Three BROADS (Lori Highby, Kris Harrington, and Erin Courtenay) bringing you stories and strategies exploring manufacturing topics that challenge the status quo while laying the foundations for future success. Together with special guests they’ll celebrate what’s working and unpack what is not so YOU can learn, grow, and succeed. The hosts are a BROADcast for Manufacturers are: Kris Harrington | President and COO of GenAlpha Technologies | linkedin.com/in/kristinaharrington Kris Harrington is the President and COO for GenAlpha Technologies. During her time with OEMs in the mining industry, Kris and the other founders of GenAlpha saw a need to find a better way for B2B manufacturers to do business. This led to the development of Equip360, an eCommerce, eCatalog and Analytics solution for manufacturers and distributors who want to grow their business online. Erin Courtenay | VP of Digital Services at Earthling Interactive | linkedin.com/in/erincourtenay Erin Courtenay is VP of Digital Services at Earthling Interactive. Erin loves watching programmers work their magic, opening up the possibilities of the internet to small and medium businesses with powerful websites and custom software. Calling herself a “digital empathy practitioner”, Erin is determined to help clients move thoughtfully and compassionately into their digital future. Lori Highby | Founder & CEO @ Keystone Click | linkedin.com/in/lorihighby Lori Highby is a podcast host, speaker, educator, and founder of Keystone Click, a strategic digital marketing agency. Using her vast multi-industry knowledge – gained from experience and education, She has the ability to see the potential of greatness within the already established good of a business. Through strategic actionable moves, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies to micro-business owners, to achieve their marketing goals.
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October 8, 202521 min
88: Built to Serve, Ready to Manufacture
American manufacturing is facing a major workforce crisis—with an estimated 2.1 million jobs potentially unfilled by 2030. But what if the solution is already trained and ready? This week, Lori and Erin talk with Ben Kohler , leader of the Next Frontier Advanced Manufacturing Institute (NFAMI) , about how his organization is solving two problems at once: helping veterans transition into civilian careers and filling manufacturing talent gaps. Ben shares how NFAMI provides tuition-free, hands-on training in welding and CNC machining to veterans, military spouses, and their adult children. Based in Montana but ripe for national expansion, the program turns military discipline and technical know-how into highly sought-after manufacturing skills. 📧 Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-kohler-25b96115 🔗 Learn more: www.nfami.org
September 10, 202552 min
87: Women in Equipment: Breaking Ground in a Male-Dominated Industry
Get ready for a powerhouse episode of A BROADcast For Manufacturers as the ladies go live with three inspiring leaders from the heavy equipment world. We’re spotlighting the upcoming Women in Equipment Conference , hosted by the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), and hearing firsthand from the women shaping the future of this traditionally male-dominated industry. Guests: Kirsten Erickson – Business Development Specialist, AED linkedin.com/in/kirsten-erickson-4932a552 Alexandra Norris – VP of Operations, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services linkedin.com/in/-alexandra-norris Jenna Weber – Marketing Manager, Specialty Equipment Insurance Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennaweber22/ From navigating career pivots to building community in rooms where they were often the “first” or “only,” these women bring candid insights and career-boosting wisdom. We also dive into how AI, empathy, and bold networking are reshaping the future of manufacturing and construction. Resources & Links: Women in Equipment Conference: aednet.org Specialty Equipment Insurance Services: specialtyequipmentinsurance.com
August 27, 202540 min
86: From Strategy Decks to Shop Floors: Closing the Execution Gap
Is your team constantly firefighting instead of executing strategy? Tyler Nielsen, founder of Vast Insight Partners, joins the BROADcast to reveal how mid-market manufacturers can close the costly gap between strategic intent and operational chaos. With deep experience in FP&A, forecasting, and operations, Tyler shares smart, actionable insights to get cross-functional teams aligned—without a massive system overhaul. From data paralysis to siloed decision-making, we break down what really holds teams back from profitability and performance. You'll also hear how tariffs and global supply chains are reshaping operations, and why visibility and alignment are your new superpowers. 👤 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjnielsen/ ⭐️ Top 5 Key Quotes “We call it the execution gap—where strategic intent dies and operational chaos begins.” “Hope is not a strategy. A plan is not execution.” “Your P&L is a news report. It’s already happened. You can’t change it.” “Technology is a multiplier—not a Band-Aid.” “An engaged employee will do more than you ever imagined—and that starts with visibility and alignment.”
