In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Mark Vanderwarf, a business growth strategist and sustainability advocate. They discuss the importance of sustainability in manufacturing, the role of culture in business, and the need for a skilled workforce. Mark shares his early experiences that shaped his views on growth and sustainability, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift towards investing in people. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on the industry, the intersection of sustainability and the middle class, and the importance of balancing technological advancements with environmental considerations. Mark concludes with a call to action for individuals to take personal responsibility and contribute positively to their communities.

Takeaways

• Sustainability is essential for the future of manufacturing.
• Culture defines the identity and purpose of a company.
• Investing in people leads to better business outcomes.
• The manufacturing industry faces a skilled labor shortage.
• Mindset shifts are crucial for embracing sustainability.
• Technology and AI can enhance efficiency in manufacturing.
• Sustainability is linked to rebuilding the middle class.
• Balancing technological needs with environmental sustainability is vital.
• Time management is a key factor in business success.
• Personal responsibility and community contribution are important for change.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mark Van Der Werf
• 07:09 Defining Culture in Manufacturing
• 08:18 Early Experiences Shaping Growth and Sustainability
• 13:54 The Need for a New Exchange in Manufacturing
• 17:11 The Skilled Labor Dilemma
• 21:39 Abundance vs. Scarcity Mentality
• 26:37 Investing in People for Future Success
• 28:37 Reframing Sustainability in Manufacturing
• 36:06 The Role of Technology in Empowering Workers
• 41:31 AI's Impact on Business Efficiency
• 45:49 Sustainability and the Middle Class
• 50:21 Balancing AI Needs with Sustainability
• 54:39 Mindset Shifts for a Better Future

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Erica Armstrong discusses her journey from traditional healthcare to founding Root Functional Medicine, a virtual clinic focused on treating root causes of chronic diseases. She emphasizes the importance of nutrition, the role of dietitians, and the need for a new approach to healthcare that prioritizes employee wellness and addresses the underlying issues affecting the American workforce. Dr. Armstrong also shares insights on the future of healthcare in America and the potential for functional medicine to become mainstream.

Takeaways

• Dr. Erica Armstrong is transforming healthcare by focusing on root causes.
• Root Functional Medicine aims to treat chronic diseases effectively.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness.
• The healthcare system often overlooks the importance of diet and lifestyle.
• Functional medicine provides a more personalized approach to health.
• Early detection and prevention can significantly reduce healthcare costs.
• Employee wellness programs can enhance workplace culture and productivity.
• Access to functional medicine can empower patients to take control of their health.
• The integration of technology in healthcare can improve patient outcomes.
• Healthcare reform is essential for rebuilding the middle class.

Chapters

• 00:00 Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Erica Armstrong's Journey
• 09:07 The Shift to Root Cause Medicine
• 18:23 The Role of Nutrition in Health
• 27:28 Functional Medicine: A New Approach
• 36:15 The Future of Healthcare in America

In this live panel discussion on the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer engages with four industry experts from diverse backgrounds in manufacturing, robotics, and semiconductors. The conversation explores their personal journeys, definitions of culture in manufacturing, the importance of speed and precision, and how to engage the next generation in the industry. The panelists share insights on current roles, challenges in the semiconductor industry, and the need for a cultural shift to attract young talent. The session concludes with audience questions addressing misconceptions in the industry and the importance of education and hands-on experience.

Takeaways

The importance of culture in manufacturing is about infusing values into the workforce.

Personal journeys in manufacturing often involve unique paths and experiences.

Speed and precision are critical in the semiconductor industry, impacting production and quality.

Engaging the next generation requires innovative approaches and hands-on experiences.

The semiconductor industry is facing a talent shortage that needs to be addressed.

AI and technology are reshaping the manufacturing landscape, leading to new opportunities.

Trade programs in schools are essential for fostering interest in manufacturing careers.

Misconceptions about the industry can hinder recruitment and understanding of roles.

Collaboration and teamwork are vital for success in manufacturing environments.

The future of manufacturing will rely on a diverse range of skills and backgrounds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Icebreaker

06:43 Defining Culture in Manufacturing

10:09 Personal Journeys in Manufacturing

16:15 Current Roles and Responsibilities

24:59 Speed and Precision in Manufacturing

33:36 Engaging the Next Generation in Manufacturing

44:31 Audience Q&A and Misconceptions in the Industry

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Elvin Hurst, the founder of Country Craft, who shares his journey from a farmer to a successful entrepreneur in the cabinetry industry. Elvin discusses the challenges of maintaining craftsmanship in a changing workforce, the importance of family values in business, and the evolution of Country Craft over the years. He reflects on the support he received from his family and community, the impact of technology on craftsmanship, and his hopes for the future of the business as it transitions to the next generation.

