Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Podcast by Jim Mayer

Manufacturing Culture Podcast

Manufacturing is about more than products—it’s about people. On The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, I sit down with leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes to uncover the stories behind their journeys in the industry. We talk about where they started, how they’ve grown, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. Each episode brings a unique perspective—some practical, some inspiring, and all rooted in the human side of manufacturing. From lessons learned on the shop floor to big ideas shaping the future, it’s all about the people who make it happen. Because at the heart of every company are the people who work there, and every person has a story.

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Latest episodes

20 January 2025

The Big Ideas and Bigger Heart of Arthur Field

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Arthur Field, Director for Strategic Partnerships at MTD CNC. Arthur shares his extensive journey through the manufacturing industry, discussing the importance of culture, innovation, and collaboration. He reflects on his early experiences in assembly and machining, the challenges he faced, and the leadership roles he took on. Arthur emphasizes the significance of building partnerships and the future trends in manufacturing technology, including AI and data monitoring. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive culture in manufacturing and Arthur's commitment to helping others succeed in their careers.

Takeaways

- Culture revolves around appreciation and collaboration.
- Alignment of values is crucial for organizational success.
- The journey into manufacturing can be driven by various motivations.
- Early experiences shape perspectives on industry challenges.
- Leadership requires understanding and supporting team members.
- Partnerships are essential for driving innovation in manufacturing.
- AI and data monitoring will shape the future of the industry.
- Unbiased reporting can foster trust in manufacturing solutions.
- Continuous improvement is key to long-term success.
- Personal experiences can enhance the understanding of industry dynamics.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Manufacturing Innovation
06:06Arthur's Journey into Manufacturing
11:16Transitioning to Machining
17:08Leadership Lessons Learned
22:44The Path to MTD CNC
30:18The Excitement of Building Partnerships
35:39Memorable Partnerships and Innovative Solutions
43:01Future Aspirations and New Ventures

00:00

56:16

13 January 2025

Culture Is What People Do When They Don't Talk About It—A Conversation with Sean Walters

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Sean Walters, General Manager at CapTron North America. Sean shares his insights on the importance of culture in manufacturing, his journey into the industry, and the role of mentorship in business development. He emphasizes the need for a customer-centric focus in leadership and discusses the challenges and strategies for building resilient supply chains. The conversation also touches on fostering mentorship within teams, balancing personal and professional life, and the innovations CapTron is bringing to the market. Sean highlights the significance of the Four Disciplines of Execution in driving accountability and performance, and addresses the generational differences in the workplace, advocating for a supportive environment for younger employees. The episode concludes with Sean discussing current job opportunities at CapTron and his passion for automation.

takeaways

Culture will make or break an organization.
Creating a healthy culture requires constant effort.
Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Customer satisfaction should always be the priority.
Resilient supply chains are essential for business success.
Investing in inventory is key to customer service.
Transparency fosters a healthy work environment.
Accountability drives performance and team cohesion.
Automation creates better jobs and enhances skills.
Finding the right cultural fit is vital for organizational success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Culture in Manufacturing
02:47 Defining Culture in Manufacturing
05:29 Sean Walters' Journey into Manufacturing
08:24 The Role of Mentorship in Business Development
11:23 Customer-Centric Focus in Business Development
14:14 Building Resilient Supply Chains
17:32 Fostering a Customer-Centric Culture
20:10 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership
23:13 Mentorship and Coaching in Leadership
25:12 Navigating Startup Challenges
27:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life
29:31 Finding the Right Company Culture
33:24 Innovations at Captron
35:23 The Four Disciplines of Execution
42:44 Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace

00:00

49:44

06 January 2025

Mark Hedstrom on Failing, Learning, and Leading

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Hedstrom, the executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition. They discuss the importance of reshaping perceptions around skilled careers, the role of culture in organizations, and the challenges faced in building a talent pipeline for the skilled trades. Mark shares his journey from anthropology to leadership roles in various sectors, emphasizing the need for collaboration among educators, businesses, and government to inspire the next generation of skilled workers. The conversation also touches on generational trauma, the significance of leadership, and the importance of finding passion in one's career.

