Shows
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 104: FIRST Robotics inspires creativity and Coopertition™Melissa Samuels of ErgoFactor and Emily Tietjen of NEW Water are Kate's and Ann's last guests of 2025, joining the podcast this week to talk about their volunteer work with Brown County FIRST Robotics, which teaches K-12 students skills including collaborative problem solving, Gracious Professionalism™ and Coopertition™, as well as technical fluency for future careers in fields like engineering and manufacturing. You can learn more about the program, which board members Samuels and Tietjen say is always in need of volunteer technical mentors and business support, at browncountyfirstrobotics.org. NEW Manufacturing Insights will return for season 4 on Thursda...
2025-12-1817 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 103: Inside EDL PackagingEDL Packaging, a Massman Company's Kathryn Rowen, vice president and general manager, and Lynn Caruso-Stueck, director of operations, join Ann and Kate on this week's episode to talk about the company's 60-year tradition of making equipment for shrink wrapping and shrink bundling in Greater Green Bay.EDL recently constructed and moved into a new facility in De Pere that expands the company's capabilities with enhanced efficiency and a total 25% space increase. On the episode, Rowen and Caruso-Stueck detail how the new facility is having a positive impact on their business and helping attract talent, as well as...
2025-12-1118 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 102: Masters Gallery Foods: Business Friend of the EnvironmentJulia Herlache, sustainability manager for Masters Gallery Foods, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to talk about how the company has been intentionally and methodically building its sustainability efforts over the past dozen or so years since two employees first approached Masters Gallery's leadership about taking steps to reduce waste in the plant. Today, Masters Gallery is an example in the food manufacturing industry, and in Wisconsin's New North region, of integrating and promoting sustainable practices. Today the company diverts 86% of its waste, and its newest facility in Oostburg was constructed to maximize environmental friendliness.
2025-12-0415 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 101: Galloway Company and the 'cream of the crop'Annika Galloway, director of communications and public relations for Galloway Company, is Ann's and Kate's guest on this week's pre-Thanksgiving episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Listen as the co-hosts raise a glass with Annika, a fourth-generation family business leader, while the company prepares to sponsor A Very Neenah Christmas Market Dec. 5-7 and announces the development of its latest beverage innovation: an acidified crème liqueur base that allows acid, dairy and alcohol to swim together without separating.Galloway Company traces its roots back to the 1800s and its family dairy farm in Fond du Lac. It has b...
2025-11-2014 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsOur 100th Episode!Started in October 2023 as a joint project of Insight Publications and the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, NEW Manufacturing Insights celebrates 100 episodes this week with a look back at some of the most interesting guests, topics and insights shared on the podcast so far. Co-hosts Ann Franz of NEWMA and Kate Bruns of Insight talk about and play some of their favorite clips, including interviews with CEOs such as Dan Ariens, Adam Rupp, Tanya Nueske, Sachin Shivaram, as well as moments like the first-ever appearance of a NEWMA All-Star on the show.Thank you for supporting the s...
2025-11-1341 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 99: A look back at Manufacturing First 2025Ann and Kate take a look back at the 15th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, which was held last Wednesday at Resch Expo in Green Bay, with more than 1,000 attendees and more than 200 exhibitors.Hear interviews from the expo floor with attendees representing companies including HUI Manufacturing, GPS Education Partners, Carron Net Company, Oshkosh Corporation, Appleton Airport and many more.
2025-11-0631 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 98: Oh Snap!Ryan Downs, president of Oh Snap! Pickling Company and formerly of the sauerkraut mega-maker GLK Foods, joins co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns on this week's episode to share his and his family's history in food manufacturing in the New North region.Downs created Oh Snap! in 2015 following a robust product development process and now sells through most major retailers all over North America, promising "portable pickle perfection" -- healthy, mess-free snacks that can be taken anywhere, including pickled cucumbers, green beans, carrots and infused cranberries. "There's kind of pickle madness in the country right now," he...
2025-10-2321 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 97: Apricity brings dignity of work to recovery communityDan Haak, president, and Cheryl Fritz, business development manager, for Appleton-based Apricity join Kate and Ann on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service.Apricity was created in 2017 when STEP Industries merged with Mooring Programs -- making the company a comprehensive source for providing treatment, employment and support services to individuals impacted by substance abuse disorder."It's a great combination of having a solid business with a great nonprofit mission," Fritz says. Learn more about Apricity, its mission and how it is working with our region's manufacturers by l...
2025-10-1615 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 96: Meet Oshkosh Door's Chris Calawerts, Insight's October cover storyChris Calawerts, Insight on Business' October 2025 cover subject, is the president and COO of Oshkosh Door, Edgewater Door in Neenah and Oregon Door in Winston, Oregon. On this week's episode he shares his passion for manufacturing, his admiration for Garth Brooks and his best leadership insights as co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns, the author of the October cover story, dive a little deeper into this month's Insight cover feature.Read the cover story, "Open Hearted," online at insightonbusiness.com. Thank you to Wisconsin Public Service for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about how they're helping m...
2025-10-0921 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 94 (9/25/25): Bridging the gaps between school and businessAimee Herrick, director of events and emerging talent for the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce,brought her past experience working as a teacher to the table when she established the EmergingTalent Alliance. “When we started, we really wanted to focus on how we can bridge gaps betweenschools and businesses,” Herrick says.In this week’s episode, Herrick talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about the importance of building those collaborations in educating the next generation of workers and how businesses can get involved in the alliance.Thank you to Rice Co...
2025-09-2514 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 93 (9/18/25): Manufacturing First Keynote Betsy Allen-ManningBetsy Allen-Manning, company culture expert and this year’s Manufacturing First keynote speaker, says transforming your company into a ‘destination workplace’ — one with a positive brand reputatio — gives you an advantage when there is high competition for talent. In this week’s episode, Allen-Manning talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz of NEW Manufacturing Insights about her journey to becoming an internationally recognized speaker, what she’ll be sharing at this year’s Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, and the five things companies need to do to become destination workplaces.Thank you to Rice Companies for sponsoring this...
2025-09-1818 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 92 (9/11/25): Making waves in Northeast WisconsinJosh Delforge, vice president of engineering and operations at Cruisers Yachts in Oconto and a member of the leadership team for North Coast Marine Manufacturing Alliance (NCMMA), originally intended to be a part of the space program. “Unfortunately, my senior year was the Columbia shuttle disaster,” Delforge says. “So that really changed the plan.”In this week’s episode, Delforge talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz of NEW Manufacturing Insights about his journey to the marine industry, why the NCMMA is valuable to the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, and some of his favorite projects with Cruisers.
