How Manufacturers Improve Podcast (Kirby Sneen)

For those of you who have struggled with using Lean tools, or who have felt like they have done more harm than good, today's guest Matt Colby is going to help you learn what you can do to use Lean systems to increase engagement, solve problems, and get real business results!

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Thank you to our episode sponsor, Wipfli. They are the firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Matt Evans, Quality Manager at Unimatic Precision Machining, shares practical strategies for removing variation from your processes. Learn about mistake-proofing, leveraging control charts, and creating accurate standards to improve consistency and overall quality.

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Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Learn how to implement Kanban in your shop to start seeing better flow. In this episode, Crystal Selchow and Kirby Sneen discuss how to get started with kanban, deal with change management, and understand kanban size. 

On this week’s episode, Kirby Sneen and Brittany Bowling discuss the three tools every problem solver must know, the value they bring when applied, and examples from member companies and the Manufacturers Alliance team.  

Get free access to the Pareto mini-course and template: www.mfrall.com/pareto

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Wipfli. They are the firm who believes that perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

It can be hard to get the best of both worlds, where you’ve got a team of people working on daily improvements as well as taking steps towards big improvements. But with the right mindset, motivation, and vision, you will have the same success as our guest Thanh Osmancevic, from GNResound!

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com.

For those of you who have struggled with inconsistent results, turnover, or just need to make sure you’re on the same page as your leadership team, you’re going to love this conversation.

We’ve invited the CEO of Konik, Brad Konik, to talk about what he has done to establish a vivid vision for his company that is engaging and inspiring for his employees, clients and community. 

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Learn more about Konik by visiting www.konik.com

If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, learn more about our Greenbelt Certification by visiting: https://www.mfrall.com/6-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) goes beyond surface-level fixes to drive lasting improvements. In this episode, Helen Swanson, VP of Quality & Engineering at Sportech Inc., shares insights on defining problems, eliminating bias, and using RCA tools like the three-legged 5 Why to prevent recurring issues. Learn how to collect reliable data, engage cross-functional teams, and implement mistake-proofing strategies that create real change in manufacturing. 

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here!

Podcast Resources:

• Professional Yellow Belt Certification
• 6 Sigma Problem-Solving Bundle - Free Download
• Root Cause Analysis Workshop

From supply lines down, to high demand and competition, if you’ve experienced material delivery delays you won’t want to miss Kirby’s conversation with Supply Chain leader Kat Perron!

Unfortunately, lots of manufacturers are seeing their lead times double on raw materials, parts, components, and even subassembly deliveries. We dive into options for you to consider if you are experiencing backlogs from supply lines being down, high demand, or new products being introduced to the market with higher margins. Keep listening to learn how to overcome your material delivery delays, and get things back on track!

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor: Bremer Bank knows that the value of partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Learn more at www.bremer.com

Great companies know how to set goals, figure out what barriers they are facing, and develop a plan to overcome those barriers. But that’s not the hard part - The hard part is executing on the projects that make up the plan! You’ve got to learn how to manage scope, work with stakeholders, and balance their shifting priorities, all while not being the project management police.

Enjoy this week’s conversation with 30-year project management veteran Scottie Holmes as he shares how to overcome these challenges and a few more.

Learn more and find the best peer group for you, by visiting www.MAPeerGroups.com   

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, The Brookshire Company. With Brookshire, you get site selection carefully matched to your company’s strategic plans and supported by thoroughly vetted local labor validation and a list of tax, finance, and incentive options your company can expect with each site. Learn more: https://brookshireco.com

In this episode, Kirby Sneen and Jody O'neil discuss how you define and identify high potential talent. 

In today’s job climate, we need people who can lead teams, grow businesses, and become next-generation company leaders. Consequently, we have to find the people who aspire to grow themselves develop teams and have a vision on how to do it. If you don’t identify these people your prospects for future growth will be limited, leaving you, your customers, even your own team members wondering how you’ll be successful in the future.

Today’s guest, Jody O’Neil, is a results-driven, business and customer-focused Human Resources professional. She is effective in operating in a changing environment while maximizing results. Jody holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. She also holds several professional certifications in the HR field, the SPHR, SHRM-SCP and the Plan Sponsor Professional for retirement plans. In her spare time, she spends time with her family (including 4 grand kiddos) and on the lake with her “Pontoon Neighbors”, and also giving back by holding a seat on the board of directors for a local philanthropic women's organization called GIVING WoMN here in the Twin Cities.

Jody joined the Bernard Group in June 2020 as their VP of Human Resources. She provides overall Human Resources leadership to the organization. She is a member of the Senior Management team and is responsible for driving human resources and talent management business practices and strategies that anticipate and support the changing needs of the organization and achievement of TBG’s financial and operational objectives.

