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

24 June 2025

Humanizing Leadership: Nicki Straza on Trust, Safety, and Resilience at Work

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer talks with leadership coach Nicki Straza about what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe, trusted, and able to contribute. Nicki draws from more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, trades, nonprofits, and mental health.

The conversation covers how culture is shaped by the small choices leaders make every day, the importance of seeing employees as individuals, and how resilience grows when people feel supported. Nicki shares lessons from her own career about staying in organizations as culture shifted, and what she learned about power, trust, and the conditions that help people thrive.

They also discuss the challenges of generational differences, the risks of losing knowledge as experienced workers leave, and how mentorship and co-creation help teams build lasting cultures.

Takeaways

Resilience grows when leaders create conditions of trust and safety.
Culture is shaped by everyday interactions, not slogans or policies.
Leaders need to see their employees as individuals, not just as resources.
Generational gaps can create tension, but also opportunities for learning and mentorship.
Knowledge transfer is essential as experienced workers retire.
Real change happens when leaders and employees co-create their environment.

Chapters

00:00 — Cold open
01:00 — Welcome
03:00 — What culture looks like in practice
05:30 — Generational differences and shared understanding
08:00 — Co-creation and shared responsibility
10:45 — The role of mentorship in building trust
13:20 — Nicki’s early jobs and lessons about leadership
23:00 — When mission and culture start to drift apart
25:30 — The connection between culture and mental health
28:45 — What resilience means at work
30:20 — Why Nicki stayed when others left
36:45 — Helping leaders reclaim their power in healthy ways
39:15 — Building environments where people can thrive
41:00 — The value of personal contribution
43:00 — Helping others see their potential

00:00

50:02

10 June 2025

Offbeat and In Sync

In this conversation, Jim Mayer and Jeremiah Llewellyn explore the intersection of manufacturing culture, technology, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection in progress, defining work culture, and the challenges Jeremiah faced growing up deaf. Jeremiah shares his journey into technology, education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career path. The discussion also touches on the significance of creativity in technology, the future of manufacturing, and the importance of internship programs in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Takeaways

It's better to show up imperfectly than not at all.
Culture is built by those who show up.
Overcoming personal challenges can lead to unique perspectives.
Hands-on experience in technology can spark passion.
Education systems can greatly influence career paths.
The job market can be tough, especially during crises.
Half-assing can sometimes be better than procrastinating.
Creativity plays a crucial role in technology and marketing.
Focusing on people can differentiate companies in manufacturing.
Internship programs can have a significant community impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
04:24 Defining Culture in the Workplace
09:50 Overcoming Early Challenges
14:54 Educational Journey and Career Path
19:37 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
23:15 Diverse Professional Interests
29:11 Challenging Marketing Norms
37:16 Innovative Internship Programs

00:00

47:03

03 June 2025

The Human Signal in the Digital Noise

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Nelson Bruton, who shares insights on the importance of removing friction in the B2B buying process through conversational marketing. They discuss the significance of workplace culture, personal influences, and the evolution of digital marketing. Nelson reflects on his journey, the lessons learned about success and leadership, and the impact of generating substantial revenue for clients. In this conversation, Jim Mayer and Nelson Bruton discuss the importance of building relationships in business, the power of perseverance and self-investment, and the unique aspects of the manufacturing community. They explore the role of AI in live chat solutions and how human interaction remains crucial in the industrial space. The discussion emphasizes the need for authenticity and the value of connecting with others to drive business success.

Takeaways

Live chat is crucial for capturing potential customers.
97% of website visitors leave without taking action.
Workplace culture is about the energy exchanged between employees and the company.
Personal experiences shape professional outlooks.
The internet's evolution has transformed marketing strategies.
Success requires a balance between high energy and calmness.
Responding rather than reacting is key in leadership.
Building relationships leads to better business outcomes.
Niche marketing can yield better results than broad approaches.
High average sales make it easier to demonstrate ROI. 94% retention rate is impressive for any company.
Authenticity is key in building relationships.
Self-investment leads to continuous improvement.
People prefer human interaction over chatbots.
Live chat can significantly increase sales inquiries.
Manufacturing is a diverse and vast industry.
Niche markets exist within the manufacturing sector.
AI can enhance but not replace human chat solutions.
Websites should offer chat as a communication option.
Building a brand is an ongoing mission.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Event Highlights
03:05 Removing Friction in B2B Buying Processes
05:56 Defining Culture in the Workplace
09:05 Personal Journey and Influences
12:07 Career Path and Early Experiences
14:49 Evolution of Digital Marketing
18:03 Lessons on Success and Leadership
20:54 Impact of Generated Revenue for Clients
21:48 Building Relationships in Business
24:34 The Power of Perseverance and Self-Investment
26:59 Understanding the Manufacturing Community
30:08 Niche Markets in Manufacturing
34:14 The Role of AI in Live Chat Solutions
39:45 Conclusion and Future Collaborations

00:00

41:21

27 May 2025

Collaboration Over Chaos

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Josh McKain, founder of Henry Rose Consulting, to explore the power of collaboration, leadership, and culture in modern manufacturing.

From his unexpected journey from public accounting into the manufacturing world, to building a business focused on organizational alignment, Josh shares the real-world lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into the human side of operations — from tackling turnover and hiring proactively, to creating environments where employees stay, grow, and thrive.

Josh also opens up about the risks of entrepreneurship, the role of mentorship, and his newest venture: writing a children’s book. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders at any level who want to build stronger teams and a better future for the industry.

