In this episode, Lisa Ryan sits down with Moustafa Moursy, founder of Push Analytics and a top-tier HubSpot agency partner, to break down what’s really holding manufacturers back from operational excellence, and how to fix it. Drawing on his hands-on manufacturing background and expertise in sales and project management, Moustafa Moursy reveals the most common process traps, why data-driven operations matter, and how aligning tools with culture can give your business a serious edge.

Key Topics Covered:

- Why manufacturing companies must treat their business processes like their product lines—with clear inputs, outputs, and controls

- The real culprit behind ineffective sales processes (hint: it’s not just paperwork or CRM overload!)

- How to strike the perfect balance between over-complicating and under-complicating systems, especially for sales teams

- The importance of stakeholder involvement when designing or revamping business processes

- Ways successful manufacturers build robust supply and value chain relationships

- The most overlooked opportunities for digital transformation in manufacturing

- How manufacturers routinely leave money on the table—and simple strategies to capture it

- Why culture, not just technology, is crucial for real transformation

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map Your Processes First: Don’t jump straight to adopting new tools; start by zooming out and mapping your current workflows, obstacles, and business goals.

2. Engage Key Stakeholders: Involve the people actually using the system, especially sales reps, in the design and refinement of your processes to drive buy-in and better results.

3. Find Your CRM Sweet Spot: Focus on the CRM features that directly support your goals—instead of chasing 100% utilization, identify the tools your team really needs.

4. Follow Up Relentlessly: Make quoting and order follow-up a non-negotiable habit; most revenue leaks happen because opportunities fall between the cracks.

5. Build Process-Centric Culture: Remember, the best technology won’t help unless your team is trained, supported, and committed to continuous process improvement.

6. Connect Sales and Production: Create seamless handoffs between sales and post-sales/project management to prevent friction and ensure great customer experiences.

Resources & Contact:

To learn more or connect with Moustafa Moursy

Resources & Contact:

To learn more or connect with Moustafa Moursy and the Push Analytics team, email hello@pushanalytics.com and mention The Manufacturers Network Podcast.

Tune in and discover how process alignment and smart technology adoption can drive your manufacturing business forward—one actionable step at a time!and the Push Analytics team, email hello@pushanalytics.com and mention The Manufacturers Network Podcast.

On this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Joe Bockerstette, the leader behind Business Enterprise Mapping, a Phoenix-based consultancy renowned for helping manufacturers rapidly document workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement impactful change. With four decades of experience in operations and supply chain management—including senior roles at PwC and private equity—Joe shares the proven strategies that separate good manufacturers from great ones.

Key Topics Covered:

- What Sets High-Performers Apart: Discover why synchronizing supply to demand and aligning internal processes with customer needs is the foundation of manufacturing excellence.

- Red Clouds vs. Quick Wins: Learn how to identify operational bottlenecks (“red clouds”), categorize them for action, and prioritize quick wins that can be solved in less than 90 days.

- Process Mapping for Impact: Understand how process mapping can directly enhance customer value and streamline departmental workflows through a unique, education-driven methodology.

- Getting Buy-In From Teams: Strategies for engaging even the most change-resistant employees and fostering effective workshops where frontline teams contribute real solutions.

- Mistakes to Avoid in Lean Initiatives: Why managers often miss the mark by zooming in on details without looking at the whole system, and how to refocus efforts for greater impact.

- Tech’s True Role: Insights into how automation and data tools help—and when they complicate—workflow improvement.

- One Metric Manufacturers Ignore: Why measuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness (“ACT”) of key deliverables can drive results where it matters most.

- Balancing Efficiency With Culture: Practical advice on maintaining a strong company culture while driving performance and staying compliant.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Map the Process, Not Just the Issues: Start improvement efforts by mapping your workflows holistically. Focus on how each process delivers value to the customer and supports upstream/downstream requirements.