To learn more about the online Strategic Leader Online Certification beginning in January 2022, visit us at www.mfrall.com/certifications

In this week’s Podcast episode, Dan West with Blue Key Media discusses how having a realistic job preview video can help you attract the right people to the right role, and decrease turnover.

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Maertens-Brenny Construction Co. Building solid foundations and complex projects. Maertens-Brenny Construction. Contact them today at maertensbrenny.com

On this week’s podcast, enjoy our conversation with Dana Stump, the corporate recruiting manager and HR business partner with the oil and natural gas division of Graco, and Kirby Sneen, President of Manufacturers Alliance, as they discuss their thoughts and experiences on why you should avoid the temptation to just hire someone and a few practical things you can do to prevent it from happening.

If you’re ready to connect and learn from other HR professionals in your industry, learn more about our HR peer groups by visiting www.MAPeerGroups.com   

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

If you’ve ever been denied training because of a lack of funding, or find yourself apprehensive about approaching your boss for a bigger training budget, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Jon Sillerud, the VP of operations for Uponor.

Download this week’s free resource by visiting: www.mfrall.com/LPC  

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Wipfli. They are the firm who believes that perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Have you ever experienced constraints to growth like access to talent, transportation, moving or going multi-site? Having a community partner on your team ensures that you take advantage of every financial and lifestyle incentive. Enjoy this week’s conversation with Angela Schumann & Jim Thares as they discuss how you can work, live and retire well in Monticello.

Questions about moving to Monticello? Contact Jim or Angela

Why are industrial and manufacturing businesses choosing Monticello? Check out our Quality of Life one-pager: 

Monticello wants to invest in your future! Learn more about our financial incentives and assistance options here: 

On this week’s special bonus episode of the Podcast, the winners of the 2022 Manufacturer of the Year Award Winners share about their growth, lessons learned, and what they are most excited for in the coming year!

Thank you to Kent Djubek, President, Ajax Metal Forming Solutions, Brian L. Johnson, Vice President of Global Engineering,  Reell Precision Manufacturing, and Dale Hentges, Plant Vice President of Operations, Boston Scientific.

Join us Thursday, Sept. 27^th for the Awards, Keynote, Breakouts, and our Tour of Excellence. Visit www.Manufactureroftheyear.com for more information. 

Old school leaders would dictate, demand, and often be very demeaning. The new school of leadership is all about influence. On this week’s Podcast join guest Matt Kanz, Sr. Vice President of HR for Jack Links Protein Snacks as he shares what it means to influence without authority.

In this episode, learn how you can effectively balance leading with working together. Alec Theros shares his insights on motivation for becoming a leader, navigating conflict successfully, building trust with a team, and more. 

DOWNLOAD THE LEADERS GUIDE

In this episode, Mark Stevens shares from his 25 years of experience in guiding companies through technology integrations and operational experience.
Once you connect your equipment on the shop floor the data you collect can help you increase equipment uptime and availability, accelerate the pace of problem-solving, and improve your companies output despite material and labor shortages.  

You might be thinking that connecting equipment is limited to the new machines or big companies with big budgets, but even small manufacturers can do it, with these few important things in place. 

Enjoy the conversation with Mark Stevens who heads up Wipfli’s manufacturing consulting practice. Our discussion draws from his 25 years of experience in guiding companies through technology integrations and operational experience

Special thanks to Wipfli.  Their manufacturing team will guide you through the technology of tomorrow while optimizing your finances and operations of today. From optimizing production to managing distribution, we help manufacturers level up their operations and turn obstacles into opportunities. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

In order for operations to run smoothly you must identify and eliminate those non-value added steps in every process. In this week’s conversation, Kara Slocum, head Of Operations for Artistic Finishes discusses her high mix low volume operation, the types of waste they are up against, what causing it, what they’ve done to remove it as well as lessons learned along the way.

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by The City of  Monticello. In Monticello Life is Good. Business is Great.  Find out more at www.ci.monticello.mn.us or by following us on social media @Monticello_MN.

Enjoy this week’s conversation with our leadership and development coach, Jeremy Blake, as he shares his expertise on how to write the kind of problem statements that attract resources!

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com

We all want to help our customers, coworkers, and team members be successful… the challenge is accomplishing this while not stretching yourself to thin for to long! In this week’s episode, Leigh Erickson and Kirby Sneen discuss how you can find your groove, work in your sweet spot, and get things flowing better so you have the energy required to tackle more problems without experiencing burnout.

Learn more about today’s sponsor, by visiting www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

If you want to expand your business acumen, understand management concerns, and learn more about how you can improve the financial performance of your company, then you won't want to miss this week’s Podcast episode featuring Julie Whitney.

