How Manufacturers Improve

Welcome to How Manufacturers Improve, a Manufacturers Alliance podcast, where we help everyone who works in manufacturing become a better leader and problem solver so all manufacturers can remain competitive.

Recognition That Retains Talent 03/31/2026

Recognition That Retains Talent In this episode, Kirby Sneen and Gabii Stehli break down how manufacturing leaders can use recognition, not just compensation, to retain top talent and build a high-performing team culture. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/40317720

Breaking Down Silos - Part 2 03/17/2026

Breaking Down Silos - Part 2 In this episode, General Manager Josh Erickson breaks down how metrics, language, and incentives silently create silos and the practical moves manufacturing leaders can make to fix them. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/40317125

Breaking Down Silos - Part 1 03/03/2026

Breaking Down Silos - Part 1 In this episode, Heather Stewart, President and CEO of APG Solutions, shares how manufacturers can break down silos by replacing protectionism with curiosity and tying metrics to organizational North Star goals. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/40199435

How Kaizen Events Work 02/17/2026

How Kaizen Events Work In this episode, Scott Connor, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Emerson, breaks down how to run successful Kaizen events, from the weeks of prep work required to maintaining momentum and securing leadership buy-in that drives results. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39982965

How to do a Waste Walk 02/03/2026

How to do a Waste Walk In this episode, Eugene Arrington, Senior Lean Leader at Starkey Hearing, breaks down how to conduct waste walks that deliver real results, from team selection to systematic observation to action planning with accountability. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Subscribe to the Newsletter:https://www.mfrall.com/hmi/ Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39887490

How to Have a Great One-on-One 01/20/2026

How to Have a Great One-on-One In this episode, operations executive Bart Hoemann reveals his proven strategies for conducting one-on-ones that build trust, drive performance, and develop manufacturing leaders at every level. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39731115

AI, Stress, and Retention Executive Panel 01/06/2026

AI, Stress, and Retention Executive Panel In this episode, Chase McCown, Managing Director of Heartland Partners, and Monica Hamling, VP of HR at Nortek Systems, discuss how manufacturers can strategically manage stress, cultivate a strong culture, and leverage AI. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39518205

More in Store for Members in 2026 12/23/2025

More in Store for Members in 2026 In this episode, Kirby Sneen talks with Monica Smith, Member Services Manager at Manufacturers Alliance, about making training a habit and what manufacturing leaders can expect in 2026. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39430365

Safety Success for Supervisors 12/09/2025

Safety Success for Supervisors In this episode, Katherine Syverson, former EHS Director, reveals how supervisors can lead safety success through proactive metrics, cross-department observations, and tools that make safety sustainable. ------------------------------ Unlock practical tools, training, and support to help your team improve. Manufacturers Alliance members get full access to our webinar library, digital courses, member pricing, and a statewide network of leaders who share what’s working on the factory floor. Links: Learn more: Become a Member: Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39080375

Demonstrating Responsibility Daily 11/25/2025

Demonstrating Responsibility Daily In this episode, Jeff Weber, Director of Continuous Improvement and Quality at Graco, reveals how to build accountability without micromanaging, from better meetings to coaching through missed deadlines. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/39080175

Dealing with Difficult Behaviors 11/11/2025

Dealing with Difficult Behaviors In this episode, Ashlie Weller, HR Manager at InsurTech, shares how to address difficult behaviors immediately, document incidents effectively, and avoid taking toxic behavior personally on the manufacturing floor. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/38908635

Improving Plant and Line Layouts 10/28/2025

Improving Plant and Line Layouts Learn how to improve plant layouts without disrupting production. Discover proven methods for flow optimization, bottleneck identification, and team-driven layout planning that keep customers happy. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/38579455

2025 Manufacturer of the Year Winners 10/14/2025

2025 Manufacturer of the Year Winners In this episode, Mike Sosnoski from Wilson Tool and Andrew Craig from Prima Power share how they built crisis-resilient manufacturing operations and scaled efficiently through strategic continuous improvement. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/38460880