2. Prioritize Quick Wins to Build Momentum: Identify red clouds that can be solved without senior-level approval or major budget and tackle these first to show rapid progress.

3. Involve Frontline Teams Early: Use workshops and collaborative sessions, not just interviews, to engage your staff and source powerful insights and buy-in from day one.

4. Don’t Automate Before Simplifying: Clean up your foundational processes before introducing new tech—automation only amplifies existing problems when processes aren’t robust.

5. Measure What Matters: Use the ACT metric (Accurate, Complete, Timely) to assess non-product deliverables like specs and handoffs—they’re critical to smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

6. Balance Efficiency and Responsibility: Pursue both operational excellence and a supportive culture; treat people well, ensure compliance, and leverage your assets wisely.

Connect with Joe Bockerstette:

- Website: businessmapping.com

- Email: joe@businessmapping.com

- LinkedIn: Joe Bockerstette

Ready to drive performance and customer value in your manufacturing operation? Tune in and get the tools and strategies to make your next workflow transformation a success!

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan sits down with Chris Hallberg, a veteran entrepreneur, business coach, and the original "Business Sergeant." As one of Colorado's first EOS Implementers, Chris has helped more than a hundred companies transform chaotic teams into aligned, accountable, and energized organizations. Together, they unpack the secrets behind building a powerful culture and resilient performance—whether on the shop floor or in the boardroom.

What You’ll Learn:

- What EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is and how to use it as the “operating system for your business”

- How to identify when leadership, not the market, is your biggest roadblock

- The “Business Sergeant” approach—combining military discipline and team accountability with entrepreneurial creativity

- Tactical steps to boost engagement and select unicorn team members by design, not accident

- Why selection and intentional hiring are more important than trying to “fix” team members

- Building processes that reduce daily interruptions and make onboarding (and execution) seamless

- How to leverage AI as a low-risk, high-return way to enhance your team’s effectiveness

- Tips for doubling down on accountability—celebrating top performers and addressing underperformance head-on

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Clarify and Cascade Your Vision:

Create a simple, two-page business plan (like the Vision Traction Organizer) that answers: Who are we? Why do we exist? What makes us unique? Use it to align every employee or help them self-select out if they don’t fit.

2. Get the Right People in the Right Seats:

Focus your recruitment on people who *want* the job, *get* the job, and have the *capacity* to do the job. Use intentional selection processes (including pre-interview personality assessments) to build an all-in team.

3.Make Engagem ent Measurable:

Implement clear performance metrics and create an environment where great contributors are recognized—and those who aren’t, are held accountable.

4. Borrow Military-Level Discipline, Not Rigidity:

Foster personal responsibility and a team-first mindset, but keep space for initiative, creativity, and individual strengths.

5. Operationalize Processes with AI:

Use AI-powered platforms to centralize SOPs, policies, and team knowledge so everyone gets instant, accurate answers—freeing leaders from repetitive interruptions.

6. Commit to Continuous Improvement:

Set quarterly rocks (major priorities) and get everyone in a “90-day world” rhythm to maintain focus and momentum.

7. Invest in Unicorn Retention:

Put real effort—and budget—towards keeping and rewarding your all-star performers. Retention happens in the same place accountability lives.

Connect with Chris Hallberg:

- Email: chris@goexpand.com

- Online Course & Resources: Business Sergeant

- LinkedIn: (Make sure to connect there as mentioned in the episode!)

Favorite Quote: “Great doesn’t happen on accident. Be intentional, commit to finding, onboarding, and developing the best humans—and create a system where greatness can thrive.” — Chris Hallberg

Building a Legacy of Quality and Creativity in Manufacturing with David Socha

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan chats with David Socha, CEO of Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company. David shares how he built a family business focused on creativity, ethics, and global adaptability in the world of plush toys. Whether you're a manufacturing leader, entrepreneur, or curious about business culture, this episode is full of practical advice and actionable steps.

