Scott MacKenzie and Ed Marsh discuss the importance of edutainment and “cool content” in manufacturing sales and marketing. Ed emphasizes that traditional marketing methods are no longer effective, and companies need to create trust through engaging, passive content like videos and podcasts. He suggests focusing on topics that address known and unknown issues for businesses, such as employee retention and innovative benefits like on-site childcare. Ed highlights the need for top-down leadership to adopt these strategies and stresses the long-term nature of building trust. He also mentions the inefficiency of trade show leads and the importance of video content in capturing attention.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Ed Marsh to learn more about his “cool content” and “edutainment” approach.
• [ ] Explore creating video and audio content that focuses on topics important to your customers' businesses, rather than just your own products and services.
• [ ] Consider how the board of directors can be involved in overseeing the company's marketing and sales strategies.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Fabtech

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast and welcomes Ed Marsh, highlighting his contributions to the industry.
• Scott mentions the location of the podcast at Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, and the involvement of PMA.
• Ed Marsh joins the conversation, mentioning he arrived in the morning and was informed about the need for a hard hat and work boots.
• Scott and Ed engage in a light-hearted exchange about Ed's famous bronze handout and their previous meeting at the Orlando Convention Center.

Ed Marsh's Background and Consulting Business

• Ed shares his background, including his time in the army and transition to the packaging machinery business.
• He explains his consulting business, which helps industrial manufacturers, particularly capital equipment companies, improve their sales processes.
• Ed emphasizes the contrast between well-documented back-end processes and ad hoc marketing and sales efforts.
• He discusses the importance of applying rigorous process engineering and continuous improvement mindsets to the front-end of the business.

The Concept of Edutainment and Cool Content

• Ed introduces the concept of edutainment, which combines education and entertainment to create engaging content that can be consumed passively.
• He explains the shift in consumer behavior, where people no longer read articles but consume video and audio content while doing other activities.
• Ed highlights the challenge of getting the first meeting with potential clients and the role of edutainment in building trust.
• He introduces the idea of “cool content,” which focuses on known unknowns and unknown unknowns, addressing topics that are important to the audience but may not be immediately obvious.

Challenges and Strategies for Implementing Cool Content

• Scott and Ed discuss the challenges of getting companies to focus on cool content and the importance of top-down leadership.
• Ed explains that only a small percentage of companies will adopt new strategies, and the key is to identify leaders within those companies.
• They discuss the evolving role of boards of directors and the need for them to understand contemporary sales and marketing practices.
• Ed emphasizes that the board should push for building trust at the pre-awareness stage of the buying journey.

Practical Examples and Implementation Steps

• Ed provides practical examples, such as discussing on-site childcare facilities for manufacturing companies, to illustrate cool content topics.
• He explains how such topics can help companies recruit and retain employees and create opportunities for the service providers.
• Ed outlines the steps for implementing cool content, including identifying potential topics, building a faculty of industry experts, and creating engaging content.
• He emphasizes the importance of video and audio content in building trust and engaging potential clients.

Building Trust and Long-Term Strategies

• Ed discusses the importance of building trust over time through video and audio content, rather than relying on cold calls.
• He explains that the process can take 6 to 18 months, but it is essential for long-term success.
• Scott and Ed agree that video content is particularly effective in capturing attention and building trust.
• Ed suggests using AI-driven tools to clip and share video content on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott and Ed wrap up the conversation, with Scott emphasizing the importance of attending events like Fabtech to network and learn about innovations.
• Scott highlights Ed's expertise and encourages listeners to reach out to him for more information.
• Ed provides his contact information and website, encouraging listeners to explore his content and consulting services.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay bold, brave, and innovative in the industrial space.

Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals at the FABTECH conference in Orlando, Florida. Stacy, Director of Marketing, and Josh, Public Engagement and PR, from Flex Trades, discuss their company's role in bridging manufacturing workforce gaps. Flex Trades deploys skilled technicians across the U.S. to fill temporary needs, offering a consultative approach to understand client requirements and provide the best fit. They emphasize the importance of character, commitment, and continuous training for their technicians. The company, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has not yet ventured into international markets but focuses on capturing more U.S. market share. Contact information for Flex Trades is available on their website and social media platforms.

Action Items

• [ ] Explore opportunities for international expansion of Flex Trades' services.
• [ ] Promote Flex Trades' services and connect with the company through their website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of celebrating industrial professionals who solve problems and make the world a better place.
• The podcast is recorded at FABTECH in Orlando, Florida, with Scott noting the event's massive scale and its significance for the manufacturing industry.
• Scott mentions the event's location is expected to shift to Chicago next year, encouraging listeners to attend and meet industry leaders.

