The Manufacturers Network

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast , host Lisa Ryan sits down with Brent Hagan , Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob , to explore what it really means to lead with impact: in business, in culture, and in community. With experience at Amazon, Deliver, Eaton, and Lob , Brent brings a rare perspective on how to scale operations without losing the human connection. He shares stories fr...

In this episode, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Eric Wick, founder of Safety Team Technologies. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in insurance and hands-on safety consulting, Eric shares his journey from the financial sector to creating innovative solutions for blue-collar safety and OSHA compliance. Key Topics & Takeaways: From Finance to the Shop Floor: Eric recounts his early career p...

Are you accidentally sabotaging your best people? Even the most skilled, motivated employees can only perform as well as the tools, information, and support they’re given. When access is blocked—whether it’s equipment, training, or their leader, frustration rises, productivity drops, and great talent walks out the door. In this episode of The Manufacturers Network , Lisa Ryan, CSP, breaks down how...

In this episode of the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Reeves Smith, Director of Sales at Leapfrog, to share his decades of IT experience helping manufacturers tackle cybersecurity, digital transformation, and the complexities of modernization. Reeves breaks down real-world challenges and actionable steps for manufacturing leaders ready to secure and streamline their operat...

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan welcomes Grace Bilbrough, Director of Marketing for ProWood, a leading brand under UFP Industries. Grace shares her journey from event planning to becoming a key marketing strategist, and reflects on the pivotal role company culture played in ProWood’s successful rebrand and business transformation. Grace and Lisa dive deeply into the...

Welcome to the Manufacturer’s Network Podcast! In this episode, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Ben Hansen, a 5-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, founder of an 8-figure staffing firm, and expert in maximizing profitability for $2M–$50M companies. Ben is the "Profit Doctor," helping businesses identify and eliminate “profit leaks” to significantly boost bottom-line results. Key Topics Covered: - Ben’s Jou...

Too often in the workplace, recognition is either generic, forced, or inconsistent, and when that happens, it loses its power. But when done well, recognition is one of the most powerful tools you have to inspire loyalty, engagement, and long-term retention. In this episode of The Manufacturers Network , Lisa Ryan, CSP, shares how to make recognition meaningful, personal, and consistent, without b...

In this episode of the Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Harish Chandramowli, co-founder of Flaire and an expert in software engineering and data management. Harish, bringing a fresh perspective from outside the traditional manufacturing space, discusses how technology and a data-driven approach can transform the way fashion brands operate, from production planning to su...

In this episode of the Manufacturer’s Network, Lisa Ryan dives deep into one of the most critical and overlooked moments in any manufacturing employee’s journey: onboarding. She reveals why those first 90 days are the make-or-break window for retention and explores how traditional onboarding, centered on paperwork and compliance, is failing new hires. Lisa shares practical, high-impact strategies...

On this episode of the Manufacturers Network, host Lisa Ryan sits down with William Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm that’s helped over 700 companies hire standout finance professionals for manufacturing and beyond. William brings more than 15 years of agency recruiting experience and a background in cost accounting to this candid conversation about winning the race for manufa...

Welcome to a brand new chapter of the Manufacturers Network Podcast! In this high-impact solo episode, Lisa Ryan dives into the critical workplace culture shifts manufacturing leaders need to make NOW to attract and retain top talent into 2026. Lisa breaks down the three essential culture shifts every manufacturing organization must implement: Purpose Over Pay: Move beyond wages and help employees...

In this episode of The Manufacturer’s Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with David Blue, founder and CEO of Saltbox Mgmt. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, Salesforce implementation, and enterprise sales, David shares candid insights into how manufacturers can modernize operations, enhance customer engagement, and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. What’s Inside: -...

Guests: Lynzie Nebel & Mercedes Landazeri, Co-Hosts of PlastChicks Host: Lisa Ryan Episode Overview In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Mercedes Landazuri and Lynzie Nebel, the vibrant duo behind the podcast “PlastChicks: The Voices of Resin.” These trailblazing women have been championing the plastics and manufacturing industry for over six year...

Episode Overview In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Derek Krieger, an innovative leader in manufacturing technology and AI, to discuss how artificial intelligence transforms on-the-job training, knowledge sharing, and employee engagement in the manufacturing sector. Derek shares his personal journey, the inspiration behind Practical AI and PocketMen...

Are you looking to boost productivity, improve employee engagement, and align your manufacturing team's objectives with business goals? This episode dives deep into “gain sharing,” guided by 20+ year industry veteran Dr. Chuck DeBettignies. Discover key strategies, actionable lessons, and why so many companies see rapid improvements when adopting this proven system. Key Themes & Takeaways 1. W...

Connect with Clay Martin LinkedIn: Clay Martin Website: recruitingPuertoRico.com In this insightful episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan chats with Clay Martin, founder of Isla Talent, to discuss innovative solutions for manufacturing workforce shortages by recruiting top-tier blue-collar talent from Puerto Rico—no visas, no red tape. Clay shares his journey from the Peace Corps...

Connect with Scott Peters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpeters74/ In this inspiring episode of The Manufacturers’ Network Podcast , host Lisa Ryan sits down with Scott Peters, a third-generation plastics and mold making expert who has spent nearly five decades shaping not just molds, but mindsets. As the founder of Molded Marketing and a lifelong advocate for the skilled trades, Scott brings a...

In this enlightening episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American. Dean shares his journey from a West Point graduate and Army veteran to an entrepreneur passionate about creating American jobs through his 100% American-made apparel brand. Explore the strategic insights Dean gained from his corporate experiences at Pro...

Connect with Ivan Madera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-madera-b63b018/ In this episode, we dive deep into aerospace additive manufacturing with guest Ivan Madera. Ivan is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in advanced manufacturing, boasting over 25 years of experience in the industry. Get ready to explore the key challenges, emerging technologies, and strategies that are shaping t...

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with Meaghan Ziemba, an industrial tech writer, brand storyteller, and the dynamic force behind Mavens of Manufacturing. With a BA and MA in professional and technical writing, Meaghan shares her journey into the manufacturing industry and her passion for empowering women within this sector. Key Themes: Journey into Man...

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Dr. Amy Climer, an expert in fostering organizational creativity and innovation. Amy, author of "Deliberate Creative Teams," shares her research-backed strategies to help manufacturing companies enhance their creative processes. Dive into a discussion about incorporating creativity in manufacturing, the role of leadershi...

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan is joined by Drew Allen, the President and CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace Technologies is renowned for its advancements in electrical safety and predictive maintenance. Under Drew's leadership, it has been recognized as one of Iowa's top workplaces for five consecutive years. Drew shares his rich family legacy of innovation and...

Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshalllebovits/ In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan sits down with industry expert Marshall Lebovitz, President of Asset Based Funding Solutions. Marshall shares his wealth of knowledge gained from 35 years of experience in lending, offering valuable insights into how manufacturers can optimize their...

Join host Lisa Ryan as she engages in a fascinating conversation with Jeff Borello, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Technology Solutions. Jeff, with over thirty years of experience in the IT sector, delves into the journey of transforming Andromeda into a leading managed IT services provider specializing in the manufacturing industry. He shares expert insights on enhancing cybersecurity, overcomin...

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Doug Donovan, the founder and CEO of Interplay Learning, a pioneering career development platform for skilled trades. The conversation delves deep into the challenges and innovations in skilled trades training, mainly focusing on integrating advanced technologies like simulations and VR to bridge the skills gap and attra...