E19 - Nathan Ruetz - Custom Deco

Custom Deco with Nathan Ruetz

Episode 19: Show Notes

Working in manufacturing requires a lot of problem-solving. This is especially true with the new challenges that industries have been facing globally when it comes to supply chain issues, and the more local obstacles to attracting and hiring new talent. Today on the show we get together with Nathan Ruetz, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Custom Deco, a leading decorator of glassware and ceramic products sold throughout the United States. Tuning you’ll learn all about Nathan’s journey in manufacturing, how he came to work for Custom Deco, and some of the biggest lessons he’s uncovered along the way. He gives a breakdown of their daily operations, from how they mix their inks on-site, to how they deliver the final product at scale to their clients. Next, Nathan shares some of the details on how they are looking to innovate their current processes and the role that regulations and logistics play in these decisions. You’ll also hear Nathan describe the leadership philosophy at Custom Deco, called Servant Leadership, and why he finds it so significant and inspiring. To learn more about this fascinating industry, and some of the ways they are expanding and innovating, make sure you tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest Nathan Ruetz, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Custom Deco.
• How Nathan came to work for Custom Deco and his previous experience in the automotive industry.
• Nathan’s role at Custom Deco and the work they do custom decorating glassware.
• Some of the biggest challenges Nathan’s industry is currently facing, from hiring shortages to supply chain issues.
• Nathan’s advice to new and established members of the manufacturing industry: it’s all about people and finding opportunities to learn.
• The books and resources that have helped Nathan in his manufacturing career, and why keeping your team motivated and inspired is so important.
• The servant leadership philosophy and how it is practiced at Custom Deco.
• The leaders that inspired Nathan in his career and how he aspires to emulate them.
• Why being successful as a leader in manufacturing is all about your team.
• Why aligning expectations is one of Nathan’s biggest daily challenges.
• A breakdown of Custom Deco’s facilities and processes, from the design the customer wants to how they produce the final product at scale.
• How Custom Deco mixes their inks on-site and why they’re currently looking to innovate on their current methods of application.
• Some of the ways Custom Deco is looking to educate their sales teams and customers on the front end.
• The concept of the 2 Second Solution and how it encourages Nathan’s team to be part of the solution.
• How Custom Deco is expanding into other types of printing, like ceramics.
• Why Nathan wants to debunk the myth that there’s a disconnect between the sales and manufacturing teams.
• Nathan’s advice on how to listen to your team and not micromanage too much.
• How and where to connect with Nathan online! 

Tweetables:

“I feel like one of my probably unwritten roles in my current position is trying to be the conduit between the execution on the plant floor, all the way to the sales team in how they're communicating with the customer.” — Nathan Ruetz [0:16:02]

“The philosophy is if you can save two seconds every day over the course of the year it adds up, right? We encourage our team to be part of the solution, that's part of our servant leadership approach” — Nathan Ruetz [0:23:23]

“When your team comes to you with a problem, they may not necessarily be looking for you to solve it, so much as looking for a sounding board. A l