Mai Bui Wants To Save The "Powerpoint Engineer" From Docs Hell

from TOOL or DIE Podcast - Reindustrialize, Rebuild, or Retire · host Joel Johnson

🎙️ Mai Bui, co-founder and CEO of Quarter 20, joins Tool or Die to discuss how they’re revolutionizing documentation for manufacturing and why automating assembly instructions is critical for scaling U.S. industry. With experience at SpaceX, Tesla, and Alta Motors, Mai brings deep insight into the challenges of bringing hardware products to market, from battery safety to robotics to manufacturing inefficiencies. Plus, a deep dive into the state of smart locks (and why they’re still frustratingly bad).TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction02:20 The wild inefficiencies of smart locks08:45 Mai’s background in engineering and manufacturing14:10 How Quarter 20 automates manufacturing documentation22:00 The challenge of making good assembly instructions31:40 The factory floor reality vs. automation myths38:10 Quarter 20’s roadmap and AI’s role in documentation45:30 Lightning Round: Cars, screws, and oil rigsKey Topics:* Why smart locks are still bad and what should be done about it* Lessons from working at SpaceX, Tesla, and Alta Motors* The huge gaps in manufacturing documentation and how to fix them* Why reshoring U.S. manufacturing requires better software tools* How Quarter 20 is making factory documentation smarter, faster, and more adaptable* The challenges of automation and robotics in real-world manufacturing👉 Follow: @buildquarter20Website: buildquarter20.comTOOL OR DIE is produced by Johnson & Roy (Johnson-Roy.com), 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/joeljohnsonX: @alexroy144 | @joeljohnsonWeb: johnson-roy.com#Manufacturing #Entrepreneurship #Automation #SmartFactories #AmericanMade Get full access to TOOL or DIE at www.toolordie.com/subscribe

NOW PLAYING

0:00 59:32

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. Flottengeflüster ALD Automotive Österreich | LeasePlan Beim Flottengeflüster powered by ALD Automotive | LeasePlan präsentieren Jörg Janik und Peter Gutenbrunner alle zwei Wochen spannende Informationen rund um das Thema nachhaltige Mobilität. Beide beschäftigen sich schon lange mit der Thematik und bringen umfangreiches Fachwissen mit. Sollten sie aber doch einmal nicht weiter wissen, werden unsere Expert*innen hinzugezogen, die ihnen gerne mit Rat und Tat zur Seite stehen. The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of TOOL or DIE Podcast - Reindustrialize, Rebuild, or Retire?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

When was this TOOL or DIE Podcast - Reindustrialize, Rebuild, or Retire episode published?

This episode was published on February 24, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this TOOL or DIE Podcast - Reindustrialize, Rebuild, or Retire episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!