2025-09-1125 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 91 (9/4/25): VPI CEO Tim RiebauTim Riebau, president and CEO of VPI (formerly known as Valley Packaging Industries), says one of the best parts about his organization is the impact it can have on people with disabilities — while at the same time filling a vital co-packing niche for large companies in the community.In this week’s episode, Riebau talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about VPI’s mission, the changes the organization has been through in recent years, and why large companies love working with the nonprofit.Learn more at https://vpiwi.org/Thank you to Rice C...
2025-09-0423 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 90 (8/28/25): CarblissAmanda and Adam Kroener couldn’t find a low-carb ready-to-drink cocktail that they could enjoy ontheir keto diet—so they created their own. On this week’s episode, Amanda and Adam talk with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about how they founded the fast-growing and popular drink brandCarbliss and where they’re taking the company next.“The biggest thing is knowing the right timing for scale … we want to continue to roll out methodicallybecause it seems to be working,” Adam Kroener says.To learn more about Plymouth-based Carbliss,
2025-08-2824 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 89 (8/21/25): The future of education at UW-Green BayDr. Patricia Terry, Chair of the Richard J. Resch School of Engineering at UW-Green Bay, and Dr. Vallari Chandna, Associate Dean of the Cofrin School of Business at UWGB, are both leading the launch of new degree programs at the university.On this week’s episode, Chandna and Terry talk with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about why the programs are important to helping meet future workforce needs in the region.“Software engineering until now has been an emphasis within computer science,” Dr. Terry says. “But there’s a big regional industry push toward Industry 4.0,” Terry says.
2025-08-2116 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 88 (8/14/25): The ins and outs of market volatilityConnor O’Brien, vice president and trust investment officer at Legacy Private Trust Co., has spent his career helping clients accomplish their financial goals. On this week’s episode, O’Brien talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about how Legacy prepares its clients to manage market instability and why today’s volatility isn’t unusual from other times.“We have tried to instill in our clients…this will happen, we need to plan for it, we need to expect it, so when it does come, we have prepared for it,” O’Brien says. “And you have a portfolio that’s b...
2025-08-1417 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 87 (8/7/25): Inside the Robinson Training Academy with a veteran police officerJeff Engelbrecht, training and development manager at Robinson, Inc., came to the company after along career as a police officer who led training and development programs for the Green Bay PoliceDepartment. On this week’s episode, Engelbrecht talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz aboutdeveloping the Robinson Training Academy and how manufacturers can create a similar trainingprogram at their organizations.“Some supervisors and managers were a little ahead of the curve,” Engelbrecht says. “They’d beenlooking at this for a long time. They just needed someone to champion t...
2025-08-0718 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 86 (7/31/25): The growth of youth apprenticeship at Therma-Tron-XJake Schulz, vice president of production for TTX (Therma-Tron-X), is committed to helping youth find their future pathways, including through developing the Youth Apprenticeship program at the Sturgeon Bay company. On this week’s episode, Schulz talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about the company’s commitment to its YA program and how leaders build connections with local students.“Since 2021 we’ve had 26 Youth Apprentices that have successfully come through our program, and we have been privileged to see a few of those come on board as full-time employees,” Schulz says. “But each year we’ve seen that progr...
2025-07-3122 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 85 (7/24/25): Eagle Performance Plastics President Lori SealockLori Sealock, recently named president of Eagle Performance Plastics, has been with the custom jobshop for going on 24 years. On this week’s episode, Sealock talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and AnnFranz about the company’s succession planning, her role and making the company’s vision come tolife.“We’re focused on setting the next generation up for success, which means making sure they have theright people, the right tools, the right environment to do that,” Sealock says. “They need a strongfoundation to keep building on Eagle’s values and the g...
2025-07-2414 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 84 (7/17/25): How mid-market manufacturers can reduce tariff exposureJennifer Clement is one of six Wisconsin experts sharing their perspectives on the shifting global trade climate in the July issue of IOM. This week Clement, client relationship leader at CLA, talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about her essay “Ten Steps to Reduce Tariff Exposure for Mid-Market Manufacturers,” and about how she and the team at CLA are helping companies to navigate the volatility in the global trade market.Learn more about Clement and her work: https://www.claconnect.com/en/directory/c/clement-jenniferThank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsorin...
2025-07-1718 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 83 (7/10/25): Value creation is everythingHoward Hauser and Mike Berns wrote the new book Value Creation is Everything -- the first book for each of the co-authors, who have been consulting and coaching together for the last 23 years in Northeast Wisconsin. Howard tells co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz on this week's episode that the pair felt the time was right to distill 40 years of industry experience into "something that was simple and easy for people to understand." He and Mike use the book, as well as this week's podcast, to share their wisdom about how to become a value creation company -- a...
2025-07-1024 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 82 (6/26/25): On 50 years of WRTP | BIG STEP with CEO Lindsay BlumerLindsay Blumer is the president and CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP, a Milwaukee-based organization that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is currently working under its sectoral partnership model to expand its mission into Northeast Wisconsin. BIG STEP, which was created in the 1970s, merged with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) after it was created in the 1990s. Today it works on the ground to help create and sustain pathways to family-supporting careers like manufacturing. Lindsay joins Kate and Ann on today's show to dive deeper into WRTP | BIG STEP's mission and vision, as...
2025-06-2620 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 80 (6/12/25): Sure Controls works to keep Midwest manufacturers running, growing & smilingTerry Brei, president and owner of Sure Controls in Greenville, joins Kate and Ann on this week's podcast to talk about digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and the future of manufacturing technology.Automation and artificial intelligence are hot topics in the manufacturing world, and Sure Controls' work is at the forefront of these technologies. Terry says the mission at Sure Controls is to "keep manufacturers running, growing and smiling in the Midwest." This includes helping to understand the impact, necessity and residual effects of the technologies -- not just the seemingly limitless possibilities, but the solutions that match your business...
2025-06-1228 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 78 (5/29/25): 2025 NEWMA All Star Jennifer Rome of Burger Boat Co.Jennifer Rome, who graces the cover of the 2025 NEW Manufacturing Alliance All Stars magazine, is Kate's and Ann's guest this week on NEW Manufacturing Insights. Find out more about Jennifer's career journey and why learning a trade and working in the manufacturing sector has been the right career move for her. Jennifer took the wood manufacturing course at Fox Valley Technical College and worked for a historical floor manufacturer before coming to Burger Boat four years ago. As an "art kid" growing up, Jennifer says wood manufacturing was a natural fit. She hasn't regretted the decision a bit, a...
2025-05-2912 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 77 (5/22/25): The benefits of youth apprenticeship, with David Gordon of CESA 7David Gordon, director of career and technical education with Wisconsin's Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) 7, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to talk about youth apprenticeship and connecting the Northeast Wisconsin business community with young talent and our region's school districts.David was honored as NEWMA's Career Pathmaker Award recipient at last year's Excellence in Manufacturing K-12 Partnership Awards. He says he sees his role as helping students have a-ha moments around the relevance of their education in the real world, as well as helping companies connect to the talent pipeline in meaningful ways.
