Listen for an entertaining and stimulating discussion of core values in business and life, a heat treater's perspective on the state of manufacturing in 2024, and what manufacturers should understand about heat treating, but probably don't. We get into spirituality, next generation manufacturing, what's wrong with baby boomers, business development and more. If you're a manufacturing CEO or president, Manufacturing Insiders is your view into the mind of other successful executives. Manufacturing Insiders Podcast interview with business executive Andy Wilkosz - Owners of Peter's Heat Treating

Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction

0:47 - Is the manufacturing space growing or declining in 2024?

6:47 - Why Andy thinks it's important to do things that don't make business sense

22:47 - Perspectives on morality, spirituality, and politics

35:47 - We talk about Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg

37:47 - Is manufacturing the fundamental element of the economy? Why it matters

40:47 - Hiring, training, and getting a younger generation interested in manufacturing

1:01:47 - What manufacturers should know about heat treating before their next job

1:05:47 - What's working for Andy in the realm of business development

A very entertaining discussion between the two co-owners of Allegheny Woods Works and Manufacturing Insiders host Nate Wheeler. We unpack everything from the harm our govt is inflicting on manufacturers to leadership mindset, and tools to reduce stress. If you're a manufacturing leader, this podcast is for you. If you're a local, state or federal politically minded individual who wants to help Americans succeed, this discuss will have immense value. Chapters:

0:55: Intro to Steve and Mike Kraus: Two down to earth manufacturing guys, telling it like it is 7:07 - What it's like running a mid-sized wood door manufacturing facility

18:55 - Mindset and masculinity - Jujitsu training

23:55 - Why a physical outlet is necessary for leaders

29:55 - Achieving flow and creativity in your work

46:55 - Who's killing the American dream?

57:55 - Jujitsu crossover with manufacturing - planning your next move

1:11:57 - Laying into OSHA and those harming U.S. manufacturing

1:37:50 - Misspending in PA budget

Summary

Fairview Manufacturing Company is a contract manufacturing company that has been around for 63 years. They have recently invested in new equipment and are focused on strategic growth. One of their biggest challenges is finding and retaining the right people. They prioritize work-life balance and offer flexible work hours to their employees. Diversification is also important to them, both in terms of industries they work with and capabilities they offer. They recently implemented an ERP/MRP system, which has helped streamline their operations and save time. In this conversation, the guest discusses the benefits of implementing an ERP MRP system and the importance of data reporting. They also talk about the challenges and surprises of transitioning from a stable job to a leadership role in a small company. The guest emphasizes the importance of understanding employee motivations and using emotional intelligence in leadership. They also discuss the impact of AI on business and the need for risk assessment and diversification in supply chains. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of collaboration and networking in the manufacturing industry.

Keywordscontract manufacturing, strategic growth, finding the right people, work-life balance, diversification, ERP/MRP system, ERP MRP system, data reporting, leadership, employee motivation, emotional intelligence, AI, risk assessment, supply chain, collaboration, networking

Takeaways

• Fairview Manufacturing Company is focused on strategic growth and has invested in new equipment to support their expansion.
• Finding and retaining the right people is a challenge for the company, but they prioritize work-life balance and offer flexible work hours.
• Diversification is important to Fairview Manufacturing, both in terms of industries they work with and capabilities they offer.
• They recently implemented an ERP/MRP system, which has helped streamline their operations and save time. Implementing an ERP MRP system can provide benefits such as improved data reporting and more accurate inventory management.
• Transitioning from a stable job to a leadership role in a small company can be challenging but also rewarding.
• Understanding employee motivations and using emotional intelligence are important aspects of effective leadership.
• AI has the potential to impact various aspects of business, but its full potential is still being explored.
• Risk assessment and diversification are crucial in supply chain management to mitigate potential disruptions.
• Collaboration and networking within the manufacturing industry can lead to business growth and opportunities.