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The Beyerleins, Nadra Angerman, Steve Kidd
From the paper napkin to prototyping, to the factory and packaging, hear how products get made. Our experts Nadra Angerman of Angerman Communications Group, Barry Beyerlein of FWD Global and Steve Kidd of CimTech put it all together. They explain how the Internet, rapid prototyping and 3D manufacturing are helping entrepreneurs get products to market faster than ever before.

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Products made with 3D printers and rapid prototyping technologies.


Podcast:
12_08_12.mp3
File Size: 43220 kb
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We took some time outside of our regularly scheduled program to meet with Mark Graban from San Antonio, TX to talk about Kaizen -- Japanese for "change for the better" -- a management method used by some of the biggest companies.

Mark's first book, "Lean Hospitals," has been translated into seven languages. His new book is called, “Healthcare Kaizen" -- a common sense approach to revamping the healthcare system. He came by to share his ideas for improving all types of businesses, even small ones.

You'll hear about:
  • The difference between Six Sigma, Kaizen and Lean.
  • Why treating employees well is good for business.
  • The role leadership has to play to make it work.
  • How to inject Kaizen thinking into a small business.


Podcast:
06_20_12.mp3
File Size: 49803 kb
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Just like the importance of buying organic or free trade, it's of equal value to understand the people who make the products we buy. Wally Bell spent 12 years working for REI on compliance, and now he's a consultant who helps U.S. companies establish fair labor practices.

In a perfect world you shouldn't have to worry about how your stuff is produced.

Hear Wally explain some of the key problems and by way of example, we discuss Apple and Foxconn at length.

There has to be a decision within the company that labor compliance is important.

If you're wondering how you can produce your products fairly, you'll want to listen to the ideas and advice outlined in this interview.


Podcast:
04_21_12_myb.mp3
File Size: 46599 kb
File Type: mp3
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