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.

Andy McCartney President of a booming Ohio aerospace machining manufacturer joins us on Manufacturing Insiders Podcast - a podcast focused on sharing insights from the best and brightest manufacturing leaders. This conversation between Nate Wheeler of weCreate and Andy is a must watch for owners and leaders in the manufacturing space.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:55 Andy's background as a Naval Officer and owner of a $10M machining business

3:55 Next generation manufacturing, how to hire & train

12:20 Improving relationships with customers through reporting & addressing pain points

20:18 A bad assumption to make when hiring engineers

21:55 Insightful hiring advice for machine shops 29:55 Reframing manufacturing to young people

32:55 Important! The Defense Industrial Based Talent Pipeline Program

38:55 Lessons from the Navy applied to manufacturing

45:55 Production tracking, customer reporting, ERP recommendations

50:55 Product development & process improvement

Takeaways The manufacturing industry in Cleveland is thriving, but there are challenges in employment and competition. Hiring young engineers and providing them with hands-on experience in manufacturing is crucial for the industry's future. Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's perception of manufacturing careers, and reframing the narrative is essential. Continuous improvement in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention is necessary for the success of manufacturing companies. Programs like the Defense Industrial-Based Talent Pipeline Program provide resources and support for manufacturers to attract and develop talent. Promoting manufacturing as a career choice and encouraging young people to pursue it is important for the industry's future. There is a need for better representation of manufacturing in children's programming to showcase the exciting and innovative aspects of the industry. Taking care of employees and creating a positive work environment is crucial for employee engagement and success. Effective communication with customers, including regular updates on progress and shipments, is essential for building strong relationships. Implementing an ERP system can provide better visibility and tracking of jobs, improving customer communication and predictive ability. Developing new product lines can help diversify revenue streams and create opportunities for growth. Building close relationships with customers and focusing on partnering engagements can lead to long-term success. Manufacturing offers opportunities for learning, problem-solving, and personal growth.

To connect with Andy McCartney from Bowden Manufacturing click HERE

To connect with Nate Wheeler click HERE

To watch the show click HERE

This episode is brought to you by weCreate.

The Best Marketing Agency for Manufacturers.

Manufacturing Insider & owner of Lake Erie Rubber - John Meighan shares insights on successful transition of manufacturing ownership, lessons learned, and mistakes to avoid. He shares insight on lead generation, and how he grew revenue by millions shortly after gaining ownership. John also discusses the importance of digital marketing and websites for manufacturers, and how he continues to scale the business through partnerships and hiring the right support services.

Timestamps:

0:00- Intro 0:56- How and why John bought the business

1:24- Not his best idea, but not a mistake either

2:23- The largest challenge in taking over a manufacturing facility

4:11- Realizing that he needed to do things differently than the previous owner

4:40- Challenges with identifying the right customer

5:45- Exploring digital lead generation 6:50- John's advice for mfgs that want growth

7:42- Pain as a stimulus for growth

8:50- WATCH THIS! How he grew by $500k/year with one simple change

11:48- The value in making incremental and manageable improvements in marketing

14:19- John's thoughts on the key to success for manufacturers

16:40- The source of his entrepreneurial spirit

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Summary Rodney Chiodo, owner of Red Industrial Products and Douglas Barrels, discusses the scope of operations at Red and the acquisition of Douglas Barrels. Red Industrial manufactures and distributes additives for the refractory and concrete industries. Rodney emphasizes the importance of hard work, luck, and the grace of God in his success. He also highlights the need to never accept no for an answer and to build trust with customers. Rodney discusses the current challenges in the manufacturing industry, including the cost of money and the impact of political and economic uncertainty. He also talks about the global trend towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Rodney Chiodo, CEO of R.E.D. Inc. and co-owner of Douglas Barrels, discusses the importance of producing durable and environmentally friendly products. He highlights the need for companies to prioritize longevity and sustainability over short-term profits. Chiodo also shares his views on alternative energy sources and the importance of open dialogue and collaboration in finding solutions. He emphasizes the value of honesty, humility, and leading by example in business leadership. Chiodo's faith plays a significant role in his decision-making and approach to business, and he encourages others to try incorporating prayer and reflection into their routines.

Keywords manufacturing, refractory, concrete, acquisition, success, hard work, political uncertainty, economic uncertainty, sustainability, carbon footprint, durable products, sustainability, alternative energy

Takeaways Hard work, luck, and the grace of God are important factors in achieving success in business. Never accept no for an answer and find ways to keep the conversation moving forward. The cost of money and political and economic uncertainty can impact the manufacturing industry. There is a global trend towards sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Manufacturers need to adapt to changing market demands and focus on durability and sustainability. Companies should prioritize producing durable and environmentally friendly products over short-term profits. Open dialogue and collaboration are essential in finding sustainable solutions. Honesty, humility, and leading by example are crucial in business leadership. Incorporating prayer and reflection into daily routines can provide wisdom and guidance. If you think you'd make a great guest on Manufacturing Insiders, or would like to chat about digital services visit weCreate.com and submit a request on our general contact form. We hope you enjoyed this presentation!

To connect with Rodney Chiodo from R-E-D Industrial and Douglas Barrels click HERE

To connect with Nate Wheeler click HERE

To watch the show click HERE

This episode is brought to you by weCreate.

The Best Marketing Agency for Manufacturers.

Summary: A great manufacturing website should have clear display of offerings, credibility, clear calls to action, quality content, and effective conversion tracking. Custom Engineering is an example of a manufacturer that has incorporated these elements into their website. Content is crucial for both visitors and search engines, as it helps with conversions and ranking. Google Search Console is a valuable tool for tracking website performance and identifying keyword opportunities.

Keywords: manufacturing website, clear display of offerings, credibility, calls to action, content, conversions

Takeaways

• A manufacturing website should clearly display the company's offerings
• Demonstrating credibility through certifications and memberships is important
• Clear calls to action should be readily available on the website
• Quality content is crucial for conversions and search engine ranking
• Tracking conversions and using tools like Google Search Console can help identify keyword opportunities

To connect with Nate Wheeler click HERE

To watch the show click HERE

This episode is brought to you by weCreate.

The Best Marketing Agency for Manufacturers.

***Due to a network issue, the quality of the video is poor in spots.

Henry Boggs Joins us on Manufacturing Insiders Podcast - a podcast focused on sharing insights from the best and brightest manufacturing leaders. Henry is an entrepreneur and a seasoned manufacturing executive, who started a contract manufacturing facility from zero and then had a successful exit. He now oversees operations for a global magnetics manufacturer - Magnum Magnetics. Henry's insights into KPI tracking, ERPs, MRPs, and leadership can help you improve your operations and skills.

Chapters:

0:00 Building a multi million dollar MFG with a $15K investment

7:55 What are the most important KPIs to track?

12:55 ERP and business analytics software recommendations for contract MFGs

16:46 How to use KPIs to make business decisions

34:17 How purpose and faith play into business

40:36 Debriefing as a non-negotiable for process improvement

44:16 Connection BEFORE direction - tips for managing younger employees

51:48 How to get started in business analytics for manufacturers

If you'd like to learn more about Manufacturing Insiders Podcast, would like to be a guest, or need help growing your manufacturing business, visit weCreate.com and reach out to us through the contact form.

To connect with Henry Boggs. from Magnum Magnetics click HERE

To connect with Nate Wheeler click HERE

To watch the show click HERE

This episode is brought to you by weCreate.

The Best Marketing Agency for Manufacturers.