The world of manufacturing is changing fast — and staying relevant means evolving just as quickly. In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Chris Stevens (PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott) joins Travis Miller to talk about what it really takes to thrive in an industry where technology, talent, and timelines are constantly shifting.

Chris also shares the story behind his passion project, The Home of Manufacturing, a centralized, free resource created to amplify voices and connect the fragmented corners of the manufacturing world. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about future-proofing their career.

Chris Stevens is a manufacturing leader with a career built entirely in the industry, currently serving as PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott. With two engineering degrees and parts he’s helped produce used on all seven continents — and even in space — Chris brings deep technical and operational insight to every conversation. He’s also the founder of The Home of Manufacturing, a platform connecting voices and events across the sector, and the host of the upcoming podcast Manufacturing Nation.
_________________________________________________
Connect with:
⏵ Chris Stevens
⏵ The Home of MFG
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#manufacturingleadership #industrialinnovation #smartfactory #hiringtrends #futureofwork #upskilling #manufacturingpodcast #careerstrategy #AIandManufacturing #techcareers #ai #manufacturing #industrialautomation

The automation industry isn’t just changing—it’s being rebuilt by the people who refuse to wait for permission. On this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Nikki Gonzales, a leader reshaping the field by showing up, speaking out, and creating the kind of industry she wants to work in.

Recently hired as Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, Nikki brings years of industry insight, a passion for making automation more accessible, and a proven track record of building real community—from launching the podcast Automation Ladies to co-founding the grassroots event OT SCADA CON.
_________________________________________________
Connect with:
⏵ Nikki Gonzales
⏵ Weintek USA
⏵ Automation Ladies
⏵ OT SCADA CON
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#automationindustry #automation #industrialautomation #womeninstem #automationpocast #OTSCADACON #AutomationLadies #stem #careergrowth #techcommunity

Most companies are wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work—chasing the wrong audience, burning budgets on ineffective strategies, and missing the biggest opportunity right in front of them.

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Eddie Saunders Jr., founder of Speak Friend, to expose the biggest marketing mistakes and reveal how to cut waste, use AI to get ahead, and engage the 95% of potential customers most brands ignore.

Eddie also shares his unconventional journey from industrial marketing to MMA fight announcing and explains why curiosity and empathy are game-changers in business.

If you’re ready to fix your marketing and stop wasting money, this episode is a must-listen.

Eddie is a passionate thought leader in the world of Industrial Content Strategy & Demand Generation. With 15+ years of battle-tested experience in the field, he has proven himself to be an innovative and strategic thinker, consistently challenging what's "normal" in the industry. As an Industrial Marketing speaker, quirky content creator, and Founder / CEO of Speak Friend, he has built a reputation for his ability to create compelling and effective marketing campaigns that use data to drive results in the modern landscape. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including branding, digital marketing, social media, and more!
_________________________________________________
Connect with Eddie & Speak Friend
⏵ LinkedIn
⏵ Speak Friend
⏵ Instagram

_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
⏵ Apple Podcasts
⏵ Audible
⏵ Spotify

#marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #industrialmarketing #b2bmarketing #marketingmistakes #aimarketing #brandstrategy #businessgrowth #contentmarketing #salesandmarketing #customerengagement #entrepreneurmindset

Season 4 of HIRED! The Podcast kicks off with a powerful conversation between host Travis Miller and Bryan Howard, CEO of Peoplyst and author of The Vanguard Edge. In this episode, Bryan shares actionable insights on building resilient, high-performing teams and creating a culture that thrives in the face of change.

Bryan dives into his framework for resilience, exploring the importance of mindset, team strength, and adaptability. Learn how to evaluate your team, hire for growth, and foster connections in today’s hybrid work environment. Whether you’re a leader looking to strengthen your team or a professional seeking your next opportunity, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Bryan Howard is the CEO of Peoplyst and an expert in human performance with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and organizational growth. Known for his “5 G’s of Success,” Bryan specializes in creating people-centric solutions and driving teams to achieve their full potential. He is also the author of The Vanguard Edge, a guide to building resilient, adaptable teams.
_________________________________________________
Connect with Bryan Howard & Peoplyst
Bryan Howard - https://bit.ly/49bu57R
Peoplyst - https://peoplyst.com/
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3vLWiNX
Audible - https://adbl.co/3vJfOu7
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3xJFQzm

#leadership #careerdevelopment #teambuilding #businesspodcast #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #successtips #careeradvice #careeradvancement #jobsearch

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with James Ellis, a top expert in employer branding, for a lively conversation packed with hot takes and real, actionable insights. This isn’t your typical discussion—Ellis breaks down exactly how businesses can stand out by focusing on what makes them unique as employers and why authenticity is key in attracting the right talent.

Ellis dives deep into how employees can actively shape a brand and gives concrete strategies for small businesses to leverage their culture to connect with top candidates. With no fluff, just straight talk, Ellis shares practical advice that listeners can put to work right away to elevate their employer brand and hiring efforts.

James Ellis is the principal of Employer Brand Labs, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Talent Cast podcast. With nearly a decade of experience, he’s helped dozens of companies craft unique and compelling employer brands. His mission? To provide real, no-nonsense advice that helps businesses rethink how they hire and build stronger, more authentic brands.
_________________________________________________
Connect with James Ellis & Employer Brand Labs
James Ellis
Employer Brand Labs
The Talent Cast
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts
Audible
Spotify

#employerbranding #recruitmentstrategies #hiringtips #hrpodcast #workculture #businessbranding #careeradvice #jobmarket #talentacquisition

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller sits down with Kim Blomquist, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, Chicago’s leading manufacturing incubator. Kim sheds light on mHUB’s role in nurturing early-stage startups, particularly in the fields of climate and energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. From prototyping labs to a comprehensive mentor network, mHUB equips these startups with the tools they need to scale, secure funding, and prove their business models in a competitive landscape.

