http://www.insightonbusiness.com/podcastsenManagement2023, Insight Publicationshttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/71d3df5ef8959f8fe61c19876fd3b7bd.jpghttp://www.insightonbusiness.com/podcastsWed, 15 Jul 2026 22:52:36 +0000Kate BrunsWoodward Communicationskbruns@insightonbusiness.comNEW Manufacturing Insights is a collaboration between the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) and Insight on Manufacturing (IOM) magazine, highlighting issues and opportunities for manufacturers in the 18-county New North region in...falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-129-graetz-manufacturing-started-with-a-barn-cleaner--73001065
Jody, who married into the Graetz family, is now part of the firm's fifth-generation leadership. Graetz's first patent was on a barn chain cleaner that Jody says is still manufactured and purchased today. But in the last nine years, the company has experienced explosive growth as it has ventured into sectors outside of agriculture, including aerospace, marine, industrial and more. "If it's made of metal, chances are we probably make it," she tells the co-hosts on this week's show.

To learn more about Graetz Manufacturing, visit www.graetzmfg.com.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more about the company at www.stokerga.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73001065Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:51:26 +0000Kate BrunsJody Graetz, vice president and owner of Graetz Manufacturing in Pound, Wisconsin, joins Ann and Kate on this week's episode to talk about the past, present, and future of the manufacturing company with a history that dates back to a blacksmith shop...
Jody, who married into the Graetz family, is now part of the firm's fifth-generation leadership. Graetz's first patent was on a barn chain cleaner that Jody says is still manufactured and purchased today. But in the last nine years, the company has experienced explosive growth as it has ventured into sectors outside of agriculture, including aerospace, marine, industrial and more. "If it's made of metal, chances are we probably make it," she tells the co-hosts on this week's show.

To learn more about Graetz Manufacturing, visit www.graetzmfg.com.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more about the company at www.stokerga.com.]]>984agmanufacturing,agriculture,barncleaner,blacksmith,graetzmanufacturing,jodygraetz,machining,marinettewi,metalfabrication,newnorth,poundwifalse4129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-128-checking-in-with-stoke-rga-s-jen-fietz--72872890
Stoke RGA is the yearlong sponsor of NEW Manufacturing Insights and is proud to help Midwest manufacturers achieve long-term growth. Learn more about the company at www.stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72872890Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:15:02 +0000Kate BrunsStoke RGA's Jen Fietz returns to NEW Manufacturing Insights this week to offer her insights on the economic challenges and opportunities facing Northeast Wisconsin manufacturers at the year's midpoint. Among the topics covered on the episode include...
Stoke RGA is the yearlong sponsor of NEW Manufacturing Insights and is proud to help Midwest manufacturers achieve long-term growth. Learn more about the company at www.stokerga.com. ]]>1565businessgrowth,datacenters,economicuncertainty,manufacturing,manufacturingeconomy,manufacturinggrowth,midwestmanufacturing,petroleumprices,stokerga,supplychain,tariffrefunds,tariffs,wisconsinfalse4128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-96-re-release--72687488
NEW Manufacturing Insights is taking a break for the upcoming holiday, but we will be back again July 9 with another episode, sponsored as always by Stoke RGA: stokerga.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72687488Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:12:32 +0000Kate BrunsThis week we're re-releasing Insight's and NEWMA's conversation with Oshkosh Door leader Chris Calawerts, which recently was honored with a "Best Podcast" award by the Alliance for Area Business Publishers. Check it out if you missed it the first...
NEW Manufacturing Insights is taking a break for the upcoming holiday, but we will be back again July 9 with another episode, sponsored as always by Stoke RGA: stokerga.com]]>1192false4128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-127-hired-by-ai--72563430
Mark shares where AI truly adds value — speed, consistency, and better candidate matches, where it can go wrong through bias or bad implementation, and why human oversight and continuous learning are non‑negotiable. Along the way, he offers practical advice for HR leaders on getting started with AI.

This week's episode is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72563430Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:45:02 +0000Kate BrunsStaffing expert Mark Leupold of Express Employment Professionals in the Fox Valley says he has watched the region’s hiring landscape whiplash from pandemic exodus to overcorrection. And now, on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, Mark...
Mark shares where AI truly adds value — speed, consistency, and better candidate matches, where it can go wrong through bias or bad implementation, and why human oversight and continuous learning are non‑negotiable. Along the way, he offers practical advice for HR leaders on getting started with AI.

This week's episode is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>1304ai,aihiring,aiinhiring,appleton,expressemploymentprofessionals,foxcities,foxcitieswi,foxvalley,hiring,hr,hrtechnology,manufacturing,newnorth,oshkosh,staffing,talent,talentacquisition,wisconsinfalse4127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-126-how-aspiro-is-helping-wisconsinites-live-your-way--72468496
Ruzziconi shares more about Aspiro's services, which include early intervention (birth to age 3), adult day services, and Project SEARCH -- an immersive job training and placement program. Aspiro also provides group supported employment services, with its clients often being the muscle behind the scenes of popular entertainment venues like the EPIC Event Center and Kress Event Center for UW-Green Bay basketball.

Ruzziconi says Aspiro currently has 100-plus business partners but is always looking for more. Connect with this organization online at aspiroinc.org.

This week's episode is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72468496Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:36:34 +0000Kate BrunsRyan Ruzziconi is president of Aspiro, a Green Bay-based nonprofit providing life and employment services to individuals of all ages living with disabilities in Northeast Wisconsin, operating with the motto "live your way." On this week's episode, he...
Ruzziconi shares more about Aspiro's services, which include early intervention (birth to age 3), adult day services, and Project SEARCH -- an immersive job training and placement program. Aspiro also provides group supported employment services, with its clients often being the muscle behind the scenes of popular entertainment venues like the EPIC Event Center and Kress Event Center for UW-Green Bay basketball.

Ruzziconi says Aspiro currently has 100-plus business partners but is always looking for more. Connect with this organization online at aspiroinc.org.

This week's episode is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>1157aspiro,dignityofwork,disabilityresources,disabilityservices,greenbay,groupsupportedemployment,inclusion,jobskills,liveyourway,manufacturing,northeastwisconsin,projectsearch,wisconsin,workplaceinclusionfalse4126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-125-happy-20th-newma--72297250
Mark joins Ann and Kate in the studio to look back on the organization's impact -- from writing its first four $1,000 scholarship checks and being afraid they would bounce to the more than $60K the President's Cup Scholarship Golf Outing brings in annually today. 

Ann tears up a little this week talking about the impact Mark has made on NEWMA: "I just value this person so much," she says. "Our organization is what it is because of his leadership. He can never say no to me. His fingerprints are all over the success of NEWMA."

Take a look back at 20 years, and look at what Mark Kaiser sees as the imperatives of NEWMA going forward, by listening to this week's episode. Mark also shares a little bit of his personal story, including the sale of his company, Lindquist Machine, and his best leadership insight.

Insight journalist Nikki Kallio wrote about NEWMA's 20th anniversary in the June issue of Insight magazine, out now here: Insight On Business: June 2026

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the show. Learn more at stokerga.com. 


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72297250Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:35:02 +0000Kate BrunsThis Saturday marks the 20-year anniversary of the creation of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, and this week's episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast marks the occasion by having two people in the room who have been in the...
Mark joins Ann and Kate in the studio to look back on the organization's impact -- from writing its first four $1,000 scholarship checks and being afraid they would bounce to the more than $60K the President's Cup Scholarship Golf Outing brings in annually today. 

Ann tears up a little this week talking about the impact Mark has made on NEWMA: "I just value this person so much," she says. "Our organization is what it is because of his leadership. He can never say no to me. His fingerprints are all over the success of NEWMA."

Take a look back at 20 years, and look at what Mark Kaiser sees as the imperatives of NEWMA going forward, by listening to this week's episode. Mark also shares a little bit of his personal story, including the sale of his company, Lindquist Machine, and his best leadership insight.

Insight journalist Nikki Kallio wrote about NEWMA's 20th anniversary in the June issue of Insight magazine, out now here: Insight On Business: June 2026

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the show. Learn more at stokerga.com. 


]]>1760annfranz,anniversary,education,employability,k12outreach,lindquistmachine,manufacturers,manufacturing,manufacturingeducation,manufacturingscholarships,newma,newmfgalliance,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,softskills,wisconsinfalse4125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-124-brett-chittum-talks-hacks-and-cyberattacks--72087701
Learn more about Sprinter Business at https://sprinterit.com/.


Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about how Stoke RGA is helping Midwest manufacturers drive measurable growth at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72087701Thu, 21 May 2026 00:35:02 +0000Kate BrunsThe episode features a discussion on cybersecurity threats in manufacturing with guest Brett Chittum of Sprinter Business Solutions. Brett shares with co-hosts Ann Franz and Kate Bruns some real-world examples of cyberattacks, such as a logistics...
Learn more about Sprinter Business at https://sprinterit.com/.


Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about how Stoke RGA is helping Midwest manufacturers drive measurable growth at stokerga.com. ]]>1214cyberattacks,cybersecurity,emaildefense,hacking,incidentresponseplanning,informationtechnology,iot,it,logistics,manufacturing,networksegmentation,operationaltechnology,ot,patchmanagement,plantmanagement,socialengineering,sprinterbusinesssolutions,sprinterit,wisconsinfalse4124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-123-manufacturing-first-keynote-phil-gwoke--71997919Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, for which BridgeWorks CEO Phil Gwoke, a Wisconsin native, has been announced as keynote speaker. On this week's episode, Kate and Ann chat virtually with Phil about his planned visit to Green Bay Oct. 28 and about his extensive experience studying generational difference, which will be the topic of his keynote address at Resch Expo.

Among the topics tackled on this week's episode and keynote preview are information about Phil's background with generational research, what has most surprised him about how generations view one another, how to bridge the knowledge gap, and what employers get wrong when trying to manage "across generations." Listen to the end to hear what Phil considers his best leadership insight.

Register for Manufacturing First at the early-bird rate by going online to manufacturingfirst.com.

Learn more about Phil Gwoke and his work with BridgeWorks at generations.com.

Thank you to this week's podcast sponsor, Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71997919Thu, 14 May 2026 10:55:01 +0000Kate BrunsRegistration opened this week for Insight's 16th annual https://www.insightonbusiness.com/manufacturingfirst/, for which BridgeWorks CEO Phil Gwoke, a Wisconsin native, has been announced as keynote speaker. On this week's episode, Kate and Ann chat...Manufacturing First Expo & Conference, for which BridgeWorks CEO Phil Gwoke, a Wisconsin native, has been announced as keynote speaker. On this week's episode, Kate and Ann chat virtually with Phil about his planned visit to Green Bay Oct. 28 and about his extensive experience studying generational difference, which will be the topic of his keynote address at Resch Expo.

Among the topics tackled on this week's episode and keynote preview are information about Phil's background with generational research, what has most surprised him about how generations view one another, how to bridge the knowledge gap, and what employers get wrong when trying to manage "across generations." Listen to the end to hear what Phil considers his best leadership insight.

Register for Manufacturing First at the early-bird rate by going online to manufacturingfirst.com.

Learn more about Phil Gwoke and his work with BridgeWorks at generations.com.

Thank you to this week's podcast sponsor, Stoke RGA. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>1115babyboomers,bridgeworks,diversity,generationaldifferences,generationaldiversity,generations,genx,genz,keynote,leadership,leadingacrossgenerations,manufacturing,mfgfirst,millennials,workethicfalse4123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-122-looking-forward-with-wmep-ceo-chris-baichoo--71893075
One area where WMEP has identified a fairly obvious gap for Wisconsin's small and medium-sized manufacturers is artificial intelligence. Next week on May 13, WMEP will launch its new AI Navigator program, which is a partnership with MKE Tech Hub. (Learn more at wmep.org/ai-in-manufacturing/.)

Chris also shares what he learned over the course of a challenging year, what changes have been implemented at WMEP -- including its new coordinating entity, UW-Stout, and of course his best leadership insight.

Connect with WMEP online at wmep.org.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71893075Thu, 07 May 2026 01:15:02 +0000Kate BrunsFollowing a year of federal funding uncertainty, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) led by executive director and CEO Chris Baichoo is ready to move forward. On this week's episode, Chris joins Kate and Ann in the studio to talk...
One area where WMEP has identified a fairly obvious gap for Wisconsin's small and medium-sized manufacturers is artificial intelligence. Next week on May 13, WMEP will launch its new AI Navigator program, which is a partnership with MKE Tech Hub. (Learn more at wmep.org/ai-in-manufacturing/.)

Chris also shares what he learned over the course of a challenging year, what changes have been implemented at WMEP -- including its new coordinating entity, UW-Stout, and of course his best leadership insight.

