Advocacy
Manufacturing Advocates
In an effort to raise awareness of the impact the manufacturing industry has on the U.S. economy, this page shines the light on well-to little-known leaders in the industry and their contributions to this vital sector. Following are stories from the difference-makers in U.S. manufacturing.
SME CEO Jeff Krause EP11
Jeff grew up around manufacturing in the mid-west. In his youth he had a job that involved delivering milk and refilling vending machines in plants that look nothing like what modern manufacturing plants do.
Education and Promotion of Advanced Manufacturing
When this podcast was just an idea to help manufacturing in the US, many a brainstorm of ideas occurred. During those sessions, the foundation of
Proud Advocate of the US Made Brand Al Stimac EP10
This week’s episode showcases a gentleman who has an impressive list of accomplishments. Al Stimac is a champion for the “Made in America” brand, Florida
Making a Difference in Florida for US Manufacturing
The story about next week’s guest on the MFA podcast is full of examples of tenacity and flexibility. The former Siemens exec wondered why so
Catching up with the Difference Makers
March has been busy over at Managed Solutions thanks to my friends at CIMCO giving me new tools to play with, so I have been
Mr. Bezos, a Simple Request
Last year I made a plan to start buying and reviewing US made products off Amazon. I was going to post the reviews to my personal blog and “practice what I preach” as a US manufacturing advocate.
San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance EP9
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -John Quincy Adams There is something
Rising Tide for San Joaquin Valley Manufacturers
As some of you already know, I moved from the Bay Area to El Dorado Hills in 2014. As a relative newbie to the greater
Industry President becomes US Manufacturing Advocate EP8
At the intersection of experience, intellect, and passion you will find Harry Moser, founder, and president of the Reshoring Initiative. Harry is a strong advocate
Inspired by the Reshoring Initiative
Many years ago I was sitting in a restaurant in the silicone valley with a contract manufacturer (my client) and their customer. It was a
California Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Collaborative EP7
CAMAC is a state-wide collaborative of community colleges and regional partners working to support the creation of Apprenticeship training solutions in the Advanced Manufacturing sector.
Creating a Skilled Workforce using Apprenticeships
When I walked into the office of John Dunn at American River College, I wasn’t quite sure what next week’s episode was going to be
California Manufacturers and Technology Association EP6
Learn how a business association can perform roles ranging from educating educators and regulators to inexpensive workers compensation insurance under one roof. The CMTA has
California Could Lead Manufacturing Renaissance
While attending a Sacramento Valley SME event in 2016 I had a conversation with and exchanged business cards with Dorothy Rothrock. I had been drawn
Sacramento Valley SME Manufacturing Advocates EP5
This week’s episode brings together 3 guys who have volunteered time to serve a great cause, Sacramento Valley Manufacturers. It was a pleasure to interview
Servicing Sacramento Valley Manufacturers
When I first met Jeff Briggs from the Sacramento Valley SME, I was excited about his passion for the industry. Jeff was my first point
The Role of the American Welding Society EP4
Learn the ins and outs of the American Welding Society or AWS from current VP and long time member Dale Flood. Dale has a distinguished
What about all those welding jobs?
Since I started following manufacturing trends closely, one thing that has always seemed to come up is the need for more welders. Fusing objects together, correctly,
Innovation in Education Sierra College and Hacker Lab EP3
Innovation comes out of great human ingenuity and very personal passions. – Megan Smith After working for 8 years as a consultant to deans and
Community Colleges and Makers Filling Skills Gap
The role of the Community College system In January of this year I was attending a workforce cluster forum at
Doing the Impossible Since 1972 EP2
When the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station was being built in Herald, CA there was a problem. They needed to train and test welders faster.
Growing up a Manufacturing Advocate
When I first met Joe Wernette I had been a temporary fixture in the machine shop at Tri Tool. I was working in their machining department implementing some software
High School Car Buff Becomes Champion for Students and Manufacturers EP1
Bill Gaines interest in cars was the inspiration for a career that would leave it’s mark in the manufacturing world, but
The Launch of Manufacturing Advocates Podcast
I first met with Bill Gaines in a conference room in Chico, California. He was showing me slides from a presentation on his efforts to