---
title: "PODCAST: How Jack Russell Turned Rolar Products into a Data-Driven Manufacturing Machine"
date: 2025-02-20 13:01:15
description: "Jack Russell transformed Rolar Products from a small machine shop into a data-driven manufacturing leader."
keywords: "Jack Russell"
categories: [Podcast Interviews, Tony Gunn Podcast Interviews]
tags: [Customer Coverage, Customer Interviews, Jack Russell, Manufacturing Technology, Production Monitoring, Rolar, Tony Gunn]
---

In this episode of _The Gunn Show: Unplugged_, host Tony Gunn sits down with Jack Russell, the visionary behind [Rolar Products](https://rolarproducts.com/)‘ remarkable transformation. After investing his 401(k) to acquire a modest machine shop with just three employees, Jack leveraged over two decades of automotive industry experience to implement a strategic plan centered on technological advancement and a strong company culture. By integrating Datanomix’s real-time production monitoring, Rolar Products optimized workflows, reduced setup times, and empowered employees through data transparency. Under Jack’s leadership, the company expanded to over 40 full-time employees and relocated to a state-of-the-art 60,000-square-foot facility, earning recognition as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch in 2020. This episode offers invaluable insights into the power of visionary leadership and the impact of embracing technology in modern manufacturing. 

**Video:** Vimeo video embedded

**Key Takeaways:**

- **Bold Beginnings**: Jack Russell invested his 401(k) to acquire Rolar Products, a small machine shop with three employees.

- **Strategic Leadership**: Leveraging his automotive industry experience, Jack focused on technological advancement and cultivating a strong company culture.

- **Technological Integration**: The adoption of Datanomix’s real-time production monitoring optimized workflows and enhanced operational efficiency.

- **Employee Empowerment**: Data transparency fostered a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility among employees.

- **Significant Growth**: Under Jack’s leadership, Rolar Products expanded to over 40 employees and moved to a 60,000-square-foot facility.

- **Industry Recognition**: In 2020, Rolar Products was honored as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch.

## FEATURED VIDEO: CNC Machine Shop Owner, Jack Russell Talks Datanomix and Efficiency

Learn why having Datanomix on the floor makes all the difference to your efficiency and your factory team.

[WATCH NOW](https://datanomix.io/2022/06/17/jack-russell-from-rolar-products-talks-datanomix/)