Connect with WMEP online at wmep.org.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>1596ai,ainavigator,chrisbaichoo,machinelearning,manufacturing,manufacturingmatters,manufacturingtechnology,mep,mepnetwork,uwstout,wisconsin,wisconsinmanufacturing,wmepfalse4122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-121-wisconsin-drives-manufacturing-summit-is-june-1-2--71742820
The first day of the event will feature an innovation showcase, and the second day will be filled with programming -- all of it, Schmitz says, is designed to help inspire collaboration within the state and help bridge the gap between industry and academia. 

Learn more about the summit online at widrivesmanufacturing.com. 

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the podcast throughout the year. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71742820Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:20:02 +0000Kate BrunsOliver Schmitz, associate dean for corporate engagement and entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, joins Kate and Ann on this episode to preview a new event: the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit he's helping organize for June...
The first day of the event will feature an innovation showcase, and the second day will be filled with programming -- all of it, Schmitz says, is designed to help inspire collaboration within the state and help bridge the gap between industry and academia. 

Learn more about the summit online at widrivesmanufacturing.com. 

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the podcast throughout the year. Learn more at stokerga.com.]]>1082greenbay,innovation,lambeaufield,manufacturing,manufacturingsummit,summit,universityofwisconsin,uw-madison,widrivesmanufacturing,wisconsin,wisconsinmanufacturingfalse4121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-120-demystifying-sba-programs-for-small-manufacturers--71570901
Listen as Keith and Tammie give a brief overview of programs like the Working Capital Pilot Program, the MARC (manufacturers access to revolving credit) Loan Program, the Express program and more. They also highlight special incentives for manufacturers and military-connected families and partnerships with programs like Exim Bank, SCORE mentoring, and Small Business Development Centers, which in Wisconsin are connected to the UW System.

"At the end of the day, there are a lot of free, available resources out there for small businesses," Keith tells the co-hosts. "Part of navigating those resources is just knowing who to reach out to."

Learn more about the U.S. SBA at sba.gov/district/wisconsin and sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-manufacturing-trade.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring NEW Manufacturing Insights each week! Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71570901Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:20:04 +0000Kate BrunsKeith Schlegel of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Manufacturing and Trade and Tammie Clendenning, a Wisconsin-based USSBA economic development specialist, join Kate and Ann on this week's episode to help small manufacturers...
Listen as Keith and Tammie give a brief overview of programs like the Working Capital Pilot Program, the MARC (manufacturers access to revolving credit) Loan Program, the Express program and more. They also highlight special incentives for manufacturers and military-connected families and partnerships with programs like Exim Bank, SCORE mentoring, and Small Business Development Centers, which in Wisconsin are connected to the UW System.

"At the end of the day, there are a lot of free, available resources out there for small businesses," Keith tells the co-hosts. "Part of navigating those resources is just knowing who to reach out to."

Learn more about the U.S. SBA at sba.gov/district/wisconsin and sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-manufacturing-trade.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring NEW Manufacturing Insights each week! Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>1272banking,businessfinancing,eximbank,exporting,internationaltrade,lending,loans,makeonshoringgreatagain,manufacturing,onshoring,sba,sbdc,smallbusiness,smallbusinessadministration,smallbusinessloans,tariffs,trade,uscommercialservice,ussba,wisconsinfalse4120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-119-wisconsin-manufacturer-of-the-year-robinson-inc--71350203
Thomas, who is also featured in this month's issue of Insight on Business with fellow Northeast Wisconsin MOTY award recipient Spark Ops Metalworks, says 2026 is likely the last year Robinson will be in the "large" manufacturer category as it quickly approaches 1,000 employees and prepares to open its fifth manufacturing facility -- in Altoona, Iowa, marking Robinson's first presence outside the state of Wisconsin.

Read the Insight story here: Two New North companies earn Manufacturer of the Year honors | Manufacturing | insightonbusiness.com

Hear more from Thomas, including what he believes has been key to his company's growth and what he considers his best leadership insight, by listening to this week's full episode. Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more about our sponsor at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71350203Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:40:03 +0000Kate BrunsSam Thomas, president of De Pere-based Robinson, Inc., joins Insight's Kate Bruns and NEWMA's Ann Franz on this week's episode to talk more about his company's history and future, including its recent recognition as Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year...
Thomas, who is also featured in this month's issue of Insight on Business with fellow Northeast Wisconsin MOTY award recipient Spark Ops Metalworks, says 2026 is likely the last year Robinson will be in the "large" manufacturer category as it quickly approaches 1,000 employees and prepares to open its fifth manufacturing facility -- in Altoona, Iowa, marking Robinson's first presence outside the state of Wisconsin.

Read the Insight story here: Two New North companies earn Manufacturer of the Year honors | Manufacturing | insightonbusiness.com

Hear more from Thomas, including what he believes has been key to his company's growth and what he considers his best leadership insight, by listening to this week's full episode. Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this and all 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights. Learn more about our sponsor at stokerga.com. ]]>1047businessexpansion,businessgrowth,contractmanufacturing,depere,esop,greenbay,manufacturing,metalfabrication,moty,robinsoninc,samthomas,wisconsin,wisconsinmanufactureroftheyearfalse4119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-118-the-unstoppable-jackie-anderson--71136502
Her career path wasn't always well defined, though. Jackie is a contributing author to the best-selling anthology "Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong," in which she shares her personal story of growing up poor, dealing with bullying and mental health issues and eventually taking her own power and achieving resiliency in her personal life and career. She is proud to share more about her story and her personal rebrand on this week's episode.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71136502Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:55:02 +0000Kate BrunsJackie Anderson, head of talent acquisition for Ornua USA in Hilbert, will be a panelist at next week's NEW Manufacturing Alliance "Future of Work" Summit focused on employee retention (April 16 at Fox Valley Technical College). This week she joins...
Her career path wasn't always well defined, though. Jackie is a contributing author to the best-selling anthology "Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong," in which she shares her personal story of growing up poor, dealing with bullying and mental health issues and eventually taking her own power and achieving resiliency in her personal life and career. She is proud to share more about her story and her personal rebrand on this week's episode.]]>986careerresiliency,continuousimprovement,dairycooperative,dairyindustry,dublinercheese,employeeengagement,employeeretention,foodmanufacturing,hr,kerrygoldbutter,leadership,manufacturing,mentalhealth,ornua,talent,unstoppablewomen,womeninmanufacturingfalse4118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-117-new-north-inc-ceo-patti-habeck--70894268
She tells the co-hosts that collaborations are key, including those New North has with NEWMA and Insight, going forward. She also describes her priorities leading New North, including as they relate to manufacturers and technology, and provides a preview of the upcoming New North Summit, which will be held June 9 at Lambeau Field.

To learn more about New North, Inc., visit thenewnorth.com.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode. To learn more about how Stoke RGA is helping manufacturers, visit stokerga.com.  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70894268Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:50:02 +0000Kate BrunsIn December Patti Habeck became the third-ever president and CEO of New North, Inc. -- the 18-county economic development organization serving Northeast Wisconsin -- after 14 years with the nonprofit Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. A few months...
She tells the co-hosts that collaborations are key, including those New North has with NEWMA and Insight, going forward. She also describes her priorities leading New North, including as they relate to manufacturers and technology, and provides a preview of the upcoming New North Summit, which will be held June 9 at Lambeau Field.

To learn more about New North, Inc., visit thenewnorth.com.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode. To learn more about how Stoke RGA is helping manufacturers, visit stokerga.com.  ]]>1355ai,appleton,businessattraction,businessdevelopment,economicdevelopment,greenbay,manufacturing,newnorth,newnorthinc,newnorthsummit,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,oshkosh,regionalpartnerships,sheboygan,siteselection,talent,technology,wisconsin,workforcefalse4117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-116-kristen-jonas-on-keeping-hr-moving--70877926

A self-described "productivity addict," Kristen also works as a certified divorce coach and says she enjoys being a fractional HR practitioner because of the variety of industries she is able to serve, including manufacturing.


Learn more about Jonas' work at kinesiologyhr.com.


Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more about how Stoke RGA supports manufacturers at stokerga.com.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70877926Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:02 +0000Kate BrunsKristen Jonas, owner of Kinesiology HR, joins Ann and Kate on this week's episode to talk about her HR career and experience and the challenges and successes of owning her own business, as well as give a sneak preview of her presentation for the April...

A self-described "productivity addict," Kristen also works as a certified divorce coach and says she enjoys being a fractional HR practitioner because of the variety of industries she is able to serve, including manufacturing.


Learn more about Jonas' work at kinesiologyhr.com.


Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more about how Stoke RGA supports manufacturers at stokerga.com.
]]>1158employeeretention,fractionalhr,hr,humanresources,kinesiologyhr,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,wisconsin,workplaceconflictfalse4116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-115-titletowntech-s-kathryn-clouse-talks-ai-in-manufacturing--70661956
Learn more about co-innovation at TitletownTech at www.titletowntech.com/co-innovation.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70661956Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:30:03 +0000Kate BrunsFor the last two years, Kathryn Clouse has served as director of co-innovation for the Green Bay-based venture capital firm TitletownTech, helping companies -- including manufacturers -- fast-start their innovations in the realm of artificial...
Learn more about co-innovation at TitletownTech at www.titletowntech.com/co-innovation.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.
]]>1457ai,aiagents,aicoinnovationlab,artificialintelligence,automation,chatgpt,coinnovation,connectedsystems,emergingtechnologies,greenbay,llms,manufacturing,manufacturingtechnology,microsoft,orchestration,technology,thenewnorth,titletowntech,wisconsinfalse4115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-114-fincantieri-s-ricky-nutt-on-the-evolution-of-shipbuilding--70598960
Ricky, who has worked with the company since 2011, has had a front-row seat to the operations revolution and speaks on this episode about topics ranging from what he loves about his craft to whether or not he's been skeptical of new technologies as they have come along to what the future holds with regard to Fincantieri's partnership with the U.S. Navy.

Read the feature online here: How Fincantieri Marinette Marine is modernizing shipbuilding in Wisconsin | Manufacturing | insightonbusiness.com

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70598960Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:00:03 +0000Kate BrunsRicky Nutt, chief of shipyard operations at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, and Amelia Compton Wolff, editor of Insight on Business magazine, join Ann and Kate on this week's episode to dive deeper into the March 2026 Insight on Manufacturing feature...
Ricky, who has worked with the company since 2011, has had a front-row seat to the operations revolution and speaks on this episode about topics ranging from what he loves about his craft to whether or not he's been skeptical of new technologies as they have come along to what the future holds with regard to Fincantieri's partnership with the U.S. Navy.

Read the feature online here: How Fincantieri Marinette Marine is modernizing shipbuilding in Wisconsin | Manufacturing | insightonbusiness.com

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.


]]>1002cruiseships,fincantieri,manufacturingtechnology,marineindustry,marinemanufacturing,marinette,militaryvessels,shipbuilding,shipbuildingtechnology,uscoastguard,usnavy,wisconsinfalse4114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-113-vyper-industrial-ceo-dayne-rusch--70467639
With a new building on I-41 in Wrightstown and the chairs now available at lowes.com as of this month, Vyper is making some big moves and continuing to grow in 2026, all while having fun and leaning into new ideas.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.

Read this month's cover story on Vyper online here: Vyper Industrial builds a booming brand around shop chairs | Cover story | insightonbusiness.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70467639Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:53:06 +0000Kate BrunsDayne Rusch, CEO of Vyper Industrial -- one of the Midwest's fastest growing companies and the subject of Insight's March cover feature written by Kate -- joins Kate and Ann on this week's episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights to talk more about the...
With a new building on I-41 in Wrightstown and the chairs now available at lowes.com as of this month, Vyper is making some big moves and continuing to grow in 2026, all while having fun and leaning into new ideas.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this week's episode. Learn more at stokerga.com.

Read this month's cover story on Vyper online here: Vyper Industrial builds a booming brand around shop chairs | Cover story | insightonbusiness.com]]>1186garageequipment,greenbay,greenbaywisconsin,manufacturing,shopchairs,vyperchairs,vyperfest,vyperindustrial,wisconsinfalse4113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-112-manufacturing-all-star-elizabeth-senn--70252678
W.E. Hoban Company, formerly known as Green Bay Drop Forge, is a regular participant in the NEWMA All Stars program, which recognizes young manufacturing employees in our region who are setting an example for the next generation manufacturing workforce. 