Introduction of Stacy and Josh from Flex Trades

• Scott introduces Stacey and Josh from Flex Trades, a company specializing in manufacturing workforce solutions.
• Stacey provides a brief background, mentioning her role as the Director of Marketing at Flex Trades for about eight years.
• Josh describes his role in public engagement and public relations, emphasizing his passion for the manufacturing industry and his involvement in media activities.
• Both Stacey and Josh express their enthusiasm for the conference and the importance of showcasing the cool and innovative aspects of the manufacturing industry.

Overview of Flex Trades and Its Unique Offerings

• Stacey explains that Flex Trades specializes in manufacturing workforce solutions, deploying highly skilled technicians across the US.
• The company bridges production gaps for manufacturers, providing technicians who can hit the ground running and work for as long as needed.
• Flex Trades has a national footprint, allowing them to deploy technicians from various locations to projects anywhere in the US.
• The company's unique model allows manufacturers to fill temporary needs without relying solely on local talent.

Consultancy Process and Client Engagement

• Josh describes the consultancy process Flex Trades uses to understand client needs and match them with the right technicians.
• The process involves a detailed interview with the client to identify specific technical requirements and the type of technician needed.
• Flex Trades then matches these requirements with their bench of technicians, ensuring a good fit for both the client and the technician.
• The company handles travel logistics, ensuring technicians can work on projects across the country.

Vetting and Training of Technicians

• Stacey outlines the vetting process for technicians, emphasizing the importance of finding the right skill sets and character traits.
• Flex Trades uses specific interview questions and character assessments to ensure technicians have the necessary skills and are a good fit for the job.
• Josh highlights the importance of technicians having the right personality and being able to integrate into new environments.
• The company offers training reimbursement programs to help technicians upgrade their skills and stay current with industry developments.

Incidental and Formal Training Programs

• Stacey explains that technicians often receive incidental training on the job, learning new skills and processes as they work on different projects.
• Flex Trades also provides formal training programs focused on safety, soft skills, and leadership development.
• The tuition reimbursement program encourages technicians to pursue additional certifications and training, enhancing their career opportunities.
• The company aims to flip the paradigm, viewing these roles as careers rather than just jobs, and supports technicians in their professional growth.

Future Plans and International Expansion

• Scott inquires about Flex Trades' plans for international expansion, with Josh and Stacy mentioning the company's focus on capturing more market share in the US.
• The company has not yet ventured into international projects due to the complexities involved, but they are open to exploring these opportunities in the future.
• Flex Trades is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, highlighting the company's long-standing presence in the industry.
• The company is committed to continuing its growth and innovation within the US market before expanding internationally.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

• Scott thanks Stacey and Josh for sharing their insights and emphasizes the importance of their work in the manufacturing industry.
• Stacy provides contact information for Flex Trades, directing listeners to their website and various social media platforms.
• Josh mentions his personal LinkedIn profile and encourages listeners to reach out for manufacturing-related discussions and marketing stories.
• Scott reiterates the value of Flex Trades' solutions and encourages listeners to connect with the company for their manufacturing needs.

Chris Harbaugh from FX3D discussed their innovative approach to manufacturing at Fabtech in Orlando. FX3D specializes in creating modular 3D printed fixtures for precision inspection, significantly reducing costs and time. They use a print farm with 30 printers, primarily PLA for plastic and laser sintering for metal components. This technology has cut throughput time by 25% and reduced rejections. Harbaugh emphasized the future direction towards AI-assisted fixture generation and digital twin technology for optimizing part designs and reducing shipping costs. Contact information for FX3D is available on their website and LinkedIn.

Action Items

• [ ] Explore opportunities to collaborate with FX 3D on digital twin and AI-enabled fixture design solutions.
• [ ] Follow up with Chris Harbaugh on LinkedIn or through the FX 3D website to discuss potential partnerships.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
• Scott welcomes listeners and celebrates their contributions to the industry, highlighting their bravery and problem-solving skills.
• The podcast is broadcasting live from Fab Tech in Orlando, with Scott noting the event's wrapping up and encouraging listeners to attend next year.
• Scott introduces Chris Harbaugh from FX 3D, mentioning their shared attire and the magnets Chris handed out.

Chris Harbaugh's Background and Family

• Chris Harbaugh shares his background, mentioning he is from Arkansas and is one of 13 children.
• Chris's father started the aerospace company Mundo Tech, which later changed its name to Ethics.
• Chris explains the necessity of precision and cost reduction in their high-profile military aircraft contracts.
• The company focused on reducing cycle time and inspection costs by creating modular 3D printed fixtures.

