Manufacturing eCommerce Success – with IMEC & IMA

Curt Anderson  00:01

Okay, hey, good morning. Happy afternoon. Happy Monday. We’re in manufacturing month eight. Damon. Dude, like you’re up there. Hi, Damon. How are you today?

Damon Pistulka  00:10

I am great. Curt. This is crazy fun.

Curt Anderson  00:13

Oh my God, dude. Like, look at the stage right now, man. I know absolutely insane. So let’s let’s go around the horn. So we hate Yes. We have a special co host that I’m going to pull in here. We’ve got our dear friend Jeff Long from true focus media out of Dayton, Ohio. Jeff, happy Monday, my friend. How are you dude?

Jeff Long  00:31

Happy Monday. Curt. I am honored to be on here and hear the fine stories of this bus tour. I don’t want to say anything else. I’ll let everybody else talk about that. But I’m excited to be here.

Curt Anderson  00:40

So cool. So and I don’t know if you guys knew that. So this is David Bouley. Damon it’s kind of a romantic day for us. Right? It’s our third year anniversary on our little live show. And Jeff Long was our first live guest. So Jeff, thank you for joining us here today. But man, are we excited? We are going to a little magical mystery tour, throwing out a little Beatles reference, if you will. So I’m going to start with my dear friend the one the only Dr. David Boulay from IMEC. David Dude, it doesn’t look like you’re in your office. Where are you today?

David Boulay  01:10

No, I think we get to say this is the first time you’ve ever livestream on a bus. It is we are on a bus going across the crest the state of Illinois, celebrating and championing manufacturing careers.

Curt Anderson  01:24

Well, how to me I just I got goosebumps already. We’ve got so much to unpack. We got so much to uncover. Hey, we’ve got our dear friend Mark Denzler. Mark from the Illinois Manufacturers Association. Mark. Good morning to you my friend. How are you? With now? Where are you doesn’t look like you’re in the office either.

Mark Denzler  01:41

Hey, Kurt. Thanks for having me, David. Jeff. It’s great to see we’re a board manufacturing one. That’s what we’re going to call the bus manufacturing line. When we’ve just left Jacksonville, we’re on the way to Peoria. It is Dave said showcasing great manufacturing companies and showcasing great men and women who work in in the manufacturing space.

Curt Anderson  02:03

Well, man, this is awesome. So guys, happy Monday. Hey, we’ve got Diane Byers in the house today. Good morning, Diane. I know she’s at. She’s at TAC. She’s a big MEP fan. We’ve got Jason Dearing, Jason works with a number of IMEC Illinois manufacturers. So Jason, thank you for joining us, guys. drop us a note. Let us know what you’re here and boy, are we going to have a fun time. So alright guys, Dr. David belay, let’s go to my friend. Let’s start with we’re gonna dig into the MEP IMEC is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership representative in the great state of Illinois, but to before I go there, why are you on a budget? Like what’s up? Who came up with this creep bus idea? Where did this come from?

David Boulay  02:43

But you know, I think I’m going to say the beginning of this bus ideas with my good friend Mark. And that started the idea than the the combination of conversations built it to today where we have this amazing partnership for eight days together. Think about that this group is allowing me to be on a bus with them for eight days, and they’re putting up with me. So I think that’s really cool in its own right. But when you think about MEP, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the US Department of Commerce program is you know, it’s all about helping the small midsize manufacturers in particular and helping them the wide range of knowledge, tools and resources that they need to compete. And this was to her as part of that story. Because underneath all of that, as you know, it’s about workforce, it’s about talent. It’s about skills. And so we’re on this, this eight Day Tour champion that companies in the wide range of these companies, I know we’ll get into some of that, and then championing and celebrating the careers that are in manufacturing of today and tomorrow. This is just way too much fun to be on this bus.

Curt Anderson  03:45

It’s almost criminal, isn’t it, David? Even we might have to call Illinois State Troopers and check out a little too wound up but Hey, Mark, let’s go here. So let’s talk about the Illinois Manufacturers Association. Just you know, I know thus the name, we have a clear understanding of what you do. But just share with the folks who and what is Ima how you guys make the world a better place. And just if you want to clarify how you created this collaboration with Dimech.

Mark Denzler  04:11

Yeah, well, thank you so much. And so you’re you’re proud. Congratulations, your third anniversary. We are proudly celebrating our 100 and 30th anniversary. Right behind. You are right behind you there 100 And

Curt Anderson  04:24

30th is that we say yeah, that’s crazy.

Mark Denzler  04:27

Three actually coming up November 23. Will be 130 years we were founded and we’re the nation’s oldest state Manufacturing Association. We’re actually as I like to jump at mental The National Association. And we represent about 4000 member companies and facilities from the caterpillars Boeing’s in John Deere is down to you know, Reynolds where we just left and mellow cream donuts this morning, which was a great way to start the morning with fresh doughnuts. But no we just advocate on behalf of the menu Factoring Secretary as David said, we got our heads together last year and talked about how can we really showcase manufacturing? And we said, let’s get a bus. And let’s wrap it. And we’re on this statewide tour. And so just having a blast for our second annual makers on the move, Buster.

Curt Anderson  05:15

Well, absolutely love it. So let’s Dave, let’s go here. So back, you mentioned the MEP department of Congress, you so you threw a few things out there. So in you and I were just partying together, we’re hanging out having a great time at the MEP annual conference in Buffalo. Just share with the folks give them my high level view, like what is the MEP network as a whole, so of our friends that are coming to us outside of Illinois, there’s definitely an MEP near them. But just your what is that Manufacturing Extension Partnership and how you guys helped manufacturers nationwide.

David Boulay  05:46

So think of us, you know, there’s an IMEC and every state we have a little different name, a different focus in some ways. But every single state Puerto Rico, there is an organization waking up every day to provide these resources to the small mid sized manufacturers. And one way I like to describe it as like, these small companies that are so busy, they’ve got a lot going on. And they need, let’s say an industrial engineer or marketing expert, and yet they can’t have that staff on full time. And so we can come in and help bring that expertise and bring that expertise from variety of partners from our team to help make sure that the company can use the knowledge transfer the knowledge of industrial engineer and marketing expert to help really supercharge their business. And that’s what this is all about. And our work is that technical assistance and the work that we do and you build off of that. It’s like why do we how do we fit with an association? It’s like hand in glove. But one way I’ve described it with Mark along the way, is you have an association and they’re really focused on the outside of the four walls and policies and all the important things about championing manufacturing, we’re inside the four walls helping that company be more competitive. And when you put the two together, it’s a powerful, powerful theme for any state, any region for their manufacturing. Competitiveness.

