82: Built to Last: Mentorship, Manufacturing, and the Matrix Mindset

a BROADcast for Manufacturers

Lisa Kenning, CEO of Matrix Automation, alongside her powerhouse team: Don Rentz, Greg Millinger, and special guest Scott Walberg.

Lisa shares her journey from helping her dad at age 10 to leading a company at the forefront of digital transformation in manufacturing. Together, the group dives into the importance of mentorship, the legacy of family-run businesses, and how lean principles and traceability tech have helped manufacturers achieve near-zero defect rates—even in highly complex, regulated environments.

What We Cover:

• Lisa’s early days at Matrix and the values instilled by her father
• Why mentorship—both formal and informal—matters, especially for women in manufacturing
• How Matrix Automation helps manufacturers reduce defects and improve traceability
• Real-world success stories from automotive and medical device manufacturing
• Why lean principles apply across all industries—from bourbon to wheelchairs
• The hidden costs of waiting too long to invest in continuous improvement
• Empowering frontline operators through smarter systems and data
• Learning across generations: Mahjong, magnetism, and mental health

Featured Guests:

• Lisa Kenning, CEO, Matrix Automation
• Don Rentz, General Manager, Matrix Automation
• Greg Millinger, Technologist & Product Architect
• Scott Walberg, President, Lean Innovation, LLC

💡 Key Quotes:

“We didn’t buy an off-the-shelf system. We partnered with Matrix and created something custom. That’s why it worked.” – Scott Walberg

“My dad started this company to serve the customer better. That value still drives everything we do.” – Lisa Kenning

“Whether you're building 1,200 units or 100, the tools are the same. Lean is universal.” – Don Rentz