In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson and Tim Burenga take listeners on a 45-year journey of WorkSaver—from its founding by Tim’s father in 1980 to its evolution as a dual-focused manufacturer and OEM contract specialist. Tim shares hard-earned lessons in cost control, cash flow management, and the balance between growing the dealer network while protecting its value. They explore challenges from the recession to COVID-19, the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing, the future of automation and AI in factories, and the importance of employee training. The conversation also touches on how faith shapes leadership, the strength of industry networks like FEMA, and how family business succession should be handled thoughtfully.
Key Takeaways:
- Adaptation & Resilience: WorkSaver pivoted from wholesale drawbars to retail attachments, then expanded into OEM services (Woods & Deere–Frontier in 2004), illustrating the power of agility in manufacturing.
- Diversification Strategy: They keep no client above 25% of revenue and invest ahead in facilities and machines to balance growth.
- Cash Flow & Inventory Discipline: Tim emphasizes managing material costs, setup times, and lean production to avoid cash shortages and dealer overstock.
- Manufacturing Workforce: With 8 robotic welding arms, strong automation, and a regional training center for youth, WorkSaver fosters skilled labor and retains long-term employees.
- People & Culture: Tim stresses hands-on leadership—he’s worked every role—and fair treatment of employees fosters loyalty.
- Industry Collaboration: FEMA builds valuable peer-to-peer connections; Tim highlights its role in innovation (e.g., vertical tillage) and celebrating 75 years at its Vegas convention.
- Faith & Purpose: Tim ties the resurgence of work ethic and resilience to a revival of faith—believing stewardship, honesty, and divine guidance strengthen leadership.
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