Curt Anderson  07:04

Yeah, dude, what a great way to put it. So from the internal side that I’m at covers in the outside that Mark covers that is just such a powerful, you know, analogy. Let’s go here. And Mark, you know, let’s talk about a are we losing, we lose mark. Does that mean? No.

Damon Pistulka  07:26

I think we did. There we go. See, we said, first live, it’s gonna happen.

Curt Anderson  07:31

It always happened. And so let’s Yeah, so hey, there we go. Mark will come back to us and come back in Yeah, yeah. Damon, what do you what do you think about this whole? I know, we interview MEPs. All the time. We just interviewed Carroll Thomas. Dave. Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Thomas on Friday. So Damon, what’s your takeaway on MEPs? And just you know, you’ve worked. We were up at the Alaska MEP a few months ago? What’s your? what’s your takeaway?

Damon Pistulka  07:52

I just think it’s great. What you guys are doing, David, we will mark out there visiting manufacturers and listen to the people’s story. And then just I can imagine the bus driving through Illinois and in the communities and people seeing Hey, what’s that? What’s going on, you know, just starting to get Gaskins from coffee, whatever you guys are doing is so cool. Because so many people, manufacturing is around us every second of every day, and not many people think of it. And I think this is just a great way to get it out there. Plus the camaraderie that you’re building between your team, the manufacturers you’re visiting and and the people that you’re helping. It just got to help. I I’m so excited about this. So excited. Yeah.

David Boulay  08:38

David picking up on that think think of the billboard that was going around the state. We’re out to an over 2500 miles. Yeah, this billboard, you know, a skin on the on the bus that say make the move. And what is really fun is that at each stop, people get to sign the bus. Yeah, so everyone has cited us putting their name on it. And you know, it’s really just creating this energy around all of the people thinking about manufacturing and the importance that it brings to our communities.

Curt Anderson  09:09

Yeah, yeah. In the whitelist. A couple I have a couple of questions here. So first off Now you mentioned I heard donuts this morning barbecue sauce. I’ve heard Drewery like who plotted the schedule I’m just I’m just curious minds want to know just I’m curious who plotted this.

David Boulay  09:26

It can guess which ones belay picked, right. You selected those. But we are we are really doing a wide range of manufacturing from size from Sector all different types in the whole state. We started in the southern part of the state will end up near Chicago. So we started at Boeing, within autonomous refueling aircraft. We did the 17th Street barbecue at about bottling plant for barbecue sauce, a ribbon cutting donuts, brooms. So reactors When you look at all that we’re going to cover over the week, you’re going to have a full range of everything manufacturing in Illinois give a real, I’ll say tastes since you picked on the food and beverage places, but we’ll have a real taste of what is manufacturing about in this state.

Curt Anderson  10:17

Yeah, I love it. And you’re in and I’ve got the schedule, and I dropped the schedule and the link. So guys, you know, drop it and go into the comments, you can just click the link and you can see makers on the move. They have a dedicated website. They’re on their way to Peoria right now, and just a really exciting lineup. And so Dave, let’s go here I’ve been I’ve talked to a number of your, your teammates you I’d say I Mike has just an amazing team. I’ve talked to John Azhar and Melissa Basa, most absorbable I talked with her this morning, Jacqueline, they’re all super excited and like they’ve got their spots and stops that they’re going to be hitting. So just let’s talk about just the amazing iMac team, I think you’re 50 ish strong. Just when a manufacturer engaged engages with iMac just share a little bit of the insight of what they can expect or what that looks like working with your team.

David Boulay  11:03

Yeah, I think this day and age and particularly coming out of the pandemic and all the bumps and bruises that have been going on the couple of things that I really enjoy about the table. The first one is the empathy. So you know, leaders are have been just having a tough time I when I walk into companies, I just see some leaders pretty exhausted, you know, it’s been a been a rough, rough ride of trying to navigate successfully, what’s been going on. So what I really enjoy about our team is they they’ve been there done that they’ve been in manufacturing, they have the empathy of that and understand it. And then they focus on meeting where the company is. So wherever the company is, we’re going to find the right solution. So if it’s that this is a completely new topic for the company, so many companies, cybersecurity is a new topic. We meet them right at the beginning, right, but then others, like, hey, we want to step up our game a little bit, we bring in a game, we want to step it up a little higher. And our team can do a fantastic job of doing the either the analytics, the assessment, what it takes to make sure that we’re meeting the companies where they’re at, I think that empathy and that meet them where they’re at. That’s what I really enjoy by what the team brings each and every day.

Curt Anderson  12:10

Well, I love it at the annual MEP conference. I know my gosh, I felt like every session I was walking into somebody from IMEC was was on stage doing a presentation just about every other one. And so, you know, and I’ve had the honor and privilege becoming good friends with your team. I can’t express my gratitude. Jeff Long. I know you’ve done a number of webinars at iMac, you’ve done a bunch of education programs. Just share a little bit about like your experience your takeaway working with MEPs and what you hear or see from manufacturers.

Jeff Long  12:37

Oh, yeah, I mean, you know, when I first kind of heard of these several years ago, it was kind of like, really, like, that’s a really cool idea. And obviously, it’s been around for many years. You know, so I’m here in Ohio. And you know, there’s several MEPs here in the Ohio area. So yeah, being on on these webinars that I’ve been, you know, graciously invited to be on with IMEC and several others. It’s just been really fun to, you know, help teach what I’ve learned in the past 20 years of doing what I do, but also getting a lot of the feedback and some of the really good questions like Okay, Jeff, how, how can I implement this marketing strategy in our business? Because manufacturing is unique, right? It’s not a cookie cutter, one size fits all. It’s a very unique business. That’s, that’s unique individually as well. So I’ve been Yeah, blessed like you, curtain Daymond to be, you know, a part of the MEP network.

Curt Anderson  13:35

Yeah. So let’s go here. Mark, how are you? You’re back on line with us. You’re feeling good. You’re doing

Mark Denzler  13:40

i Everything is good. We’re still rolling. We’re rocking,

Jeff Long  13:43

rolling.