Read more about Elizabeth and W.E. Hoban in All Stars magazine here: 2026 New Manufacturing Alliance - All Stars

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast all year long! Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70252678Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:25:05 +0000Kate BrunsW.E. Hoban Company quality engineer Elizabeth Senn, the 2026 NEW Manufacturing Alliance All Stars honoree who graces the cover of this year's NEWMA All Stars magazine, joins Kate and Ann today on the podcast along with her All Stars nominator Shannon...
W.E. Hoban Company, formerly known as Green Bay Drop Forge, is a regular participant in the NEWMA All Stars program, which recognizes young manufacturing employees in our region who are setting an example for the next generation manufacturing workforce. 

Read more about Elizabeth and W.E. Hoban in All Stars magazine here: 2026 New Manufacturing Alliance - All Stars

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast all year long! Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>1163engineering,engineeringcareers,engineeringeducation,forging,greenbay,manufacturing,manufacturingallstars,metalforging,metalmanufacturing,newma,northeastwisconsin,qualityengineering,uwgb,wisconsinfalse4112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-111-kathy-miller-wants-more-for-manufacturers--70138964
Kathy will be the keynote speaker at the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Future of Work Summit on April 14, which will focus on the topic of employee retention. Her "MORE" framework has proven to be a guide for exactly that: focusing on meaning, optimism and relationships for excellence. She also recently launched an AI companion to "MORE is Better."

Learn more at more4leaders.com and contact NEWMA to register for this spring's Future of Work event.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70138964Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:02 +0000Kate BrunsLeadership coach and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Miller, author of the books "MORE is Better: Leading Operations with Meaning, Optimism and Relationships for Excellence" and "Steel Toes and Stilettos," joins Ann and Kate on this...
Kathy will be the keynote speaker at the NEW Manufacturing Alliance's Future of Work Summit on April 14, which will focus on the topic of employee retention. Her "MORE" framework has proven to be a guide for exactly that: focusing on meaning, optimism and relationships for excellence. She also recently launched an AI companion to "MORE is Better."

Learn more at more4leaders.com and contact NEWMA to register for this spring's Future of Work event.]]>1207employeeretention,employeeturnover,kathymiller,manufacturing,manufacturingoperations,moreframework,newma,operationsmanagement,steeltoesandstilettos,training,wisconsin,womeninmanufacturing,workforce,workforcetrainingfalse4111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-110-management-boot-camp-with-uw-s-steve-king--70013349
Steve, who is semi-retired after a celebrated HR career, leads the University of Wisconsin Center for Professional and Executive Development's management boot camp, which is coming to Northeast Wisconsin in April for the first time and will be hosted by Schreiber Foods in Green Bay.

On this week's show, Steve joins the co-hosts virtually from Madison to share some of his best management wisdom from the books and boot camp. He says the ideal candidates for attending the boot camp are first-year managers. 

NEWMA members will receive a discount on April's boot camp registration, so watch your email for this opportunity or contact Ann at franza@uwgb.edu if you want to join the alliance.

Learn more about the Center for Professional and Executive Development (CPED) at uwcped.org.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70013349Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:52:48 +0000Kate BrunsSteve King, author of multiple leadership books including "The Manager's Dillemma" and "Brag Worry Wonder Bet," joins Ann and Kate on this week's episode of the podcast, sponsored as always by Stoke RGA. Steve, who is semi-retired after a celebrated...
Steve, who is semi-retired after a celebrated HR career, leads the University of Wisconsin Center for Professional and Executive Development's management boot camp, which is coming to Northeast Wisconsin in April for the first time and will be hosted by Schreiber Foods in Green Bay.

On this week's show, Steve joins the co-hosts virtually from Madison to share some of his best management wisdom from the books and boot camp. He says the ideal candidates for attending the boot camp are first-year managers. 

NEWMA members will receive a discount on April's boot camp registration, so watch your email for this opportunity or contact Ann at franza@uwgb.edu if you want to join the alliance.

Learn more about the Center for Professional and Executive Development (CPED) at uwcped.org.]]>1112bootcamp,changemanagement,cped,frontlinemanagement,greenbay,hr,leadership,management,managementbootcamp,manufacturing,northeastwisconsin,processmanagement,professionaldevelopment,thenewnorth,universityofwisconsin,wisconsinfalse4110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-109-duxxbak-president-newma-chair-brandon-beard--69792397
He joins this week's show to talk about his career in manufacturing in Northeast Wisconsin, his long history with the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, and why he was honored to serve as this year's chair of the NEWMA board.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of Insight and NEWMA, produced by Woodward Community Media.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode! stokerga.com 

Learn more about DuxxBak Composite Decking here: duxxbakdecking.com

Learn more about the NEW Manufacturing Alliance here: newmfgalliance.org]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69792397Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:25:25 +0000Kate BrunsBrandon Beard, president of DuxxBak Composite Decking in Green Bay, says he never planned on working in manufacturing. His first dream was to be like Robin Williams' character in "Good Morning, Vietnam" -- focused on military service and broadcasting....
He joins this week's show to talk about his career in manufacturing in Northeast Wisconsin, his long history with the NEW Manufacturing Alliance, and why he was honored to serve as this year's chair of the NEWMA board.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of Insight and NEWMA, produced by Woodward Community Media.

Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode! stokerga.com 

Learn more about DuxxBak Composite Decking here: duxxbakdecking.com

Learn more about the NEW Manufacturing Alliance here: newmfgalliance.org]]>1290compositedecking,duxxbak,greenbay,industryalliance,manufacturing,manufacturingtalent,newma,newmanufacturingalliance,northeastwisconsin,talent,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse4109fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-108-the-coolest-thing-made-in-wisconsin--69651987
The lifesaving product is also the subject of this month's Insight on Business magazine "Home Made" feature, which you can read online here: www.insightonbusiness.com/features/homemade/cool-as-ice/article_e2f7ec0b-d6a1-48c1-a046-8106817d09c5.html

Rogers tells the co-hosts about the company's history, why his family was moved to purchase the business and bring it to Wisconsin in 2017, and what it was like winning WMC's "Coolest Thing" competition, all on this week's episode sponsored by Stoke RGA (stokerga.com). 

Learn more about 1000 Island Airboats online here: 1000islandairboats.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69651987Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:20:07 +0000Kate BrunsRyan Rogers, director of operations for 1000 Island Airboats in Marion, Wisconsin, joins Kate and Ann on this week's show to talk about the 2025 "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin," as determined by an online vote this past fall: the 1000 Island 24-Foot...
The lifesaving product is also the subject of this month's Insight on Business magazine "Home Made" feature, which you can read online here: www.insightonbusiness.com/features/homemade/cool-as-ice/article_e2f7ec0b-d6a1-48c1-a046-8106817d09c5.html

Rogers tells the co-hosts about the company's history, why his family was moved to purchase the business and bring it to Wisconsin in 2017, and what it was like winning WMC's "Coolest Thing" competition, all on this week's episode sponsored by Stoke RGA (stokerga.com). 

Learn more about 1000 Island Airboats online here: 1000islandairboats.com]]>1227airboat,airboats,boatbuilding,iceboat,manufacturing,marine,marinemanufacturing,marionwi,northeastwisconsin,rescueboats,searchandrescue,shawano,stlawrenceseaway,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse4108fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-107-uwgb-chancellor-michael-alexander--69537243
Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode, and all of our 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69537243Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:05:07 +0000Kate BrunsThe Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance, led by podcast co-host Ann Franz, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and makes a big change by moving to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In that spirit, Dr. Michael Alexander, chancellor of...
Thank you to Stoke RGA for sponsoring this episode, and all of our 2026 episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights.]]>1057campushousing,campuslife,enrollmentcliff,greenbay,greenbayinnovationpark,highered,highereducation,manufacturing,thenewnorth,uwgb,uwgreenbay,uwsystem,wisconsinfalse4107fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-106-manufacturer-of-the-year-finalist-eck-industries-kiley-eck-hayon--69453002
Learn more about Eck Industries at eckindustries.com.

This podcast episode, like all 2026 episodes, is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more about stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69453002Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:42:28 +0000Kate BrunsKiley Eck Hayon is president of Eck Industries in Manitowoc, which was recently announced as a finalist for the 2026 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards, which will be presented Feb. 19. On this week's episode she joins Ann Franz and guest...
Learn more about Eck Industries at eckindustries.com.

This podcast episode, like all 2026 episodes, is sponsored by Stoke RGA. Learn more about stokerga.com. ]]>776eckindustries,familyownedbusiness,foundry,harleydavidson,manitowoc,manufacturing,manufacturingautomation,metalforming,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,wisconsinfalse4106fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-105-2026-manufacturing-trends--69345662

Ann opens the show by thanking Jen for committing to a new yearlong sponsorship of the podcast (thank you, Stoke RGA, for sponsoring NEW Manufacturing Insights throughout 2026!), and by reviewing some of the results of NEWMA's 2026 Manufacturing Vitality Index that was published last month. Jen goes on to ring in the new year by sharing some of Stoke RGA's 2026 manufacturing trends to watch, including technology helping run tighter operations, continued rising costs, and marketing (though Fietz shares she likes to avoid that term). 

Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69345662Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:25:08 +0000Kate BrunsJen Fietz, owner and CEO of the firm Stoke RGA, joins co-host Ann Franz of the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance on this week's episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast to discuss studies and trends that paint a picture of the...

Ann opens the show by thanking Jen for committing to a new yearlong sponsorship of the podcast (thank you, Stoke RGA, for sponsoring NEW Manufacturing Insights throughout 2026!), and by reviewing some of the results of NEWMA's 2026 Manufacturing Vitality Index that was published last month. Jen goes on to ring in the new year by sharing some of Stoke RGA's 2026 manufacturing trends to watch, including technology helping run tighter operations, continued rising costs, and marketing (though Fietz shares she likes to avoid that term). 

Learn more at stokerga.com. ]]>1361greenbay,industrialtechnology,manufacturing,manufacturingcareers,manufacturinggrowth,manufacturingtechnology,manufacturingvitality,northeastwisconsin,stokerga,supplychain,technology,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse4105fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-104-first-robotics-inspires-creativity-and-coopertition--69063822
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 Thursday, Jan. 8. Happy Holidays!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69063822Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:30:08 +0000Kate BrunsMelissa 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...
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 Thursday, Jan. 8. Happy Holidays!]]>1054browncountywisconsin,coopertition,education,first,firstlego,firstrobotics,graciousprofessionalism,greenbay,k12robotics,manufacturing,newnorth,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,robotics,stem,studentrobotics,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse3104fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-103-inside-edl-packaging--68981968

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 why it is important for them to be located in Northeast Wisconsin, what it's like being a successful woman in the manufacturing industry, and how technology will contribute to EDL's growth in the new year.
 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68981968Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:20:07 +0000Kate BrunsEDL 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...

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 why it is important for them to be located in Northeast Wisconsin, what it's like being a successful woman in the manufacturing industry, and how technology will contribute to EDL's growth in the new year.
 
]]>1083capitalequipment,capitalequipmentmanufacturing,depere,equipmentmanufacturing,greenbay,industrialequipment,industrialmanufacturing,manufacturing,manufacturingtechnology,northeastwisconsin,packaging,packagingindustry,shrinkwrapequipment,shrinkwrapping,thenewnorth,wisconsin,womeninmanufacturingfalse3103fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-102-masters-gallery-foods-business-friend-of-the-environment--68849731
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. 

Herlache, who studied environmental science and has spent her entire career in the field, joined Masters Gallery in 2023, marking her first foray into manufacturing. Listen this week for her insights on making the transition from local government to private industry as well as how other companies can learn and take inspiration from Masters Gallery's many successes, which include being named a 2025 WMC 2025 Business Friend of the Environment Award recipient.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68849731Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:35:07 +0000Kate BrunsJulia 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...
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. 

Herlache, who studied environmental science and has spent her entire career in the field, joined Masters Gallery in 2023, marking her first foray into manufacturing. Listen this week for her insights on making the transition from local government to private industry as well as how other companies can learn and take inspiration from Masters Gallery's many successes, which include being named a 2025 WMC 2025 Business Friend of the Environment Award recipient.]]>910cheese,cheesecapital,dairyproducts,environmental,esg,foodmanufacturing,manufacturing,northeastwisconsin,sheboygan,sheboygancounty,sustainability,sustainablebusiness,sustainablemanufacturing,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse3102fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-101-galloway-company-and-the-cream-of-the-crop--68622625
Galloway Company traces its roots back to the 1800s and its family dairy farm in Fond du Lac. It has been manufacturing dairy products in Neenah for more than six decades. Already the nation's leading producer of bulk sweetened condensed milk, Galloway Company recently doubled its capacity for its production and is growing in all facets -- its physical footprint, its employee base and its emerging beverage division.