Development of 3D Printed Fixtures

• Chris describes the challenge of scanning each part for 100% inspection, leading to the idea of using 3D printed fixtures.
• Initially, they printed a small fixture, but faced limitations with larger, more complex parts.
• They developed modular 3D printed fixtures that could be assembled on-site, reducing costs and time.
• Chris explains the use of PLA and laser sintering for printing metal components, highlighting their in-house print farm.

Expansion and Digital Twin Technology

• Chris discusses the expansion of their solutions to include sheet metal components and major assemblies.
• They have developed the ability to create digital twins of parts and fixtures, reducing the need for physical fixtures.
• Chris envisions a future where digital twins and print-on-demand inventory could significantly reduce costs and time.
• The digital twin technology allows for simulations and optimizations, improving quality and reducing rejections.

AI and Automation in Fixture Generation

• Chris mentions their work on auto-generating fixtures using AI, aiming to reduce the time engineers spend on specific tasks.
• The goal is to have AI generate 80% of the fixture, with engineers finishing the final parts and validating the fixture.
• Scott and Chris discuss the potential of AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the manufacturing process.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and staying ahead of customer demands.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing his excitement about the discussion and the potential of FX3D's solutions.
• Chris provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out via LinkedIn or the FX3D website.
• Scott reiterates the importance of attending events like Fab Tech to meet industry professionals and explore innovative solutions.
• The podcast ends with Scott encouraging listeners to connect with him and the FX3D team to learn more about their offerings.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an episode of the Industrial Talk podcast from Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, highlighting innovations and trends in the manufacturing industry. Gunar Gossard from BLM Group discusses their cutting-edge technology, including laser-cutting tubes and a four-person arcade game made using their equipment. Gossard explains the advancements in laser technology, such as reduced production time and improved edge quality, and the integration of automation and AI in manufacturing processes. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and easy programming for robots in modern fabrication. Gossard provides his contact information for those interested in learning more about BLM Group's products and services.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Gunar Gossard at G.Gossard@BLMGroupUSA.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Outline

Fabtech Conference Overview and Introduction

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing the importance of celebrating industrial professionals who innovate and solve problems.
• Scott highlights the Fabtech conference in Orlando, Florida, describing it as a must-attend event with a wide range of innovations and technologies.
• Scott introduces Gunar Gossard from the BLM Group, setting the stage for a discussion about their products and experiences at the conference.
• Gunar Gossard shares his positive experience at the conference, noting initial concerns about overstaffing and how the booth filled up by 10:30 AM.

BLM Group's Innovative Products

• Scott MacKenzie showcases BLM Group's on-site manufacturing of laser-cut tubes, emphasizing the precision and quality of their products.
• Gunar Gossard explains the “round ball” product, which comes in sizes from half an inch to 12 inches and is a popular conversation piece.
• The design of the “round ball” has evolved over the years, with various logos and etchings to mark different events and locations.
• Gunner describes the process of etching designs on the tubes using laser technology, highlighting the creativity and technical expertise involved.

Creative Applications and Arcade Game

• Gunar discusses the creative applications of their technology, including an arcade game made using cut-and-fold technology on laser-cut flat sheets.
• The arcade game, which does not require welding, showcases the versatility and precision of their manufacturing processes.
• Scott MacKenzie expresses his excitement about the innovative products and the creative thinking behind them.
• Gunner provides a brief background on himself, mentioning his role at BLM Group and his responsibilities across North America.

Advancements in Laser Technology

• Gunar Gossard explains the significant advancements in laser technology over the past 12 years, including the integration of multiple processes into one.
• He highlights the benefits of using assist gasses like nitrogen and high-pressure dry air, which improve edge quality and reduce secondary operations.
• The conversation touches on the comparison between laser, plasma, and water jet cutting, emphasizing the speed and quality advantages of laser technology.
• Gunar discusses the limitations of laser cutting for thicker materials and the ongoing developments to push these limits further.

Future of Manufacturing and Automation

• Gunar shares his vision for the future of manufacturing, focusing on automation and the integration of robots with their machines.
• He emphasizes the importance of flexibility and easy programming for robots to meet the needs of different fabricators.
• The discussion includes the potential role of AI in processing data quickly and providing insights for better decision-making.
• Gunar notes that while the specifics of AI's impact are still unclear, the industry is moving towards more efficient data processing and automation.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, expressing his excitement about the future of manufacturing and the innovative products showcased at Fabtech.
• Gunar Gossard provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about BLM Group's products and services.
• Scott encourages listeners to visit the Industrial Talk website for more information and to stay tuned for future conversations from Fabtech.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of celebrating industrial professionals and the positive impact they have on the world.