Takeaways

• Elvin Hurst's journey began with a table saw that his wife gifted him.
• Country Craft started in a garage and grew into a large facility.
• The company's motto is to provide quality at a fair price.
• Finding skilled craftsmen is a challenge in today's workforce.
• Family values play a crucial role in the business's success.
• Elvin's children now run the company, continuing the legacy.
• Technology has been embraced while maintaining craftsmanship.
• Support from family and community was vital in the early days.
• The importance of staying positive during economic challenges.
• Elvin hopes for a future where his grandchildren can take over the business.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:49 The Birth of Country Craft
• 05:30 Challenges in Craftsmanship and Workforce
• 08:15 Navigating Economic Challenges
• 10:43 Family Business Dynamics
• 13:29 Memorable Moments and Values
• 16:12 Future Concerns and Legacy

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer engages with Ellen Feldman-Ornato and Jenny Drescher to explore the intricacies of organizational culture, personal journeys, and the importance of behavioral change in the workplace. They discuss the significance of defining culture, the challenges of implementing change, and the impact of generational dynamics on workplace behavior. The conversation also highlights the birth of the Boulder Company, their podcast initiative, and the importance of humor and lightness in navigating workplace challenges.

• Culture is essential and should be considered table stakes for any organization.
• Good culture varies from organization to organization, but respect and positive behaviors are key.
• Behavioral change requires time, practice, and accountability among team members.
• Consultants must engage deeply with clients to foster real change, not just surface-level fixes.
• Generational differences impact workplace dynamics and behaviors significantly.
• Humor can be a powerful tool in navigating workplace challenges and fostering connection.
• The Boulder Company was born from a shared passion for applied improvisation and culture work.
• Effective communication is crucial for a thriving workplace culture.
• People need to focus on personal growth and deeper understanding rather than just accumulating knowledge.
• The podcast aims to elevate the voices of women in manufacturing and promote the industry as a viable career path.

• 00:00 Introduction and Icebreakers
• 04:25 Defining Culture in Organizations
• 07:40 Personal Journeys and Early Experiences
• 12:36 The Birth of the Boulder Company
• 16:42 Behavioral Change and Effective Training
• 21:56 The Evolution of Manufacturing Support
• 23:34 Embracing Uniqueness and Personal Growth
• 25:40 Going Deeper in Leadership Skills
• 28:21 The Reality of Behavioral Change in Organizations
• 31:05 Finding the Right Fit in Consulting
• 33:12 Vetting Clients for Effective Change
• 35:54 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace
• 39:20 Highlighting Women in Manufacturing
• 41:46 Lightening Up in the Workplace
• 47:13 Building Trust and Connection

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marcus Sheanshang, CEO of JBM Packaging, as he shares his journey from working on the shop floor at age 11 to leading a company that embraces second chances. Discover how Marcus transformed a labor strategy into a purpose-driven mission, providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and reshaping company culture.

Marcus's early experiences in the family business and his path to leadership. The development and impact of the Fair Chance program at JBM. Insights into building a culture of collaboration and learning. The importance of aligning company values with personal growth and community impact.

• Every business has a culture, whether intentional or not.
• Collaboration and support are key to a positive workplace culture.
• Transitioning from family business to leadership can be challenging.
• Experiences outside the family business can provide valuable insights.
• Effective communication is crucial in leadership roles.
• Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness.
• Purpose-driven programs can enhance employee engagement.
• The Fair Chance program has transformed JBM's workforce.
• Building trust with employees is essential for success.
• Investing in community and employee well-being is beneficial for business.

• 00:00 Introduction to Marcus Sheanshang
• 03:51 Defining Culture in Business
• 05:59 Marcus's Journey in the Family Business
• 08:51 Early Experiences on the Shop Floor
• 11:25 Transitioning to CEO
• 13:36 Doubts and Leadership Challenges
• 15:58 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture
• 21:19 Operationalizing Core Values
• 24:21 Reinvigorating Company Culture
• 30:27 Enhancing Employee Engagement and Performance
• 31:37 The Genesis of the Fair Chance Program
• 33:41 Building Bridges: From Prisons to Employment
• 35:15 Transforming Perspectives on Rehabilitation
• 38:43 Establishing Trust with Fair Chance Employees
• 40:09 Support Systems for Successful Reintegration
• 43:57 Criteria for Inclusion in the Fair Chance Program
• 45:17 Training and Development for Fair Chance Employees
• 49:47 Vision for the Future: A Sustainable and Inclusive Workplace
• 01:03:13 Building a Purpose-Driven Culture
• 01:04:09 Leadership and Second Chances

Don't miss this episode! Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated with more inspiring stories from industry leaders. Visit themfgconnector.com for more episodes and connect with us on social media.

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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.

• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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