Episode 25 - Robert Lillquist - Ford Motor Company

The Industrial Movement on Twitter

Morty hodge 6/17/22 Morty hodge 6/17/22

Episode 24: 2022 Best Workplaces in America

2022 Best Workplaces in America

Episode 24: Show Notes

Welcome back to another episode of The Industrial Movement, a show focused on the processes and the equipment that drives American manufacturing. We usually have conversations with other professionals in the industry, but today is a special solo-cast, held by hosts Morty Hodge and Greg Smith. In this episode, listeners will hear about our recent 2022 Best Workplaces in America award and advice for how to help your company win it in the future. We delve into some details about the award, what it takes to become eligible, and the benefits of winning. We explain the importance of creating a company culture and vision, cost-effective ways of maintaining company culture, core values and goals which should form part of any company, how to recruit and work with top talent, the benefits of paying your employees well, and more! Don't miss out on this special episode of The Industrial Movement where you can learn tips and tricks to help your company win the 2023 Best Workplaces in America award.

Key Points From This Episode:

Introduction to today’s topic: a solo-cast about Morty and Greg’s journey to success.
A brief overview of the recent award won by Atlanta Compressor.
Greg tells us about the work being done by Quantum Workplace.
A rundown of the steps required to become eligible for the Best Workplaces in America award.
How Atlanta Compressor won the 2022 Best Workplaces in America award.
A simple and important goal of the company: bringing peace of mind to the customer.
Ways in which this goal expands outside of the company.
Other core values of the company.
Examples of cost-effective ways to maintain company culture.
A run-through of the strategic vision that Morty and Greg have for the company.
What SMART tasks are and how they are implemented for continuous improvement.
Why creating a vision and core values within a company is important to achieving success.
How creative marketing can be involved in the recruitment process of a company.
The importance of having a rigorous and effective hiring process.
Accountability, trust, and empowerment; why these are values that should be foundational to every company.
Morty explains the benefits of paying your employees well and sharing the success.
We end the show with an important takeaway message for listeners.

Tweetables:

“We understand that manufacturing is critical to a strong American economy and we take that responsibility to help keep these plants running.” —Morty Hodge [0:01:53]

“We found out that that's one of the best ways to nip any problem in the bud and stop things from festering, is to have this regular meeting rhythm of one-on-one meetings with every team member.” — Morty Hodge [0:14:29]

“If you're a leader, and you don't have the ability to practice empathy, and you don't have the ability to care about your team members, genuinely, I would strongly encourage you to figure it out.” — Morty Hodge [0:16:27]

“I think that employees don't expect perfection, but they do want to see progress.” — Morty Hodge [0:20:55]

“We can teach skill sets but you can't teach character and you can't teach culture fit. Either they do or they don’t.” — Morty Hodge [0:24:18]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Industrial Movement on Twitter

Patronus Consulting Limited

Morty hodge 6/10/22 Morty hodge 6/10/22

E23: Mark Potter - Patronus Consulting

Mark Potter - Patronus Consulting

Episode 23: Show Notes

Our guest today has been in manufacturing for 30 years, predominantly in the food industry, and has a passion for stepping in and turning businesses around by improving their efficiency and productivity. Mark Potter joins us today to talk about his impressively dense career and his new consulting company, Patronus. In this episode, we cover everything from overcoming supply chain issues and setting expectations and incremental targets, to what Mark views at the first port of call when evaluating a company’s efficiency. He fills us in on why he thinks manufacturing is simple and the basic principles he employs to ensure success. Tune in to hear some tips on attracting and retaining talent, what to keep in mind when considering automation, and why COVID can no longer be used as an excuse for poor productivity!

Key Points From This Episode:

Mark Potter’s dense professional background.
What led him to start Patronus Consulting, what the company does, and whom it serves.
The first port of call when evaluating the efficiency and productivity of a company.
The importance of setting expectations and incremental targets.
Basic lean manufacturing and the benefits of the seven wastes system.
Mark defines the DMAIC process.
What the seven wastes are.
Why Mark hates giveaways.
Mark’s dire predictions for manufacturing in the US in the next 10 years.
The qualities that make a good manager.
Talent attraction and retention techniques.
How the attitude towards employees has changed over the course of the pandemic.
The pros and cons of automation.
Prevalent supply chain issues and how to overcome them.
Why Mark believes COVID can no longer be used as an excuse for supply chain issues.

Tweetables:

“I have always based everything I do around efficiency, lean techniques, trying to drive the best output from the departments or the factories that I’ve run.” — Mark Potter [0:02:00]

“First and foremost, it’s about getting that management team to understand its goals … because if they don’t understand their goals and they don’t understand the expectations, why would we expect somebody on the shop floor to?” — Mark Potter [0:13:07]

“You need to get alignment and you need to get accountability.” — Mark Potter [0:16:08]

“Most businesses I walk into are not ready for six sigma, are not ready for DMAIC. They’re ready for basic lean manufacturing, seven wastes.” — Mark Potter [0:17:44]

“What is the point in having waste when we can eliminate it?” — Mark Potter [0:22:24]

“You don’t need a degree to be a good manager. What you need is passion, drive, [and] commitment.” — Mark Potter [0:27:12]

“Go and think outside of the box, go and stand shoulder to shoulder with those people on the shop floor, show them that we’re all in this together and you will be amazed at how much productivity increases when they see that the plant manager or the plant director is willing to go and stand down there and wash trays or put product in a box.” — Mark Potter [0:38:26]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Email Mark Potter

Patronus Consulting Limited on LinkedIn

Reshoring Initiative - Total Cost of Ownership Calculator

Morty hodge 6/3/22 Morty hodge 6/3/22

Episode 22 - Harry Moser - Reshoring Initiative

Harry Moser - Reshoring Initiative

Episode 22: Show Notes

Today we're honored to have the esteemed Harry Moser join us to talk about his worthy mission to balance America's goods trade deficit! Harry is the founder of Reshoring Initiative, after being the president of a machine tool maker GF Machining Solutions for about 22 years. His awards include Industrial Week and AME Manufacturing Halls of Fame, SPE’s Mold Designer of the Year, and Fab Shop Directors Manufacture of the Year. He's participated actively in President Obama's 2012 Insourcing Forum at the White House and is also a member of the Department of Commerce Investment Advisory Council. He's spoken at numerous conferences and events and has frequently been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, New York Times and seen on national TV and radio programs. In this episode, we dive into the societal problems and lack of industrial policy that has gotten us here, before taking a look at the impact of Trump and Biden's rule so far and what we've learned. The conversation then turns to two important ways Reshoring Initiative helps manufacturers buy smarter and sell smarter, as well as some great ways to help the consumer access and prioritize Made in America products! Harry also brings the data and tools to push a much-needed facelift from the 'dirty' stigma of manufacturing to the 5 S's: shiny, safe, spotless, surging, steady, and outlines the part that colleges (and social media) should play in this reinvigoration drive. We hope you can join us to hear his valuable insight on what leadership can do today inside their companies to push these crucial initiatives!

