Whether you're a plant manager, operations manager, or frontline supervisor, you'll discover practical strategies for lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. We cover critical topics like workforce development, employee retention, safety culture, and change management—helping you navigate challenges like labor shortages, skills gaps, and the evolving manufacturing landscape including Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
Trevor Blondeel invites guests from the manufacturing industry (and beyond!) to have candid discussions about leadership and share stories from a place of experience, transparency, and authenticity. You'll find new ways to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have acheiving greater retention, productivity, and profits.
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Employee Engagement in Manufacturing for Plant Managers: Designing Time for Frontline Connection with Brian Herriot #162
Season 1 · Episode 162
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • Duration 23:40
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
In this episode, Brian Herriot shares insights on manufacturing leadership, productivity, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
Brian brings a practical, human-centered approach to help manufacturing leaders rethink work, leadership, and scheduling so they can build stronger teams without burning people out or lowering standards. You'll hear why traditional shift models are breaking down, how "time freedom" shows up on the shop floor, and what leaders can do right now to improve engagement, retention, and ownership amid labor shortages and skills gaps.
This conversation connects soft skills with operational results, showing how curiosity, authentic leadership, and better communication skills directly impact manufacturing culture, workforce retention, and daily productivity.
02:10 – Frontline leadership must acknowledge that traditional manufacturing management models no longer align with modern workplace culture or employee engagement in manufacturing.
03:30 – Gen Z expects leadership in manufacturing plants to adapt to their lives, not the other way around
06:55 – Great manufacturing culture comes from seeing teams as humans first, not just labor inputs on the production line
09:10 –Employee ownership models and open-book management strengthen trust in leadership, manufacturing relationships, and accountability in manufacturing
11:25 – Manufacturing retention improves when leaders focus on team engagement in manufacturing rather than just output and efficiency
12:45 –Frontline leaders must recognize that many employees juggle multiple jobs and need coaching in manufacturing that supports life beyond the plant
14:10 – Flexible schedules, job sharing, and project-based roles can close the showing up gap while improving manufacturing innovation and retention
15:35 – Time Freedom as a Leadership Strategy Leadership transformation happens when manufacturing leaders design roles that allow experienced workers to scale back without fully exiting
18:55 –Helping employees understand their financial future reduces anxiety and strengthens employee engagement in manufacturing
22:35 –Deeper conversations about money, time, and work build emotional intelligence, vulnerability in leadership, and a stronger coaching culture
Pre-order Time Freedom and use the code Trevor to get free access to the audiobook
Employee Retention in Manufacturing for Frontline Supervisors: How Structure, Curiosity, and Accountability Build Strong Teams with Ken Handsaeme #161
Season 1 · Episode 160
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 • Duration 24:23
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
How do you turn a one-machine operation into a thriving business?
Find out in this episode with Ken Handsaeme, founder of On Time Precision. Ken's unique journey started as a machinist, but when he decided he wanted a better retirement plan, he started his own business, initially operating out of a barn with a single machine. It eventually grew into a thriving manufacturing company serving military, aerospace, and medical customers and helped Ken fulfill his retirement dreams.
In this episode, Ken shares the lessons he learned throughout his career, ranging from the importance of intentional leadership and the root causes of common operational problems to how curiosity-driven conversations and trust-building behaviors drive retention, accountability, and long-term performance. He also shares stories from his own career, giving a practical look at what it really takes to build a manufacturing business that can grow, endure, and succeed beyond the owner.
02:00 – Operational challenges on the shop floor often signal leadership and communication gaps rather than process problems alone
04:15 – Shifting from working in the business to working on the business enables leaders to focus on production leadership and long-term operational excellence.
