Building Culture That Cares in Manufacturing with Chris Humphrey

In this episode of The Manufacturing Culture Podcast, Jim sits down with Chris Humphrey, Business Development Manager at AirPro Fan & Blower Company, to explore how purpose, people, and love of neighbor shape lasting manufacturing cultures. From growing up in a motorcycle dealership to hiking the Appalachian Trail during a “quarter-life crisis,” Chris shares how his journey through machining, engineering, and leadership led him to rediscover the true purpose behind manufacturing — building communities, providing meaningful work, and caring for people along the way.

Together, they unpack what culture means beyond the walls of a company, how leadership grounded in empathy can transform performance, and why AirPro’s employee-owned model has created one of the most authentic examples of modern manufacturing culture today.

What You’ll Hear:

Chris’s early years in machining and how vocational education shaped his career

The “quarter-life crisis” that changed his perspective on work and purpose

Why every manufacturing job supports six others and how that drives community impact

Lessons from the rifle industry on culture, stress, and leadership

How AirPro Fan & Blower built a thriving employee-owned culture around love of neighbor

The difference between condemning managers and leaders who come alongside

Why culture, not compensation, is the real key to long-term retention

How manufacturing can reclaim its image and attract the next generation

The future of manufacturing through technology, AI, and purpose-driven leadership

Key Quotes:

“Manufacturing supports my community. That realization changed everything for me.”

“Love of neighbor is a culture driver. It changes how you lead, how you sell, and how you care for people.”

“People remember who you are, not just what you did.”

“When a company puts care at the center, success takes care of itself.”

Topics Covered:

Manufacturing culture, leadership, purpose, employee ownership, community, vocational education, business development, supply chain, culture change, mentorship, AI in manufacturing, future of work.

Jim’s Take:

Chris’s story is a reminder that culture isn’t a policy — it’s people caring for each other. His journey from shop floor to business development shows how purpose evolves but never disappears when it’s built on the right foundation

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