NEW Manufacturing Insights

Ep. 124: Brett Chittum talks hacks and cyberattacks

The episode features a discussion on cybersecurity threats in manufacturing with guest Brett Chittum of Sprinter Business Solutions. Brett shares with co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns some real-world examples of cyberattacks, such as a logistics company compromised through email and Stryker's infamous incident that wiped out 200,000 devices. He emphasizes the importance of identity as the new perimeter, network segmentation, email defense, patch management, backups, and incident response planning, as well as highlights the critical role of human error in cybersecurity breaches and the need for operational thinking in IT budgeting.  Learn more about Sprinter Business at https://sprinterit.com/. Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about how Stoke RGA is helping Midwest manufacturers drive measurable growth at stokerga.com.

Ep. 123: Manufacturing First keynote Phil Gwoke

Registration opened this week for Insight's 16th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference [https://www.insightonbusiness.com/manufacturingfirst/], for which BridgeWorks CEO Phil Gwoke, a Wisconsin native, has been announced as keynote speaker. On this week's episode, Kate and Ann chat virtually with Phil about his planned visit to Green Bay Oct. 28 and about his extensive experience studying generational difference, which will be the topic of his keynote address at Resch Expo. Among the topics tackled on this week's episode and keynote preview are information about Phil's background with generational research, what has most surprised him about how generations view one another, how to bridge the knowledge gap, and what employers get wrong when trying to manage "across generations." Listen to the end to hear what Phil considers his best leadership insight. Register for Manufacturing First at the early-bird rate by going online to manufacturingfirst.com. Learn more about Phil Gwoke and his work with BridgeWorks at generations.com. Thank you to this week's podcast sponsor, Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.

Ep. 122: Looking forward with WMEP CEO Chris Baichoo

Following a year of federal funding uncertainty, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) led by executive director and CEO Chris Baichoo is ready to move forward. On this week's episode, Chris joins Kate and Ann in the studio to talk more about the past, present and future of WMEP. He says the yearlong period of uncertainty was difficult, but also clarifying in that it helped WMEP right-size its programs, focus on its mission and appreciate its partnerships. One area where WMEP has identified a fairly obvious gap for Wisconsin's small and medium-sized manufacturers is artificial intelligence. Next week on May 13, WMEP will launch its new AI Navigator program, which is a partnership with MKE Tech Hub. (Learn more at wmep.org/ai-in-manufacturing/.) Chris also shares what he learned over the course of a challenging year, what changes have been implemented at WMEP -- including its new coordinating entity, UW-Stout, and of course his best leadership insight. Connect with WMEP online at wmep.org. Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more at stokerga.com.

Ep. 121: Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit is June 1-2

Oliver Schmitz, associate dean for corporate engagement and entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, joins Kate and Ann on this episode to preview a new event: the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit he's helping organize for June 1-2 at Lambeau Field. The first day of the event will feature an innovation showcase, and the second day will be filled with programming -- all of it, Schmitz says, is designed to help inspire collaboration within the state and help bridge the gap between industry and academia.  Learn more about the summit online at widrivesmanufacturing.com.  Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the podcast throughout the year. Learn more at stokerga.com.

Ep. 120: Demystifying SBA programs for small manufacturers

Keith Schlegel of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Manufacturing and Trade and Tammie Clendenning, a Wisconsin-based USSBA economic development specialist, join Kate and Ann on this week's episode to help small manufacturers understand the federal resources that may be available to them as they navigate lending, supply chain and exporting challenges.  Listen as Keith and Tammie give a brief overview of programs like the Working Capital Pilot Program, the MARC (manufacturers access to revolving credit) Loan Program, the Express program and more. They also highlight special incentives for manufacturers and military-connected families and partnerships with programs like Exim Bank, SCORE mentoring, and Small Business Development Centers, which in Wisconsin are connected to the UW System. "At the end of the day, there are a lot of free, available resources out there for small businesses," Keith tells the co-hosts. "Part of navigating those resources is just knowing who to reach out to." Learn more about the U.S. SBA at sba.gov/district/wisconsin and sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-manufacturing-trade. Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring NEW Manufacturing Insights each week! Learn more at stokerga.com.