2025-05-2216 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 76 (5/15/25): Jen Fietz re-imagines Imaginasium as Stoke RGAStoke RGA (Revenue Growth Accelerator), formerly known as Imaginasium, has officially launched its new brand with a sharp focus on helping manufacturers drive double-digit, scalable revenue growth. Built on years of hands-on experience with Midwest manufacturing companies, Stoke RGA partners with $75M+ manufacturers to align strategy, sales, marketing and operations and execute with precision.Jen Fietz, a Wisconsin-born manufacturing leader, leads Stoke RGA, and she joins co-hosts Kate Bruns of Insight on Manufacturing and Ann Franz of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance on today's new episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast to share more about Imaginasium's evolution...
2025-05-1516 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 75 (5/8/25): Buckley Brinkman on the future of MEPs, Wisconsin's manufacturing landscapeBuckley Brinkman, executive director and CEO of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing Productivity, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to help unpack the 2024-2025 Wisconsin Manufacturing Report, which WCMP has produced for the past four years in order to take the pulse of manufacturers across the state. He also notes how some of the results (including supply chain falling off respondents' list of top worries) may already need updating since the Trump administration has announced tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada and other key trade partners.Buckley also gives his perspective on the federal government's recent defunding...
2025-05-0824 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 74 (5/1/25): Mel Butcher on building a female futureOn the eve of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's "Future of Work" Summit on succession planning, featured speaker Mel Butcher of the organization Lead to Soar, which is working to close the leadership gender gap, joins Kate and Ann on the podcast to share more about the Madison-based organization, her personal background and passions and why closing the leadership gender gap is key to creating successful succession plans.She also helps identify and explain the "missing link" in women's career advice.Learn more about Lead to Soar at www.leadtosoar.com.
2025-05-0116 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 73 (4/24/25): Marion Body Works President Kevin IgnacioPresident Kevin Ignacio of Marion Body Works joins this week's episode to talk about the 120-year-old manufacturing company that has been owned by his family since 1980. The company that started out making milk wagons now manufactures commercial van bodies, custom cabs for fire truck chassis manufacturers, all-aluminum fire apparatus and more. Kevin tells co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about the career path that led him back to the family business he's been around with his whole life -- including following the family rule to work somewhere else first, the challenges of handing down a business through three g...
2025-04-2418 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 72 (4/17/25): Plexus Corp. CEO Todd KelseyThis year's Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year winner in the mega category, Neenah-based Plexus Corp., is looking to step away from its former identity as the Fox Cities' best-kept secret. This week Plexus CEO Todd Kelsey joins Kate and Ann on the podcast to talk more about the company, which makes no products under its own name but is focused on building a better world through partnerships and innovation; about why Plexus is committed to the Fox Cities; and about what's next for the global manufacturer that employs 20,000.To learn more about Plexus, visit www.plexus.com/en-us.
2025-04-1718 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 70 (4/3/25): Skilling up with SkillsUSA WisconsinFrom construction to cosmetology, SkillsUSA is a student organization empowering students -- sixth grade through post-secondary -- to explore, and even master, skilled trades. Wisconsin state president Marli Novy, a 12th grader at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to share more about the organization and how it is helping fill the talent pipeline in a variety of industries, including manufacturing. Marli's mother, Quinn Novy, works as a coordinator for the program and also joins the podcast to share her insights on how the program provides opportunities for school districts and businesses to partner.
2025-04-0320 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 69 (3/27/25): QComp Technologies President Katie MinerKatie Miner joins this week's episode to talk about OwnersEdge, the employee-owned holding company for which she has has been serving as vice president of integration, as well as QComp Technologies, the Greenville-based OwnersEdge child company of which she was recently named president. QComp creates integrated robotic systems for highly complex, end-of-line material handling in niche industries, including glass, consumer goods, non-wovens and food and beverage.Katie tells podcast co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about her career journey that started in finance, her growing love and appreciation for the manufacturing industry, and the benefits of being part...
2025-03-2722 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 68 (3/20/25): Tweet Garot President Hope VoigtHope Voigt, who has served as chief operating officer for the De Pere-based mechanical contracting firm Tweet Garot since 2016, was recently promoted to company president. A certified public accountant with an MBA, Voigt was praised in her promotion announcement by Tweet Garot CEO Chris Howald as having been instrumental in driving operational excellence and strategic growth at the firm. Today she sits down with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz to talk about being a woman leader in a male dominated industry, as well as how and why Tweet Garot has been an essential partner in the Northeast W...
2025-03-2012 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 66 (3/6/25): An exploration of time with John K. Coyle1994 Olympic silver medalist John K. Coyle joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to talk about his presentation at the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's quarterly membership meeting, which was held this morning in Manitowoc. Coyle has dedicated 10 years of his life since leaving speed skating to the study of chronoception, which refers to time perspective.He started his work following a meditation on the tenths and even hundredths of seconds that separate elite racers and making the common observation that time seems to speed up for people as they get older. Hear more about what he has discovered...
2025-03-0616 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 63 (2/13/25): Hope and Help TogetherPheonah Kisembo and Hilary Haskell from the nonprofit organization Hope and Help Together, which works to support immigrant and refugee populations by facilitating resources and relationships in Northeast Wisconsin, are this week's podcast guests. On the heels of a lunch and learn presentation to the NEW Manufacturing Alliance earlier this week, Pheonah and Hilary sit down with NEW Manufacturing Insights co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns, along with Insight editor Amelia Compton Wolff, who wrote about immigrant and refugee hiring for the latest issue of Insight on Manufacturing magazine.On this episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, learn...
2025-02-1325 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 60 (1/23/25): Electrifying the future of work with Shea Electric's Dan SheaDan Shea, chief operating officer of electrical contractor Shea Electric and Communications, joins co-hosts Kate Bruns of Insight on Manufacturing and Ann Franz of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance on the 60th episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, sponsored by Werner Electric Supply.Dan tells the co-hosts the history of his business, which specializes in low-voltage projects and dates back to 2006. He shares how his business philosophies have led him to embrace youth apprenticeship as a talent solution that has made a transformational difference for the company, and he also talks about what's next for his industry, including insights...
2025-01-2325 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 59 (1/16/25): How Green Bay's Coex 3D is bolstering additive manufacturing in the New NorthTodd Louthain, owner of Coex 3D in Green Bay, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode of the podcast, which ties in with the January 2025 IOM cover story on additive manufacturing, "Addition by Addition," that was released yesterday. Louthain bought Coex 3D and spun it off from The Village Companies in 2022, and today it is one of only 14 domestic manufacturers of 3D printing filament selling to the open market.Louthain is more than a manufacturer, however. Coex 3D prides itself on providing additive manufacturing services and consultations to Wisconsin companies, including manufacturers like Wisconsin Lighting Lab...
