Manufacturing Happy Hour Chris Luecke

The difficulties manufacturers face when it comes to finding and retaining top talent is something we often discuss on this podcast, so it’s great to welcome a guest who has an excellent solution. In this episode, we speak with Retired Lieutenant Colonel (USAF), Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz.
Kathy shares her story with us about how she got into the military and eventually the industrial space. She explains what it means to be a veteran champion if you’re hoping to recruit veterans to your manufacturing team, and how you can ensure your organization is veteran-ready. She also provides an enlightening look at the broad skill sets that veterans bring to the table, from nursing to project management to sales, and gives us some tips on tangible ways to become an advocate for veterans in everyday life.
In this episode, find out:
Kathy shares her favorite type of grilled cheese!We hear about what it means to be veteran-ready vs veteran-friendlyKathy takes a deep dive into her journey in the militaryWhy her adaptability and problem-solving skills drew Kathy to the militaryThe diversity of experiences that come out of being in the military Kathy shares why she wrote her book, Beyond “Thank You For Your Service:” The Veteran Champion Handbook for CiviliansWhat can manufacturing leaders do to increase retention of veterans and improve mentorship?Why it’s so important to develop a veteran hiring program Kathy tells us about the Veteran Hiring Academy courses in April and September each year
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“My appreciation for the technical aptitudes that service members bring to the workplace is particularly relevant in the manufacturing industry.”“I invite you to join the veteran champion movement and be a part of the win because it really is a win when you get to know a veteran, understand their life story, their experiences. So I contend that it improves your quality of life.”“’Thank you for wearing the uniform.’ That is super special because it implies that you have some appreciation for what it means to me to take the oath of office, to make that commitment, and the pride and professionalism we feel when we wear the uniform”.
Links & mentions:
Vanguard Veteran, equipping civilians to become veteran championsBeyond "Thank You For Your Service:" The Veteran Champion Handbook for CiviliansInvite Vanguard Veteran to SpeakVanguard Veteran's Employer Consulting and TrainingComplimentary Veteran-Ready AssessmentO*Net OnLine Military Crosswalk SearchWomen...

What are some of the results of integrating cobots into your production processes and how do you help your employees push past any initial apprehension they feel to fully embrace the benefits?
In this special case study-style episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we welcome Rob Goldiez, CEO of Hirebotics, a company that makes welding cobots for welders, and Justin Montes, CEO of DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, onto the show to talk about the intersection of automation, technology, and human craftsmanship.
We take a deep dive into real-world scenarios of what it looks like when a company adopts robotics, specifically collaborative robots. What factors into the decision making? What are some of the hiccups that happen along the way and what does success look like after a robot is installed?
The conversation also covers leadership, robotics, and trends in the collaborative robot space. Plus, if you like welding, fabrication (or boats!) then you’re going to love this episode!
In this episode, find out:
The world of DeAngelo Marine ExhaustExplore Hirebotics’ revolutionary robotic solutionsThe journey to automation – overcoming challenges with cobotsSome of the impacts of cobots in the workplaceHow embracing cobots is a game changer in productionThe impact of cobots on efficiency and innovation Industry perspectives – reactions to cobotsCobots as creative toolsOngoing support and results
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“We paid off the cobot within an order. One order! So that was done. Now it's just icing!”“The consistent thing is companies are struggling to hire and retain key welders. They’re an aging workforce. You see that all over. Can't find welders, can't meet production, struggle to grow the business.”“There is a general fear of automation. It's going to replace my job versus it's going to take the dull, dirty, dangerous stuff away so I can be more creative.”
Links & mentions:
Hirebotics, fabrication cobot solutions for weldersDeAngelo Marine Exhaust, marine engine exhaust systemsYOT Bar & Kitchen, voted Fort Lauderdale best for brunch and outdoor diningEdley's Bar-B-Que, Nashville style Bar-B-QueHattie B’s Hot Chicken, hot Chicken SandwichTootsie’s, live musical performances daily and delicious foodConnect with Rob on LinkedInConnect with Justin on LinkedIn
Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Additive manufacturing isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, but are manufacturers using it as much as they could? And are we using it in the right way by teaming it up with automation?
According to Liz Stortstrom, 3D Printing Product Manager at HP, manufacturers are starting to lean into using additive manufacturing with automation – but we could do more to fully realize its potential!
In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, Liz gives us a quick overview of her varied career – from engineering to operations, to her Spain-based product management role. She shares her take on why additive manufacturing and automation make the perfect pairing and her predictions for how the industry will develop in the future.
We also hear a little about which industries are leading the way, and how companies can get buy-in from their team and leadership to join in with the success.
In this episode, find out:
Liz explains her role as a product manager in additive manufacturingLiz’s career story and how it began in engineering, moved into operations, and then additive manufacturing How she realized that working in operations wasn’t for her and she needed to make a changeLessons Liz learned from previous roles that tie into additive manufacturingHow 3D printing and automation go hand in handIndustries that are leading the way in additive manufacturing Liz shares her predictions on the future of additive manufacturingThe best people in a company to talk about 3D printingLiz shares her experience of moving her career to Spain and what she’s learned
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“Every 3D printing process has some sort of automation inherently involved. Whether that be automating the movement of parts, the digital workflow, or around the quality control process.”“A lot of companies need this higher level of agility, right? This higher level of flexibility. And how do you do that with the same old manufacturing methods?”“You need a champion, usually an engineer, who is near the design and understands the benefits of additive manufacturing. At the same time, especially if you're a big company, you need someone higher up to say, 'we're going to start using additive manufacturing more.'”
Links & mentions:
Victoria Bar, a great cocktail bar in Portland, Oregon Connect with Liz on LinkedIn
Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

