These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz

These Skilled Trade Training Tools Change EVERYTHING | Jen Rutz

Manufacturers are facing a problem that can’t be solved with hiring alone. Decades of skilled trades knowledge are retiring out of the workforce, and many companies still rely on training systems that were built for a different generation. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Nate sits down with Jen Rutz, President of DCM Tech, to discuss how manufacturers are rethinking skilled trades learning and development in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation explores how companies can preserve tribal knowledge, accelerate workforce development, and modernize training without losing the craftsmanship that built the industry in the first place. It also covers topics surrounding The use of AI in this process, the changing marketing landscape as AI search becomes more prominent, and the use of robotics and automation on the shop floor. For manufacturers trying to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, this episode offers practical insights into one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges. For manufacturers trying to navigate modern marketing without losing their identity, this episode offers practical insights grounded in real experience. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ [https://mfginsiders.com/] If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.circuithub.com/ [https://www.circuithub.com/] Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ [https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/] https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ [https://www.wecreate.com/contact/]

Unbelievable Fast Turnaround: 8-Hour Order-to-Print | William Gallacher - CircuitHub

The history of technological development can be defined by decreasing the time it takes to do something. Amazon changed customer expectations forever by turning speed into part of the product itself. Two-day shipping became one-day shipping, and eventually same-day delivery. Customers weren’t just buying products anymore, they were buying time. In this episode, we sit down with William Gallacher, CEO of CircuitHub, to discuss how they have taken turnover for custom circuit board production and shipping down from 6 weeks to just 3 days, printing the board within 8 hours of the order. From supply chain optimization and logistics to automation and company culture, William explains why no value offering compares to helping customers move faster. When it comes to technology speed compounds. Faster board creation leads to faster testing, faster iteration, and ultimately faster innovation. This conversation breaks down what it really takes to build a manufacturing operation around that philosophy. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ [https://mfginsiders.com/] Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ [https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/] https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ [https://www.wecreate.com/contact/] If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/ [https://www.porouspaveinc.com/]

Do You Even Understand What You Sell? | Connor Ouwinga - Porous Pave Inc.

Most manufacturers think they’re selling a product. They’re not. They’re selling a result. In this episode of Manufacturing Insiders, Connor Ouwinga of Porous Pave breaks down what it really means to understand your value proposition—and why the companies that win are the ones who can clearly articulate and understand where their product fits into solving customer problems. Because in most cases… it’s not about cost. It’s about whether you’re actually the solution. This conversation goes beyond surface-level marketing and gets into the real work: - Identifying the problems your customers actually care about - Positioning your product as a clear solution - Making smarter investments in automation and AI - Navigating uncertainty—from global conflict to economic shifts - Building a business grounded in purpose, and long-term vision This is a masterclass in turning what you do into a story that actually sticks. Manufacturing Insiders is all about sharing real stories from leaders who are solving the toughest challenges in the industry. Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ [https://mfginsiders.com/] If you find value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations like this! Visit their Website! https://www.porouspaveinc.com/ [https://www.porouspaveinc.com/] Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ [https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/] https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ [https://www.wecreate.com/contact/]

Workforce Motivation has NEVER been lower | Josh Cardoz - Sponge Learning

Josh Cardoz is the Chief Creative and Learning Officer of Sponge, A global enterprise learning company, focused on enabling the workforces of the world. They recently released a whitepaper entitled Mobilizing Generation Numb, which tackles global upheaval, economic instability, the insidious after-effects of the pandemic, and the digital saturation that is creating a workforce generation that is ‘numb.’ This conversation tackles many of these topics including economic instability, ai uncertainty, digital overstimulation and the role each plays in creating a numb workforce. You will not want to miss this incredible conversation! Visit their Website! https://www.spongelearning.com/en/meet-generation-numb [https://www.spongelearning.com/en/meet-generation-numb]. Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ [https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/] https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ [https://www.wecreate.com/contact/] Welcome back Maria Emilia Ballesteros, Defense Architect at praesiDM, who joins us as a co-host on today's episode! Want to be a guest? Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ [https://mfginsiders.com/]

The 10 Year Plan that Built this Machine Shop

Chris Basgall is the CEO of Catamount Machine Works, whose 10 year plan, covered in this video, has secured their AS9100 Certification, their ITAR Registration, their JCP Certification, and are CMMC 2.0 Compliant. This conversation covers this 10 year plan, incorporating automation, the value of certifications, the role of leadership in implementing the plan, and how they create the incentives necessary to maintain compliance. This is an amazing conversation anyone can learn from! Visit their Website! https://catmw.com/ [https://catmw.com/] Nate Wheeler is the owner of weCreate, a nationally recognized marketing agency that helps manufacturers grow, save money, and become more efficient. Reach out to us below. https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/ [https://www.wecreate.com/services/marketing-consulting/] https://www.wecreate.com/contact/ [https://www.wecreate.com/contact/] Want to be a guest? Join the Manufacturing Insiders Network and fill out an application on our website! https://mfginsiders.com/ [https://mfginsiders.com/]