Shows
The Sound of AutomationEpisode 54: Policy in Motion: Building Agility Amid Tariff and Tax UncertaintyIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli partner Mike Devereux and founder of Inside Beltway Omar Nashashibi join as we break down the complex world of tariffs and tax legislation. We start with a clear explanation of the three main types of tariffs and how they impact businesses beyond the headlines. As policies shift rapidly under the current administration, Omar shares a timely update on the latest developments and what they mean for business strategy. We also explore how companies can stay agile in the face of uncertainty and what to expect next on the tax...2025-06-1025 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 53: Tariffs and business planning in times of uncertaintyIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli director Cara Walton discusses business planning in times of uncertainty and explores the importance of agility in business strategies. We'll discuss current market uncertainties such as tariffs and the shift from electric vehicles (EV) to internal combustion engines (ICE), emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. Cara looks at the role of data in building agility, reviewing data sources, and both short-term and long-term strategies. Additionally, we'll discuss our manufacturing benchmarking study and share key takeaways from the latest Wipfli manufacturing pulse survey.If you would like to...2025-03-1838 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 52: Harnessing outsourced accounting and the power of ERPTune in to The Sound of Automation podcast with Wipfli partners Sean LaFortune and Brett Polglaze as they discuss managing and optimizing your business processes and financial operations for real-time insights, improved decision-making and increased operational efficiency.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2025-01-2629 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 51: Manufacturing industry outlookIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Wipfli partners Mike Devereux and Laurie Harbour as they discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by business owners, particularly in the manufacturing sector, due to recent political and economic changes. They emphasized the significance of the Republican sweep in the recent election, suggesting it would lead to decisive action. Laurie and Mike also emphasized the importance of strategic planning and staying informed to navigate uncertain times. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. Y...2024-12-0722 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 50: Valuation insights for your businessIn this podcast, we sit down with Wipfli Partner Chris Volz to discuss the importance of understanding your competitive landscape, the current regulatory environment and the impact of potential key tax lawchanges on your business.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-11-1523 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 49: Cybersecurity Tips for ManufacturersIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Tom Wojcinski, partner at Wipfli, and Jim Peterson, principal solutions advisor at ConnectWise, to discuss the importance of cybersecurity for manufacturers. Listen to the episode to learn about the increase in cyberthreats due to remote work environments and the expansion of digital ecosystems, as well as best practices for improving cybersecurity in manufacturing environments.More resources:Cybersecurity awareness month30 tips for cybersecurity awareness monthFor more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli...2024-10-1826 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 48: Manufacturing M&A Market UpdateIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Colin Johnson from Wipfli Corporate Finance (WCF). Bryan and Colin provide a manufacturing M&A market update and overview of the competitive landscape. They also offer advice on how to determine if your business is ready to sell, or if you should instead focus on ways to grow your business. Listen in to learn why it's so important to define your goals and surround yourself with a well-rounded support team to help you think through your options and develop the best path forward.For...2024-09-1121 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 47: Exploring Manufacturing Opportunities with AMTIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mary Cecile Neville and Chris Chidzik from The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to discuss what the manufacturing market looks like, where it's headed and what's to come at IMTS 2024. Listen in to learn how AMT can help manufacturers leverage new opportunities, make connections and grow their businesses.Additional resources:AMT U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us h...2024-08-2123 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 46: The Power of Purpose-Driven BusinessesIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the power of purpose-driven businesses with Dirk Beveridge of We Supply America and Ashley Martin of NIBCO. Listen in to learn how businesses can be a force for good by focusing on legacy, longevity and love. We’ll share ways that family-owned business NIBCO has had a positive impact on the community and how you can too. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-07-2432 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 45: Making an Impact in North American ManufacturingIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Bryan Powrozek sits down with Wipfli Partner Laurie Harbour to discuss how the right providers can help make a positive impact in North American manufacturing, and why industry knowledge is key. They also talk about the value of benchmarking as a path to continuous improvement. From rightsizing your business to networking with peers, listen to this episode for tips to help your small to medium-sized manufacturing business thrive. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact u...2024-06-2630 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 44: How Economic Developers Help Manufacturers GrowIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Quentin Messer, the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Bryan and Quentin discuss how economic developers like MEDC can help small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses grow. Listen in to learn about some of the ways MEDC attracts and retains business in Michigan and how you can leverage similar resources in your own market. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-05-2227 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 43: The Future of ManufacturingIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the future of automation with Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief at The Fabricator. Listen in to learn about the top issues and opportunities facing manufacturers, such as workforce and automation. Dan and Bryan also talk about the importance of diversification and quickly adapting to change within your organization.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-04-1734 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 42: How AI Leads to Marketing & Sales EfficiencyIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Michael Janney from Salesforce and Sean Myers from Wipfli to discuss artificial intelligence and how it can help marketing and sales teams become more efficient. Listen in to learn the difference between predictive and generative AI, and how to apply these tools in your manufacturing business to help your team work more efficiently. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-03-2733 min
Belly2BellySelectUSA 2024 Preparation with Bryan Powrozek, WipfliSelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DChttps://www.selectusasummit.us/--Bryan Powrozek, Bryan.Powrozek@wipfli.comhttps://www.wipfli.com/..Feel free to contact us with any questionsBill Kenney, bill@meetroi.comMEET, http://meetroi.com/2024-03-1611 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 41: Industry 4.0 in ActionIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Gary Krus, the Vice President of Business Development at HIROTEC. Bryan and Gary discuss the practical side of Industry 4.0 for manufacturers, including the importance of data collection and ERPs. Listen in to learn how to navigate the evolving Industry 4.0 technologies and prepare your organization for change.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2024-02-2822 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 40: Getting Started with Industry 4.0 & AIIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Automation Alley Executive Director and CEO Tom Kelly and Wipfli Digital Director Mo Abuali. Bryan, Tom and Mo discuss the latest Industry 4.0 trends and technologies for small to midsized manufacturers. They also chat about some of the challenges associated with Industry 4.0 adoption, and how to overcome these obstacles. Listen in for some tips on getting started with Industry 4.0 and AI.Guest Tom Kellyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/twkelly/ Guest Mo Abualihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/abualima/...2024-01-2635 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 39: 2024 Industry Outlook for ManufacturersIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mike Devereux who leads Wipfli's industrial products segment. Bryan and Mike discuss the key drivers impacting manufacturers and what they should look out for going into the new year.From increased revenue expectations and industry 4.0 spend to better cash flow management and strategic planning, the majority of manufacturing executives we spoke to are cautiously optimistic about 2024. Listen in to learn more about our predictions for the new year and how to successfully manage and grow your manufacturing business.Guest Mike Devereux...2023-12-1332 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 38: Manufacturing Market UpdateIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Cara Walton, Director of Market Intelligence at Harbor Results, Inc. Cara runs the company’s manufacturing intelligence tool - Harbour IQ. She is responsible for the strategic direction and growth as well as managing all data acquisition and intelligence gathering. Bryan and Cara discuss the major trends and challenges impacting manufacturers. Listen in to learn what's going on in the manufacturing industry and how to overcome obstacles.Guest Cara Waltonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-walton/Host Br...2023-11-1530 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 37: Leadership Lessons for ManufacturersIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Troy Nix, President and Owner of First Resource, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in association management for manufacturing industry sectors. Troy also serves as the executive director of three manufacturing non-profits including the Manufacturers Association for Plastic Processors (MAPP), the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM), and the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA).Bryan and Troy discuss ways to become a better leader and the role of communication, culture, accountability and recognition. Listen in to learn how small leadership improvements can have...2023-10-2040 min
The Sound of AutomationEpisode 36: The Keys to a Resilient Manufacturing BusinessIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Bill Boucher who leads Wipfli's manufacturing, retail & distribution segment. Bryan and Bill discuss ways for manufacturers to achieve success in the market by incorporating innovation, automation, and technology into their processes. Listen in to learn how to build resilience into your manufacturing business and achieve your growth goals.Guest Bill Boucherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-boucher-partner/Host Bryan Powrozekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpowrozek/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://w...2023-09-2725 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 35: Private Equity and Family CapitalIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Emma Gergen of Carlson Private Capital Partners. Bryan and Emma discuss the different types of private equity and how it differs from family capital. Listen in to learn how your business can benefit from an outside advisor.Guest Emma Gergen https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagergen/Host Bryan Powrozekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpowrozek/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2023-08-1922 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 34: How to Build High-Performance Sales TeamsIn this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Kirk Armstrong of Armstrong Sales Coaching. Bryan and Kirk discuss ways to build high-performance sales teams. Listen in to learn the keys to successful recruitment and retention in the industrial automation space. Discover what matters most when it comes to recruitment, training, motivation, and accountability. Guest Kirk Armstronghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkarmstrong/Host Bryan Powrozekhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanpowrozek/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com...2023-07-2422 min