Monday Manufacturing Motivation – with Jani Hatchett

Curt Anderson  0:00

Wow, here we go. And 2022 Damon, Happy New Year brother. How are you doing there?

Damon Pistulka  0:06

Do you Kurt?

Curt Anderson  0:08

Man it’s like two weeks. It feels like it was just yesterday. You will we close out the year we had Dr. Mom on our program Dr. Messina just at Morehouse. Morehouse College had a wonderful program. Holiday holidays. Just fly by like that. And here we are. Happy New Year. Happy New Year, everybody. God bless you hope you had an amazing, incredible holiday season. And welcome to 2022 I want to introduce you guys to my dear friend, Jani Hatchett, Jani Good morning apps. It’s afternoon. Happy New Year. How are you today?

Jani Hatchett  0:40

I’m doing fantastic. Happy New Year. I hope you had a fun, wonderful holiday season both you. And Damon. I’m really thankful that you have me on here this morning. So I actually I keep saying morning as well. But it just did take.

Damon Pistulka  0:54

It’s morning for me. So it all works.

Curt Anderson  0:56

Feels like morning. So yes, here we are January 3 already. So we’re already I just feel like 2021 just just got started. And now we’re already in the 2022. And we are super excited. We are thrilled to dig deep into this topic. And Jenny, if I look over your little shoulder there, you have this wonderful sign, man. We’re just we’re giving away money for 2022. So you’re with the GL, the Great Lakes tech program. Okay, what I’d like to do is just let’s do a quick intro on what the tech program is just super quick. I’m going to talk we’re going to talk about you. It’s all about you today. Don’t deep dive into the program. But just to enlighten everybody. What is the tech program?

Jani Hatchett  1:36

The tech program? Well, it is a we are the Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center. We are one of 11 centers across the nation that support the TAF funding, trade adjustment assistance for firms funding and what that is, and kind of like, you know, I know you started with a drumroll $75,000. Let’s just start there. Why do you want to contact me?

Curt Anderson  2:01

That’s right, just if you weren’t if anybody out there wants a free free gift of $75,000. For manufacturers, we’re going to get into that. But you need to contact Jenny and Jenny, like you said, there’s 11 centers throughout the country, we’ve had our dear friend Tressa Stockton boy, we’d love to dress up. He represents New York and New Jersey and Puerto Rico, we have friends at the Northwest tack with Patrick and David. And there’s all sorts of individuals throughout the country. And the great thing that I found with working with or collaborating with different tack programs is just that unapologetic, just enthusiasm and passion for helping manufacturers and when you’re taglines I love if you’ve been import injured. And so we’re gonna dig into that. But before we get there, you know, Dave, and I love supporting promoting women in manufacturing like yourselves like yourself. We are proud girl dads, and you’re such an inspiration with your career, your background and how you got here. Sure, a little bit like why manufacturing, how did you get here with your career?

Jani Hatchett  3:02

I think that’s a fantastic question, Kurt. And I want to just really kind of talk I grew up in manufacturing, I grew up, I grew up with a lot of tinkerers, a lot of people that were that were doing tool and die. And, you know, I grew up around machines. So I had this background that really supports this, this drive and determination to really help the people that are in the companies to really support the companies so that they can thrive and allow the people that work there to continue to work there to continue to to strike out with new innovation and, and new collaborations in a way that that they may not have seen prior to utilizing these funds.

Curt Anderson  3:46

Yeah, that is fantastic. So let’s, so you’re in Arbor, Michigan, so just a little bit. So you know, you’re grew up around, you know, the great thing about manufacture is just that creativity, the innovation, you know, just the ability to solve problems. Right. So you go off to college, you went to UNM go blue, and so after graduate from college, sure, little bit about your background. I know you’ve been in finance consultant, reputation reputation management program, I believe it’s about your product, your your background there and how you got here.

