Jim sits down with tax strategist Nik Agharkar, for a conversation that starts with tax day anxiety and spirals into culture, capitalism, immigration, vo-tech, wealth inequality, and what it really means to build a healthy organization. Nik shares why he believes the tax code is an incentive system instead of a punishment, how leadership shapes culture, why Gen Z is choosing trades over college, and how America can rebuild its middle class by fixing the incentives we’ve quietly broken over the last 40 years. This episode is raw, political, personal, and surprisingly hopeful.

Why this conversation matters

Ian Wilson is a creative turned industrial brand strategist who believes real culture is the level of authenticity people can bring to work. In this episode, he and Jim talk about why manufacturing feels more grounded than other industries, why specs and machines are only half the story, and how authenticity—not polish—is what builds trust online and on the shop floor.

What You’ll Hear

How Ian went from writing music to building brands in manufacturing

Why he believes “you can’t hype up a spring” and what that says about h...

Julie Runez leads marketing for a custom automation firm that designs and builds one-off manufacturing machinery. She came back to work after years at home with her kids, brought a journalist’s curiosity, and learned industrial marketing from the ground up during the early months of 2020. Without case studies she could publicly share and with very long, high-stakes sales cycles, Julie shifted the strategy away from chasing clicks to creating in-person proof. The result is a zero-cost lab inside their facility where vendors and manufacturers test ideas together, train teams, and de-risk projects before anyone signs. We talk culture, ki...

Sydney Mrowczynski didn’t plan to end up under a welding hood. As a teenager she dreamed of fashion design — until a boyfriend told her she couldn’t weld. Challenge accepted. A few years later, she’s worked across multiple shops, learned how things really get built, and is now studying industrial management and applied engineering at Southern Illinois University to bridge the gap between the floor and the front office.

This episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast is a crash course in what real culture looks like from someone living it. Sydney’s take is simple: great cult...

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim sits down with Chris Humphrey, Business Development Manager at AirPro Fan & Blower Company, to explore how purpose, people, and love of neighbor shape lasting manufacturing cultures. From growing up in a motorcycle dealership to hiking the Appalachian Trail during a “quarter-life crisis,” Chris shares how his journey through machining, engineering, and leadership led him to rediscover the true purpose behind manufacturing — building communities, providing meaningful work, and caring for people along the way.

Together, they unpack what culture means beyond the walls of a company, how leadership grounded in emp...

Katie Friday is a sales engineer who took the scenic route into manufacturing. She started in social work, battled through an engineering pivot at WVU, worked her way from project engineering to sales, and now lives at the intersection of customers, controls, and culture. We talk about resilient learning, why great SOPs read like fifth grade science, the reality of safety projects, and how leadership sets the tone for teams. There is a rom-com opening scene, a baby blue Beetle, and a giant robot in Wilmington. Most of all, there is a clear picture of how supportive culture turns...

Culture is the lens through which everything happens.

Kate Glantz joins the show to talk about building a culture-first movement that puts real tradeswomen at the center of the story.

We get into why representation changes decisions, how a print magazine in schools can beat the algorithm, and why AI might shrink some white-collar roles while exploding demand for blue-collar work.

Kate shares the why behind Move Over Bob, the plan to go beyond construction into semiconductors, data centers, mining, and civil infrastructure, and a practical path...

Rosemary Coates has spent three decades inside the hardest questions in manufacturing… where to build, what to move, and how to survive the politics around it. On this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, she walks through the real story behind offshoring, why reshoring is more trickle than tidal wave, and how companies can make smarter location calls without blowing up cost or capacity.

We go back to her origin story… blue collar roots, a transportation management elective that lit the fuse, and a career that ran through Solar Turbines, defense work, Hewlett Packard, Big Four consulting, and...

A candid conversation with high school engineer and FIRST Robotics alum Natalie Macias about curiosity, consistency, and carving out room for young makers inside a sometimes closed-off industry. We talk early exposure to CAD and flight sims, why manufacturing is the first mile of everything, the lemon tree lesson on failure, and how leaders can be firm yet flexible. Natalie wants more hands-on opportunities before college and a more welcoming on-ramp for students who are ready to show up.

Guest:

Natalie Macias, student engineer from Los Angeles, senior capstone lead, robotics team veteran, and Future...

Jim sits down with Amy Julian to dig into culture as lived behavior, not wallpaper. From early days in AB InBev’s purchasing team through years of complex change, Amy unpacks why command-and-control stalls digital projects, how cross-industry thinking opens doors, and where AI is already moving the needle for mid-market procurement and supply chains. Expect straight talk on failed implementations, governance that actually clears roadblocks, and translating values into daily decisions on the floor.

