Problem Solving

Gerald Beranek is an executionist and a professional problem solver who helps others bring product ideas to life. We talk product design, manufacturing, business, and his new quest. We get reps in on financial modeling, pain relievers vs. vitamins, leadership, and enjoying the process as well. Thanks to Gerald for making the trip to join us in-studio! The results is EP77, which brews timeless value for anyone building a product or leading a team. Cheers!

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BONUS MATERIALS

https://BeratekIndustries.com

https://ConduitDirectGroup.com

http://Problem-Solving.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

Roasted Reflections Break: Executionist

http://Manufacturability.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

http://Additive-Manufacturing.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

http://Make-Better-Things.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

https://BenMcDougal.com/resources

http://RoastedReflections.com

http://BENBOT.ai

Make Better Things

Manufacturing and business geek, Mike O’Donnell is inside Iowa State University. He leads the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), which helps small- to medium-sized industry compete and win in the modern world. EP76 is light and fun, but rich in now value. Manufacturing is the largest industry in Iowa. We talk manufacturing types, environmental complexities, manufacturing 4.0, exoskeletons, talent matching, and future effeciencies.

If manufacturing means something to you, if you’re building a physical product, if you need resources to keep building, this is an excellent listen.

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BONUS MATERIALS

https://ciras.iastate.edu

http://Make-Better-Things.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

Roasted Reflections Break: Tinker

https://ibm.com/think/topics/industry-4-0

http://Manufacturability.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

https://BenMcDougal.com/tag/research

https://BenMcDougal.com/resources

http://RoastedReflections.com

http://BENBOT.ai

Win Win Win

Nicole Crain is the incoming president for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. She’s been helping to build business throughout Iowa for over 15 years, so it’s neat to have this 2025 podcast be her first interview as the new leader within Iowa ABI. We toast Mike Ralston and his 20+ years of generous leadership, then discuss negotiating, public policy, and advocacy that is valued by members. Nicole wraps up the first part of EP72 by shared timeless insight for students pursuing a business degree.

After Ben narrates Significance, Alessandra and Stella welcome us back by asking our featured guest, what’s worth sacrificing to pursue progress? We then let future-forward ideas flow, scratch on innovative community building tactics, and share how existing business can weave succession planning into their strategy. Congrats to our featured guest on the new role, and here’s to a fantastic 2025!

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BONUS MATERIALS

https://IowaABI.org

Roasted Reflections Break: Significance

http://Win-Win-Win.YouDontNeedThisPodcast.com

EP32 – Connecting Leaders 🎙️ Jessi McQuerrey

EP40 – Big Business 🎙️ Joe Murphy

EP30 – Exit Ramps 🎙️  Brian Crotty

http://PlayforcePrinciples.com

http://BENBOT.ai

Additive Manufacturing

Brandon Hart is a builder who helps others do the same. EP41 is all about 3D printing and how additive manufacturing helps evolve ideas into reality, while boosting sustainability in manufacturing and providing a path to our own neon future.

Along with talking about the futuristic things we can “print”, such as nanotechnology, boitech, and food; Brandon shares his winding entrepreneurial path and makes news by introducing the HSP1-I, an all-new industrial 3D printer! Hartsmart Products delivers 3D printers, eco-friendly filament, 3D printer resins, and endless parts to upgrade the nerdery, so it was neat to share this milestone moment within a hartfelt episode you’re sure to enjoy.

Enjoy this Episode
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Safe Cāmpfires

Gabriel Glynn solves clues to keep team members protected. MākuSafe is making the world safer with hardware, data, and analytics. Imagine you’re sitting next to the campfire with Ben and Gabriel. Let the s’mores melt, as this heartfelt conversation is brewed to enjoy!

Together, we chat about Gabe growing up with his dad, who worked the 3rd shift and in safety management roles within manufacturing. Hear how this led to innovative ideas that now help manufacturers lead with proactive prevention. We also talk about gratitude, prototyping, raising $20M+, product-market fit, and cultivating a culture of significance while maintaining rocket ship growth.

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