What is Juneteenth & Why Do We Celebrate the Day?
FlexTrades is all about manufacturing, and this industry is all about making things. However, we try to remember the people doing the making, and all
Stop Trying to Become Influencers: We Need Electricians
This brief, semi-viral clip, stitched together by several thousand satirically minded TikTokers, is one that has stuck with me for several reasons. First and foremost
Celebrating World Environment Day
June 5, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. Each year, this passion project of the United Nations brings together more than 150
A reader of our How It’s Made articles asked if we could share our knowledge about recycling. As a result, we adapted our How It’s
We Are Free: A Memorial Day Tribute Poem
We’re free . What an interesting concept. We choose where we step foot, Our identities draped in linens ,Our hobbies prancing through the air. We sit at our desks Falling into the
The History of the First U.S. Jet Engine
As wild as it seems, we can trace back the invention of jet engines to 150 BC with the development of the aeolipile. And it
What’s Inside Every Technician’s Toolbox?
Every technician has a toolbox, but what do you NEED to have in it? While there’s no “right” answer, here is a list of tools
Highlighting Black-Owned Manufacturing Businesses in the United States
The manufacturing industry is one of America’s great invisible strengths. They keep our stores stocked, our transportation systems running, and our people employed. And while
What Puts the “Flex” in FlexTrades?
What is the definition of a dream job in manufacturing? There is no wrong answer to this question. Most of us will have a different
How It’s Made – Plastic Plastic has been around for much longer than most of us know. In its earliest form (some say as early
Tricks of the Trades from a (non-tradesman) Mom
In a recent interview with one of our skilled technicians, Shane, I asked who inspired him to start his work in the trades. He went
The Growing Strength of Today’s Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing as an industry has taken some hits over the years, but it’s always proven to be very resilient. Even with the pandemic, the threat
Understanding the Skilled Labor Shortage & Offering Solutions to the Problem
The skilled labor shortage in America is a growing problem that requires our immediate time and attention. It is a problem that was strengthened by
How to Get the Most Out of a Career Fair
Spring means a lot of things across America but in hiring and educational circles it mostly means one thing – career fair season. There are
How to Make Supply Chain Resilience a Reality at Your Company
When COVID-19 hit, consumers and manufacturers alike quickly learned just how fragile the global supply chain was. They also learned just how important supply chain
What is Juneteenth & Why Do We Celebrate the Day?
FlexTrades is all about manufacturing, and this industry is all about making things. However, we try to remember the people doing the making, and all
The History of the First U.S. Jet Engine
As wild as it seems, we can trace back the invention of jet engines to 150 BC with the development of the aeolipile. And it
Highlighting Black-Owned Manufacturing Businesses in the United States
The manufacturing industry is one of America’s great invisible strengths. They keep our stores stocked, our transportation systems running, and our people employed. And while
Ten years ago, in 2012, the Fabricators and Manufacturers’ Association (FMA) founded Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). MFG Day is a national movement to show the
On September 11th, 2001, the unthinkable happened when four airplanes were hijacked by militants associated with the extremist group al Qaeda. Of the four planes,
This week Americans celebrated the 246th birthday of our country. We wanted to pile on by celebrating the 10 greatest inventions our nation has contributed
The History of: Manufacturing – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
This history of Memorial Day is long but not complicated and dates back to the Civil War. The Civil War ended on April 5th, 1865,
The History of: Manufacturing – Gold Medal™ Flour
May is the month of flowers, endless blooms in a multitude of colors delivering on all the promises made by April’s showers during grayer days.
The History of: Manufacturing – Showers
April is the month of showers, they bring May flowers. We all know that, but how much thought do you give to the showers that
The History of: Manufacturing – Frozen Foods
PMG works with manufacturers of all types in a wide variety of industries, including food manufacturers. Our clients make anything from breakfast foods to dessert,
The History of: Manufacturing – Foundries
The process of melting metal, pouring it into a mold, and casting it into a specific shape (metal casting) is centuries old. In fact, scientists and archeologists
The History of Contract Work For most, going to work means you’re an employee of a company, receive a salaried or hourly pay every week
Stop Trying to Become Influencers: We Need Electricians
This brief, semi-viral clip, stitched together by several thousand satirically minded TikTokers, is one that has stuck with me for several reasons. First and foremost
What’s Inside Every Technician’s Toolbox?
Every technician has a toolbox, but what do you NEED to have in it? While there’s no “right” answer, here is a list of tools
PLCs, PLC Programming, & PLC Programmers
Nearly everything around you is made in a manufacturing facility. These facilities combine the power of human hands and machinery to produce the consumer goods
What’s Inside Every Technician’s Toolbox?
