
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Dave Kapic
Former President,
Stella & Chewy's
PRESENTATION: Empowering The Front Lines; Leadership, Ownership, and AI in Manufacturing In today's fast-paced manufacturing environment, success hinges on more than just cutting-edge technology or streamlined processes. True leadership involves empowering your front-line employees by pushing ownership down to the teams who are closet to the action. Through real-world stories, Dave will explore practical ways leaders can help team members reach their full potential by creating a sense of ownership, encouraging responsibility, offering growth opportunities, and equipping them with the AI tools they need to succeed. PERSONAL BIO: David Kapic is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the food sector. Originally from Northern California, David has lived across the U.S. but has called Wisconsin home for over 26 years, where he and his family have deeply rooted themselves. Throughout his career, David has led the production of various products—ranging from fruit snacks and cereal to cheese, yogurt, brats, and pet food. He has held influential positions at industry giants such as General Mills, Schreiber Foods, Johnsonville, and Stella & Chewy’s, taking on roles like Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President, and Board Director. Despite his executive titles, David has always remained focused on what he considers the backbone of any organization—the frontline workers. In his most recent move, David joined Weavix, a tech start-up that develops “smart radios” for frontline employees, as Chief Operating Officer. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this technology on company culture during his time at Stella & Chewy’s, David is now driven to bring these innovative tools to more companies in the manufacturing sector. David and his wife Jennifer reside in Newton, Wisconsin, and are proud parents to four adult children: Christopher, Bridget, William, and Gretchen. A passionate Packers shareholder, David shares a friendly rivalry with Jennifer, who is a Vikings fan having grown up in Minnesota.

Jake Hall
The Manufacturing Millennial
PRESENTATION: The Future of Manufacturing: Technology and the Workforce Thousands retire daily from the manufacturing workforce and the lack of future generations entering manufacturing results in many companies scrambling to fill production demands, keep equipment running, and automate their organizations and processes. We must work together to change the misconceptions of manufacturing and drive awareness to new solutions such as digitization, automation, and robotics. In this breakout, we will discuss how manufacturers are finding success in: • Leverage the latest technology in new ways that is beneficial to manufacturers and the workforce. • Adapting new types of automation from the Smart Factory • Building excitement in the next generation for manufacturing careers • Engaging with existing workers on upskilling and job satisfaction. PERSONAL BIO: Jake Hall known as the Manufacturing Millennial is an advocate for automation, manufacturing and skilled trades and the future workforce by helping revolutionize the way people and companies present through social media and adopt new technology. With over 100,000 Followers and 150,000,000+ views on his content, he ignites conversations about the latest in automation and technology to excite the current and future workforce on innovation.

Trends & Things to Know in 2025
Keynote Panel
Charles Palmer
Attorney
Michael Best & Friedrich

John Wichman
Industrial Real Estate
Broker, Cushman & Wakefield

Samuel Martinez
VP, Modern 4PL Strategy
Redwood Logistics

Larry McManis
CEO,
ThinkWay Strategies
PRESENTATION: The Secret Weapon of Everyday Strategy Every day it seems like new challenges emerge both personally and professionally. There are new problems that arise, old problems to be solved, and a future to be concerned about. But what if you had a simple tool that quickly applies your best thinking to all of these? What if you could tackle each of these challenges effectively and efficiently? Look no further. Welcome to ThinkPoints, a process used by global giants, small businesses, and everyday people to solve big problems, conquer sticky challenges, and achieve big goals. You will learn about a simple, robust strategy process that you can begin using right away to solve problems, achieve your business goals, or even apply to your personal life. It's easy to learn and with some practice, can be sharpened into a robust tool for success. Welcome to ThinkPoints. PERSONAL BIO: Larry has nearly 40 years of strategy experience. Starting his career in production at Oscar Mayer, he progressed through operations and technology positions to strategic roles at Oscar Mayer, Kraft Foods North America, and Kraft global. He left Kraft after 30 years and began ThinkWay Strategies where he provides strategy training and advisory services to businesses and non-profit organizations. Besides Kraft, Larry's client list includes Mattel Toy Company, Saputo USA, Alliant Energy, Travero, Dane Manufacturing, FIPCO, Midwest Food Products Association, Columbus Chemical Industries, KL Engineering, and others.