Jani Hatchett  4:17

Well, you know, I have entrepreneurship in my blood. It is unplaced that I started with starting out companies and have have sold them and moved on to more of a consulting relationship with environmental consulting and, and and working individually to support the whatever the company’s surtax strategic propositions are. And so when I got into this position at the TAC, it really did bring to life these pieces of me that were so important and to to manufacturing to understand, like the background that I had, and The the passion and determination to help companies stay afloat to see around the corners to help them look because in the truth is when I came to the TAC I work with an amazing team. Yeah, their knowledge, their experience, they are experts in their field, they have been consulting for manufacturers, I was doing environmental consulting, they’ve been boots on the ground for doing Lean Manufacturing and, and have so much knowledge on how to to really help a company become more competitive, how to help them become more innovative and competitive. And I either locally, statewide globally, it really supporting them in all ways.

Curt Anderson  5:47

That is absolutely phenomenal. So So again, if you’re just joining us Janee hatchet with TAC, and it’s a trade assistant agreement Center Drive, that

Jani Hatchett  5:57

it’s the it’s the trade.

Curt Anderson  5:59

I’ve dyslexia, I’m sorry, Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, the tech the tech program, you’re at University of Michigan, now you represent Indiana, Ohio, in the state of Michigan. And again, if somebody is coming from outside those states, there’s a tech program near you represents regionally in different centers. So talk a little bit about let’s let’s let’s, let’s just roll up our sleeves and dig right in man 2022. We’re not going to monkey around we’re going to plow right in Janee $75,000. So if I’m a manufacturer, just you know, man, you kind of you, you got my attention with that. Talk a little bit about how does this program work? And how do you actually help manufacturers with this funding? Where does this money come from?

Jani Hatchett  6:41

Love that question. So it’s through the Department of Commerce and fun, it’s funded through the Department of Commerce, and then ran through the economic, the EDA, the Economic Development Administration. Okay, so let’s just make sure we talk with $75,000 in CO funding, which means you come with a project, you pay for 50%. And that our tack will pay the other 50%. And we will talk about how that sort of pieces itself out as we go. But the program is of a co funding program. But you in order to get into the program, you need to meet three criteria. And I just want to spend a few moments to say, Yeah, before we get into the criteria, do not self select yourself out be like, Oh, that doesn’t we don’t we know, we don’t, that won’t work for us get a hold of me, we have ways of looking at the data that you supply me with, to see what actually works. So, so keep an open mind here. Okay, you need to be down 5% employment 5% in revenue over some specific period of time. And there’s flexibility and what we look at with that. And then we need to prove direct import impact. And we do that really easily. And I walk you through emails for that and how and how what that looks like, right, take your hand, that is

Curt Anderson  8:04

phenomenal. So with your expertise, like you said, You’re the guide, you hold her hand you have there for manufacturers, companies that have been import injured by other countries that have you know, whatever they have, you know, you’ve been placed at a competitive disadvantage. And so let’s go back in time, a little bit Janee like we’re so again, I’m a manufacturer, I’m out there, you’ve kind of caught my attention you I’m perked up on this Monday afternoon, first thing first Monday of the year, and I’m hearing blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah $75,000. Right. This to my understanding this program has been around for not as old as me, but for quite a few years came around in the 70s. A little bit about like the background in the history of the program on how this was founded?

Jani Hatchett  8:48

Um, absolutely. Well, it’s, it’s, you know, the flexibility of the 70s come into coming into play. So, the program came in into existence in 1974 and has been around and is re re kind of germinated revamped every five years. Wow. So it’s, it’s been around for a really long time in the interesting part. I always think this is so interesting is nobody knows about this program. Yeah,

Damon Pistulka  9:18

yeah, that’s the best program nobody knows about it

Curt Anderson  9:21

ever, ever. Every person I talked to like a we’re the best kept secret and they’re like, well, that’s our goal is like we need to have this stop being the best kept secret and manufacturers know that this program is available as applicable and is for your use to help you know again, if and it’s hard to imagine many manufacturers that have not been negatively impacted in one way or another by

Jani Hatchett  9:44

our attract our director is Scott Jacobs. He’s been with a program for over 20 years. And you know, I always hear him say, you know, if you’re a manufacturer, you’ve been important package. You may not know about it, but yeah, would be a call and let me help you figured that out? Let me help

Curt Anderson  10:01

you figure Exactly. So get so programs been around for years funded by federal dollars, these are your tax dollars at work. And again, to help manufacturers dig into these into new opportunities, you share some of the benchmarks or the criteria that you need to hit. Yep. What type of programs are applicable for this funding? So if I’m thinking, Man, I could buy some machinery, some equipment, I don’t think that’s the best fit, you want to help them with services to make them more competitive? Could you take a deep dive there for us?