Mistakes People Make When Using 6 Sigma 09/30/2025

Mistakes People Make When Using 6 Sigma In this episode, Shuang Shi, Senior Manager of Supplier Quality Engineering, reveals the biggest Six Sigma mistakes that cause project failures and shares proven strategies for success. Turn your best problem solvers into data-driven improvement leaders. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/38325525

Teaching People to See Waste 09/16/2025

Teaching People to See Waste Learn how to teach manufacturing teams to identify the 8 forms of waste. Discover why culture beats training and practical tools for waste walks that drive real, continuous improvement results. Manufacturing leaders don’t have to figure it out alone. and tap into workshops, tools, and a network of peers who are ready to share what works. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/38169065

Anything is Possible, Everything is Not 09/02/2025

Anything is Possible, Everything is Not Learn how manufacturing leaders balance ambitious goals with limited resources without burning out their teams. Discover prioritization strategies and resource management techniques. Transform your top performers into confident, capable supervisors. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/37894545

Launching Lean in Spanish Digital Courses 08/19/2025

Launching Lean in Spanish Digital Courses Discover how manufacturers are solving the lean training gap for Spanish-speaking teams. Learn why authentic, practitioner-led courses outperform scripted content in developing real problem solvers. Turn your best problem solvers into confident improvement leaders. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/37800860

A Roadmap to Operational Excellence 08/05/2025

A Roadmap to Operational Excellence Learn the 8-step roadmap that helped cut costs in half and achieve operational excellence. Discover how to create purpose-driven teams, implement tier meetings, and engage frontline problem solvers. Do you have team members ready to lead improvement projects with data-driven precision? /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/37580905

Top Quality Tools 07/22/2025

Top Quality Tools Learn the essential quality tools every manufacturer needs, including control charts, Pareto analysis, and root cause methods. Discover how to distinguish between normal and special cause variation. Do you have team members who need problem-solving and continuous improvement skills? /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/37421910

Adapting Your Leadership Style 07/08/2025

Adapting Your Leadership Style Manufacturing leaders who adapt their leadership style see greater team engagement and results. In this episode, Richele Butler, the VP of HR at Japs-Olson Company, shares proven strategies for understanding individual team member preferences, reading non-verbal cues, and creating effective communication approaches. Learn how to focus on what you can control, group similar styles together, and build trust through style adaptation. Do you have team members who need leadership training? /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/37256900

Delegate and Elevate Performance 06/24/2025

Delegate and Elevate Performance Manufacturing leaders often struggle with delegation, but mastering this skill is critical for leadership growth and organizational success. In this episode, Jennifer Schwan, Vice President of Operations at CDI Curbs, shares proven strategies for effective delegation. Learn how to identify your "why" for delegating, build trust through alignment rather than process control, and shift your perspective from personal achievement to team development. Podcast Resources: Digital Course: Podcast: Listen to Certification: Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/36918165

Building High-Performing HR Teams 06/10/2025

Building High-Performing HR Teams Build high-performing HR teams that drive real business impact. In this episode, Kirby Sneen sits down with Dale Fruehauf to explore what HR leaders must focus on to shape successful teams, and how manufacturers should prioritize HR roles. Dale shares his secret to attracting top HR talent, strategies for recognizing and rewarding HR team members, ways to leverage “alumni” for advocacy, and insights on how HR can use AI to stay competitive. Whether you're growing your HR function or refining it, you'll find practical takeaways for Building High-Performing HR Teams. /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/36669470

Staying Coachable as an Executive 05/27/2025

Staying Coachable as an Executive What does it take to stay coachable at the highest levels of leadership? In this episode, Steve Murray, Manufacturing Executive, shares powerful lessons on remaining open to feedback, recognizing blind spots, and prioritizing personal growth throughout your career. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to the next level, you'll gain actionable insights on how coachability can transform your leadership impact and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/36134105