05:30 - Protected time for quoting is essential to production flow, customer trust, and employee stability
06:45 – Connecting the top to the shop creates shared accountability
Employee Motivation in Manufacturing for Plant Leaders: Why Teams Disengage and How to Reignite Performance with Jim Pancero #152
Season 1 · Episode 152
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 • Duration 25:00
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
When you're dealing with disengagement or low morale on the manufacturing floor, a motivated team can feel like a myth. But with the right leadership mindset and workplace culture, you can improve engagement, productivity, and performance.
In this episode, Jim Pancero,sales and leadership coach with over 40 years of experience working with manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution teams shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
Jim explains what truly motivates teams and how positive communication, trust building, and clear expectations drive retention and accountability. You'll learn practical strategies to reduce negativity, strengthen culture, and create a manufacturing environment where people want to show up and perform at their best.
1:43 – You can't always motivate people, but you can create an environment for self-motivation 3:30 – Build self-worth, recognize contributions, and create a culture where people are comfortable to engage 6:23 – Offering meaningful benefits can drive retention and a sense of belonging 8:15 – The balance between positive and negative feedback directly influences motivation 12:27 – When you focus on problems rather than solutions, it hurts motivation 14:48 – Through positive affirmations, you shift the tone and drive a positive environment 18:03 – Immersive onboarding helps new team members foster connection and builds empathy across teams 19:32 – Be curious and separate system issues from personal blame in your daily plant operations
Manufacturing Leadership + Engagement for Plant Managers: Using Vision and Wisdom to Align Teams and Drive Measurable Results with W. Kevin Ward #62
Season 1 · Episode 62
Wednesday, April 6, 2022 • Duration 31:18
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
Sometimes a chance meeting leads to powerful conversations.
After a random breakfast with W. Kevin Ward of WKW Consulting Services, I invited him onto the podcast to talk about manufacturing leadership, growth mindset, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
Kevin shares practical steps for getting off autopilot, seeking wisdom, and reconnecting to vision and core values. We also discuss how intentional leadership, clear communication skills, and strategic thinking help improve morale, strengthen culture, and drive better results on the shop floor.
2:40 – Growing wise is the attention process
4:35 – We all tend to operate on "autopilot"
6:36 – Any role where you're teaching and influencing others is a leadership role
10:09 – It's all about finding a healthy level for yourself and taking intentional steps to manage yourself
10:49 – A big part of being a leader is leading by example
11:55 – The biggest challenge of being a leader can be listening to your own lessons and applying them
13:22 – If something goes wrong with your team, the first step is looking at yourself
16:00 – One big reason people feel like they're on autopilot is that they haven't given good consideration to their own vision
Accountability for Operations Managers: Applying the Four Characteristics That Build Stronger Teams and Better Results with John Raymer #61
Season 1 · Episode 61
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 • Duration 31:15
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
Welcome to part two with John Raymer, a longtime manufacturing leader who now helps others revitalize their leadership and careers.
In this episode, John dives into integrity, empathy, and challenge, and how Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors can strengthen these traits to improve manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and team morale.
We talk about why integrity builds trust, how empathy shapes authentic leadership, and why leaders must invite honest feedback. John also shares practical insights on growth mindset, accountability, and how showing genuine care directly impacts engagement, efficiency, and performance on the shop floor.
12:18 – To be effective, invest in your relationships with people
18:17 – You never know what trials other people are going through
19:40 – Even if you do care, your empathy might not always show up through your behavior
23:00 – The final characteristic of great leaders is "challenge"
24:00 – Leaders who act tired, defeated, or like they're not fully on board aren't inspiring
24:39 – If employees don't feel engaged or challenged, they will not step up in their role
Accountability for Operations Managers: Applying the Four Characteristics That Build Stronger Teams and Better Results with John Raymer #60
Season 1 · Episode 60
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 • Duration 26:33
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
People see who you are, even when you don't.