Julie Whitney is the SVP Commercial Banking Manager of Bremer Bank. She draws from her 25 years of experience to provide a very practical checklist that will help improve your company’s cash position, withstand any future economic turmoil, and best yet be there for the employees and customers for a very long time.

Bremer Bank knows that the value of a partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Learn more at www.bremer.com

This week, Kirby Sneen, Jeremy Blake, and Monica Smith share their favorite episodes from the year, biggest lessons learned in 2024, and what you can look forward to from the Manufacturers Alliance in 2025!

In this bonus episode Kacinda Ruiz, Meg Hanaman, Jill Zoschke, and Kirby Sneen share how they have gone from an “us vs them” culture to a unified team.

In this bonus episode, we're sharing a replay of one of your favorites, featuring Eugene Arrington. Learn how to overcome fire fighting, make time for problem-solving, and overcome the tendency to jump to conclusions.

Download the Leaders Guide

A problem well defined is a problem half solved. Enjoy this week’s episode featuring Peter Fritsche, as he shares how The 5 why method can help you get to the root cause without jumping to conclusions.

Download this week’s resource by visiting: www.mfrall.com/resources

On this week’s episode, Ryan Swiderski and Kate Brown share how you can use better data to optimize inventory, effectively communicate price increases, and counteract labor shortages! 

Thank you to today’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

On today’s episode, Sarah Lampert shares what it takes to successfully drive workforce development, get your leadership team on the same page, and overcome challenges HR leaders face so they have a worforce that's ready for the future. 

Download the Leader’s Guide

Data validates our improvement efforts so that we can spend our time on the right things and invest our energy in the right places.  In this episode, Kara Slocum, the Director of Operations at Artistic Finishes Inc. joins Kirby Sneen to dive into how you can practically apply data to get the results you want to achieve.

To learn more about how you can apply data through our Greenbelt certification visit www.mfrall.com/certifications

The sponsor for today’s podcast is CBIZ, a leading provider of professional services focused on accounting, benefits, insurance, HR and payroll solutions. To learn more visit www.cbiz.com

Every December we bring together a couple hundred leaders from our 15 different Peer Groups. On this week’s episode, you get to hear the executive perspectives panel from that meeting, featuring Heather Stewart the President of ILLUME, and Jon Lundthe VP of Operations at Twin City Fan. Enjoy our conversation as we discuss leadership and workforce development.

Request a Peer Group Invitation

In this episode, Neal Johnson shares about how to have effective 1-on-1’s

Neal Johnson is passionate about identifying, creating, and teaching leadership tools. He is currently the Director of Manufacturing at GN Resound – a global leader in Hearing aid development and manufacturing.  He has been at GN for just short of 5 years, and prior to GN he worked in the printing industry for both privately and publicly held printers.  

To learn more about the certification programs offered at Manufacturers Alliance visit us online at: www.mfrall.com/certifications

It’s easy to let safety take a back seat when there haven't been any lost time incidents and your metrics are all about getting quality products to the customer on-time, but what is the real cost of neglecting safety?

Enjoy this week’s conversation with Tim Sheehan, the Owner of OECS, as we discuss his new book Building a Safety Culture and how it can help you ensure that safety is number one for your company! 

Get your complimentary book by visiting: https://form.123formbuilder.com/6363764/book-giveaway-safety-culture

This episode is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com.

More and more manufacturers are popping up new plants in countries around the globe in order to remain competitive, as we've seen this happen we got curious about how you manage them all effectively and how you might manage the cultural, regulatory, and logistical differences?

In this episode, Kirby talks with Arvind Sharma, a global manufacturing leader for major manufacturers here in MN and beyond on the topic of global operations strategy. 

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If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your kids about your job or are looking for an easy way to support more kids learning about manufacturing your going to love this conversation. Keep listening and I promise you’ll feel equipped to talk to anyone about your profession in manufacturing.

www.makepublishing.com

Promo code: ma10

Stay interviews are growing in popularity for good reason. They can help you better understand the unique needs and interests of everyone on your team and do exactly what the name implies – help you retain talent.

Enjoy the conversation with Kirby Sneen from Manufacturers Alliance and Tom Goettl the Vice President of Konik Network as they discuss how you can overcome these challenges so you can successfully improve retention by implementing stay interviews.

Tom Goettel the Vice President of Konik Network, a technical recruiting and staffing firm specializing in engineering, manufacturing, and architecture. Tom has 20 years of experience in staffing and recruiting and is a Winona State University grad majoring in Human Resources Management.

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Bremer Bank.  We know that the value of partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Because right now relationships matter more than ever, and understanding is everything. Find out more at www.bremer.com

There is a lot that can be learned from someone else’s mistakes, but only if people are willing to share, and not just sweep them under the rug. As a leader you need to figure out what behaviors you can model that are ideal and what systems and structures you need to put in place that will create a culture that encourages people to speak up!

