Podcast
Manufacturing Happy Hour
Hosted by Chris Luecke · EN
Welcome to Manufacturing Happy Hour, the podcast where we get real about the latest trends and technologies impacting modern manufacturers.
Hosted by industry veteran Chris Luecke, each week, we interview makers, founders, and other manufacturing leaders that are at the top of their game and give you the tools, tactics, and strategies you need to take your career and your business to the next level. We go beyond the buzzwords and dissect real-life applications and success stories so that you can tackle your biggest manufacturing challenges and turn them into profitable opportunities.
Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
220: From Irrigation to Metals to Pharma: Systems Integration in the Heartland featuring Huffman Engineering
Jan 21, 202500:22:09Tap to summarizeThis is a quick,” boots on the ground” episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. It's all about what it's like being a systems integrator in a close-knit state and close-knit manufacturing community, just like the community you'll find in Nebraska.Huffman Engineering is an engineering services firm specializing in control system integration that serves Nebraska and beyond across the Midwest and we have four individuals from there team on the show this week: Jason Weedin, Jim Fricke, Kim Arms Shirk, and Alex Flamme.We discuss some of the main industries across the state and take a deep dive into one that's uniquely Nebraskan. Plus, we hear what characterizes Nebraska's manufacturing community as a whole, and some of the things that make their collective, state-wide manufacturing ecosystem so strong.Recorded live from Dusters Brew Pub in Columbus, NE.Make sure to visit ManufacturingHappyHour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
Transcribe →219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork
Jan 14, 202501:06:49Tap to summarizeThe manufacturing industry is staring down a major challenge: by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million roles could go unfilled. But where challenges arise, so do opportunities. We’re joined by Skillwork’s Brett Elliott, President and CEO, and Tim Raglin, Founding Partner and Chief Operating Offer, to explore how they’re transforming the skills gap into a platform for growth and innovation.At the heart of their approach is a unique model inspired by the travel nursing industry. Skillwork’s model combines education, upskilling, direct hire, and travel staffing to connect skilled tradespeople with companies in need. Brett and Tim share how this innovative approach, along with their unique “four-legged stool” strategy, and their rigorous eight-gate vetting process, ensures the right match every time.Throughout the conversation, we unpack how contracting skilled workers offers flexibility and long-term value, how Skillwork is empowering tradespeople to embrace new opportunities, and why shifting perceptions about manufacturing jobs is key to shaping the industry’s future.Listen to find out:How the travel nurse model inspired Skillwork’s innovative staffing solution for skilled tradesSkillwork’s “four-legged stool” approach to solving the skills gap in manufacturingWhy manufacturing roles need a rebrand to move beyond the “3 Ds” (dark, dangerous, and dirty)How Skillwork processes 1,000 resumes a week using their eight-gate vetting processWhy nationwide recruitment is essential for addressing the growing demand for skilled tradesThe critical role of upskilling and education in bridging workforce gapsThe value of building partnerships with schools and trade programs to develop skills pipelinesExamples of how short-term training programs can quickly close critical skills gapsUnderrated ways manufacturers can address the skills shortage right nowThe freedom and flexibility that Skillwork offers to skilled tradespeople through travel staffing Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“The idea that talent will stay with you for thirty years is not a reality anymore.” Brett Elliott“I believe if you have a skilled trade, you have tons of opportunity out there.” Tim Raglin“Do you have a people problem or do you have a talent problem?” Brett ElliottLinks & mentions:Skillwork, supplemental labor company built to create a new solution to the growing shortage of skilled laborCopa Cabana, upscale cocktail lounge with a selection of cigars and a humidor, plus live music and a year-round patioBoy Scouts of America, one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United StatesMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
Transcribe →218: Why Buying and Selling a Business Is a "War over the Numbers" Featuring Clint Bundy of Bundy Group
Jan 7, 202500:49:52Tap to summarizeM&A may look like a numbers game on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. According to this episode’s guest, selling a business is as much about psychology and emotions as it is about the facts and figures.In this episode, we welcome Clint Bundy, Managing Director at Bundy Group, who shares his experience, advice, and stories on helping people sell their businesses. We kick things off with Clint’s most memorable M&A experiences and why the reality of selling can be an emotional rollercoaster.Clint shares his expertise on how to understand the true value of your business, what buyers are looking for, and how to win the numbers game when coming to a final price agreement. He also talks about what businesses can do to prepare for a sale and why utilizing tech and great systems is the most important step to take. Whether you’re planning your exit soon or far in the future, there are some great take-home points from Clint in this episode. After all, his advice is to plan way ahead of time, so give this episode a listen before you even think about getting that For Sale sign!In this episode, find out:Clint shares his wildest M&A stories from his career, including one poor guy who fainted from the stress of selling his businessHow his background as a financial analyst prepared him for a career in investment banking The one thing Clint wishes he’d done a better job of when starting his career in his 20s Why selling a business is “a war of numbers” with buyers and sellers both wanting the best price (which means different things to each)How companies are using automation and new tech to build better systems and the impact this has on a business’ saleA breakdown of the top steps in selling a business and what goals sellers should strive forWhy a lack of preparation is the number one mistake sellers make Surprising facts about preparing a business for sale that will really appeal to investorsWhy selling a business is mostly about psychology, not just numbers The four signs of a good company that investors look for The current state of M&A in the automation space, including who’s buying and selling What it’s like helping a business sell when the market conditions aren’t idealEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It’s feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“Motivation is the foundation of transactions – a motivated buyer + a motivated seller.”“We want to show the strongest possible financials and the strongest possible story, past, present, and future, to get the seller an above market price.”“We have to remember when a buyer is buying a company, they are buying the future.”Links & mentions:Bundy Group, a boutique advisory firm with an industry-focused senior team and over 200 successful transactionsThe Old Fields, formerly The Old Garage, this Southfields London pub is situated on Southfield High Street just a minutes walk from the Underground station, and close to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis ClubMake sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
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BONUS: 3 Automation and Workforce Trends Impacting Manufacturers in 2025
Dec 31, 202400:30:14Tap to summarizeAs 2025 gets rolling, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with some of the “buzziest” topics in manufacturing right now…artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, the list goes on!With all the hype and a renewed focus on onshoring and supply chain, what should manufacturers be focused on in 2025?While there are more trends than can be fit into a 30-minute podcast episode, today’s episode dives into 3 stats and stories from some of 2024’s best episodes of Manufacturing Happy Hour that explore proven automation technologies that are helping manufacturers succeed today, novel ways companies are attracting and retaining talent, and one of the most down-to-earth applications for artificial intelligence on the factory floor.Plus, you’ll get a preview of what’s coming from Manufacturing Happy Hour – including tours, merch, and more – throughout the new year.
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