Key Points From This Episode:

Welcoming our esteemed guest: Harry Moser!
Harry's career arc and the genesis story that sparked the mission of Reshoring Initiative.
Some scary figures around the goods trade deficit that he is trying to balance.
The societal problems of the US that have led to this high trade deficit.
A call to Washington to introduce industrial policy!
Harry gives a critique of Trump and Biden's impact on the sector.
Whether the tariffs that Trump instituted helped or hurt American manufacturing.
Speaking to the shortage of workforce in all sectors, and what we as a society can do.
Two important ways Reshoring Initiative helps manufacturers buy smarter and sell smarter.
How they're getting the message out and gaining momentum.
Where we go from here and the recruitment mind-shift we need to make to move forward.
How manufacturers can use social media to change the stigma of manufacturing.
Replacing the 'dirty' stigma: Harry shares the 5 Ss to replace the 5 Ds.
Some great ways to help the consumer access and prioritize Made in America products.
What leadership in manufacturing can do inside their companies to push these initiatives.
Some resources and insights that helped him in his career.
How guidance counselors are doing students a financial disservice by not recommending too-making.
Encouraging companies to report cases of reshoring!

Tweetables:

“What we need is an industrial policy. Industrial policy says the country will decide its future in manufacturing because manufacturing is so essential.” — @harrymoser [0:06:15]

“[When it comes to industrial policy] we need a rising tide that lifts all boats.” — @harrymoser [0:11:21]

“We need society to get on board and have more apprentice programs and more vocational programs in the community colleges. You need companies to have the apprentice programs. You need people to recognize that manufacturing is once again a great stable career.” — @harrymoser [0:16:15]

“If you see opportunities either to prevent offshoring or to enable reshoring, come to us for help with the analysis to make it happen. Let us help you with the import substitution program to find opportunities to get additional business by convincing your customers to reshore.” — @harrymoser [0:40:32]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Email Harry Moser

Harry Moser on LinkedIn

Harry Moser on Twitter

Reshoring Initiative

GF Machining Solutions

Rawlings

Nokona

Wilson

Give Your Speech, Change the World

National Tooling and Machining Association

Adam Fulbright on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 6/3/22 Morty hodge 6/3/22

Episode 21 - Adam Fulbright - North Georgia Technical College

Engaging the Younger Generation with Adam Fulbright from North Georgia Technical College

Episode 21: Show Notes

In addition to the supply chain issues facing the USA, another challenge is attracting the younger generation to the manufacturing industry. Talking to us today is one of the leaders in technical education, Adam Fulbright. From rough beginnings, Adam worked his way up from one industry to the next, until he was inspired to give something back as a teacher. As Program Director of the North Georgia Technical College, he is certainly doing that, and we find out how in this episode. Tune in to learn what manufacturing leaders can do to make their workplaces more attractive to the youth, and why a jack of all trades program is so beneficial to prospective students. We hear the skills and areas that Adam’s program covers, and how he keeps it up to date with the latest technological innovations. From why he needs more time in the day to the mentors he learned the most from and the two books he would recommend, we get to know Adam personally. We also find out what students graduating from the North Georgia Technical College can expect in terms of pay, and how partnerships between manufacturing companies and the College are mutually beneficial. For all this and so much more, press play now.

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Adam Fulbright, Program Director at North Georgia Technical College, and how he got to where he is.
The biggest challenges in getting younger generations involved in the manufacturing industry.
Why Adam’s program sells itself as the jack of all trades program, and the areas it covers.
Adam’s biggest day-to-day challenge: time!
The advice Adam would give to manufacturing leaders out there, and the unique phase of life we’re in.
Keeping the program up to date with technological developments.
The mentors who helped Adam along his journey, and what he learned from each of them.
Why hands-on training is a key focus for the North Georgia Technical College.
How partnering with industry is mutually beneficial for the College and the company involved.
Two books that changed Adam’s life, and why!
What students graduating from the College can expect in terms of pay.
Why Adam advises students to learn from each other, and the diversity of those who enroll.
The drawbacks of online learning and how Adam has worked around these.
Adam’s favorite student success story.
Where you can contact Adam.

Tweetables:

“[I] worked my way up through that company in various roles before I decided to make the move to come teach. I was the operations manager for a couple of years, at the peak of my career, but I always had that desire to give back and to teach others.” — Adam Fulbright [0:03:18]

“We want to make sure we’re providing the skills that are in demand for the field. We’re ever evolving, shifting classes around, bringing in new content and trying to keep pace. That’s a big thing for us.” — Adam Fulbright [0:15:09]

“You’ve got to enjoy your work and what you’re doing. If you enjoy it, you still got to have a livable wage. Let’s keep it real. We all work at the end of the day to make a living.” — Adam Fulbright [0:24:34]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Email Adam Fulbright

North Georgia Technical College

North Georgia Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Program

Amatrol

How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge

Welcome to the Big Leagues: Every Man's Journey to Significance, The Darrel Chaney Story

Paul McClellan on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 6/3/22 Morty hodge 6/3/22

Episode 20 - Paul McClellan - Eddie Kane Steel Products

Paul McClellan: Eddie Kane Steel Products

Episode 20: Show Notes

The manufacturing leader that guides and supervises their workforce has influence over productivity, morale, and even job satisfaction. Today’s guest believes that, to be a truly skilled leader, you need to become aware of the needs of your workforce and adapt your leadership style to serve them, rather than simply expecting them to serve you! In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Eddie Kane Steel Plant Manager, Paul McClellan, as he shares some of the greatest challenges he has faced in his role, the lessons he has learned along the way, and his advice for the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow. We also touch on his strategies for staying afloat during COVID and the processes he has put in place to maintain efficiency and productivity, as well as some of the myths he hopes to debunk about steelworkers and how he believes technology like AI will impact the steel industry going forward. For all this and more, make sure not to miss today’s conversation with exceptional plant manager, engineer, and leader, Paul McClellan!