Curt Anderson  13:44

So let’s, I’m going to chime in to my previous question. So community man, like, you know, community is so critical. And I believe, you know, like, part of your mission. One of the big things about the Illinois Manufacturers Association is education. Can you talk about, like how important it is, you know, building that community, like Dave just said, like, you know, manufacturers, they’re tired, man, it’s lonely. They’re in the trenches all day. How important is it to be a part of an association like yours? We lose them again.

Mark Denzler  14:14

Yeah, in the value of an association. Yeah, the value of an association is we speak with one voice and you’re exactly right. But when you get and three quarters of our members are 250 or fewer and so you know that plant manager or that owner, that CFO sometimes they think they’re all by themselves and they’re the only company dealing with this problem. And so it’s helpful to them to other leaders in it share those experiences and then is an we’re a hand in glove with iMac when we get a small company or mid sized company, they’re struggling with a challenge. Guess what we’re used to Dave and I need to help them provide and find a solution and be successful. And, you know, at the end of the day, we want to grow manufacturers in Illinois Want to increase the number of jobs and capital investment. And that’s the importance of working with an association, the importance of working with your organization like I met. Yeah,

Curt Anderson  15:10

I love that. So Dave, let’s, let’s come back to my friends. So let’s talk about I want to I want to share with folks like the rest of the week that you’ve got going on. Again, I’ve dropped the schedule, in the the chat box, but you’ve mentioned Boeing, we’ve talked about some of the food products, you guys start up, you’re hitting universities, just share a little bit about like, what else is coming up, and I know you’re ending in Chicago. So what’s coming up the rest of the week.

David Boulay  15:34

All right, I’m gonna pick one of the marquee pick one, what I’m looking forward to, because I’ve been there, it’s a company called Frydenberg. And they make brooms. And the reason I really enjoy this company, think of grooming and mops and other things, that they are on an amazing journey of reshoring 100%, to the United States to Aurora, Illinois, because of the workforce because of their investment automation. And it’s just an incredible story. Again, I’ve been able to visit there and see that, and I think it’s gonna just highlight the realities of what is going on in manufacturing and reshoring. So, you know, I would obviously say the breweries and distilleries will be my favorite places. But I figure out this go with a little reshoring story in the mixed Mark, what one would you pick?

Mark Denzler  16:24

Well, it’s kind of like picking your favorite child.

Damon Pistulka  16:29

Good point. Yeah, you’re free to say which one? Yeah. Weren’t you cutting out a little bit? Yeah.

Curt Anderson  16:37

And he might, he might have cut out. So Dave, let’s go here for a minute. So I’m looking at that Freudenberg right now. So they do household products, like brooms, and what have you what’s like, let’s go. Let’s talk about reshoring for a minute, okay. Like, you know, even pre COVID, you know, there was starting to be a little bit of momentum about like that, that manufacturing Renaissance United States and reshoring COVID. Just really, you know, you know, I’m sorry to say this, if there was a silver lining and COVID at all, it really showed how important that supply chain is, in China, you know, be focused on that. Talk a little bit about like, from your perspective, that iMac like onshoring, reshoring, the Renaissance? What’s it look like, from your perspective?

David Boulay  17:19

You know, I was hearing about reshoring for like, a decade, but I never saw it. Like I was like, Okay, where is it? Like I walk into plants and not really see it, to your point about the pandemic. And then let’s layer on the geopolitics of today. And I am walking into facilities and I’m sitting and it’s really like, No, we’ve already reshot it like it is happening, we are moving forward. And there’s so much conversation that that we’re doing, we launched a supply chain center, and that supply chain Center as part of the chips act to help really tighten up localized supply chains. And we have examples of companies coming in and saying, We want to localize our supply chain to a three hour radius of our site. And we want to work through in detail how that’s going to work. Sort of note that the realities are coming through on reshoring is, I think, an exciting time. There’s a lot of things to work through headaches to figure out Yeah, challenges. But I think we’ve got about an eight or 10 year window where manufacturing is going to completely reshape, and I think it’s gonna be incredibly exciting.

Damon Pistulka  18:21

Yeah, that, go ahead, the way that MEPs I think there’s one of the things I’ve heard when Carol’s talking about another MEPs, we talked about, about just getting all of our smaller manufacturers, listed with the M EPS, what do we make? What are we doing because it’s like Kurt, like you, you got to do is like to say, You got to stop being the best kept secret. And I think the MEPs are going to be the hub of every manufacturer that’s making anything in the United States so that we can restore because half the problem is who knows who makes roll pins within 50 miles of you, but it could be somebody right across town and you don’t even know about him, because it’s it’s 20 people that are sitting there knocking out the best ones in the world, and they’re just doing their thing, and they could be helping you and we don’t know that right now. And I think part of that is going to be awesome how the MEP s and put that together.

David Boulay  19:16

I think that’s that’s part of the story, David and the other part I’ll add is the helping the manufacturers prepare for the reshoring. So you know that that call it supplier development but the the ability to to bring in the automation to reskill to be prepared for whatever the opportunities are. I know Mark has helped champion some topics and areas as the automotive industry is transitioning to Eevee. And we’re working on helping suppliers start thinking through about the risk profile that brings for them. And then with that risk profile, what does it look like for your future and how can you adjust for example, simple example. Internal combustion engines right? They’re not in the electric vehicles. So as we think about making a part of an internal combustion engine, you’re gonna have to think about what the part might be like in the future because that part is probably going to decline over time. So, so I think that’s, that’s part of it is where are they? And how do we help elevate it and then help prepare and develop for, for the opportunities ahead.

Curt Anderson  20:18

Yeah, that’s fantastic. And Mark, how are we doing you back with us now?

Mark Denzler  20:22

I am good. I’m sorry, you’re to ask my favorite stop. And I said, it’s like your favorite child. You know, they all are. But, you know, we started As Dave said, at Boeing, and we had some great barbecue at 17 St. 40. Below Joe where they freeze the stuff at 320 below and liquid nitrogen so you know, the founder of Dippin Dots is created for Tableau Joey, stop the red no cream governance, but coming up line Electric is one electric school buses and electric trucks, Canadian company but their first US factories enjoyed Illinois 1400 workers and they’re gonna let us believe that David and I are gonna get to drive school buses and trucks that are all electric and and when you think of the technology and what manufacturers do, we only use the technology, we create the technology. And so, you know, to see electric battery technology in these huge buses and trucks ache is good.