Jani Hatchett  10:30

Absolutely. That’s, uh, that it feels like you just set me up for what I want to make sure that we talk

Curt Anderson  10:35

about, we’re gonna stop today. Yeah.

Jani Hatchett  10:38

How do you how do you utilize these funds? Like how, how would I actually spend this money. So once you’re certified in the program, and there’s no fees to apply for the program, and there’s minimal fees once you’re in the program, and we can talk about that in a little bit. But what I want to say is, you bring a consultant or service provider, to a project, you define a project, you would be doing things that, that like lean manufacturing, we can do everything, almost everything under the sun, except pay for day to day business operations or capital expenditures. Those are the two things you can’t do. But you can look at your cost accounting, you can do training you can do, as I said, lean manufacturing, you can if you’re looking to build a machine, we can’t pay for the build of the machine, but we can help pay for the engineering schematics to help make that Yeah. Yeah. So there’s a lot of flexibility in this program. Like I said, it’s Skepta 70. Flexibility of like, life is good. Let’s get this movement. Nice. Yeah, like

Curt Anderson  11:49

you said, some of these were a great time. Yeah. All right, David.

Damon Pistulka  11:55

Yeah, we’re on there a little bit anyway. But the What’s your right you know, when you look at some of these programs, you might need to do something with, with your sales and marketing systems that you use, but you need the the advisory work to help with that, or you’ve got to, you know, spend money on on some other kind of services around maybe your ERP or like you said, your accounting or lean manufacturing or safety or in today’s environment, recruiting and retention of employees. I mean, there’s so many things that you can do that or not a specific piece of equipment or system that you’re going to buy in,

Curt Anderson  12:30

and the throwing my shameless plug, we’re e Commerce Guys, we love working with folks and manufacturers in particular, on on E commerce. And so especially for any of you that you’re trying to create that competitive advantage for yourself, and, you know, make this digital transformation. If you were relying on trade shows, if you’re relying on old school, you know, that term that belly to belly sales reps, and you know, COVID really disrupted everything. And you’re like, man, what about this ecommerce thing? What about a more aggressive marketing initiative? How about a website needs some, you know, spicing up? So Jamie, let’s take let’s take it one step further. And happy new year to Ronnie to cater GAFA notes. Hello, this morning, guys. We have Jenny hatchet with us today out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, we’re talking about the tech program. So Jenny, let’s talk about Okay, so a manufacturer is like man Jani. This is music to my ears, I am perking up. I am fired up. I am excited in the need to collaborate with a consultant on this project. Let’s let’s go through that process the application process let’s what does that look like to folks?

Jani Hatchett  13:33

Absolutely. I think that’s a great question. So I always like to I always like to make sure that that I keep the manufacturers like this is not a Oh, you apply for it. The funds are available tomorrow. Yeah, this is we still want to think 70s Time to

Damon Pistulka  13:49

That’s good. That’s good. I like that

Jani Hatchett  13:52

70s freedom, but also 70s time we didn’t really have the internet done. We weren’t really doing stuff like at the speed of light. Yep, it does take a while to build up and we call it a petition. So we get it all the information from you. And we kind of say between four and six months before you’re able to really capture those funds and start to kick off projects. And it is a project by project base. How you pay for that. So what happens is how you actually I want to make sure because that was your question, right? How do you actually pay for it? If you would bring let’s say if you had if you had a you needed to do some recruitment. We and you have an idea of who you’d like to use. You. You bring that consultant to us. We handle all of the paperwork. You don’t have to even worry about the paperwork. We do the paperwork for you. We do the contracts we we don’t negotiate anything for you. But we and we do not. We don’t care what consultant you use as long as you begin to do projects and move things forward. So it is not in our hands. who use, the company gets to decide who they use, they bring the consultants, we execute a contract a three way contract within the University of Michigan, because that’s where we’re housed. The consultants and the company, everybody agrees on terms, we, we pay for 50%. Once the Once the project has been executed, and the company pays 50%. And it will consider it will continue in that cadence until all $75,000 is spent, or five years is complete, whichever comes first.

