Manufacturing Impact

PJ Wallbank Springs & Wallbank Industrial
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Careers

We believe the best way to create impact that lasts is by helping people grow. Manufacturing Impact is about building better people, better leaders, better businesses, and ultimately, better lives through conversations with people who are doing the work in manufacturing. Join Brandon Bartneck, VP at Wallbank Industrial and PJ Wallbank Springs as he explores the ideas, challenges, and opportunities for manufacturing impact. PJ Wallbank Springs: https://pjws.com/ Wallbank Industrial: https://wallbankindustrial.com/

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    #8: Leading a Team That Performs Without You

    In this episode, Aaron Hensler, Senior Director and Chief Engineer for Commercial Vans at Rivian, shares how leaders create clarity in complex environments and build teams that continue performing after they step away. Aaron draws from his experience in organizations ranging from a 150-person prototype manufacturer to General Motors and Rivian. Key topics The difference between status-driven leadership and impact-driven leadership.Why clarity matters most when complexity is highest, and why leaders must reduce anxiety by creating understanding and direction.The value of being able to zoom in and out between strategic leadership and hands-on problem solving on the floor.How humility and servant leadership show up in practice, including helping with service parts and being willing to do the urgent work when needed.Practical framework for thinking in swim lanes, mapping how work moves across people and functions so leaders can understand where to deploy resources.Exploring company size and whether impact comes more from fit or from adaptability, using examples from small prototype companies, Rivian, and General Motors.Measuring impact by what remains after stepping away as a leader. Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Aaron Hensler 01:22 - Why this kind of work is worth a career 03:31 - Leaving GM for Rivian and choosing growth over status 04:31 - Why clarity is essential in complex leadership 06:37 - The value of being useful in high-performing teams 07:36 - Different skills matter on the same team 09:44 - Balancing tactical problem solving with strategic leadership 10:21 - Humility and servant leadership on the floor 11:11 - Efficiency versus effectiveness in leadership 12:07 - Scaling through people versus scaling through systems 13:26 - The swim lanes framework for cross-functional leadership 15:36 - The danger of acting before understanding the problem 16:02 - Mapping silos and decision flow at GM before making changes 17:22 - What impact looks like across different company sizes 18:49 - Why small, mid-size, and large companies each have different leadership challenges 20:09 - The aircraft carrier versus speedboat analogy for organizational change 23:25 - Measuring success by what you can control 24:21 - Coaching as a way to build growth mindset and team confidence 25:27 - Matching leadership style to each person’s needs 26:28 - There is no single right answer in leadership 28:00 - Setting specific goals and adjusting them as you learn 30:25 - Aaron’s definition of lasting impact 31:25 - The most rewarding impact is when the team excels without you Connect with Aaron Hensler Connect with Brandon Bartneck Follow Manufacturing Impact

  2. Aug 19

    #7: People & Performance Are Not Competing Priorities

    In this episode, Brandon Bartneck and Chris Wallbank, CEO of Wallbank Industrial and PJ Wallbank Springs, discuss why strong financial performance and a people-centered culture are not in conflict, but instead reinforce each other. Key topics People and performance are not tradeoffs. The best organizations do both and get a flywheel effect from it.High performers want to work with other high performers, and that raises the standard across the business.Cohesive teams create energy, fulfillment, and better execution, while poor teams drain morale fast.Financial performance gives an organization the right to invest in their people.Leaders have a responsibility to build cost structures that can survive downturns, not just optimize for the next quarter.Competitive advantage only counts if it shows up in the P&L.Vertical integration is not automatically a strength if it worsens capital structure or cost structure.Engineering leaders need to think like business owners, not just function owners, and connect product and process decisions to customer value.People are the source of competitive advantage, and competitive advantage is what enables reinvestment in people. Timestamps (00:00) Chris Wallbank returns to discuss people and performance (00:46) Why caring about people and caring about performance are not opposites (02:01) How team performance affects energy, mastery, and business outcomes (02:59) High performers expect to work with other high performers (04:05) Moving from silos to teams on the production floor (05:33) Why people want to be part of something good or great (06:42) Why financial stability matters for meaningful impact (07:31) Caring for people means helping them grow professionally (08:18) Why organizations must earn the right to invest in employees (10:16) Profitability as the decision point for reinvestment versus extraction (11:30) Why some business models cannot credibly promise no layoffs (12:44) Leadership responsibility to build resilience before a downturn (13:45) Quarter-to-quarter thinking versus long-term stewardship (17:17) Competitive advantage as sustainable differentiation (19:35) Understanding Michael Porter and practical competitive analysis (20:23) Why advantage must show up in the P&L (22:16) The limits of vertical integration as a strategy (24:43) What competitive advantage means for functional leaders (25:27) Engineering as the heartbeat of the organization (26:54) Engineering leaders as enterprise-centric, not function-centric (27:53) Differentiation must create customer value or it fails (28:25) Thinking like a business owner in product development (29:23) Growth is easier when you are not trying to differentiate (30:09) Why undifferentiated product lines are dangerous for jobs (31:23) The flywheel between people, performance, and competitive advantage (32:25) Why this topic matters for any purpose-driven organization Connect with Chris Wallbank Connect with Brandon Bartneck Manufacturing Impact