2025-01-1621 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 58 (1/9/25): Marine Travelift raises the standardHappy New Year from all of us at Insight Publications, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, and Woodward Community Media, who are proud to kick off the third season of NEW Manufacturing Insights with a feature on Sturgeon Bay-based manufacturer Marine Travelift, which was recently awarded a military contract to build the U.S. Coast Guard's largest-ever boat lift and constructs 70 to 90 lifts per year, up to 1,000 metric tons in size, with customers on six continents. Director of HR Michelle Waldinger and Director of Sales and Marketing Brock Rubens join co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns on this week's episode to share...
2025-01-0922 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 57 (12/19/24): Helping kids ditch the digital life through boatbuildingMark Hawkins, founder of the nonprofit organization Hands on Deck, joins co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns on the final episode of 2024 to talk about how Hands on Deck is helping students learn the benefits of woodworking, enjoying device-free hobbies, and the fundamentals of manufacturing. Mark shares the history of the youth boat-building organization and how it has grown in popularity, serving K-12 students from across Wisconsin's New North region. Thank you to Appleton Airport for sponsoring this week's episode!
2024-12-1929 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 56 (12/12/24): Futurist Jonathan Brill talks manufacturingJonathan Brill, a seasoned inventor, the first person to hold the position of "global futurist" at HP, and a former adviser to the U.S. Secret Service, will speak in Green Bay on Feb. 28 at Envision Greater Green Bay's annual Global Futures Day Forum. In anticipation of that visit and connecting with leaders in Northeast Wisconsin, Brill joined co-hosts Ann Franz of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Kate Bruns of Insight on Manufacturing magazine on this week's episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast, sponsored by Appleton Airport.Among the topics Brill identifies on the podcast as being...
2024-12-1220 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 55 (12/5/24): Advanced Tooling Inc. is one of Wisconsin's best places to workGreg Schrage of Mt. Calvary's Advanced Tooling, Inc. joins co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, which looks back at the first-ever Best Places to Work in Manufacturing awards that were presented by Insight in November. ATI was not only one of the top 10 manufacturers that were honored for its high scores in the Workforce Research Group employee engagement survey, but the company performed well enough that it ranked No. 2 overall. Schrage talks about why ATI has been successful in engaging its workforce, acknowledging that its relatively small size makes it e...
2024-12-0515 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 54 (11/21/24): New North, Inc. CEO Barb LaMueBarb LaMue, the president and CEO of New North, Inc., joins co-hosts Kate Bruns of Insight on Manufacturing magazine and Ann Franz of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance on this week's episode. Listen in as Barb reflects on the organization's nearly 20 years of success chartering economic development in the 18-county region, including its talent and business attraction achievements and the potential impact of the upcoming 2025 NFL draft.This week's episode is sponsored by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which is launching its new Lean Alliance Dec. 3: https://events.nwtc.edu/corporate-training/event/detail/lean-alliance-9c7e60We will...
2024-11-2133 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 53 (11/14/24): Keeping things moving with Nercon's Jim EckesJim Eckes, fabrication manager at Nercon Conveyor Systems, joins co-hosts Kate and Ann on this week's episode to talk about the company's investment in the community of Oconto, which has included a partnership with Oconto High School, educational programs with NEWMA, and a burgeoning youth apprenticeship program Jim calls one of the "favorite programs I've ever been involved with."You can also hear Jim describe the conveyor belts, or "transportation systems," Nercon creates for the food and consumer products industries and the jobs the company provides in both Neenah and Oconto.This week's episode is sponsored...
2024-11-1416 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 52 (11/7/24): Manufacturing First recapThis week's podcast takes a look back at Manufacturing First 2024, which was held last week at the Resch Expo in Green Bay. Hear reflections from co-hosts Ann and Kate, as well as interviews recorded live at the event with participants who shared their #MfgFirst insights during the day.Thank you to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for sponsoring this episode, and thank you to everyone who attended the 14th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference!
2024-11-0724 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 51 (10/24/24): Career EXCELerateThis week Kayla Countney of Goodwill NCW and Nancy Bleck of Rawhide Youth Services join co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns to talk about the innovative Career EXCELerate program -- a collaboration between Goodwill NCW, Rawhide Youth Services and Fox Valley Technical College that provides free job training coupled with high-level mental and emotional support. The program was launched about three years ago with the support of a Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant, and it's still going strong today and eyeing growth opportunities, Countney tells the co-hosts. Its initial goal was to serve 460 Wisconsinites, she adds, and it has already reached 420.
2024-10-2413 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 49 (10/10/24): Greg Linnemanstons on the quest for new customersWe're back to talking marketing on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights -- this time with Greg Linnemanstons, the 23-year president of the Appleton-based inbound marketing firm Weidert Group. Greg tells Kate and Ann about his firm's B2B services as well as previews his forthcoming Manufacturing First breakout session, "The Top Industrial Sales & Marketing Plays Your Lead Gen Strategy Needs Now," scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 30 at the expo. Learn more and register for Manufacturing First at www.manufacturingfirst.com. Listen in as Greg shares his wisdom on the topic of lead generation, how marketing an...
2024-10-1020 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 48 (10/3/24): LIVE at Werner Electric Supply on our One-Year Anniversary!Werner Electric Supply President Craig Wiedemeier joins Kate and Ann live from Werner Electric's headquarters in Appleton as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of NEW Manufacturing Insights at a special Manufacturing Month kickoff event. Craig tells the co-hosts the 75-year-long story of Werner Electric and shares how the business has evolved to become a partner with manufacturers in learning IT and OT, adopting new programs and tools that help improve productivity, and keeping pace with technology.Craig will be speaking Oct. 30 at the Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, and it's not too late to register for Wisconsin's l...
2024-10-0318 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 47 (9/26/24): ark data centers CEO Brett LindseyBrett Lindsey is the newest CEO of Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based ark data centers, which recently rebranded from Involta and is creating in the New North region its largest data center in the country. ark data centers will create a 20-megawatt campus on 24.5 acres in the village of Harrison, with easy access to major markets such as Chicago and Minneapolis. On this week's episode, Lindsey tells co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about why the company is excited to set up shop in Wisconsin using the company's "Gen 6 design" model.Lindsey also dives into cybersecurity, AI and other tech...
