EP 39: Kevin Dean: Shaping the Future: Technology, Talent, and Transformation

EP 43: Joshua Tarbutton: Engineering The Future: Designing The Impossible

On this episode of MFGMONKEY, Dustin McMillan sits down with Joshua Tarbutton, founder of Bravo Team, for a wide-ranging conversation on engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Josh shares what it takes to design machines that don’t yet exist, the role of AI in boosting efficiency, and how his background in the military and academia shaped his approach to problem-solving. They also get into the emotional side of business ownership—talking burnout, resilience, and finding happiness along the way. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mindset and mechanics behind modern manufacturing. Website https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450 [https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450] Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704] Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN [https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN] Joshua's Websites & Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-tarbutton/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-tarbutton/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravo-team-llc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravo-team-llc/] https://www.bravoteam.tech [https://www.bravoteam.tech/] Head over to our website at mfgmonkey.com [http://mfgmonkey.com/] for the full transcript of today’s episode. It’s packed with links, resources, and more insights from our guests to help you dive deeper into the topics we covered. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, please let us know! info@mfgmonkey.com https://mcmillancomfg.com/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/]  https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/] Contact us at: info@mfgmonkey.com [info@mfgmonkey.com]  Subscribe today & help fabricate the future!  Chapters 00:00 Designing the Impossible: Engineering Innovations 02:59 Josh Tarbutton's Journey: From Student to Engineer 05:57 Overcoming Adversity: The Power of Resilience 08:57 The Role of Mentorship in Engineering 12:00 The Evolution of Manufacturing: Past, Present, and Future 15:01 The Impact of AI on Engineering and Manufacturing 26:23 Leveraging AI for Efficiency 27:44 Innovations in Material Science 28:46 AI in Design and Engineering 29:30 Email Management Solutions 31:34 Navigating Spam and Email Overload 33:24 The Challenges of Lead Generation 34:20 Outsourcing and Virtual Assistance 36:14 The Quest for Inbox Zero 38:23 Entrepreneurial Struggles and Resilience 40:37 Mindset and Happiness in Business

EP 42: Scott Hoselton: Lessons Learned from Growth Challenges in Business

On this episode Dustin sits down with Scott Hoselton, President of ACS, for a wide-ranging conversation covering the realities of running a U.S.-based company in today’s global manufacturing landscape. From navigating tariffs and supply chain disruptions to embracing systems integration in aerospace and automotive, this episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing modern manufacturers. Scott shares insights on building trust with suppliers, leveraging AI for smarter operations, and why transparency, adaptability, and empowering your team are more critical than ever. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on leadership, innovation, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Listen and subscribe:  Website https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450 [https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450] Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704] Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN [https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN] Scotts Websites & Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hoselton-a9a0266/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hoselton-a9a0266/] https://www.acscm.com [https://www.acscm.com/] Head over to our website at mfgmonkey.com [http://mfgmonkey.com/] for the full transcript of today’s episode. It’s packed with links, resources, and more insights from our guests to help you dive deeper into the topics we covered. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, please let us know! info@mfgmonkey.com https://mcmillancomfg.com/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/]  https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/] Contact us at: info@mfgmonkey.com [info@mfgmonkey.com]  Subscribe today & help fabricate the future!  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Events 02:59 Business Outlook and Market Trends 06:05 Company Strategies and Future Directions 12:06 Growth Challenges and Lessons Learned 18:00 Supply Chain Issues and Industry Dynamics 31:10 Navigating Tariffs and Global Competition 34:10 Sustainable Growth and Scalability 37:17 The Importance of Mutually Beneficial Relationships 39:31 The Buyer-Supplier Dynamic 42:20 Building Trust in Business 46:25 The Rise of AI in Business 54:00 The Human Touch in AI Integration 58:20 Systems Integration in Aerospace and Automotive 59:31 Understanding Systems Integration and Customer Needs 01:01:15 Challenges in Machinery Installation and Automation 01:03:34 The Importance of Design and Documentation 01:05:00 Data Collection and Process Optimization 01:07:15 Safety in Manufacturing and Systems Integration 01:11:39 Empowering Employees and Fostering Innovation 01:19:11 Hiring for Culture and Team Dynamics