  3. Aug 12

    #6: The Best Plant Managers Lead Like Coaches

    In this episode, Aron Kolosik, Founder of AK Coaching, shares insights from his 30-year career in manufacturing on how plant managers can create meaningful impact, foster team growth, and navigate the unique challenges of operational leadership. Key Topics: The critical role of a plant manager as a mini-CEO and their impact on team and communityChallenges and misconceptions about the plant manager role and how to reframe its perceptionParallels between sports coaching and manufacturing leadership: building culture, systems, and resultsStrategies for managing recurring issues through prioritization and systemic problem solvingThe importance of reflection, vulnerability, and relationship-building for effective leadershipBalancing impact and burnout: setting boundaries while operating in a purposeful spaceLeveraging AI and technology to streamline preventative maintenance and problem-solvingDeveloping skills incrementally: trusting team members to handle tasks at 80% competence to free up leadership bandwidth Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to manufacturing impact and guest Aron Kolosik 00:30 - Aron’s background and career in manufacturing leadership 01:15 - Defining a successful plant manager and their responsibilities 02:22 - How perceptions of plant managers are shaped and misconceptions 03:22 - Parallels between coaching sports and manufacturing leadership 05:26 - The opportunity and lack of awareness about the plant manager role 07:03 - Living a purpose-driven life through leadership and impact 08:00 - The importance of developing others and coaching at work 09:37 - Caring deeply about team development and work impact 10:37 - Balancing meaningful impact with stress and time commitments 11:45 - Managing workload, impact, and personal boundaries 13:10 - Structuring time for reflection and relationship building 14:39 - Prioritization in firefighting and systemic problem solving 16:00 - Approaching recurring equipment issues with targeted solutions 18:05 - Using AI to accelerate troubleshooting and preventative maintenance 20:42 - Prioritizing systemic issues over solving every individual problem 24:20 - The importance of understanding failure modes and building robust systems 28:16 - The enduring value of human judgment and leadership relationships 30:21 - The role of reflection and self-awareness in leadership development 33:07 - Building trust through vulnerability and authentic relationships 35:33 - The loneliness of leadership and the value of coaching and community Connect with Aron Kolosik AK Coaching Connect with Brandon Bartneck Manufacturing Impact

