We're coming to you once again from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, D.C.—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. This time, we're joined by two inspiring leaders from the Metalworking Nation who prove that the heart of American manufacturing beats strongest in small towns and family-run shops.
Our guests, Jenny Steffensmeier, owner of Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove, Iowa, and Paul Bothe, third-generation owner of a CNC job shop in Kenosha, Wisconsin, share how the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program transformed not only their businesses, but their lives. From resilience in the face of loss to the legacy of family ownership and the power of advocacy, their stories show what it means to make small big.
Together, we talk about how to lead through transition, the role of creativity in machining, and why the best shops are built by "high-quality people doing high-quality work." Whether you're a shop owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a believer in the power of community, this episode will remind you why manufacturing matters—and how small businesses create a big impact.
Segments
- (0:00) Recording live from the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Summit
- (2:45) Introducing guests Jenny Steffensmeier and Paul Bothe
- (5:50) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP
- (7:23) How Jenny got involved with the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program
- (8:22) How Paul found his way from music to manufacturing
- (13:20) Jenny's story of taking over the business after her husband's passing
- (17:12) The power of community and connection in the 10KSB program
- (18:39) Leadership lessons from raising five kids and leading a team
- (20:24) Why you should consider Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing
- (21:33) Favorite lessons from the 10,000 Small Businesses modules
- (25:00) Jenny's realization at 10KSB: "I'm not alone."
- (27:58) Why vulnerability builds better leaders
- (28:54) Family legacy: The German "Mittelstand" mindset and stewardship over ownership
- (30:42) How family values and long-term customer relationships build trust
- (32:21) Jenny on her children's involvement and carrying forward their father's legacy
- (35:22) Lessons in storytelling—Tailoring your message for customers, students, and policymakers
- (38:52) "High-quality people doing high-quality work"—what culture really means
- (40:54) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
- (41:29) Thinking bigger: making small businesses big through policy and voice
- (40:30) Final reflections and memorable takeaways
Resources mentioned on this episode
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