Kim also discusses the critical challenges startups face, including proving market demand and acquiring talent. She emphasizes mHUB’s commitment to workforce development, reshoring, and building a skilled talent pool to drive economic growth. The episode provides valuable insights into how mHUB is shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation, both locally and nationally.

Kim Blomquist is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, where she leads the organization’s national strategy at the intersection of tech and manufacturing. Her team is behind major events like the HardTech Summit and the Fourth Revolution Awards. Kim played a pivotal role in mHUB’s $50M acquisition and renovation of a historic facility in Chicago. She also oversees mHUB’s annual and investor reports and serves on a marketing advisory council for manufacturing workforce development.
_________________________________________________
Connect with the Kim Blomquist & mHUB
Kim Blomquist
mHUB
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts
Audible
Spotify

#podcast #manufacturing #startup #techindustry #reshoring #robotics #mHUB #innovation

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller is joined by Cathy Rinne, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, alongside her daughter Lauren Van De Mark, Sales and Marketing Manager, marketing intern Isaiah Roth, and Customer Service Specialist Cayla Sibley. Together, they explore the nuances of talent acquisition in manufacturing and automation, offering valuable insights into the importance of evaluating candidates beyond technical skills and rebranding the industry to attract fresh talent.

The conversation delves into the dynamics of running a family business, including leadership styles, communication, and generational management approaches. Listen in as the Flex-Line team shares their personal experiences on navigating succession planning and the significance of exposing students to industry processes early on.

Cathy Rinne, co-founder, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, Inc. based in Chester, IL, brings a wealth of business strategy and innovation to the forefront from her nearly forty years in the automation industry. Instrumental in positioning Flex-Line as an industry leader in cutting-edge automation solutions, Cathy's visionary leadership is a driving force, shaping not just a company, but an industry’s future.

Lauren Van De Mark is the Sales and Marketing Manager at Flex-Line Automation Inc. Raised on a farm in Southern Illinois, she developed a strong work ethic and adaptable skills early on. She earned her MBA from Mississippi State University and is passionate about solving problems and delivering exceptional customer service. In addition to her role in manufacturing and automation, Lauren is active in industry groups and enjoys promoting Southern Illinois. She also lives on a cattle farm with her husband and animals, and recently, Flex-Line was featured on “World’s Greatest” TV and “The Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid.”

Cayla Sibley joined Flex-Line Automation, Inc. in 2024 as a Customer Service Specialist, leveraging her extensive experience from St. Nicholas Brewing Company, where she advanced from waitress to Event Coordinator. Her background in the food service industry honed her organizational skills, time management, and customer service. At Flex-Line, Cayla brings her positive attitude to learning the technical aspects of conveyor and robotic integration, ensuring top-tier service for customers.

Isaiah Roth is a marketing student at SIU Carbondale with a strong work ethic and a background in food service, currently serving as a shift lead at Dairy Queen. At Flex-Line Automation, Inc., he gained marketing experience and explored automation technologies as an intern. Isaiah was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Randolph County StartUP program for his business, Roth Studios, specializing in photography and design. As a freshman, he’s excited to join the Marching Salukis and expand his skills.

_________________________________________________
Connect with the Flex-Line Automation Tea
Cathy Rinne
Lauren Van De Mark
Cayla Sibley
Isaiah Roth
Flex-Line Automation
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts
Audible
Spotify


#familybusiness #genz #careeradvice #businesstips #generations #professionaldevelopment #future #manufacturing #automation #robotics

Join us in this insightful episode of HIRED! The Podcast, hosted by Travis Miller, as we dive into the world of transitioning from technical roles to sales with Karine Leblanc, who is “Not Your Typical Engineer™”. Author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, Karine shares her journey and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills, especially communication and interpersonal skills.

This conversation explores hiring and managing individuals with low emotional intelligence (EQ), offering strategies for effective communication and relationship building. Karine and Travis discuss empathy, navigating conflicts, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. They share practical tips for managing emotions, providing feedback, and fostering collaboration.

Meet Karine Leblanc, a dynamic engineer, bestselling author, and international speaker. As a VP of Sales, she has crafted winning sales teams with her engineering, coaching, and relationship-building skills. With a mechanical engineering degree from Montreal’s Ecole de Technologie Superieure and multiple certifications, Karine is a powerhouse. She’s a John Maxwell coach, DISC-certified consultant, Genos emotional intelligence practitioner, and eSpeakers certified virtual presenter. Karine has served on ASHRAE’s board, earning numerous accolades, including the ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award. She’s also Past-President of the National Speaker Association Los Angeles Chapter and an Amazon-published author.

_________________________________________________
Connect with Karine Leblanc
LinkedIn
Website
How to Be Human in a Technical World
_________________________________________________
Want to stream our podcast on another platform?
Apple Podcasts
Audible
Spotify
HIRED The Podcast Homepage


#softskills #emotionalintelligence #salestips #careeradvice #businesstips #communicationskills #professionaldevelopment #empathy #manufacturing #automation #robotics