Learn more about the company's history and future on this week's episode. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of Insight Publications and the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68622625Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:20:08 +0000Kate BrunsAnnika 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...
Galloway Company traces its roots back to the 1800s and its family dairy farm in Fond du Lac. It has been manufacturing dairy products in Neenah for more than six decades. Already the nation's leading producer of bulk sweetened condensed milk, Galloway Company recently doubled its capacity for its production and is growing in all facets -- its physical footprint, its employee base and its emerging beverage division.

Learn more about the company's history and future on this week's episode. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of Insight Publications and the Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance.

]]>849agmanufacturing,agriculture,dairybeverages,dairyingredients,dairymanufacturing,dairyproducts,eggnog,foxcities,foxvalley,galloway,gallowaycompany,neenah,neenahwi,northeastwisconsin,sweetenedcondensedmilk,thenewnorth,wisconsin,wisconsindairy,wisconsindairyproducts,wisconsinmanufacturingfalse3101fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/our-100th-episode--68544423
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 show for two years and 100 episodes!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68544423Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:09 +0000Kate BrunsStarted 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...
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 show for two years and 100 episodes!]]>2482false3100fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-99-a-look-back-at-manufacturing-first-2025--68445442
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68445442Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:40:07 +0000Kate BrunsAnn 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...
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.]]>1905mfgfirstfalse399fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-98-oh-snap--68243562
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 says, adding that Oh Snap! was built off nutrition trends around gut health and an exploration of packaging pickles' popularity in a new way. And he's proud to point out that Oh Snap! has actually lifted up the entire pickling industry as opposed to taking business away from other products in the sector. 

Learn more about Oh Snap! by listening to this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service: www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/secure/ssl/savings/business/free-consultation

Oh Snap! is online at www.ohsnappickles.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68243562Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:05:08 +0000Kate BrunsRyan 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 says, adding that Oh Snap! was built off nutrition trends around gut health and an exploration of packaging pickles' popularity in a new way. And he's proud to point out that Oh Snap! has actually lifted up the entire pickling industry as opposed to taking business away from other products in the sector. 

Learn more about Oh Snap! by listening to this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service: www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/secure/ssl/savings/business/free-consultation

Oh Snap! is online at www.ohsnappickles.com. ]]>1273appleton,brining,foodindustry,foodmanufacturing,glkfoods,guthealth,healthysnacking,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,ohsnap,ohsnappickles,pickles,pickling,snackfoods,vegetables,wisconsin,wisconsinmanufacturingfalse398fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-97-apricity-brings-dignity-of-work-to-recovery-community--68135470
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 listening to this week's episode.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68135470Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:10:07 +0000Kate BrunsDan 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...
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 listening to this week's episode.]]>958appleton,apricity,contractmanufacturing,contractpackaging,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,residentialtreatment,soberemployment,soberliving,substanceabusetreatment,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse397fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-96-meet-oshkosh-door-s-chris-calawerts-insight-s-october-cover-story--68067160
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 manufacturers at wisconsinpublicservice.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68067160Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:20:07 +0000Kate BrunsChris 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...
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 manufacturers at wisconsinpublicservice.com. ]]>1290doormanufacturing,doors,edgewaterdoor,leadership,manufacturing,manufacturingcomplexity,manufacturingleadership,mfgfirst,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,oregon,oregondoor,oshkosh,oshkoshdoor,wisconsinfalse396fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-95-10-2-25-live-at-schreiber-foods-for-our-2-year-anniversary--67988924
On this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, Pat Koleske, senior vice president at Schreiber Horizon, shares this insights and talks about how the Schreiber brand is expanding and rebranding.

Over its 80 years in business, Schreiber has developed multiple solutions to scale its business, from supply chain management to innovation processes. Recently Schreiber decided to bring together these solutions marketed to outside customers under one umbrella. 

Learn more at schreiberhorizon.com. Visit our sponsor, Wisconsin Public Service, at wisconsinpublicservice.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67988924Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:53:04 +0000Kate BrunsNEW Manufacturing Insights celebrated its anniversary and the start of Manufacturing Month with a special recording in front of a live audience Oct. 2 at Schreiber Foods in Green Bay. The exclusive event was open to pre-registrants of Manufacturing...
On this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, Pat Koleske, senior vice president at Schreiber Horizon, shares this insights and talks about how the Schreiber brand is expanding and rebranding.

Over its 80 years in business, Schreiber has developed multiple solutions to scale its business, from supply chain management to innovation processes. Recently Schreiber decided to bring together these solutions marketed to outside customers under one umbrella. 

Learn more at schreiberhorizon.com. Visit our sponsor, Wisconsin Public Service, at wisconsinpublicservice.com. ]]>1334consulting,dairyindustry,foodmanufacturing,greenbay,innovation,logistics,manufacturing,mfgfirst,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,productsolutions,schreiberfoods,schreiberhorizon,wisconsinfalse394fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-94-9-25-25-bridging-the-gaps-between-school-and-business--67879978brought her past experience working as a teacher to the table when she established the Emerging
Talent Alliance. “When we started, we really wanted to focus on how we can bridge gaps between
schools 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 Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in
September. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and
Insight Publications.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67879978Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:30:08 +0000Kate BrunsAimee 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 Emerging Talent Alliance. “When we started, we really wanted to focus...brought her past experience working as a teacher to the table when she established the Emerging
Talent Alliance. “When we started, we really wanted to focus on how we can bridge gaps between
schools 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 Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in
September. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and
Insight Publications.]]>890careerexploration,chamberofcommerce,emergingtalent,foxcitieschamber,foxcitieswi,manufacturing,northeastwisconsin,talent,thenewnorth,wisconsin,workforcefalse394fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-93-9-18-25-manufacturing-first-keynote-betsy-allen-manning--67769627
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 and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Insight Publications, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Learn more about our sponsor at www.ricecompanies.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67769627Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:45:07 +0000Kate BrunsBetsy 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...
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 and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Insight Publications, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Learn more about our sponsor at www.ricecompanies.com.]]>1098destinationworkplace,destinationworkplaces,employerofchoice,leadership,mfgfirst,newmafalse393fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-92-9-11-25-making-waves-in-northeast-wisconsin--67710998
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.

Thank you to Rice Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. Learn more at www.ricecompanies.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67710998Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:30:08 +0000Kate BrunsJosh 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,...
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.

Thank you to Rice Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. Learn more at www.ricecompanies.com. ]]>1558boatbuilding,cruisersyachts,marineindustry,marinemanufacturing,newnorth,northcoast,wisconsin,wisconsinboatbuilding,wisconsinmanufacturing,yachtsfalse392fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-91-9-4-25-vpi-ceo-tim-riebau--67631232
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 Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. Learn more about our sponsor at www.ricecompanies.com/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67631232Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:43:04 +0000Kate BrunsTim 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...
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 Companies for sponsoring this and all episodes of NEW Manufacturing Insights in September. Learn more about our sponsor at www.ricecompanies.com/]]>1389appleton,contractpackaging,disabilities,jobtraining,packaging,vpi,wisconsinfalse390fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-90-8-28-25-carbliss--67541344their 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 brand
Carbliss 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 methodically
because it seems to be working,” Adam Kroener says.

To learn more about Plymouth-based Carbliss,
visit https://drinkcarbliss.com/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67541344Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:23:54 +0000Kate BrunsAmanda and Adam Kroener couldn’t find a low-carb ready-to-drink cocktail that they could enjoy on their 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...their 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 brand
Carbliss 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 methodically
because it seems to be working,” Adam Kroener says.

To learn more about Plymouth-based Carbliss,
visit https://drinkcarbliss.com/.]]>1453beveragemanufacturing,beveragemarketing,cannedcocktails,carbliss,fastestgrowingcompanies,readytodrink,wisconsinfalse390fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-89-8-21-25-the-future-of-education-at-uw-green-bay--67459863
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.

Learn more about UWGB at https://www.uwgb.edu/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67459863Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:25:08 +0000Kate BrunsDr. 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...
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.

Learn more about UWGB at https://www.uwgb.edu/.]]>973false389fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-88-8-14-25-the-ins-and-outs-of-market-volatility--67355871
“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 built to weather this or any other storm that might come about.” Learn more about Legacy Private Trust at https:// https://www.lptrust.com/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67355871Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsConnor 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...
“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 built to weather this or any other storm that might come about.” Learn more about Legacy Private Trust at https:// https://www.lptrust.com/]]>1069false388fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-87-8-7-25-inside-the-robinson-training-academy-with-a-veteran-police-officer--67272202long career as a police officer who led training and development programs for the Green Bay Police
Department. On this week’s episode, Engelbrecht talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about
developing the Robinson Training Academy and how manufacturers can create a similar training
program at their organizations.

“Some supervisors and managers were a little ahead of the curve,” Engelbrecht says. “They’d been
looking at this for a long time. They just needed someone to champion the cause.”

Learn more about Robinson at https://www.robinsoninc.com/

Read Kate Bruns' interview with Engelbrecht from the July 2025 issue of IOM at Anatomy of an academy | Plant News | insightonbusiness.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67272202Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:45:07 +0000Kate BrunsJeff Engelbrecht, training and development manager at Robinson, Inc., came to the company after a long career as a police officer who led training and development programs for the Green Bay Police Department. On this week’s episode, Engelbrecht talks...long career as a police officer who led training and development programs for the Green Bay Police
Department. On this week’s episode, Engelbrecht talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about
developing the Robinson Training Academy and how manufacturers can create a similar training
program at their organizations.

“Some supervisors and managers were a little ahead of the curve,” Engelbrecht says. “They’d been
looking at this for a long time. They just needed someone to champion the cause.”

Learn more about Robinson at https://www.robinsoninc.com/

Read Kate Bruns' interview with Engelbrecht from the July 2025 issue of IOM at Anatomy of an academy | Plant News | insightonbusiness.com]]>1136jobtraining,manufacturing,manufacturingtraining,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,policetraining,robinsoninc,robinsontrainingacademy,training,trainingacademy,trainingprograms,upskilling,wisconsinfalse387fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-86-7-31-25-the-growth-of-youth-apprenticeship-at-therma-tron-x--67192247
“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 program grow.”

Learn more about TTX at https://www.ttxinc.com/


Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67192247Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:35:07 +0000Kate BrunsJake 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...
“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 program grow.”

Learn more about TTX at https://www.ttxinc.com/


Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. 
]]>1335false386fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-85-7-24-25-eagle-performance-plastics-president-lori-sealock--67089991shop for going on 24 years. On this week’s episode, Sealock talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann
Franz about the company’s succession planning, her role and making the company’s vision come to
life.

“We’re focused on setting the next generation up for success, which means making sure they have the
right people, the right tools, the right environment to do that,” Sealock says. “They need a strong
foundation to keep building on Eagle’s values and the growth strategy that we have.”

Learn more about Eagle Performance Plastics at https://eagle-plastics.com/.

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and
all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67089991Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:45:07 +0000Kate BrunsLori Sealock, recently named president of Eagle Performance Plastics, has been with the custom job shop for going on 24 years. On this week’s episode, Sealock talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz about the company’s succession planning, her...shop for going on 24 years. On this week’s episode, Sealock talks with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann
Franz about the company’s succession planning, her role and making the company’s vision come to
life.

“We’re focused on setting the next generation up for success, which means making sure they have the
right people, the right tools, the right environment to do that,” Sealock says. “They need a strong
foundation to keep building on Eagle’s values and the growth strategy that we have.”

Learn more about Eagle Performance Plastics at https://eagle-plastics.com/.

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and
all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com.]]>882false387fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-84-7-17-25-how-mid-market-manufacturers-can-reduce-tariff-exposure--66999815
Learn more about Clement and her work: https://www.claconnect.com/en/directory/c/clement-
jennifer

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and
all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66999815Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsJennifer 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...
Learn more about Clement and her work: https://www.claconnect.com/en/directory/c/clement-
jennifer

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and
all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com.]]>1120globaltrade,manufacturing,supplychain,tariff,tariffexposure,tariffs,tariffstrategy,trade,wisconsinfalse384fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-83-7-10-25-value-creation-is-everything--66920044
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 -- and why that's important to businesses everywhere.

Learn more about the book and order online at https://valuecreationiseverything.com/

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66920044Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:30:08 +0000Kate BrunsHoward 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...
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 -- and why that's important to businesses everywhere.

