18 Chris Vandemergel - Can America Manufacture Again? A Real Look Inside the System

Can America become a manufacturing powerhouse again or is that just a dream? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Vandemergel, a manufacturing leader with over 25 years of experience working across Ford, Tier 1 suppliers, and operational leadership roles, to unpack the reality behind American manufacturing today. From launching major vehicle programs like the Ford F-150 Lightning to leading plant operations and rebuilding struggling facilities, Chris brings a rare, inside-the-factory perspective on what’s really happening behind the scenes of U.S. production. Together, we explore the big questions: Why manufacturing dropped from ~30% of the economy to under 10% Whether reshoring is actually realistic—or just political talk The hidden complexity of global supply chains and why parts move across borders multiple times Why small businesses struggle to manufacture in the U.S. The real reason jobs moved overseas—and why they haven’t fully come back Chris also breaks down something most people never see: what manufacturing jobs are actually like today. Long hours, physically demanding environments, and wages that often don’t match the cost of living have fundamentally changed how these careers are viewed. We dive deep into: The erosion of the middle class and its connection to manufacturing Why skilled trades are disappearing—and why that’s a major problem The shift toward “college-only” thinking and its unintended consequences Labor challenges, employee turnover, and why companies struggle to retain workers Whether automation and AI can realistically solve these issues One of the most eye-opening moments comes through a real-world example: trying to manufacture a simple product in the U.S. vs. overseas—highlighting just how broken the system is for small businesses. Chris closes with a grounded and honest reflection: manufacturing can come back—but only if we fix the workforce, rethink education, and create real career paths instead of just jobs. He emphasizes that the future depends not just on policy or tariffs, but on how companies value their people and how society views skilled work. The conversation ends on a powerful note about what “wealth” really means—reminding us that it’s not just money, but fulfillment, purpose, and choosing the right path in life. This is a practical, eye-opening, and deeply human conversation about manufacturing, opportunity, and the future of the American worker. Listen now to understand what it will really take to build again.