In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, host Travis Miller sits down with James Ellis, a top expert in employer branding, for a lively conversation packed with hot takes and real, actionable insights. This isn’t your typical discussion—Ellis breaks down exactly how businesses can stand out by focusing on what makes them unique as employers and why authenticity is key in attracting the right talent.

Ellis dives deep into how employees can actively shape a brand and gives concrete strategies for small businesses to leverage their culture to connect with top candidates. With no fluff, just straight talk, Ellis shares practical advice that listeners can put to work right away to elevate their employer brand and hiring efforts.

James Ellis is the principal of Employer Brand Labs, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and host of The Talent Cast podcast. With nearly a decade of experience, he’s helped dozens of companies craft unique and compelling employer brands. His mission? To provide real, no-nonsense advice that helps businesses rethink how they hire and build stronger, more authentic brands.
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James Ellis
Employer Brand Labs
The Talent Cast
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#employerbranding #recruitmentstrategies #hiringtips #hrpodcast #workculture #businessbranding #careeradvice #jobmarket #talentacquisition

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller sits down with Kim Blomquist, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, Chicago’s leading manufacturing incubator. Kim sheds light on mHUB’s role in nurturing early-stage startups, particularly in the fields of climate and energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. From prototyping labs to a comprehensive mentor network, mHUB equips these startups with the tools they need to scale, secure funding, and prove their business models in a competitive landscape.

Kim also discusses the critical challenges startups face, including proving market demand and acquiring talent. She emphasizes mHUB’s commitment to workforce development, reshoring, and building a skilled talent pool to drive economic growth. The episode provides valuable insights into how mHUB is shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation, both locally and nationally.

Kim Blomquist is the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at mHUB, where she leads the organization’s national strategy at the intersection of tech and manufacturing. Her team is behind major events like the HardTech Summit and the Fourth Revolution Awards. Kim played a pivotal role in mHUB’s $50M acquisition and renovation of a historic facility in Chicago. She also oversees mHUB’s annual and investor reports and serves on a marketing advisory council for manufacturing workforce development.
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Kim Blomquist
mHUB
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#podcast #manufacturing #startup #techindustry #reshoring #robotics #mHUB #innovation

In this episode of HIRED! The Podcast, Travis Miller is joined by Cathy Rinne, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, alongside her daughter Lauren Van De Mark, Sales and Marketing Manager, marketing intern Isaiah Roth, and Customer Service Specialist Cayla Sibley. Together, they explore the nuances of talent acquisition in manufacturing and automation, offering valuable insights into the importance of evaluating candidates beyond technical skills and rebranding the industry to attract fresh talent.

The conversation delves into the dynamics of running a family business, including leadership styles, communication, and generational management approaches. Listen in as the Flex-Line team shares their personal experiences on navigating succession planning and the significance of exposing students to industry processes early on.

Cathy Rinne, co-founder, President and CEO of Flex-Line Automation, Inc. based in Chester, IL, brings a wealth of business strategy and innovation to the forefront from her nearly forty years in the automation industry. Instrumental in positioning Flex-Line as an industry leader in cutting-edge automation solutions, Cathy's visionary leadership is a driving force, shaping not just a company, but an industry’s future.

Lauren Van De Mark is the Sales and Marketing Manager at Flex-Line Automation Inc. Raised on a farm in Southern Illinois, she developed a strong work ethic and adaptable skills early on. She earned her MBA from Mississippi State University and is passionate about solving problems and delivering exceptional customer service. In addition to her role in manufacturing and automation, Lauren is active in industry groups and enjoys promoting Southern Illinois. She also lives on a cattle farm with her husband and animals, and recently, Flex-Line was featured on “World’s Greatest” TV and “The Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid.”

Cayla Sibley joined Flex-Line Automation, Inc. in 2024 as a Customer Service Specialist, leveraging her extensive experience from St. Nicholas Brewing Company, where she advanced from waitress to Event Coordinator. Her background in the food service industry honed her organizational skills, time management, and customer service. At Flex-Line, Cayla brings her positive attitude to learning the technical aspects of conveyor and robotic integration, ensuring top-tier service for customers.

Isaiah Roth is a marketing student at SIU Carbondale with a strong work ethic and a background in food service, currently serving as a shift lead at Dairy Queen. At Flex-Line Automation, Inc., he gained marketing experience and explored automation technologies as an intern. Isaiah was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Randolph County StartUP program for his business, Roth Studios, specializing in photography and design. As a freshman, he’s excited to join the Marching Salukis and expand his skills.

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Connect with the Flex-Line Automation Tea
Cathy Rinne
Lauren Van De Mark
Cayla Sibley
Isaiah Roth
Flex-Line Automation
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#familybusiness #genz #careeradvice #businesstips #generations #professionaldevelopment #future #manufacturing #automation #robotics