Damon Pistulka  21:17

Yeah, totally cool. That’s really cool. How that’s going to change those industries. And you already see it like with with Amazon and some other companies really adopting the electric delivery vehicles. And Tesla with their their long range semis. It’s really promising. Yeah.

Curt Anderson  21:34

So they Let’s go here. So we always love to say in a program, you’re like, Hey, why are all the cool kids going into manufacturing? Is that our effect? Our dear friend, Nancy O’Leary, she’s like, Hey, what fantastic event she is a fierce advocate. Yeah, it’s a wonderful program this month, it’s called manufacturing Mavericks. GE is where they’re celebrating a Gen Z, or that’s choosing a career in manufacturing. And customer direct is like featuring and showcasing that young person every single day. She’s coming on the show three, two weeks, two weeks from today, we’re gonna be just highlighting a bunch of the folks that were on her program. Yeah, let’s go here. Like, you know, a lot of times we hear you know, boy, automation is going to take way manufacturing jobs, manufacturing is not, you know, dirty. This that’s the other thing. Why are all the cool kids? Or if they’re not, why should they be considering a career in manufacturing?

David Boulay  22:22

Look at where the jobs are going look at the type of jobs that are creating and part of my messaging on this on this tour. I’ve actually been pulling off of the ima 130 year tradition. And I talk about what what would have been like the skills that were needed 130 years ago, so we’re talking blacksmith arc writes Miller’s right, we’re talking about jobs that don’t exist today. In fact, there was no assembly line than when, when the IMS right, and then I talked about the jobs of today, you know, the quality technicians, the CNC operators. And then I mentioned the jobs that are coming, like very soon the energy storage technician, the digital manufacturing analysts, the additive manufacturing technician, the skills, the talents that are coming, that the opportunities that are there, this is perhaps the most exciting career to be in when you start thinking about how automation is layering in, in all of these, all of these companies that go into a doughnut manufacturing and one of the first things that I talk with the leadership about is how they’re investing in automation, I think gives you a hint, just how exciting the the opportunity and careers why the cool kids want to be there because automation and you can make donuts too.

Curt Anderson  23:34

Right? And Dave, you will be very positive. In fact, I need to cut off the clip and send it to you. So we had a fun interview on Friday celebrating Manufacturing Day with a client of IMEC and Jacqueline it was one of Jacqueline’s cologix of giving a big shout out to Jacqueline cologix out there. And it was one of her clients she works closely with and it’s advantage components and Juliet and just wonderful, wonderful manufacturer just you know, True Blue Illinois manufacturer founded in 1997 going on 2627 years. Kevin O’Sullivan great Irish guy and just we had a great conversation with Kevin and I asked Kevin Kevin, what inspired you or what was happening that that you that triggered I need help that I have to raise my hand and you pull an iMac in and dude you’ve got to listen to what we got. Jacqueline is Damon all three of us we got goosebumps just listening to it. And he was just like, I looked on the floor and I didn’t know what I was doing. And I’m paraphrasing and it was like I knew I had to raise my hand I needed help your team came in it was in this was like what they did like nine years ago or 10 years Oh

Damon Pistulka  24:39

yeah, it was a long time ago they started helping they’ve continued on with different things it’s so cool

Curt Anderson  24:44

and kept coming back so just you know talk about that opportunity for a manufacturer like you know this was an example of this guy needed help just can you just in your you’re sharing all these wonderful stories give us some examples are like can you just dig into like when you guys come in what that looks like Helping that manufacturer?

David Boulay  25:03

Yeah. And I’ll build off something I said earlier, you know, the team that we have, like Jacqueline and others, then they’re done that right, that empathy plays out. So when we get those kinds of calls that I’m not sure where to turn, where do I get the expertise? I’ve got a busy work week, and what do I get? How am I gonna get it all done, that our ability to sit in and have that conversation, I think is, again, step one to our work. But to take a company like advantage. The other part that I really admire, and I think is vital from an MEP standpoint, is we do it in a way that we transfer the knowledge, so we’re no longer needed. So you have a nine year relationship with a company. But I will tell you today, the things we’re working on with advantage are not the things we were working on nine years ago, right. But the things that we were working on nine years ago, they’ve instilled in their culture, they’ve instilled in their work class practices, it’s been quite a few years since I’ve been there, probably need to get back and visit but to see at that transfer of knowledge, making sure that it stays with the company so that we can move on to the next thing, because as you know, there’s so much going on with small businesses and then the needs that we can’t just stay focused on the same thing. We’ve got to make sure we’re bringing the next solution so the company can be competitive, be successful. Yeah,

Curt Anderson  26:19

I have to love that in the code. And in you’ll love this. They had three folks it was the owner and sales manager and marketing manager, the marketing manager was in a different position. She’d been with the company for nine years young woman, and she’s building her career at a small manufacturer. And she got promoted to the marketing manager in seven months ago. And so now she’s been rocking it. Jacqueline is by her side. Exactly. As you’re describing. You guys started with Leanne. You’ve come in and help multiple different ways over nine years. And now you’re helping from a marketing standpoint, it was just it just so awesome. And they were just singing your praises. Mark, let’s come back to you my friend. 100. So this company that we’re talking about 27 years, 130 years Illinois Manufacturers Association. Amazing. First off, you look fantastic for 130 year, yes. You look amazing. How what do you contribute to your what do you contribute to your success? What do you what do you contribute? Well,

Mark Denzler  27:15

when I started with it, it was fun hanging out with Well, I it was really fun hanging out with Abe Lincoln about a while back to I think it is, you

Curt Anderson  27:31

know, it’s like a cliffhanger, you know, leaves us right there. You got to come back and hang out. Right, so yeah, maybe we’ll come back. Alright, man, I’d like it just as soon as we ask him a question is when he cuts Yeah, that’s not gonna wait. We’re gonna hit him as soon. We’re gonna hit him right away. Yeah, he

David Boulay  27:48

starts with that. Perfect, perfect comment that he has the Mic drop. Yeah. Yeah, he’s

Damon Pistulka  27:55

he’s got it down.

