Episode 21: Practical Automation For Manufacturers Executive Sessions podcast

#Trading #Business #MiddleGround Capital #Private Equity #Operating Systems #Manufacturing #Middle Market #Investing #Industries

38:05

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executive sessions »
Episode 21: practical automation for manufacturers

22 days ago 38:42

MP3•Episode home

On MiddleGround’s twenty-first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Dotson and Miles Anderson from MiddleGround’s Automation. This episode covers:

Automation as a response to labor shortages
How to identify tasks to automate
Ensuring success: training, ROI, and culture

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE

Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/

Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/

Find John Dotson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dotson-5ab9142a/

Find Miles Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-anderson-155a694/

Chapters

1. Podcast and guest introductions (00:00:00)

2. What automation actually means (00:02:54)

3. Why U.S. manufacturers are turning to automation (00:05:00)

4. Automation for small vs. large businesses (00:06:57)

5. How to identify tasks for automation (00:09:19)

6. Easy wins and common missteps (00:15:00)

7. Planning training and maintenance post-installation (00:20:01)

8. Measuring KPIs and performance (00:23:16)

9. Upskilling workers and the future of automation (00:26:07)

10. Real-world example: solving for safety and quality (00:29:37)

11. Closing thoughts (00:37:31)

20 episodes

Episode 21: practical automation for manufacturers

executive sessions

published 22 days ago

MP3•Episode home

On MiddleGround’s twenty-first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Dotson and Miles Anderson from MiddleGround’s Automation. This episode covers:

Automation as a response to labor shortages
How to identify tasks to automate
Ensuring success: training, ROI, and culture

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE

Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/

Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/

Find John Dotson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dotson-5ab9142a/

Find Miles Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-anderson-155a694/

Chapters

1. Podcast and guest introductions (00:00:00)

2. What automation actually means (00:02:54)

3. Why U.S. manufacturers are turning to automation (00:05:00)

4. Automation for small vs. large businesses (00:06:57)

5. How to identify tasks for automation (00:09:19)

6. Easy wins and common missteps (00:15:00)

7. Planning training and maintenance post-installation (00:20:01)

8. Measuring KPIs and performance (00:23:16)

9. Upskilling workers and the future of automation (00:26:07)

10. Real-world example: solving for safety and quality (00:29:37)

11. Closing thoughts (00:37:31)

20 episodes

#Trading #Business #MiddleGround Capital #Private Equity #Operating Systems #Manufacturing #Middle Market #Investing #Industries

All episodes

1
Episode 21: practical automation for manufacturers 38:42

22 days ago38:42

38:42

On MiddleGround’s twenty-first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Dotson and Miles Anderson from MiddleGround’s Automation. This episode covers: Automation as a response to labor shortages How to identify tasks to automate Ensuring success: training, ROI, and culture Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Dotson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dotson-5ab9142a/ Find Miles Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-anderson-155a694/…

1
Episode 20: marketing - the key to winning new business 28:46

8 weeks ago28:46

28:46

On MiddleGround’s twentieth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Nate Wheeler, Founder of marketing agency weCreate, and Leanne Walmsley, Communications & Marketing Manager at our portfolio company, Xtrac. This episode covers: Developing an effective marketing strategy The importance of digital marketing in B2B manufacturing Leveraging cost-effective marketing for growth Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4iYFHie Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Nate Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wheeler-91920622/ Find Leanne Walmsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-walmsley/…

1
Episode 19: bringing innovation to market 42:48

13 weeks ago42:48

42:48

On MiddleGround’s nineteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Stewart, MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, and Steve Myers, former operations leader at Parker Hannifin. This episode covers: Innovation process and customer-centric development Challenges and risk management Success factors for innovation Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4gHJUpc Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/…

1
Episode 18: changing careers from auto to rail 38:37

17 weeks ago38:37

38:37

On MiddleGround’s eighteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Bill Krueger, President of Global Manufacturing Operations at The Greenbrier Companies. This episode covers: Transitioning from automotive to rail Key differences between automotive and rail manufacturing Developing ESG practices in a new industry Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3E1PSnk Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Bill Krueger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bill-krueger-3916803/…

1
Episode 17: infrastructure today 27:13

22 weeks ago27:13

27:13

On MiddleGround’s seventeenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround's very own Ryan McComb, Managing Director and Infrastructure Thesis leader, and David Walden, Director, from the Transaction Team. This episode covers: Trends driving growth in the sector How aging infrastructure creates pressure to innovate Strategies for overcoming hurdles such as labor shortages and rising costs Emphasizing our thesis-driven approach Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3ZMCKum Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/ Find David Walden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwwalden/…