Now, who doesn’t love a good chat about robots? In this episode, we speak with Ryan Gariepy, the CTO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors, about the future of robotics and how leadership can effectively integrate autonomous equipment and robots into existing operations.
We hear about Ryan’s career in robotics, from his early days to building his two companies, which were recently acquired by Rockwell Automation. Ryan explains how companies, big or small, can start working with robots in different ways to find the best possible applications for them.
Aside from the practical application of robots, we also dig into the ethical considerations that leaders should be aware of – most importantly, the safety of human workers on site. Plus, we also hear how R2-D2 was the inspiration behind Ryan’s love of robots.
In this episode, find out:
Ryan gives us a brief overview of what Clearpath Robotics doesWe hear the story of how Ryan first developed his love for robots (plus his favorite movie robot)Ryan explains why he decided to build his two companies The top lesson Ryan learned from his time in the industry Ryan’s thoughts on industry adoption of robotics for both small and larger businessesHow smaller companies can minimize the risks of adopting roboticsHow bigger companies can build robotics adoption into digital transformation plansThe ethical considerations of deploying robots in existing teams How robots have affected the economy in manufacturing in Canada
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“If we're going to put our time and money and all sorts of other resources into building new technology, let's do it in areas like agriculture or the basics of healthcare or construction. Let's try not to put robots in the creative spaces.”“Robots are one of the few components which are both necessary and sufficient to drive value. Just on their own.”“I think it's important for people to learn from existing successful deployments and not try to reinvent the wheel because reinventing the wheel is costly, but when it comes to people's health or wellbeing generally, it opens up corner cases.”
Links & mentions:
Robotics Summit & Expo, the world's leading robotics development event, taking place in Boston, MA on May 1-2, 2024Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation, mobile robots for research & development, enabling researchers and corporations to accelerate their robotics research and developmentOTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation, the most experienced autonomous material handlers in the industryCanadian Robotics Council, robotics-fuelled economic development is within Canada's reach, uniting innovation stakeholders from across the country
Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.

