The Sound of Automation

Hosted by Bryan Powrozek

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Manufacturers are the driving force behind Industry 4.0, and Wipfli is here to help. Join Bryan Powrozek, engineer turned CPA, as he interviews industry influencers and discusses everything from operational improvements and performance enhancements to large-scale digital transformation and data-based decision making. If you want innovative ideas for growth and automation, The Sound of Automation is for you.

Listen to episodes

55 recent

June 10, 2025Episode 5425 min

Episode 54: Policy in Motion: Building Agility Amid Tariff and Tax Uncertainty

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli partner Mike Devereux and founder of Inside Beltway Omar Nashashibi join as we break down the complex world of tariffs and tax legislation. We start with a clear explanation of the three main types of tariffs and how they impact businesses beyond the headlines. As policies shift rapidly under the current administration, Omar shares a timely update on the latest developments and what they mean for business strategy. We also explore how companies can stay agile in the face of uncertainty and what to expect next on the tax front. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

March 18, 2025Episode 5338 min

Episode 53: Tariffs and business planning in times of uncertainty

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Wipfli director Cara Walton discusses business planning in times of uncertainty and explores the importance of agility in business strategies. We'll discuss current market uncertainties such as tariffs and the shift from electric vehicles (EV) to internal combustion engines (ICE), emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. Cara looks at the role of data in building agility, reviewing data sources, and both short-term and long-term strategies. Additionally, we'll discuss our manufacturing benchmarking study and share key takeaways from the latest Wipfli manufacturing pulse survey.If you would like to participate in our Benchmarking survey, please contact us. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

January 26, 2025Episode 5229 min

Episode 52: Harnessing outsourced accounting and the power of ERP

Tune in to The Sound of Automation podcast with Wipfli partners Sean LaFortune and Brett Polglaze as they discuss managing and optimizing your business processes and financial operations for real-time insights, improved decision-making and increased operational efficiency.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

December 7, 2024Episode 5122 min

Episode 51: Manufacturing industry outlook

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Wipfli partners Mike Devereux and Laurie Harbour as they discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by business owners, particularly in the manufacturing sector, due to recent political and economic changes. They emphasized the significance of the Republican sweep in the recent election, suggesting it would lead to decisive action. Laurie and Mike also emphasized the importance of strategic planning and staying informed to navigate uncertain times. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

November 15, 2024Episode 5023 min

Episode 50: Valuation insights for your business

In this podcast, we sit down with Wipfli Partner Chris Volz to discuss the importance of understanding your competitive landscape, the current regulatory environment and the impact of potential key tax lawchanges on your business.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

October 18, 2024Episode 4926 min

Episode 49: Cybersecurity Tips for Manufacturers

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Tom Wojcinski, partner at Wipfli, and Jim Peterson, principal solutions advisor at ConnectWise, to discuss the importance of cybersecurity for manufacturers. Listen to the episode to learn about the increase in cyberthreats due to remote work environments and the expansion of digital ecosystems, as well as best practices for improving cybersecurity in manufacturing environments.More resources:Cybersecurity awareness month30 tips for cybersecurity awareness monthFor more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

September 11, 2024Episode 4821 min

Episode 48: Manufacturing M&A Market Update

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Colin Johnson from Wipfli Corporate Finance (WCF). Bryan and Colin provide a manufacturing M&A market update and overview of the competitive landscape. They also offer advice on how to determine if your business is ready to sell, or if you should instead focus on ways to grow your business. Listen in to learn why it's so important to define your goals and surround yourself with a well-rounded support team to help you think through your options and develop the best path forward.For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

August 21, 2024Episode 4723 min

Episode 47: Exploring Manufacturing Opportunities with AMT

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mary Cecile Neville and Chris Chidzik from The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to discuss what the manufacturing market looks like, where it's headed and what's to come at IMTS 2024. Listen in to learn how AMT can help manufacturers leverage new opportunities, make connections and grow their businesses.Additional resources:AMT U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

July 24, 2024Episode 4632 min

Episode 46: The Power of Purpose-Driven Businesses

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the power of purpose-driven businesses with Dirk Beveridge of We Supply America and Ashley Martin of NIBCO. Listen in to learn how businesses can be a force for good by focusing on legacy, longevity and love. We’ll share ways that family-owned business NIBCO has had a positive impact on the community and how you can too. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.

June 26, 2024Episode 4530 min

Episode 45: Making an Impact in North American Manufacturing

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Bryan Powrozek sits down with Wipfli Partner Laurie Harbour to discuss how the right providers can help make a positive impact in North American manufacturing, and why industry knowledge is key. They also talk about the value of benchmarking as a path to continuous improvement. From rightsizing your business to networking with peers, listen to this episode for tips to help your small to medium-sized manufacturing business thrive. For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.