Manufacturing Insiders

Nate Wheeler

Helping manufacturers become leaders in the digital space. Entrepreneur, leader, speaker, author, and consultant Nate has given talks & consulting for: ‍ The US Dept of Commerce (Trade.gov) The Manufacturers and Business Association of PA The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) The Industrial Resource Center Network (NWIRC) HUNDREDS OF MANUFACTURERS AND B2B COMPANIES AROUND THE U.S. & THE WORLDOther accomplishments include:‍ 4 Years in the USMC Infantry & one tour in Iraq Masters Degree in International Business and Marketing Founder of "Tristate Manufacturers Marketplace"

  1. Jul 23

    Achieving ISO Certifications as a Small Manufacturer | Nerio Rivera - IMSM

    Never before have certifications been so important for a manufacturing business. Yet, many small manufacturing shops dismiss acquiring certifications as impossible. From lacking time, to everyone already wearing so many hats, it just seems impossible to add something else to the mix. Whether it is ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, or another industry-specific standard, certifications have become a competitive advantage that reaches far beyond compliance. They build trust, open doors to new customers, reduce operational risk, and prove your processes can consistently deliver quality. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate Wheeler sits down with Nerio Rivera, Senior client manager of IMSM, to break down the certification landscape. They discuss which certifications matter most across industries like aerospace, medical, and general manufacturing, what it really takes to maintain compliance, and why certifications are becoming increasingly important as supply chains demand greater accountability. They also address small shop owners directly, offering practical advance and experience surrounding how to maintain documentation, consistently pass audits, and invest in quality systems when everyone is already wearing so many hats. Nerio shares practical advice on balancing day-to-day production with long-term process improvement, showing that certification isn't just about passing an audit, but about building a stronger, more resilient business. If you're considering certification, or currently maintaining an existing quality management system, or a small shop owner trying to understand which standards make the most sense for your shop, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Watch on Youtube > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoeq_AaYJZk If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://imsm-iso.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/contact/

    Achieving ISO Certifications as a Small Manufacturer | Nerio Rivera - IMSM
  2. Jun 4

    These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz

    Manufacturers are facing a problem that can’t be solved with hiring alone. Decades of skilled trades knowledge are retiring out of the workforce, and many companies still rely on training systems that were built for a different generation. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate sits down with Jen Rutz, President of DCM Tech, to discuss how manufacturers are rethinking skilled trades learning and development in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation explores how companies can preserve tribal knowledge, accelerate workforce development, and modernize training without losing the craftsmanship that built the industry in the first place. It also covers topics surrounding The use of AI in this process, the changing marketing landscape as AI search becomes more prominent, and the use of robotics and automation on the shop floor. For manufacturers trying to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges. For manufacturers trying to navigate modern marketing without losing their identity, this episode offers practical insights grounded in real experience. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.circuithub.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/

    These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz
  3. Jun 3

    Unbelievable Fast Turnaround: 8-Hour Order-to-Print | William Gallacher - CircuitHub

    The history of technological development can be defined by decreasing the time it takes to do something. Amazon changed customer expectations forever by turning speed into part of the product itself. Two-day shipping became one-day shipping, and eventually same-day delivery. Customers weren’t just buying products anymore, they were buying time. In this episode, we sit down with William Gallacher, CEO of CircuitHub, to discuss how they have taken turnover for custom circuit board production and shipping down from 6 weeks to just 3 days, printing the board within 8 hours of the order. From supply chain optimization and logistics to automation and company culture, William explains why no value offering compares to helping customers move faster. When it comes to technology speed compounds. Faster board creation leads to faster testing, faster iteration, and ultimately faster innovation. This conversation breaks down what it really takes to build a manufacturing operation around that philosophy. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/

    Unbelievable Fast Turnaround: 8-Hour Order-to-Print | William Gallacher - CircuitHub
  4. May 6

    Do You Even Understand What You Sell? | Connor Ouwinga - Porous Pave Inc.

    Most manufacturers think they’re selling a product. They’re not. They’re selling a result. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Connor Ouwinga of Porous Pave breaks down what it really means to understand your value proposition—and why the companies that win are the ones who can clearly articulate and understand where their product fits into solving customer problems. Because in most cases… it’s not about cost. It’s about whether you’re actually the solution. This conversation goes beyond surface-level marketing and gets into the real work: - Identifying the problems your customers actually care about - Positioning your product as a clear solution - Making smarter investments in automation and AI - Navigating uncertainty—from global conflict to economic shifts - Building a business grounded in purpose, and long-term vision This is a masterclass in turning what you do into a story that actually sticks. Manufacturing Insiders is all about sharing real stories from leaders who are solving the toughest challenges in the industry. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/ Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ https://www.wecreate.com/contact/

    Do You Even Understand What You Sell? | Connor Ouwinga - Porous Pave Inc.

About

Helping manufacturers become leaders in the digital space. Entrepreneur, leader, speaker, author, and consultant Nate has given talks & consulting for: ‍ The US Dept of Commerce (Trade.gov) The Manufacturers and Business Association of PA The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) The Industrial Resource Center Network (NWIRC) HUNDREDS OF MANUFACTURERS AND B2B COMPANIES AROUND THE U.S. & THE WORLDOther accomplishments include:‍ 4 Years in the USMC Infantry & one tour in Iraq Masters Degree in International Business and Marketing Founder of "Tristate Manufacturers Marketplace"