Welcome to the Manufacturing Exchange - the podcast that is 100% focused on the leaders of small and mid-size manufacturers!

Running a manufacturing business is tough.  You need to do many of the same things that the big companies do, but you can’t afford all the specialists that roam the halls of those Fortunate 500 companies.  That’s where this podcast comes in.  We’re going to talk with people that have some of that deep expertise, and we’re going to share it with you in a way that is practical, approachable, and most-of-all - actionable.

My name is Rob Tracy, and I’m the host of the show.  I’ve been in manufacturing for over 30 years, and 20 of those years have been in executive roles. I’ve worked in large companies, but my passion lies with smaller organizations.  When you lead a smaller company, you’re not just a cog in the machine.  You get to make the decisions and have an impact.  That’s exciting, AND a little scary.   

I’ve spent most of my career running companies, and three years ago I hung up a shingle to go out on my own as a consultant.  It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I finally mustered the courage to do it.

The podcast will be released weekly, and they will be 25 to 30 minutes long.  In each episode, we’ll focus on ONE topic related to the leadership and management of a small or mid-size manufacturing company.  I’ve pulled together a group of people to interview on the podcast that I know and trust.  They are experts in their field, and the GET leadership in a small and mid-size manufacturer.

Some of the topics will cover include:

• Sales & marketing
• Strategy
• Ownership
• Talent, HR, and People Development
• Operating systems
• Product development
• Operations
• Finance & Accounting
• Lean
• Automation
• Future trends – like Industry 4.0
• Hot topics – like supply chain resilience in a post-Covid world

This podcast is an extension of another project – a monthly newsletter that I started publishing last fall.  The newsletter covers 4-6 topics each month, and those articles will be the fuel for the podcast interviews.  A link to subscribe to the newsletter is included in the show notes.

I’m glad you’re here.  Please give us a listen.  I hope that there is at least one take away for you each week.

The Manufacturing Exchange Website

Subscribe to The Manufacturing Leader Newsletter

Email Rob Tracy

Rob Tracy Consulting