August 6, 202528 min
85: Be the Guide: Turning Problems into Possibilities with Sarah Tilkens
When GE Healthcare told Sarah Tilkens she was “too good where she was,” she turned rejection into redirection—and launched The KPI Lab. In this episode, she shares how her journey from corporate ops leader to executive coach is reshaping how businesses approach problem solving, people leadership, and continuous improvement. Sarah brings sharp strategy and a heart-first mindset to every challenge—from leading Kaizen events to coaching executives and mapping out better standards for success. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why your problem-solving process needs to start with defining success How to shift from being the “hero” to being the “guide” for your team The power of experimentation (and what biology taught Sarah about business) Why most business failures stem from a lack of clear standards The difference between solving problems for your team vs. with your team A smarter way to build problem-solvers using “what” questions instead of “why” How to market like a guide by understanding what your customers are really searching for 💬 Key Quotes: “I was just so sure of what I wanted to do—and I was unwilling to just be anymore.” “We hadn’t defined what good looks like. That’s why the system was chaotic.” “When you’re building problem solvers, you don’t ask why , you ask what .” “If the goal is to get healthy, but we all measure it differently, we’re not on the same page.” “Experiments give us permission to get it wrong—safely—and learn from it.” “Your customers are searching for the problem. Your brand needs to be the guide.”
July 23, 202555 min
84: Leading Through the Noise: What Happens When Confidence Beats Fear
The world is noisy. Economic uncertainty, workforce turnover, AI disruption, and generational divides have leaders second-guessing their every move. In this crossover episode of Broadcast for Manufacturers and Blue Collar BS , the gloves come off as Lori Highby, Erin Courtenay, Brad Herda, and Steve Doyle unpack how fear-based leadership is silently sabotaging teams—and what it really looks like to lead with confidence. This candid, not-so-safe-for-work conversation blends humor and hard truths as the group shares real stories, sharp insights, and a few Brad jokes along the way. If you’re a business owner, manufacturing leader, or executive navigating change, this is the reminder you didn’t know you needed: confidence is contagious—fear is, too. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How fear-based leadership shows up (and spreads like wildfire) The true cost of indecision and "zigzag" management What each generation really wants from leadership today How to show confidence—even when you're unsure Why Gen Z is leapfrogging into leadership roles And yes, what a beetle nursery can teach us about emotional intelligence 🪲 🧠 Notable Quotes: “You can’t control the economy, but you can control how you show up as a leader.” – Brad Herda “It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’—but you still need to move forward.” – Lori Highby “The moment you zigzag, people stop trusting what you say.” – Erin Courtenay “Fear-based leadership doesn’t inspire—it repels.” – Steve Doyle
July 16, 202529 min
83: Breaking the Mold: Redefining Success in Manufacturing & Mentorship
In this episode of ABFM , we sit down with Tyler Marcus , a dynamic force in manufacturing and mentorship. Tyler shares the pivotal lessons that shaped his path, including his non-traditional journey into business, the power of soft skills, and the true value of making time for mentorship. We explore: The shift from traditional career paths to purpose-driven leadership Why humility and listening are critical in management The future of American manufacturing How mentorship changes lives — one conversation at a time Whether you're in the industry or just love stories of people charting their own course, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you define impact and legacy 🔑 Top Key Quotes from Tyler Marcus 🧠 On the Right Way to Implement AI: “AI isn’t something you just shove into a business. It needs to solve a real problem. That’s where the ROI comes in.” 📊 On Data Readiness: “It’s great to want AI, but the real question is: do you even have the data you need? If the ERP is messy, AI can’t fix that.” 🔁 On ROI and Efficiency: “If you improve worker productivity by 10%, what does that mean to the business? That’s the kind of question you need to ask before implementing anything.” ⚠️ On Skipping Steps: “The biggest mistake I see? Companies spend six figures on AI tools—then realize they had no clean data to begin with.” 🧩 On Use-Case First Thinking: “Start with the use case. Understand the data. Then decide if AI is the answer—not the other way around.” 🏭 On Manufacturing Opportunity: “AI is no longer just for Fortune 500s. Mid-sized manufacturers are realizing they can leverage it too—if they have the right strategy.” 📈 On Growing Interest: “We used to work mostly with enterprise. Now, AI is pulling us into mid-market manufacturing because the demand and curiosity are finally there.”