2024-09-2620 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 46 (9/19/24): The New North region needs more tech ed teachersSteve Meyer, a longtime advocate and practitioner of technical education in Northeast Wisconsin, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to take a deeper dive into this month's Insight on Manufacturing cover story about the New North region's tech education teacher shortage and what institutions like Wisconsin Technical College System, UW System and school districts like Seymour Community are doing to help recruit, retain, and reskill qualified teachers to train students for next-generation careers.Read "Filling the Void" by Amelia Compton Wolff online here: Filling the void | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.comOn the podcast Meyer...
2024-09-1927 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 45 (9/12/24): Eight in 10 workers worldwide suffer from burnout. What can we do?Kelly Bubolz of KB Training Connections is an expert on preventing burnout in the manufacturing industry -- because she herself is a survivor of burnout in the manufacturing industry. Her body suffered complete physical collapse from burnout in March 2021, forcing her to leave the career she says she had worked so hard for.Back to school and the change in weather can exacerbate symptoms of burnout this time of year, Kelly says, and on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights she sits down with Kate and Ann to help spread awareness. Her work with KB Training Connections...
2024-09-1216 min
Read Them SidewaysEpisode 7: The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society Mini Series # 2 with Axel BrunsIn this episode of Read Them Sideways, your host Kate FitzGerald chats with Professor Axel Bruns, the leader of the Digital Publics research group at the Digital Media Research Centre. Recently, the DMRC responded to the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society. In this mini series, we will be chatting with scholars who contributed to the extensive DMRC submission. In part two, Axel discusses the National Media Bargaining Code, the consequences for the Australian news media industry, and what alternatives might be available. Read Them Sideways is a new podcast from the Digital Media Research Centre...
2024-09-0925 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 44 (9/5/24): 2024 Manufacturing First Keynote Steve JonesDon't miss this week's episode as leadership expert, educator and author Steve Jones of Jadin Jones Consulting joins Kate and Ann to talk leadership. He gives listeners a preview of his forthcoming Manufacturing First Expo & Conference keynote and shares stories and wisdom from along his career journey. The former five-time state championship winning football coach tackles topics from generational differences to workplace challenges to his role with the Green Bay Packers.Thank you to Wisconsin Paper Group for sponsoring the podcast all month long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Insight...
2024-09-0525 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 43 (8/29/24): Titletown Manufacturing is a key cog in the machineFormerly known as Precision Tool and Dye -- a name that didn't necessarily reflect what the company does, the firm we know today as Titletown Manufacturing is a "job shop" that does assembly and builds components for OEMs. Co-owner Chris Fuss joins Kate and Ann this week to explain the difference between "job shops" and "production shops," the intricacies of the machining trade he has been involved with since age 16, and the impact of Industry 4.0 at Titletown Manufacturing. Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all month long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production o...
2024-08-2912 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 42 (8/22/24): Burger Boat stays afloat for an incredible 161 yearsWith a history dating back to 1863, Manitowoc's Burger Boat Company is Wisconsin's second-oldest company. Our guest today, naval architect Ron Cleveringa, has been with the firm for 25 years and even dreamed of working for Burger Boat as a child growing up in Michigan. A custom shipbuilder that got its start creating fishing vessels, Burger Boat today produces some of the world's most dazzling yachts, "anything up to 200 feet," Cleveringa shares. Listen to the full episode to learn more from Cleveringa about Burger Boat's products, the history of the company and industry, the prominence of shipbuilding in Northeast Wisconsin, a...
2024-08-2214 min
House GuestEpisode 70: Paige Irene Bruns is Writing her Own Story (with the help of those on the other side)On today's episode Hailey sits down at the beautiful ' The Facial Room' in downtown Charleston to give a reading to Screenwriter and Director Paige Irene Bruns. Paige and Hailey connect in with Paige's grandmother who has some insight into a project that Paige had recently put on the back burner. Learn More by going to: https://www.paigeirene.com/ Check Out Paige on IG: https://www.instagram.com/paigeirenebruns/?hl=en Follow Hailey on IG: https://www.instagram.com/haileylowefennell/ Book a virtual reading with Hailey: https://haileylowefennell.com/book-a-reading A huge thank you to "The F...
2024-08-1626 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 41 (8/15/24): Spark Ops takes center stageBryan Perl, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Fond du Lac's Spark Ops Metalworks, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to share how Spark Ops has transformed the entertainment industry with its patented truss components, which have been used for stages at major events from the Super Bowl to Formula 1 to the Olympics.Founded in 2022, Spark Ops is a newcomer to the Northeast Wisconsin manufacturing scene, but Perl brings customer-focused and employee-focused business experiences to the industry. His wife, Maria, is the business owner and traveled to the studio alongside her husband to share more behind-the-scenes...
2024-08-1512 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 40 (8/8/24): Tracking the hottest employment law issues of 2024DeWitt LLP Law Firm's Steve DiTullio joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to unpack the employment law issues that should be top of mind for manufacturers in 2024 and 2025, including the recent announcement from the FTC banning non-compete clauses nationwide, a topic on which DiTullio comments in the July issue of Insight on Manufacturing. Get an update on the rule's status in the appeals process. DiTullio has been an employment defense attorney with DeWitt LLP since 1994 and is an expert on FMLA, OSHA rules, labor relations anDiTulliod more. He says 2024 has been a particularly "busy year." He d...
2024-08-0824 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 39 (8/1/24): How to flex your marketing muscle"Flex Your Marketing" author Terra Fletcher of Fletcher Consulting encourages manufacturers to be open-minded about their marketing on this week's episode. Fletcher joins co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns in the studio to discuss some the biggest marketing and communications challenges facing the industry: personal branding and thought leadership, talent attraction, mergers and acquisitions, social media and AI.Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all month long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of NEWMA and IOM, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.
2024-08-0120 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 38 (7/25/24): Five AI trends to watch in manufacturingWipfli's Mo Abuali joins co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns virtually from Cincinnati to provide more industry insights around the NEWMA Industry 4.0 Talent and Technology Survey, which is covered in the July issue of Insight on Manufacturing (IOM). Listen in as Abuali unpacks five practical ways manufacturers can and should be looking at leveraging AI in their businesses.Wipfli is also offering qualified podcast listeners complimentary Industry 4.0 assessments and roadmaps as part of its ongoing partnership with NEWMA. Learn more at https://www.wipfli.com/industries/manufacturing-and-distribution/industry-4-0/industry-4-0-rapid-assessment. Thank you to The B...
2024-07-2519 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 37 (7/18/24): Exploring Industry 4.0 with Werner Electric's Weston TimmersWerner Electric Supply Project Manager Weston Timmers is Kate's and Ann's guest on the latest episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, which is dedicated to exploring the July Insight on Manufacturing cover story, which unpacks the NEW Manufaturing Alliance's 2024 Industry 4.0 Talent and Technology Survey. Weston shares the insights he sees on the ground working with manufacturers, explaining what some of the survey data looks like "in real life," and promotes Werner's upcoming IN4M conference, scheduled for Aug. 20-21 at Lambeau Field.Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all July long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is...