  4. Aug 5

    #5: Why I Left Boeing to Create Greater Impact

    In this episode, Brandon Bartneck explores how understanding, developing, and deploying your unique strengths can lead to a career that genuinely creates positive impact. He dives into his personal journey in manufacturing from a big aerospace company (Boeing) to a small, family-owned automotive company (PJ Wallbank Springs) and shares his lessons learned on finding fulfillment through impactful work. He encourages listeners to focus on finding the right environment that allows you to use your talents to serve others instead of chasing a cool product, well-known brand, or collecting a paycheck. Key topics: The importance of identifying and cultivating personal gifts to serve othersBrandon’s early career: working at Boeing and his realization that product impact alone wasn’t enough for fulfillmentTransitioning into business development to understand how products and services create valueThe significance of aligning your career with your unique strengths and the impact you want to makeHow working in a family-owned manufacturing environment can offer scale and meaningful influenceThe challenge and opportunity of leading in complex, dynamic manufacturing environmentsThe role of empathy, systems thinking, and long-term commitment in fostering a thriving workplaceThe societal and economic importance of manufacturing, especially in community impact and cultureWhy manufacturing is an underrated sector with high impact potential for those willing to roll up their sleevesEncouragement for professionals wired for problem-solving and service to pursue careers in impactful manufacturing roles Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:30) - The worldview of creating meaningful impact through gifts and strengths (00:58) - Early career at Boeing: impact through product and recognition of fulfillment gaps (02:24) - Moving into business development: understanding value creation (03:42) - Connecting personal purpose with business impact (04:11) - Lessons from working in engineering services and developing core skills (05:32) - Developing empathy, systems thinking, and strategic influence (06:30) - Recognizing the limitations of consulting roles for meaningful impact (07:56) - The importance of aligning career with personal gifts and societal contribution (08:54) - Why impact in manufacturing is profound and often underestimated (10:48) - The role of leadership and care in complex manufacturing environments (12:45) - The societal importance and future opportunities in manufacturing (15:10) - The unique opportunity for impact in small, family-run manufacturing businesses (16:37) - Encouragement for problem-solvers to pursue manufacturing careers Manufacturing Impact Connect with Brandon Bartneck

  5. Jul 29

    #4: Building Lean Teams That Think Like Owners

    In this episode, Nathan Saliga, Chief Technology Officer at Our Next Energy (ONE) explores what it takes to build a lean team that consistently delivers outsized results. It requires creating environments where people think like owners. That means empowering people early in their careers with responsibility, prioritizing curiosity and ownership over experience, and trusting people to make decisions and learn from their mistakes. Key Takeaways: Why ownership instead of hierarchy is the foundation of high-performing, lean teamsHow trusting early-career engineers with meaningful responsibility accelerates growthThe leadership balance between providing direction and avoiding micromanagementWhat to look for when hiring people who will thrive in autonomous environmentsWhy demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and initiative predict future leadership better than credentials aloneHow great employees proactively identify and solve problems before they're askedPractical approaches to communication and decision-making inside lean organizationsWhy smaller organizations often provide greater opportunities for individual impact and career growth Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction to Nathan Saliga and Our Next Energy (03:55) – Creating impact through manufacturing (05:25) – Why ownership creates extraordinary teams (07:15) – Hiring for curiosity, ownership, and initiative (09:50) – Finding evidence of leadership potential (12:35) – Recognizing high performers early (14:30) – Coaching vs. micromanaging: Finding the right balance (17:15) – Communication systems in lean organizations (20:45) – When should you hire more people? (22:45) – Balancing growth with long-term business health (27:20) – Why smaller companies create bigger opportunities for impact Connect with Nathan Saliga Connect with Brandon Bartneck Follow Manufacturing Impact

  6. Jul 22

    #3: Leadership Starts with Motivation

    Tracey Fletcher, Chief People Officer at PJ Wallbank Springs and Wallbank Industrial, shares her perspective on what makes a great leader, emphasizing the importance of motivation, continuous learning, and structured support systems. Tracey shares that motivation is the key, inherent qualifier for leaders who are excellent, rather than just effective. Main Topics Covered: Are leaders born or made? The evolving perspective on leadership developmentThe critical role of motivation in leadership: intrinsic versus extrinsic driversIdentifying genuine motivation: breadcrumbs in conversation and behaviorThe importance of systemic support and organizational structures to sustain leadership growthThe significance of self-reflection and reflective practices for leadersHow to assess and support leaders at different stages of their developmentThe value of coaching versus mentoring in leadership effectivenessPractical approaches to leading consistently amid distractions and challenges Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to Tracey Fletcher (01:20) - Are leaders born or made? (02:56) - Motivation as a key qualifier for excellent leaders (03:36) - Differentiating effective motivation: serving others versus self-interest (04:22) - How to determine if a leader's motivation aligns with organizational purpose (05:17) - How work environments shape leadership opportunities (06:38) - The engagement crisis: disconnect between managing and leading (07:25) - The fallacy of promoting top performers to leadership roles without considering motivation (10:59) - Leadership as a calling rather than a title (12:03) - Translating leadership knowledge into action (13:49) - Consistency as a key to leadership development (15:03) - Practical strategies for leaders to reflect and improve amidst busy schedules (18:04) - The power of self-reflection and its underrated role in leadership (21:28) - The importance of a supportive culture and systems for sustainable leadership (22:42) - Practical tips: breaking reflection into manageable daily or weekly exercises (28:45) - Key takeaways: motivation matters, foundational skills are essential, and systems sustain growth (29:26) - The role of coaching versus mentorship in leadership Connect with Tracey Fletcher Connect with Brandon Bartneck Follow Manufacturing Impact

