Nicole Wolter is the President & CEO of HM Manufacturing. Most of you are probably familiar with her name—and for good reason. She is an industry powerhouse.

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, she takes us on a raw and insightful journey through the trials, triumphs, and tough conversations that define her experience as the second-generation leader of a manufacturing company.

Nicole opens up about starting in the business with no industry knowledge, earning her father’s trust, and navigating the generational clash of leadership styles. From boardroom debates to personal sacrifices, she shares what it takes to thrive in a business where passion, family, and responsibility are intertwined.

But that’s just the beginning. As a fierce advocate for small manufacturers, Nicole reveals how she’s fought to give businesses like hers a voice in a landscape dominated by corporate giants.

Whether shaping policy at the federal level, representing small businesses on a national stage, or fighting to keep her company resilient in the face of industry-wide challenges, Nicole’s story is one of grit, advocacy, and perseverance.

How do you navigate family dynamics when the founder can’t quite let go? How do you balance personal ambition with the weight of carrying a legacy? And what does it mean to truly love your business when it’s not your first passion? Nicole doesn’t shy away from the hard questions—and neither should you.

Listen in to explore the unique challenges and rewards of running a family-owned manufacturing business and the lessons that extend far beyond the factory floor.

• [2:26] Learn more about Nicole Wolter
• [3:43] Nicole’s advocacy in the manufacturing industry
• [9:13] Navigating the dynamics of a family business
• [14:46] Taking over a family business: Want or expectation?
• [20:33] Owners need to love what they do

• ‘Manufacturing Might Have Life Again,’ One CEO Says
• From Acquisition to Exit: The MFG Journey with Mike Fritz, Ep #2

• HM Manufacturing
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• Connect with Mike Payne on LinkedIn

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