1
Episode 16: building a successful workforce 38:16

26 weeks ago38:16

38:16

On MiddleGround’s sixteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround portfolio CEOs Ron Lindsay of Lindsay Precast and Tom Brockley of Arrow Tru-Line. This episode covers: Creating an Engaged Workforce Strong Management, Communication, and Trust Adapting to Labor Market Challenges Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fDzQ0i Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Tom Brockley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrockley/…

1
Episode 15: cutting energy use in manufacturing 36:22

26 weeks ago36:22

36:22

In episode 15 of Executive Sessions, we explore practical approaches to cutting energy usage in manufacturing with MiddleGround Capital’s Director of Operations, Jason Jacob, and Director of ESG, Madelyn Tutewiler. In this episode, they explore: 1. Strategies for improving energy efficiency with case studies from across the MiddleGround portfolio 2. Common barriers to implementation 3. Creating a culture of sustainability 4. How sustainability can impact the bottom line Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fpdkbP Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Jason Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jacob-210bb011/ Find Madelyn Tutewiler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-street-tutewiler-460356115/…

1
Episode 13: crafting success in complex projects 30:23

39 weeks ago30:23

30:23

On MiddleGround’s thirteenth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Vice President of Operations, Zach Jackson. This episode covers: Building a diverse and resilient team Practical tips on how to manage teams Lessons in proactive problem-solving Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4iYFHie Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/ Find Zach Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-jackson-747b82105/…

1
Episode 12: maximizing manufacturing with technology 30:43

41 weeks ago30:43

30:43

On MiddleGround’s twelfth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Managing Director of Operations, Stan Stanford. This episode covers: 1. Importance of Simple Technological Solutions in Manufacturing 2. Bridging the Experience Gap in Manufacturing 3. Real-time Shop Floor Management Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/48PegUm Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/ Find Stan Stanford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanstanford/…

1
Episode 11: demystifying private equity for business owners 43:58

47 weeks ago43:58

43:58

On MiddleGround’s eleventh episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads a discussion with our Director and Head of NA Business Development, Dyana Baurley, recapping her interview with David Bookbinder on the “ Behind the Numbers ” podcast. This episode covers: 1. Private Equity as a Liquidity Strategy 2. Factors Making a Company Investable 3. Aspects of Selling a Business 4. Overcoming Misconceptions about Private Equity Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fFv8yU Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Dyana Baurley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyanabaurley/ Find "Behind the Numbers" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthenumbers Find Dave Bookbinder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebookbinder/…

1
Episode 10: reflecting on our success with John Stewart 49:32

50 weeks ago49:32

49:32

Under the leadership of our Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, we have carved out a unique and successful niche in the competitive world of private equity. On MiddleGround’s tenth episode of Executive Sessions, John meets with Sean Mooney, BluWave’s Founder, and CEO, sharing his journey and lending insight into the differentiated approach that has led us to success. 1. From the Factory Floor to Private Equity 2. MiddleGround’s Differentiated Approach If you like this episode, check out BluWave’s “ Karma School of Business ” podcast dedicated to exploring private equity, best business practices, and real-time trends Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3UV756w Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Bluwave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluwave-lp/ Find Sean Mooney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooneysean/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:01:40) From starting out at Toyota to today (0011:19) Getting to know John (00:16:21) Overcoming adversity and celebrating success (00:28:51) Operational value creatopm (00:37:39) What matters is actual cashflow and EBITDA (00:43:12) Working more efficiently with technology…

1
Episode 9: AI opportunities and risks 53:09

1 year ago53:09

53:09

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Dean of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Simon Sheather to talk all things AI. This episode covers: 1. AI Opportunities and Benefits 2. Setbacks and dangers of AI 3. AI in Manufacturing and Private Equity Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Q4O8wv Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:02:22) AI's capabilities (00:09:45) Limitations of AI (00:14:35) Malicious uses of AI (00:19:20) AI/Automation and human workforces (00:25:25) Practical uses for AI (00:29:38) Data privacy and AI (00:35:40) AI in developed vs. emerging economies (00:41:14) Data: dashboards and targeting (00:47:16) Utilizing AI in the financial and manufacturing words…

1
Episode 8: UAW strike 41:22

1 year ago41:22

41:22

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and Head of our Transaction Team, Justin Steil. This episode covers: The United Auto Workers Strike Electric Vehicles 2017-2024: A New Normal Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3HFyoLX Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:03:42) Overview of the UAW strike (00:06:45) Impact of strike - MGC and wider auto industry (00:17:40) The changing automotive industry (00:26:23) Limitation to EV adoption…

