What healthy manufacturing looks like. Real growth. Real leadership.
Episode 3: Peter Hungerford - 25 Years in Family Business to VP of Manufacturing Services
Peter Hungerford — VP of Manufacturing Services, The Right Place & MMTC West - Grand Rapids, MI
Peter Hungerford is the Vice President of Manufacturing Services at The Right Place and MMTC West in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before that, he spent 25 years in a family automotive business. We talk about what it really takes to learn a family business, why partnerships have to be win-win, how he reads culture just by walking a manufacturing floor, the danger of shortcutting the next generation up the ranks, burnout and the power of a midlife gap year, and why strategy without culture just sits on a shelf.
Episode 2: Sami Birch - From Tech Writer to Director of Marketing at a 155-Person Automation Company
Sami Birch — Director of Marketing & Communications, Mission Design & Automation - Holland, MI
Sami Birch is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Mission Design & Automation in Holland, Michigan. When she started, Mission had 48 people. Five years later, they're at 155. We talk about how a writing degree led to robot manuals, the mentors who saw potential she couldn't see yet, why holding back constructive feedback hurts everyone, how Mission uses Maslow's hierarchy to develop leaders, and what she'd tell young women who've never considered manufacturing.
Episode 1: Jeff Kunkle - From CAD Engineer to Machine Shop Owner
Jeff Kunkle — Owner, Dynamic Machine - Zeeland, MI
Jeff Kunkle owns Dynamic Machine in Zeeland, Michigan - a 7-person precision machining shop he built from the ground up while raising four kids. We talk about starting part-time on a rented machine after hours, the moment he knew it was time to leave full-time employment, and what it actually takes to bet on yourself in the trades.
Are you a manufacturing leader in West Michigan with a story to share?
We're looking for guests who can share insights about building healthy manufacturing operations, developing leaders, and creating cultures that retain top talent.