Key Points From This Episode:

Paul shares some insight into his 35-year career path in manufacturing.
Learn more about the history and philosophy of family-owned corporation, Eddie Kane Steel.
The biggest challenges Paul sees the steel industry facing, both now and in the future.
What Eddie Kane Steel did to stay afloat during COVID, including reducing their workforce.
Paul’s advice for manufacturing leaders: adapt your leadership style to your workforce.
The resources and mentors that have helped Paul become the leader he is today.
What the pandemic has taught him about the power of positive thinking.
Why Paul believes you are not born an innate leader; you have to rise to the occasion.
Day-to-day challenges he faces in his position, including what he calls ‘mental retooling’.
Processes in place to maintain efficiency and productivity at the plant that Paul manages.
KPIs that are important to him as a plant manager, including time and distance.
Some of the safety protocols in place at his facility.
Paul’s vision for the future of US manufacturing and the role that passion plays.
Debunking the myth that steelworkers are uncouth and dispassionate.
The impact that he believes technology like AI will have on the steel industry in future.
Tips for becoming a better leader, including seeking out constructive feedback.

Tweetables:

“The biggest challenges that we’re seeing in our industry right now is being able to understand the politics that are involved, the global situation, and then being smart enough to keep good relationships with our vendors and with our customers.” — Paul McClellan [0:04:54]

“[As a leader], remember that it’s up to you to adapt your workforce and to be working for them, not them working for you.” — Paul McClellan [0:08:38]

“Change is the norm right now and if you're going to stay rigid and you can’t flex, you’re going to get passed by.” — Paul McClellan [0:16:02]

“Seeking constructive feedback from people you respect is a very open and honest way of trying to make yourself better.” — Paul McClellan [0:33:49]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eddie Kane Steel

The Power of Positive Thinking

2 Second Lean (How to Grow People and Build a Fun Lean Culture at Work & at Home, 3rd Edition)

Morty hodge 5/13/22 Morty hodge 5/13/22

Episode 19: Nathan Ruetz

Custom Deco with Nathan Ruetz

Episode 19: Show Notes

Working in manufacturing requires a lot of problem-solving. This is especially true with the new challenges that industries have been facing globally when it comes to supply chain issues, and the more local obstacles to attracting and hiring new talent. Today on the show we get together with Nathan Ruetz, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Custom Deco, a leading decorator of glassware and ceramic products sold throughout the United States. Tuning you’ll learn all about Nathan’s journey in manufacturing, how he came to work for Custom Deco, and some of the biggest lessons he’s uncovered along the way. He gives a breakdown of their daily operations, from how they mix their inks on-site, to how they deliver the final product at scale to their clients. Next, Nathan shares some of the details on how they are looking to innovate their current processes and the role that regulations and logistics play in these decisions. You’ll also hear Nathan describe the leadership philosophy at Custom Deco, called Servant Leadership, and why he finds it so significant and inspiring. To learn more about this fascinating industry, and some of the ways they are expanding and innovating, make sure you tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s guest Nathan Ruetz, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Custom Deco.
How Nathan came to work for Custom Deco and his previous experience in the automotive industry.
Nathan’s role at Custom Deco and the work they do custom decorating glassware.
Some of the biggest challenges Nathan’s industry is currently facing, from hiring shortages to supply chain issues.
Nathan’s advice to new and established members of the manufacturing industry: it’s all about people and finding opportunities to learn.
The books and resources that have helped Nathan in his manufacturing career, and why keeping your team motivated and inspired is so important.
The servant leadership philosophy and how it is practiced at Custom Deco.
The leaders that inspired Nathan in his career and how he aspires to emulate them.
Why being successful as a leader in manufacturing is all about your team.
Why aligning expectations is one of Nathan’s biggest daily challenges.
A breakdown of Custom Deco’s facilities and processes, from the design the customer wants to how they produce the final product at scale.
How Custom Deco mixes their inks on-site and why they’re currently looking to innovate on their current methods of application.
Some of the ways Custom Deco is looking to educate their sales teams and customers on the front end.
The concept of the 2 Second Solution and how it encourages Nathan’s team to be part of the solution.
How Custom Deco is expanding into other types of printing, like ceramics.
Why Nathan wants to debunk the myth that there’s a disconnect between the sales and manufacturing teams.
Nathan’s advice on how to listen to your team and not micromanage too much.
How and where to connect with Nathan online!

Tweetables:

“I feel like one of my probably unwritten roles in my current position is trying to be the conduit between the execution on the plant floor, all the way to the sales team in how they're communicating with the customer.” — Nathan Ruetz [0:16:02]

“The philosophy is if you can save two seconds every day over the course of the year it adds up, right? We encourage our team to be part of the solution, that's part of our servant leadership approach” — Nathan Ruetz [0:23:23]

“When your team comes to you with a problem, they may not necessarily be looking for you to solve it, so much as looking for a sounding board. A lot of times, I've found that one of the worst things you can do for your team and their development is help too much.” — Nathan Ruetz [0:29:40]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Nathan Ruetz on LinkedIn

Custom Deco

Boelter

Shawn Wooleyhand on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 5/6/22 Morty hodge 5/6/22

Episode 18 - Shawn Wooleyhand - Gold Crust Baking Company

Baking In The 21st Century with Shawn Wooleyhand from Gold Crust Baking Company

Episode 18: Show Notes

When asked about the baking industry, most people imagine large men in white hats kneading dough to be transferred to an oven. The reality is very different! Join us today to find out how, as we talk to Shawn Wooleyhand, COO of Gold Crust Baking Company, a fully green, family-owned bakery that’s been going for over a decade. We dive into the discussion with a breakdown of the products that Gold Crust Baking Company produces, and the biggest challenges facing the baking industry at the moment. Shawn gives some great advice for anyone wanting to become a leader in manufacturing, and shares a helpful reminder that while learning from books is good, talking to old-timers may be better! We also hear how the Russia-Ukraine conflict has negatively affected the baking industry, and the supply-chain challenges Shawn is dealing with. Shawn breaks down how Gold Crust Baking Company has managed to go green, and where the future of baking and bread is headed. Find out what the average day in the life of a Gold Crust Baking Company employee consists of, the processes, software, and equipment they use, how Shawn has managed to retain his employees, and so much more, in this engaging episode.

