Founder
Lisa Wertzbaugher
Wertzbaugher Consulting
Three big issues fabricators must prioritize in 2024
In 2024, fabricators and small manufacturers must tackle Gen Z employment, digital marketing, and reshoring.
Learning from the masters of business
Warren Buffett, Katharine Graham, and Walt Disney are all remarkable because of their business success and the way they lived their lives.
The who, what, when, where, and how of price increases
Price increases are a way of life, and manufacturing businesses should never be afraid to implement them. However, some methods are better than others.
Human ROI: Noting the progress of a Gen Z manufacturing intern
Watching one Iowa-based Gen Z student progress from doing basic jobs to intern to young professional in the skilled trades shows that real ROI lies in the people you nurture.
Avoiding indecision and keeping momentum in business
Anyone who owns a business, big or small, knows the importance of having a plan, getting outside help, and delegating. But after gathering all the analysis and help, there's no point in slowing the momentum. Take action.
Capital investment: Why manufacturing companies should first consider customers
Of all the decisions that a growing manufacturing company has to consider, capital investment is the riskiest. Businesses should first make sure it makes sense for customers.
Transparency and open communication win the day for small businesses
There are a lot benefits for small business owners to be transparent and open with customers and employees, even with the most cherished information. It will win you trust and many other benefits.
Transition planning for a company's entire enterprise
Before an employee—any employee—departs, a business should have a successor’s arrival already booked. Making that transition plan can make your life much easier.
It’s time to consider a collaborative robot
The labor shortage for manufacturers has never been more acute. Fortunately, collaborative robot technology has never been more accessible—and it can help even small shops fill their labor needs.
Addressing concerns inside and outside your manufacturing business
In good times and bad, manufacturing shop managers should keep a finger on the pulse of employees to make sure they’re taken care of and feeling appreciated.
Selling during an economic downturn
When times get tough, successful manufacturing companies actually increase their sales activity. Here’s what sales leaders can do to weather the storm.
Hiring and nurturing interns pays off in manufacturing
Onboarding Gen Z interns is a popular topic these days in the manufacturing industry, and with a new school year quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to go over some best practices to ensure that an organization's new hires get off to the best start possible.
The power (and necessity) of flexible schedules in manufacturing
A pilot program that gives employees much-desired latitude in their schedules has yielded wonderful results. It is now seen as a critical benefit for workers—and a competitive advantage.
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- From The Fabricator
Reconnecting at in-person networking conferences
Small business owner Lisa Wertzbaugher looks back at two recent in-person FMA networking events in Miami and Memphis, and explains how conferences like that are key to growing the manufacturing industry.
A guide to developing a best-in-show manufacturing company
Business leaders can learn a lot about boosting manufacturing organizational performance by observing how premium show pigs are raised.
- Podcasting
In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s...