EP 41: Adam Honig: Spiro.ai the AI-Powered CRM Revolutionizing Manufacturing

Traditional CRM systems are meant to help sales teams, but too often, they become a burden—requiring endless data entry and manual follow-ups. In this episode of MFGMonkey, Dustin McMillan sits down with Adam Honig to discuss why so many CRMs fail to meet the needs of manufacturing sales teams and how AI is changing the game. Adam introduces *Spiro*, an AI-driven solution designed to automate tedious tasks, streamline follow-ups, and make sales teams more efficient. They explore real-world case studies showing how AI-powered CRM can save time, improve customer interactions, and drive business growth. From leveraging data for better decision-making to navigating compliance challenges in manufacturing, this conversation dives deep into the future of sales technology. If you're looking to simplify your sales process and boost productivity, this episode is a must-listen! Listen and subscribe:  Website https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/ [https://mcmillancomfg.com/podcast/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450 [https://www.youtube.com/@mcmillancollc2450] Apple  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mfgmonkeys-podcast/id1497073704] Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN [https://open.spotify.com/show/53lF7yvhp2LJrltwkkVnYN] Adams Websites & Social Media: https://spiro.ai [https://spiro.ai/] in/AdamHonig  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhonig/] Podcast Make It. Move It. Sell It [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-move-it-sell-it/id1629961845] Head over to our website at mfgmonkey.com [http://mfgmonkey.com/] for the full transcript of today’s episode. It’s packed with links, resources, and more insights from our guests to help you dive deeper into the topics we covered. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, please let us know! info@mfgmonkey.com https://mcmillancomfg.com/ https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/ Contact us at: info@mfgmonkey.com  Subscribe today & help fabricate the future!  Chapters 00:00 Weather Talk and Personal Updates 02:55 The Anti-CRM Perspective 06:08 Challenges of Traditional CRM Systems 09:01 Automating Follow-Up and Customer Interaction 11:55 The Role of AI in Sales 15:02 Case Studies and Time Savings in Manufacturing 19:15 Leveraging Technology for Customer Insights 21:54 The Importance of CRM Systems in Sales 25:40 Maximizing Existing Customer Relationships 29:59 The Role of AI in Sales Efficiency 35:05 Navigating Compliance in Technology 38:07 Adapting to Market Needs and Customer Focus

EP 40: Katie Smith: Beyond the Sales Pitch: A Fresh Take on Authentic Marketing

How do you stand out in the competitive world of B2B manufacturing? In this episode of MFGMonkey, Dustin McMillan sits down with Katie Smith from Wild Path Consulting to explore the evolving landscape of marketing and sales. From her unique journey as an outdoor guide in Montana to becoming a marketing strategist, Katie shares insights on crafting effective marketing strategies, understanding customer needs, and building trust through authentic content. They dive into real-world examples—like how Great Northern Metal achieved significant growth through tailored marketing efforts—and discuss the role of AI, the changing sales process, and why consistency and transparency are key to long-term success. If you're looking to refine your marketing approach and create lasting customer relationships, this episode is a must-listen! Katie’s Websites & Social Media: https://followthewildpath.com [https://followthewildpath.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesmithwildpath/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesmithwildpath/] Head over to our website at mfgmonkey.com [http://mfgmonkey.com/] for the full transcript of today’s episode. It’s packed with links, resources, and more insights from our guests to help you dive deeper into the topics we covered. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, please let us know! info@mfgmonkey.com https://mcmillancomfg.com/ https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/ Contact us at: info@mfgmonkey.com  Subscribe today & help fabricate the future!  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:51 Transition to Marketing Consulting 05:52 Case Study: Great Northern Metal 09:05 Marketing Strategies for B2B Manufacturing 11:53 The Importance of Customer Journey 14:57 Differentiation in Manufacturing Marketing 17:56 Building Relationships and Trust 23:22 The Evolution of Trust in Transactions 24:56 Navigating the New Sales Process 27:47 Understanding Engineer Research Behavior 29:35 The Role of AI in Marketing 32:56 The Shift Towards Authentic Marketing 36:19 Building Trust Through Transparency 40:36 The Importance of Consistency in Marketing

EP 39: Kevin Dean: Shaping the Future: Technology, Talent, and Transformation

Join Dustin McMillan and Kevin Dean on an exciting journey into the future of business and technology in 2025. This engaging conversation explores the transformative power of AI in automating processes, integrating tools like HubSpot and ERP systems, and addressing workforce challenges through knowledge retention. Discover how embracing change—especially insights from the younger generation—can enhance customer experiences, streamline distribution, and revolutionize logistics. Dustin and Kevin dive deep into the evolution of job roles in the age of AI, highlighting emerging positions like AI tuners and the critical balance between operational efficiency and compliance in a rapidly shifting landscape. From leveraging AI for cost savings to the thrilling possibilities of virtual reality in the workplace (and even a surprising shark diving story), this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for leaders and innovators ready to embrace the future. Don’t miss it!  Kevin Websites & Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjdean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjdean/] https://www.manobyte.com [https://www.manobyte.com] https://kjdean.com [https://kjdean.com/] Head over to our website at mfgmonkey.com [http://mfgmonkey.com/] for the full transcript of today’s episode. It’s packed with links, resources, and more insights from our guests to help you dive deeper into the topics we covered. If you have any questions, comments, or topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes, please let us know! info@mfgmonkey.com https://mcmillancomfg.com/ https://mcmillancomfg.com/blog/ Contact us at: info@mfgmonkey.com  Subscribe today & help fabricate the future!  Chapters 00:00 Kicking Off 2025: A Fresh Start 05:05 The Role of AI in Business Automation 10:05 Integrating Technology: HubSpot and ERP Systems 14:47 Embracing Change: The New Generation's Impact 19:57 Streamlining Distribution and Logistics 25:01 Leveraging AI for Knowledge Retention 26:52 Leveraging AI for Efficient Material Management 30:00 The Evolution of Job Roles in the Age of AI 32:50 AI's Impact on Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings 34:56 Navigating Compliance in AI Integration 39:05 Exploring Edge AI and Compliance Solutions 39:55 The Future of Work with Virtual Reality 48:01 Shark Diving and the Thrill of Adventure