What you’ll hear

Why culture is a set of guiding principles you can act on, lessons from the AB InBe...

Jim sits down with serial founder and anti CRM evangelist Adam Honig. They dig into what culture really is, why most digital transformation falls flat, and how AI can strip out the crap work without gutting good jobs. Adam walks through building and selling three companies, including the painful first exit that taught him more than any win. Expect honesty, laughs, and sharp takes on manufacturing sales, change management, and shiny tool syndrome.

What you’ll hear

Adam’s path from philosophy major to three-time founder, culture as what happens when you’re not in the ro...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Joni Cunningham shares her unique journey from growing up in Alaska to becoming a pivotal figure in the manufacturing industry. She discusses the importance of workplace culture, effective leadership, and the challenges of communication. Joni emphasizes the need for authenticity and connection in both personal and professional realms, while also highlighting the role of women in manufacturing and the significance of engaging youth in the industry. The conversation is filled with insights on innovation, personal growth, and the future of manufacturing.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Renan Devilliers, co-founder of OSS Ventures. Renan shares his unique journey from a military upbringing to becoming a leader in the manufacturing technology industry. He discusses the importance of organizational culture, his experiences at McKinsey, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him. Renan emphasizes the need for innovation in manufacturing, the mission-driven approach of OSS Ventures, and the core values that guide their work. He also explores the future of manufacturing, the impact of technology, and the opportunities available within the industry.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer engages with Ellen Feldman-Ornato and Jenny Drescher to explore the intricacies of organizational culture, personal journeys, and the importance of behavioral change in the workplace. They discuss the significance of defining culture, the challenges of implementing change, and the impact of generational dynamics on workplace behavior. The conversation also highlights the birth of the Boulder Company, their podcast initiative, and the importance of humor and lightness in navigating workplace challenges.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Darryl Gratrix, who shares his insights on manufacturing culture, leadership, and the importance of attracting the next generation to skilled trades. Darryl discusses his career path in tool and die, the transition to leadership, and the cultural turnaround he has experienced in his workplace. He emphasizes the need for collaboration in the industry and the importance of promoting skilled trades to younger generations. The conversation also touches on the future of the industry and the initiatives being taken to enhance training and apprenticeship programs.

Takeaways

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Marcus Sheanshang, CEO of JBM Packaging, as he shares his journey from working on the shop floor at age 11 to leading a company that embraces second chances. Discover how Marcus transformed a labor strategy into a purpose-driven mission, providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and reshaping company culture.

Key Highlights:

Marcus's early experiences in the family business and his path to leadership. The development and impact of the Fair Chance program at JBM. Insights into building a culture of collaboration and learning. The importance...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Craig Coyle, a former Apache pilot and now a leadership consultant. They discuss the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the need for effective leadership in manufacturing. Craig shares his insights on how to create a positive work environment that inspires employees and the significance of community in both military and civilian settings. He emphasizes the importance of treating leadership as a profession and the need for continuous development and support among leaders.

Takeaways

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Lori Highby, a digital marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Keystone Click, to explore the stories manufacturers aren’t telling.They unpack what culture really means inside an organization, why storytelling is manufacturers’ biggest missed opportunity, and how AI is changing, not replacing, the creative process. Lori shares her journey from a night school marketing student to agency owner, her values around lifelong learning, and what it means to lead with clarity.From founding a business during a recession to building a team around education, trust, and...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Tyler Marshall shares his journey from the seafood industry to consulting in manufacturing. He discusses the importance of culture in organizations, the challenges faced in food manufacturing, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the industry. Tyler emphasizes the need for alignment between employees and organizational goals, the impact of automation, and the future of manufacturing as it adapts to new technologies and workforce dynamics.

Takeaways

What does it take to rewrite your story—and help others do the same?

In this unforgettable episode, Jim Mayer sits down with HR Huntsman: speaker, strategist, and founder of Leader’s Edge. From a turbulent childhood in the New Mexico desert to building global humanitarian projects and mentoring the next generation of leaders, HR’s journey is a masterclass in intentional transformation.

You’ll hear how a single conversation reshaped his definition of success, why mindset matters more than circumstances, and how real leadership means empowering others—not commanding them. Along the way, HR delivers r...

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer talks with leadership coach Nicki Straza about what it takes to create workplaces where people feel safe, trusted, and able to contribute. Nicki draws from more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, trades, nonprofits, and mental health.

