Industry Quoting 2.0: Harnessing AI for Fast Manufacturing Solutions, with Alex Huckstepp of Uptool
In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, host Matt Horine welcomes Alex Huckstepp, Co-founder of Uptool—a manufacturing technology startup focused on solving quoting and sourcing bottlenecks through AI-driven solutions. Alex discusses his journey into the manufacturing industry and the founding of Uptool with his co-founder. They delve into the importance of speeding up the quoting process, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing manufacturing workflows, and the broader impact of these advancements on the U.S. supply chain. Alex also highlights the company's mission to support small and medium-sized manufacturers and shares insights into the future of the industry.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Alex Huck: Founder of UP Tool01:02 The Journey to Founding UP Tool03:55 Challenges in Quoting and Supplier Discovery08:31 UP Tool's AI Quoting Solution13:12 Future of Manufacturing and AI Integration15:17 Reshoring and Supplier Visibility17:19 The Role of Marketplaces in Manufacturing20:03 AI's Impact on Small Manufacturers22:34 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions26:48 Conclusion and Where to Learn MoreLinksUptoolAlex on LinkedInNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Leveraging Venture Capital and Technology in Manufacturing with Renan Devillieres
In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, Matt Horine talks to Renan Devillieres, Founder and CEO of OSS Ventures, about the evolving landscape of American manufacturing. Renan, with his unique background in economics, venture capital, and industrial operations, discusses the importance of innovation in manufacturing, the intersection of startups and industrial technology, and the significant role of sustainability and resilience in reshoring and supply chain management. The conversation delves into the venture studio model's effectiveness in manufacturing, the importance of pragmatic and long-term strategies in industrial policy, and the critical alignment of capital, talent, and policy for ensuring future industrial strength.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Renan Devillieres: Economist Turned Manufacturing Innovator03:37 The Birth of OSS Ventures05:59 The Future of Manufacturing: Reshoring and New Shoring10:52 Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Tech13:04 The Venture Studio Model in Manufacturing17:05 AI and Automation in Manufacturing24:33 Sustainability and Strategic Resilience27:13 Advice for Founders, Operators, and Investors31:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Manufacturing37:03 Conclusion and Contact InformationLinksRenan on LinkedInOSS VenturesNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Behind the Machines: Building a Strong Manufacturing Culture, with Chris Luecke of Manufacturing Happy Hour
In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today powered by Veryable, host Matt Horine discusses the future of the American manufacturing landscape with Chris Luecke, Host of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast. The conversation delves into the origins and evolution of Manufacturing Happy Hour, the key themes recurring in industry discussions, and the critical role of culture in manufacturing. Chris shares insights on current trends like nearshoring, automation, and the integration of AI, along with their impact on productivity and workforce retention. The dialogue also touches on how the industry can remain resilient and competitive by investing in workforce culture and strategically implementing technology. Chris offers his perspectives on the importance of attracting the next generation to manufacturing and suggests practical steps leaders can take to enhance their organizational culture. The episode concludes with predictions for the manufacturing sector in 2026 and advice on developing effective strategies for the future.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet Chris Luecke: Founder of Manufacturing Happy Hour01:15 The Origin Story of Manufacturing Happy Hour01:42 Evolution and Impact of Manufacturing Happy Hour04:34 Common Themes in Manufacturing: Workforce and Automation06:49 The Importance of Culture in Manufacturing11:12 Trends and Challenges in Manufacturing: 2025 Recap16:39 The Role of AI and Technology in Manufacturing21:54 Reshoring and Nearshoring: Building Resilient Manufacturing24:27 Workforce Development: Adapting to New Realities28:59 Looking Ahead: Predictions for US Manufacturing in 202632:26 Final Thoughts and Where to Find MoreLinksChris on LinkedInChris's WebsiteManufacturing Happy HourNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform
Recast - Matt Horine’s Reindustrialization Mission: Building On-Demand Labor for American Manufacturing
Today we are re-casting a prior interview done on the Inspired Stories Podcast, hosted by Anthony Codispoti. Check out the original recording at the links below. Website - https://inspiredstoriespodcast.com/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY4qRWcOftM&t=207s Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/matt-horines-reindustrialization-mission-building-on/id1728906402?i=1000743083490 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VSR2ppcLogToeUzr13uQK?si=3d5845b4a5134c11 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b02fe37f-ddb2-44bf-83b0-d60a82e306c6/episodes/d227816d-cd42-4dd9-8e6c-819ad7c080fd/the-inspired-stories-podcast-matt-horine's-reindustrialization-mission-building-on-demand-labor-for-american-manufacturing Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/3fa5ieoy Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/the-inspired-stories-podcast-6VgmjE
Manufacturing Revolution: John Gardner on Local Production and Economic Independence
In this episode of U.S. Manufacturing Today, hosted by Veryable, the focus is on American industry and its critical role in national independence and economic self-determination. The guest, John Gardner, author of 'Manufacture Local' and a seasoned professional in precision machining, discusses the historical significance of localized production in the US and its implications today. Highlights include the socio-economic impact of outsourcing, the importance of manufacturing for national security, and the need for a reformed tariff policy. Gardner criticizes economists like Milton Friedman for their detrimental free trade policies and advocates for a return to the founding fathers' vision of financing the government through tariffs rather than income taxes. Key historical insights and modern policy recommendations are discussed, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the necessity and benefits of revitalizing American manufacturing.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to US Manufacturing Today00:15 Meet John Gardner: Author of 'Manufacture Local'00:43 The Historical Context of American Manufacturing01:52 John Gardner's Personal Journey in Manufacturing04:44 Challenges and Realities of Modern Manufacturing06:08 The Impact of Policies on Manufacturing08:30 The Importance of Manufacturing for National Sovereignty15:01 Current State of US Manufacturing16:52 Tariffs and Industrial Policy22:57 The Importance of Manufacturing Independence23:35 World War II: A Manufacturing Miracle24:39 Challenges in Modern Manufacturing27:23 The Ideological Shift: Milton Friedman and Free Trade32:01 The Case for Tariffs and Economic Security33:21 Historical Context of Tariffs in the U.S.38:48 The External Revenue Service: A New Vision45:30 Conclusion and Future DirectionsLinksManufacture Local (Amazon)John GardnerNavigating Trump 2.0 Revitalizing US ManufacturingSign Up on the Veryable Platform