In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Wipfli partners Mike Devereux and Laurie Harbour as they discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by business owners, particularly in the manufacturing sector, due to recent political and economic changes. They emphasized the significance of the Republican sweep in the recent election, suggesting it would lead to decisive action. Laurie and Mike also emphasized the importance of strategic planning and staying informed to navigate uncertain times.

In this podcast, we sit down with Wipfli Partner Chris Volz to discuss the importance of understanding your competitive landscape, the current regulatory environment and the impact of potential key tax law changes on your business.

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Tom Wojcinski, partner at Wipfli, and Jim Peterson, principal solutions advisor at ConnectWise, to discuss the importance of cybersecurity for manufacturers. Listen to the episode to learn about the increase in cyberthreats due to remote work environments and the expansion of digital ecosystems, as well as best practices for improving cybersecurity in manufacturing environments.

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Colin Johnson from Wipfli Corporate Finance (WCF). Bryan and Colin provide a manufacturing M&A market update and overview of the competitive landscape. They also offer advice on how to determine if your business is ready to sell, or if you should instead focus on ways to grow your business. Listen in to learn why it's so important to define your goals and surround yourself with a well-rounded support team to help you think through your options and develop the best path forward.

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we sit down with Mary Cecile Neville and Chris Chidzik from The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) to discuss what the manufacturing market looks like, where it's headed and what's to come at IMTS 2024. Listen in to learn how AMT can help manufacturers leverage new opportunities, make connections and grow their businesses.

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the power of purpose-driven businesses with Dirk Beveridge of We Supply America and Ashley Martin of NIBCO. Listen in to learn how businesses can be a force for good by focusing on legacy, longevity and love. We’ll share ways that family-owned business NIBCO has had a positive impact on the community and how you can too. 

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, Bryan Powrozek sits down with Wipfli Partner Laurie Harbour to discuss how the right providers can help make a positive impact in North American manufacturing, and why industry knowledge is key. They also talk about the value of benchmarking as a path to continuous improvement. From rightsizing your business to networking with peers, listen to this episode for tips to help your small to medium-sized manufacturing business thrive.

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we talk to Quentin Messer, the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Bryan and Quentin discuss how economic developers like MEDC can help small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses grow. Listen in to learn about some of the ways MEDC attracts and retains business in Michigan and how you can leverage similar resources in your own market. 

In this episode of The Sound of Automation podcast, we discuss the future of automation with Dan Davis, Editor-in-Chief at The Fabricator. Listen in to learn about the top issues and opportunities facing manufacturers, such as workforce and automation. Dan and Bryan also talk about the importance of diversification and quickly adapting to change within your organization.