Enjoy my conversation with Mark Graban as he shares about his new book, The Mistakes that Make Us.

Get the First Chapter & Enter to Win

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Blue Key Media. Blue Key Media specializes in helping manufacturing companies increase sales, recruit more efficiently, and cut through the noise with the power of video. Learn more at www.bluekeymedia.com

A lot of people think that the fastest way to increase their income is to take on a leadership role and although a raise will likely come with the promotion how do you know that you’ll really like it and be successful at it?

Enjoy this week's conversation with Jessica Lyons, Kelly Hansen, and Diane Bartels, as we discuss the challenges leaders face around communication, delegation, running meetings, engagement, ​and cross-functional collaboration. 

Get today’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

Thank you to today’s sponsor: Blue Key Media specializes in helping manufacturing companies increase sales, recruit more efficiently, and cut through the noise with the power of video. Learn more at www.bluekeymedia.com

Getting people to want to change can feel impossible, but with a few practical tools you can be on your way to developing a Kaizen (change for the better) culture!

Enjoy this week’s Podcast conversation with Mario Calvo, Sensi and Division Lean Manager for Parker Hannifin as we discuss how to develop a culture of kaizen and accomplish the results that come with it.

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode was sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com.

What would it take for you to get buy-in for change? Join Chrissy Peloquin and Kirby Sneen from Manufacturers Alliance as they discuss how you can maximize the good from change and minimize unintended consequences.

Learn more about our Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification by visiting www.mfrall.com/6-sigma-green-belt-certification/

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Bremer Bank. Find out more at www.bremer.com

If you’re an executive and you’re not sure what your role should be in creating a culture of Continuous Improvement, you’re going to love today’s conversation with Todd Roth! 

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If you want to improve performance and feel great about it along the way your going to appreciate this conversation with Scott Helgeson and Andrew Maruska with Chart Industries. They will walk you through their 6 Sigma projects and how they helped improve quality and communication.

Download the Leaders Guide

There are a lot of things to be learned by leaders on how to draw out different perspectives and respect people’s ideas. Enjoy this week’s conversation with Jim Doyle, as he shares how he has helped make it psychologically safe for teams to perform at their best!

Download the Leader’s Guide https://mfrall.activehosted.com/f/261

This Podcast Episode was sponsored by Wipfli: The firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

We all have limited time, energy and resources, but we also know that investing in people can unlock huge potential. Enjoy my conversation with Continuous Improvement leader Steve Drueen as he shares his expertise on what you can do to Select Your next Green Belt Candidate.

Learn more about the Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification

This episode was sponsored by Wipfli: The firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Of all the ways a company can die, lack of sales, profit, poor product quality, ultra-high turnover, why is it that people should look out for strategic planning to be the cause of the death?

Enjoy our conversation with Jeff Stone, the founder and CEO of Navy Island as we discuss these issues, the pain they can cost, and a few alternatives that will help your company stay nimble and consequently grow without the costs of going through the strategic planning process.

Engage people in problem solving, achieve higher levels performance and develop more problem solvers in our Sr. Lean Practitioner Certification.  Learn more by visiting https://www.mfrall.com/online-senior-lean-practitioner-certification/

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Bremer.

Bremer Bank knows that the value of partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Learn more at www.bremer.com

In this episode, Kirby Sneen and Kacinda Ruiz dive into how to create value stream maps. Discover practical tips and real-world insights on creating and optimizing value stream maps to identify hidden inefficiencies and drive strategic improvements.

DOWLOAD THE LEADERS GUIDE

Selecting a site for your next plant is a big decision with high stakes.  The opportunity to make a mistake presents itself at every turn in the process. Choosing to go it alone could cost you million’s of dollars in cash, cost savings, and opportunity costs, not to mention disappointed customers.

Enjoy this week’s episode featuring with Justin Erickson and Royce Pavelka with The Brookshire Company as we talk about these mistakes and others they’ve seen made and what you can do to avoid them.

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Bremer Bank. Learn more at www.bremer.com

On this week’s episode John Hacker, the head of Finance for Design Ready Controls, shares how they ensure compensation adjustments are fair for the individual, in line with the market, and something the company is proud to offer!

Have you ever been working with a team on a process improvement project and thought to yourself, “There has got to be a better way?” If you have, you won’t want to miss Kirby’s conversation with manufacturing executive David Badger. 

David discusses the attributes of the most successful teams out there including: aligned goals, skilled leadership, support from sponsorship, courage, and having the project be a priority.

