Gavin Stener's Three Imperatives for American Manufacturing Culture (Plus: ERP MADNESS and Goldratt's THE GOAL)

🎙️ 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 reindustrializationKey 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: @67designsTOOL 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 Get full access to TOOL or DIE at www.toolordie.com/subscribe