HIRED! The Podcast With Travis Miller

What does it really take to start an automation company with no safety net? In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller talks with James Butler about the leap from employee to founder, the risks behind starting Bridger Automation, and how leadership, hiring, and decision making change when it’s your business on the line.// ABOUT OUR GUESTJames Butler is the President and Founder of Bridger Automation, specializing in warehouse automation, conveyor controls, electrical integration, and WCS software. He brings hands-on experience from electrical work to software integration and commissioning, with a focus on building practical, scalable automation solutions.// CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST⏵ James Butler⏵ Bridger Automation_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#leadership #entrepreneurship #sales #engineering #careerdevelopment #hiring #automation #warehouseautomation #manufacturing 

Does technical expertise guarantee leadership success? For Anthony Leo, President of IPR Robotics, the path from engineer to the C-Suite meant unlearning the need to be the smartest person in the room.In the Season 5 premiere of HIRED!, host Travis Miller uncovers the real traits that drive career growth. We break down the "Assumption Model" that kills deals, the interview red flag that ends the process immediately, and why curiosity beats knowledge. Plus, blunt advice for today's market. Stop waiting for perfect conditions and execute.// ABOUT OUR GUEST Anthony Leo is the President of IPR Robotics. With over a decade of leadership in venture-backed robotic startups, he brings extensive experience taking emerging technologies to market. A Metro-Detroit native, Anthony combines deep manufacturing knowledge with innovative strategies to drive growth for integration partners and end users.// CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST⏵ Anthony Leo⏵ IPR Robotics_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#leadership #sales #engineering #robotics #manufacturing #careerdevelopment #hiring #automation

Is the "skills gap" real, or is it just the story we've been told to believe? In our first-ever on-location episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller travels to the U.S. headquarters of ABB Robotics to find out. He sits down with Christelle Keefer, Global Segment Manager for Education at ABB, to investigate the surprising truth about retraining our workforce for the age of automation, who is truly responsible for building the next generation of talent, and how quickly it can actually be done.This conversation provides a practical roadmap for any leader trying to solve the labor shortage and for any professional looking to make their career future-proof. We debunk the myth that upskilling takes years, explore why industry must partner with education, and reveal what individuals can do to become indispensable in a crowded job market.// ABOUT OUR GUESTChristelle Keefer is a trailblazer at the intersection of robotics and education. As the Global Segment Manager for Education at ABB, she leads the charge in developing innovative curricula and global partnerships to prepare the workforce for the future of automation. In recognition of her impact, the International Federation of Robotics named her one of the "10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics." Christelle also helps guide the industry through her work on the A3 Robotics Technology Strategy Board.// CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST⏵ Christelle Keefer⏵ ABB Robotics_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#skillsgap #automation #futureofwork #manufacturing #robotics #workforcedevelopment  #leadership 

Why do so many CRM systems fail even with the best tools in place? In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Brian Gardner—founder of SalesProcess360 and author of CRM for CEO—to explore why CRM adoption often falls flat and what leadership can do to change that.From managing resistant sales stars to turning CRM into a company-wide advantage, Brian shares practical insights that help teams move beyond data entry and into real sales strategy. If you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or just tired of your CRM underperforming, this conversation delivers what you need to hear.Brian is a veteran of the industrial sales world, having moved from inside sales to VP of sales before founding and selling his own CRM company. Through SalesProcess360, he now coaches industrial distributors, reps, and manufacturers on aligning CRM with process, culture, and growth. He’s the author of ROI from CRM and CEO for CRM, and holds a degree in Industrial Technology from LSU._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Brian Gardner⏵ SalesProcess360⏵ CEO for CRM_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#crmsoftware #salestips #b2bsales #salesstrategy #digitalsales #industrialtech #crm

Is the robotics industry as advanced as we think? In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller talks with Ken Macken, CEO & Founder of Workr Labs, about why robotics hasn’t evolved as fast as expected—and what’s holding it back. From legacy software to the scarcity of talent, Ken unpacks the hidden challenges slowing real progress.He also shares a bold vision for the future: one where automation is intuitive, accessible, and woven into the workforce in smarter ways. Whether you’re a robotics professional, hiring manager, or just automation-curious, this one’s worth a listen.Ken Macken is the CEO and Founder of Workr Labs. With over two decades in manufacturing and automation, he’s focused on redefining human-machine collaboration and making robotics more accessible to the people who need it most._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Ken Macken⏵ Workr Labs_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#robotics #automation #ai #futureofwork #manufacturing #innovation #techpodcast #engineering #expertinterviews #robottechnology 