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor. Bremer Bank knows that the value of partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Learn more at www.bremer.com

Your metrics should guide you in getting better results not leave you feeling like you’re on a rollercoaster. If you’ve ever jumped to conclusions, wanted to get to the root cause and never found one, or want to lead your team so they use data to make improvements then this week’s episode is for you.

In this week’s podcast episode we discuss Measures of Success by award-winning author, Mark Graban. You’ll learn how the measurement techniques in it can help you stop overreacting to every up and down in your performance metrics so you can spend more time making more improvements to your system.

Mark Graban is an author, speaker, and consultant. Mark is the author of the book Lean Hospitals and is co-author of a second book, titled Healthcare Kaizen. Both books are recipients of the Shingo Professional Publication and Research Award. His most recent book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. Mark is the host of many podcasts including “My Favorite Mistake.” 

Be one of the first 10 listeners to claim your free book. Visit www.mfrall.com/MarkGraban

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Silos, poor listening skills, and even cultural differences can be some of the bigger challenges any leader in manufacturing faces when trying to get everyone on the same page. In this episode, Jody O'Neil shares how to foster a collaborative environment to counter these challenges and reduce potential conflict in the workplace. 

Download the Leaders Guide

Gain insights on how to overcome continuous improvement challenges so that you can effectively manage improvements. In this episode, Bob Dummer explores the top 5 challenges CI leaders face, including resistance to change, sustainment, and access to data.

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In this episode, we are celebrating three manufacturers for their commitment to developing a culture of continuous improvement and their willingness to share their experiences with their peers. Learn about the biggest accomplishments, lessons learned, and current initiatives of Pallet Service Corporation, Intek Plastics, and LubeTech, all of which are aimed at creating a better future for everyone at their companies.

In this episode, Mathew Yost shares what it takes to sustain Six Sigma improvements for lasting success. He breaks down how metrics, tracking, management support, culture, standard work, and training have helped his team maintain the gains from Six Sigma projects. Gain practical insights and strategies to ensure your process improvements endure.

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Front-line leaders have to be good at getting work done through the voluntary cooperation of others but what does it take to master your ability to get high-quality products and services to the customer on time consistently? On this week’s episode Todd Voit, the Director of Continuous Improvement at the Bernard Group, shares what you can do to develop master-level front-line leaders.

Download the Leader’s Guide

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com

Have you ever wondered how to get your team to stop pencil whipping and start problem solving? On this week’s episode, Continuous Improvement Leader Jill Hillyer shares her experience with developing high performing teams with Kata!

Find a Peer Group

This episode was sponsored by Blue Key Media. Blue Key Media specializes in helping manufacturing companies increase sales, recruit more efficiently, and cut through the noise with the power of video. Learn more at www.bluekeymedia.com

The market for talent is still competitive. The challenge for most is being able to let go of those old recruitment practices and coming up with new ways to attract talent. Enjoy today’s episode featuring Jim Mulrooney with Bremer Bank, as he shares what he’s learned working with small business owners and how they’ve revolutionized recruitment.

Learn more about Bremer Bank by visiting www.bremer.com

In this episode, learn how to improve your process capability. Nick Cristan shares the importance of producing repeatable results, how to utilize metrics and language to communicate with your team, and how to get people involved in solving a problem.  

Download the Leaders Guide

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Part of creating a culture of continuous improvement begins with developing people so that they fight less fires and work more towards identifying and addressing the root cause. The problem is that this takes more time, doesn’t come naturally for a lot of people, requires discipline, and certainly can’t be done in a conference room.

Enjoy this week’s episode featuring Eugene Arrington, as he shares how he has overcome these issues and unleashed the power of problem solving so that you can, too!

Download the leader’s Guide 

Thank you to our sponsor: Blue Key Media specializes in helping manufacturing companies increase sales, recruit more efficiently, and cut through the noise with the power of video. Learn more at www.bluekeymedia.com

This year we've seen explosive growth with over 100,000 listeners, leveraging some of the best talent the manufacturing industry!

In this episode we go back and review some of the top episodes you might have missed including:

• How to Kill your company with Strategic planning
• Influence Without Authority
• Improving Retention with Stay Interviews
• Developing an army of problem solvers

Learn more about today’s sponsor by visiting www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Everyone has an opinion about what it takes to be successful, but the ones that are worth listening to come from the people that prioritize the success of their team.

Enjoy this week’s conversation with Paul Langlois, Vice President of Enterprise Learning, careers and engagement for Ecolab as we discuss the four traits that will help you acquire the mindset of a leader.

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode was sponsored by Wipfli: The firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Becoming a successful team lead hinges on your ability to lead yourself. The challenge most leaders at this level face is balancing leading a team while accomplishing hands-on work. That’s why on today’s bonus episode, we share some things you can start doing and some things you should stop to help you become a more successful team leader.

