U.S. Manufacturing Today

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today powered by Veryable, host Matt Horine discusses the future of the American manufacturing landscape with Chris Luecke, Host of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast. The conversation delves into the origins and evolution of Manufacturing Happy Hour, the key themes recurring in industry discussions, and the critical role of culture in manufacturing. Chris shares insights on current trends like nearshoring, automation, and the integration of AI, along with their impact on productivity and workforce retention. The dialogue also touches on how the industry can remain resilient and competitive by investing in workforce culture and strategically implementing technology. Chris offers his perspectives on the importance of attracting the next generation to manufacturing and suggests practical steps leaders can take to enhance their organizational culture. The episode concludes with predictions for the manufacturing sector in 2026 and advice on developing effective strategies for the future.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Chris Luecke: Founder of Manufacturing Happy Hour01:15 The Origin Story of Manufacturing Happy Hour01:42 Evolution and Impact of Manufacturing Happy Hour04:34 Common Themes in Manufacturing: Workforce and Automation06:49 The Importance of Culture in Manufacturing11:12 Trends and Challenges in Manufacturing: 2025 Recap16:39 The Role of AI and Technology in Manufacturing21:54 Reshoring and Nearshoring: Building Resilient Manufacturing24:27 Workforce Development: Adapting to New Realities28:59 Looking Ahead: Predictions for US Manufacturing in 202632:26 Final Thoughts and Where to Find MoreLinksChris on LinkedInChris's WebsiteManufacturing Happy Hour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠

Today we are re-casting a prior interview done on the Inspired Stories Podcast, hosted by Anthony Codispoti. Check out the original recording at the links below. Website -  ⁠https://inspiredstoriespodcast.com/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing/⁠Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY4qRWcOftM&t=207s Apple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on/id1728906402?i=1000743083490 Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VSR2ppcLogToeUzr13uQK?si=3d5845b4a5134c11 Amazon Music -  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b02fe37f-ddb2-44bf-83b0-d60a82e306c6/episodes/d227816d-cd42-4dd9-8e6c-819ad7c080fd/the-inspired-stories-podcast-matt-horine's-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/3fa5ieoy Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/the-inspired-stories-podcast-6VgmjE

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, hosted by Veryable, the focus is on American industry and its critical role in national independence and economic self-determination. The guest, John Gardner, author of 'Manufacture Local' and a seasoned professional in precision machining, discusses the historical significance of localized production in the US and its implications today. Highlights include the socio-economic impact of outsourcing, the importance of manufacturing for national security, and the need for a reformed tariff policy. Gardner criticizes economists like Milton Friedman for their detrimental free trade policies and advocates for a return to the founding fathers' vision of financing the government through tariffs rather than income taxes. Key historical insights and modern policy recommendations are discussed, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the necessity and benefits of revitalizing American manufacturing.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet John Gardner: Author of 'Manufacture Local'00:43 The Historical Context of American Manufacturing01:52 John Gardner's Personal Journey in Manufacturing04:44 Challenges and Realities of Modern Manufacturing06:08 The Impact of Policies on Manufacturing08:30 The Importance of Manufacturing for National Sovereignty15:01 Current State of US Manufacturing16:52 Tariffs and Industrial Policy22:57 The Importance of Manufacturing Independence23:35 World War II: A Manufacturing Miracle24:39 Challenges in Modern Manufacturing27:23 The Ideological Shift: Milton Friedman and Free Trade32:01 The Case for Tariffs and Economic Security33:21 Historical Context of Tariffs in the U.S.38:48 The External Revenue Service: A New Vision45:30 Conclusion and Future DirectionsLinksManufacture Local (Amazon)John Gardner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, hosted by Matt Horine, the focus is on the critical role data plays in the reindustrialization of American industry. Matt is joined by Errol Rodericks, Product Marketing Director at Denodo, a leader in data virtualization and logical data management. The discussion covers the rise of microfactories, driven by demand volatility, product variation, sustainability, reshoring, and AI. They explore how modern data infrastructure is essential for operational agility and real-time responsiveness in manufacturing. Key topics include the significance of transient data, challenges with legacy data systems, and the benefits of a logical data management framework. Errol also shares insights on preparing for AI automation and digital twins, emphasizing the need for real-time, trusted data to remain competitive in the evolving manufacturing landscape.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:16 The Importance of Data in Modern Manufacturing00:36 Guest Introduction: Errol Rodericks01:37 Understanding Microfactories02:50 The Five Forces Driving Microfactory Adoption04:48 Data Challenges in Modern Manufacturing06:53 The Role of AI in Microfactories16:57 Logical Data Management Explained25:50 Real-World Applications of Transient Data32:22 Preparing for the Future of Smart Manufacturing38:07 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysLinksErrol on LinkedInDenodo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠

In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine chats with David Socha, CEO of the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company. David shares his journey into the toy and collectibles business, starting from his childhood love for toys and progressing through his entrepreneurial ventures. They discuss the company's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing. David also provides his perspective on the challenges and trends in the toy manufacturing industry, including the impact of globalization, the shift towards customization, and the importance of maintaining high safety standards. The conversation delves into the role of creativity in manufacturing and the potential of automation and AI to improve the industry. David concludes by sharing his optimistic vision for the future of US consumer goods manufacturing and the evolution of his company. Listeners can learn more about Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company at plush.com.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:46 David Socha's Journey into the Toy Industry02:22 Building a Legacy in Toy Manufacturing03:58 Challenges and Trends in US Manufacturing07:13 Globalization and Manufacturing Realities10:17 Adapting to Market Changes and Trends21:10 Balancing Creativity and Efficiency22:44 Future of Toy Manufacturing24:34 Optimism for US Manufacturing26:36 Conclusion and Contact InformationLinksDavid on LinkedInPlush / Beverly Hills Teddy Bear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Navigating Trump 2.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revitalizing US Manufacturing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up on the Veryable Platform ⁠⁠