Curt Anderson  15:35

Right? This is fantastic. So a couple of things that I want to again, just put my son so I love, love your program. I love promoting it. So I’ve tried to throw in several manufacturers your way. Again, Happy New Year, James James job to Happy New Year to us hope you had an amazing holiday season. Welcome to the program, we are talking about free funds for manufacturers. And so Janie, let’s just say there’s a manufacturer out there like, Man, this is really exciting. I fit your criteria. And what I’m hearing is now if I correct me if I’m wrong, can I say Are these grant funds? Is this a grant?

Jani Hatchett  16:09

No, this is this. I like that you’re asking that question? Okay, good. This is not a grant. Awesome. Okay, good. So correct it. Yeah, this is a co funding program, a coal mining program. Yeah. So you don’t get the 75 that you don’t get stamp? Here you go. 75,000, you actually 50% of it will pay for 50% of each project. As each project comes?

Curt Anderson  16:32

Yep. So I had a, there’s a manufacturer here in New York that applied for the program. And man, I tell you, these manufacturers I talked to just they love the concept. Love dealing with your team, you know, again, folks that are just deeply passionate, dedicated to helping manufacturers move the needle. And so let’s just say for example, you want to get into internet marketing, social, social media, okay. And you want to do all sorts of content creation, we have, you know, Damon, I could lose a bunch of our friends in our network that do like video content blogging, Greg Misu. Jeff Long, say you sign on with a marketing firm, and you’re looking at like, wow, boy, it’s gonna be like five grand a month. And they want me to sign a multi year contract. Okay, that fits your criteria? Absolutely. And and you don’t have your finger in the pie per se, unlike helping them pick who they who, who they if they have that relationship, you’re not you know, if you’re if you’re already locked in with a web designer, or social media firm, or like you said, lean ISO accounting, ERP, whatever it might be, you’re not, you don’t have to divorce yourself from a relationship, this can help fund that project that’s been sitting there waiting, hoping for you to to take the plunge, correct?

Jani Hatchett  17:43

Absolutely. Absolutely. We don’t have our finger in the pie, we, we really encourage you to use who you’re comfortable with. I mean, you also have the team and your project manager who will have for five years to discuss things with I mean, so you have almost this relationship with a consultant in our team already that has manufacturing expertise that will help assist you every step of the way.

Curt Anderson  18:12

Right. I love that. So Damon, you mentioned like the ERP let in our dear friend, Sam Gupta, he would love this. So ERP programs can be super expensive, so they’re not my area of expertise. So forgive me if I’m way off on this. But you know, so again, say you’re looking at like a six figure, you know, three year project or whatever, on instituting implementing a long term ERP system, and just going for simple math, because I’m like, staring at that 75 grand that just, you know, just, it’s like sirens on the shore calling us? Yeah, please call Jani for the free money, right.

Jani Hatchett  18:44

So I think it’d be so hard, you would think it would be so hard.

Curt Anderson  18:48

She said cake. So, so good to find a manufacturer, that $150,000 ERP project. Walk me through that you’re you I might hear that correctly, you would compensate half of that.

Jani Hatchett  19:00

Absolutely. And we will. So we will compensate after that. We you we have had companies who’ve used the program for one project and one project only. Yeah, it spent them out totally. And I think that it’s important to have that real conversation is that this is a one and done program, though. You don’t get to do it five years and then re up again, and 10 revalue this one time. And then you’ve you’ve exhausted all funds, and we’re hoping that that gets you on the competitive advantage. Right. Yeah.

