The Sound of Automation

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli partner Mike Devereux and founder of Inside Beltway Omar Nashashibi join as we break down the complex world of tariffs and tax legislation. We start with a clear explanation of the three main types of tariffs and how they impact businesses beyond the headlines. As policies shift rapidly under the current administration, Omar shares a timel...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli director Cara Walton discusses business planning in times of uncertainty and explores the importance of agility in business strategies. We'll discuss current market uncertainties such as tariffs and the shift from electric vehicles (EV) to internal combustion engines (ICE), emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. Cara looks at...

Tune in to The Sound of Automation podcast with Wipfli partners Sean LaFortune and Brett Polglaze as they discuss managing and optimizing your business processes and financial operations for real-time insights, improved decision-making and increased operational efficiency. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at: https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing . You can also contact us he...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Wipfli partners Mike Devereux and Laurie Harbour as they discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by business owners, particularly in the manufacturing sector, due to recent political and economic changes. They emphasized the significance of the Republican sweep in the recent election, suggesting it would lead to decisive action....

In this podcast, we sit down with Wipfli Partner Chris Volz to discuss the importance of understanding your competitive landscape, the current regulatory environment and the impact of potential key tax law changes on your business. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at: https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing . You can also contact us here .

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Tom Wojcinski , partner at Wipfli, and Jim Peterson , principal solutions advisor at ConnectWise, to discuss the importance of cybersecurity for manufacturers. Listen to the episode to learn about the increase in cyberthreats due to remote work environments and the expansion of digital ecosystems, as well as best practices for im...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Colin Johnson from Wipfli Corporate Finance (WCF). Bryan and Colin provide a manufacturing M&A market update and overview of the competitive landscape. They also offer advice on how to determine if your business is ready to sell, or if you should instead focus on ways to grow your business. Listen in to learn why it's so...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mary Cecile Neville and Chris Chidzik from The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to discuss what the manufacturing market looks like, where it's headed and what's to come at IMTS 2024 . Listen in to learn how AMT can help manufacturers leverage new opportunities, make connections and grow their businesses....

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the power of purpose-driven businesses with Dirk Beveridge of We Supply America and Ashley Martin of NIBCO. Listen in to learn how businesses can be a force for good by focusing on legacy, longevity and love. We’ll share ways that family-owned business NIBCO has had a positive impact on the community and how you can too.  For more info...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Bryan Powrozek sits down with Wipfli Partner Laurie Harbour to discuss how the right providers can help make a positive impact in North American manufacturing, and why industry knowledge is key. They also talk about the value of benchmarking as a path to continuous improvement. From rightsizing your business to networking with peers, listen to th...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Quentin Messer , the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Bryan and Quentin discuss how economic developers like MEDC can help small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses grow. Listen in to learn about some of the ways MEDC attracts and retains business in Michigan and how you can leverage similar resources...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the future of automation with Dan Davis , Editor-in-Chief at The Fabricator. Listen in to learn about the top issues and opportunities facing manufacturers, such as workforce and automation. Dan and Bryan also talk about the importance of diversification and quickly adapting to change within your organization. For more information on W...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Michael Janney from Salesforce and Sean Myers from Wipfli to discuss artificial intelligence and how it can help marketing and sales teams become more efficient. Listen in to learn the difference between predictive and generative AI, and how to apply these tools in your manufacturing business to help your team work more efficient...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Gary Krus , the Vice President of Business Development at HIROTEC. Bryan and Gary discuss the practical side of Industry 4.0 for manufacturers, including the importance of data collection and ERPs. Listen in to learn how to navigate the evolving Industry 4.0 technologies and prepare your organization for change. For more informat...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Automation Alley Executive Director and CEO Tom Kelly and Wipfli Digital Director Mo Abuali. Bryan, Tom and Mo discuss the latest Industry 4.0 trends and technologies for small to midsized manufacturers. They also chat about some of the challenges associated with Industry 4.0 adoption, and how to overcome these obstacles. Listen...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mike Devereux who leads Wipfli's industrial products segment. Bryan and Mike discuss the key drivers impacting manufacturers and what they should look out for going into the new year. From increased revenue expectations and industry 4.0 spend to better cash flow management and strategic planning, the majority of manufacturin...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Cara Walton, Director of Market Intelligence at Harbor Results, Inc. Cara runs the company’s manufacturing intelligence tool - Harbour IQ. She is responsible for the strategic direction and growth as well as managing all data acquisition and intelligence gathering. Bryan and Cara discuss the major trends and challenges impacting...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Troy Nix, President and Owner of First Resource, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in association management for manufacturing industry sectors. Troy also serves as the executive director of three manufacturing non-profits including the Manufacturers Association for Plastic Processors (MAPP), the Association for Rubber Product...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Bill Boucher who leads Wipfli's manufacturing, retail & distribution segment. Bryan and Bill discuss ways for manufacturers to achieve success in the market by incorporating innovation, automation, and technology into their processes.  Listen in to learn how to build resilience into your manufacturing business and achiev...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Emma Gergen of Carlson Private Capital Partners. Bryan and Emma discuss the different types of private equity and how it differs from family capital. Listen in to learn how your business can benefit from an outside advisor. Guest Emma Gergen https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagergen/ Host Bryan Powrozek https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpo...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Kirk Armstrong of Armstrong Sales Coaching. Bryan and Kirk discuss ways to build high-performance sales teams. Listen in to learn the keys to successful recruitment and retention in the industrial automation space. Discover what matters most when it comes to recruitment, training, motivation, and accountability. Guest Kirk Armstr...

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation. We discuss the key takeaways of Automate, the evolution and accessibility of automation tools, and the latest industries adopting automation. Guest Jeff Burnstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-burnstein-25b5138/ Host Bryan Powrozek https://www.linkedin.com/in/bry...

In this episode we sit down with Geoff Dawson from FANUC to discuss the value that partnerships and certifications bring to the world of industrial automation. Learn how leveraging partnerships can help you do more with less and run your business more efficiently and effectively. Guest Geoff Dawson https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dawson-2a803a2/ Host Bryan Powrozek https://www.linkedin.com/in/br...

In this episode, Senior Manager Bryan Powrozek becomes the guest and Vice President of Marketing & Practice Growth Denise Asker becomes the host. Bryan and Denise discuss the top trends impacting industrial automation companies this year. Listen in to hear their take on data, collaboration, M&A and more. Read more here: https://claytonmckervey.com/top-5-industrial-automation-trends-of-2023...

In this episode we talk with Jose Rivera, CEO of Control System Integrators Association (CSIA).  Heading into CSIA 2023 taking place in May,  Bryan and Jose discuss some of the long term drivers businesses are seeing  right now in the integration industry. Guest Jose Rivera https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseriveraw/ Host Bryan Powrozek https://claytonmckervey.com/team/bryan-powrozek/ For more inform...