Get today’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

In this episode, we will cover our top takeaways from 2021 including working with different personalities, developing metrics that drive the right behaviors, overcoming significant supply chain issues, and creating a culture that is focused on accountability.

Thank you for listening to the show and allowing us to feature some of the best talent manufacturing has to offer and address some of the biggest challenges the industry has ever seen and as a result grow the impact of the Podcast to over 40,000 listeners.

To learn more about Manufacturers Alliance and to get a special membership offer for Podcast Listeners check out our website: www.mfrall.com/membership-podcast

Have you ever built specs that the customer didn’t want or need? What is the true cost of tolerances being too tight, unneeded functionality, or overkill on fatigue testing?  On this week’s episode Chad Moertl shares how you can build quality at the source and give the customer exactly what they want!

Download this week’s resource by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

If you're an operations leader who has been wondering about the life of their equipment or when it’s time to start looking at replacements, you’re going to love today’s episode. Our guest Simon Malinski is here from Bremer Bank to answer these questions and more! 

Learn more about Bremer

With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com

In this episode, learn how to delegate well to accomplish more and empower team members to grow their skills. Matt Dillon shares insights on communication, approach, and avoiding micromanagement when delegating. 

Download the Leaders Guide

For those of you who have struggled to develop a team that works really well together, you’re going to love this episode.

This week we’re talking with Jason Postelli, the Program Manager of Operational Excellence for Abbott. He shares what he’s done to develop high-caliber teams throughout his career, so that you can, too!

Download the Leader’s Guide

Industry expert Laurie Harbour, partner with Wipfli, delves into the outlook of manufacturing. In this episode, Laurie shares key insights on the current instability in the industry, emerging trends to watch, and the barriers manufacturers must overcome to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

This episode was recorded LIVE at our Peer Group Mega Meeting, and includes executive perspectives from Nate Aguilar, Vice President of Manufacturing, Starkey, Matt Colby, Sr. Director of Lean Enterprise, Toro and Greg Flint, President & COO, Coldspring.

Enjoy our conversation as we talk about the biggest trends in Leadership and Continuous Improvement in 2023 and beyond.

If you want to learn more about Peer Groups visit www.mfrall.com/resources

Enjoy this week’s special 100^th episode featuring Manufacturers Alliance team members Jeremy Blake, Monica Smith, and Jim as they discuss their favorite lessons learned and how they keep growing.

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This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com

In this episode Diane Bartels and Kirby Sneen discuss how you can leverage your success, attack the red, and draw out the natural problem-solving capability in all of us.

The idea of developing a critical mass of people at your company to be able to solve their own problems can sound great but can leave you wondering where and how to start.

But you’ve got to figure out because you know it will lead to a competitive advantage and you know it will help you retain talent and you know that developing the skill sets of others is the right thing to do for your company and the industry because problems never go away, new ones present themselves.

Diane Bartels is a strategic division operations manager at Parker Hannifin where she guides us through how to do this from a position of strength where you can leverage your successes and attack what is red from a position of green and draw out that natural problem-solving capability in all of us.

If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, learn more about our Lean Practitioner Certification by visiting: https://www.mfrall.com/lean-practitioner-certification/

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

Every year we award three manufacturers for their dedication to developing a culture of continuous improvement and willingness to share their lessons learned with their peers. In this episode, we’re talking to the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year Award Winners about their success, lessons learned, and looking forward to the future.

Register for the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year Awards

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by The City of  Monticello. In Monticello Life is Good. Business is Great.  Find out more at www.ci.monticello.mn.us or by following us on social media @Monticello_MN.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monticello_mn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/monticello_mn

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Monticello_MN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofMonticello

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-monticello-mn

In this week’s episode, we talk with Brad Konik, CEO of Konik and Matt Kanz, SVP NA at Jack Links, as they share their leadership experience, how to avoid micromanaging, practical leadership tools, and some of the biggest surprises they faced going from manager to senior leader. 

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Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

Join Kirby Sneen and Jeremy Blake as they discuss keys to successful Green Belt Projects. With years of experience and thousands of projects reviewed, they’ve learned what truly works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re battling constraints like limited time, lack of support, or shifting priorities, this episode will give you guidance. Tune in to discover the essential inputs needed for a great 6 Sigma project and learn how to steer clear of common pitfalls. 

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This week’s podcast episode is all about Improving your OEE that is your overall equipment effectiveness. You won’t want to miss Rick Bernett share from his 30+ years of operations management experience.

Rick Bernett has 30+ years of operations management experience from a variety of manufacturing environments including high volume low mix, high volume, high mix, and job shops from several different industries including food, consumer electronics, and metal fabrication.