The conversation covers how culture is shaped by the small choices leaders make every day, the importance of seeing employees as individuals, and how resilience grows when people feel supported. Nicki shares lessons from her own career about staying in organizations as culture shifted, and what she learned about...

In this conversation, Jim Mayer and Jeremiah Llewellyn explore the intersection of manufacturing culture, technology, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of embracing imperfection in progress, defining work culture, and the challenges Jeremiah faced growing up deaf. Jeremiah shares his journey into technology, education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career path. The discussion also touches on the significance of creativity in technology, the future of manufacturing, and the importance of internship programs in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer interviews Nelson Bruton, who shares insights on the importance of removing friction in the B2B buying process through conversational marketing. They discuss the significance of workplace culture, personal influences, and the evolution of digital marketing. Nelson reflects on his journey, the lessons learned about success and leadership, and the impact of generating substantial revenue for clients. In this conversation, Jim Mayer and Nelson Bruton discuss the importance of building relationships in business, the power of perseverance and self-investment, and the unique aspects of the manufacturing community. They explore the role of AI in live chat solutions and how human interaction remains crucial in the industrial ...

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Josh McKain, founder of Henry Rose Consulting, to explore the power of collaboration, leadership, and culture in modern manufacturing.

From his unexpected journey from public accounting into the manufacturing world, to building a business focused on organizational alignment, Josh shares the real-world lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy. They dive into the human side of operations — from tackling turnover and hiring proactively, to creating environments where employees stay, grow, and thrive.

Josh also opens up about the risks of entrepreneurship, the role of mentorship, and his newest venture: writing a children’s book. This conversation is pack...

Show Description:

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Gina Tabasso, a powerhouse in industrial marketing whose career spans trade publications, Lean Six Sigma certifications, welding credentials, and a deep respect for the people who make manufacturing work.

Gina shares how she learned to speak the many “languages” of the industry—sales, marketing, operations, and shop floor realities—and why that fluency matters more than ever. From her time managing publications like Welding Design & Fabrication to launching her own firm, Barracuda B2B, Gina unpacks what makes great marketing in manufacturing—and why so much of what’s out there misses the mark.

They talk cul...

What if the problem with manufacturing isn’t the work—but the silence?

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Stephanie Pryor—entrepreneur, writer, and founder of LANC Marketing—to explore why the most prolific industry in the U.S. is still struggling to be seen. From her upbringing in the Lehigh Valley, shaped by the legacy of Bethlehem Steel, to helping manufacturers land features in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times, Stephanie has made a career out of telling the stories that rarely get told.

They unpack why manu...

Recorded live on-site at FABTECH 2024, this special episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast features Matthew and Lindsay Nix, the dynamic duo behind the transformation of Nix Companies, a fifth-generation family business that has grown into a culture-first manufacturing powerhouse. Host Jim Mayer dives into their remarkable journey—from $5 Saturdays in the shop to 100X revenue growth—unpacking the intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and community-driven mission that fuel their success.

They share candid insights on building a scalable company culture, launching a franchise model to empower other owner-operators, and balancing legacy with innovation. If you care about what it f...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Ron Crabtree, a seasoned expert in manufacturing and organizational culture. They discuss the critical role of culture in manufacturing, the evolution of perspectives on leadership and change, and the importance of addressing the human side of operational transformations. Ron shares his journey through various industries, emphasizing the need for leaders to be self-aware and vulnerable in order to foster a positive culture. The conversation also touches on the challenges of digital transformation, the wisdom gap in the workforce, and the future of manufacturing as a key...

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Clare Epstein, General Manager, Commercial at Vector Solutions, for a raw and grounded conversation on what it really takes to lead in manufacturing today.

Clare shares how her path—from urban planning to safety tech leadership—was anything but linear. She opens up about the hard lessons that shaped her leadership style, why empathy isn’t optional, and how treating safety like a checklist is costing companies more than they realize.

This is a story about learning to lead w...

Episode Summary

When Stephanie Chrystal walked into her first machine shop, she had no idea she’d one day be named ANCA’s Female Machinist of the Year. But according to her, the real story isn’t about the award—it’s about the team behind it.

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Stephanie, a geometric grinding specialist at Sandvik Coromant, whose leadership helped grow a small, post-COVID crew into a record-breaking, high-performing team. Together, they dig into how she landed in machining almost by accident, why she believ...