Curt Anderson  27:56

Got it any just anything. He just vanishes Dave Let’s go here. I’m gonna give a shout out for any of our friends listening to you know, I’m saying this man from bottom my heart. I just, I love your team. I’ve built wonderful relationships. Just had a great call with Melissa verbal this morning. We mentioned Jacqueline Melissa Basa. Raisa gyno, Stacy Jordan, Cameron, Eric, John Zara. Who Godfrey Cassie, Noah. I met Michelle Fossett, man, I can’t forget, Michelle, Mary, Amanda Christie, John’s we could go on and on and on. Please forgive me if I’m leaving anybody out. They’ve just how have you put together just this really all star? They’re just so passionate for helping manufacturers? How have you? How have you put this team together?

David Boulay  28:41

Yeah, thank you, Curtis. It is an amazing team. And I feel spoiled each and every day, you know, 55 people or so that are tied to our mission. And I strongly believe that the reason that we’ve built this team is the way we focus on our core values. And we start with hiring to our core values. We focus on everything that’s passionate in the mission. Right? That’s number one. If he can’t get past that, one, you’re not even getting into the second interview, that we look at collaboration, we talked about integrity, we talked about learning all the features of our core values that I think just builds this energy around the team that in many ways I feel like they’re just unstoppable. Like I I see things going on like oh, wow, that’s really cool. Didn’t see that going. And it’s because of the that team’s energy that’s that’s really exciting. But it starts higher to the core values that that’s number one.

Curt Anderson  29:36

There is a there’s there’s a man right there best team on the planet, Amanda Musgrave and I know, I’m sure I’m leaving some people out. So please forgive me. Anybody. I’m leaving now. Mark, we gotta get you on here. 130 years how to do it.

Mark Denzler  29:51

Yeah, Dave quit kicking me off the Wi Fi which I still have the spotlight back I think maybe factures want to work together and in Illinois has a proud manufacturing history of one of the largest manufacturing states in the country. And you know, in what one of the great things about lonely is how ima and I met work together. Not all states do this not all state associations and their MEPP work together. And so I think the fact that companies come to us looking for answers, we were really on policy and regulation focused in Springfield or Washington or locally. But when they come to us with a problem, we can find that solution, a lot of times it’s calling Dave and the great IMEC team for them to come in. And so I think we’ve survived because we have great products, we have great customer service. And again, experts that I met that we work together, so when they do have a problem, or they have a challenge, they know they’re not alone, and what can we do to help them and that’s what manufacturers do everyday for our country, right? They figure out a problem, whether it’s a new life saving medicine, or a new airplane or a new vehicle. And that’s what manufacturers do everyday. That’s what’s so cool about representing this sector, are seeing all the cool things, all the people that are so proud of what they do, and moving our nation forward. As I say manufacturing makes the world a better place to live every single day. And we get we’re so blessed all of us on this call, we get to see that every day when we go into manufacturing facilities and and see all the cool technologies and new stuff that allows us at least sometimes to do a zoom or do a live feed on a bus rolling down the interstate. And most of the time it works if they would stop kicking me off.

Curt Anderson  31:33

Well, I love hate since it’s working right now. Let’s stick with you for sticking with your for a minute, Dave. So I 130 years absolute love it 4000 manufacturers at Illinois Manufacturers Association. Boy, that is nothing. That is a massive accomplishment. I mean, I don’t know if you ever take you know, stop and pause and pat yourself on the back. You know, how do you keep you know, your foot on the pedal? How do you stop? You know, never be complacent? How do you maintain that that level of trust and confidence in 4000 members for that, that that length of time,

Mark Denzler  32:05

you know, we are very blessed that our retention rates 97%, the association average is 88%. And so we if you provide valuable information, email, communications, seminars, programs, and you get results. So new manufacturing academies, your idea of the IMA initiated we got past Illinois or apprenticeship programs. And so they see the value because look, association sell blue sky and manually on your car or baseball bat, I’m selling you services. And so we have a great team. And we’re in manufacturing facility every day, but you have to provide that value. And so tours like makers on the move, we run a great program called makers madness, the coolest thing, then Illinois, we get 300,000 votes a year to determine the coolest thing they know and the way we’ve now done that four years in a row. And so manufacturers see us out advocating where the front lines where the point of the sphere. And we’re standing side by side with Dave and his team and other great associations and companies in the state. And look, we all want to succeed Elon really has a lot of great attributes going. But we want to be the best state to manufacture in the United States. And I think we’re well on our way there.

Curt Anderson  33:12

Well, I love the passion. And earlier you mentioned a teammate of yours, Sarah, I know like I believe her title is like education was right in her title. So what I’m hearing is like that education piece and like trying to stay in the forefront. How do you how do you as I lost him? I’ll save that question. Dave, I’ll come back to you. So I have the honor and privilege working with Jordan and Cameron and your market and Eric and Christina marketing team on providing webinars with guys like Damon, Jeff Long, Wesley and who you met Nicole, all sorts of other folks. How do you guys stay on the cutting edge of like providing those education pieces? Or like, you know, how do you stay in the know of like, what are the manufacturers long for what do they need today? To help them stay innovative and ahead of the curve?

David Boulay  33:54

Listen, you know, first of all, listen to the manufacturers, right? They will guide us if we listen, right and really hearing so don’t be the hammer looking for the nail. But listen, and then and I think the team just does a phenomenal job of of that listening. And then from that, building out the expertise. So we’re not trying to say we don’t know all the answers, right? We as the IMEC team, that’s why we partner with folks like yourself and others, because we know the expertise is out there and let’s just get the right result for the right people. I think that’s that’s vital. So as we look at, you know, what’s coming, these the skills of the future and so on, I know the team is working on, we help develop the talent skills or the resources and tools for the skills of the future and that’s part of it comes right back to it starts with listening, listening to where the needs are, listen to where the gaps are. From that start asking the questions. Another one I’ll mention is ESG. As a topic, environment, social governance, we’re hearing more and more about that and the teams working on it. So okay, How do we make that relevant for small mid sized manufacturers? And so that’s the, again the talent of the team doing it’s doing it’s great work.

Curt Anderson  35:09

Yeah, I love Mark, we were just talking about the team. And I believe Sarah is on your team and written her title is education. How do you guys stay on the forefront cutting edge of like education, innovation, you know, having those topics that that your that your membership wants to hear and stay on the cutting edge?