Key Takeaways You Can Use:

1. Consistency Is Key

- David credits showing up every day and looking beyond daily setbacks as crucial to long-term success in manufacturing. If you’re managing a team or a business, build routines that keep you and your employees focused on the bigger picture, not just the day-to-day challenges.

2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

- For manufacturers in crowded markets, David’s advice is simple: Make great, unique products. Don’t just copy trends; put effort into improving your product and set higher standards. Customers and employees notice the difference.

3. Legacy Through Family Culture

- David involves his family at every stage of the business—from warehouse work to creative brainstorming. He believes exposing children to the business early increases the chance of generational succession. For other family-owned companies: get your kids involved in small, meaningful ways.

4. Ethical Manufacturing Matters

- David’s company visits every manufacturing site, builds long-term relationships, and chooses partners who share their values. If you outsource, audit your suppliers and don’t compromise on ethics for lower costs.

5. Global Adaptability

- Trends in toys (and other products) now travel fast worldwide. Manufacturers must track global influences and adapt quickly. David’s team keeps a close watch on rising trends from places like Asia and pivots accordingly.

6. Employee Engagement and Purpose

- Today’s workforce wants to be part of something meaningful—they’re not interested in making throwaway goods. If you want to attract and retain talent, communicate your business’s larger purpose and invest in product improvements that employees can be proud of.

7. Resilience in the Face of Challenges

- From supply chain disruptions to market shifts, David explains how deep, long-term partnerships with suppliers help weather storms. Invest time in building trusted relationships with your vendors and partners—find allies who share your long-term vision.

Action Steps for Listeners:

- Audit your supplier relationships and visit their facilities where possible.

- Review your product line—where can you raise the standard or add unique value?

- Bring team members or family into business brainstorming sessions; fresh perspectives spark innovation.

- Develop a “bigger purpose” message for your employees to help foster pride and retention.

- Track rising trends, especially from international markets, and stay agile in your planning.

Connect with David Socha:

- Email: david@plush.com

- LinkedIn: Search “David Socha Toy Company”

- Website: https://plush.com

Listen, learn, and start building a legacy of quality and ethics in your manufacturing business.

Quick question, when's the last time your team truly celebrated a win? Not the "pizza in the breakroom" celebration. I mean real, meaningful recognition that made people feel proud and inspired them to keep going.

Here's the truth: celebrating wins isn't just nice-to-have, it's fuel for your culture. When you do it right, your applause doesn't just pat people on the back. It keeps them engaged, loyal, and striving for excellence.

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This episode is brought to you byGrategy, where we help manufacturing leaders create cultures people want to work in and nobody wants to leave. Through the Six Gears of Grategy®, we give leaders practical tools to strengthen their teams and drive results, from onboarding to recognition strategies that actually stick. Learn more at LisaRyanSpeaks.com.

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We celebrate the big wins, major milestones, huge contracts, and completed projects. And we definitely talk about problems when things go wrong. But what about the middle ground? The day-to-day excellence when people are quietly doing great work? That usually goes unnoticed.

Here's what we're missing: countless moments worth celebrating. Catching a problem before it becomes a crisis. Finding a better way to do something. Consistently hitting deadlines. These small victories deserve recognition too.

When you celebrate these moments, you're not just making someone feel good. You're reinforcing the behaviors you want to see more of. You're connecting employees back to the mission and reminding them why their work matters. That's what fuels pride, loyalty, and ongoing engagement.

Busting the Myths:

Myth #1:

Recognition means big, formal programs

Truth: Awards dinners and plaques have their place, but if that's the only time people hear"thank you," you're missing the most powerful driver of engagement: recognition in the moment.

The best applause happens organically. When someone calls out a coworker during a shiftmeeting for jumping in to help. When a team lead thanks an operator right on the line for catching an error. These moments are specific, sincere, and tied directly to behaviors you want to see again.