July 2, 202533 min
82: Built to Last: Mentorship, Manufacturing, and the Matrix Mindset
Lisa Kenning, CEO of Matrix Automation, alongside her powerhouse team: Don Rentz, Greg Millinger, and special guest Scott Walberg. Lisa shares her journey from helping her dad at age 10 to leading a company at the forefront of digital transformation in manufacturing. Together, the group dives into the importance of mentorship, the legacy of family-run businesses, and how lean principles and traceability tech have helped manufacturers achieve near-zero defect rates—even in highly complex, regulated environments. What We Cover: Lisa’s early days at Matrix and the values instilled by her father Why mentorship—both formal and informal—matters, especially for women in manufacturing How Matrix Automation helps manufacturers reduce defects and improve traceability Real-world success stories from automotive and medical device manufacturing Why lean principles apply across all industries—from bourbon to wheelchairs The hidden costs of waiting too long to invest in continuous improvement Empowering frontline operators through smarter systems and data Learning across generations: Mahjong, magnetism, and mental health Featured Guests: Lisa Kenning , CEO, Matrix Automation Don Rentz , General Manager, Matrix Automation Greg Millinger , Technologist & Product Architect Scott Walberg , President, Lean Innovation, LLC 💡 Key Quotes: “We didn’t buy an off-the-shelf system. We partnered with Matrix and created something custom. That’s why it worked.” – Scott Walberg “My dad started this company to serve the customer better. That value still drives everything we do.” – Lisa Kenning “Whether you're building 1,200 units or 100, the tools are the same. Lean is universal.” – Don Rentz
June 18, 202537 min
81: Harmonizing Sales and Marketing for Manufacturers- with Melanie Varin
Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com . Meet Melanie Varin Melanie is an author, business owner, and process consultant with 25+ years in executive leadership, strategic planning, global marketing, national sales management, and quality. She led three business turnarounds in Europe and the USA in Fortune 500 companies. Now she supports clients focused on profitable growth. Her company is aptly called TopLine Results Corporation. Melanie's book – Ignite Topline Growth: How RevOps and Go-To-Market Alignment Spark Success – was written based on her passion for sales and marketing alignment. She’s experienced the superpower that comes with great alignment of go-to-market teams and delights in sharing that wisdom with others. Connect with Melanie! TopLine Results Corporation LinkedIn melanievarin@toplineresults.com Ignite Topline Growth: How RevOps and Go-To-Market Alignment Spark Success by Melanie Varin Links The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Volunteer Work Discussion 03:27 Introducing the Guest: Melanie Varin 04:30 Melanie's Journey and Insights on Sales-Marketing Alignment 06:24 The Importance of Sales-Marketing Collaboration 06:41 AdCirrus ERP Sponsorship and Further Discussion 17:43 Leadership and Team Development 20:53 Advice for Manufacturers and Growth Strategies 28:16 The Impact of AI and Education 34:58 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Connect with the Broads! Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions! Connect with Erin on LinkedIn !
June 4, 202549 min
80: Understanding the Leadership Continuum in Manufacturing- with Jim Mayer
Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com . Meet Jim Mayer With over two decades of experience in the manufacturing industry, Jim Mayer is a recognized leader, storyteller, and advocate for the transformative power of connection. As the founder of The Manufacturing Connector, Jim has built a platform that strengthens the industry through innovative content, leadership development, and community-building initiatives. His work inspires collaboration, empowers emerging leaders, and celebrates the human side of manufacturing. A passionate advocate of manufacturing, Jim is dedicated to amplifying the voices of industry leaders and sharing the values and innovations that drive the sector forward. Through his leadership programs, live events, and thought-provoking media, Jim equips professionals with the tools and insights they need to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Known for his authenticity, humility, and innate curiosity, Jim is a sought-after speaker who engages audiences with his unique ability to connect people to ideas, opportunities, and each other. His commitment to fostering meaningful growth and innovation continues to shape the future of manufacturing and elevate its culture. Connect with Jason! The Manufacturing Connector LinkedIn Manufacturing Culture Podcast Lead the Change Tour 2025 jim.mayer@themfgconnector.com (480)532-2717 Highlights 00:00 The Power of Body Language 04:22 Introducing Jim Mayer: A Leader in Manufacturing 09:00 Jim Mayer on Leadership in Manufacturing 17:45 The Leadership Development Continuum 25:36 The Importance of Culture in Manufacturing 26:45 Understanding Organizational Culture 28:28 The Impact of Hiring for Culture 30:03 Defining Buzzwords and Values 30:58 Marketing and Culture Alignment 35:57 Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions 40:56 The Importance of Intentional Culture Building 41:36 Fun Facts and Personal Stories Connect with the Broads! Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions! Connect with Erin on LinkedIn !
May 21, 202551 min
79: Unlocking E-Commerce Power- with Jason Greenwood
Sponsored By AdCirrus ERP, your trusted partner for cloud ERP solutions. Learn more at adcirruserp.com . Meet Jason Greenwood Jason is the founder of Greenwood Consulting - a specialist B2B e-commerce consultancy. For 25+ years Jason has been helping brands and suppliers expertly architect compelling digital buying and brand engagement experiences. Along with hosting The E-Commerce Edge Podcast, he is a passionate eCommerce mentor, commentator, keynote speaker and content producer who loves giving back to the industry. Jason was born and raised in the USA, spent nearly 30 years in New Zealand and is now based in Mexico with his wife Sarah and dog Herbie. Connect with Jason! Greenwood Consulting LinkedIn Links The Monte Carlo drink recipe New Amazon Ads research explores how major milestones can impact the relationship between consumers and brands Highlights 00:00 Favorite Drinks and New Discoveries 04:24 Introducing Jason Greenwood 08:03 Challenges in Digital Transformation 14:36 The Role of AI in Manufacturing 28:16 Unlocking Customer Insights for Digital Services 29:40 The Importance of Self-Service in E-Commerce 30:34 B2C vs. B2B: Different Goals, Different Experiences 35:21 Challenges in Digital Transformation for Manufacturers 40:46 Interesting Facts and Personal Insights 49:05 Conclusion and Contact Information Connect with the Broads! Connect with Lori on LinkedIn and visit www.keystoneclick.com for your strategic digital marketing needs! Connect with Kris on LinkedIn and visit www.genalpha.com for OEM and aftermarket digital solutions! Connect with Erin on LinkedIn !
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