Mark Denzler  35:26

I tell you, that’s the most important thing. We hear it from manufacturers, large and small is workforce development, finding skilled workers. You know, when my dad worked, the old stately manufacturing company indicator and the skills that you need today are far different. And so I think, as Dave said, Listen, what do they need? And how can we meet that when you talk to enough companies, you figure out trends, and you figure out where they’re going, you know, and there’s Dave says the skills needed 130 years ago, when we were founded are far different today. And, and we’re really trying to figure out what the job skills are in five years, because we’re advancing so quickly. But when you’re in factories every day and facilities like Dave’s team is and the IMA team is, then you kind of figure out where they’re going, and you help them get there. And as you said, we don’t have all the answers. But some of the crazy cool stuff, tcci indicator, for example, they’re partnering with Richland Community College, they’re building a climactic center, but they’re bringing the college in and creating a workforce base for the college in their facility. And that’s a model that really hasn’t been tried elsewhere. And, and we see that around the state where manufacturers are really doing some innovative things when it comes to education of workforce. And we have a community college president on a board because the importance of that relationship. And so again, workers and kids can get a high school today, they probably need a little additional training, don’t always need a four year degree, but but we listen to what their needs are. And we help them find solutions. And the IMA and IMEC are both part of that.

Curt Anderson  36:54

That’s fantastic. We hear time and time again, Damon on the show where people are given I think Nancy gave us some examples we had, we’ve had multiple guests on the program from MEPs. Talking about you know, like, you know, kids, you know, college aged kids high school, you know, in getting earning a trade and picking up a six figure opportunity where they don’t have to have you know, we’re not discouraging anybody from getting a four year degree. But you know, if you’re a little bit challenged on you know, like, Hey, do I want to walk out with hundreds of 1000s of dollars in debt? Or can I start my career, you know, there, there’s great options here. So,

Mark Denzler  37:25

let me get let me give you two quick stories real, please. We just left Reynolds there was a lady there and talked about how the company paid for her to go back to get her associate’s degree. Now our veteran, her son is a disabled veteran, came back and wanted a job. He now works at Reynolds. And one of the facilities we’re going to employ, they primarily use disabled workers. Last year, we were making resources in the care, they make all the states license plates for one or two states where inmates don’t make them, but 80% of their workers are disabled. And so that’s the promise of manufacturing. You can be the young person, the returning veteran that ex offenders, someone who has a disability, there’s a place for you in manufacturing.

Curt Anderson  38:09

Dude, that’s a drop the mic right there, man, there was a place for you in manufacturing, and that you know what? That’s who we interviewed somebody and we’re like, you know, like, So Mark, we’re always promoting like, you know, women and manufacturing, diversity manufacturing, we had somebody on the program that said, you know, what, it’s not women manufacturing, it’s not diversity, manufacturing. It’s everybody is in maybe I could go into manufacturing, there’s something for everyone. And you know, I know working with MEPs, they’re helping with ERP systems. Dave, you mentioned additive manufacturing, automation. We’ve talked about marketing. You know, we talked about that a lot on our show lean operation, excellence, leadership, there’s so many aspects that people can come in and just elevate their careers. It’s just so exciting with this renaissance in this renovation. Jeff long enough. Let’s get you back in the program. Any takeaways, thoughts? What’s going through your mind here and everything on the bus today?

Jeff Long  39:01

Yeah, I mean, I love this. This is so exciting. And it’s really interesting. I just finished a 25 hour audio book on the city of Chicago, like the start of it. Like I feel, I don’t know, like an adopted Chicago and after reading that book, and just hearing the stories of manufacturing it and seeing how far it’s come in so many ways. So I’m just curious, obviously, you know, everybody knows Chicago, but like, talk about some other pockets of industry in the state that, that maybe people aren’t aware of whether it’s certain towns or cities that are doing some pretty remarkable things. Besides the obvious, Chicago?

39:41

Yeah, great question.

David Boulay  39:43

I’ll start us off, Mark. I’ll go ahead. No,

Mark Denzler  39:47

I’ll throw really quickly too. So Lake County, north of Chicago has a huge biopharmaceutical sector. And so companies like Abbott NaVi, they’re large, but they’ve really created a cluster around that and then second and will be there Tomorrow, I think or Wednesday is Rockford and the aerospace sector that is growing up. There are both very crazy, cool stuff that’s been made life saving products, you know, products that provide for our nation’s defense. So both of those communities and in my hometown in Decatur as well, huge agricultural, food and processing manufacturing. Sorry, Dave, back to you.

David Boulay  40:23

It really just building on what Mark is saying. It takes Cook County, like Chicago Cook County area, and over 5000 6000 manufacturers, it’s a massive manufacturing County. It’s got the zip code of Elk Grove village, one of the most it manufacturing zip codes in the United States. And then you go to these rural communities, and the locally owned small manufacturers, the mellow creams, the others that are the bedrocks of these communities, you know what I really enjoy about manufacturing Illinois, we have all of that Mark highlighted some examples of these communities. And even going up I think of a place like Nikolas, I don’t know how many people live in the Comis mark, but a couple 100. And there’s one or two manufacturers there that are the lifeblood of that economy. And it’s it’s it’s that kind of breadth and depth of manufacturing that we have in Illinois. That’s just exciting. Yeah,

Curt Anderson  41:20

this is phenomenal. And that’s the thing is manufacturers are truly the heroes of our economy. They’re the backbone. And so Jeff, that was a fantastic question. I love that. And so, you know, you have the clusters of the urban areas, but when you do get those smaller rural areas, I mean, that might be you know, the main employer for that community. And the cool thing is like this manufacturer, you know, when you when you strip it down, it’s like, they’re not just providing jobs. These are families, these are soccer lessons and piano lessons, and like graduations and weddings, and like it’s, you know, building a whole community. And that’s what we’ve been really the theme. Mark has been tumbled, like, you know, what a great job I’m not familiar with. And I have a really dumb ignorant question. Like, I’m just so blown away by the success of the IMA. Like, I know, there’s a lot of like, regional manufacturers associations are there, like most states have like a full state, right? I know, like here in New York, like it’s very divided up, the most states have like a full statewide Manufacturers Association like Illinois,

Mark Denzler  42:19

it’s really a split. So particularly the industrial Midwest, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan do. Some are just chambers of commerce, so New York, for example, or Florida or California. So it’s a mix, but even states that have just a chamber of commerce like Minnesota or Wisconsin, they have a manufacturing vertical within their Chamber of Commerce, you know, because of the importance and again, particularly in the industrial Midwest, you know, where I think in the, in our neighbor to the east a 27% of their economy’s manufacturing, they’re the single highest percentage, while we have a bigger output here, and we’re obviously better than Indiana, and we all know that. I’m gonna make sure you send that to my buddy Brian, but But you know, and then we work together because a lot of these manufacturers in these ecosystems are regional, as we know, you know, and so when we’re gonna get the new battery factory coming in Kankakee, they’re gonna have suppliers from across the Midwest. And you see that whether you’re aerospace or auto, you know, these supply chains don’t exist solely within one state. And so they are regional and national in nature.

