Connect Together Podcast

As an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable with failure, so much so that it becomes a part of your path to success. Mark DeSantis, a seasoned entrepreneur and a leader in Pittsburgh's innovation scene, shares hard-earned wisdom on the mindset it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur. Listen to this conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, Mark's journey in Pittsburgh, and the power...

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is fueling innovation by supporting startup companies like ESTAT Actuation with the resources and connections they need to thrive. Kirby Witte, Co-Founder of ESTAT Actuation, shares how Pittsburgh's robotics ecosystem is more than just cutting-edge; it's collaborative. In a community where industry leaders want to foster success, startups can discover both mentorshi...

Thoro.ai is more than autonomous technology - they're developing the software, cloud support, and deployment services that power OEM partnerships. With a mission-driven team with broad perspectives, Thoro.ai is focused on solving real-world challenges in manufacturing. Rooted in Pittsburgh's innovation ecosystem, the company thrives in a city where startups are building with substance. A place whe...

Pittsburgh is a global anomaly - home to over 125 robotics companies and a thriving ecosystem of innovation. At the center of it all, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network is working to meet the needs of these companies by fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and helping startups grow. In this uniquely supportive community, competition takes a back seat to collaboration. Whether developing...

Metal forming is an art, each piece of metal is unique in its characteristics and how it reacts to bends, turns, and is ultimately shaped into the products you use everyday. The people over at Behlen Manufacturing have found a mix between the art of metal forming and the process of manufacturing. Much like how each piece of metal is unique, so are the employees of Behlen. Each team members' viewpo...

Norfolk, Nebraska is experiencing a similar problem as the rest of the rural United States: an increase in people, specifically younger talent, leaving the area in seek of a career elsewhere. Not because of a desire to, but because of the lack of opportunities to stay. Angie Stenger leads Northeast Nebraska Growing Together, an initiative focused on connecting manufacturers, educators, investors a...

Shawn brings his maintenance management perspective from his time in food production and how the sausage is made in Kansas City. The challenges and benefits in KC, what it takes from their partnerships that help.

When you think of Kansas City and craft beer, you think of Boulevard Brewing. We talk about their 25 years of growth and expansion and what manufacturers can learn from their innovation and collaboration in the beer industry. Hosted by ‪Manufacturing Happy Hour Brought to you by and for the Industrial Solutions Network

Places like Kansas City’s West Bottoms district make up the foundations of American manufacturing and industry. And in this episode, we head straight to The Ship, a unique bar in the heart of the historic West Bottoms district to meet with Scott Brown of the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel at Faultless Starch. We take a look back into the history of the area and why West Bott...

Listen as Manufacturing Happy Hour talks to Doug Wilson of Marlen as they explore what food and beverage means to Kansas City and how Marlen is being a leader in the industry. Marlen: marlen.com ‪ Industrial Solutions Network: industrialsolutionsnetwork.com Manufacturing Happy Hour: manufacturinghappyhour.com

Brought to you by the Industrial Solutions Network, the Made Here series focuses on the stories of those that drive manufacturing forward, which drives the city they are a part of. In this series, we are focused on the manufacturers in Louisville, KY. We are joined by Amatrol who are shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce, Opus Integration who are bring the bourbon industry into the 21s...

Brought to you by the Industrial Solutions Network, the Made Here series focuses on the stories of those that drive manufacturing forward, which drives the city they are a part of. In this series, we are focused on the manufacturers in Louisville, KY. We are joined by Amatrol who are shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce, Opus Integration who are bring the bourbon industry into the 21s...

Brought to you by the Industrial Solutions Network, the Made Here series focuses on the stories of those that drive manufacturing forward, which drives the city they are a part of. In this series, we are focused on the manufacturers in Louisville, KY. We are joined by Amatrol who are shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce, Opus Integration who are bring the bourbon industry into the 21s...

I sit down with the Plant Manager (Greg Hundley) of one of our Technology Partners, Service Wire in Houston, TX. We chat about what he cares about, challenges and more as they manufacture and service wire to distributors and user like us.

Safety on machines is important for any operation and workforce. Things are shifting from safety only being the responsibility of the end users to those that are building and supplying the machines. If designed correctly, it doesn't have to hamper your productivity. Safety experts: Daniel Van Dam and Quinn Mendyk with CED of the Industrial Solutions Network of Nebraska. Listen to learn more. Host...

LISTEN to one customers journey and story on how they implemented a storeroom solution with our Inland Empire - Royal Industrial Solutions location and helped them free up capacity of employees, service their customers better and more. Thanks to Deven Weston-Heiser from Pacific Packaging Machinery for her time, words and story of their storeroom solution.

We talk to a founder of Codian Robotics on how manufacturing, especially in the food & bev industry is changing fast with more demands, and how robotics can impact their process, applications for robotics and any challenges. A great listen with Greg Brasic of Codian Robotics, Kara with CED Omaha and your host, Justin Brunken, Industrial Solutions Network of locations.

In this episode of Connect Together with Justin Brunken, we discuss with Rittal about their latest Food Safety Survey during the pandemic, food safety, hygienic zones and what it means to Food and Beverage manufacturers.

Learn with Phil and me on what the heck is Vision Setting, how it can be critical in process solutions to help everyone get to where they want to be with their process. It’s a process, and progress! Phil Schreiber (Process Solutions Consultant) pschreiber@solconnetwork.com

Justin talks to Susan, a lighting and controls expert from Kentucky. An Audit and a little bit of information can take you to the next level. She talks you through the process and explains whens the right time. Any questions or reach out for podcast ideas: justin.brunken@ced.com

Listen to Chris, a Motion Control Solution Consultant, on how a successful motion strategy is the sum of all its parts and how you can make steps to create a motion solutions for the future. How mechanical and electrical should work together and don't overthink motion, as it doesn't have to be as complicated as you think.

Justin Brunken joins Bernadette and Brian from our Kansas City Rensenhouse location to discuss their roles, their passion and why they do it. A great conversation on experiences and what it means to be more than just a job.

Justin Brunken sits down and talks to Sarah from Rockwell Automation on why Manufacturing matters and what Rockwell is doing about it, while Nate is talking whats happening in the industry and some technology in robotics and motion.

Justin Brunken talks to Dan and Austin of our AIMM Services division where we first talk about the all too real risks that could happen to your facility. We get a little dark, but switch to focus on ways and services to prevent them and give you some peace of mind.

I talked to Jesse from Industrial Panel Solutions on what makes IPS more than just a panel and the future of panels and the industry. Listen and learn more about panels than you think you knew.