In this episode, John Raymer, longtime manufacturing leader and former Toyota Motor Manufacturing professional, joins the podcast to talk about manufacturing leadership, humility, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
In part one of this two-part conversation, John shares how teams learn everything from their leaders, both good and bad, and why practicing humility helps improve communication skills, build trust, and make employees feel valued. We explore how emotional intelligence, accountability, and growth mindset directly impact culture, engagement, and performance on the shop floor.
0:43 – "Serve the person you once were."
1:00 – How your land with other people don't always match your intentions
2:18 – There has never been a time where manufacturing leadership is more important than it is today
3:41 – Without people skilled in manufacturing and others trades, we're at risk of our whole economic engine fall apart
5:03 – True efficiency requires great leadership
5:59 – To find out why you organization is the way it is, look closely at yourself
6:17 – People learn everything, both good and bad, for leaders in their organization
Engagement for HR Leaders: Breaking Down Barriers to Advance Women and Strengthen Team Performance with Nicole Provonchee #59
Season 1 · Episode 59
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 • Duration 29:16
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
Even with ongoing labor shortages, women in manufacturing remain a largely untapped workforce.
In this episode, executive coach Nicole Provonchee from Bright Blue Consulting joins the podcast to discuss manufacturing leadership, workforce development, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
Nicole breaks down common barriers women and other minorities face on the shop floor and shares practical strategies leaders can use to shift mindset, improve communication skills, and strengthen inclusion. You will learn how curiosity, trust building, and intentional leadership can help cultivate female leadership while supporting engagement, retention, and long term team performance.
2:54 – A lack of flexibility is a big challenge facing female manufacturing employees
3:58 – We need to address how we can help people live the lives they have while still flourishing in the workplace
6:19 – Workplace environments need to be accommodating for women and other primary caregivers
7:25 – By starting dialogues with their female employees about issues like flexibility, workplaces can reach the most productive outcomes
9:11 – Employees also need to have a level of accountability in order to create an open dialogue
12:58 – How can we lead differently to get more women into leadership positions in manufacturing?
Manufacturing Retention + Accountability for Plant Managers: Using Giving Back to Build Loyalty and Stronger Team Commitment with Jon Finch #58
Season 1 · Episode 58
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 • Duration 32:07
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
What's the secret to retaining talent and building a healthy manufacturing culture? According to Jon Finch, Senior Vice President at Milwaukee Tool, it starts with giving back.
In this episode, Jon joins the podcast to share insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and accountability for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
We talk about building strong company values, delivering on mission, and creating opportunities for employees to contribute beyond the shop floor. Jon also shares how workforce shortages, changing talent expectations, and compensation pressure are forcing leaders to rethink retention strategies, communication skills, and culture to sustain productivity and long term performance.
7:09 – Get people rallied around a purpose, value, and mission
8:57 – Every business has a "why" statement and something that really matters to them
9:37 – Test and try your ideas and know that it won't be perfect the first time
10:15 – Values are particularly important to Gen Z Employees
13:32 – Find a way to give people who are connected and interested a way to help give back
14:36 – People like to be associated with organizations with positive values
17:41 – Give your employees and leadership a chance to connect to something that really matters
Accountability for Frontline Supervisors: Understanding Emotions to Improve Behavior and Team Performance with Sara Westbrook #57
Season 1 · Episode 57
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 • Duration 32:04
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
Is it really okay to lose it sometimes, or are we just making excuses?
In this episode, Sara Westrook joins the podcast to talk manufacturing leadership, emotional intelligence, and accountability for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
We go deep on owning your behavior, building communication skills, and treating emotions as a leadership skill. Sara shares practical strategies to shift mindset, strengthen self awareness, and show up with authenticity so you can improve trust, engagement, and performance on the shop floor.
