Hiring, Managing,

and Inspiring the

Millennial WorkforceLEVERAGING POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS

Today’s Panel

Todd Shapiro

Vice President

Perry Fails

Vice President, Manufacturing

David Strickler

President

Background and Education

Born and raised in Iowa

Grew up in the home building industry

Very beginning of Generation X

Graduate of Iowa State University

Raised 3 millennial generation children

Lived in Minnesota the past 17 years

Work History

Continued work in the home building Industry

Plant Engineer Omega Cabinets

Corporate Plant Engineer VT Industries

Utilities Engineer Kraft Foods

Production Manager WoodHarbor Mouldings

and Millwork

VP of Manufacturing Dura Supreme Cabinetry

PRESENTATION: APRIL 15, 2016

CANCUN, MEXICO

Introduction

David Strickler is President of SuperNova International and its affiliate company AP Lazer, based in Lansing, Michigan.

AP Lazer is manufacturer of industrial laser machines with applications across numerous industries including wood working.

The team at AP Lazer covers all aspects of the business from machine design, material supply, assembly, quality control, customer service, warehouse, marketing, sales and distribution.

David has a broad background. Prior to working for AP Lazer, he worked as a product development engineer, automotive production manager, investment banker, private equity and venture capital investor and business development consultant.

He has a Masters in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University.

AP Lazer and the Woodworking Industry

1. We aim to help wood workers find fast and efficient

ways to cut intricate shapes using our AP Lazer

machines

2. We want to help wood workers tap into the

personalization and customization trend by allowing

them to etch digital graphic designs on wood products

3. We also want to help diversify the wood worker’s

revenue stream by allowing them to process other

materials such as plastic, glass, granite, etc. and

expand their customer base

Millennials Defined Born between 1980 and 2000

44 Million already in the workforce

46 Million more to come

76% of those already in workforce plan to leave their current job

AKA:

Gen Y

The Nintendo Generation

The Microwave Generation

Generation Next

Generation Why

The Echo Boomers

The Trophy Generation

Source: Bob Nelson, PhD, Nelson Motivation, Inc.

Millennials Defined

Well educated

High aspirations for themselves

Lofty sense of who they are & what they do matters

Love all things high-tech

Have, and expect, instant connections

Highly optimistic

Socially responsible

Positive Attributes

Techno Wizards – avid users of all types of technology

Fast learners

Extremely resourceful at seeking and finding answers

Optimistic

Great work ethic

Motivated to complete tasks, high achievers

Challenges

Overconfident (the “seldom right, but never in doubt” syndrome)

Inflated self worth attitude

Expect to have meaning and purpose to their jobs on day 1

Need constant challenges (entertainment???)

Want high pay to start, combined with job status and respect

Need constant, instantaneous feedback and praise

Strong sense of “entitlement”

Key Questions:

Do you see problems or opportunities?

How must your business change in order to fully leverage the energy

and skills of the Millennials workforce?

Cultural changes that will attract and inspire

Management style changes that will bring about the best results

Process changes that will create smooth operations

How do we attract Millennials?

How do we inspire Millennials?

How do we reward Millennials?

Sources: