Rapid Fire Manufacturing

In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing , David Turner sits down with Ashley Watkins , Sales and Marketing Manager at JBM Technologies , to talk about what modern leadership in manufacturing really looks like. Ashley grew up in the family business, surrounded by machines, customers, and community. Today she’s using her voice to help more women step into leadership roles, build stronger network...

In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, David Turner sits down with Tim Ridderbos , Vice President of Circular Business Development at Shapiro Metals , to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing. Tim shares his journey from swinging hammers in construction to leading circular business initiatives that help manufacturers recover materials and drive profit with purpose. He explains how...

keywords manufacturing, workforce development, education, culture, innovation, mentorship, CNC machining, aerospace, medical, robotics summary In this conversation, Ethan Weiss shares his unconventional journey into the manufacturing industry, highlighting the importance of education, workforce development, and the role of culture in training. He discusses the future of manufacturing, including tr...

Billy Ray Taylor shares how he went from engineer to turnaround leader at Goodyear and why real change starts with ownership. We dig into defining winning, marrying KPIs with KPAs, building union trust, and creating simple systems that stick like peer scored 5S and daily visual boards. Billy’s two foot rule, let go without letting loose mindset, and leadership standards show how to lead people wit...

Episode Summary In this Rapid Fire Manufacturing conversation, I sit down with Danny White, owner of DW Machine, to talk about what it takes to build something from the ground up. Danny shares how growing up around a lathe and a bridgeport in his dad’s garage sparked a lifelong curiosity for making things. What started as tinkering turned into a full career in machining built on grit, experimentat...

Jacob Sanchez shares his journey from a reluctant student to a passionate advocate for manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of meeting the next generation where they are and inspiring them through engagement and education. Jacob Sanchez, manufacturing, education, advocacy, next generation Jacob Sanchez's journey from reluctant student to advocate Importance of meeting the next generation...

Keywords: manufacturing, aerospace, sustainability, decarbonization, employee training, AI, supply chain, defense, leadership, innovation Summary In this conversation, Peter Lengyel, CEO of Safran USA, discusses his journey from a military background to leading a major aerospace company. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, employee development, and safety in the aerospace industry. Len...

keywords networking, strategies, follow-up, relationships, manufacturing, intentionality, events, connections, outreach, trust summary In this conversation, Chris Luecke shares valuable insights on networking strategies, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, effective follow-up, and building relationships before attending events. He discusses how networking can take various forms beyond tr...

keywords manufacturing, leadership, vulnerability, lean manufacturing, training, continuous improvement, Robinson Helicopter, vertical integration, future vision, aviation summary In this conversation, David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter, discusses the importance of vertical integration in manufacturing, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and his career journey. He emphasizes the signifi...

keywords manufacturing, industry trends, employee retention, training, business legacy, economic challenges, machine shops, private equity, niche markets, supply chain summary In this conversation, Ian Sandusky discusses the current state of the manufacturing industry, highlighting challenges such as reduced demand, the impact of private equity, and the importance of employee retention and trainin...

Yuto Matsuura, Matsuura Corporation, family business, CNC machining, automation, legacy, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, industry challenges summary In this conversation, Yuto Matsuura, the fourth-generation owner of Matsuura Corporation, shares his journey into the machining world, the pressures of carrying on a family legacy, and the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in t...

keywords manufacturing, continuous improvement, lean transformation, engineering, problem solving, failure, mindset shift, personal growth, Lean Six Sigma, semiconductor industry summary In this conversation, David Turner interviews Melissa Buie, a manufacturing expert with a PhD in nuclear engineering. They discuss Melissa's journey into manufacturing, her passion for continuous improvement,...

keywords CNC machining, entrepreneurship, faith, AI, automation, manufacturing, business management, personal journey, Dynamic Machine, Jeff Kunkle summary In this conversation, Jeff Kunkle shares his inspiring journey in the CNC machining industry, detailing his transition from various roles to becoming the owner of Dynamic Machine. He emphasizes the importance of faith in entrepreneurship, the c...

keywords manufacturing, aerospace, CNC programming, mentorship, career development, trade school, engineering, continuous improvement, entrepreneurship, design summary In this conversation, Chris Massey shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a lead manufacturing specialist in the aerospace industry. He discusses his early interests in mechanics, his education at a trade school...

keywords sales, manufacturing, customer relationships, buyer behavior, sales objections, mentorship, automation, machine tools, sales strategies, industry trends summary In this episode of Rapid Fire Manufacturing, Tony Ganser shares his extensive experience in sales within the machine tool industry. He discusses the importance of building strong relationships with customers, understanding their n...

keywords manufacturing, mentorship, career progression, community, collaboration, adversity, job seekers, new generation, resources, empowerment summary In this conversation, Drew Crowe shares his inspiring journey from overcoming adversity as a former felon and teenage father to becoming a respected voice in the manufacturing industry. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community collabo...

keywords manufacturing, lean transformation, operational excellence, leadership, continuous improvement, skills gap, education, Six Sigma, Battle Motors, Subaru summary In this conversation, John Reamer shares his journey from the shop floor to leadership in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in understanding the challenges faced by workers. He discusses the critical...

keywords manufacturing education, CNC machining, advanced manufacturing, student engagement, career technical education, employment readiness, robotics, technology in education, teaching advice, industry partnerships summary In this conversation, David Turner interviews Gabe Kooyers, an advanced manufacturing instructor with 20 years of experience. Gabe shares his journey from being a student to b...

keywords manufacturing, media, education, AI, automation, upskilling, community, future, trades, robotics summary In this conversation, Chris Stevens discusses his journey in the manufacturing media space, emphasizing the importance of community-driven resources and the need for upskilling in the industry. He shares insights on the future of manufacturing, particularly regarding AI and automation,...

keywords steel manufacturing, predictive maintenance, quality control, metallurgical expertise, sales transition summary In this conversation, Brian Shaw, Sales Director for Andritz Metals USA, discusses the challenges and opportunities in steel manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of predictive maintenance, quality control, and the evolving role of metallurgical expertise. He shares insights...

keywords manufacturing, small business, sales strategies, customer relationships, digital marketing, workforce development, industry trends, global market, service over sales, buyer dynamics summary In this conversation, David Turner interviews Roger Atkins, a seasoned leader in the manufacturing industry, discussing the challenges and changes faced by small and medium manufacturers. Roger shares...

keywords financial strategies, manufacturing growth, working capital management, automation, reshoring, operational efficiency, talent development, banking solutions, Fifth Third Bank, commercial banking summary In this conversation, David Turner and Dustin Hayden discuss the critical role of financial strategies in driving growth within the manufacturing sector. They explore various financial sol...

keywords K&F Electronics, Sean Kincaid, printed circuit boards, manufacturing, electronics industry, American manufacturing, market trends, technology advancements, certifications, leadership summary In this conversation, Sean Kincaid, president of K&F Electronics, shares insights into the evolution of his family business, the challenges faced in the electronics industry, and the importanc...

keywords manufacturing, skilled trades, education, communication, career paths, youth engagement, industry advocacy, production management, workforce development, trades education summary In this conversation, Darryl Gratrix, a production manager at Molded Precision Components, discusses the critical role of communication in manufacturing, the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue...

keywords electronics, PCB assembly, career advice, D Code podcast, manufacturing, engineering, passion, industry insights, networking, professional growth summary In this conversation, Daniel Stanphill shares his journey from construction to becoming an SMT process engineer at Aurora Boardworks. He discusses the importance of passion in one's career, offers advice for those looking to enter th...