Key Points From This Episode:

Welcome to Shawn Wooleyhand, COO of Gold Crust Baking Company.
Who Gold Crust Baking Company is, their pride in being green, and what they produce.
The biggest challenge baking companies, in general, are facing: bringing in the youth.
Shawn’s advice to people wanting to become leaders in manufacturing.
Why books aren’t the only helpful resource.
Coping with supply chain issues and how the situation between Russia and Ukraine is affecting the baking industry.
The lessons Shawn has learned over his career.
A typical day in the life of a Gold Crust Baking Company employee.
The processes, software, and equipment that Gold Crust Baking Company uses.
Where Shawn sees the future of bread going: up!
The size of Gold Crust Baking Company’s ovens!
Why the chewy crust that Gold Crust Baking Company produces is different from other companies.
The biggest challenge Shawn faces regarding machinery, and the baking myth he wants to debunk.
How Gold Crust Baking Company maintains a 100% green facility.
The impact of technology and AI on the baking process.
Why Shawn believes managing people is the most important skill, and where you can contact him.
Other supply chain issues that Gold Crust Baking Company is facing: packaging materials.
How to retain employees by valuing them.

Tweetables:

“One of the biggest myths is that in baking, we’re just a bunch of big guys with big hats, and smiling and kneading dough on the bench. But it’s a manufacturing facility, it’s an assembly line and it’s not meant for everybody.” — Shawn Wooleyhand [0:03:45]

“One of the best resources are the old-timers that I discussed, people that went through this before I did and before the people that are coming in did. They've done it. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. It's flour, water, salt, yeast and then you add in the extras.” — Shawn Wooleyhand [0:04:56]

“One thing about bread is that it's almost recession-proof. People need their bread, they want to make their sandwiches, they want to grill the hotdogs and hamburgers.” — Shawn Wooleyhand [0:08:59]

"I think everybody needs to treat their employees correctly. Value them every day. Throwing money at them is a temporary solution." — Shawn Wooleyhand [0:17:35]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Shawn Wooleyhand Email

Gold Crust Baking Company

Kenneth Scruggs on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 4/29/22 Morty hodge 4/29/22

Episode 17 - Kenneth Scruggs - BMW Manufacturing

Balancing Automation and Wisdom with Kenneth Scruggs from BMW Manufacturing

Episode 17: Show Notes

As more automation makes its way into manufacturing, there is an increasing need for experience and expertise to guide these systems. Joining us on the show today to talk about his history in the automotive industry at BMW Manufacturing, is Kenneth Scruggs, who has worked at the company since the early 1990s! Kenneth gives us some context of his initial employment at the company and then goes on to explain how he rose in the ranks over the years. He also talks about the history of the company in South Carolina and beyond. Throughout our chat, Kenneth shares great nuggets of wisdom about leadership and management, and practical advice that any professional can apply to their work to get ahead. We discuss some of the challenges to the automotive industry and the manufacturing sector at large before diving into some of the daily work that happens in Kenneth's wheelhouse. Our guest also shares some great resources and ideas that have had an impact on his trajectory, and we wrap up with his thoughts on safe and healthy automation in the future. So, to hear it all and join in our fascinating chat, be sure to press play!

Key Points From This Episode:

The events that led to Kenneth joining BMW and his long career at the company since!
A deeper look at BMW's manufacturing history in Greenville, South Carolina.
Kenneth shares some of the older BMW history, from the post-WWII years.
The biggest challenges facing the company at present: why manpower is a big problem.
Advice from Kenneth about leveling up in leadership in the manufacturing world.
Some of the resources and books that have had the biggest influence on Kenneth's path.
The mentors and leaders that Kenneth has learned from in his career.
Kenneth delves into his most memorable lessons about patience and allowing space for others.
Finding synergy between the different departments at the company; Kenneth explains this particular challenge at BMW.
A walk-through of Kenneth's day-to-day work in his position.
An exploration of systems and processes; how BMW approaches efficiency in manufacturing.
Kenneth's thoughts on the future of the manufacturing sector in the US, and the importance of automation.
The specifics of the machinery at the company right now.
Myths around automation: Kenneth talks about the amount of manual work that is still done in the automotive sector.
Parting advice from Kenneth about listening to grow as a leader.
How and where to connect with Kenneth online!

Tweetables:

“My first job at BMW was sanding cars. Cars came in, you feel the car for defects, and sanded them.” — Kenneth Scruggs [0:02:01]

“When it comes to management, the one thing that I found associates appreciate the most is consistency.” — Kenneth Scruggs [0:07:38]

“I think that a lot of managers, we want to put out the fires. We want to jump in and fix things. Sometimes we need to let the associate fix their own problem, so they can learn from it.” — Kenneth Scruggs [0:15:12]

"It has gotten more automated, but there are still a lot of manual processes in the automotive industry." — Kenneth Scruggs [0:33:06]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Morty hodge 4/28/22 Morty hodge 4/28/22

Episode 16 - Kallin Kurtz - TechnipFMC

Automation For the Future, with Kallin Kurtz.

Episode 16: Show Notes

Today, we have the Vice President of Manufacturing Technology at TechnipFMC, Kallin Kurtz, here to talk to us about automation for the now (and the future!), the biggest challenges facing the oil and gas industry, and stopping to smell the roses! This episode dives into his role at TechnipFMC and the services that they offer, before we get down to brass tacks on things like the labor shortage, the challenge of interacting with people from all over the world, and his top KPIs: delivery, cost, and safety. You'll hear how safety protocols have improved in the industry over time, and the biggest challenges TechnipFMC faces in keeping production flowing consistently and successfully. We also touch on the future of the industry, and Kallin shares some insight into renewable energy technology and the specific energy initiatives that they are implementing at their plants to work with their respective locations. Finally, you'll hear the top advice that he has regarding how you can grow yourself as a leader, and how his open-door policy is key to the success of him and his team!

Key Points From This Episode:

Meet Kallin Kurtz and hear about his career trajectory and expertise in automation.
Hear about TechnipFMC and the services that they offer.
What he thinks is the biggest challenge in the oil and tech industry today: materials.
The impact of current government policy on his business, both in and outside the US.
Some advice for any person hoping to follow in his footsteps!
Discussing the shortages of programmers for robots.
Overcoming the current labor shortage through automation, and some problems that will arise.
Hear why Kallin recommends Extreme Ownership – and why we love it too.
The three people that have played a crucial part in his success story.
The challenges of interacting with people all over the world.
Talking about safety protocols specific to the oil and gas industry and how it's improved.
His most important KPIs: delivery, cost, and safety.
Discussing the future of the industry and a tentative prediction for the next few years.
The huge parts and types of equipment they use, and a little about additive technology.
The biggest challenge they face in keeping production going.
Hear about the location-dependent energy initiatives that they are implementing at their plants.
Kallin debunks that myth that his industry is boring.
His top advice for leadership: empathy and the importance of slowing down!
How he lets employees establish the agenda of one-on-one meetings.
The importance of transparency and authentic communication in creating successful teams.