The future of robotics isn’t about talent gaps. It’s about the leaders building smarter teams and opening more doors. Jesica Chavez joins HIRED! The Podcast to share how robotics companies can scale by focusing on people first.From factory floors in Mexico to leadership roles in the U.S., Jesica brings a global view on scaling startups, building diverse teams, and the leadership lessons robotics companies still need to learn. If you care about the future of robotics, this one is for you.Jesica Chavez is a dynamic leader in robotics, boasting over 20 years of experience in Customer Success and Marketing. With a background in Industrial Engineering and currently pursuing her MBA, she has worked across various sectors, including manufacturing, SaaS, and robotics. She founded Robo Success, a specialized agency dedicated to helping robotics companies accelerate growth and effectively navigate their go-to-market strategies._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Jesica Chavez⏵ RoboSuccess_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#robotics #technology #engineering #automation #innovation #futuretech #AI

What happens when you’re not afraid to fail?In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Jim Shaw, President & Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group, a fast-growing force in supply chain automation and systems integration.Jim Shaw is a senior leader with over 25 years in the supply chain industry, specializing in operations, systems integration, material handling, and logistics. Known for driving innovation and creating engaged, high-performance cultures, Jim is the visionary behind Zion Solutions Group—dedicated to delivering sustainable value through bold leadership and lasting partnerships.In this conversation, Jim unpacks what it means to build a company without fear, how culture-first leadership attracts top talent, and why focusing on “good people and good partners” is the future of business. Whether you’re building a team, a startup, or a legacy, this one hits deep._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Jim Shaw⏵ Zion Solutions Group_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify##SupplyChain #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Startup #Automation #TeamBuilding #ZionSolutionsGroup #FearlessFounders #Hiring

The world of manufacturing is changing fast — and staying relevant means evolving just as quickly. In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Chris Stevens (PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott) joins Travis Miller to talk about what it really takes to thrive in an industry where technology, talent, and timelines are constantly shifting.Chris also shares the story behind his passion project, The Home of Manufacturing, a centralized, free resource created to amplify voices and connect the fragmented corners of the manufacturing world. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone thinking about future-proofing their career.Chris Stevens is a manufacturing leader with a career built entirely in the industry, currently serving as PMO Business Excellence Manager at Abbott. With two engineering degrees and parts he’s helped produce used on all seven continents — and even in space — Chris brings deep technical and operational insight to every conversation. He’s also the founder of The Home of Manufacturing, a platform connecting voices and events across the sector, and the host of the upcoming podcast Manufacturing Nation._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Chris Stevens⏵ The Home of MFG_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#manufacturingleadership #industrialinnovation #smartfactory #hiringtrends #futureofwork #upskilling #manufacturingpodcast #careerstrategy #AIandManufacturing #techcareers #ai #manufacturing #industrialautomation 

The automation industry isn’t just changing—it’s being rebuilt by the people who refuse to wait for permission. On this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Nikki Gonzales, a leader reshaping the field by showing up, speaking out, and creating the kind of industry she wants to work in.Recently hired as Director of Business Development at Weintek USA, Nikki brings years of industry insight, a passion for making automation more accessible, and a proven track record of building real community—from launching the podcast Automation Ladies to co-founding the grassroots event OT SCADA CON._________________________________________________Connect with:⏵ Nikki Gonzales⏵ Weintek USA⏵ Automation Ladies⏵ OT SCADA CON_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#automationindustry #automation #industrialautomation #womeninstem #automationpocast #OTSCADACON #AutomationLadies #stem #careergrowth #techcommunity 

Most companies are wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work—chasing the wrong audience, burning budgets on ineffective strategies, and missing the biggest opportunity right in front of them.In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with Eddie Saunders Jr., founder of Speak Friend, to expose the biggest marketing mistakes and reveal how to cut waste, use AI to get ahead, and engage the 95% of potential customers most brands ignore.Eddie also shares his unconventional journey from industrial marketing to MMA fight announcing and explains why curiosity and empathy are game-changers in business.If you’re ready to fix your marketing and stop wasting money, this episode is a must-listen.Eddie is a passionate thought leader in the world of Industrial Content Strategy & Demand Generation. With 15+ years of battle-tested experience in the field, he has proven himself to be an innovative and strategic thinker, consistently challenging what's "normal" in the industry. As an Industrial Marketing speaker, quirky content creator, and Founder / CEO of Speak Friend, he has built a reputation for his ability to create compelling and effective marketing campaigns that use data to drive results in the modern landscape. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including branding, digital marketing, social media, and more!_________________________________________________Connect with Eddie & Speak Friend⏵ LinkedIn⏵ Speak Friend⏵ Instagram_________________________________________________Want to stream our podcast on another platform?⏵ Apple Podcasts⏵ Audible⏵ Spotify#marketingstrategy #digitalmarketing #industrialmarketing #b2bmarketing #marketingmistakes #aimarketing #brandstrategy #businessgrowth #contentmarketing #salesandmarketing #customerengagement #entrepreneurmindset