Hardware Podcasts

302: Philly's Answer to the Talent Shortage (LIVE in King of Prussia, PA)

Manufacturing Happy Hour · 15 Sept 2026 · 56m

What this episode covers

Ashley Watkins of JBM Technologies, Brett Lister of B&B Dynamic Machining (Open Tolerance), and Matt Bruner of American Precision Works discuss the collaborative Philadelphia manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting how sharing equipment and knowledge counters overseas competition. Gregory Thomson and Hannah McGarry detail workforce development strategies, including a skilled trades program within Philadelphia Youth Basketball and defense industry outreach via buildsubmarines.com, to address the talent shortage. The panelists emphasize that hiring from diverse, non-traditional talent pools provides a competitive advantage, with Matt Bruner noting that diverse hiring increases spindle utilization and operational efficiency.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
JBM Technologies, B&B Dynamic Machining, American Precision Works, CliftonLarsonAllen, MaintainX
Also
Open Tolerance, NTMA, Philadelphia Youth Basketball, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, buildsubmarines.com

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