In the second episode of our Happy Hour series, we enjoy a lively conversation with Brian Weber, the Chief Operating Officer of Polo Custom Products. Brian reflects on the company's 75-year legacy and the anticipation of future milestones. He shares insightful manufacturing stories, the impact of Polo's products out in the real world, and humorous personal anecdotes, including an early career embarrassment that turned into a lasting success. We discuss the importance of company culture, maintaining employee satisfaction, and making calculated business decisions. Cheers to more inspiring conversations and the continued success of Polo Custom Products!

00:00 Introduction to the Happy Hour Podcast

01:11 Reflecting on 75 Years of Polo

02:22 Pride in Polo's Products

03:04 Balancing Class and Fun

03:47 Describing Polo with Movie Titles

04:58 Corporate Culture at Polo

05:35 Customer Stories and Product Impact

06:53 Embarrassing Mistakes and Lessons Learned

09:29 Superpowers and Logistics

10:56 Pandemic Challenges and Strategic Decisions

14:35 Acknowledging Leadership and Team Efforts

16:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

In this episode of Inspiring Innovation, we welcome back Brian Weber, our first repeat guest and the Chief Operating Officer of Polo Custom Products. Inspired by the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast, we have a casual and fun discussion over some Busch Light, where Brian shares intriguing manufacturing stories and notable achievements. We delve into the significant success of scaling a medical product across multiple locations, and the complex logistical endeavor of moving production to the Dominican Republic. We also touch on unique product requests, the value of offshore manufacturing partners, and the heroic efforts of Polo employees during the pandemic. Join us for this special two-part episode, packed with insights and reflections on innovation in the manufacturing industry.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:03 Special Guest: Brian Weber

02:07 Manufacturing Success Stories

05:16 Unique Product Requests

09:14 Navigating Global Manufacturing Challenges

19:56 Heroes of Polo Custom Products

24:09 Lessons and Mentorship

29:35 Pandemic Innovations and Challenges

33:59 Debunking Myths in Custom Manufacturing

38:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

In this episode of Inspiring Innovation, I am thrilled to welcome Monica Pyles, a Customer Success Manager at Polo. Monica shares her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood and seven and a half years of incarceration to securing employment and thriving in a corporate role at Polo. We dive into the challenges she faced during reintegration, her remarkable personal growth, and the significant impact of second chance hiring. Monica also discusses how her past experiences have enhanced her professional skills and her ongoing efforts to support other women transitioning back into society. Additionally, we highlight Polo's proactive involvement in these life-changing initiatives and discuss the broader societal benefits of second chance hiring. Don't miss this powerful and inspiring episode!

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:10 Meet Monica Pyles: A Journey of Resilience

02:44 Overcoming Challenges Post-Incarceration

04:13 Professional Growth and Skills Development

06:02 The Importance of Second Chance Hiring

08:53 Supporting Women Transitioning from Incarceration

27:50 Polo's Involvement and Community Support

32:42 Advice for Rebuilding Life and Career

34:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

In today’s episode of 'Inspiring Innovation', we delve into the crucial topic of cost savings and reduction techniques in the manufacturing sector. Our special guest, Rod Holter, brings his extensive background in aviation, quality engineering, and his transition into private equity, to the table, now flourishing as a franchise owner of Schooley Mitchell. We cover Rod's impressive career trajectory, from his early days at big names like Piper Aircraft and Cessna to his strategic move into private equity and, finally, his venture into the cost reduction consulting world with Schooley Mitchell. Rod shares valuable insights into effective strategies for negotiating better deals and leveraging data to understand cost categories, underlining the importance of being open to external consulting help for optimizing operational costs. He discusses the significant impact that saving on overhead costs can have on a company’s bottom line and future growth. This episode is packed with anecdotes, practical advice, and Rod's personal experiences in navigating cost savings across different industries, making it a must-listen for anyone in the supply chain, engineering, or anyone involved in the manufacturing sector looking to discover untapped areas for savings and reinvestment opportunities.

00:00 Welcome to Inspiring Innovation: Focus on Manufacturing and Cost Reduction

01:01 Meet Rod Holter: From Aviation to Private Equity

01:37 Rod's Journey Through the Aviation Industry

06:05 Transitioning from Manufacturing to Private Equity

10:10 The Schooley Mitchell Franchise: A New Venture

12:49 Exploring Cost Reduction Strategies with Schooley Mitchell

18:23 The Challenges of Negotiating Vendor Pricing

19:58 Leveraging Savings for Business Growth

25:57 Navigating the Post-COVID Business Landscape

34:19 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Schooley Mitchell

Resources:

Rod Holter on LinkedIn

Schooley Mitchell

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

In this enlightening episode of Inspiring Innovation, I had the pleasure of hosting Greg Brown, the seasoned Plant Manager of Polo Custom Products in Louisville, Mississippi. Greg's extensive background in manufacturing, paired with a disciplined leadership style honed in the military, has significantly contributed to the Louisville facility's success. This facility stands out for its vast square footage, comprehensive capabilities, and exceptional team spirit. During our conversation, Greg provided a fascinating overview of the facility's main manufacturing processes, including sewing, RF operation, and forming, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and precision ingrained in every step from raw material intake to final product delivery. He proudly shared the proactive measures taken to ensure product quality and consistency, meeting ISO certification standards and customizing training programs for new hires, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Greg also discussed the tactical approaches to navigating the challenges of supply chain disruptions and maintaining on-time delivery records, underscoring the importance of adaptability and resourceful problem-solving in today's competitive landscape. Looking ahead, we explored future goals for the facility, focusing on efficiency optimization and embracing technological advancements to stay ahead in the manufacturing sector. It was truly inspiring to learn how the Louisville team's dedication and innovative strategies have set a high standard in custom manufacturing, serving a diverse range of industries with unparalleled expertise and commitment. Tune in to gain valuable insights from one of the industry's leading voices on spearheading innovation and driving success in manufacturing.