Curt Anderson  19:31

Right. So let’s, let’s talk about that. And so let’s say there’s a smaller manufacturer out there, you know, maybe they’re like, you know, wow, you know, that free money is phenomenal. However, I still have to come up with the additional, you know, the absolutely, you know, I have to invest. It’s a one for one investment, right, I still have to come up with the 75 Grand sure will fit like let’s just say, you know, I’m tipping my toe. Again, I’m going to be shameless plug. I’m gonna throw my E commerce hat. On, man. I’m looking at like, you know, 510 1000 10,000 Dollar new website, I want to get an E commerce I’m talking to a pay per click firm SEO, I’m looking at like a $30,000 project nowhere near this big project share when the projects are under $30,000. I understand that there’s a it’s actually even more advantageous on a on a ratio basis. Am I correct?

Jani Hatchett  20:18

Yes, you can get a smaller grant amount of totaling 30 for smaller companies. 30,000 will pay 75%. But that would have how much a 75%?

Curt Anderson  20:30

That could have been another drumroll. Janie,

Jani Hatchett  20:31

I know. Sorry. Why did I do that?

Curt Anderson  20:34

75%. So I’m no mathematician, but that’s 22,500 of funds that would go towards a $30,000 project when you qualify with Janie’s program do I have? And

Jani Hatchett  20:47

so that’s for small companies. So it’s that that definition it just give me a call. Just call me. Just me, just email me just fine. You know, I will make sure that my phone number gets in here. Because there is something really important to say again, and I want to make sure I say it is that companies really qualified themselves out when they may already qualify for it. Yeah, yeah. You hear it, you think, Oh, it’s a lot of work. It’s not I’m not going to be able to, to put time into it. And I’m just like, you know, I probably it doesn’t count, right? It’s better to have me tell you what doesn’t count. And for you to self select out. And in this it all the seats, anybody who is out there who is a consultant, like you want to build relationships with your clients, to even bring them this program to say, You know what, this program, you can use any consultants, just give it a try. It’s 75,000, you build that trust with them, right? That’s what you want, right? Kurt, you want to ship with your people, you don’t want to you’re not a transactional relationship building consultants

Curt Anderson  22:00

in you know, I’m glad you went there, Jamie. Because again, so for any of the consultants out there that are working in the industrial space b2b manufacturers, and you’re like, man, what is this tech program? I wasn’t familiar with this. This sounds super exciting. Our dear friend trust a Stockton again, in New York, her tagline is, you know what she tells consultants? Bring me your nose and not this nose, I have a big nose, but not don’t bring your nose, bringing us the folks that are rejecting you and say no. And so what she says is by by sending me your nose, I can help you convert them into a yes. And again, how can we help our manufacturers be more competitive, whether it’s more efficient with Lean, more effective with an ERP system more dynamic and stop being the best kept secret with marketing and E commerce?

Jani Hatchett  22:48

And in how would you do succession planning? Right? We’re talking about a tsunami that’s coming, we can help with succession planning. Yeah, there’s so it’s like, you know, I love to say that, and I is the is the it’s the seventh, it’s, it’s a very, there’s a lot of free flowing things that are happening here. Just get a hold of me.

Curt Anderson  23:09

Right. And that’s, and I’m glad you went through Daymond that’s your area of expertise. You know, just think, you know, so Damon is a exit strategy specialist. So think about how many manufacturers in you know, we encounter a lot, you know, they’re their baby boomers or Gen X. And, you know, they’re, you know, they don’t have the practical son or practical daughter that’s going to come into the business and they’re a little bit you know, they’re just so nose to the grindstone. They’re not thinking long term. Damon, I know you encounter that on a consistent, probably daily basis.

Damon Pistulka  23:36

Yeah, yeah, this is a great, great point, you know, you brought up Jani is that these kinds of funds can help really allow them to create the legacy they want. And that’s one of the things that that we really see I see it every day is honestly is like, you know, we there, as Kurt said nose to the grindstone worried about you know, getting product out doing what we do every day. But when you stand up and you go, Oh, what’s tomorrow bring? Yeah, you know, that we really, the more we can look ahead, and really think about that as much as we don’t want to. But when we think of it in the way of the legacy that we can create with with these kind of this kind of assistance with attack assistance and working together. I like to say you can go out like it’s New Year’s Eve. Or you can go out like it’s your you’re dreading to go to your Principal’s office at school, you know, and, and if you have enough choice, you really have a choice. It’s it’s one of those things and, and honestly, I feel fortunate to be able to help people make the New Year’s Eve happen. And it’s the tack program is an awesome example of things that are out there. A lot of things are out there, but this tech program is really nice because it’s it’s significant money right you know, $75,000 $150,000 project in half for your cost. That’s significant. Right? And it really can get your company on, on a good footing.