2024-07-1817 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 36 (7/11/24): Nueske's brings the smoke for 91 yearsThird-generation CEO Tanya Nueske of Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats, Wittenberg, joins Kate and Ann to talk about the company's 91-year history in Northeast Wisconsin, the ins and outs of operating a family business, and why Nueske's old-fashioned, slow smoking process has led it to receive numerous awards, recognition in the New York Times and on restaurant menus nationwide, and finalist status for WMC's "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin." The NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast is sponsored all month long by The Boldt Company and produced by Woodward Community Media.
2024-07-1115 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 35 (6/27/24): Elizabeth Kust takes us to "NEW" school2023 Excellence in Manufacturing K-12 Partnership Award honoree Elizabeth Kust of the N.E.W. School of Innovation joins Kate and Ann to talk about the charter school program that is working on the ground at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to provide an alternative learning environment for students in grades 7-12.Elizabeth discusses the challenges of operating a charter school, the rewards of partnering with NWTC, and how the program has developed community and business relationships to enhance its programming.The NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.
2024-06-2722 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 34 (6/20/24): Life on the cutting edge with Séura's Tim and Gretchen GilbertsonArt and science come together to create some of the best products, French post-impressionist Georges-Pierre Séurat famously said. This was the inspiration for Tim and Gretchen Gilbertson when they created Séura, a Green Bay-based manufacturer that makes innovative TV mirror products.The owners and co-founders of the company joined Kate and Ann in the studio to discuss the challenges of running a company as a family, their belief in Green Bay's workforce as a reason to do business in the New North region, and how technology and consumer trends have had ongoing impacts on their bu...
2024-06-2018 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 33 (6/13/24): Our child care model is a "market failure." What's next?Lynn Coriano, executive director of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership and co-founder of the Greater Fox Valley Child Care Alliance, joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode to unpack an issue that affects not just parents and children, but all of society: child care and early childhood education. Lynn explains how the U.S. child care system as a whole has been analyzed as a "market failure," which is a problem that can't be fixed overnight and can't and won't be solved by a single entity: government, business, nonprofits or otherwise. They all need a seat at t...
2024-06-1326 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 32 (6/6/24): NWTC President Kristen RaneyDr. Kristen Raney became the eighth president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay on July 1, 2023. As she concludes her first year at the helm of NWTC, Raney stops by NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk about being an open access institution that's helping build Wisconsin's high-tech workforce of the future and strengthening communities in Northeast Wisconsin.On the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's 18th birthday, the 32nd episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.
2024-06-0622 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 31 (5/30/24): Best of Leadership InsightsThis week NEW Manufacturing Insights is highlighting some of the best leadership insights from its first 30 episodes. Check out wisdom from CEOs, education leaders and other standout thought leaders in manufacturing who have appeared on the podcast throughout its first nine months. We'll be back with another new, regular episode June 6!
2024-05-3016 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 30 (5/23/24): Meet NEWMA chair Jeff Berg of Voith PaperNEWMA board chair Jeff Berg joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode, which is sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. Jeff is currently the vice president of operations for Voith Paper, which employs more than 500 people in Wisconsin. He first got involved with NEWMA about five years ago and has since become passionate about the organization's mission. This year, he says he is most excited about the development of the safety task force, as well as the upcoming unveiling of NEWMA's Industry 4.0 study results. Hear more leadership insights on this week's episode, and learn more...
2024-05-2317 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 29 (5/16/24): Making helicopters in the New North regionEnstrom Helicopter President Todd Tetzlaff joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode, which is sponsored by Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. Tetzlaff says he's had "aviation on the brain" since he was a little kid. ("Airplanes are cool, but helicopters are cooler," he says.) While Tetzlaff says helicopters make up a small percentage of aviation in general, you might be surprised at the number and variety of people who use them.
2024-05-1613 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 28 (5/9/24): Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry CEO Sachin ShivaramWisconsin Aluminum Foundry CEO Sachin Shivaram started down a path to becoming a lawyer, but he fell in love with metals manufacturing and hasn't looked back. Today, he leads Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in Manitowoc, where he has helped expand the firm through acquisitions, expansions and product development. In fact, Shivaram shares on this week's episode that WAF is currently in the process of acquiring a restaurant to showcase some of its consumer goods and technologies. The New North, Inc. co-chair is a thought leader on a variety of critical issues, including child care, workforce, higher education and technology, for the...
2024-05-0928 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 27 (5/2/24): The Appleton Airport is soaringThis week Appleton International Airport announced that it logged its busiest month ever in March 2024, welcoming 100,800 total passengers (enplaned and deplaned). Business development manager Jesse Funk joins the podcast this week to talk about milestones and momentum, the airport's current expansion project, and the history and vision of a high-quality, community-minded airport as it strives to make air travel accessible to all. Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-05-0215 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 26 (4/25/24): Earth Week 2024: Waupaca Foundry is a global sustainability leaderOne of the largest, most heavy-duty companies in Northeast Wisconsin is also one of its most sustainable. In celebration of Earth Week, Waupaca Foundry Corporate Sustainability Manager Bryant Esch joins the podcast to talk about three decades of green innovation at the foundry. His work has led the American Foundry Society to call Bryant "the leading voice for green manufacturing," and he shares what he's learned over the years on this week's episode, including key insights that cut across industries.Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-04-2520 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 25 (4/18/24): Training "Industrial Athletes" with Dr. Bryan SchwebkeDr. Bryan Schwebke, founder and CEO of Paramount Performance Physical Therapy in Suamico, joins Kate Bruns and Ann Franz on this week's episode to talk about his work in the Northeast Wisconsin manufacturing community. Bryan shares how he has used his athletics training background to help train "industrial athletes" in the workplace -- focusing on early intervention, building a supportive team and developing a healthy workplace culture that includes top-down buy-in for health and safety initiatives.Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-04-1816 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 24 (4/11/24): Menasha Corporation CEO Christopher DreesMenasha Corporation, which was recently honored as Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year, is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2024. Christopher Drees, who became Menasha Corporation's CEO last year after previously leading Mercury Marine, joins co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz on this week's episode to talk about the history and future of the storied company. Despite its deep roots and a longevity that rivals our state itself, Menasha Corporation was also recognized this year as one of the New North's Fastest Growing Companies by Insight. Drees talks about expansions and technology investments happening at the company's Hartford and Neenah facilities, as...