Learn more about the book and order online at https://valuecreationiseverything.com/

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, and all July episodes of the podcast. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>1467corporateculture,corporatevalues,employeeengagement,growthmindset,hiring,hr,leadership,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,softskills,valuecreation,valuecreationiseverything,wisconsin,workplaceculturefalse383fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-82-6-26-25-on-50-years-of-wrtp-big-step-with-ceo-lindsay-blumer--66727267
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 well as share her best leadership insight.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66727267Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:05:07 +0000Kate BrunsLindsay 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...
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 well as share her best leadership insight.]]>1221careerpathing,careerpathways,construction,education,jobpathways,jobtraining,logistics,manufacturing,manufacturingskills,milwaukee,northeastwisconsin,softskills,talentpipeline,training,wisconsin,wrtpfalse382fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-81-6-19-25-demystifying-knowledge-transfer-with-steve-trautman--66625839
On this episode, Steve dives deeper into the knowledge transfer process he created through his consulting business and explains some of the roadblocks that exist in executing successful knowledge transfer.

You can learn more about his work at stevetrautman.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66625839Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:15:30 +0000Kate BrunsSteve Trautman of The Steve Trautman Co. has decades of experience in the fields of talent risk and knowledge transfer, which he shares with listeners on this week's episode. And the timing for this advice is right for Northeast Wisconsin...
On this episode, Steve dives deeper into the knowledge transfer process he created through his consulting business and explains some of the roadblocks that exist in executing successful knowledge transfer.

You can learn more about his work at stevetrautman.com. ]]>1056hr,knowledgetransfer,manufacturing,processdocumentation,stevetrautman,stevetrautmanco,successionplanningfalse381fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-80-6-12-25-sure-controls-works-to-keep-midwest-manufacturers-running-growing-smiling--66518095
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 and the time and effort it takes to implement them.

"You have to understand that you're improving operations -- it doesn't always mean that you're simplifying," Terry tells the co-hosts on episode 80. "You can fully automate something, but there's a lot of work involved when you make changes to a fully automated process or if you're automating something that's not fully understood how the process is done."

Listen to all of Terry Brei's insights, including what's next for Industry 4.0 and what he considers his best leadership insight, by listening to the full episode.

 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66518095Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:10:07 +0000Kate BrunsTerry 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...
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 and the time and effort it takes to implement them.

"You have to understand that you're improving operations -- it doesn't always mean that you're simplifying," Terry tells the co-hosts on episode 80. "You can fully automate something, but there's a lot of work involved when you make changes to a fully automated process or if you're automating something that's not fully understood how the process is done."

Listen to all of Terry Brei's insights, including what's next for Industry 4.0 and what he considers his best leadership insight, by listening to the full episode.

 ]]>1697ai,automation,cobots,controlloop,dataanalytics,engineering,foxcities,foxvalleywi,industry4.0,manufacturing,manufacturingcareers,manufacturingtechnology,northeastwisconsin,robotics,robots,surecontrols,technology,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse380fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-79-6-5-25-harnessing-the-power-of-presence-with-mike-lee--66401518
A Wisconsin native, Mike spent a significant portion of his career playing and coaching basketball, even working one-on-one with NBA legends like Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, but he shares that in the last 10 years his life transformation has taken him somewhat away from basketball as he has developed his business as a motivational speaker, mindfulness coach and author of the book "New Rules for the Future of Leadership."

Learn more about Mike's work online at mindshiftlabs.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66401518Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:45:07 +0000Kate BrunsGet a preview of Thursday's NEW Manufacturing Alliance quarterly meeting keynote when you listen to this week's conversation with Mike Lee of Mindshift Labs, who shares his insights about living in the present moment and how it connects to leadership...
A Wisconsin native, Mike spent a significant portion of his career playing and coaching basketball, even working one-on-one with NBA legends like Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, but he shares that in the last 10 years his life transformation has taken him somewhat away from basketball as he has developed his business as a motivational speaker, mindfulness coach and author of the book "New Rules for the Future of Leadership."

Learn more about Mike's work online at mindshiftlabs.com.]]>748leadership,leadershipcoaching,manufacturing,manufacturingleadership,mentalhealth,mindfulleadership,mindfulness,mindshift,mindshiftlabs,powerofpresence,wisconsinfalse378fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-78-5-29-25-2025-newma-all-star-jennifer-rome-of-burger-boat-co--66318643
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, and she tells us why on this week's episode.

Read this year's All Stars magazine featuring Jennifer Rome online: 2025 NEW Manufacturing Alliance – All Stars]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66318643Thu, 29 May 2025 11:20:07 +0000Kate BrunsJennifer 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...
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, and she tells us why on this week's episode.

Read this year's All Stars magazine featuring Jennifer Rome online: 2025 NEW Manufacturing Alliance – All Stars]]>745boatbuilding,burgerboat,burgerboatco,cabinetmaking,manitowoc,manufacturing,manufacturingcareers,newma,newmaallstars,northeastwisconsin,shipbuilding,trades,wisconsin,womeninmanufacturing,womenintrades,woodmanufacturing,yachtbuildingfalse378fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-77-5-22-25-the-benefits-of-youth-apprenticeship-with-david-gordon-of-cesa-7--66192290
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.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66192290Thu, 22 May 2025 11:35:07 +0000Kate BrunsDavid 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...
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.

]]>1004apprenticeship,careerandteched,careerpathways,cesa7,education,industrypartnerships,jobtraining,manufacturing,manufacturingcareers,mentorship,mentorshiptraining,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,teched,technicaled,technicaleducation,wisconsin,youthapprenticeshipfalse377fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-76-5-15-25-jen-fietz-re-imagines-imaginasium-as-stoke-rga--66088098

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 to Stoke RGA, as well as her latest insights on the industry.

Learn more at www.stokerga.com. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66088098Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:08 +0000Kate BrunsStoke 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...

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 to Stoke RGA, as well as her latest insights on the industry.

Learn more at www.stokerga.com. 
]]>964businessgrowth,growth,growthacceleration,growthaccelerator,imaginasium,manufacturing,manufacturinggrowth,manufacturingmarketing,marketing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,revenuegrowth,stokerga,supplychain,wisconsinfalse376fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-75-5-8-25-buckley-brinkman-on-the-future-of-meps-wisconsin-s-manufacturing-landscape--65980958
Buckley also gives his perspective on the federal government's recent defunding of 10 MEP programs in the U.S., and then reversal of the action -- what it means, what comes next, how worried we should be and how manufacturers from across the state have mobilized to help advocate for the preservation of WMEP, which WCMP oversees.

Learn more about the latest WCMP Wisconsin Manufacturing Report online at https://www.wicmp.org/wisconsin-manufacturing-report/. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65980958Thu, 08 May 2025 11:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsBuckley 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...
Buckley also gives his perspective on the federal government's recent defunding of 10 MEP programs in the U.S., and then reversal of the action -- what it means, what comes next, how worried we should be and how manufacturers from across the state have mobilized to help advocate for the preservation of WMEP, which WCMP oversees.

Learn more about the latest WCMP Wisconsin Manufacturing Report online at https://www.wicmp.org/wisconsin-manufacturing-report/. ]]>1470manufacturing,manufacturingresources,mep,productivity,smallmanufacturers,supplychain,tariffs,wcmp,wisconsin,wmepfalse375fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-74-5-1-25-mel-butcher-on-building-a-female-future--65823770
She also helps identify and explain the "missing link" in women's career advice.

Learn more about Lead to Soar at www.leadtosoar.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65823770Thu, 01 May 2025 12:02:11 +0000Kate BrunsOn 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...
She also helps identify and explain the "missing link" in women's career advice.

Learn more about Lead to Soar at www.leadtosoar.com. ]]>965manufacturing,successionplanning,wisconsin,womeninmfg,womenleaders,womensleadershipfalse374fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-73-4-24-25-marion-body-works-president-kevin-ignacio--65688255
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 generations, and the pros and cons of running a company in a small community like Marion, Wisconsin. (The company currently has locations in both Marion and Shawano.)

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. 

Learn more about Marion Body Works at marionbody.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65688255Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:25:07 +0000Kate BrunsPresident 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...
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 generations, and the pros and cons of running a company in a small community like Marion, Wisconsin. (The company currently has locations in both Marion and Shawano.)

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. 

Learn more about Marion Body Works at marionbody.com. ]]>1084boxtrucks,familybusiness,firetruckmanufacturing,firetrucks,leadership,manufacturing,marionwi,multigenerationalbusiness,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,shawanowi,transportation,transportationmanufacturing,truckmanufacturing,wisconsinfalse372fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-72-4-17-25-plexus-corp-ceo-todd-kelsey--65582493
To learn more about Plexus, visit www.plexus.com/en-us.

To read about Plexus' win at the latest Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards, check out the Insight on Manufacturing article here: www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/plantnews/manufacturers-of-the-year/article_d9f531cc-fed3-11ef-9a3d-033aebd18558.html 

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65582493Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:15:07 +0000Kate BrunsThis 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...
To learn more about Plexus, visit www.plexus.com/en-us.

To read about Plexus' win at the latest Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year awards, check out the Insight on Manufacturing article here: www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/plantnews/manufacturers-of-the-year/article_d9f531cc-fed3-11ef-9a3d-033aebd18558.html 

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>1104bevi,ceo,chipmanufacturing,contractmanufacturing,corporatevalues,equipmentmanufacturing,foxcitieswi,manufacturing,manufacturingtechnology,neenah,newnorth,plexuscorp,robotics,semiconductors,technology,ultrasoundmanufacturing,wisconsin,wisconsinmanufactureroftheyearfalse372fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-71-4-10-25-stryker-president-nicole-malson-talks-women-in-manufacturing--65487040
Read this month's IOM cover story on Women in Manufacturing, which features Nicole Malson, here: Women in Manufacturing | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com

To learn more about STRYKER, visit strykertough.com. 

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65487040Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:10:07 +0000Kate BrunsNicole Malson's grandfather Fred started the aluminum fabrication company in his Appleton basement 60 years ago, and today Nicole is proud to serve as the third-generation president of STRYKER, which produces a product called Metalphoto and has major...
Read this month's IOM cover story on Women in Manufacturing, which features Nicole Malson, here: Women in Manufacturing | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com

To learn more about STRYKER, visit strykertough.com. 

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>1340aluminummanufacturing,appleton,familybusiness,foxcities,foxcitieswisconsin,generationalleadership,manufacturing,metalfabrication,metalforming,stryker,wim,wimassociation,wisconsin,womeninbusiness,womeninleadership,womeninmanufacturingfalse371fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-70-4-3-25-skilling-up-with-skillsusa-wisconsin--65141220
To learn more about SkillsUSA Wisconsin, visit skillsusa-wi.org.

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65141220Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:07 +0000Kate BrunsFrom 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...
To learn more about SkillsUSA Wisconsin, visit skillsusa-wi.org.

This week's episode is sponsored by Werner Electric Supply. Learn more at wernerelectric.com. ]]>1247construction,constructiontrades,education,labor,manufacturing,manufacturingtrades,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,skilledtrades,skillsusa,skillsusawisconsin,trades,tradeseducation,welding,wisconsin,wittenbergfalse370fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-69-3-27-25-qcomp-technologies-president-katie-miner--64886830
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 of an ESOP, as well as details the specific needs and technologies that are guiding QComp's development of robotics and improving process efficiencies for some of the country's most vital manufacturers.

Learn more about QComp at www.qcomp.com. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64886830Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:20:07 +0000Kate BrunsKatie 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...
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 of an ESOP, as well as details the specific needs and technologies that are guiding QComp's development of robotics and improving process efficiencies for some of the country's most vital manufacturers.

Learn more about QComp at www.qcomp.com. 
]]>1329automation,automationsystems,esop,factoryautomation,foxcities,greenvillewisconsin,leadership,manufacturing,newnorth,ownersedge,processimprovement,qcomptechnologies,robotics,technology,wisconsin,womeninleadership,womeninmanufacturingfalse369fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-68-3-20-25-tweet-garot-president-hope-voigt--64886827
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 Wisconsin business community for 128 years.

Learn more about the company at tweetgarot.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64886827Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsHope 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...
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 Wisconsin business community for 128 years.

Learn more about the company at tweetgarot.com. ]]>760automation,construction,depere,equipmentmanufacturing,foodindustry,greenbay,leadership,manufacturing,mechanical,mechanicalcontracting,thenewnorth,tweetgarot,wisconsin,womeninconstruction,womeninmanufacturing,womensleadership,wrightstownfalse368fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-67-3-13-25-leveraging-social-media-with-bconnected-s-brad-cebulski--64860018
Cebulski acknowledges social media has long been one of industry's most ignored marketing channels, as well as one of the hardest to keep up with -- particularly the sites' ever-changing and complicated algorithms, as well as the impact of AI. 

He also offers his advice for how busy manufacturers can make an impact on social media with some simple content tweaks.