  7. Jul 15

    #2: Manufacturing Impact with Our CEO, Chris Wallbank

    Chris Wallbank, CEO and President of PJ Wallbank Springs and Wallbank Industrial, joins to share his perspective on how impact in manufacturing extends beyond products to influence people, culture, and legacy. Chris shares his mindset shift on turning his family business into a force for positive change. Key topics: Chris Wallbank's journey from rejecting inheritance of the family business to embracing impact-driven leadershipThe importance of starting from where you are and leveraging existing advantagesEvolving perspectives on impact from product to peopleThe ripple effect of manufacturing on employees, families, and communitiesHow to approach impact intentionally, beyond just profitabilityThe role of work as a source of meaning and contributionChallenging manufacturing stereotypesManufacturing can and should become a place where people become better than when they arrivedThe importance of action in creating real change Timestamps: (00:00) - Chris Wallbank's background and family's manufacturing legacy (00:49) - Why Chris initially rejected succession but later embraced impact (03:00) - Impact of starting in a family business with intent (03:56) - Making impact a personal and professional mission (07:19) - Challenging assumptions about impact (08:26) - The importance of leveraging advantages to accelerate impact (09:20) - The influence of John F. Kennedy's quote on leadership and responsibility (10:18) - Building a legacy through impact on employees and community (11:15) - The analogy of athletic gifts and hard work (12:20) - The importance of raising personal impact standards (13:17) - Moving from end-product focus to impact on people (15:11) - Inspiration from Bob Chapman on impact and caring for team members (16:38) - Creating a positive work environment as a form of impact (18:33) - The ripple effects of manufacturing (19:28) - Addressing industry stereotypes and cultural change (22:33) - The purpose of this podcast: sharing, learning, and action Resources & Links: Bob Chapman’s book "Everybody Matters"Chris Wallbank's LinkedInBrandon Bartneck's LinkedIn Follow Manufacturing Impact for more episodes to deepen this ongoing discussion.

  8. Jul 15

    #1: Welcome to Manufacturing Impact

    Welcome to Manufacturing Impact. In this first episode, our host, Brandon Bartneck, VP of PJ Wallbank Springs & Wallbank Industrial, shares the purpose of the podcast and introduces our core belief that work, especially within manufacturing, can and should be a force for good. Main Topics: The mission to turn work into a force for good and positive impactThe role of manufacturing in building communities, economies, and leadersThe current challenges in manufacturing affecting quality of life and careerVision of a future where work energizes and develops individualsThe importance of intentional impact and leadership at the workplaceThe journey of continuous learning and collaboration to scale impact Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to "Manufacturing Impact" and its purpose (00:49) - The belief that work should be a force for good (01:18) - About Brandon Bartneck, PJ Wallbank Springs, & Wallbank Industrial (01:47) - The goal of developing people (02:17) - Manufacturing as a field for creating positive impact (03:18) - The reality of work today (03:47) - The vision of a future where work inspires and energizes (04:46) - How manufacturing can be a positive influence on individuals (05:14) - Creating a better future through intentional impact (05:43) - The importance of consistency and scaling impact (06:02) - The role of shared learning and collaboration (06:30) - Manufacturing impact as an active, intentional effort (07:00) - Exploring successes, challenges, and partnerships Connect with Brandon Bartneck Learn about PJ Wallbank Springs or Wallbank Industrial Follow Manufacturing Impact

  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We believe the best way to create impact that lasts is by helping people grow. Manufacturing Impact is about building better people, better leaders, better businesses, and ultimately, better lives through conversations with people who are doing the work in manufacturing. Join Brandon Bartneck, VP at Wallbank Industrial and PJ Wallbank Springs as he explores the ideas, challenges, and opportunities for manufacturing impact. PJ Wallbank Springs: https://pjws.com/ Wallbank Industrial: https://wallbankindustrial.com/

Information

  • Creator
    PJ Wallbank Springs & Wallbank Industrial
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PJ Wallbank Springs & Wallbank Industrial
  • Show Website
    Manufacturing Impact