2024-04-1112 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 23 (4/4/24): Is Northeast Wisconsin a Web 3.0 desert?Bill Ritcey of Farm to Plate and Jim Dobinski of StellarBlue.ai are part of a dedicated group of Web 3.0 evangelists working to push the New North region forward in the adoption of technologies like A.I. and blockchain, the latter of which is the subject of the latest technology feature in IOM, "Building Blocks," which can be read here: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/technology/building-blocks/article_8e7e74ca-e14b-11ee-928d-fb0ff174abf6.htmlOn this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, Ritcey and Dobinski sat down with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz to...
2024-04-0417 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 22 (3/28/24): Partnering for manufacturing safety in Northeast WisconsinLearn more about the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's newest and very popular task force, which is focused on safety, with co-chairs Mark Callow and Mike Winkler of Samuel Pressure Vessel Systems in Marinette. This week's podcast dives deeper into the March "back office" feature of IOM magazine, "Priority One," which can be read online at https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/backoffice/priority-one/article_049234b4-e14f-11ee-8c83-d721f5e652f5.htmlThank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-03-2821 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 21 (3/21/24): BioForward Wisconsin's Lisa Johnson on our state's biohealth tech hub designationMarch Madness has arrived, and so has the March issue of Insight on Manufacturing magazine. Dive deeper into this month's cover story with author Amelia Compton-Wolff and with Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin, who recently led the successful bid to designate Wisconsin as a Biohealth Tech Hub through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. The history, future and impact of this designation are outlined in Amelia's latest story for IOM, "The Next Frontier," which can be read here: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/coverstory/the-next-frontier/article_442192e6-e145-11ee-adfb-d370ff711b1d.html
2024-03-2120 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 20 (3/14/24): Wisconsin Lighting Lab CEO Adam RuppAdam Rupp, CEO of Wisconsin Lighting Lab in Fond du Lac, joins Kate and Ann this week to talk about the important intersection of manufacturing and technology -- in ways that both can and can't be seen by the customer. WiLL also boasts one of the New North region's youngest workforces, and Rupp talks about some of the values that help make his company an employer of choice for young talent.Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-03-1422 min
NEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 19 (3/7/24): Meet a Walker Forge youth apprentice and her mentorKate and Ann welcome Neveah Krueger, a welder with Walker Forge's youth apprenticeship program in Clintonville, along with her mentor, Troy Miller. Neveah and Troy discuss why hands-on learning has been the best option for the high-school student and how to make sure youth apprenticeship students can be successful in the workplace.Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.
2024-03-0717 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 18 (2/29/24): Excellerate's Pat McGettigan talks new Little Chute facilityPat McGettigan, executive vice president of Excellerate -- a division of Faith Technologies Incorporated, joins Kate and Ann to talk about the company's new smart manufacturing facility in Little Chute and how the company is poised on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, modular construction, sustainability and employee wellness.
2024-02-2909 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 17 (2/22/24): Fincantieri's Jan AllmanJan Allman, vice president and general manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, joins NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk about her manufacturing career and how her decade with Fincantieri has perhaps been the most exciting period of all, building products that serve and protect the nation and move essential goods through the Great Lakes.
2024-02-2214 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 16 (2/15/24): Talking tech with Microsoft's Michelle SchulerThe 16th episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights features technology leader and inclusion advocate Michelle Schuler, who serves as U.S. program manager for Microsoft TechSpark after successfully building the now-nationwide program starting in Appleton and Green Bay. Schuler is also the founder of Women in Technology Wisconsin and a tireless community volunteer. Also on this episode: Today is the deadline to nominate young professionals for Insight's second-annual 40 Under 40 Awards: www.insightonbusiness.com/40u40.
2024-02-1515 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 15 (2/8/24): Inside one of the New North's Fastest Growing CompaniesJeff Van Zeeland, president of Fox Valley Wood Products, joins Ann and Kate to talk more about the company, which will be honored Feb. 29 at Lambeau Field as one of Insight's Fastest Growing Companies in the New North Region for 2024. Fox Valley Wood Products is one of many manufacturing companies that will be honored at the event. Learn more at www.insightonbusiness.com/fastest.Also on this episode: The deadline is coming up Feb. 15 to nominate young professionals for Insight's second annual 40 Under 40 Awards. Learn more at www.insightonbusiness.com/40u40.
2024-02-0810 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 14 (2/1/24): Exploring Industry 4.0 with Sure Controls' Zach RoisumZach Roisum, a controls engineer at Appleton-based Sure Controls, joins Ann and Kate to help dymystify the topic of Industry 4.0 and understand the reasons to "dream bigger" when it comes to automation and plant modernization in the manufacturing industry.Also on this episode: The deadline is coming up Feb. 15 to nominate young professionals for Insight's second annual 40 Under 40 Awards. Learn more at www.insightonbusiness.com/40u40.
2024-02-0115 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 13 (1/25/24): Celebrating the 2024 NEWMA All Stars2024 NEWMA All Star Carlos Martinez of Hart Design and Manufacturing joins Kate and Ann, along with Hart HR Director Heather Marconi, on a special episode highlighting Carlos' unique journey from Mexico to Green Bay to be a manufacturing leader. Read the full 2024 All Stars magazine, featuring Carlos' cover story, here: All Stars - 2024 All Stars (insightdigital.biz)
2024-01-2517 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 12 (1/18/24): The Cool Stuff with New North's Renee TorzalaNew North, Inc. Vice President Renee Torzala joins Ann and Kate to talk about the January 2024 Insight on Manufacturing cover story about "cool stuff" made in Northeast Wisconsin. New North's "Cool Stuff" campaign celebrates not only the cool products made in our region, but also people and places that make Northeast Wisconsin, well, cool. Learn more about New North's plans to increasingly market outdoor recreation as part of its talent attraction efforts in the new year and stay warm with us as we talk all things cool on this edition of NEW Manufacturing Insights.
2024-01-1815 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 11 (1/11/24): A closer look at the 2024 NEWMA Vitality IndexOn this first episode of 2024, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns talk to Kathy Zuckweiler of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Customized Research and Services about the results of the 2024 NEWMA Manufacturing Vitality Index, recently released for the 16th year. View the complete study results on NEWMA's website at https://newmfgalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NEWMA-2024-Vitality-web.pdf.
2024-01-1119 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 10 (12/21/23): Talking opportunity with Aspiro's Pete Falk and Scott BakerAspiro's Pete Falk and Scott Baker join NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk about the nonprofit organization's unique and powerful workforce programs for adults with disabilities.To learn more about Aspiro's work or engage with their services, visit www.aspiroinc.org or call Scott and Pete at (920) 498-2599.NEW Manufacturing Insights is taking a break for the holidays, but we will be back on Thursday, Jan. 11.Also on this episode: Happy holidays from all of us at NEWMA and Insight!