1
Episode 7: 2023 economic retrospective 48:42

2 years ago48:42

48:42

On MiddleGound’s seventh episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussion with MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Mike Clark. This episode covers: 2023 Economic Status A Resurgence in US Manufacturing Economic Resilience Looking Ahead to 2024 Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fIvXar Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:02:38) 2023 economic review (00:12:39) Industrial manufacturer's response to economic shifts (00:17:35) Employment levels in manufacturing (00:23:35) Well-positioned manufacturers in this economy (00:31:05) Economic resilience (00:40:08) Expectations in 2024…

1
Episode 6: equity abroad 48:42

2 years ago48:42

48:42

On MiddleGound’s sixth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, Managing Director of our European Transaction Team, Alex Van Der Have, and Head of EU Business Development, Anthony Denaix. This episode covers: Considerations of European Expansion The Importance of Hiring Locally Differences in strategy between the US/EU Challenging Economic Environments Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/47pnZil Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Alex van der Have on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-van-der-have-2926889/ Find Anthony Denaix on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydenaix/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:13:32) Steps to expanding internationally (00:19:58) Importance of hiring locally (00:26:06) What we look for in EU platforms (00:33:28) Current events impact on European market (00:40:48) Decision making (00:43:40) Deals we wouldn't consider…

executive sessions

1
Episode 5: operational bootcamp 101 1:02:02

2 years ago1:02:02

1:02:02

On MiddleGround’s fifth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner John Stewart and his brother, Co-Partner of Banner Industries, David Stewart. This episode covers: 1. Building a Bootcamp 2. Creating and Maintaining Cooperative Change 3. Lean Manufacturing Requires Standardization 4. The Impact of Bootcamps Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ptj6NE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Banner Management Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banner-management-consulting/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:06:52) Bootcamp 101 (00:10:40) Gaining buy-in (00:18:15) Building a Bootcamp (00:27:22) The importance of manufacturers (00:36:58) Impact on the portfolio (00:43:49) The value of teaching lean manufacturing basics (00:48:47) Simple, cheap solutions yield results (00:53:54) Standardization in manufacturing…

executive sessions

1
Episode 4: the ABCs of ESG 49:51

2 years ago49:51

49:51

On MiddleGround’s fourth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with two guests: Madelyn Tutewiler, Director of ESG, and Managing Director of ESG, Mike Bridge. This episode covers: 1. The importance of involving ESG in businesses 2. Raising minimum full-time pay to $25/Hour by 2025 3. Equitable hiring to reflect local communities 4. How we bring ESG to life in portfolio companies Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4hLCmDu Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Madelyn Tutewiler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-street-tutewiler-460356115/ Find Mike Bridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebridge/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:08:40) What is ESG? (00:13:05) Why does ESG matter? (00:21:58) Case study: Attala Steel (00:33:20) Data in ESG (00:38:37) ESG and diversity (00:44:03) $25 by 2025 (00:47:10) Advice for firms starting their ESG journey…

executive sessions

1
Episode 3: automotive today 1:01:33

2 years ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In MiddleGround’s third episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with two guests: Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, and a VP on the Transaction Team, Tyler May. This episode covers: 1. Factors in driving electrification and autonomous vehicles forward 2. Shift from the automotive industry to the mobility industry 3. Barriers to full autonomy Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3ULtFzh Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:04:28) Reducing brain drain in financial industry (00:06:30) Electrification, the environmental impact, and driving it's adoption (00:18:18) The inevitable shift to EVs (00:21:43) Automotive's shift from transportation to mobility (00:24:35) The road to full autonomy (00:38:35) Challenges updating American infrastructure (00:45:34) Future business models in automotive (00:56:35) 5G for the connected car…

executive sessions

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Episode 2: on the shop floor 53:46

2 years ago53:46

53:46

In MiddleGround’s second episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett, leads discussions with two guests with operations experience: a VP of operations, Alicia Motomura, and a senior associate, Jordan Gabbert. This episode covers: 1. Respecting and valuing shop floor employees 2. Connection between adding value and employee retention/company stability 3. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of great Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/48PWtw4 Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Alicia Motomura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-motomura-a5bb8811/ Find Jordan Gabbert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-gabbert-43572a37/ Chapters (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:15:05) The importance of the shop floor (00:17:42) Partnering with shop floor employees (00:26:05) Creating value in manufacturing processes (00:29:22) Employee retention and job stability (00:33:30) The relationship between stability and growth (00:36:05) Being a woman in manufacturing (00:38:17) Dealing with adversity in your career (00:44:02) Data and the Pareto principle (00:48:05) Worker well being…

executive sessions

1
Episode 1: between two founders 56:44

2 years ago56:44