Learn more and request a copy of Cebulski's "State of the Industry" report at bconnectedllc.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64860018Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:59:59 +0000Kate BrunsBrad Cebulski, who founded the social media marketing agency BConnected LLC in 2011, is this week's guest on NEW Manufacturing Insights and shares what he has learned about marketing since his time as a college student leading initiatives for the...
Cebulski acknowledges social media has long been one of industry's most ignored marketing channels, as well as one of the hardest to keep up with -- particularly the sites' ever-changing and complicated algorithms, as well as the impact of AI. 

He also offers his advice for how busy manufacturers can make an impact on social media with some simple content tweaks.

Learn more and request a copy of Cebulski's "State of the Industry" report at bconnectedllc.com. ]]>1402advertising,ai,appleton,bconnectedllc,contentmarketing,facebook,linkedin,manufacturing,marketing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,social,socialmedia,socialmediaalgorithm,socialmediamarketing,socialmediastrategy,socialstrategy,wisconsinfalse367fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-66-3-6-25-an-exploration-of-time-with-john-k-coyle--64717632
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 on this week's episode, including the power of moments, sometimes extremely brief moments, in time to change the trajectory of our lives. 

Learn more at https://johnkcoyle.com/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64717632Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:00:08 +0000Kate Bruns1994 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...
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 on this week's episode, including the power of moments, sometimes extremely brief moments, in time to change the trajectory of our lives. 

Learn more at https://johnkcoyle.com/.]]>961chronoception,greekphilosophy,johnkcoyle,memories,olympics,speedskating,time,wisconsinfalse366fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-65-2-27-25-easy-being-green-with-sbc-s-christa-kananen--64565224
She joined NEW Manufacturing Insights to discuss how SBC supports businesses, especially manufacturers in Wisconsin, in their sustainability efforts. In her role as associate director, Kananen oversees business consulting, the "Cool Choices" program that allows businesses to gamify their sustainability initiatives, as well as the celebrated Green Masters Program, which recently graduated 21 Wisconsin companies.

Learn more about SBC, sustainable business practices, and green leadership by listening to this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service.

Learn more about the Sustainable Business Council online at www.wisconsinsustainability.com. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64565224Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:35:07 +0000Kate BrunsChrista Kananen is associate director of the Sustainable Business Council, formerly known as the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, the 18-year-old organization that became an independent nonprofit organization in January after operating as part...
She joined NEW Manufacturing Insights to discuss how SBC supports businesses, especially manufacturers in Wisconsin, in their sustainability efforts. In her role as associate director, Kananen oversees business consulting, the "Cool Choices" program that allows businesses to gamify their sustainability initiatives, as well as the celebrated Green Masters Program, which recently graduated 21 Wisconsin companies.

Learn more about SBC, sustainable business practices, and green leadership by listening to this week's episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service.

Learn more about the Sustainable Business Council online at www.wisconsinsustainability.com. ]]>1508conservation,environmentalimpact,environmentalism,esg,greenbusiness,greenmanufacturing,greenmasters,manufacturing,newnorth,resourcemanagement,sustainability,sustainablebusinesscouncil,sustainablemanufacturing,wisconsin,wisustainablebusinesscouncilfalse365fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-64-2-20-25-pierce-manufacturing-president-bob-schulz--64345023https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64345023Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsThis week's episode of the NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast features an interview with Pierce Manufacturing President Bob Schulz, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service. Schulz shares the joys and challenges of running one of the Fox Valley's most...1163appleton,fireinfrastructure,firetrucks,manufacturing,manufacturingleadership,northeastwisconsin,oshkoshcorporation,piercemanufacturing,publicsafety,wildfires,wisconsinfalse364fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-63-2-13-25-hope-and-help-together--64344994
On this episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, learn more about the immigrant and refugee neighbors Hope and Help Together serves, why Hope and Help Together was inspired to launch the Fox Valley Newcomer Project in 2022, and why manufacturers can and should embrace the benefits of hiring immigrants, not just to strengthen their talent pool but also to enrich their companies and communities.

Visit Hope and Help Together's website: Hope and Help Together

Read the January IOM "talent" feature "Going Global:" Going global | Talent | insightonbusiness.com ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64344994Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:30:07 +0000Kate BrunsPheonah 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...
On this episode, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, learn more about the immigrant and refugee neighbors Hope and Help Together serves, why Hope and Help Together was inspired to launch the Fox Valley Newcomer Project in 2022, and why manufacturers can and should embrace the benefits of hiring immigrants, not just to strengthen their talent pool but also to enrich their companies and communities.

Visit Hope and Help Together's website: Hope and Help Together

Read the January IOM "talent" feature "Going Global:" Going global | Talent | insightonbusiness.com ]]>1554appleton,asylumstatus,careers,globaltalent,immigranthiring,immigrants,internationaltalent,jobplacement,manufacturing,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,refugeehiring,refugees,refugeestatus,retraining,socialjustice,upskilling,wisconsinfalse363fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-62-2-6-25-alex-lawton-and-the-world-s-greatest--64219090]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64219090Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:45:07 +0000Kate BrunsThis Saturday at 1 p.m., Bloomberg Television will feature the 150-year legacy of De Pere's The Lawton Standard Company on an episode of "World's Greatest." And on this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service,...]]>1162depere,foundry,heavymanufacturing,lawtonstandardco,manufacturing,manufacturingleadership,metal,metalfabrication,multigenerationalbusiness,newnorth,wisconsinfalse362fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-61-on-family-and-fiberglass-with-ben-and-amy-bertram--64012957
On this week's episode, sponsored by Werner Electric Supply, Ben and Amy talk about the challenges and rewards of operating a family business, why they love Green Bay and all the interesting things made from fiberglass. 


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64012957Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:55:06 +0000Kate BrunsBen and Amy Bertram had never before owned a business when they decided to buy Fiberglass Solutions in 2018. Since that time, the Bertrams have grown the company from two to 20 employees and relocated from a 9,000-square-foot facility in Green Bay to...
On this week's episode, sponsored by Werner Electric Supply, Ben and Amy talk about the challenges and rewards of operating a family business, why they love Green Bay and all the interesting things made from fiberglass. 


]]>1428ashwaubenon,entrepreneurship,familybusiness,fiberglass,fiberglasssolutions,greenbay,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,wisconsinfalse361fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-60-1-23-25-electrifying-the-future-of-work-with-shea-electric-s-dan-shea--63790165
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 on the future of EV charging, heat pumps and digital electricity, data centers, microgrids and more.



 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63790165Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:55:06 +0000Kate BrunsDan 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...
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 on the future of EV charging, heat pumps and digital electricity, data centers, microgrids and more.



 ]]>15095g,das,datacenters,electric,electrical,electricalcontracting,electrician,electricity,energy,evcharging,heatpumps,ledlighting,microgrids,peakdemand,technology,wisconsin,youthapprenticeshipfalse360fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-59-1-16-25-how-green-bay-s-coex-3d-is-bolstering-additive-manufacturing-in-the-new-north--63703859

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 in our New North region, which is also featured in the January cover story.


Read "Addition by Addition" online: addi+ion by addi+ion | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com


Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63703859Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:30:06 +0000Kate BrunsTodd 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...

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 in our New North region, which is also featured in the January cover story.


Read "Addition by Addition" online: addi+ion by addi+ion | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com


Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>13193dfilament,3dprinters,3dprinting,additivemanufacturing,coex3d,filament,filamentextruders,greenbay,greenbaywi,manufacturing,newnorth,pla,prototyping,wisconsinfalse259fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-58-1-9-25-marine-travelift-raises-the-standard--63618924
Marine Travelift was profiled in Insight on Business' January "Home Made" feature. Read "A heavy lift" online: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/features/homemade/a-heavy-lift/article_7d559824-c6ea-11ef-9bbc-cfed2626ff3a.html

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63618924Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:06 +0000Kate BrunsHappy 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...
Marine Travelift was profiled in Insight on Business' January "Home Made" feature. Read "A heavy lift" online: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/features/homemade/a-heavy-lift/article_7d559824-c6ea-11ef-9bbc-cfed2626ff3a.html

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>1360boathoists,boatlifts,doorcounty,hurricanerecovery,manufacturing,marinas,marinehoists,marineindustry,marinelifts,maritimeindustry,shipyards,sturgeonbay,uscoastguard,wisconsin,yachtingfalse358fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-57-12-19-24-helping-kids-ditch-the-digital-life-through-boatbuilding--63381968

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!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63381968Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:15:06 +0000Kate BrunsMark 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...

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!]]>1752boatbuilding,boats,greenbay,k12,manufacturingcareers,manufacturinged,manufacturingoutreach,mentoring,newnorth,nonprofit,northeastwisconsin,studentwoodworkers,teched,techeducation,wisconsin,wood,woodworking,youth,youthmentoringfalse257fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-56-12-12-24-futurist-jonathan-brill-talks-manufacturing--63273924
Among the topics Brill identifies on the podcast as being important in the next five years are AI and automation, preparing for the generational leadership shift, the uncertainty surrounding the incoming U.S. presidential administration, process innovation in manufacturing, and even the very rules of sciences like physics and economics that may undergo dramatic shifts before our eyes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63273924Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:08 +0000Kate BrunsJonathan 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....
Among the topics Brill identifies on the podcast as being important in the next five years are AI and automation, preparing for the generational leadership shift, the uncertainty surrounding the incoming U.S. presidential administration, process innovation in manufacturing, and even the very rules of sciences like physics and economics that may undergo dramatic shifts before our eyes.]]>12312025predictions,ai,automation,envisiongreatergreenbay,futureofindustry,futureofwork,futures,futurism,futurist,globalfutures,greenbay,jonathanbrill,leadership,manufacturing,manufacturingfuture,manufacturingtechnology,supplychain,technology,wisconsin,worldfuturesdayfalse256fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-55-12-5-24-advanced-tooling-inc-is-one-of-wisconsin-s-best-places-to-work--63165104
Schrage talks about why ATI has been successful in engaging its workforce, acknowledging that its relatively small size makes it easier to offer more social opportunities, and shares a little more about the history of the family-owned company. 

Thank you to Appleton Airport for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63165104Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:44:14 +0000Kate BrunsGreg 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...
Schrage talks about why ATI has been successful in engaging its workforce, acknowledging that its relatively small size makes it easier to offer more social opportunities, and shares a little more about the history of the family-owned company. 

Thank you to Appleton Airport for sponsoring this week's episode!]]>949advancedtooling,bestplacestowork,employeeretention,greatworkplaces,manufacturing,recruiting,talent,wisconsin,workforce,workplaceexcellencefalse255fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-54-11-21-24-new-north-inc-ceo-barb-lamue--62790295
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-9c7e60

We will not be releasing a new episode next week. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NEW Manufacturing Insights!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62790295Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:20:06 +0000Kate BrunsBarb 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...
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-9c7e60

We will not be releasing a new episode next week. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NEW Manufacturing Insights!]]>20012025nfldraft,appleton,broadband,businessattraction,businessdevelopment,economicdevelopment,greenbay,marketing,newnorth,newnorthregion,nfldraft,nfldraft2025,northeastwisconsin,oshkosh,siteselection,talent,talentattraction,thenewnorth,wisconsinfalse254fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-53-11-14-24-keeping-things-moving-with-nercon-s-jim-eckes--62721625
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 by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which is launching its new Lean Alliance Dec. 3: https://events.nwtc.edu/corporate-training/event/detail/lean-alliance-9c7e60]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62721625Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:00:07 +0000Kate BrunsJim 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...
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 by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which is launching its new Lean Alliance Dec. 3: https://events.nwtc.edu/corporate-training/event/detail/lean-alliance-9c7e60]]>1002conveyorbelts,conveyors,conveyorsystems,manufacturing,nercon,newnorth,oconto,stemeducation,wisconsin,youthapprenticeshipfalse253fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-52-11-7-24-manufacturing-first-recap--62652075
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!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62652075Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:11:05 +0000Kate BrunsThis 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...
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!]]>1446manufacturing,manufacturingfirst,manufacturinginsights,mfgfirst,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,wisconsinfalse252fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-51-10-24-24-career-excelerate--62477666
Learn more about Career EXCELerate online: https://offer.goodwillncw.org/career-excelerate-wisconsin

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October. We will be off next week for Manufacturing First (register now at www.manufacturingfirst.com) but will return with a recap episode Nov. 7. See you Oct. 30 at Resch Expo for #MfgFirst!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62477666Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:35:01 +0000Kate BrunsThis 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...
Learn more about Career EXCELerate online: https://offer.goodwillncw.org/career-excelerate-wisconsin

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October. We will be off next week for Manufacturing First (register now at www.manufacturingfirst.com) but will return with a recap episode Nov. 7. See you Oct. 30 at Resch Expo for #MfgFirst!]]>818careerexcelerate,careerpathways,careers,emotionalsupport,foxvalleytech,fvtc,goodwill,goodwillncw,jobtraining,manufacturing,mentalhealth,mfgfirst,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,rawhideyouthservices,training,upskilling,wisconsin,workforcefalse251fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-50-10-17-24-eagle-performance-plastics--62398818
Read more about Eagle in IOM: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/plantnews/soaring-success/article_85323094-713a-11ef-ace6-5be18cb0f9ce.html

Learn more about Wisconsin's Best Places to Work in Manufacturing 2024: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightevents/best_places_to_work_in_manufacturing_wisconsin/

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398818Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:58:43 +0000Kate BrunsWe're celebrating our 50th episode this week! This episode features a conversation with Jason Bailin and Jordy Krall of Appleton's Eagle Performance Plastics, which was recently named one of Wisconsin's Best Places to Work in Manufacturing and was...
Read more about Eagle in IOM: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightonmanufacturing/articles/plantnews/soaring-success/article_85323094-713a-11ef-ace6-5be18cb0f9ce.html

Learn more about Wisconsin's Best Places to Work in Manufacturing 2024: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/insightevents/best_places_to_work_in_manufacturing_wisconsin/

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October.]]>678bestplacestowork,cnc,cncmachining,cncplastics,greatworkplaces,insightpublications,machining,manufacturing,manufacturingeducation,newma,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,plastics,plasticsmanufacturing,sustainability,sustainableplastics,wisconsin,youthapprenticeshipfalse250fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-49-10-10-24-greg-linnemanstons-on-the-quest-for-new-customers--62305244
Listen in as Greg shares his wisdom on the topic of lead generation, how marketing and sales teams can work together within organizations, and how to implement technology into your marketing mix without losing the personal touch that has helped close business for generations. He also, of course, shares his best leadership insight to close the show.

