Modern Industrialist Xchange

30. Bend without breaking: Building resilience in modern manufacturing.

What does it actually take to keep a small or mid-size manufacturer competitive right now? Jason Hehman sits down with David Boulay, President of IMEC, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, to find out. David and his team work with thousands of Illinois manufacturers every year. His read on the industry is grounded, honest, and a little different from what you usually hear. In this conversation, they get into why the process has to come before technology, what the workforce challenge actually looks like beyond the "skills gap" talking point, and why David is genuinely optimistic about the next 10 years of domestic manufacturing. If you are running a plant, managing operations, or making decisions about where to invest right now, this one is worth your time. Resources: * Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhehman/] * Connect with David Boulay on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-boulay-94a2b01/] * Learn more about TXI at https://txidigital.com/ [https://txidigital.com/]

29. Beyond the rails: how freight transportation has been quietly leading the AI revolution

In this episode Jason Hehman, Industry 4.0 Vertical Lead at TXI, sits down with Jim Pang, a senior technology executive and product innovator with decades of experience in freight transportation. Together, they uncover the surprising truth about rail's quiet leadership in AI and machine learning applications—innovations that have been transforming the industry for over two decades.  From acoustic monitoring systems detecting anomalies across millions of wheels in real-time to computer vision applications in massive rail depots, the rail industry has been pioneering AI solutions long before they became mainstream. The conversation explores how rail's unique challenges—multiple handoff points, legacy systems, and complex stakeholder ecosystems—actually create profound opportunities for innovation.  Jim shares his own evolution from operations skeptic to technology bridge-builder, offering insights on scaling AI from proof of concept to production, the critical role of product teams in bridging business and technology, and how cooperative competition models from the software industry could revolutionize rail logistics. This episode reveals how logistics digitization and data standardization are essential enablers for America's manufacturing renaissance. Resources: * Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhehman/] * Connect with Jim Pang on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-pang/]

28. The Future of Manufacturing Workforce Development with AR / VR

Immersive technology is revolutionizing workforce training, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are leading the way. From reducing downtime in manufacturing to enhancing hands-on learning without real-world risks, AR/VR is shaping the future of industrial operations. In this live episode of the Modern Industrialist Podcast, Jason Hehman is joined by Ed LaFoy, Lead Engineer specializing in spatial computing and XR, and Patrick DeMichael, TXI’s Strategy Practice Lead. The conversation dives into real-world case studies, including how DHL increased efficiency with AR-enabled logistics and how HABCO Industries leveraged AR to streamline a time-consuming aerospace manufacturing process. The team also examines the role of Apple Vision Pro in industrial settings and what it will take for AR/VR hardware to reach mainstream adoption. Whether you're curious about the potential of AR/VR or actively considering it for workforce training, this episode unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and strategies that will define its role in Industry 4.0. Resources: * Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhehman/] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

27. From simulation to optimization: the real-world impact of digital twin solutions

What if you could optimize your manufacturing processes in real time, anticipate failures before they happen, and optimize processes with just a few key data points? That’s the power of digital twin solutions—an evolving technology that’s reshaping industries from smart manufacturing to logistics. Host Jason Hehman, Industry 4.0 Vertical Lead at TXI, is joined by Andrew Horner and Alan Gardner, principal engineers at TXI, for a deep dive into what digital twins iiot solutions really are and how companies can start using them today. We break down the common misconceptions surrounding digital twins, moving beyond simple simulations to explore how they function as assistive tools for data-driven decision-making. Along the way, we uncover unexpected insights digital twins can generate, from reducing downtime on offshore oil rigs to solving taxi shortages through data-driven visibility. We also discuss the future of AR and AI-powered digital twins, the role of shared data ecosystems, and why starting small with simple data collection can unlock massive value. Whether you’re an industrial leader looking to implement digital transformation or just curious about the technology driving Industry 4.0, this conversation offers a practical, engaging look at how digital twins are transforming the way we see, predict, and optimize our world. Resources: * Connect with Jason Hehman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhehman/] * Connect with Andrew Horner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-horner-97469920] * Connect with Alan Gardner on LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/alancgardner] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

26. Balancing compliance, AI, and customer care with Mindr COO Melissa Robbins

What does it take to lead a company at the forefront of innovation in highly regulated industries? Melissa Robbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mindr, joins the Modern Industrialist Podcast to share her approach to balancing cutting-edge technology with a people-first mindset. Mindr, a leader in substance detection and monitoring solutions, is reshaping public safety with products like Intoxalock and Keeper while maintaining a deep commitment to customer care. Melissa reveals how her values-based leadership philosophy, developed at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, drives Mindr's success. From automating compliance processes to building trust with regulators and customers alike, Melissa's strategies offer actionable insights for leaders navigating complex industries. The conversation also uncovers how Mindr leverages AI and data to enhance both employee efficiency and customer experience, all while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and public safety. We hope you find Melissa's journey and insights as inspiring and thought-provoking as we did. Resources: * Learn more at mindrglobal.com [https://www.mindrglobal.com/] * Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-robbins-b526a44] * Read Churchill on Leadership: Executive Success in the Face of Adversity [https://www.amazon.com/Churchill-Leadership-Executive-Success-Adversity/dp/0761508554] by Steven F. Hayward * Harry Kramer: harrykraemer.org [https://harrykraemer.org/] * Mel Robbins: melrobbins.com [https://www.melrobbins.com/] * Read: How Netflix Reinvented HR [https://hbr.org/2014/01/how-netflix-reinvented-hr] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]