Guests

On this page, you’ll find the guests we have received on the Manufacturing Hub Network. We thank each and every guest for coming onto the show, speaking with us, and sharing their knowledge.

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Featured Guests —

Billy Albritton

Associate Director Operational Technology

BD

Billy is a manufacturing automation professional who's recently made the move from management into an executive role at BD. Honorably discharged veteran with 16 years’ experience leading departments in advanced technologies for the military, academia, and private industry. Military service includes duty as an Operations and Security Specialist to United States Coast Guard. Consistently recognized for performance of duties and expertise above achieved rank. Numerous achievements including receiving the Presidential Humanitarian Award for assisting as a first responder in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Proven ability to deliver viable solutions that resolve complex business issues and ensure organizations meet internal and external goals by building strong collaborative teams and leading through organizational change. “Leading alongside” management style has been the catalyst to achieving exceptional results in challenging environments while building and maintaining strong, loyal relations with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. Billy completed a MS in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Robotics and Control Systems in 2017 and anticipating MBA graduation in May of 2019. Currently, working in the aerospace industry as an Information Technology Specialist and Digital Technology Manager for UTC – Pratt & Whitney.

Bobby Cole

President

THINK-PLC, LLC

Bobby is a systems integrator, educator, and passionate leader. With a number of years in manufacturing automation, Bobby has built a business that provides an array of system integration services including panel building, system programming, upgrades, and more. Above all else, Bobby is constantly striving to become a better person for the people that work in the company. He has attended and provided various coaching events that aim to empower the workers, allow them to follow their passions, and ultimately have a more fulfilled work environment.

Bob Meads

President

iQagent

Building on his experience as an Electronics Technician in the Navy, a Production Engineer at NEC Technologies, and software engineer at Siemens Energy & Automation, Bob Meads took his diverse background to found companies that he successfully leads today.

Chris Luecke

Marketing Leader / Podcast Host

Fiix Software

Chris Luecke is a manufacturing leader that began his career at Rockwell over 15 years ago. Since his debut in a sales and marketing role, Chris sought to create a community of like-minded individuals within the space through organizing events, hosting a podcast and groups on various social media platforms. Chris was one of the first in the industry to spot an opportunity for delivering content in podcast form and has since built an entire community through his venture: Manufacturing Happy Hour. At this time, in addition to his other commitments, Chris is leading marketing efforts at Fiix Software, a CMMS tool from Rockwell.

Chris Schleich

Senior Project Manager / Engineering Leader

CALTROL

Chris Schleich is an accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience and passion for building high-performance teams. Chris has held various leadership roles in high-tech companies where in addition to managing technical projects, he has to source, vet, and build up individuals for the organizations. Having a technical background didn’t stop Chris from recognizing the importance people played in the success of his projects and companies. His conversations around the topics of company culture, hiring practices, development of individuals, and accountability are fascinating

Clint Bodungen

Founder / President & CEO

ThreatGEN

Clint is a world-renowned industrial cybersecurity expert, public speaker, published author, and cybersecurity gamification pioneer. He is the lead author of Hacking Exposed: Industrial Control Systems, and creator of the ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue cybersecurity gamification platform. He is a United States Air Force veteran, has been a cybersecurity professional for more than 25 years, and is an active part of the cybersecurity community, especially in ICS/OT (BEER-ISAC #046). Focusing exclusively on ICS/OT cybersecurity since 2003, he has helped many of the world's largest energy companies, worked for cybersecurity companies such as Symantec, Kaspersky Lab, and Industrial Defender, and has published multiple technical papers and training courses on ICS/OT cybersecurity vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and risk management. Clint hopes to revolutionize the industry approach to cybersecurity education and help usher in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, using gamification. His flagship product, ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue, is the world’s first online multiplayer cybersecurity computer game, designed to teach real-world cybersecurity.

Aaron Prather

Senior Technical Advisor

FedEx

Current title is Senior Technical Advisor, but the real title is "Livin' the Dream!" I get to work on many of FedEx Express' R&D projects that can run the gamut from Robotics to RFID to Drones to Advance Sensors to Robotics. I mentioned Robotics twice because this is where I love to spend most of my time. From working on a robotic arm for Pick and Place applications to working with a mobile robot for Material Handling applications, I really love working with our new mechanical employees. If not at my desk, I can be found at our R&D facility near the Memphis Hub or in one of our operations working on a new technology and preparing it for deployment. There is also the possibility that I am at a conference speaking about robotics, automation, and workforce development.

Dan Staifer

Engineering & Maintenance Manager

Johns Manville

Dan is a leader and manager with strong technical skills and a desire to empower and enhance people's technical skills. Dan Staifer recently transitioned from his full-time teaching position of 10 years to being a full-time Engineering and Maintenance Manager at Johns Manville. Dan's career path is fairly unique, especially as all his initial on-the-job training came from his time teaching.

Dave & Vlad

Manufacturing Hub Podcast Hosts

Manufacturing Hub Podcast

Dave & Vlad each spent a number of years in the manufacturing industry leading projects both on the business & technical side, and are passionate about manufacturing, automation technology, and digital transformation.

Rija Rakotoarisoa

Group IT Lead Industry 4.0

Poclain Hydraulics

Dual skills in IT and Finance (+18 years in industry, +16 years in project management). Results-oriented, able to discuss with all profiles from operator to top management.