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62305244Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:20:02 +0000Kate BrunsWe'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...
Listen in as Greg shares his wisdom on the topic of lead generation, how marketing and sales teams can work together within organizations, and how to implement technology into your marketing mix without losing the personal touch that has helped close business for generations. He also, of course, shares his best leadership insight to close the show.

Thank you to Werner Electric Supply for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of October.]]>1253b2b,customerrelations,google,hubspot,inbound,inboundmarketing,leadgen,leadgeneration,manufacturing,marketing,marketingstrategy,mfgfirst,newnorth,sales,tradeshows,weidertgroup,wisconsinfalse249fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-48-10-3-24-live-at-werner-electric-supply-on-our-one-year-anniversary--62213869
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 largest manufacturing event. Head to www.manufacturingfirst.com to learn more. 

Thank you to our listeners, sponsors, and partners for helping keep the podcast going for one year! We're excited to keep it going in 2025!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62213869Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:00:08 +0000Kate BrunsWerner 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...
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 largest manufacturing event. Head to www.manufacturingfirst.com to learn more. 

Thank you to our listeners, sponsors, and partners for helping keep the podcast going for one year! We're excited to keep it going in 2025!]]>1087ai,appleton,cybersecurity,dataanalytics,electric,electricsupply,it,leadership,manufacturing,networks,newnorth,ot,technology,wisconsinfalse248fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-47-9-26-24-ark-data-centers-ceo-brett-lindsey--62115067
Lindsey also dives into cybersecurity, AI and other tech topics that are affecting ark's large enterprise customers and suggests some moves manufacturers should consider making now to build new products and offer better service to customers in the age of AI. 

Thank you to Wisconsin Paper Group for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of September.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62115067Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:48:41 +0000Kate BrunsBrett 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...
Lindsey also dives into cybersecurity, AI and other tech topics that are affecting ark's large enterprise customers and suggests some moves manufacturers should consider making now to build new products and offer better service to customers in the age of AI. 

Thank you to Wisconsin Paper Group for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of September.

]]>1246ai,aiinfrastructure,arkdatacenters,calumetcounty,ceo,cmmc,cybersecurity,data,datacenters,datacompliance,harrisonwi,involta,manufacturing,manufacturinginfrastructure,newnorth,nist,villageofharrison,wisconsinfalse247fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-46-9-19-24-the-new-north-region-needs-more-tech-ed-teachers--62015153
Read "Filling the Void" by Amelia Compton Wolff online here: Filling the void | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com

On the podcast Meyer, who is a key source in the cover story, elucidates his personal career journey and breaks down some of the key issues and opportunities to strengthen technical education. Listen as he talks about how companies and communities can play a role.

Thank you to Wisconsin Paper Group for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of September!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62015153Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:25:01 +0000Kate BrunsSteve 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...
Read "Filling the Void" by Amelia Compton Wolff online here: Filling the void | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com

On the podcast Meyer, who is a key source in the cover story, elucidates his personal career journey and breaks down some of the key issues and opportunities to strengthen technical education. Listen as he talks about how companies and communities can play a role.

Thank you to Wisconsin Paper Group for sponsoring the podcast all throughout the month of September!]]>1655education,foxvalleywi,k12,learningtrades,newnorth,seymourwi,stem,stemed,stemeducation,teacherrecruitment,teachers,teachershortage,teched,techeducation,technology,trades,training,upskilling,wisconsinfalse246fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-45-9-12-24-eight-in-10-workers-worldwide-suffer-from-burnout-what-can-we-do--61350860
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 aims to provide stress management and time management resources to individuals and companies, with a special emphasis on the manufacturing sector. 

Kelly has YouTube shorts available to help companies and professionals get started: https://www.youtube.com/@kellybubolz

You can also find her online at kbtrainingconnections.com.

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 on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61350860Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:40:02 +0000Kate BrunsKelly 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...
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 aims to provide stress management and time management resources to individuals and companies, with a special emphasis on the manufacturing sector. 

Kelly has YouTube shorts available to help companies and professionals get started: https://www.youtube.com/@kellybubolz

You can also find her online at kbtrainingconnections.com.

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 on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>960burnout,hr,hrinmanufacturing,manufacturing,manufacturingindustry,professionaldevelopment,stress,stressmanagement,teambuilding,timemanagement,wisconsinfalse245fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-44-9-5-24-2024-manufacturing-first-keynote-steve-jones--61266043
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 on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61266043Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:45:02 +0000Kate BrunsDon'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...
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 on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>1503careers,coaching,education,greenbay,jadinjones,leaders,leadership,leadershipcoaching,leadershipinsights,manufacturing,manufacturingfirst,mfgfirst,newnorth,twinthieves,wisconsinfalse244fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-43-8-29-24-titletown-manufacturing-is-a-key-cog-in-the-machine--61125941
Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all month long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Insight on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61125941Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:20:01 +0000Kate BrunsFormerly 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...
Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all month long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and Insight on Manufacturing magazine, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>755assembly,cnc,cncmachining,jobshop,machining,manufacturing,newnorth,production,titletownmanufacturing,trades,wisconsinfalse242fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-42-8-22-24-burger-boat-stays-afloat-for-an-incredible-161-years--61107980
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, and what the yacht of the future might look like.

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.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61107980Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:28:12 +0000Kate BrunsWith 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...
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, and what the yacht of the future might look like.

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.

]]>848false242fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-41-8-15-24-spark-ops-takes-center-stage--61017966
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 information.

You can read more about Spark Ops in the July 2024 issue of Insight on Business: Building the framework | Home Made | insightonbusiness.com

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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61017966Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:40:06 +0000Kate BrunsBryan 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...
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 information.

You can read more about Spark Ops in the July 2024 issue of Insight on Business: Building the framework | Home Made | insightonbusiness.com

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.]]>747fonddulac,manufacturing,metalmanufacturing,metals,newnorth,sparkops,trussmanufacturing,welding,wisconsinfalse241fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-40-8-8-24-tracking-the-hottest-employment-law-issues-of-2024--60937080
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 dives into additional hot employment law topics, on top of the FTC ban, on this week's podcast.

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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60937080Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:10:03 +0000Kate BrunsDeWitt 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...
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 dives into additional hot employment law topics, on top of the FTC ban, on this week's podcast.

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.]]>1498dewittlaw,employmentlaw,fmla,ftc,ftcban,humanresources,laborlaw,law,legal,manufacturing,manufacturinglaw,newnorth,noncompete,noncompeteban,osha,restrictiveconvenants,wisconsin,wisconsinlawfalse240fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-39-8-1-24-how-to-flex-your-marketing-muscle--60874438
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60874438Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:30:03 +0000Kate Bruns"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...
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.]]>1249ai,aicommunications,aimarketing,branding,chatgpt,communications,facebook,fletcherconsulting,flexyourmarketing,jasperai,linkedin,manufacturing,marketing,marketingstrategy,marketingtips,newnorth,personalbrand,socialmedia,websites,wisconsinfalse239fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-38-7-25-24-five-ai-trends-to-watch-in-manufacturing--60791146
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 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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60791146Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:35:02 +0000Kate BrunsWipfli'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)....
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 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.]]>1196ai,artificialintelligence,connectedworkerapplications,digitalstrategy,digitaltwin,esg,generativeai,industrialmachinelearning,industry4.0,machinelearning,manufacturing,newnorth,predictivemaintenance,supplychain,sustainability,wipfli,wisconsinfalse238fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-37-7-18-24-exploring-industry-4-0-with-werner-electric-s-weston-timmers--60643750
Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all July long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of NEWMA and IOM, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60643750Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:20:01 +0000Kate BrunsWerner 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...
Thank you to The Boldt Company for sponsoring the podcast all July long. NEW Manufacturing Insights is a joint production of NEWMA and IOM, produced by B.J. DeGroot of Woodward Communtiy Media.]]>1033agv,ai,automation,cybersecurity,electric,i4.0,in4m,industry4.0,informationtechnology,manufacturing,newnorth,operationaltechnology,ot,predictivemaintenance,qualitycontrol,robotics,robots,technology,wernerelectric,wisconsinfalse236fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-36-7-11-24-nueske-s-brings-the-smoke-for-91-years--60643638
The NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast is sponsored all month long by The Boldt Company and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60643638Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:30:03 +0000Kate BrunsThird-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,...
The NEW Manufacturing Insights podcast is sponsored all month long by The Boldt Company and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>958applewood,bacon,familybusiness,foodmanufacturing,manufacturing,meat,meatprocessing,meatsmoking,newnorth,nueske,nueskes,smokedmeats,wisconsin,wittenbergfalse236fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-35-6-27-24-elizabeth-kust-takes-us-to-new-school--60412713
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60412713Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:26:04 +0000Kate Bruns2023 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...
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.]]>1371education,innovation,k12,manufacturing,newnorth,school,wisconsinfalse235fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-34-6-20-24-life-on-the-cutting-edge-with-seura-s-tim-and-gretchen-gilbertson--60411603

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 business.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60411603Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:40:02 +0000Kate BrunsArt 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...

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 business.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>1090familybusiness,greenbay,manufacturing,manufacturingtech,mirrors,newnorth,smarttechnology,smarttvs,tech,technology,television,tvmirrors,wisconsin,wisconsinworkforcefalse2234fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-33-6-13-24-our-child-care-model-is-a-market-failure-what-s-next--60371705
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 the table, she says. Listen to this week's episode and get up to speed on what is, can and should be happening around this critical "future of work" topic.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60371705Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:38:36 +0000Kate BrunsLynn 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...
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 the table, she says. Listen to this week's episode and get up to speed on what is, can and should be happening around this critical "future of work" topic.