Curt Anderson  25:09

Right, you know, in Daymond that’s a perfect segue. My next question not James, were you ever sent to the principal’s office? Janie? That? No, not that we’ll keep that offline? Just kidding. I know. Damon and I did a lot. So yeah, that’s a story for another time that

Damon Pistulka  25:24

share with a D on it. And

Curt Anderson  25:27

but Jamie, let’s, let’s take it. Let’s take this further. Man, this is hot and heavy. What a great way to kick off the year 2020 is gonna be an awesome year. We’re kicking it off here. Jamie, I’m a manufacturer. I love paperwork, nothing’s better than color. You thought you scratched the surface, you do the heavy lifting. I’m going to dig into that. And then I’m going to segue into confidentiality because I am concerned, you know, are you government who so let’s talk about the paperwork, the application process?

Jani Hatchett  26:00

Well, the application process is you would be working. So anybody in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, you would be working with me, I would be requesting information. I just request the information. I collate it, I organize it, I put the whole thing together, send it to you and almost on a silver platter with a bow on top right? Do you agree with this and sign it and then we’ll turn it into the EDA literally we do put a figuratively bow on it. And, and and so we turn in that we do all of that paperwork, we handle all of that. And then when you decide to start to execute projects, we handle all of the the contract contractual agreements between your the consultants you choose between us and the University of Michigan, and then we handle all of it. So you don’t even have to do that. It’s just so great. It’s a really fantastic program.

Curt Anderson  26:54

It’s a piece of cake and so so you know manufacturers were a little skeptical you know? And again, you know as entrepreneurs very proud you know, man started our business from scratch we bootstrapped, build it up, build it up, you know, nobody ever helped me so there’s always a little bit of skepticism on like, you know, hey, is this government Am I provide you know, who’s gonna see my right information, my financial so and so forth? Share a little bit about that confidentiality?

Jani Hatchett  27:21

I love this question. For a couple of reasons. One, you can see I put a website there, Great Lakes tech, G Lt. AC that org, we are in the middle of ourselves, we’re revamping our own website. So I when you go there, and you see companies that have been named because there’ll be some companies that are named and then we’ll just say, an Ohio Company or an Indiana company or you know, as far as like our news that comes out, we have gotten explicit information and explicit permission from that company to use their name. Yep. Otherwise you will not hear from us. So let’s say that and I want to this is really important because I’ve had this happen a couple of times where a consultant brings somebody to us but they choose not to use that consultants I if I’m not given permission by that company to say that that they didn’t use them I will not I can’t tell them they’re in I will not tell them that they’re in the program. I will not tell them that they are accepted I will not tell them where they’re at because I can’t so it’s it’s really a we’re very very particular and vit we consider confidentiality to our companies to be the most most like receivable that we can get we are a trusted advisor we absolutely 100% will not utter a name unless we’re given permission

Curt Anderson  28:57

That’s right it’s absolute. Oh I mean so it’s basically like a client attorney privilege that you guys take it extremely seriously. I know that and again this is just a fantastic program. Jamie Are you would you be interested could I hope I’m not putting you on the spot can you think of any like success stories you know no names no information you know, any success stories that like heartwarming stories that you’ve just like man this you know, love my job. This is a story I’d love to share.

