The Manufacturing Employer

Jon Franko, Gorilla 76
  • 5.0 (28)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Manufacturing Employer is a podcast built for the hiring managers, HR pros and culture builders at industrial companies. It’s hosted by Gorilla 76 Co-Founder Jon Franko. You’ll hear from those designing great workplaces. Employee engagement, benefits, onboarding - we’ll be talking about the working experience from top to bottom.

  1. 7H AGO

    Bridging generational gaps through empathy and communication, with Laura Hanley of Big Picture Companies

    Laura Hanley, licensed therapist and workplace consultant at Big Picture Companies, joins The Manufacturing Employer to unpack generational diversity on the shop floor. Drawing from her clinical background at the Mayo Clinic and VA, Laura explains why communication and occupational empathy are key skills in today’s manufacturing environment. She breaks down why older and younger workers often talk past each other, how wiring, motivation, and stress responses play into team dynamics, and why leadership rooted in empathy and data-driven insight is essential.

    28 min

  2. FEB 3

    The importance of putting people first, with ERP leader and Certified Dream Manager Kevin Patrick

    Kevin Patrick, ERP leader and Certified Dream Manager, joins The Manufacturing Employer to share hard-won lessons from his career to date. Drawing on his journey from the shop floor to leading more than 120 ERP deployments, Kevin reveals why successful systems aren’t just about technology, but instead how they hinge on human engagement, trust and personal growth. He discusses the consequences of employee disengagement, the transformative power of trust-based leadership and the business impact of connecting personal dreams to organizational success. This episode touches on Kevin’s experiences in recovery, how vulnerability reshapes leadership and explores the Dream Manager philosophy as a path to reducing turnover and fostering lasting employee loyalty.

    56 min

  3. JAN 20

    The culture case for sustainability, with global sustainability and ESG leader Eric Gassaway

    Eric Gassaway, a globally recognized sustainability and ESG leader, joins The Manufacturing Employer to explore how sustainability drives workplace culture. With experience shaping strategies for Fortune 100 companies and building enterprise-level sustainability initiatives, Eric shares why sustainability is more than a box-checking exercise — it’s a culture engine that improves morale and aligns employees around a shared purpose.

    39 min
  4. Building a future-ready workplace and workforce, with author and speaker Steve Cadigan

    JAN 6

    Building a future-ready workplace and workforce, with author and speaker Steve Cadigan

    Steve Cadigan, renowned expert on the future of work and author of "Workquake," joins The Manufacturing Employer to tackle some of the biggest workforce challenges facing manufacturers. He shares insights from his experience at LinkedIn and across the industrial sector, covering strategies for retention, skills gaps, union dynamics and adapting to AI on the factory floor.

    37 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Learnings and quotes to carry into 2026, with host Jon Franko

    Host Jon Franko details six learnings and quotes from guests throughout 2026 that he's going to carry into the new year.

    21 min
  6. Building a culture of learning and respect, with Diane Ferrera of AccuRounds

    12/09/2025

    Building a culture of learning and respect, with Diane Ferrera of AccuRounds

    Diane Ferrera, Director of Human Resources at AccuRounds, joins The Manufacturing Employer to share how a people-first culture and commitment to learning have shaped the company’s success. With nearly 30 years of HR experience, Diane discusses building AccuRounds’ HR function from the ground up, fostering a workplace centered on respect, transparency and continuous development. She explores how AccuRounds invests in employee growth, community partnerships and workforce development, proving that a strong culture is the foundation for operational excellence and long-term retention.

    36 min
  7. Equity as a business advantage, with global DEI leader and author Celeste Warren

    11/25/2025

    Equity as a business advantage, with global DEI leader and author Celeste Warren

    Celeste Warren, renowned DEI expert and author of "The Truth About Equity," joins The Manufacturing Employer to demystify equity in the workplace and explain why it’s essential for manufacturing organizations today. Celeste shares actionable frameworks like the "rocks and fence" analogy, addresses misconceptions about meritocracy and discusses how equity improves team performance and business outcomes.

  8. Forging inclusive paths in manufacturing, with Gretchen Gagel of Women Thriving in Construction

    11/11/2025

    Forging inclusive paths in manufacturing, with Gretchen Gagel of Women Thriving in Construction

    Dr. Gretchen Gagle, executive consultant and advocate for women in industry, joins The Manufacturing Employer to share lessons from her 40-year career in manufacturing, engineering, construction and energy. She explores the importance of inclusivity in driving growth and unpacks the “concrete ceiling” that women face in male-dominated fields. Gretchen highlights strategies for grounded self-leadership, building strong relationships, and fostering psychological safety for innovation. She also introduces her book, "Building Women: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction," offering guidance for both men and women navigating industrial careers.

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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

The Manufacturing Employer is a podcast built for the hiring managers, HR pros and culture builders at industrial companies. It’s hosted by Gorilla 76 Co-Founder Jon Franko. You’ll hear from those designing great workplaces. Employee engagement, benefits, onboarding - we’ll be talking about the working experience from top to bottom.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Franko, Gorilla 76
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Manufacturing Employer Jon Franko, Gorilla 76
  • Show Website
    The Manufacturing Employer