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This podcast episode of AM Insider features a discussion with Brent Ewald, a software development manager at Autodesk, about his diverse career journey within the additive manufacturing space. The hosts, Justin Hopkins and Dustin Kloempken, explore Ewald's transition from mechanical engineering and R&D in 3D printing at HP to software development. Their conversation examines the evolution of software in additive manufacturing, the importance of data analysis, and the future potential of technologies like implicit modeling and standardized file formats. They also touch upon the skills needed for those entering the software side of the additive industry and briefly discuss the emergence of AI in this field.

• Career Navigation in Additive Manufacturing
• The Crucial Role of Software in the Future of Additive Manufacturing
• Advice for Individuals Interested in Software in Additive Manufacturing
• Geometry Representation in CAD and Additive Manufacturing
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Additive Manufacturing

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This podcast episode of AM Insider features a conversation with Derek McCurry, the owner of Stubby Nozzle Co. McCurry shares his journey from working in additive manufacturing marketing to establishing his own business designing, manufacturing, and selling 3D-printed car care products, specifically leaf blower nozzles for drying vehicles. The discussion covers his background as a mechanical engineer and marketer, the evolution of his business from Facebook Marketplace to his own website and major online retailers, and the benefits and challenges of using 3D printing for final product manufacturing. McCurry offers insights into the importance of marketing for small businesses, leveraging customer feedback for product development, and his experiences scaling his manufacturing through desktop FDM printers. He also touches on examples of other successful small businesses utilizing 3D printing and provides advice for individuals looking to start their own ventures in this space.

• The Leap from Additive Manufacturing to Real-World Product Development
• 2. Derek McCurry's Background and the Genesis of Stubby Nozzle Co.
• 3. Product Details and Manufacturing
• 4. Evolution of Sales Channels and the Importance of a Direct-to-Consumer Website
• 5. The Crucial Role of Marketing in Entrepreneurial Success
• 6. Viability of 3D Printing for End-Use Products
• 7. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Additive Manufacturing
• 8. Examples of Other Successful Small Businesses Utilizing 3D Printing
• 9. Competition and Market Validation
• 10. Future Product Development and Customer Feedback
• 11. Marketing Strategies Beyond Online Marketplaces
• 12. Skills Learned from Additive Manufacturing and Previous Roles
• 13. Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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This podcast episode features Amos Breyfogle, an experienced professional in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, who shares his diverse career journey and offers insights on navigating the AM landscape. Key topics include how to enter, grow, and transition within the AM industry, the importance of people skills, career longevity, negotiation tactics, and the potential future of mass customization in AM. Amos also discusses his current entrepreneurial venture in New Zealand, focusing on outdoor sporting goods.

Key Themes

• Navigating an Unconventional Career Path in Additive Manufacturing
• Essential Skills for Success in Additive Manufacturing
• Transitioning within the AM Industry
• Negotiation Tactics in the Job Market
• Entrepreneurship and Additive Manufacturing
• The Future of Additive Manufacturing

Quotes of Note:

• “Can this person take something complex and make it easy to understand?”
• "My passion was really more about how do you help people be happier with their jobs and be happier with their career paths."
• "I think if you're not negotiating that as a employee or potential employee, you're making a horrible mistake."
• “The smaller the company, the Smaller amount you can get away with of kind of the counteroffer.”
• "People move here because it's an incredible place to live and have a life outside of work."

Resources Mentioned:

• Podcast: Rick Rubin’s podcast
• LinkedIn: Gil Levy
• Book: Never Split the Difference
• Website: pivotio.com