Tweetables:

“Automation is the path forward. There's no question about that.” — Kallin Kurtz [0:06:55]

“If your aspirations are in upper management and such like that, probably a business degree is going to help. If your aspirations are to stay in the technical world, a four-year degree is not necessary anymore.” — Kallin Kurtz [0:07:54]

“Take the time to listen. Take the time to interact with your employees and learn what's important to them. Listen to the ideas, and don't accept mediocrity from anybody.” — Kallin Kurtz [0:13:04]

“I think one of the things that is going to be really critical as we move forward with automation is, who's going to do all this automation? It's becoming a problem that people just aren't there.” — Kallin Kurtz [0:25:35]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kallin Kurtz on LinkedIn

Kallin Kurtz on Email

Morty hodge 4/28/22 Morty hodge 4/28/22

Episode 15: Brian Zamore - L3 Harris Technologies

Test Engineering and Leadership with Brian Zamore

Episode 15: Show Notes

Today’s guest is Brian Zamore, an Associate Manager of the engineering team at L3 Technologies. Brian joins us to speak about his journey in engineering, the processes and challenges at L3, and the lessons he has learned about being a good leader. We hear about how Brian cut his teeth in the industry, going from earning an electrical engineering degree to building servers, working on chipsets, manufacturing in aerospace, and much more before ending up as a test engineer and then working his way up at L3. You'll learn about the range of subject matter experts at L3 who come up with quick and unique solutions to the problems that the firm is tasked with solving. When it comes to challenges, Brian speaks to the issues we are facing with supply chains as well as a general lack of test engineers due to the field being so niched. From there, we get into the nuts and bolts of Brian’s typical day, the processes he has in place to maintain efficiency and productivity, equipment and safety protocols at L3, and more. Finally, we talk to our guest about leadership, where he emphasizes the importance of empathy and shares the resources he is using to become a better manager every day.

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to L3 Harris and Brian’s role in the company.
Brian’s background in aerospace engineering and journey to his current role.
The biggest challenges now and in the next 10 years.
Whether the current supply chain and labor shortage challenges are temporary.
What process changes L3Harris Technologies has made to deal with supply chain issues.
Leadership advice for those interested in pursuing a career similar to Brian’s.
Recommendations for resources to keep abreast with the engineering sphere.
The many mentors that Brian has and how they have helped him in his career.
Lessons that Brian has learned over the years around developing empathy.
Day-to-day challenges Brian faces in his position around personnel and more.
Design processes at L3 and what a typical day looks like for Brian.
Processes Brian has in place to maintain efficiency and productivity.
KPIs L3 uses to track progress and productivity.
Safety protocols specific to what Brian and his team do.
Equipment that Brian and his team use.
The one myth about the engineering side of manufacturing Brian wants to debunk.
The best way to connect with Brian online.

Tweetables:

“We have a team of very talented people and individuals on the company from different subject matter experts who are able to come up with quick turnaround, unique solutions to the problems that we’re tasked with to solve.” — Brian Zamore [0:01:33]

“The biggest challenge so far for everybody is just the supply chain. It has been so severely disrupted.” — Brian Zamore [0:06:27]

“Test engineering is such a niche field, I think that is hard to actually get a lot of people on the team, hiring becomes difficult because if you are a good test engineer worth your salt, somebody already has you on their staff or their payroll.” — Brian Zamore [0:14:35]

“A good leader essentially is empathetic. A good leader believes in the people and pretty much works from the people perspective and not their perspective.” — Brian Zamore [0:26:11]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brian Zamore on LinkedIn

L3 Harris

The Industrial Movement on Twitter

Hector Ibarra on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 4/8/22 Morty hodge 4/8/22

Episode 14: Hector Ibarra - Cleveland Hardware & Forging

A Leader's Role in Facilitating the Best Company Culture with Hector Ibarra

Episode 11: Show Notes

Today on The Industrial Movement we are joined by the inspiring Hector Ibarra, who is the Corporate Director of Operations at Cleveland Hardware and Forging. We have a fascinating chat with Hector, packed with insight and the useful lessons that he has learned during his long career in the manufacturing sector. We talk about his personal story and how this has informed his professional journey, some of the biggest hurdles he has overcome, and his thoughts on those that he encounters in his current work. Hector makes a point to underline the importance of culture; both in the social dimension, as well as in the professional environment, and how this can define the outcomes of your efforts. We also get into the subject of leadership and our guest's opinion on what makes a good leader at any type of organization. From there, we move into some more technical territory, exploring how Cleveland Hardware and Forging approach their work. Hector shares their strategies around productivity, safety, machinery, and the actual process of forging. To hear all this and a whole lot more from Hector Ibarra, listen in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Cleveland Hardware and Forging and Hector's role at the company.
Looking back on Hector's career and the path he has taken to his current position.
Hector explains some of the biggest challenges that his company currently faces.
Applicable lessons from Hector's journey and his reflections on the importance of culture.
Hector's approach to overcoming the obstacle of fear and why making mistakes is okay.
Advice from Hector to other manufacturing leaders about supporting employees.
Learning in different positions and where Hector feels he experienced his biggest lessons.
An exploration of Hector's day-to-day activities and what typically takes up his time.
The company's approach to maximizing productivity and efficiency; how they use KPIs.
Thinking about safety; exploring the protocols at Cleveland Hardware and Forging.
Hector gives some insight into the actual forging process and the equipment that is used.
Challenges associated with the forging equipment and machinery.
Why manufacturing expertise can be applied and transferred to other industries.
Hector's advice for better management; how listeners can up their game!
Looking to the future with Hector and where he wants to be in ten years.
The role of technology at the company and the areas that have become easier as a result.
How to connect with Hector and Cleveland Hardware and Forging online and offline!