00:00 Welcome to Inspiring Innovation: Meet Greg Brown

01:51 Deep Dive into Manufacturing Processes at Louisville

05:28 Ensuring Quality and Consistency in Manufacturing

09:01 Navigating Supply Chain Challenges and Meeting Deadlines

11:59 Addressing Diverse Industry Needs and Challenges

13:59 Evolving Manufacturing Processes and Equipment Upgrades

16:36 Investing in Employee Training and Development

20:47 Cultivating a Strong Workplace Culture and Community

23:51 Quality Control and Assurance Strategies

27:28 Optimizing Efficiency and Productivity in Manufacturing

30:56 Future Goals and Staying Competitive in the Industry

32:51 Wrapping Up: Insights and Future Directions

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

In this engaging episode of Inspiring Innovation, we have the privilege of speaking with Command Sergeant Major Stephen Blake, a distinguished veteran of the United States Army and a champion of leadership, project management, and manufacturing in the military sector. Blake shares his invaluable journey, detailing his rise through the ranks to become a Command Sergeant Major, overseeing global networks and advising on critical personnel matters including maintenance, logistics, and training. Post-retirement, his commitment to serving has seamlessly transitioned to supporting the veteran community and contributing his expertise to Polo Custom Products. Throughout our conversation, Blake imparts lessons on leadership, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable, communicative, and trustworthy. He delves into the complexities of managing projects in the manufacturing industry, especially those catering to military technical specifications, and underscores the significance of maintaining quality and fostering pride among team members. His insights extend to the strategic management of multidisciplinary teams and the challenges of meeting stringent military standards. Blake's reflections on his career, the value of trust in leadership, and the profound responsibility of caring for America's sons and daughters are both inspiring and grounding. Join us in this episode as we explore the nuances of innovation and leadership through the experienced lens of a revered military leader and industry expert.

00:49 Guest Introduction: Command Sergeant Major Stephen Blake

02:10 Journey to Becoming a Command Sergeant Major

03:00 Inspiration and Challenges in Military Career

05:36 Leadership Styles and Their Application in Manufacturing

07:05 Critical Success Factors for Manufacturing Projects

09:36 Managing and Aligning Multidisciplinary Teams

12:09 Challenges in Meeting Military Technical Specifications

15:19 Project Management Strategies for Successful Delivery

21:06 Supply Chain Management for Military Grade Products

23:12 Ensuring Quality in Manufacturing Process

25:58 Role and Lessons as a Command Sergeant Major

28:44 Closing Remarks and Reflections

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

It’s time to dive into important aspects of custom manufacturing in the context of legal contracts and agreements. To cover this adequately, we are joined by Chris Proskey, a partner at BrownWinick Law Firm who specializes in patent, trademark and intellectual property. We will cover the importance of defining who owns the intellectual property during the custom manufacturing process. He also strongly emphasizes the importance of having well-structured agreements detailing clear responsibilities, aligned incentives and fair terms. Finally, we will navigate discussions on dispute resolution, articulating that though litigation is never desirable, there should exist a clear, amiable resolution path in agreements. Our conversation concludes with an emphasis on the importance of understanding intellectual property rights and the critical role they play in the manufacturing industry.

01:06 Importance of Legal Contracts in Manufacturing

02:31 Understanding Intellectual Property in Manufacturing

03:27 Crafting Effective Agreements

05:57 Avoiding Pitfalls in Contract Drafting

12:23 Understanding and Navigating Force Majeure

17:19 Intellectual Property in Development Agreements

23:25 Understanding Milestones and Deliverables in Agreements

25:31 The Importance of NDAs and Their Nuances

32:37 Addressing Quality Issues in Manufacturing

36:44 Navigating Contract Termination

40:03 Resolving Disputes and Conflict Management

45:00 Closing Thoughts on the Legal Landscape

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

In this episode of Inspiring Innovation, Sean Frost talks with Carla DeShaw, a leading figure in product development and innovation. They delve into product development strategies for product engineers and technology advancements in manufacturing. Carla shares insights regarding various manufacturing processes including RF sealing, Impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, and thermoforming, along with the importance of material selection. They also discuss the importance of quality control and how they maintain it through various phases of production. Furthermore, Carla expresses her excitement for the potential of ultrasonic sewing machines, which promise greater efficiency and speed in the future.

00:29 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Introducing the Guest: Carla DeShaw

01:43 Carla DeShaw's Expertise and Role at Polo Custom Products

02:22 Deep Dive into Radio Frequency Sealing

04:01 Impact of RF Sealing in Real-Life Scenarios

06:36 Materials Suitable for RF Sealing

07:40 Exploring Impulse Sealing and Hot Air Welders

11:02 Understanding Ultrasonic Sealing

12:32 The Art of Sewing Lightweight Materials

22:16 The Role of Thermoforming in Product Development

27:56 Adding Logos to Products

30:28 The Precision of Laser Cutting

31:44 Quality Control in Manufacturing

37:48 Staying Updated with Latest Technologies in Manufacturing

Resources:

A Triple Play for Industrial OEMs - Polo Custom Products

Learn more about Polo Custom Products

Polo Custom Product designs, engineers, and manufactures custom products for OEMs in the medical, fire & safety, and defense industries. Polo Custom Products has experts on staff to globally source and procure your specialty formulation materials. Our experts in quality assurance test and ensure all custom products meet standards and your requirements.

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net