Voices from the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders
As 2025 wraps up, we’re spotlighting the manufacturing leaders who aren’t waiting around for change—they’re building it in real time, from the shop floor to the front office.
Our latest Manufacturing Mavericks podcast episode brings together five next-generation leaders who are creating impact through culture, systems, data, and a relentless focus on progress. These conversations aren’t theory, they’re real stories from real leaders solving real problems.
Before we dive in, here’s what ties all five together:
- They coach instead of command.
- They use data to empower, not punish.
- They build cultures of ownership.
- They develop people as intentionally as they invest in equipment.
- They always choose progress over hierarchy.
If you want to know what modern manufacturing leadership actually looks like, start with these voices.
Adam Gordon
VP of Operations at Tendon Manufacturing
“You win with people. It’s really that simple.”
Adam represents the best of what a modern family-run shop can be. As a second-generation leader, he’s helping Tendon scale smart with a clear focus on automation, culture, and continuous improvement without losing the human touch.
- Empowerment through problem-solving: Tendon has implemented fix-it forms that empower employees to suggest process changes that often lead to real promotions and real ROI.
- Hiring for mindset, not just skill: Adam looks for people who will brew the next pot of coffee without being asked. The ones who take ownership.
- Automation with purpose: Tools like robotic welders and offline programming give teams more time to focus on higher-value work.
Daniel Anglemyer
Manufacturing Manager at Hibshman Screw Machine Products
“I don’t want this job forever. I want someone to grow into it and take it from me.”
Daniel’s journey from Chip Spinner to Operations Leader is a study in grit, growth, and transformation. His influence took root long before he had a leadership title, and he’s helped drive cultural and operational change by modeling the behaviors he expects from others.
Why Daniel stands out:
- Leading before a title: Daniel started fixing machines and solving people’s problems without a formal leadership role. His impact earned him the seat.
- Core values lived daily: By embedding values into weekly meetings and daily language, his team has built a culture of accountability and support.
- From “try” to “do”: He challenges his team to shift from passive language to ownership—no more “I’ll try,” it’s “I’ve got this.”
Rebekah Colligan
VP of Operations at Phoenix Mecano
“I’m not looking for one giant leap. I’m looking for steady improvement—every day.”
Rebekah combines systems thinking with a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Standardization, a focus on process, and data-driven decisions have helped Phoenix Mecano increase output without burnout.
- Simplify to scale: Consolidating machines and standardizing setups helped boost productivity for proving that good engineering and good leadership go hand in hand.
- Data + action = momentum: Rebekah uses dashboards to track everything from quoting to quality, then feeds that data right back into training and process improvement.
- Always evolving: Even after a 20% utilization boost and 24% less downtime, she’s focused on what’s next.
Randal Leach
Director of Operations at Ricaurte Precision
“If you’re not measuring, you’re not growing.”
Randall is part of a leadership team that blends deep experience with sharp execution. He’s helping Ricaurte grow with a clear mission: invest in tech, empower people, and lead with facts, not feelings.
- Culture built on trust and action: At Ricaurte, leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about building systems where people can succeed.
- From sweeping chips to leading change: Randall’s been around long enough to see both the old ways and what makes modern leadership possible with the right tools.
- Command centers, not command-and-control: Digital dashboards, real-time visibility, and mobile alerts that support faster decisions across all teams.
Eric Van Orden
Technical Lead at Paramount Machine
“The transparency of data gives our team confidence—and that drives better decision-making.”
Eric is a hands-on operations leader who believes that when people have real information, they make better choices. At Paramount Machine, data transparency and team empowerment are the focus.
- Leadership rooted in Trust: Eric emphasizes the importance of trust and accountability, giving people the space to learn and take ownership.
- Daily huddles that drive results: Morning meetings use clear metrics, not vague updates, to align teams and stay focused for the day.
- Real-time response: With Datanomix, they identify the right issues faster and address them before they snowball.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE
The Best Advice from Next-Gen Leaders Who are Redefining Manufacturing
If these highlights resonated, the full episode goes even deeper. Each leader shares the real stories, challenges, and turning points behind their approach to culture, systems, and continuous improvement. You’ll hear how they build trust, create momentum, and make decisions that actually move their teams forward.
If you want to understand how next-generation manufacturing leaders operate today, and what’s coming next, check out the full conversation. It’s a masterclass in modern leadership and a clear look at the mindset shaping the industry’s future.