Jani Hatchett  29:26

You know as I think about it, one of the you know there is this it is so it’s so actually wonderful and it’s a it’s a you know I love this program so much that I literally start cold calling companies I will pick up the phone and just are saying have you heard about this program? How can I how can I get you into this program? What can I do like don’t buy the body? I got money for you Don’t hang up. There’s a there was a gentleman that I helped in Indiana and that literally was how the conversation started. I call them it was almost five o’clock. It The the person that the upfront person that did not get to like screen me out so yeah, like, don’t hit me literally I said, Whatever you do, don’t hang up on me right now. And he’s like, and he didn’t. So he got into the program. And one of the things that I love that he’s doing, it may not feel like it’s a huge project to to a lot of people that are out there, but he’s doing a cost accounting program. Yeah, he’s understanding what his costs are. So we can understand, is this actually a viable? Right widget? Is this actually something that’s working? And cost accounting is so important, and I know, I pick on this one, just because I cold call him. I forced him to stay on the phone with me. And he followed through, and he got that $75,000 in federal matching

Curt Anderson  30:51

regulations Chani way to go that is,

Jani Hatchett  30:54

so um, you know, you if you’re in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and you’re in manufacturing, you may have already received a call from me, but don’t hang

Damon Pistulka  31:02

1. No, hang on, hang up there. Getting up. That’s

Jani Hatchett  31:05

to be like, that should be our tagline. Yeah.

Curt Anderson  31:10

That is absolutely awesome. They were you gonna say something today?

Damon Pistulka  31:13

No, no, I’m not.

Curt Anderson  31:16

So again, so this is absolutely wonderful program. So let’s talk about this. And I know we’re coming at a time I want to be mindful of your time Janee. So I received once I received the funds, and again, I’m going to apologize if you’ve covered this. And I just want to, I just want to walk through the whole process for anybody out there. And again, if you’re just joining us, drop us a note, tell us where you’re at where you’re coming from, guys. We have Jani from Ann Arbor, Michigan, she’s with the Great Lakes tech program. Tech program is a nationwide program supporting funds for manufacturers. So, man, I go through the process, I didn’t hang up, I took the call. I went through, you did other paperwork for me, I trusted you, I know that you have my you have my back, you’re recovering my information with the utmost respect and confidentiality. We went through the process together and man, you called me and it was I hit the lotto, I was awarded the program. Let’s walk through and so Sam going to apply for like three or four years. You know, it’s a three or four year project can explain like, how does that funding work? Who’s where the funds are sitting on the funds? How the funds is distributed? Just walk through that process? Yeah, so

Jani Hatchett  32:24

the, without getting into like, incredible detail. The the program is for every senator, their allotted X amount of dollars over a five year period. Okay, they’re able to access those funds, and it’s the funds are our we gonna be like, kind of we kind of know, you’re gonna say that. Hang on. I want to make sure I don’t say that. This co funding program, yeah. Is it’s, it’s, it’s funded in five year increments. And what we don’t spend, we send back, it goes back into the pot, and gets redistributed again, through all the all the different 11 centers and, and multiple different variables. Yep. But what ends up happening is, once you begin once you identify a project, and then we execute this, we execute, do all of that work. And it almost is, is 50%. You pay 50%. We pay until until the total and I know it sounds exactly the same as what I’m, I think you’re wanting maybe a different answer. But the truth is, that’s the way it works.

Curt Anderson  33:37

Yeah. That and that’s, and that’s phenomenal. Again, I guess these are just kind of questions as I’ve been trying to educate myself and manufacturers, I’ve talked to them, you know, like, Wait, man, what? Who I’m getting what, you know, like, get it’s just, you know, I guess it’s the human instinct of like, you know, too good to be true. But guys, this is two, this is good enough that it is true. Right?

Jani Hatchett  33:57

Well, you know, one of the things that happened with COVID is the PPP loans, right? Yeah, they came and all of a sudden, like knowledge, like there was actual assistance that we can get. It’s sort of began, people began to look at the the tack and all the TANF program in and of itself and go, Wait a second. This is something that is available to me. I didn’t know that the government had programs in place to help. Yeah, well, it began to open eyes of different manufacturers like oh, wait, there’s things I can do that can make me more competitive. So I’m, you know, a little grateful, that, that that the PPP loan, I’m actually very grateful for the PPP, let me say that, but grateful for the idea that it began to open up this, this concept that, that there’s that there’s funding for you,

