People in Production Podcast with Ryan Nelson

Catherine O'Toole from Kansas City NTMA joins us to discuss upcoming events designed to strengthen the Midwest manufacturing community through intentional networking and collaboration.

• April 24-25: Joint Chapter Summit with St. Louis NTMA featuring company introductions, economist Chris Kuehl, shop tours, and networking opportunities
• BattleBots KC competition showcasing 26 teams from 16 schools with 250+ stude...

From purchasing his first CNC machine with no prior experience to building a successful manufacturing business with 14 machines and 10 employees, Ian shares his journey of calculated risk-taking and growth.

• Starting with a small 1,500 square foot facility and expanding to a 14,000 square foot building
• Learning the complex world of CNC machining through manufacturer support and networking
• Creating systems to r...

Ian Reel from Kaw Valley Precision shares his non-traditional journey from industrial arts teacher to manufacturing entrepreneur, revealing how he strategically built his business while mitigating risks. As a former industrial arts teacher, he discusses the challenges facing industrial education programs in schools and the strategic approach he took in testing market demand before fully committing to manufacturing.

• Kaw V...

Manufacturing leaders from the Kansas City and St. Louis chapters of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) discuss how their organization creates value for members and fosters collaboration across regional boundaries. The conversation explores both national and local benefits of NTMA membership while highlighting upcoming initiatives to strengthen manufacturing throughout Missouri.

• NTMA operates on nation...

This episode brings to light the dynamic happenings within the Kansas City manufacturing community. As we discuss the future events lined up, you'll get a look into the collaborative energy driving the chapter. 

• Recap of February activities, including the brew night and networking success 
• Insights from the Missouri Association Manufacturers Tradeshow and Conference and shared experiences 
• Announcement o...

This episode covers the inspiring journey of a tech entrepreneur transitioning to the manufacturing sector, sharing valuable insights about entrepreneurship through acquisition, business readiness, and the vital role of communication. Listeners will gain practical tips on preparing for a successful business sale and fostering a thriving workplace culture. 
• Exploring the transition from technology to manufacturing 
• Impor...

The episode dives into the transformative journey of KCSP Machine, highlighting the company’s rebranding from Kansas City Screw Products to a modern precision machining entity. We discuss operational strategies, workplace culture, and the importance of networking within the manufacturing sector. Here are some of the topics Brandon shares his wisdom on.

• Importance of rebranding for modern manufacturing 
• Overview of ...

This episode highlights the exciting initiatives at the Kansas City chapter of NTMA for 2025, focusing on community building, empowerment through events like She Leads, and collaborative opportunities with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. Katherine discusses January's activities and plans for February, emphasizing the core mission of supporting manufacturing professionals through strategic networking and advocacy eff...

The conversation revolves around the critical need for manufacturing companies to shift their focus from hiring for immediate needs toward investing in employees' long-term careers. By recognizing the value of character over traditional skills, bridging gaps between management and operational realities, and developing leadership, firms can foster talent retention and build thriving teams.

• The need for quality talent...

Discover how Jarboe Employment Group is revolutionizing the staffing industry by prioritizing people over profit. Ryan Borgerding shares his unique journey, the core values of their business model, and the importance of building relationships in employment.

• Ryan B.’s journey into staffing and starting Jarboe Employment Group 
• Importance of a candidate-centric approach in staffing 
• Flexibility of Jarboe's...

Brandon's interview reveals a transformative approach towards workforce development, focusing on reentry programs for incarcerated individuals in manufacturing. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills and collaboration, showcasing the potential of second chances within the industry.

• Exploring the impact of reentry programs on workforce success 
• Building essential soft skills for a stable employment foundat...

The episode explores the vital relationship between sales and production within the manufacturing industry through the insights of Brandon Herring from Zephyr Products. Key discussions include the importance of collaboration, knowing when to say no, and cultivating a culture of communication and continuous improvement.

• The intersection of sales and production in manufacturing 
• Importance of knowing production capac...

Leadership today transcends mere management techniques; it thrives on genuine connections and understanding your team's needs. Fred Stipkovits with UltraTech Aerospace shares invaluable insights on the power of listening, the importance of authentic communication, and how he transformed a struggling organization into a cohesive and empowered workforce. 

• Fred's unconventional journey into leadership 
• The d...

The episode centers on leadership insights from Fred Stipkovits of Ultratech Aerospace, where he discusses the importance of networking, trust-building, and empowering teams. Fred emphasizes collaboration over competition to create a thriving manufacturing environment and shares strategies for enhancing employee retention and involvement in industry associations. 

• Fred Stipkovits shares his journey in building a network ...

This episode features a rich conversation with Katherine O'Toole, the Executive Director of the Kansas City chapter of the NTMA , exploring her journey from education to manufacturing leadership. Key topics include workforce development, networking, and initiatives to engage young talent in the manufacturing sector.

• Katherine's background in education and manufacturing 
• NTMA's goals focused on networ...