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Part 2: Tactics and Strategies to Use for Recruiting in Manufacturing

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Release Date: 07/30/2024

How to Leverage Conferences and Tradeshows to Grow Your Fabrication Business show art How to Leverage Conferences and Tradeshows to Grow Your Fabrication Business

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Nick Goellner and Mike Payne to explore the value of conferences like FABTECH for driving business growth, building relationships, and planning for the future of metal fabrication. 🎙 Episode Highlights: [0:28] Why building relationships at FABTECH is more than just networking—it's planting seeds for long-term success. [6:10] The importance of stepping away from the grind and focusing on working on your business instead of in it. [12:40] How having the right team allows leaders to grow their...

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Crafting Metal and Breaking Barriers with Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stork show art Crafting Metal and Breaking Barriers with Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stork

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this special FABTECH edition of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with two incredible guests, Barbie the Welder and Sarah Stotk, to dive into the artistry, resilience, and transformative power of welding. 🎙 Episode Highlights: 🔹 [2:00] Meet Barbie and Sarah, two trailblazing welding artists turning raw metal into breathtaking sculptures.  🔹 [5:30] Sarah shares her inspiring journey of turning a sexist comment into a masterpiece. 🔹 [10:45] Barbie reflects on the challenges of launching her career and the doubters who fueled her success. 🔹 [18:20] A...

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The People Behind the Sparks show art The People Behind the Sparks

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In this special FabTech edition episode, we sat down with Jim Mayer, Founder of the Manufacturing Connector, and Mike Payne, Owner at Hill Manufacturing and the host of Buy the Numbers, to discuss the real driving force behind the industry: its people.  From leadership lessons to celebrating the collaborative spirit of the industry, this episode dives into the human stories that make manufacturing thrive. Episode Highlights:  [00:00] Introduction and FabTech reflections: why the event stands out. [03:10] Meet Jim Mayer: his journey from bartending to becoming a manufacturing...

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Solving Labor Shortages with Cobots show art Solving Labor Shortages with Cobots

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with Matt Bush, co-founder of Hirebotics, to explore how cobot welding is addressing one of manufacturing's biggest challenges: the labor shortage. From streamlining automation to delivering consistent weld quality, Matt shares how cobots are revolutionizing fabrication for shops of all sizes. We also discuss the differences between cobots and traditional robots, the evolution of automation technology, and Hirebotics’ mission to make robotics simple and accessible. Whether you're a shop owner, welder, or just fascinated by innovation, this...

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Empowering Small Shops with Automation show art Empowering Small Shops with Automation

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of Making Sparks, we sit down with Joshua Battles from Forge and Tripp Hudson of Machine Pilot and The Way Automation to dive into the transformative power of automation in small job shops. From laser cutting and robotic integration to making automation accessible for low-volume work, Joshua and Tripp share practical insights and real-life examples of how technology can empower employees and enhance efficiency. We also discuss the role of automation in preserving the backbone of American manufacturing—family-owned shops and owner-operators. Tune in to learn how small changes...

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Bridging Generations in the Shop show art Bridging Generations in the Shop

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of MakingSparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Sam Gingerich, a 21-year-old shop manager at Wertzbaugher Services, to talk about the unique challenges of leading a team in the metal fabrication and trailer repair industry. Sam shares his story of growing from a technician into a leadership role, navigating the complexities of managing peers, and balancing modern techniques with old-school craftsmanship. They dive into the importance of patience and problem-solving, the rewards of delivering high-quality work, and how Sam bridges generational gaps with his team to...

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Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

In this episode of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Noah Dell, president of Champion Bridge, to explore the journey of a 150-year-old company embracing the future. Noah shares his experience taking over the family business, from updating old-school processes to integrating a brand-new Python beam line that’s transforming their fabrication capabilities. They cover the challenges of preserving legacy while adopting new tech, the nuances of capital investment, and why even an "old-school" business can feel like a startup. Noah also reveals his strategies for navigating...

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American-Made Excellence: Craftsmanship and Innovation at Pacific Press show art American-Made Excellence: Craftsmanship and Innovation at Pacific Press

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Curious about what sets American manufacturing apart? In this episode of MakingSparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with leaders from Pacific Press to uncover what it takes to be a standout in today’s competitive landscape. From their deep-rooted history to their hands-on approach to quality, Pacific Press’s story is a testament to American craftsmanship and innovation. The hosts and guests explore the significance of manufacturing in the United States, discussing everything from maintaining competitive advantages to embracing modern advancements like automation. They also dig...

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Why It's Okay to Tell Your Employees You Love Them show art Why It's Okay to Tell Your Employees You Love Them

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Curious about leadership and growth in manufacturing? In this episode of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Jim Stratman to discuss leadership strategies, culture, and business development in the plastics industry. Jim shares his 32-year journey building his company, from starting with a $5,000 credit card to achieving a private equity exit and remaining a leader in his industry. They explore topics like creating value, preparing for a business sale, and the importance of a strong culture to keep employees engaged. Jim also discusses managing growth, strategic...

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Insights on Achieving High Growth Despite Challenges show art Insights on Achieving High Growth Despite Challenges

Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders

Curious about leadership and growth in metal fabrication? In this episode of Making Sparks, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix sit down with Jeff Salyer from Wysong Manufacturing to discuss the importance of culture, leadership, and business strategy in the fabrication industry. Jeff shares his journey from law enforcement to marketing, and how Wysong has increased profits by 45% during an unpredictable year. They dive into the power of custom press brakes, the role of automation in American manufacturing, and why it's essential to lean into company culture for success. If you're interested in...

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More Episodes

Recruiting in manufacturing can be difficult. Many students are taught the traditional “Graduate high school and go to college for four years” mentality. While there’s nothing wrong with taking that route, how do we capture the attention of young talent? How do we make them see the career trajectory available in welding or fabrication? Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin share some actionable tactics and strategies in this episode of MakingSparks!

– Matthew Nix 

Segments

  • [1:13] Lindsey’s dad joke
  • [2:35] Create a Thomas™ profile
  • [5:02] The internship programs at Nix Companies
  • [9:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [12:21] How Nix is investing in recruiting 
  • [15:57] The benefits of video marketing 
  • [19:54] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [23:13] Spark of Knowledge: Try candidate tryouts
  • [24:16] Leverage social media for recruiting
  • [31:22] Now trending: work/life balance
  • [34:23] Show children different career options
  • [36:34] Register for IMTS 2024
  • [37:42] Be authentic and consistent 

Resources mentioned on this episode

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