on-site energy assets.

6. Digital Technologies and Data: The rise of digital technologies, data, and analytics transforms how businesses manage and optimize their energy use, enabling businesses to make informed decisions to reduce energy costs.

7. Energy Efficiency Priorities: Gareth emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency, ranging from behavioral changes to technological solutions, and highlights opportunities for businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs through various strategies.

8. Clean Energy and The Role of Gas: Gareth dispels common misconceptions about clean energy, emphasizing the importance of tailoring energy solutions to a business’s specific needs, even if that includes transitional fuel solutions such as gas, which can be cleaner and more cost-effective.

9. Lessons Learned and Opportunities: The episode concludes with a powerful message from Gareth, encouraging businesses to embrace the energy transition as a massive opportunity to differentiate themselves, drive operational and cost efficiencies, and contribute to sustainability.

**Lessons Learned**

- Business leaders are being expected to produce more products reliably, cost-effectively, and sustainably, necessitating a shift towards cheaper, more reliable, and sustainable energy outcomes.

- Embracing energy transition presents a unique opportunity for businesses to stand out by optimizing energy solutions, reducing costs, increasing resilience, and proactively meeting sustainability goals.

**Fun Facts**

- Gareth shares how solar systems are being deployed even in unexpected regions with low sunlight, highlighting the surprising potential for solar energy generation.

- Businesses can take advantage of energy as a service contract, where an entity will finance, build, operate, and maintain energy solutions, offering a hassle-free pathway to securing sustainable energy at a fixed cost.

To learn more about VECTA and energy transformation, visit [www.veckta.com](www.veckta.com) and the Renewable Rides podcast for more exciting information about sustainable energy solutions.

Tap into Gareth Evans’ expertise and stay connected on LinkedIn for the latest...

In this episode, Lisa Ryan is joined by Andrew Lane and Abby Wurzbach to discuss the creation and mission of the Young Manufacturers Network. Abby shares how the network was established and its goals in providing a space for young professionals to connect, develop skills, and adapt to new technologies in the manufacturing industry. Andrew emphasizes the importance of encouraging collaboration and preparing young manufacturers for future challenges.

- Abby's career transition from education to business and her impactful experience at ManTec led to the founding of the Young Manufacturers Network. The network seeks to help small and medium-sized manufacturers grow and stay competitive through resources and networking opportunities. It offers a platform for sharing innovative ideas, professional development, mentorship, and community building.

- The hosts delve into the importance of OSHA and safety training, mentorship, and communication between different generations in the manufacturing industry. They highlight the development of a mentoring program to pair younger manufacturers with industry veterans for knowledge transfer and address the communication gap between digital native younger employees and legacy employees with technological knowledge.

**Fun Facts**

- Abby Wurzbach transitioned from education to joining her father's manufacturing company as a sales and marketing intern, eventually founding the Young Manufacturers Network.

- Andrew Lane transitioned from working as a correction officer to the staffing industry, focusing on office professional and manufacturing positions, before joining ManTech to support small and medium-sized manufacturers.

**Lessons Learned**

Building the Young Manufacturers Network involved gathering feedback from industry veterans, friends, and young people and shaping the network's direction through a focus group.

- Valuable elements from existing associations were identified and adapted to groom and grow young manufacturers within the network.

**Key Themes**

- The Young Manufacturers Network aims to provide a sense of belonging and a networking platform for professionals aged 21 to 40.

- Mentorship, skill development, communication across generations, time management, and community building are vital components of the network's offerings.

- Collaboration with local Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) and the encouragement of buy-in from organizations play pivotal roles in the network's success and the thriving of the manufacturing industry.

Lisa Ryan is joined by Glenn Akramoff, CEO of Akramoff LLC, who brings over 30 years of industry expertise. Glenn shares transformative strategies for revolutionizing human-centered manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals. He delves into building winning teams, fostering a positive workplace culture, and developing strategies to keep employees motivated and valued.

From his extensive municipal government background, Glenn provides practical approaches to creating cohesive teams and addressing generational opportunities. Discover how purpose-driven leadership shapes successful manufacturing environments and how veteran workers can pass their legacy to younger generations through mentorship. Glenn and Lisa explore actionable steps for adapting to evolving workforce expectations while balancing generational diversity.

• Purpose-Driven Leadership: Align organizational goals to inspire employees.
• Team Building: Foster collaboration across generational divides.
• Employee Motivation: Empower your workforce to ensure they feel valued.
• Workplace Culture: Develop a supportive environment that encourages growth.

Tune in to hear Glenn and Lisa offer valuable insights for enhancing manufacturing success and maximizing employee engagement.

Lessons Learned:

1. Accountability, fairness, and consistency are essential elements of a positive workplace culture.

2. Leaders must actively assess and improve workplace culture, structure, and processes to create a cohesive and motivated team.

3. Recognizing the impact of generational diversity in the workplace is crucial for adapting leadership and motivation strategies.

4. Purpose-driven leadership and human-centered cultures positively influence decision-making, product quality, customer experience, and overall organizational success.

5. Recognizing signs of a dysfunctional environment, such as high turnover and communication issues, is crucial for addressing workplace culture and building strong relationships in the organization.

Key Themes:

- Creating a human-centered workplace culture

- Strategies for fostering a winning team

- Generational diversity in the workplace

- Purpose-driven leadership

- Importance of personal growth and support for leaders

- Recognizing signs of a dysfunctional environment