Tweetables:

“I was actually born on the border, which sometimes gives you a different perspective of how things are working in the United States and Mexico.” — Hector Ibarra [0:03:08]

“I think that we are building a good team, and most importantly we’re trying to learn from people that have been doing it for a lot of years to show some of the tricks to the newer generations.” — Hector Ibarra [0:00:00]

“You need to understand the culture of the place that you’re working to be the most effective person.” — Hector Ibarra [0:13:33]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Hector Ibarra Phone Number — 810-689-8959

Cleveland Hardware and Forging

The Entrepreneurial Operating System

Jeremy Barber on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 4/1/22 Morty hodge 4/1/22

Episode 13: Jeremy Barber

Jeremy Barber is the maintenance manager at Buhler Quality Yarns Corporation in Jefferson, Georgia, and he's here today to share his leadership style of authentically focusing on developing those under you. Our conversation begins with a brief introduction to Jeremy and the company before we get into the development path that led him to his position and the biggest obstacles facing the textile industry right now. We then dive into the importance of good mentorship and his top advice to anyone wishing to follow a similar path, as well as the specific growth-orientated characteristics he looks for in a potential hire! You'll hear all about the typical daily processes, machines, and safety protocols in place, as well as the challenge of having to get creative with maintenance because production can’t stop. From memes about 10-millimeter bolts to how the face of technology has changed the industry, tune in now to hear another rich conversation on The Industrial Movement podcast!

Maintenance in The Textile Industry with Jeremy Barber

Episode 13: Show Notes

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing Jeremy Barber and what his day-to-day involves at Buhler Quality Yarns.
Hear his career background and the development path that brought him to this position.
Hear the biggest challenges that the textile industry is facing today.
Some advice for anyone wanting to pursue a similar career.
Jeremy recommends the importance of mentorship and following good leadership.
He shares the growth-orientated characteristics he looks for in a candidate to hire.
Some of the people who have influenced him and his biggest lessons in life.
The biggest challenges he sees as a maintenance manager.
What the typical daily process looks like at the facility.
What processes they use for efficiency and productivity.
Hear about their specific safety protocols, particularly since cotton is highly flammable.
Why there are so many memes on 10-millimeter bolts!
How they deal with the challenge of having production that can't stop.
Some excellent carbon efficiency initiatives they are focusing on.
How technology has changed the industry and some thoughts looking toward the future.
Some parting advice to help others become better leaders!

Tweetables:

“As a manager, the people that work under you are the ones that decide whether you're doing your job, right or not. And so, if you can help them do their job and better themselves, they, in turn, better you and make you look like you're doing a good thing.” — Jeremy Barber [0:06:12]

“When I first started out, I focused on myself, and I focused on trying to do what I thought I needed to do. I learned that I needed to focus on the people that are under me. If I did what I could to help them improve themselves, then I usually ended up doing what I needed to do.” — Jeremy Barber [0:10:15]

“We're really trying to support people and things [that are carbon efficient] because we all want our ancestors and kids and everybody to have a nice planet to live on for years and years to come. And if we don't start doing something now, they may not have that.” — Jeremy Barber [0:23:44]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Buhler Quality Yarns Corporation

Morty’s Email Address

Morty hodge 3/25/22 Morty hodge 3/25/22

Episode 12: Carey Strickland

Having taken over Hi Tec Machining, a company founded by his father 30 years ago, Carey Strickland has seen a lot of developments in the machining industry. Today he joins us to share his story, discuss the business, and talk about the challenges of marrying the old with the new in the world of machining. Tuning in you’ll hear some background into Carey’s company and career, what a typical day at Hi Tec Machining’s facility is like, and some of the challenges that they face. You’ll hear about the struggles of hiring new people, why Carey believes the youth are reluctant to get involved in manufacturing, and what Hi Tec Machining does to improve employee retention. We also discuss the development of robots, how Carey uses them in his facility, and how he foresees their role in the future of the industry in general. To hear Carey’s advice to anyone pursuing a career in manufacturing, his tips on where to find helpful resources, why he believes in the value of being honest, and his thoughts on how to be a better leader, tune in today!

Marrying the Old with the New in Machining with Carey Strickland

Episode 12: Show Notes

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to Hi Tec Machining and how Carey’s dad founded the business.
What Hi Tec Machining does: CNC, milling, and turning.
Carey’s background, education, and how his career path led him to where he is today.
What Carey believes is the biggest challenge facing the industry: Marrying the “old school” with the new.
Why Carey believes the younger generation is reluctant to get into manufacturing.
Carey’s advice to anyone pursuing a career in manufacturing.
Books or other resources that helped Carey on his journey: The Effective CEO and YouTube.
Carey’s mentor and other people who have had a big impact on his life and career.
One of the biggest lessons Carey has learned in his career about being honest.
Some of the day-to-day challenges that Carey faces in his current position: the price of material and supply chain issues.
Insight into Hi Tec Machining’s initiatives for employee retention.
What a typical day at the Hi Tec Machining facility is like.
Processes in place to maintain efficiency and productivity: equipment maintenance and the cross-training of employees.
How technology has impacted Carey’s industry in terms of communication and better tools.
Robot welding and the use of robots in Carey’s facility.
Carey debunks the myth that machining is a nasty, greasy job and you don’t have to be intelligent to do it.
What Carey sees for the future of his industry and business in 10 years and the role of robots.
Carey’s advice on how to be a better manager: be real with people.

Tweetables:

“To me, our biggest struggle is taking the old school and introducing it to the young people coming along. But at the same time, understanding they have ideas and they have visions, and how you marry those two together?” — Carey Strickland [0:04:44]

“Jump into the pool, get started, learn machining, and there’s no telling what it will branch off to. It could be anything from plant manager to plant engineer, to lead machinist, to purchasing, to sales. The sky is literally the limit in the direction you could go.” — Carey Strickland [0:07:11]

“These people are geniuses. They have engineering capabilities, they have machining capabilities, they can think their way through a problem. I mean, the skill sets that the people that we come across every day, it’s phenomenal! They’ve solved some of the major problems in this nation.” — Carey Strickland [0:24:04]

“You’ve got to be a leader and you’ve got to lead by example, but you can’t be afraid to let your team speak up either.” — Carey Strickland [0:27:44]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Morty’s Email Address

The Industrial Movement on Twitter

Dream Leadership Consulting

Morty hodge 3/18/22 Morty hodge 3/18/22

Episode 11: Dan Ralphs - The Dream Manager

The biggest problem facing manufacturers today, apart from supply chain issues, is the labor shortage. In light of the Great Resignation and a number of other factors, manufacturing leaders are increasingly struggling to fully staff their facilities. Today’s guest, Dan Ralphs, is an expert in improving employee retention. He believes that people quit leaders, not companies, and the best way to keep your employees, and to keep them productive, is to be a dream manager. Dan joins us to explain that the best way to create and generate loyalty and commitment from employees without having to break the bank, is simply by asking them what their personal dreams are and then helping them to achieve them. Tuning in you’ll hear how Dan became a dream manager, the benefits you can gain just from asking people what their dreams are, and what to do once someone has told you their dream. To find out how manufacturing leaders can implement this practice to generate loyalty, how to make your company stand out and be attractive to potential employees, and where to find other helpful resources on this topic, tune in today!

