The Fabricated Metals Podcast

Building the Future: How PMI’s Training Center Is Shaping the Next Generation of Fabricators

Every great product begins with people. In this episode of The Fabricated Metals Podcast, we dive into how Process Metals Innovators (PMI) is preparing the next generation of skilled professionals through its brand-new training center. Designed to blend classroom instruction with hands-on experience, this initiative is transforming how employees and students alike engage with manufacturing.
In this conversation, host Dana Hansen is joined by Chris Canard and Travis Parent, PMI’s Training Coordinator, to discuss how PMI University, school partnerships, and youth apprenticeship programs are building a stronger, smarter, and more connected workforce.
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Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:00] Welcome and introduction to the show[01:00] Why PMI built a dedicated training center[02:30] How training supports employee retention and engagement[03:30] The creation of PMI University[05:00] Travis’s military background and passion for teaching[06:00] Hands-on learning: welding, CAD design, and machine training[08:00] Leadership, communication, and soft skills development[10:00] Partnering with local high schools and technical colleges[12:00] Student projects: fire pits, park benches, and reverse engineering[14:00] Collaboration with CVTC and the mobile welding trailer[16:00] How youth apprenticeships lead to national recognition[18:00] Changing perceptions of manufacturing careers[21:00] Opening pathways to real-world opportunities[23:00] How training supports PMI’s customers amid labor shortages[25:00] Introducing automation, robotics, and AI into training[27:00] The importance of cross-training and employee development[30:00] How PMI’s culture of learning drives excellence[31:00] Inviting schools and manufacturers to collaborate[32:00] Wrap-up and closing thoughts
Notable Quotes:
“It’s not just steel that’s important to us—it’s our people.” — Dana Hansen
“Training helps people feel important. It keeps them engaged and makes them want to stay.” — Chris Canard
“We’re not just teaching skills; we’re building confidence and curiosity.” — Travis Parent
“The more employees understand the ‘why’ behind what we do, the more engaged they become.” — Chris Canard
“Our investment in training is an investment in the future of American manufacturing.” — Dana Hansen
Resources Mentioned:
Fabrication Buyers Guide: https://www.pmillc.com/guide/
Let’s Connect:
Website: https://www.pmillc.com/Dana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hansen-46a61114/Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-conard-bb2b5016/

How PMI Partners to Solve Your Supply Chain Issues

Every great product begins with a promise—but that promise can quickly unravel when supply chain problems stand in the way. Missed deadlines, scattered suppliers, and costly delays don’t just disrupt operations; they jeopardize trust and growth. Instead of battling constant roadblocks, imagine having a clear, reliable path that frees your time, eliminates inefficiencies, and ensures your projects run smoothly from start to finish.
In this episode of the The Fabricated Metals Podcast, we talk about how PMI can help eliminate some of your supply chain issues, what makes us unique and positions us as a reliable supplier, and how we can turn many of your biggest problems into lasting solutions.
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Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Introduction to the show
[00:57] Who PMI is and why customers trust them
[02:04] How PMI stands out from other vendors in the supply chain 
[05:24] How PMI has grown based on the different markets it serves
[07:41] Ways PMI can simplify your supply chain
[08:22] Real-life customer story: how PMI delivered solutions
[11:49] Pain points of sourcing parts overseas—and PMI’s solutions
[14:12] How PMI delivers exceptional customer service 
[16:10] Automation at PMI and how it helps meet demand
[17:20] A quick recap and how to take the next step
[19:05] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes: 
“You are very busy when you have too many suppliers.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for anything; let’s know what issues you’re running into with different types of parts.”
“If we can’t solve your problem, we can find someone who will.” 
 
Resources Mentioned: 
Fabrication Buyers Guide: https://www.pmillc.com/guide/
Let’s Connect:
Website: https://www.pmillc.com/
Dana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hansen-46a61114/
Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-conard-bb2b5016/

Innovation, Ownership, and Customer Focus: The PMI Story

Innovation, customer focus, and 100% employee ownership come together in a story of growth, resilience, and purpose. It’s a journey that begins with humble roots, evolves through decades of dedication, and finds strength in putting people first. At its core is the belief that customers deserve solutions that simplify challenges, reduce stress, and create lasting value. Along the way, employee ownership has transformed not only the way business is done, but also the way people work together—building trust, loyalty, and a future shaped by shared success.
In this first episode of the The Fabricated Metals Podcast, we dive into the world of Progress Metal Innovators (PMI)—our beginnings, the products we create, the customers we serve, and why becoming a 100% employee-owned company has been such a meaningful milestone. Joining the conversation are Dana Hansen, PMI’s Sales and Marketing Manager, and Chris Conard, President of PMI, who have worked together for over 20 years to build strong relationships, simplify supply chains, and deliver lasting value to customers.
Tune in now!
Key Highlights from the Episode
[00:01] Introduction to the show
[00:50] PMI’s history: how it started and grew into a one-stop shop
[04:12] Meeting customer needs in the supply chain
[05:22] Why working with one supplier can save inventory headaches
[06:27] What partnering with PMI looks like for customers
[08:33] How outsourcing with PMI saves time
[09:20] PMI’s customer base and how they are served in today’s climate
[10:45] Diversifying the supply base—and how PMI meets demand
[11:58] Why PMI started the The Fabricated Metals Podcast
[13:48] Becoming employee-owned in 2021—and what it means to the team
[15:10] Wrap-up and closing thoughts
Notable Quotes
“You can reduce a lot of stress in a day by putting the work of managing so many different suppliers into just one.”
“If you are dealing with multiple suppliers, you are probably killing more inventory than you want to.”
“It’s human nature to be comfortable with something you have been doing for a long time.”
Resources Mentioned
Fabrication Buyers Guide: https://www.pmillc.com/guide/
Let’s Connect
Website: https://www.pmillc.com/
Dana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-hansen-46a61114/
Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-conard-bb2b5016/