If you’re ready to learn and leverage best practices from your peers, check out our Operations Peer Group by visiting www.mfrall.com/peers

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at https://www.koniknetwork.com

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

On this week’s episode, we hope that you are inspired by Kirby Sneen and Brittany Bowling, as they share their favorite episode, and biggest takeaway from 2023!

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Wipfli, the firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

In this episode, Tammi Dorion shares about how to improve your coaching skills

Tammi is a highly adaptable, dynamic leader skilled in driving lean methodology.  She has a passion for fostering a continuous improvement culture by engaging employees in daily initiatives and pursuing business excellence in all functional areas. 

Enjoy our conversation as we talk about a practical plan anyone can use to help ensure they are focused on helping others reach higher levels of performance.

If you like the Manufacturers Alliance podcast, join our community of Manufacturers as they create better leaders and problem solvers. For more information, visit our website at https://www.mfrall.com/membership-podcast

Have you ever wondered how to position your manufacturing business so you can weather an economic storm?

On this week’s episode, Kirby Sneen and Josh Howard, Chief investment officer at Bremer Bank, discuss the nuance of what makes up a recession, and how to best position your business to avoid the impact of a slowdown and continue to grow.  

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct hire or a contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

In this episode, Michael Muilenburg and Kirby Sneen dive into the key characteristics that set professional problem solvers apart. Learn from Michael’s experiences, discover common pitfalls to avoid, and learn the traits you need to succeed.

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In this episode, Kirby delves into three critical behaviors that are sabotaging leadership potential. Listen to learn these barriers to leadership potential and effective strategies to overcome them.

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In this special bonus episode, Kevin Wilde discusses his new book Coachability and how it will help you minimize your blind spots and maximize the positive impact you can have on others.

Be one of the first 80 people to register and get your complimentary copy of Coachability: The leadership Super Power by visiting www.mfrall.com/resources 

This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

This week’s episode is all about how you can overcome the talent shortage with data.

Kate Brown is a Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager with over 10 years of experience helping Manufacturers gain more timely insight into operational performance, and surfacing information that team members need to make informed decisions across the organization. Her team at Wipfli implements Business Intelligence technologies that automate manual data consolidation processes and create one source of truth for all organizational reporting and analytics. Learn more about wipfli by visiting www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Failure to customize your training can result in people feeling left out, not willing to be open about real issues, or cultural roadblocks like the infamous “that’s not how we do it around here.” Avoid these issues and enjoy this week’s conversation with Monica Smith, as she shares what she’s done to help members successfully customize training… so you can too!

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This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com

Enjoy our conversation with Shannon Karels and Kathy Miller as they share their insights in how to strategically develop relationships and a community filled with diverse teams that help everyone grow and get better.

To take advantage of our free book offer for the first 100 submissions (until June 15th, 2022) visit: https://www.mfrall.com/opsisters/

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Konik. Whether you’re seeking a direct-hire or contract employee, Konik’s technical talent network can quickly build a high-caliber team to meet your needs.  Contact them today at www.koniknetwork.com

If you’re interested in faith-based leadership principles and want to incorporate them into your leadership style so that you can helps others make an eternal impact, you’re going to love this episode. We’ve invited the President and COO of Cold Spring Granite, Greg Flint to talk about these principles and how he has applied them, so you can too!

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The reality is that once you have a role where you are leading people as a manager, director, or VP you will still face a handful of leadership issues. You may feel the tendency to micromanage, struggle to acquire resources or even ignore performance issues. Avoid these issues and enjoy my conversation with Matt Kanz and Kelly Hanson, our instructors for the Strategic Leader Certification, as they share what they have done to overcome these issues… so you can too

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The Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by Bremer Bank. With bankers who know that in business, relationships matter more than ever. And understanding is everything. Find a Bremer Bank today at www.Bremer.com 

In this episode, Ryan Fleser, the Director of Quality and EHS at Uponor North America, shares how to take yourself and your team from fighting fires, to preventing problems from happening. This episode is all about preventing problems from happening. One of the biggest problems we all see that causes lower yields than what we’d like is scrap and day-to-day fluctuations in yield make it hard to figure out when your process is really reliable. So how do you prevent problem from happening and reduce variation to improve yields?

There are lots of ways to reduce scrap and improve yields like DMAIC or A3 but even they could present some level of “over processes”. A more straightforward approach with less complex tools like practical problem solving could be a great way for you to engage operators or technicians.

But most importantly is that you pick an approach so you can make the switch from fire-fighting to installing a sprinkler system to prevent these problems from getting out of hand.

Enjoy the conversation with Ryan Fleser, the Director of Quality and EHS at Uponor North America, as we talk about preventing problems from happening you’ll definitely appreciate learning from his 36 years of quality leadership experience.