Curt Anderson  34:48

you know, kudos for you for going there. That’s a perfect example again, for a lot of, you know, years ago, I was an advisor with a small business development center for any entrepreneurs out there need help? reach out to your local SBDC. And again, they’re you know, and I was, you know, I’ve been an entrepreneur for 30 years, you know. And, you know, before I didn’t even know what the SBDC was, I’m like what? I’m like there’s a service that are going to help entrepreneurs. And before we got into college, January, we’re talking about you work side by side with lightning MEPs. Yep, manufacturing, extension, partnerships. And again, so a great state of Indiana, you have Purdue you have an amazing MEP network in Michigan, and Ohio, I believe there’s seven, six or seven different regional centers throughout the different urban centers. And so you know, what, regardless of what state you’re in, that manufacturing extension, partnership, MEPs are an incredible resource. Yes, for you, and you can tag team work with MEPs, or an SBDC, Small Business Development Center, and throw one more acronym out, work with your TAC, whatever you’re in, and these are all resources to help you this is your government dollars in action. helping entrepreneurs and manufacturers.

Jani Hatchett  36:01

Absolutely. I just like exclamation point. exclamation point, exclamation point.

Curt Anderson  36:06

Yeah. Drop. Alright, so I have, I have really important question for you. Janee. Yes. New Year’s resolutions, any new year’s resolutions coming at us right now?

Jani Hatchett  36:17

Oh, you know, what is my New Year’s resolution? I think I don’t really I didn’t really make one.

Damon Pistulka  36:22

For you. Hey, go off.

Curt Anderson  36:24

Just keep moving forward. And how about a resolution of like, giving away as many $75,000 chunks of money to as many manufacturers and our three states of the Great Lake region of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. So absolutely any? So we have you here on LinkedIn, we are live on Twitter. today. We are live on Facebook. What’s the best? Easiest way? I know you mentioned your your website, right over your shoulder? Yeah. LinkedIn is there as our what’s the easiest way to find you.

Jani Hatchett  36:55

Um, the easiest way LinkedIn and email me it’s right in my name right on the screen. hatchet@umich.edu. Get ahold of me, you can also find how the phone number to call me on at our website. This is this is the time to really begin kicking off 2022 in the right way. $75,000 Come on, should we call $75,000.

Curt Anderson  37:16

So this has been absolutely awesome. I can’t wait. I know you and I connected over a year and a half ago. So this has been a long time coming here. Thank you for your passion. Thank you for your energy, your expertise. Your support for manufacturing is critical here in the United States. And I’ll tell you what you do on a daily basis is extremely admirable. We salute you. We appreciate you. Damon, this was a man that I told you. I got chills, man,

Damon Pistulka  37:45

this is Yeah, another great. Great. This is great. Yeah. Because I mean, it’s one of these things that people people in manufacturing just don’t think about, right. It doesn’t even cross your mind. Right. And and then when you look at Yeah, didn’t even know it existed. And and when you find out you go holy heck, you know 75,000 on $150,000 project that’s that’s significant money.

Jani Hatchett  38:08

That’s absolutely absolutely

Damon Pistulka  38:11

serious money.

Curt Anderson  38:12

So Alright guys, we’re gonna sign off any any parting thoughts for everybody in a new any New Years wishes? Anybody out there?

Jani Hatchett  38:18

No, I’m just wishing everybody a happy and healthy 2022. And looking forward to connecting with each and every one of you that are out there.

Curt Anderson  38:26

Absolutely. So Jamie, hang out with us in a second here. We’re gonna close out guys. Happy 2022 Katie, Rodney. Anybody else? James, thank you for joining us today. Anybody else catching this later? We wish every single one of you a healthy safe, amazing. 2022 It’s gonna be a fantastic year. So Janee Are you sitting down for this one guess? We have a big demon. We have a big day on Friday, man. Big day. On Friday. I said big now I don’t like to curse. On Friday. We’re interviewing Carrie Smith, the founder of big ass fans. And he sold he built his company from zero attack Janee I wonder if he was ever attack client. Oh, I couldn’t even tell you. He’s in. He was in Kentucky. He founded his company was zero and built it up to a $300 million company sold it for 500 million. And so we are interviewing Carrie Smith this Friday. So guys, join us for that. Janee thank you for everything. God bless you. We’re gonna end the broadcast and guys have a killer week. Thank you.

Jani Hatchett  39:29

Thank you so much. Thanks.