FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Lisa Ryan
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Release Date: 09/11/2025
FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Marion Wells
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Navigating Workforce Shifts Live from the FABTECH 2025 show floor, host Dean Phillips sits down with Marion Wells, founder of Human Asset Management. Marion shares insights from her latest white paper on how “life habit moments”—from aging parents to health challenges—will reshape workforce productivity as baby boomers retire and younger generations step up. Dean and Marion discuss: Why companies must support employees through life’s challenges to keep them engaged and productive. How organizations can balance people-first culture with digital transformation and AI tools....
info_outline
FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Lisa Ryan
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Lisa Ryan on Gratitude, Culture and Retention in Manufacturing Live from the FABTECH show floor, Dean Phillips sits down with Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy, and author of The Six Gears of Gratitude. In this episode, Lisa shares insights about transforming toxic workplace cultures into thriving, engaged environments. She discusses the importance of recognition, acts of service and accountability in building stronger teams—and how manufacturers can better connect with younger generations entering the workforce. Lisa also highlights the role of industry events like FABTECH...
info_outline
FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jake Hall and Will Healy III
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
The Future of Manufacturing with Jake Hall & Will Healy Live from the FABTECH 2025 show floor, host Dean Phillips sits down with The Manufacturing Millennial Jake Hall and automation expert Will Healy III to explore the biggest trends shaping the industry today. From AI and automation to workforce development and community collaboration, the conversation dives into how fabricators can stay competitive in a rapidly changing global market. Dean, Jake and Will discussed: Why tradeshows and associations are critical for building community and sharing solutions. How AI and automation are...
info_outline
FABTECH Special: On the Show Floor with Jeff Dec and John Axelberg
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this special episode recorded live from the FABTECH show floor, host Dean Phillips is joined by Brad Kuvin (MetalForming magazine), Jeff Dec (Laystrom Manufacturing Company), and John Axelberg (General Stamping and Metalworks). Together, they dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of automation in metal fabrication. From running “lights-out” laser operations to deploying cobots on press brakes and robotic welding cells, the conversation highlights how companies are using automation to improve consistency, safety and ROI—while also keeping employees engaged by offloading...
info_outline
E0809 - State of the Industry and Association, David Klotz, President, PMA
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Host Dean Phillips welcomes David Klotz, president, Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), to the podcast. Dean and David discuss the current state of the manufacturing industry, challenges and PMA’s initiatives to support its members. Dean and David highlight: Industry Trends: The manufacturing sector is currently flat or down, with industries like automotive and agriculture experiencing slowdowns. Recovery is expected to pick up around 2026. PMA's Strategic Initiatives: Improved member engagement processes. Implementation of a new association management system (AMS) to enhance the...
info_outline
E0808 - Training, Nearshoring and Apprenticeships, Connie King, PMA
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips speaks with Connie King, PMA’s workforce development director, about the evolving challenges and opportunities in manufacturing workforce training, nearshoring and apprenticeship programs. They explore strategies for standardizing training, attracting new talent and leveraging technology to meet industry needs. About the Guest: Connie King is PMA’s workforce development director. She has been with PMA since 2022. Before joining PMA, Connie was the director of professional development at Baldwin Wallace University...
info_outline
E0807 - Driving Profitability with Strategy, Data and People, Laurie Harbour, Wipfli
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this episode of the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast, host Dean Phillips welcomes Laurie Harbour of Wipfli for a deep dive into how manufacturers can build resilient, profitable businesses amid constant change. Laurie shares key insights on: The importance of short- and long-term strategy for navigating economic shifts and policy changes. Using “swim lanes” and data-driven decision-making to boost scheduling efficiency and profitability. Aligning sales and operations for smarter quoting and production planning. Identifying and managing unprofitable parts and customers. Leveraging ERP...
info_outline
Cybersecurity Threats and Defenses for Manufacturers, Mike Brattain, Systems X, E806
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Mike Brattain, account executive at Systems X, joined host Dean Phillips on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast to discuss cybersecurity in the manufacturing space. Mike emphasized the critical need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity rather than relying on outdated, reactive measures. He noted key industry challenges, including weak security infrastructure and a lack of compliance initiatives among many manufacturers. With 59% of manufacturers still using outdated security measures, he stressed that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem but a business...
info_outline
PMA District Leadership Edition—Perry Hytken and Tom Kelly, PMA Tennessee
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
In this special edition episode, host Dean Phillips welcomes PMA Tennessee District Chair Perry Hytken and Education Chair Tom Kelly. Dean, Perry and Tom discuss a variety of topics in this episode about the growth of the district over the years, partnerships that have been created and the impact the district has made on the local manufacturing community. Key Topics Discussed: Reshoring Opportunities: Discover how the industry is preparing for manufacturing work transitioning back from Mexico, creating growth opportunities. Scholarships and Education: Gain insight into collaborative...
info_outline
E0805 - Tom Alongi, UHY
Destiny of Manufacturing powered by PMA
Join host Dean Phillips on the Destiny of Manufacturing podcast as he speaks with Tom Alongi, partner at UHY. They discuss how disruption is reshaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. From lessons learned during COVID-19 to the impacts of geopolitical turbulence, Tom highlights key factors pushing businesses to rethink supply chains, adopt cutting-edge technology and attract skilled talent. Discover how reshoring, nearshoring, and advanced investments in areas like AI, automation, and clean energy are turning challenges into opportunities. Tom also shares insights into high-growth industries...
info_outlineLisa Ryan on Gratitude, Culture and Retention in Manufacturing
Live from the FABTECH show floor, Dean Phillips sits down with Lisa Ryan, Chief Appreciation Strategist, Grategy, and author of The Six Gears of Gratitude. In this episode, Lisa shares insights about transforming toxic workplace cultures into thriving, engaged environments.
She discusses the importance of recognition, acts of service and accountability in building stronger teams—and how manufacturers can better connect with younger generations entering the workforce. Lisa also highlights the role of industry events like FABTECH in retaining employees, transferring knowledge across generations and inspiring innovation.
Dean and Lisa discussed:
- Why gratitude and recognition are essential tools for retention and culture change.
- How reverse mentoring helps bridge the gap between retiring baby boomers and digital-native employees.
- The value of bringing employees to industry events to spark pride, learning and loyalty.
- Why culture change is a process, not a one-time initiative.
Listen in to discover how small, intentional practices of appreciation can lead to big shifts in workplace engagement and long-term success.