In business and in life we all experience pain we can’t control. Jim Carr reflects on the recent death of his parents and gives practical advice on how business leaders can prepare for personal loss and grief.

Segments:

• Jason Zenger talks about the recent trend of companies coming back to ZENGER’S from large national integrators and discusses the value of high-level customer service. (3:20)
• Jason and Jim discuss manufacturing news about how the Reshoring Initiative aims to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. (5:15)
• Jim discusses multi-generational machine shops and the importance of mitigating a personal and professional plan for when a leader passes on. (13:30)
• Jason and Jim discuss the role of open communication in succession planning and the value of hiring of outside professionals to help. (18:10)
• Jim discusses the importance of creating a trust to avoid probate and insulate assets from creditors. (24:30)
• Jim answers Jason’s questions about the most valuable lessons he learned from his father. (28:30)
• Jim discusses the evolution of leadership styles from his father’s generation to now and explains how creating core values and adapting to modern business practices has helped him navigate succession and loss. (32:15)

Mentioned on the Show:

Don’t Give Up on Bringing Manufacturing Back to the U.S. (article)

Bellicose Rhetoric (definition)

Co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger talk about their past experiences with fear in business, including navigating recession, unemployment, and the current pandemic, then offer seven steps for leading through fear, along with personal applications and examples. 

Segments:

1. Nick and Jim to talk about their most fearful time in business (1:30)
2. Jim gives an update on Carr Machine Tool’s new business (5:15)
3. Jason introduces manufacturing news about Apple’s manufacturing base (6:45)
4. Jim, Nick and Jason talk about overcoming fear as business leaders and provide commentary on how taking certain steps have led to successful innovation, expansion and reinvention. (10:15)
5. Jim, Nick, and Jason add their final thoughts and reflections. (27:40)

Mentioned on the show:

The Strategic Coach Podcast 

Killing Marketing: How Innovative Businesses Are Turning Marketing Cost Into Profit, by Richard Rose

Related links: https://sports.yahoo.com/apple-looking-diversify-manufacturing-headphones-072853788.html

Guest Steve Schubert, Chief Operating Officer at Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., talks with co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger about his rise from high school apprentice to a manufacturing industry leader and provides advice and perspective on recruiting and training the next generation of manufacturers.

Segments:

• Jason provides a positive outlook on business-related changes prompted by COVID-19 (2:10)
• Nick introduces manufacturing news about a recent drop in Europe’s automotive industry sales (4:05)
• Guest Steve Schubert explains how he first got involved in manufacturing (10:00)
• Steve discusses his experience with formal apprenticeship and gives some thoughts on alternative educational opportunities and what it will take to build future manufacturing leaders (21:00)
• Steve gives insight into recruitment and discusses specific sources for finding future employees  (28:00)
• Jason and Jim discuss whether or not it is the company’s responsibility to teach soft skills (33:00)
• Steve provides advice on how small companies can benefit from apprenticeship programs and gives final thoughts on the benefits of a career in manufacturing (36:00)
• Jim, Nick, and Jason provide final takeaways (42:00)

Mentioned on the show:

Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association

German Precision Tool Industry Projects Decline in Consumption