Rewiring the American Edge
Rewiring the American Edge
Podcast Description
Global conversations on innovation, automation, and the future of competitive cities.
Rewiring the American Edge is a podcast that explores building economies that are sustainable and inclusive in the era of automation and innovation. While rooted in the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. economy, the podcast invites voices from around the world—policymakers, technologists, labor leaders, and entrepreneurs—to share bold ideas and real-world strategies that transcend borders. Each episode explores trends such as: technologies reshaping work and urban life; global trends opportunities and challenges; specific investments, ideas, partnerships and policies to build a future-ready economy and workforce. This is a podcast for anyone committed to building smarter systems and stronger communities. Big ideas. Bold policies. Real impact. Rewired.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as innovation, automation, and urban economic strategies, with episodes discussing topics like labor market shifts driven by technology, global economic trends, and policies for inclusive growth. For example, the episode titled The Great Rewiring looks at the need for urban innovation and competitive strategies in response to rapid global changes.
Global conversations on innovation, automation, and the future of competitive cities.
Rewiring the American Edge is a podcast that explores building economies that are sustainable and inclusive in the era of automation and innovation. While rooted in the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. economy, the podcast invites voices from around the world—policymakers, technologists, labor leaders, and entrepreneurs—to share bold ideas and real-world strategies that transcend borders. Each episode explores trends such as: technologies reshaping work and urban life; global trends opportunities and challenges; specific investments, ideas, partnerships and policies to build a future-ready economy and workforce. This is a podcast for anyone committed to building smarter systems and stronger communities. Big ideas. Bold policies. Real impact. Rewired.
In this conversation, co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Parker Huncilman from Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication / Nix Industrial about the evolution of Midwestern manufacturing. Parker discusses, the challenges of the capital environment and how chose to merge with another family business rather than accept a private equity buy-out in a recent leadership transition of his 5th generation family business. The hosts talk about design and fabrication challenges, competition, impact of automation and AI on the industry, and the importance of cultivating a strong workplace culture. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in America, particularly in the context of a changing workforce and the need for innovation.
Takeaways
– AI is reducing geographic limitations to innovation in places like the Midwest.
– Huncilman Sheet Metal has a rich legacy dating back to 1896.
– Automation and AI are reshaping the manufacturing landscape.
– Cultural transformation is essential for attracting young talent.
– Investing in technology is crucial for future competitiveness.
– The manufacturing sector is experiencing a resurgence in the U.S.
– Younger generations are more adept at using advanced technology.
Sound Bites
– “We’re trying to break that mold.”
– “The better the equipment gets to be able to facilitate the tech-driven individual, that’s where you start to get your employment base from.”
– “The biggest thing with culture is when you say you’re going to do something, you better do it. Otherwise, culture will fall immediately.”
– “We have a higher demand for fabricated product… and we have a receding supply base.”
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Midwestern Manufacturing and Innovation
03:26 – The Legacy of Huncilman Sheet Metal Fabrication
07:52 – The Geography of Innovation in Manufacturing
16:12 – Embracing Technology and AI in Manufacturing
24:37 – Talent Acquisition and Workplace Culture in Manufacturing
28:39 – The Future of American Manufacturing
Additional Resources
https://www.huncilman.com/
https://nixindustrial.com/
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