Shifting Gears

Episode 3 features Ernie Edmonds, Sr. Managing Consultant of Cyber Physical Security Services at CMTC. Ernie explains what Zero Clear is, where it came from, and how it’s structured. In addition, Ernie debunks the common misconception that data security is a “big company” problem and discusses warning signs that an attacker may have access to a company’s data. Ernie concludes the conversation by o...

Episode 2 features Dr. Ron McFarland, Sr. Consultant of Cyber Physical Security Services at CMTC. Ron discusses what a third-party IT provider is, the services they typically provide, and why they tend to be prime targets for cyber attacks. Ron goes on to explain the ways SMMs can make sure they’re hiring the right provider, red flags to look out for, and tips to ensure their IT provider is follow...

Episode 1 features Buzz Thomas, Managing Consultant of Cyber Physical Security Services at CMTC. Buzz explains what ransomware is, where it comes from, and who is most at risk of an attack. Buzz also explains the most common ways ransomware hackers gain access to SMMs’ networks as well as tools available to SMMs to help them increase their level of security.

Season Ten of Shifting Gears deep-dives into cybersecurity topics: ransomware, third-party IT providers, and Zero Clear. Shifting Gears ’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 2 features Pandora Ovanessian, Senior Technology Consultant at CMTC. Pandora explains what enterprise resource planning (ERP) is, how it works, and its evolution over the years. In addition, Pandora discusses common signs that point to an organization needing technology improvements and explores what a roadmap for digital transformation looks like.

Episode 1 features Jane Tierney, Founder and President of Purple Link. Jane covers the key elements of supply chain diversification and the role it plays in risk mitigation. In addition, Jane offers advice regarding supplier negotiations and discusses supply chain “red flags” to look out for.

Season Nine of Shifting Gears deep-dives into supply chain diversification, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and the key drivers of job quality. Shifting Gears’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 3 features three executives from Mizuho OSI – Steve Lamb, Kevin Thorne, and Bill Bregar – as well as Denise Shields, Principal of the Shields Resource Group. Steve, Kevin, Bill, and Denise explain the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the MBNQA Framework. The group then discusses Mizuho’s continuous improvement journey using the Baldrige Criteria – why they were interested in app...

Episode 2 features Christopher Thornberg, Ph. D., Founding Partner at Beacon Economics LLC. Christopher discusses the current state of the economy and what he calls the “stimulus hangover.” In addition, Christopher covers key indicators of economic health, trends impacting the manufacturing sector, and what manufacturers should look out for in the future. 

Episode 1 features Dr. Jim Davis, Vice Provost of IT at UCLA’s Office of Advanced Research Computing (OARC). Jim explains what artificial intelligence (AI) is, the process for how it works, and its value in the world of manufacturing. In addition, Jim offers recommendations for how SMMs can get started with AI as well as ensure long-term success with their AI projects.

Season Eight of Shifting Gears deep-dives into artificial intelligence in manufacturing, the current state of the economy, and continuous improvement through the MBNQA Framework. Shifting Gears ’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 3 features FIBR Food Safety Council Lead Trainer Bill Huntley. Bill discusses the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), its impact on small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), and the steps SMMs can take to ensure their compliance.

Episode 2 features California Fashion Association President Ilse Metchek. Ilse discusses the current landscape of the apparel industry in California, the opportunities and challenges apparel manufacturers face, and the role technology has played in the industry. Ilse also covers regulatory and compliance changes, the impact of “fast” and “slow” fashion, and her predictions for the future of appare...

Episode 1 features Aerospace & Defense Forum Co-Founder & Executive Director Dr. Ivan Rosenberg and Patriot Industrial Partners Managing Director Alex Krutz. Ivan and Alex discuss today’s aerospace and defense ecosystem including current technology, trends, and cybersecurity considerations. Ivan and Alex also offer practical guidance to A&D organizations, covering topics such as strate...

Season Seven of Shifting Gears deep-dives into a few of California’s biggest manufacturing industries: aerospace & defense, apparel, and food. Shifting Gears ’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 2 features two CMTC Cyber Physical Security Services consultants: Ernie Edmonds and Buzz Thomas. Ernie and Buzz define NIST SP 800-171 and explain what it entails – its requirements, which companies need to follow its guidelines, and how an SMM can implement it.

Episode 1 features Lakeview Consulting President Micki Vandeloo and San Diego, Orange, Imperial PTAC Regional Director Brett Housholder. Micki and Brett discuss the current state of manufacturing funding at the various federal, state, local, and private institution levels. In addition, they explain the qualifications for funding, how to write a proposal, and the “dos and don’ts” when submitting an...

Season Six of Shifting Gears deep-dives into government funding opportunities for manufacturers, the current state of employment and competitiveness in California manufacturing, and NIST SP 800-171 requirements. Shifting Gears ’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 2 features California Council for Excellence (CEE) Vice Chair Dr. David Spong and Shields Resource Group Principal Denise Shields. David and Denise explain what the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is, what happens when a company receives the award, and the impact of the Baldrige process not only on quality and productivity but on company culture.

Episode 1 features two CMTC Cyber Physical Security Services consultants: Ernie Edmonds and Buzz Thomas. Ernie and Buzz cover ten best practices for improving cybersecurity, including small business system architecture, device hygiene, multi-factor authentication, and more. They also discuss the importance of people in establishing and maintaining strong cybersecurity.

Season Five of Shifting Gears deep-dives into talent recruitment & retention, cybersecurity best practices, and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Shifting Gears’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.

Episode 3 features Business Strategy & Family Business Advisor/Sales & Marketing expert Larry Kirsch as well as two professors from the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics at California State University, Northridge – Dr. Lois M. Shelton and Dr. Daniel Degravel. Larry, Lois, and Daniel discuss what strategic planning is, the advantages of having a strategic plan, and how strate...

Episode 2 features Supply Chain/Operations & Management Consultant Gary Steinberg. Gary discusses how the pandemic has affected global supply chains, how SMMs can evaluate supply chain risks, the benefits of supplier scouting, and how SMMs can get started with supply chain strategy.

Episode 1 features Spearhead TEI President Dr. Tony Lopez. Tony explains what ransomware is and how it works, the types of ransomware that exist and possible entry points, what happens when a company falls victim to a ransomware attack, and what practices SMMs should consider implementing to prevent attacks.

Season Four of Shifting Gears deep-dives into ransomware and recovery, supply chain resiliency, and budgeting and strategic planning. Shifting Gears’ host Gregg Profozich is joined by subject matter experts to explore each of this season’s topics.