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim Mayer sits down with Bill Ross—a private equity investor who’s chosen a different path. After two decades in traditional deal-making, Bill stepped away from the short-term mindset that defines much of his industry to take a more personal, hands-on approach to building businesses.

Bill opens up about his journey from rural New York to the world of private equity, and why he believes real value in manufacturing comes from understanding people—not just profit. He shares the story behind his investment in AutoTool, a robotics integrator in Col...

Summary

In the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer speaks with Janelle McGrath, CEO of MarketVeep, about the importance of happiness in business and workplace culture. Janelle shares her journey as an entrepreneur, her unique approach to fostering a positive work environment, and her innovative practices at MarketVeep, including a dedicated wellness day for employees. The conversation also touches on the future of manufacturing, leadership, and the evolving role of technology in the workplace. In this conversation, Jennelle shares her insights on happiness, the importance of community, and the journey of personal and professional growth. She...

What happens when we stop accepting “the way things have always been done” and start questioning the sacred truths of manufacturing? In this episode, host Jim Mayer sits down with Joe Hungerman, a continuous improvement leader who has built his career on curiosity, reinvention, and challenging conventional wisdom.

Joe’s path from supply chain management to technology was anything but traditional. Along the way, he explored psychology, education, and leadership—building a unique perspective on why company culture is the real driver of improvement and how technology can empower people rather than replace them.

In this con...

Most people think inheriting a family business is a golden ticket. Karla Trotman knows better.

Her journey to leading Electro Soft, Inc. wasn’t about following in her father’s footsteps—it was about earning her place in an industry that wasn’t built for everyone.

From building her own e-commerce company from scratch to taking over the family business and fighting to close the wealth gap in manufacturing, Karla’s story is about legacy, leadership, and breaking barriers.

In this episode, Jim Mayer sits down with Karla for an unfiltered conversation about:

In the Manufacturing Culture Podcast episode, host Jim Mayer interviews Bob Wilson, a seasoned manufacturing expert with a rich background in lean principles and operational improvements. Bob shares his journey from the shop floor at Toyota to leadership roles at Ford and AMD, emphasizing the importance of culture in manufacturing. He discusses the challenges and successes he faced, the significance of learning from consultants, and the future of lean manufacturing in the age of automation. Bob's insights on engaging employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement provide valuable lessons for leaders in the industry.

Takeaways

Culture. Chaos. Continuous Improvement.

Manufacturing leaders love to talk about Lean, AI, and operational excellence, but few truly understand how to bring those ideas to life. Kevin Claxon does.

In this episode, Toyota-trained Lean expert Kevin Claxon shares how he went from the factory floor to leading high-stakes operational transformations—including a million-dollar mistake that became his greatest leadership lesson.

We dig into:

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer sits down with Garret Tornquist, Senior Product Manager at Epicor, to explore the power of a team-first culture in manufacturing. Garret’s career has taken him through multiple industries, including medical devices, education technology, and manufacturing, and through it all, one thing has remained constant: success is built on culture, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace failure.

Garret shares how his experiences in team sports shaped his leadership philosophy, why he believes culture is an organization’s greatest competitive advantage, and how failure is not just inev...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Rachel Marshall, co-owner of Excel Machine Manufacturing, a family-run CNC shop. Rachel shares her journey from a background in sales to embracing the challenges of running a machine shop alongside her husband, Luke. They discuss the importance of work culture, communication, and balancing family life with business responsibilities. Rachel emphasizes the value of community in manufacturing, the lessons learned in their journey, and the aspirations for the future of their business. The conversation also touches on personal passions, including fitness and Rachel's love for mac and...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer interviews Arthur Field, Director for Strategic Partnerships at MTD CNC. Arthur shares his extensive journey through the manufacturing industry, discussing the importance of culture, innovation, and collaboration. He reflects on his early experiences in assembly and machining, the challenges he faced, and the leadership roles he took on. Arthur emphasizes the significance of building partnerships and the future trends in manufacturing technology, including AI and data monitoring. The conversation highlights the need for a supportive culture in manufacturing and Arthur's commitment to helping others succeed in their careers.<...

In this episode of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, host Jim Mayer speaks with Sean Walters, General Manager at CapTron North America. Sean shares his insights on the importance of culture in manufacturing, his journey into the industry, and the role of mentorship in business development. He emphasizes the need for a customer-centric focus in leadership and discusses the challenges and strategies for building resilient supply chains. The conversation also touches on fostering mentorship within teams, balancing personal and professional life, and the innovations CapTron is bringing to the market. Sean highlights the significance of the Four Disciplines of Execution...