2023-12-2113 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 9 (12/14/23): NWTC's Amy Kox talks manufacturing edNortheast Wisconsin Technical College Dean of Trades and Engineering Technologies Amy Kox stops by NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk about the latest happenings in her department, including unprecedented gifts and investments in manufacturing education and the college's efforts to train the next generation manufacturing workforce Also on this episode: Insight is gearing up to present "Wisconsin's Best Places to Work in Manufacturing" in 2024. Applications are open now. Sign up today at www.insightonbusiness.com/bptw.
2023-12-1417 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 8 (12/7/23): Dan AriensAriensCo CEO Dan Ariens visits NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk snow business with Ann and Kate -- including a new year's forecast for the company, excitement around the Ariens Nordic Center earning USA Biathlon Training Center designation and more. Also on this episode: Register today for next week's NEWMA Quarterly Membership Meeting at Fox Valley Technical College. You won't want to miss it! Home - Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (newmfgalliance.org)
2023-12-0722 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 7 (11/30/23): The Village Companies' Tonya Dittman and Holly HamptonOn this episode, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns talk to Tonya Dittman and Holly Hampton of The Village Companies about the company's diverse growth and commitment to fostering family fun. This includes Maverick Hunting, an arm of The Village Companies that was featured in the November issue of IOM. Read here: Coming together | Plant News | insightonbusiness.comAlso on this episode: Today is the deadline to apply for Insight's Fastest Growing Companies in the New North Region. Learn more at www.insightonbusiness.com/fastest.
2023-11-3019 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 6 (11/16/23): Filling the New North engineering pipeline with UWO's Greg KleinheinzOn this episode, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns talk to Greg Kleinheinz of UW Oshkosh about how the university has grown and adapted its burgeoning engineering program over the last decade, including its newest addition of an automation engineering technology program. Kleinheinz's comments expand on what he shared in Insight on Manufacturing's November cover story. Read here: Training the Engineers of the Future | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.comNEW Manufacturing Insights will be taking Thanksgiving off but will return with another new episode Nov. 30.
2023-11-1618 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 5 (11/9/23): WMEP's Roxanne Baumann takes us to exporting schoolNEW Manufacturing Insights, the official podcast for Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers hosted by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns, talks to Roxanne Baumann, director of global engagement for WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, about how Wisconsin manufacturers can grow their businesses by reaching the 95% of their customers who live outside the U.S.Baumann directs Wisconsin's ExporTech program for C-suite executives, which she talks more about on this episode as well as in Insight on Manufacturing's September cover story, "Wisconsin Worldwide." Learn more at wmep.org/trending/exportech/ and insightonmfg.com. Also on...
2023-11-0919 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 4 (11/2/23): Manufacturing First RecapNEW Manufacturing Insights, the official podcast for Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers hosted by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns, recaps the 13th annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, which was held Oct. 25 at Resch Expo in Green Bay with record attendance. Manufacturing First was the brainchild of presenting sponsor First Business Bank and is put on annually by NEWMA and Insight. It has grown into the largest manufacturing event in the state.This year's event featured a keynote speech by Bill Fournet, CEO of The Persimmon Group, called "Leading Through Change: How to Thrive...
2023-11-0220 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 3 (10/19/23): K-12 Tech Ed Insights with Seymour's Staci SievertNEW Manufacturing Insights, the official podcast for Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers hosted by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns, talks to award-winning Seymour High School teacher Staci Sievert about her rather unique path to becoming a tech educator and how her school district is leading the way today as a 2023 Excellence in Manufacturing/K-12 Partnership Awards honoree for excellence in both industry relations and creating a talent pipeline in Northeast Wisconsin. Also on this episode: It's the last day to register for Manufacturing First, Oct. 25 at Resch Expo! Go online today to www...
2023-10-1921 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 2 (10/12/23): Talking Internships with Sargento's Anne TrokaNEW Manufacturing Insights, the official podcast for Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers hosted by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns, talks to Sargento Foods' Anne Troka about a vital element of the region's manufacturing talent issue: designing a college internship program that provides meaningful experiences for students and helps build a talent pipeline while also lightening the load of manufacturers. Sargento Foods today employs more than 20 college interns and is constantly looking to grow and improve its recruiting, retention and educational outreach efforts under Troka's leadership.Also on this episode: Hear more about Internship...
2023-10-1219 minNEW Manufacturing InsightsEp. 1 (10/5/23): Paul Rauscher and Brian RasmussenOn the first-ever episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights -- the official podcast for Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers hosted by the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Ann Franz and Insight on Manufacturing's Kate Bruns, Paul Rauscher and Brian Rasmussen look back 15 years to the founding of both NEWMA and IOM and talk about how the two organizations are working side-by-side today to address Wisconsin's manufacturing talent shortage, improve education and industry outreach, and help shape a new view of the industry.Also on this episode: Get a quick preview of Manufacturing First -- Wisconsin's largest manufacturing expo and conference, which is returning...
2023-10-0540 min
People, Place, & PurposeJ.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works: Nancy BrunsNancy Bruns is the 7th generation family member and owner of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works located in Malden, West Virginia. Production for the original company started in 1817, moved to their current location in 1832, and they produced salt until 1945, before restarting again in 2013. The history, the business model, the process, it’s all fascinating! Where you can find J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works:- Website: https://www.jqdsalt.com/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jqdsalt/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jqdsalt- Physical location: 4797 Midland Drive, Malden, West VirginiaMentions from the sh...
2023-07-2442 min
a BROADcast for Manufacturers27: Unpacking Why Manufacturing Industry Publications are Ever-Changing - with Kate BrunsMeet Kate Bruns:She is a lifelong writer, who spent 20 years working in the higher education communications world. She was living in Des Moines, Iowa when her husband took a new job and the family moved to Neenah Wisconsin in January 2020. After a short time as a very reluctant pandemic homeschool teacher dabbling in freelance marketing communications work, she jumped at the opportunity to embrace her first love, magazines. So she became a writer-editor at insight publications, a regional business magazine serving Northeast Wisconsin. Today, her primary responsibility is editing the BI monthly magazine insight on manufacturing.
2023-05-1730 min
Master Your Life with Kate McKayHow to Scale Your Life Force with the Help of the Quantumfield with Stefanie BrunsStefanie Bruns helps extraordinary world leaders achieve outstanding results and experiences. She is an expert in leading high performers to more life force, energy, and success. Stefanie is a quantum psychologist, business mentor, and mother of 4 children with over 20 years of experience coaching ultra-successful people using methods that others would call crazy and spiritual - but that's the sparkle of the omniverse that we are here to discover. Her teachings, healings, and mentoring are like magical antidotes from the womb of the galaxy. Stefanie Bruns is renowned for creating rapid shifts within the energetic fields of her...
2022-09-3045 min