And recognition doesn't have to come from leadership alone. Peer-to-peer recognition is often more powerful because it comes from people who work alongside you every day and know exactly what it takes to do the job well.

Myth #2: If people are doing their job, they don't need applause

Truth: There's a huge difference between doing your job and doing it well. If leaders only speak up when something goes wrong, employees start feeling like their best efforts don't matter.

Recognition isn't coddling, it's reinforcing right behaviors, building morale, and keeping people motivated to give their best. And here's the kicker: it doesn't matter what generation someone belongs to. Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, everyone wants to feel valued for their work.

Four Strategies That Work

Strategy 1: Be Specific, Not Generic

A quick "good job" is fine, but it's vague. Instead, call out exactly what the person did and why it mattered. "You caught that defect before it left the plant, which saved us from a costly recall." Now they know their actions had real impact.

Quick Action: In your next conversation, name the specific behavior and the result it created.

Strategy 2: Make It Timely

Recognition loses its punch when it comes weeks later. I remember a colleague who won a trip to Hawaii. Her manager took three weeks to congratulate her. After she went on the trip, she left the company.

Quick Action: Recognize someone within 24 hours of their achievement. Even a quick hallway conversation matters when the timing is right.

Strategy 3:...

Welcome to The Manufacturers Network Podcast! In this insightful episode, Lisa Ryan sits down with Jason Rolland, Senior Vice President of Materials at Carbon Inc., to explore the rapidly evolving impact of additive manufacturing on how products are designed, produced, and scaled. Jason offers an insider’s view informed by years of expertise in polymer chemistry, entrepreneurship, and industrial material science.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How Additive Manufacturing Evolved

Jason Rolland traces how 3D printing moved beyond prototyping, now enabling the production of finished parts with improved speed, precision, and material properties.

-Key Innovations Driving Production Viability

Discover the breakthroughs in materials science, hardware speed, and software that allow for faster print times, better mechanical properties, and digital-driven production processes.

- Breaking Down the Technology

Not sure about acronyms like FDM or SLA? Jason explains the main categories of 3D printing in clear, simple language and describes their pros and cons.

- Where Additive Manufacturing Makes the Biggest Impact

From footwear and sports equipment to medical devices and dental models, Jason shares real-world examples where 3D printing offers a competitive edge—especially for customized parts and foam replacements.

- Barriers to Adoption & How to Overcome Them

Find out why manufacturers hesitate to adopt new technologies, and how issues of cost, awareness, and application fit can be addressed.

- Evaluating If Additive Manufacturing Is Right for Your Business

Get practical advice on the types of products best suited for 3D printing and the factors manufacturers should consider before making the transition.

- Sustainability and Flexibility Benefits

Learn how additive manufacturing supports supply chain resilience, reshoring, reduction in carbon footprint, and new approaches for cleaning, recycling, and using bio-based materials.

- Getting Started Without Overinvesting

Jason outlines Carbon’s partnership model, emphasizing collaboration over upfront equipment sales so manufacturers can test applications risk-free.

Tangible Takeaways

1. Focus on Product Application:

Evaluate whether additive manufacturing will improve your product’s performance or unlock new design possibilities—don’t just jump in for the technology’s sake.

2. Consider Customization and Complexity:

Additive manufacturing thrives in producing complex, customized, or low-volume parts—especially when traditional tooling is cost-prohibitive or slow to adapt.

3. Factor in Speed, Cost, and Flexibility:

Digital production allows rapid switching between product types, making it ideal for nimble, local, and scalable manufacturing operations.

4. Think Sustainability:

Local production and material efficiency can lower the carbon footprint. Explore innovations in part cleaning and bio-based resins for further environmental benefits.

5. Start with Collaboration:

Instead of investing heavily upfront, partner with experienced additive manufacturers like Carbon to test the fit for your specific application.

Ready to explore additive manufacturing for your business?**

Reach out through Carbon’s website contact form to start a conversation with Jason and his team.