This episode is all about ‘Made in Missouri’ and was recorded live at the 2024 Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference. It’s a special episode for host Chris Luecke, because not only did he grow up in Missouri, but also because he is a big fan of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, which is a group that’s constantly advocating for manufacturing and building a great community of manufacturers in their area.
This episode is a compilation of three different interviews with three very interesting manufacturers from three different parts of Missouri, focusing on what it’s like to manufacture in the Midwest.
Chris speaks to Pavel Bosovik, founder and CEO of 27North, where they make expedition vans and adventure vehicles, Josh Shelton the owner of Etched Nameplate Company as well as Kevin Thompson, CFO turned Leadership Coach at Cambridge Air Solutions, who talks about how to create a culture that makes you the talk of the industry.
For loads of insights, invaluable advice, and an in-depth look at how to leverage others in your manufacturing ecosystem, don’t miss this episode.
In this episode, find out:
How Pavel industrialized the process of making adventure vansHis big recommendation for anyone launching a new product or companyThe importance of real-time user feedback and how it sets 27North apartThe part of their vans that Pavel most loves to tell people aboutPavel’s vision and dream for the company when he was just starting outWhy it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people when building a businessHow getting fired was the springboard Josh Shelton needed to start Etched What characteristics make someone the right co-founder for your businessWhat it’s like being a part of the Midwest manufacturing communityWhy Etched has acquired a new company every year since 2020What it means when Cambridge Air Solutions says they’re in the business of enriching livesHow their morning meetings have made them the talk of the industry How manufacturing ambassadors are working to build relationships and enrich the communityTransitioning from CFO to Leadership Coach and why the company was so ready for itWhat the manufacturing scene is like in St. Louis currently
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“I wish there was a secret sauce or I could say, ‘hey, my bachelor's degree helped’. It definitely accelerated the process. It helped me lay the foundation and know the vocabulary. But in any new business or new product that you launch, the processes is the hardest part.”“If you want to scale your company from $20 million to $100 million, find $100 million companies. Forget Elon Musk. Find people that are the next step of where you want to be in your journey.”“We don't exist to make HVAC equipment. We exist to enrich lives. We happen to enrich lives by making and distributing HVAC equipment.”
Links & mentions:
Missouri Association of Manufacturers, the only organization dedicated solely to representing the interests of manufacturers in Missouri 27North, helping people experience adventure through custom-built expedition vehicles a...

Does personal branding have a place in the manufacturing space? It might be something you associate more with marketing or creative industries, but this week’s guest has seen her personal branding efforts open doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Nikki Gonzales, the Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam and Co-Host of the Automation Ladies podcast (amongst many other projects) joins this episode to talk about personal branding and the importance of trust. Trust is a key theme in this episode, and personal branding can go a long way in building it within your network. But it also comes up when we chat about why companies are sometimes hesitant for employees to work on their personal brands. For Nikki, it’s important that companies trust their employees, like Quotebeam did for her.
We dive into how Nikki has built her brand and network and the benefits she and Quotebeam have experienced as a result. We also talk about Nikki’s background, having moved from Iceland to the UK to Texas, where she learned about the world of tech sales and the importance of networking.
In this episode, find out:
What Nikki learned growing up in Iceland, moving to the UK and eventually to Houston Nikki shares the story of her first sale at her dad’s companyWhy Nikki made the jump to software based on the kind of lifestyle she wantedHow a long networking relationship led to Nikki getting her role at Quotebeam Why Nikki decided to focus more on her personal branding How Nikki’s personal branding efforts are also benefitting QuotebeamWhy companies are hesitant to trust employees working on a personal brandNikki shares how she came to start and co-host the Automation Ladies podcast Nikki explains the work Quotebeam does and teases some new developments in the future
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!
Tweetable Quotes:
“Network effects are real, and we are a technology business, yes, but the backbone of that is the people." “The owner or the leadership team at that organization needs to take a look in the mirror and say, are we fostering the type of culture that's going to result in a positive perception of our company from the folks that work here?[On personal branding] “I think getting buy-in is really important. You can go out on your own and do all kinds of stuff. But if you do it completely without discussing it with your employer at all, then you're probably setting yourself up for some sort of conflict down the road.”
Links & mentions:
Quotebeam, a platform that brings products from many supply chain sources to one place to help customers source their parts without endless searchingAutomation Ladies, join Nikki Gonzales, Ali G, and Courtney Fernandez as they chat with people from all walks of life and all corners of the industrial automation industryProcess & Controls Engineering, LLC, the Northwest's leading woman-owned control systems integration firmSaint Arnold Brewing Company, established craft brewery featuring facility