Takeaways

Culture is crucial for organizational success.
Intellectual curiosity drives personal and professional growth.
Destigmatizing skilled trades is essential for attracting talent.
Collaboration among stakeholders is key to solving workforce issues.
Generational trauma affects perceptions of skilled careers.
The skilled trades offer viable career paths with good pay and opportunities.
Leadership should focus on creating a culture of learning and acceptance of failure.
Engaging youth through authentic content can inspire interest in skilled careers.
The coalition aims to increase the number of students in skilled trades education.
Philanthropy should focus on significance over mere fundraising success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast
01:49 Mark Hedstrom's Journey and Background
04:39 The Importance of Culture in Organizations
11:59 Overview of the Skilled Careers Coalition
16:33 Challenges and Rewards in Skilled Careers
21:51 De-stigmatizing Skilled Careers
28:08 Addressing Generational Trauma in Skilled Careers
30:45 Understanding the Skilled Trades Gap
33:02 The Future of Skilled Careers
35:16 Building Coalitions for Change
37:29 Lessons in Leadership
40:53 The Human Experience in Career Choices
44:58 Significance Over Success
48:45 Advice for Career Seekers

00:00

57:41

19 December 2024

Mentorship, Culture, and Building a Greener Future

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Tom Ricciardelli, founder of Select Tech, about his journey from studying chemical engineering at MIT to creating innovative flooring solutions from recycled materials. Tom shares insights on sustainability, company culture, and the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in business and discusses the future of Select Tech in the static control flooring market.

Takeaways

Tom's journey began with a passion for the environment and hands-on work.
Select Tech focuses on creating products from recycled materials.
Innovation in flooring includes adhesive-free interlocking systems.
Company culture is about fostering a positive, problem-solving environment.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship.
Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming business challenges.
Tom believes in trying new ideas, even if they fail.
Sustainability is at the core of Select Tech's mission.
The future of Select Tech includes expanding into healthcare static control solutions.
Tom's proudest accomplishments are his family and their joint business ventures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Manufacturing Culture Podcast
02:52 Tom Ricciardelli: Journey from MIT to Select Tech
10:40 Innovating with Sustainability in Flooring Solutions
18:01 Company Culture and Leadership Philosophy
21:09 Balancing Work and Personal Life
25:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
29:25 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Aspirations

00:00

36:29

13 December 2024

From a Commodore 64 to Industrial AI: Bryan DeBois on Leadership, Mentorship, and Innovation

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Bryan DeBois, the director of industrial AI at Rova-Sys. They discuss Bryan's journey from a young programmer to a leader in AI, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving role of AI in manufacturing. Bryan shares insights on generational differences in the workforce, the challenges of implementing AI, and the significance of building a positive company culture. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancements.

Takeaways

Discovering a passion for programming at a young age can shape a career.
Transitioning from technical roles to leadership requires preparation and willingness.
AI has the potential to solve real operational problems in manufacturing.
Generational differences impact how employees are motivated and managed.
Building a positive company culture is essential for innovation and engagement.
High expectations should be paired with coaching and support.
Empowering employees to solve problems fosters a proactive work environment.
Capturing expertise before it is lost is crucial for organizational knowledge.
AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.
Continuous learning and preparation are key to seizing opportunities.

00:00

01:08:07

21 November 2024

Data, Frontlines, and Culture: Vince Sassano’s Journey

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Vince Sassano, CEO of Strategic Performance Company, Inc., about his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. They discuss the evolution of manufacturing culture, the importance of data-driven management, and the need for effective communication on the plant floor. Vince shares insights on empowering frontline workers, the challenges of integrating technology, and the significance of understanding operational problems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of culture in manufacturing and offers valuable advice for newcomers in the industry.

Takeaways

Vince Sassano has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing.
The culture of manufacturing has evolved from old management styles to data-driven approaches.
Empowering frontline workers is crucial for success in manufacturing.
Technology has become more affordable, making it accessible for manufacturers.
Effective communication is key to solving operational problems.
Data trustworthiness is a significant challenge in manufacturing.
Understanding the needs of the plant floor is essential for technology integration.
Culture in manufacturing means every employee matters and has a role to play.
Newcomers should not be afraid to identify and propose solutions to problems.
Leadership should focus on helping employees help themselves.

00:00

55:15