1:45 – Leave your emotions at the door like a backpack, NO they are still coming in with you, so how do you move with and through them in a healthy way
3:02 – Do not want to make an emotionally based decision, can lead to regret
4:15 – Allowed to sit with that emotion, not going from emotion to choice, allow it to have room, move with and through, and have your own character based choice, bounce back and move forward
6:13 - emotional awareness, emotional management, and ultimately emotional resilience
8:00 – teams want to be emotionally intelligent, yet they do not know how, like going to the gym, how do you build those muscles? Not by watching videos, by putting things into action, habits
10:57 – first exercise has the end in mind, what's the circumstance, or what are circumstances that you feel hold you back or really trigger you, and what emotion comes out of you
Leadership + Trust for Operations Leaders: Building Bridges and Leading from Behind to Strengthen Team Performance with LaVerne Roberts #56
Season 1 · Episode 56
Wednesday, January 12, 2022 • Duration 24:23
Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.
Now, let's jump in!
What happens when you put others first, work hard, and become a true bridge builder? You build a legacy.
In this episode, LaVerne Roberts shares her journey to becoming a Director of Operations in a traditionally male dominated manufacturing environment. We explore manufacturing leadership, authentic leadership, growth mindset, and resilience for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.
LaVerne reflects on decades of research and development success, the leadership mindset that fueled her progression, and how trust building, communication skills, and accountability shaped her impact. You will walk away with practical insights on leading with confidence, strengthening culture, and paving the way for the next generation in manufacturing.
3:20 – building a network, not even realizing I was doing it, relationships
5:05 – any doubts came from within, Vice President support and getting surrounded by great people
7:00 – you must work hard, learning the fundamentals not so much the leadership skill, like going to school
10:00 – self-doubt more common, men verses woman may be different
08:55 – To accelerate growth, leaders must balance hiring, retention, and capacity planning in manufacturing plants.
10:10 - Structured one-on-one conversations are a powerful tool for supervisor development and deeper team engagement in manufacturing.
11:30 - Curiosity-driven leadership conversations outperform traditional performance reviews in building trust and accountability.
14:00 – To reinforce trust, respect, and leadership credibility, prioritize employee conversations like customer meetings
16:40 –Involving operators in problem-solving and process improvement builds ownership and continuous improvement culture.
17:55 – Have transparent discussions on transparency in manufacturing management, including sharing expectations without overwhelming teams with financial complexity.
20:30 – Self-awareness, vulnerability, and trust in leadership are foundational skills in modern manufacturing environments.
21:50 - Consistent leadership behaviors create workplace culture that supports retention and manufacturing excellence.
23:10 – To prepare for succession, you need to build systems, people, and leadership beyond the owner.
13:08-learn to think and act beyond emotion to honour that the emotions there, but to start to use the emotion as information and even motivation
16:08-how we engage other people matters, the art of communication and that takes being very emotionally aware
19:15-why are emotions sometimes hard to talk about, you could have one group of people say well they're hard to talk about because I feel like i'll be seen as weak and another because of being seen as dramatic
20:13-self care starts to take a big plummet it also can decrease company morale you know just keep shoving emotions down pretending they're not their
20:30-breaking down the boxes, shifting a greater role for women in manufacturing
24:12-when you can start to see emotions is information your brain now knows that oh it's something that I can do something with it doesn't completely have to overwhelm me
26:40-sometimes you have to lean into that discomfort
27:05-doesn't mean you're an anxious person, it means you're a person that's experiencing the emotion of anxious and that's uncomfortable and awkward but it's part of the journey
28:48-emotions are a reason for a behaviour, not an excuse
30:00-Sara's company 3E Emotional Development is about really honing in skills on emotional awareness, emotional management and emotional resilience
16:30 – do more with the kernel, how it is received, will determine the next steps
17:54 – husband Scott says LaVerne is a bridge builder, not for LaVerne, for the excitement of what is going to happen when the connection is made
19:10 – when people can see you are not in it for yourself, people ask more questions about you
20:20 – finding the sweet spot-on building trust, finding the common ground, something we connect with
21:55 – you also must be a good listener, you can with enough ambition and desire achieve great things, and chart your journey, we are a lot stronger and smarter than we think
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