5S That Sticks 05/13/2025

5S That Sticks Sustaining 5S is the hardest step—but it’s also the most important. In this episode, Gary Olson, Operational Excellence Leader, shares expert insights on why 5S often fails and how manufacturers can create a culture where organization and efficiency become second nature. Learn how leadership commitment, daily habits, and employee engagement can drive long-term success with 5S. Tune in for actionable strategies to make 5S stick in your facility. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/36131380

The Power of Mistake Proofing 04/29/2025

The Power of Mistake Proofing Mistake-proofing is key to reducing defects, improving efficiency, and ensuring quality in manufacturing. In this episode, George Murray, General Manager at Celestica, shares proven strategies for preventing errors, standardizing work, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Learn how data-driven decision-making, simple mistake-proofing solutions, and team engagement can drive lasting operational excellence. Whether you're tackling process inefficiencies or aiming for zero defects, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: Webinar: Learn Mistake-Proofing Principles in the /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35749010

Building Tomorrow's Manufacturing Workforce 04/15/2025

Building Tomorrow's Manufacturing Workforce Wondering how to develop a strong manufacturing workforce? In this episode, Mike Franz, Founder & CEO of Shop Floor Coffee, shares Shop Floor Coffee’s plans to encourage workforce development as well as actionable strategies for attracting, training, and retaining top talent. Learn how manufacturers can engage the next generation, leverage industry partnerships, and build a sustainable talent pipeline. Whether you're facing hiring challenges or looking to strengthen your team, this conversation will provide valuable insights to help you develop a skilled and motivated workforce. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: Support Workforce Development with Develop Your Workforce with /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35748485

Transformation through Process Mapping 04/01/2025

Transformation through Process Mapping Process mapping is a powerful tool for improving efficiency in manufacturing. Rebecca Jasper, Supply Chain and Operations Executive, shares how to map workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and create alignment across teams. Whether you're working to reduce waste, improve lead times, or enhance collaboration, these strategies will help you implement process mapping effectively. Get practical steps to refine your processes and achieve better results. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35747790

Keys to a Successful Kaizen Event 03/18/2025

Keys to a Successful Kaizen Event Running a successful Kaizen event requires more than just gathering a team—it's about strategic planning, leadership support, and long-term sustainment. In this episode, Kirby Sneen sits down with Robert Dewane, Sr. OpEx Change Agent at Trane Technologies, to uncover the essential elements of impactful Kaizen events. Discover how to secure top-down buy-in, engage the right stakeholders, and implement changes that last. Whether you're new to Kaizen or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and examples to help you eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35316835

Best in Class One-On-Ones 03/04/2025

Best in Class One-On-Ones Want to improve your one-on-one meetings? In this episode, Dan Powley, Senior Production Manager at Intricon Corporation, shares proven strategies for structuring impactful one-on-ones that drive engagement, alignment, and accountability. Learn how to create meaningful conversations, set clear expectations, and ensure follow-through. Whether you lead a small team or a large workforce, these insights will help you strengthen relationships, develop employees, and improve overall team performance through best in class one-on-ones. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: Free Download: /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35354415

Fix Problems, Not Just Symptoms with RCA 02/18/2025

Fix Problems, Not Just Symptoms with RCA Effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) goes beyond surface-level fixes to drive lasting improvements. In this episode, Helen Swanson, VP of Quality & Engineering at Sportech Inc., shares insights on defining problems, eliminating bias, and using RCA tools like the three-legged 5 Why to prevent recurring issues. Learn how to collect reliable data, engage cross-functional teams, and implement mistake-proofing strategies that create real change in manufacturing. Not a Manufacturers Alliance member? Have a question or topic you’d like featured in a future podcast episode? Podcast Resources: - Free Download /episode/index/show/mapodcast/id/35271950

How Manufacturers Improve

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