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Tune in next time on The Manufacturers Network Podcast for more insights, strategies, and manufacturing success stories!

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan talks with Dag Calafell, a 25-year technology veteran helping global manufacturers modernize through Microsoft solutions. Dag shares how his early days as a developer at Parker Hannifin led him to his current role at MCA Connect, where he works with manufacturers to turn digital transformation into practical results.

They dig into where AI and automation actually move the needle in manufacturing, the hesitation many leaders still feel about new technology, and how companies can connect plant-floor data with back-office systems. Dag and Lisa explore everything from AI-powered cost tracking and maintenance insights to how internal hackathons can fuel innovation and upskill teams.

Key Takeaways:

• A strong data foundation is critical for any AI or automation success.
• AI and automation can ease workforce shortages and improve agility.
• How manufacturers are using AI for production costing, defect detection, and predictive maintenance.
• Treating AI initiatives like continuous improvement projects rather than one-time fixes.
• The power of cross-functional collaboration and shared learning in tech adoption.
• Why ROI timing matters more than having the newest technology.

Connect with Dag Calafell: MCAConnect.com

Connect with Lisa Ryan: LisaRyanSpeaks.com

👉 LinkedIn: Lisa Ryan, CSP

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/asklisaryan

Here's something I know to be true: Employees don't just want to work for a Paycheck — they want to work for a purpose. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

And here's the good news: manufacturing companies are uniquely positioned to deliver exactly that. When you give back — to your employees, your community, and causes that align with your values — you're not just doing good in the world. You're building loyalty, pride, and a culture people fight to stay in.

Today, we're talking about Acts of Service That Build Loyalty — how purpose-driven companies create stronger teams by making the world a better place.

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This episode is brought to you by Grategy — where we help manufacturing leaders create cultures people want to work in and nobody wants to leave. Through the Six Gears of Grategy®, we give leaders practical tools to strengthen their teams and drive results — from onboarding to leadership development to purpose-driven culture strategies that inspire loyalty. Learn more at LisaRyanSpeaks.com.

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Why This Matters More Than Ever

Years ago, "giving back" was an afterthought; something you did with leftover time and budget. But today's workforce has fundamentally different expectations. They want to work for organizations that stand for something beyond profit margins.

I see this passion at every association meeting I keynote at. The event locations are full of people who are passionate about things that most people totally take for granted. They are also deeply committed to solving problems most of the world doesn't even know exist: technical challenges, industry innovations, breakthrough solutions. They're not just making products; they're making things that matter.

The pandemic proved this point powerfully. Almost overnight, companies pivoted to produce masks, face shields, ventilator parts, hand sanitizer, whatever was needed. It didn't matter if it fit their business model; they stepped up because it was right. And employees felt it. They knew they were part of the solution, contributing to something that truly mattered.

That sense of purpose stuck. And many employees are still looking for that feeling today.

As Simon Sinek says, "People don't care what you do, they care why you do what you do." Employees are asking: What does this company believe in? Does my work matter beyond the product we make? Are we using our influence to make a difference?

When the answer is yes, and when your actions match your words, that's when people feel a deep, emotional connection to your mission.

And that connection creates loyalty you simply can't buy.

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Busting the Myths

Myth #1: Purpose-driven culture is only for non-profits

Manufacturing companies can have even more impact by tying their products, services, and profits to something meaningful. Take a packaging company. On the surface, it's boxes and pallets. But what if their mission includes using sustainable materials and helping customers hit environmental goals? Now they're not just "making boxes" — they're contributing to a cleaner planet.

Or consider a tool-and-die shop sponsoring scholarships for local students in skilled trades. They're not just filling a talent pipeline — they're changing lives and giving young people a future in manufacturing.

Manufacturing moves the needle because you're part of the infrastructure that keeps the world running.

Myth #2: Acts of service have to be massive initiatives

It's not about writing big checks or launching high-profile campaigns. It's about creating authentic opportunities...