The Dream Manager with Dan Ralphs

Episode 14: Show Notes

Key Points From This Episode:

Dan’s thoughts on the Great Resignation and where we stand as an economy right now.
An introduction to the book The Dream Manager and what a dream manager is.
How Dan became a dream manager and some of the dreams he managed.
How to get team members to articulate their dreams, especially in an industrial environment.
The benefit of just asking people what their dreams are.
What to do once someone has told you what their dream is.
Thoughts on how fear prevents people from pursuing their dreams.
The story about a company that had a huge retention problem and how they overcame it.
How manufacturing leaders can implement this practice to generate loyalty.
Why zero turnover should never be the goal.
Resources that Dan recommends to manufacturing leaders.
Insight into the book Dan is working on and what it is about: The three different ways that we can get people to be productive.
How to make your company stand out and be attractive to potential employees.
How the dream manager program increases productivity.
Dan’s thoughts on whether or not the labor pool will fill back up and people will return to work.
Dan’s number one piece of retention advice outside of the Dream Manager Program: People quit leaders, not companies.
What Dream Leadership Consulting does and some of the services they provide to manufacturing facilities.

Tweetables:

“A dream manager is essentially someone within a company whose job it is to help the employees of the company to identify, articulate, and then accomplish their personal dreams.” — Dan Ralphs [0:06:58]

“If you can communicate belief in that person when they share a dream with you, you’re going to build tremendous trust with that person. And you’re going to begin to grow in your influence with that person. That belief, that trust, is the beginning of the loyalty that we talked about.” — Dan Ralphs [0:10:04]

“How do we generate loyalty? We generate loyalty by demonstrating and building a real relationship with those that we lead. We can do that in every interaction.” — Dan Ralphs [0:17:18]

“I’ve always believed I’d rather have somebody alive and energized and motivated and loyal for three years than someone stumbling into work, coming late, avoiding work for five.” — Dan Ralphs [0:18:46]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Ralphs

The Dream Manager

Multipliers

Arbinger Institute

Leadership and Self-Deception

The Industrial Movement on Twitter

Morty hodge 3/11/22 Morty hodge 3/11/22

Episode: 10 - Johnny Smith Jr

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Industrial Movement. Joining us in conversation today is Johnny Smith Jr, plant manager of PackIQ, who believes, above all else, that manufacturing is where it’s at! Tune in to hear why Johnny believes that manufacturing makes a country great and strong, and why he is proud to be a manufacturer. We discuss what manufacturing environments look today in comparison to the past, and what some of the biggest challenges are in the industry. Johnny believes in the power of building a strong team and shares his thoughts on leading not from the back, or the front, but the middle. Listeners will learn the story of the biggest professional challenge Johnny has faced and how it shapes his work today. We talk about what a typical day looks like at his facility, what the packaging design process involves, and much more! We hope you take the time to learn from this inspiring leader today.

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Industrial Movement. Joining us in conversation today is Johnny Smith Jr, plant manager of PackIQ, who believes, above all else, that manufacturing is where it’s at! Tune in to hear why Johnny believes that manufacturing makes a country great and strong, and why he is proud to be a manufacturer. We discuss what manufacturing environments look today in comparison to the past, and what some of the biggest challenges are in the industry. Johnny believes in the power of building a strong team and shares his thoughts on leading not from the back, or the front, but the middle. Listeners will learn the story of the biggest professional challenge Johnny has faced and how it shapes his work today. We talk about what a typical day looks like at his facility, what the packaging
design process involves, and much more! We hope you take the time to learn from this inspiring leader today.

Morty hodge 3/4/22 Morty hodge 3/4/22

Episode 09: Cash Carter

The Vinyl Supply Chain with Cash Carter, Chief Sales Officer at Kindercore Vinyl

Episode 09: Show Notes

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniably devastating effect on live events and performers. This is especially true for touring musicians, who earned the bulk of their income from live music ticket sales. While fans could no longer support musicians by attending these events, there was another way for them to express their dedication to their favorite artists: by collecting vinyl records. The vinyl record industry has seen an unprecedented surge in sales over the past two years and is selling more records than at any other point in history, including the 1950s and 1960s. Today on the show we sit down with Cash Carter, a musician who has been in the industry for years, to talk about how he became a part of the vinyl pressing company Kindercore Vinyl, and what it’s been like seeing the demand for vinyl skyrocket in the past few years. We discuss the history of vinyl pressing, how the world stopped producing new press machines after 1982, why vinyl’s newfound popularity triggered the design of new machines, and how that development has changed the industry. Cash shares fascinating insights about the vinyl production process and expands on how supply chain issues and the smallness of the industry have affected their business. To learn more about this fascinating industry and the worldwide vinyl phenomenon, make sure you tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Get to know today’s guest Cash Carter and the company Kindercore Vinyl.
The small amount of vinyl pressing plants that existed worldwide when they first started.
Why Cash and his partners had to initially source old pressing machines.
The small size of the industry and how that helped Cash network and source new machinery.
Kindercore Vinyl’s service offerings and how they press vinyl records.
The elements required from the customer for producing a vinyl record.
A breakdown of the complicated process of producing a vinyl record.
Why pressing records is a fairly expensive process.
Some of the reasons why vinyl records have seen a resurgence.
How compression changes the quality of digital music and why vinyl has a superior sound quality.
The explosion of vinyl purchases during the pandemic.
Why buying vinyl records is a great way to support the musicians you love.
The size of Cash’s team and their capacity for production and output.
How issues with the global supply chain have affected Kindercore Vinyl.
The precise science of pressing vinyl records and the many elements that can compromise sound quality.
Cash’s hopes for Kindercore Vinyl over the course of the next decade.
Some of the biggest lessons Cash has learned from his time at Kindercore Vinyl.
The one myth that Cash wants to debunk about his industry: that regrinding diminishes the sound quality of a record.

