Season 7 kicks off with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, President of FlexLine Automation, a 15-person, woman-owned integrator known for moving fast, shipping when it counts, and adapting the playbook—from conveyors and robotics to a TikTok presence that actually reaches engineers.
We talk about what leadership really means in a family business, how FlexLine is using AI to automate drawings and quoting, and why an automation company that won’t automate itself will eventually get noticed.
Cathy also shares how her agricultural roots shape how she approaches factory problems: use what you have, fix what breaks, and design for reality. From autosteer tractors to rural manufacturing, we explore why some of the most important automation work happens outside major tech hubs.
We also challenge a common myth: going direct isn’t always faster or cheaper. Custom automation often requires an integrator’s experience, inventory, and responsiveness.
If you care about practical automation—AI that saves engineers time, robotics that fit the job, and service that actually shows up—this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect with Cathy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%90%86-cathy-rinne-a1764a11/
Website: https://flex-lineautomation.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theconveyorcougar
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🎙 About Automation Ladies
Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.
🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io
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🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/
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👩🏭 Connect with the Hosts
Follow us on Linkedin and YouTube for live videos, demos, and other content!
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for episode updates, job announcements, and more!
Get in touch with us at automationladies.io!
Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales
Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez
Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering
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