Curt Anderson  43:24

Right. All right. Fantastic. All right. Damon, I told you this program. Just only thing better if we were on the bus, eat on the other stuff. So Dave wants to get together. Next time. Dave will start. I’m going to be mindful of your time. I know you’ve got both busload of people that are waiting for your attention and more manufacturers. Again, guys. We’re here with Dave belay. Dr. DE belay from IMAX. That’s an Illinois manufacturing extension partnerships. We have Mark denzler, from ima, that’s an Illinois Manufacturers Association. They are just doing an amazing PR tour, just bringing shining a bright light and just the awesomeness of manufacturing here, not just for the state of Illinois, nationwide. And so, you know, first off we congratulate you guys we commend you guys, you’re away from your families. And so this you know, and I know I won’t use the word sacrifice, but we appreciate your hard work and dedication, you know, for this wonderful program. Now you mark you mentioned some of the places you’re going to so I’ve got you’ve got you’re going to Rockford Lake Zurich. Looks like you’re going to rora you’re ending up. That’s got coal city oak Oak Grove. Dave, you just mentioned that so a lot more. A lot more on the horizon. You guys gonna be posting all over on social Dave let’s go here as we start winding down. What are you? This might be the dumbest question of the day. Why are you so excited about manufacturing moving forward? What are you looking forward to on your end? Now we got Mark. Hey, Mark. Did I say Dave? I’m gonna say Mark Mark. Yeah. Okay, Mark, what are you looking forward to, with manufacturing moving forward?

Mark Denzler  45:01

Well, again, the promise of manufacturing what it means for America, what it means for Illinois and what it means for families that are in manufacturing. You know, I’m so proud to represent this sector Davis as well and, and to see the cool innovations. When you think of Illinois again, a proud state that you know, the red Salvation Army kettles are made here at White House, China, NFL football helmets, baseball, bats, automobiles, airplanes, and to see what that next generation is going to be in, you know, products that we don’t even imagine it you know, when the IMA was founded, right, we didn’t have space travel, we didn’t have airplane travel, and how fast this technology is moving forward. It’s just so impressive to see the men and women and the cool things they make. And this is fun, we do it in a fun way. And again, appreciate the opportunity to talk to all of you today. And again, makers on the move.org folks that are out there, and I know thank you for publishing stuff, these events, these are open to the public good reception and night or we do have breakfast in the morning. We’d love to see all of you out here on the tour. And we’ll see you guys next year actually on the bus. It sounds like Yeah,

Curt Anderson  46:08

absolutely. So Dave, welcome back, my friend. So again, Mike, Matt, might be a bad dumb question on my part. But what are you so excited? What is just super exciting on the horizon? For you, for US manufacturing, what are you super fired up about?

David Boulay  46:24

This is a game changing decade. I mentioned that earlier. You know what is going on with manufacturing, here is another moment, right? And you can look at moments of time and manufacturing. This is what the reshoring what’s going on with automation, what’s going on with, with skills, workforce skills, and in my personal passion. So I grew up in a family owned business, I had the opportunity to work started some large food companies. And I got to see not good or bad, just the differences of what the large companies bring and what the small companies bring. So our mission, that MVP mission, being able to bring that that expertise to the table for the small company so that they can be a part of this change, be really embracing what’s happening. That’s the stuff that gets me going waking me up every day and in wanting to just make that big difference in this tour. This is like it’s tiring, like no doubt by Friday evening, Mark will have had enough of me on the bus and I’ll be sitting at home by myself with a martini. But it is energizing. This is an energizing week by all accounts and just really enjoying every moment of it.

Curt Anderson  47:30

I love it. And in today, let’s see you guys are on your way here. You’re going you’re on your way to Peoria right now. Is that right? Yep, that’s right. Yep. So yeah. Fury of production solutions, and then you’re hitting the Rust Belt in East Moline. And so just super exciting. All right, let’s do this. Guys. I’ve got one last question for you. And you guys sitting down. Are you ready for this one, Damon? I’m going there. You guys, you guys. Oh, yeah. Yeah, if you’re from the great state of Illinois, you guys, you’re in the league of your own, by the way. So baseball fans are you guys baseball fans by any chance? Mark you baseball fan? Yeah. Okay, are you? Yes, thank you. Cago. Southside Chicago St. Louis. I know you got like three teams that you might root for if you’re in the state of Illinois. Who are you rooting for?

Mark Denzler  48:15

Well, actually my three curveball, I’m a Kansas City Royals fan.

Curt Anderson  48:21

Hey, that’s okay. Good for you, man. George brat. Right. Dr. DE belay. George Brett’s my all time favorite player by George Brett while they blaze in New York guy. So Dave, where are you coming? We’re Do you have a team? Do you have any loyalty anywhere? What do you got there?

David Boulay  48:35

You know, given this year, I hope Mark kicks me off the Wi Fi just as I give you my answer. But I’d say I’m a Yankees guy. You’re a big Yankees fan?

Curt Anderson  48:44

Well, I you know, I’m really good with your brother. So let’s, let’s go here, guys. All right, it’s 1978. And the Yankees are playing Kansas City Royals in a playoff game. And I think George Brett might have a babble little tyrant, right? Just I’m just kidding, Mark. I’m just kidding. I’m just kidding. So, Mark, I’m going to start with you. I’m gonna start with Mark. All right. So Mark, let’s pretend all right. So the Kansas City Royals are playing the Yankees. It’s a bottom of the ninth home game. It’s bottom of the ninth. And let’s see well who? Frank White the second baseman. Do I have that one? Right Frank White. The second case of the Royals is on second base. It’s a bottom of night. There’s two outs Frank White is on is on second base. Okay. Now I can’t remember the manager. The manager looks down the bench and says Hey denzler Hit up to the plate in hitting this winning run dude, like I’ve got dinner reservations. We need this game to end can you please walk up to the plate? Hidden Frank White so we get the winning run it okay, you’re with me? Yep. As Mark denzler grabs the bat, not George brats. Another bat grabs a bat and walks up to the plate to hit me that when he run. What is your walk up song? Well,

Mark Denzler  49:58

first, first, I’m gonna drag First I’m going to grab a junior bat that is made in Southern Illinois. Right, there you go. Right, right. Right. And then probably bad to the bone.