Tweetables:

“Vinyl is in an insane state of flux right now. We’re selling more records than ever in recorded history, including the 50s and 60s. It’s a crazy time to be in vinyl right now.” — Cash Carter [0:06:12]

“Depending on how hot it is outside, or cold it is outside, the humidity outside, the humidity inside, the humidity when the actual PVC was originally granulated, all that can change how a record sounds. Dialing that in can be pretty challenging.” — Cash Carter [0:15:17]

“I would not like to expand beyond eight to 10 presses. At that point, it becomes so unwieldy. We lose control of our quality control. I can’t be as stringent about our quality control as I can be now. That’s important to me that we are putting out a good product.” — Cash Carter [0:22:58]

“It’s vinyl, it’s not ever going to be perfect. That’s the whole point of the medium. But I do want it to sound as good as it possibly can.” — Cash Carter [0:23:14]

“I’m still as excited about talking to musicians today as I was when I started my record store in the early 2000s. People tell me all the time that I’m doing exactly what I should be doing, and I agree with him.” — Cash Carter [0:26:56]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Cash Carter on LinkedIn

Georgia Manufacturing Alliance

Morty hodge 2/25/22 Morty hodge 2/25/22

Episode 08: Jason Moss

The Power of Community with Jason Moss, CEO of Georgia Manufacturing Alliance

Episode 08: Show Notes

Manufacturing may seem like it’s driven by competition, but when you approach it with a spirit of collaboration, your entire sense of opportunity and potential can start to shift spectacularly. This week on the show we welcome Jason Moss, CEO of Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA). We talk with Jason about how he was able to gather a group of competitive manufacturers in Georgia and create a collaborative and supportive community that helped folks weather the storm of COVID, and take on massive projects that they would never have been able to do on their own! GMA was designed to help support and grow Georgia’s manufacturing community, and they have been doing just that since 2008 through a series of plant tours, networking events, and educational sessions. Their success over such a short period has been hugely transformative and has been recognized by governors Brian Kemp and Nathan Deal through multiple awards! We discuss the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on production in Georgia, and how they were able to step up during a particularly stressful period. To learn more about how Jason has built community and the great strides GMA has made towards elevating manufacturing in the US, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s guest Jason Moss and the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA).
Jason’s thoughts on the biggest challenges facing manufacturing in 2022.
How supply chain issues have affected manufacturing in Georgia.
Jason’s book recommendations for anyone working in manufacturing.
The role that mentors have played in Jason’s life and what they have taught him.
What Jason has learned from other members of GMA.
How Jason has seen members benefit from being a part of GMA.
The initial reservations manufacturers had about collaborating with their competitors.
Some of the incredible results from building community in manufacturing.
Hear about the awards that GMA received from the current and former governors.
How productivity and efficiency techniques are being used to help address issues with labor shortages.
Jason’s ambitions for GMA and what ultimate success would look like to him.
Why Jason wants to debunk the myth that getting a manufacturing job is a last resort.
The state of manufacturing in the US and how COVID has shifted expectations.
Jason shares the energy efficiency initiatives he has been most impressed by.
Shortages in labor, how lifestyles have changed, and how manufacturing can adapt.
The most innovative technologies that Jason has seen in the industry.

Tweetables:

“The Georgia Manufacturing Alliance was designed specifically to help support and grow Georgia’s manufacturing community. We do that through plant tours, networking events, and educational sessions.” — @mrjasonmoss [0:02:12]

“Within the first six months, I knew that we were on to something special, I knew that we were on to the magic of community, of people working together collaboratively, instead of competition. That’s magic, man.” — @mrjasonmoss [0:15:16]

“There’s nothing that I appreciate more than somebody’s time. And to have a thousand people invest a day of their life, to come see something that we put together that is adding value, that’s magic for me.” — @mrjasonmoss [0:24:08]

“I don’t see us getting back to the production levels that we were at in 2019 for quite some time. And when we do it will be so much more automated, for us to be able to maintain that.” — @mrjasonmoss [0:38:34]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jason Moss on LinkedIn

Jason’s email

Manufacturing Success In Georgia

Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine

The Dream Manager: Achieve Results Beyond Your Dreams by Helping Your Employees Fulfill Theirs

Michael Adcock on LinkedIn

Morty hodge 2/23/22 Morty hodge 2/23/22

Episode 07: Michael Adcock

In this episode, we are joined by our first sales rep on the show, Michael Adcock from Hill Manufacturing, to talk about the sales side of manufacturing! Hill is an American-made chemical manufacturing company that's been around for 90 years and does everything from soap and sanitizer to specialized lubricants and degreasers. Basically, “If you have a maintenance problem, we deal with it!” Michael oversees more than 153 of their accounts and today he shares what he does on a day-to-day basis at Hill and some of the challenges they face, as well as insights into the future of the company and the industry. Tuning in, you’ll hear some examples of their products and how they are applied at a multitude of public works they provide for, the coolest thing he's ever seen at a manufacturing facility using a Hill product, and the top advice he would give other manufacturing leaders. Michael also shares some sales gold on how he balances his attention between attending to his existing customers and bringing in new business, before diving into the impact of COVID and how it changed his way of operating with clients. Lastly, we talk about safety protocols, KPIs, and the sale that Michael is the proudest of! Tune in now to hear this conversation, jam-packed with learnable information from a respected industry professional.

Hill Manufacturing: The Sales Perspective with Michael Adcock

Episode 7: Show Notes

Key Points From This Episode:

Michael talks about the products Hill provides and his favorite part of the work.
His day-to-day role as a salesman and the friction between production and sales.
Some of the challenges Hill faces and what Michael's sales process looks like.
Hear an example of one of the products and how you could apply it in your process.
Advice Michael would give to other manufacturing leaders.
What tools Michael can't live without in his day-to-day activities.
What capital expenditure Michael would wish for if he had a magic wand.
About his most valuable trainings, as well as certifications versus hands-on experience.
The future of the industry and the biggest challenges it faces as a whole.
Michael's favorite thing he ever saw regarding a customer at a public works.
How he balances cultivating his current accounts with finding new customers.
A little about the Hill facility, the company's KPIs, and the impact of COVID.
The coolest process he's ever seen that used Hill products to recycle aluminum.
Following different safety protocols at different facilities.
Hear about Michael's biggest and proudest sale, and going for the big guns!

Tweetables:

“What's nice about Hill is we guarantee every product we sell. So, if you don't like a product, we'll replace it, we'll put a product in that you like. We simply don't want product sitting around that you're not going to use.” — Michael Adcock [0:02:47]

“The truth is in sales, you're going to fire yourself. Because if you're not going to produce, you're not going to work, you're not going to stay there long enough anyway.” — Michael Adcock [0:21:19]

“I just try to make sure customers are taken care of, and if they’re taken care of, they're going to call you back. I look at overall volume. But at the same time, I'd like to have those big accounts.” — Michael Adcock [0:28:46]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Hill Manufacturing

Call Michael Adcock on (864) 201-8723

Email Michael Adcock

Greater Greenville Sanitation

Hilco Lube

The Industrial Movement on Twitter