Key Takeaways

Collaboration isn’t just a soft skill — it’s how real work gets done.
Strong cultures lead to lower turnover and higher engagement.
Hiring should be proactive and aligned with company values.
Organizational health is the foundation for long-term success.
Leadership is shaped by both mentorship and personal experience.
A growth mindset helps leaders navigate uncertainty and change.
The cost of poor culture is often hidden — until it shows up in results.
The future of manufacturing depends on how we lead today.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to The Manufacturing Culture Podcast
01:10 – Josh McKain's Journey: From Accounting to Manufacturing
03:04 – Defining Culture in the Workplace
04:32 – Early Career Lessons and Transition into Manufacturing
07:58 – What Drives Employee Engagement
09:02 – Mentorship and Its Lasting Impact
10:42 – How Positive Leadership Experiences Shape Culture
14:58 – Proactive Hiring vs. Hiring in Crisis
17:13 – The Real Cost of Turnover in Manufacturing
19:41 – What Parenting Taught Josh About Leadership
25:26 – Advice for People Starting in the Industry
27:13 – Launching Henry Rose Consulting
27:41 – Risk, Fear, and the Leap into Entrepreneurship
31:39 – Business Development and Building Trust
32:37 – Team Alignment and the Importance of Vision
35:21 – Culture as a Competitive Advantage
41:21 – Employee Engagement and Leadership That Works
43:53 – Josh’s Take on the Future of U.S. Manufacturing
47:50 – A Lighthearted Close: Josh’s Children’s Book Journey

00:00

53:31

20 May 2025

Fluent in Manufacturing

Show Description:

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Gina Tabasso, a powerhouse in industrial marketing whose career spans trade publications, Lean Six Sigma certifications, welding credentials, and a deep respect for the people who make manufacturing work.

Gina shares how she learned to speak the many “languages” of the industry—sales, marketing, operations, and shop floor realities—and why that fluency matters more than ever. From her time managing publications like Welding Design & Fabrication to launching her own firm, Barracuda B2B, Gina unpacks what makes great marketing in manufacturing—and why so much of what’s out there misses the mark.

They talk culture, storytelling, the future of the workforce, and the tension between compassion and success in a field that’s both evolving and enduring.

Whether you're on the floor, in the front office, or helping companies grow from the outside, this is a conversation about connection, clarity, and the kind of leadership this industry needs now.

Takeaways:

Culture in manufacturing needs to evolve—and that shift starts with listening.
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma and Sandler Sales create a strong foundation for marketing that works.
Sales and marketing can’t operate in silos—they need to collaborate, and speak the same language.
Storytelling is more than branding—it’s how manufacturers make themselves understood.
Applying process discipline (like Lean) to marketing builds measurable, sustainable growth.
Resilience isn’t just a business trait—it’s a human one. And it’s everywhere in manufacturing.
Automation is coming, but people—especially a well-supported workforce—remain central to the future.
Compassion and professionalism are not opposites; they’re both essential for long-term success.
Building a strong network is just as strategic as any marketing funnel.
Self-care matters—even in a high-pressure, production-driven world.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Manufacturing Culture

05:39 Gina's Journey into Manufacturing

08:30 The Role of Certifications in Marketing

11:29 Insights from Trade Publications

14:26 Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers

17:21 The Importance of MEPs in Manufacturing

19:55 The Future of Manufacturing and Marketing

26:16 Emotional Investment in Work and Client Relationships

26:50 The Unique Story of Each Business

27:48 Understanding Customer Perception

28:40 Addressing Internal Culture and Client Relationships

30:06 Strategic Planning for Business Growth

31:54 Building a Valuable Network

33:02 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

35:36 Navigating Job Loss and Career Transitions

39:03 Influential Figures in Gina's Journey

42:15 The Resilience of Manufacturing

46:55 Personal Insights and Advice for Marketers

00:00

55:49

14 May 2025

The Ghostwriter of American Industry

What if the problem with manufacturing isn’t the work—but the silence?

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Stephanie Pryor—entrepreneur, writer, and founder of LANC Marketing—to explore why the most prolific industry in the U.S. is still struggling to be seen. From her upbringing in the Lehigh Valley, shaped by the legacy of Bethlehem Steel, to helping manufacturers land features in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times, Stephanie has made a career out of telling the stories that rarely get told.

They unpack why manufacturing is viewed as “dead,” how culture and visibility go hand-in-hand, and why the next generation of workers won’t show up unless the industry does. This isn’t just about marketing—it’s about leadership, identity, and what it means to build something worth believing in.

If you're in manufacturing, this conversation will challenge how you see your company—and how the world sees you.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Visibility is not vanity—it’s survival. Manufacturers who stay invisible risk falling behind in hiring, sales, and culture-building.
Marketing is still misunderstood. Too often seen as a cost center, strategic communication is actually a growth engine when aligned with purpose.
Culture is more than perks. It’s psychological safety, shared values, and the ability to show up authentically at work.
Bethlehem Steel is more than a memory. Stephanie’s upbringing in its shadow shaped her mission to change how we talk about manufacturing.
The workforce gap is a visibility gap. If Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t see your company, they won’t consider working there.
Telling your story is a leadership act. The companies winning today are the ones willing to be vulnerable, human, and bold.
You don’t have to be loud—just consistent. Building a brand doesn’t mean being flashy. It means showing up, over and over again.

00:00

55:29