Curt Anderson  50:12

A little George Thorogood that’s right that’s uh yeah. So they bleh I’m you know, we’ll say Willie Randolph is on second it’s a bottom of the nine and they’re like we can’t have Greg knuckles come up and hit the hit the ball we need the blade to come up and hit the ball. The blade What is your walk up song and that’s in that scenario please

David Boulay  50:33

wow and I’ve even had some time to prep it I’m I’m not going with like Islands in the Stream or anything like that. I’m not allowed to get back to you on this one.

Curt Anderson  50:44

Yeah, let us know.

Mark Denzler  50:48

If they’re playing the Royals it’s probably another one bites the dust.

Damon Pistulka  50:53

Yeah, there you go.

Curt Anderson  50:55

So well that you read my mind because Dave  we had your friends with Carroll Thomas. We had Carol on the program Friday we asked Carroll Thomas what a what a gem. She’s a treasure. And we asked her the exact same question and she’s a Yankee fan as well. And she said Queen We are the champions right.

Damon Pistulka  51:15

Without a hesitation

Curt Anderson  51:17

without even blinking the queen in what was Kevin at advantage I think he Led Zeppelin song so anyway,

Mark Denzler  51:25

I just helped Don denka Jers the umpire at first base during

Curt Anderson  51:31

while perfect man so those those were heated battles back in that back Alright, so let’s let’s go here so guys, thank you in Martha your Wi Fi is working perfect dude.

Mark Denzler  51:42

It is absolutely you know finally I had to get Dave and tell them to be nice. Yeah, so we’re rocking and rolling.

Curt Anderson  51:48

Well Well first off so Damon takeaways thoughts your takeaway from this wonderful tour today?

Damon Pistulka  51:54

I just think it’s so awesome that you guys are out there doing that visiting those manufacturers listening to the stories letting people sign the bus doing what you’re doing from the Illinois Manufacturers Association and iMac the MEP partnership in Illinois there it’s just so great that you’re out there to be able to drive what the heck is that Dave You got to drive 2500 miles or something like that around Illinois and and see all these places and meet all these people and share the message and that huge billboard you got rolling down the road so cool.

Curt Anderson  52:24

Awesome Jeff. Jeff Long takeaways dots What are your what’s your takeaway from today?

Jeff Long  52:29

Yeah, I mean, I just hate to say it It warms my heart to see the momentum and the excitement and it makes me you know, when I focused on working with manufacturers exclusively several years ago it was because of this right the momentum the excitement, the people right there’s there’s lots of industries lots of different things but like manufacturing there’s something special about it. And I love the creativity of this bus tour first of all, and that you’re bringing you know added exposure to these big companies small companies and everywhere in between especially in your state.

Curt Anderson  53:02

Yeah, everywhere in between I absolutely love it then guys if you look at the Tour they’re they’re covering from the whole state and that is one big state. Mark any last words of wisdom any parting thoughts? Anything that you want to share with folks today?

Mark Denzler  53:16

It is is a would just say is David echo into manufacturing supercycle I’m excited to see what’s gonna happen and come out and follow us on social media come out to a stop and we think all the main you first think of all you guys but you know, think think the manufacturers its manufacturing month and again, everything they do is amazing. And we’re just look forward to keep rolling across the state

Curt Anderson  53:39

next few days. Yeah. And hey, and we’ve got some Diane’s dropping some great comments here manufacturing moving forward, she says possibilities and solutions what future generations will make in manufacturing. Jason says, hey, it’s been a fun conversation. Thank you. MEPS rock. So on that note, Dave belay, any parting words, words of wisdom, anything that you want to share with folks on just why manufacturing is so awesome.

David Boulay  54:04

So I want to turn it back, get the mirror facing you, guys. Thank you for all you do. You are true champions of associations, MVPs manufacturers, you’re out there doing great work with the companies. And part of the story is lack of a better word. It’s the ecosystem, right? It’s all of the players coming together. So thank you for what you’re doing. And thank you for taking the time to to allow us to be on this with you. And I’ll end with actually it was a it’s the quote from one of the speakers at the Reynold stop that we just had, she just said it perfectly. Manufacturing is opportunity. And I think Mike drop with that. That is a perfect phrase and what this is all about,

Curt Anderson  54:45

hey, well, you know what, we’ll just end right on that manufacturing is opportunity. So guys, thank you for everybody out there. Join us today. Thank you for catching us. If you miss anything, boy go back and hit the rewind button. We had a wonderful dynamic conversation Jump on the bus. If you’re in the state of Illinois, check out the Illinois Manufacturers Association. And boy, if you’re one of the few manufacturers that are not part of the association, you want to reach out to Mark and his team and get on board. If you are a manufacturer in Illinois and you’re like, boy, I could I’m raising my hand I could do some help. Reach out to Dave belay. Manda was on here. They have 55, strong, go to the IMEC website. They do all sorts of incredible, wonderful programming, education, webinars, you name it, they’ve got it. And so guys, thank you big round of applause. Hey, let’s give a big round of applause to the guys on the bus. Magical Mystery Tour. So, yeah, alright guys, we’re gonna wind down. We appreciate it. We’re just we’re celebrating manufacturing all month and our little program here today. So get out there and like, like these guys said, Just go out. And you know what, give a manufacturer big high five, give them a little fist bump and just tell them that they’re doing an awesome job. Tell them how wonderful that they are. And boy follow iMac and Ima on this bus tour today. So I guess we will be back here on Friday. We wish you just an amazing week. And we’d like to close out with this just be someone’s inspiration just like these two handsome guys below us here. Be inspiring. And man, you’re making the world a better place. So Mark and David, hang out with us for one second, and we will see you guys soon. Thank you, Damon. Thank you, Jeff for joining us today.