🎙️ Gavin Stener, founder of 67 Designs, joins Tool or Die to discuss his journey from ERP software to building a U.S.-based manufacturing company focused on high-quality off-road vehicle mounts and accessories. We explore the challenges of American manufacturing, the fight against counterfeiters, generational knowledge transfer, and the cultural shift needed for reindustrialization.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:33 Gavin's background and early engineering experiences
05:00 ERP software and manufacturing challenges
15:35 Why Goldratt's "The Goal" is essential reading
25:15 Manufacturing culture and respect for tradespeople
33:45 The founding mission of 67 Designs
38:20 Counterfeiting challenges and IP protection
50:40 Patent prosecution and Chinese IP tactics
58:10 The path forward for American manufacturing
01:05:45 Closing thoughts on reindustrialization
Key Topics:
How early experiences with machining in Australia shaped Gavin's manufacturing philosophy
The history and evolution of ERP systems in manufacturing
The critical importance of respecting skilled trades workers
Why 67 Designs was founded to transfer knowledge from older generations
How counterfeiting and Amazon impact small American manufacturers
The challenges of patent protection and intellectual property
Why manufacturing revival needs educational, legal, and supply chain reform
The importance of domestic manufacturing for national security and economy
👉 Follow: 67designs.com | X: @67designs
TOOL OR DIE is produced by Johnson & Roy, a strategic advisory firm specializing in technology, mobility, manufacturing, and robotics. Your hosts are Joel Johnson, a former technology journalist and media executive who pioneered brands like Gizmodo, Jalopnik, and Wirecutter, and Alex Roy, a General Partner at New Industry Venture Capital (NIVC.us) known for breaking the Cannonball Run record and his work in autonomous vehicles.
Follow them at:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexroy | linkedin.com/in/joeljohnson
X: @alexroy144 | @joeljohnson
Web: johnson-roy.com
#Manufacturing #AmericanManufacturing #CounterfeitPrevention #IntellectualProperty #Reindustrialization #ERP #OverlandGear #SkilledTrades
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