Shows
Industry EdgeThe Biggest Misconceptions About the Automation & Robotics Industry With Lauren Rinne Van De MarkLauren Rinne Van De Mark is the Sales and Project Manager at Flex-Line Automation, Inc., a family-owned industrial automation company. Born into the business and growing up alongside the company, she is the third generation of her family to work in automation. Lauren played a key role in Flex-Line’s evolution from conveyor systems to advanced robotics and end-of-line automation solutions. In this episode… For many manufacturers and industrial businesses, adopting automation and robotics can feel overwhelming, expensive, or even threatening to their workforce. A common concern is whether these technologies will replace jobs or requi...2025-05-2938 min
Small Town Big BusinessFlex-Line Automation: Innovation in Small TownsCathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark - Flex Line Automation In this episode of 'Small Town, Big Business,' host Deb Barnett sits down with Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark of Flex-Line Automation from Chester, Illinois. They discuss the company's 40-year journey from a family farm shop to becoming a significant player in industrial automation. Cathy and Lauren share insights into the challenges and successes of running a family business, the impact of automation on manufacturing, and the importance of community and collaboration. They also discuss their experiences as women in the industry and the transformative...2025-03-131h 04
HIRED! The Podcast With Travis MillerFamily-Driven Automation and Robotics (Ft. Flex-Line Automation) | Ep. #50In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller is joined by Cathy Rinne, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, alongside her daughter Lauren Van De Mark, Sales and Marketing Manager, marketing intern Isaiah Roth, and Customer Service Specialist Cayla Sibley. Together, they explore the nuances of talent acquisition in manufacturing and automation, offering valuable insights into the importance of evaluating candidates beyond technical skills and rebranding the industry to attract fresh talent.The conversation delves into the dynamics of running a family business, including leadership styles, communication, and generational management approaches. Listen in as the Flex-Line...2024-08-1544 min
Manufacturing MattersEpisode 45 – Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark, Flex-Line AutomationIn this episode of Manufacturing Matters, Flex-Line Automation President Cathy Rinne and Sales and Marketing Manager Lauren Van De Mark join TECH B2B Marketing’s Jimmy Carroll and Amanda Del Buono for a discussion from A3’s 2024 Business Forum. Cathy and Lauren share the conveyor system integrator’s 40-year history and how it has adapted to keep up with evolving customer demands, including conveyor integration with robotics and other equipment like palletizers. The discussion also touches on the growing role of women in industry, with Cathy sharing some of her real-life experiences as an industry executive over the past 4...2024-03-2628 min
Failing For YouCreative B2B MarketingIn this episode, Jordan Yates interviews Cathy Rinne and Lauren Van De Mark, the mother-daughter duo behind FlexLine Automation. They discuss their unique branding as the Conveyor Cougar and Conveyor Kitten, and how it has helped them gain recognition on platforms like TikTok. They also talk about the importance of authenticity and fun in marketing, and how small businesses can leverage creativity to stand out. The conversation highlights the balance between professionalism and entertainment, and the impact it can have on attracting new customers. Overall, the episode emphasizes the power of embracing new platforms and approaches to marketing in...2024-02-0234 min
Automation LadiesA3 Business Forum with Cathy and LaurenThis week's episode is a little different since Nikki was at an industry event: the A3 Business Forum hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation in Orlando Florida. She thought she found a quiet corner to have a conversation with Cathy Rinne (the infamous Conveyor Cougar on TikTok) and Lauren Van De Mark - President and Sales and Marketing Manager respectively at Flex-Line Automation We apologize for the audio quality and noise in this one, turns out the spot was quiet for a while until a large crowd walked by for a bit around the m...2024-01-1941 min