Rapid Fire Manufacturing

RapidFireManufacturing

Rapid Fire Manufacturing on Spotify Welcome to Rapid Fire Manufacturing, the podcast where we spotlight the people, processes, and innovations driving the manufacturing industry forward. Hosted by David Turner, this show is all about quick, engaging conversations with industry leaders, machinists, and experts who make the manufacturing world turn. Each episode dives into topics like cutting-edge technology, workforce challenges, and the stories behind the tools and techniques shaping modern production.

  1. 12/03/2025

    The Journey into Orthopedic Manufacturing with Travis Christman

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Travis Christman, a United States Army veteran who built a remarkable career in the orthopedic manufacturing world. Travis shares how he went from growing up on a small farm to studying secondary education, to serving as an infantryman, to stepping into his first manufacturing role at Sony D A D C working on high speed holographic printers. That path eventually led him into orthopedic manufacturing, where he has spent the last fifteen years across multiple companies including Zimmer Biomet. Together, David and Travis explore: • The reality of working inside one of the most regulated manufacturing environments• Why relationships are the most powerful advantage in med device• How Indiana became one of the most important orthopedic ecosystems in the world• The story of a custom printed prosthetic that allowed a young girl to play the violin again• The mission of Priority Medical and how they support research and development, operations, quality, and product development• What to expect at the Made Here Manufacturing Showcase on December 18• Travis guiding advice for anyone entering manufacturing today From leadership to culture to product development to meaningful patient impact, this conversation shows why orthopedic manufacturing is one of the most inspiring corners of the industry. Watch the full interview and explore more episodes at Rapid Fire Manufacturing.

    19 min
  2. 11/07/2025

    The Future of Manufacturing Leadership: Ashley Watkins on People, Presence, and Purpose

    In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Ashley Watkins, Sales and Marketing Manager at JBM Technologies, to talk about what modern leadership in manufacturing really looks like. Ashley grew up in the family business, surrounded by machines, customers, and community. Today she’s using her voice to help more women step into leadership roles, build stronger networks, and show the next generation what’s possible. From joining Women in Manufacturing to building her personal brand across LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, Ashley shares how authenticity and consistency can reshape perception in a traditionally male-dominated industry. They discuss:• Why “people buy from people” is more than a catchphrase• How social media can drive real business outcomes• The importance of mentorship and community in manufacturing• Ways to bring more diversity and visibility to the shop floor It’s a conversation about grit, growth, and the next wave of manufacturing leaders who are unafraid to be seen, both online and on the floor. 00:00 Introduction to Ashley Watkins and JBM Technologies 02:12 Ashley’s Journey in Manufacturing 04:54 Women in Manufacturing: Building Networks 07:48 The Impact of Personal Branding 10:21 The Role of AI in Marketing 13:14 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry Keywords manufacturing leadership, women in manufacturing, JBM Technologies, Ashley Watkins, manufacturing careers, manufacturing marketing, personal branding, manufacturing community, modern manufacturing, manufacturing podcast, David Turner, Rapid Fire Manufacturing, leadership development, industrial sales, manufacturing inspiration, social media in manufacturing, shop floor stories 🔍 Keywords (for SEO and RSS metadata)

    15 min
  3. 10/31/2025

    nside the Future of Manufacturing: Education, Culture, and Innovation with Ethan Weiss

    keywords manufacturing, workforce development, education, culture, innovation, mentorship, CNC machining, aerospace, medical, robotics summary In this conversation, Ethan Weiss shares his unconventional journey into the manufacturing industry, highlighting the importance of education, workforce development, and the role of culture in training. He discusses the future of manufacturing, including trends in innovation and technology, and emphasizes the value of mentorship for newcomers. The discussion also explores various industries within manufacturing, such as aerospace and medical, and the significance of being open to learning and adapting in a rapidly changing environment. takeaways Ethan's background in manufacturing is unconventional, starting from photography to CNC machining. Education and training are crucial for developing a skilled workforce in manufacturing. Cultural aspects of a company can significantly impact employee training and development. The manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and innovation. Understanding the entire manufacturing process enhances job efficiency and purpose. Hands-on experience is essential for engineering students to prepare for the workforce. Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional development in manufacturing. Curiosity and self-directed learning are key for success in the industry. The future of manufacturing will see more automation and niche service providers. Sharing stories within the industry can attract new talent and foster community. Sound Bites "I think the workforce is there." "It's vital to have mentorship." "It's great what you're doing." Chapters 00:00 Ethan Weiss: A Unique Journey into Manufacturing 03:47 The Importance of Education and Workforce Development 08:28 Culture and Training in Manufacturing 12:04 The Future of Manufacturing: Trends and Innovations 15:42 Exploring Different Industries in Manufacturing 21:08 Advice for Newcomers: Embracing Curiosity and Learning 25:10 The Value of Mentorship in Manufacturing

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Rapid Fire Manufacturing on Spotify Welcome to Rapid Fire Manufacturing, the podcast where we spotlight the people, processes, and innovations driving the manufacturing industry forward. Hosted by David Turner, this show is all about quick, engaging conversations with industry leaders, machinists, and experts who make the manufacturing world turn. Each episode dives into topics like cutting-edge technology, workforce challenges, and the stories behind the tools and techniques shaping modern production.

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