Ryan Fleser is the director of Quality and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) for Uponor North America. He holds 36 years of experience in the Quality field as well as 12 years in Environmental Management and has held director roles in various manufacturing companies since 1998, including Daiken Applied and Advantek. He has extensive training and experience in implementing Quality and Environmental Management systems that are certified to international standards, including ISO 9001, 140001, and 50001. For eight years, he served as adjunct instructor at the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minn., teaching bachelor's completion degree courses in their Applied Management and Leadership Program. He has a Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Kentucky University. He is also a participating member of U.S. ISO Technical Advisory Groups 176 and 207, which involve the development and determination of the U.S. position for International Quality and Environmental Management standards.

If you've hit a roadblock in developing your team and you want the support, insights, and expertise of your peers attend a peer group meeting. www.mfrall.com/peers

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor:  CBIZ works with manufacturing clients in Minnesota and beyond to pinpoint tax and operational savings opportunities, mitigate risk, identify improvements to controls and manage compliance requirements across jurisdictions. To learn more go to www.CBIZ.com

Plans for improvement have become an expectation. The challenge for some is scaling up that plan to impact and include everyone across multiple site locations.

On today’s episode Nate Aguilar shares his first-hand experience of how to develop a scalable improvement plan, reach your profit goals, and engage everyone in improvement.

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This episode of the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast is sponsored by The City of  Monticello. In Monticello Life is Good. Business is Great.  Find out more at www.ci.monticello.mn.us or by following us on social media @Monticello_MN.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monticello_mn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/monticello_mn

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Monticello_MN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofMonticello

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-monticello-mn

We’ve all experienced the negative impacts that silos can make, whether it is between departments or shifts within a company. On this week’s episode, Kirby Sneen and Michael Muilenburg share how to strategically get people to work together so that everyone wins!

Michael Muilenburg is the former director of operational technology and strategic planning for the film and materials, and technology and engineering division of 3M.

Learn more about Manufacturers Alliance peer groups and find the best group for you at www.MApeergroups.com   

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Bremer Bank. Bremer Bank knows that the value of partnership is measured in trust, earned by helping you anticipate and grow through changes. Learn more at www.bremer.com

Have you ever wondered about how your small shop could take advantage of what the big industry players are doing to drive digital transformations and use AI or machine learning? You know using data to proactively make improvements is the way you want to go, but how do you get there?

Enjoy this week's conversation with Mo Abuali, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at Wipfli, as we discuss the process they have used to engage manufacturers to identify and eliminate bottlenecks all with Industry 4.0 technology. 

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Wipfli: The firm whose perspective can change everything for your business. Learn more at www.wipfli.com/manufacturing

Becoming a successful senior leader is predicated on your ability to address emerging leadership challenges with new skills and strategies. The challenge I see most leaders face is that they went to school for engineering, operations, or supply chain management, not leadership. That’s why I want to break this problem down, look at some of the most common causes, and share what I’ve seen other successful executives do so that you can become a more strategic leader.

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Everyone needs a plan to prevent or be prepared to deescalate conflict. For all kinds of practical tips and real world experience on how you can learn how to deal with conflict enjoy this conversation with HR leader Jessica Lyons.

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In this episode, Sarah Hartung joins Kirby Sneen to explore how lean principles can be effectively applied in the office setting. Discover practical strategies for creating a lean enterprise, streamlining your business systems, and avoiding the pitfalls of sub-optimization. 

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Learn from Christine Olson, Marketing Manager at Midwest Rubber, as she outlines how manufacturers can integrate marketing to bridge the gap between technical processes and customer relationships. Gain practical strategies to align marketing with operations, utilize customer feedback for continuous improvement, and craft compelling stories that emphasize quality and expertise. This episode delivers actionable takeaways to drive collaboration, enhance processes, and build stronger customer connections.

Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Request a Demo

Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Ask Here!

Podcast Resources:

• Sales & Marketing Peer Group

In this episode, Kirby Sneen and Dan Powley discuss how you can perform at your best and lead others to a life that is significant. 

If you want to be an influential leader, you need to do a good job of leading yourself first. The challenge we all face is in clearly understanding our role, responsibility, and limitations.  In this interview with Dan Powley, a Continuous Improvement Leader for AbelConn, you will be guided through how to transition from survival to success, so that you can lead yourself and others to a life that is significant. 

To learn more about how you can grow as an influential leader visit www.mfrall.com/strategic-leader-certification/

The sponsor for today’s podcast is Konik. Located in Minneapolis, Konik specializes in finding manufacturing employees for direct hire and contract positions. Learn more by visiting: www.koniknetwork.com

Join Monica Smith and Abby Vork as they interview Kirby Sneen on Trends in Training. From the rise of AI to the move toward microlearning, learn what's trending and how to improve and benefit from emerging changes.