NEW Manufacturing Insights is sponsored by Wisconsin Paper Group and produced by Woodward Community Media.]]>1567basicneeds,childcare,earlychildhooded,earlychildhoodeducation,earlylearning,education,foxcities,foxvalley,manufacturing,newnorth,waupaca,wisconsin,workforce,workingmomsfalse233fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-32-6-6-24-nwtc-president-kristen-raney--60293144
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. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60293144Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:30:03 +0000Kate BrunsDr. 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...
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. ]]>1347education,highered,manufacturing,manufacturinged,newnorth,technicalcollege,wisconsinfalse232fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-31-5-30-24-best-of-leadership-insights--60219713https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60219713Thu, 30 May 2024 11:57:54 +0000Kate BrunsThis 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...977business,education,insights,leadership,manufacturing,newnorth,thoughtleadership,wisconsinfalse231fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-30-5-23-24-meet-newma-chair-jeff-berg-of-voith-paper--60139333
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60139333Thu, 23 May 2024 11:30:03 +0000Kate BrunsNEWMA 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...
]]>1032industryalliance,manufacturing,newma,newnorth,voith,voithpaper,wisconsinfalse230fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-29-5-16-24-making-helicopters-in-the-new-north-region--60050848https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60050848Thu, 16 May 2024 11:50:02 +0000Kate BrunsEnstrom 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,...800aeronautics,aerospace,aviation,avionics,engineering,enstromhelicopter,helicopters,manufacturing,marinettemenominee,menominee,michigan,newnorth,rotocraft,wisconsinfalse229fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-28-5-9-24-wisconsin-aluminum-foundry-ceo-sachin-shivaram--59931042https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59931042Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:04 +0000Kate BrunsWisconsin 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...1682aluminum,childcare,manitowoc,manufacturing,metallurgy,metals,metalsmanufacturing,newnorth,wisconsinfalse228fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-27-5-2-24-the-appleton-airport-is-soaring--59768737
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59768737Thu, 02 May 2024 10:35:47 +0000Kate BrunsThis 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>929airport,airporthistory,airports,appleton,atw,aviation,businesstravel,foxcities,leisuretravel,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,oldgloryhonorflight,travel,wingsforautism,wisconsinfalse227fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-26-4-25-24-earth-week-2024-waupaca-foundry-is-a-global-sustainability-leader--59649961
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59649961Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:31:27 +0000Kate BrunsOne 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1215earthday,earthweek,energy,environment,foundries,foundry,foundryindustry,greenmanufacturing,manufacturing,metals,newnorth,sustainability,waupaca,waupacafoundry,wisconsinfalse226fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-25-4-18-24-training-industrial-athletes-with-dr-bryan-schwebke--59516172
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59516172Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:45:02 +0000Kate BrunsDr. 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>966athletictraining,ergonomics,greenbay,industrial,injuryprevention,manufacturing,newnorth,physicaltherapy,preventativehealth,safety,wisconsin,workplaceinjuryfalse225fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-24-4-11-24-menasha-corporation-ceo-christopher-drees--59415505
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59415505Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:45:55 +0000Kate BrunsMenasha 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>772ceo,foxvalley,manufacturing,menashacorporation,wisconsinfalse224fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-23-4-4-24-is-northeast-wisconsin-a-web-3-0-desert--59283400
On this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, Ritcey and Dobinski sat down with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz to talk more about the article, why they meet every Wednesday to talk tech, and why they're worried about the vast distance our region still needs to travel in the realm of Web 3.0 adoption.

Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59283400Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:45:01 +0000Kate BrunsBill 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...
On this episode of NEW Manufacturing Insights, Ritcey and Dobinski sat down with co-hosts Kate Bruns and Ann Franz to talk more about the article, why they meet every Wednesday to talk tech, and why they're worried about the vast distance our region still needs to travel in the realm of Web 3.0 adoption.

Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1069ai,artificialintelligence,blockchain,fda,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,supplychain,technology,web3.0,wisconsinfalse223fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-22-3-28-24-partnering-for-manufacturing-safety-in-northeast-wisconsin--59201479
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59201479Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:25:01 +0000Kate BrunsLearn 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1315heavyindustry,industrialsafety,manufacturing,manufacturingsafety,marinette,newnorth,safety,safetyculture,wisconsin,workplacesafetyfalse222fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-21-3-21-24-bioforward-wisconsin-s-lisa-johnson-on-our-state-s-biohealth-tech-hub-designation--59117867
The March issue of IOM is available in its entirety as a digital magazine here: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/eedition/page-01/page_849ebf56-2da4-5c8e-8a40-371d82dee167.html

Also on this episode: The 2024 NEWMA All-Stars will be honored on the field Saturday night when the Green Bay Blizzard host Iowa at the Resch Center. Add some indoor football to your weekend hoops-watching plans with the Alliance and help us cheer on this year's All-Stars.

Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59117867Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:15:01 +0000Kate BrunsMarch 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...
The March issue of IOM is available in its entirety as a digital magazine here: https://www.insightonbusiness.com/eedition/page-01/page_849ebf56-2da4-5c8e-8a40-371d82dee167.html

Also on this episode: The 2024 NEWMA All-Stars will be honored on the field Saturday night when the Green Bay Blizzard host Iowa at the Resch Center. Add some indoor football to your weekend hoops-watching plans with the Alliance and help us cheer on this year's All-Stars.

Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1247bioforward,bioforwardwisconsin,biohealth,biotech,manufacturing,techhub,techhubs,wisconsinfalse221fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-20-3-14-24-wisconsin-lighting-lab-ceo-adam-rupp--59043167
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59043167Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:08:30 +0000Kate BrunsAdam 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1375continuousimprovement,design,fonddulac,light,lightdesign,lighting,manufacturing,newnorth,productvaluestack,talent,technology,wisconsin,wisconsinlightinglabfalse220fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-19-3-7-24-meet-a-walker-forge-youth-apprentice-and-her-mentor--58956729
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58956729Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:08:06 +0000Kate BrunsKate 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...
Thank you to Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. for sponsoring the podcast all month long.]]>1025apprenticeships,manufacturing,mentoring,newnorth,trades,walkerforge,welder,welding,wisconsin,womenintrades,youthapprentice,youthapprenticeshipsfalse219fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-18-2-29-24-excellerate-s-pat-mcgettigan-talks-new-little-chute-facility--58875431https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58875431Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:39:31 +0000Kate BrunsPat 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...571excellerate,faithtechnologiesinc,foxcities,littlechute,manufacturing,modular,modularconstruction,newnorth,wisconsinfalse218fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-17-2-22-24-fincantieri-s-jan-allman--58775692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58775692Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:29:14 +0000Kate BrunsJan 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...869fincantieri,greatlakes,manufacturing,marine,marineindustry,marinemanufacturing,newnorth,northcoast,shipbuilding,ships,wisconsinfalse217fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-16-2-15-24-talking-tech-with-microsoft-s-michelle-schuler--58694492
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58694492Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:51:37 +0000Kate BrunsThe 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...
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.]]>924digitalequity,digitalinclusion,microsoft,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,technology,techspark,wisconsin,womenintech,womenintechnologyfalse216fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-15-2-8-24-inside-one-of-the-new-north-s-fastest-growing-companies--58608662
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58608662Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:39:56 +0000Kate BrunsJeff 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...
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.]]>621false215fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-14-2-1-24-exploring-industry-4-0-with-sure-controls-zach-roisum--58533001
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58533001Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:26:19 +0000Kate BrunsZach 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...
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.]]>950appleton,automation,industry4.0,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,plantmodernization,technology,wisconsinfalse214fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-13-1-25-24-celebrating-the-2024-newma-all-stars--58444403
Read the full 2024 All Stars magazine, featuring Carlos' cover story, here: All Stars - 2024 All Stars (insightdigital.biz)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58444403Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:08:24 +0000Kate Bruns2024 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)]]>1045greenbay,hr,immigration,manufacturing,newnorth,wisconsinfalse213fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-12-1-18-24-the-cool-stuff-with-new-north-s-renee-torzala--58345674https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58345674Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:55:13 +0000Kate BrunsNew 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...942manufacturing,newnorth,outdoorrecreation,talentattraction,wisconsinfalse212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-11-1-11-24-a-closer-look-at-the-2024-newma-vitality-index--58263692https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58263692Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:58:05 +0000Kate BrunsOn 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...1159manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,research,uwoshkosh,wisconsinfalse211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-10-12-21-23-talking-opportunity-with-aspiro-s-pete-falk-and-scott-baker--58084623
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!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58084623Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:33:40 +0000Kate BrunsAspiro'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...
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!]]>802disabilityawareness,greenbay,manufacturing,newnorth,wisconsinfalse110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-9-12-14-23-nwtc-s-amy-kox-talks-manufacturing-ed--58008920
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58008920Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:42:30 +0000Kate BrunsNortheast 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...
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.]]>1030college,greenbay,highered,k12,manufacturing,manufacturingcareers,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,stem,stemed,teched,technicalcollege,wisconsinfalse19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-8-12-7-23-dan-ariens--57938667
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)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57938667Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:00:06 +0000Kate BrunsAriensCo 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)]]>1358ariens,ariensco,ariensnordiccenter,biathlon,brillion,leadership,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,snowblowers,stemeducation,teamusa,usabiathlon,winterolympics,wisconsinfalse18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-7-11-30-23-the-village-companies-tonya-dittman-and-holly-hampton--57862794Coming together | Plant News | insightonbusiness.com

Also 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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57862794Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:25:44 +0000Kate BrunsOn 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...Coming together | Plant News | insightonbusiness.com

Also 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.]]>1187amusement,deerblinds,leadership,manufacturing,maverickhunting,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,skeeball,thevillagecompanies,wisconsinfalse17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-6-11-16-23-filling-the-new-north-engineering-pipeline-with-uwo-s-greg-kleinheinz--57663810Training the Engineers of the Future | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com


NEW Manufacturing Insights will be taking Thanksgiving off but will return with another new episode Nov. 30.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57663810Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:31:58 +0000Kate BrunsOn 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,...Training the Engineers of the Future | Cover Story | insightonbusiness.com


NEW Manufacturing Insights will be taking Thanksgiving off but will return with another new episode Nov. 30.
]]>1107false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-5-11-9-23-wmep-s-roxanne-baumann-takes-us-to-exporting-school--57577200
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 this episode: Insight's CFO of the Year Awards are Dec. 5, and the deadline to apply for Northeast Wisconsin's Fastest Growing Companies is Nov. 30. Learn more at insightonbusiness.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57577200Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:38:05 +0000Kate BrunsNEW 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...
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 this episode: Insight's CFO of the Year Awards are Dec. 5, and the deadline to apply for Northeast Wisconsin's Fastest Growing Companies is Nov. 30. Learn more at insightonbusiness.com.]]>1160business,exporstrategy,export,exportech,exporting,exports,global,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,wisconsin,wmepfalse15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-4-11-2-23-manufacturing-first-recap--57482521
This year's event featured a keynote speech by Bill Fournet, CEO of The Persimmon Group, called "Leading Through Change: How to Thrive in the Age of Disruption." Hear reactions from the co-hosts to Fournet's speech, hear from the keynote himself, and enjoy insights from conference attendees recorded live on the expo floor.

What did you think of Manufacturing First? Leave us a comment.

Also on this episode: Today is Internship Draft Day, and don't forget to "fall back" this weekend -- with much appreciation to night shift workers in manufacturing!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57482521Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:30:52 +0000Kate BrunsNEW 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,...
This year's event featured a keynote speech by Bill Fournet, CEO of The Persimmon Group, called "Leading Through Change: How to Thrive in the Age of Disruption." Hear reactions from the co-hosts to Fournet's speech, hear from the keynote himself, and enjoy insights from conference attendees recorded live on the expo floor.

What did you think of Manufacturing First? Leave us a comment.

Also on this episode: Today is Internship Draft Day, and don't forget to "fall back" this weekend -- with much appreciation to night shift workers in manufacturing!]]>1221billfournet,business,disruption,generationalleadership,manufacturing,mfgfirst,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,talent,wisconsinfalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-3-10-19-23-k-12-tech-ed-insights-with-seymour-s-staci-sievert--57298500
Also on this episode: It's the last day to register for Manufacturing First, Oct. 25 at Resch Expo! Go online today to www.manufacturingfirst.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57298500Thu, 19 Oct 2023 01:33:10 +0000Kate BrunsNEW 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...
Also on this episode: It's the last day to register for Manufacturing First, Oct. 25 at Resch Expo! Go online today to www.manufacturingfirst.com.]]>1301education,k12,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,schools,seymour,seymourschools,techeducation,technology,trades,wisconsinfalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-2-10-12-23-talking-internships-with-sargento-s-anne-troka--57211530
Also on this episode: Hear more about Internship Draft Day, NEWMA's annual event at Lambeau Field that will once again have students on the edges of their seats Nov. 2. Learn more at www.internshipdraftday.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57211530Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:36:45 +0000Kate BrunsNEW 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...
Also on this episode: Hear more about Internship Draft Day, NEWMA's annual event at Lambeau Field that will once again have students on the edges of their seats Nov. 2. Learn more at www.internshipdraftday.com.]]>1166college,collegeinternships,internshipdraftday,internshipprogram,internships,manufacturing,newnorth,northeastwisconsin,sargentofoods,talent,talentpipeline,wisconsinfalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-1-10-5-23-paul-rauscher-and-brian-rasmussen--57066818
Also on this episode: Get a quick preview of Manufacturing First -- Wisconsin's largest manufacturing expo and conference, which is returning to Green Bay Oct. 25.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57066818Wed, 04 Oct 2023 23:06:35 +0000Kate BrunsOn 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...
Also on this episode: Get a quick preview of Manufacturing First -- Wisconsin's largest manufacturing expo and conference, which is returning to Green Bay Oct. 25.]]>2401appleton,education,foxcities,foxvalley,greenbay,industry,manufacturing,mfgfirst,newnorth,northwoods,oshkosh,outreach,papervalley,publications,wisconsinfalse11full