Every technician has a toolbox, but what do you NEED to have in it? While there’s no “right” answer, here is a list of tools
How It’s Made – Plastic Plastic has been around for much longer than most of us know. In its earliest form (some say as early
The Growing Strength of Today’s Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing as an industry has taken some hits over the years, but it’s always proven to be very resilient. Even with the pandemic, the threat
Understanding the Skilled Labor Shortage & Offering Solutions to the Problem
The skilled labor shortage in America is a growing problem that requires our immediate time and attention. It is a problem that was strengthened by
How to Make Supply Chain Resilience a Reality at Your Company
When COVID-19 hit, consumers and manufacturers alike quickly learned just how fragile the global supply chain was. They also learned just how important supply chain
Manufacturing Companies in the United States Supporting Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military invasion in Ukraine. The unrest continues today. As a defense partner and military ally to Ukraine, (the
What is Upskilling & Why Does it Matter?
The core of FlexTrades’ business is addressing the skills gap in manufacturing. This is a big undertaking when one considers that the latest analysis shows
What Does a Candidate-Driven Jobs Market Mean for Employers?
In general, there are two types of job markets, a candidate-driven jobs market and an employer-driven jobs market. As it stands today, the United States
Seven Female Inventors Whose Ideas Changed the World
Spanning the course of history and all around the world, innovative women have changed lives with their ideas and inventions. To celebrate and honor them
How to Support the Skilled Trades with Secondhand Clothing
The second full week of February is recognized as National Secondhand Wardrobe Week. The intent of this observance is dedicated to encouraging people to shop
What is a Candidate-Driven Job Market & How Can You Leverage It?
In general, there are two types of job markets. The candidate-driven market The employer-driven market As it stands today, the United States is in a
Industry 4.0: Robots Aren’t Coming for Your Jobs
Robots Aren’t Coming for Your Jobs Have you heard about Industry 4.0? It’s the fourth industrial revolution. The first was about mechanization and happened in
Manufacturing Associations That Make a Difference By now, you’re likely well aware that FlexTrades is committed to manufacturing. But we’re not the only ones. There
FABTECH is the North American metal fabricating industry’s premier event every year. It is run in partnership by some of the biggest trade associations in
United States Manufacturing – Made In America
There are a lot of things made in America and FlexTrades helps make them. FlexTrades has a presence in many, many states across the United
G&M Code vs. Conversational Programming
G&M Code vs. Conversational Programming When you get down to the nitty gritty, there are MANY ways to program a CNC machine. Deciding which
If you are a CNC Programmer or would like to become a CNC Programmer, you’ve likely heard of or read about Mastercam. Mastercam is just
CMMs, CMM Programming, & CMM Programmers
It’s a common misconception in manufacturing that production numbers and output are of the utmost importance. However, that’s all wrong. First and foremost, safety is
PLCs, PLC Programming, & PLC Programmers
Nearly everything around you is made in a manufacturing facility. These facilities combine the power of human hands and machinery to produce the consumer goods
A reader of our How It’s Made articles asked if we could share our knowledge about recycling. As a result, we adapted our How It’s
The History of the First U.S. Jet Engine
As wild as it seems, we can trace back the invention of jet engines to 150 BC with the development of the aeolipile. And it
How It’s Made – Plastic Plastic has been around for much longer than most of us know. In its earliest form (some say as early
Candy Corn: How it’s made, and where it goes!
Candy Corn, that’s right, let’s talk about it. The sweet treat that divides the nation remains a mystery to the masses. Today, we’re going to
On September 11th, 2001, the unthinkable happened when four airplanes were hijacked by militants associated with the extremist group al Qaeda. Of the four planes,
The prices at the pumps have been higher than ever recently. In fact, US gas prices were the highest they’ve ever been which has many
How It’s Made – Static Electricity
Manufacturing really is the culmination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). So, let’s go back to the classroom and talking science. More specifically, the
What is Mindfulness & Why Is It Important?
Mindfulness Matters: The origins of mindfulness practices are commonly thought to have started in Buddhism. If that were the case, the concept of mindfulness would
Save a Life & Join the National Donor Registry
National Donor Day: Awareness Did you know National Donor Day was on February 14? The purpose of this day is to educate people about the
Valentine’s Day: Long Distance Date Ideas
We all know long-distance relationships aren’t easy, and adding in the holidays makes them seem impossible. I’m going to share a few personal date-night ideas
New Beginnings: A Poem from the FlexTrades Team
When one door closes, How long do we wait until another one opens? How long do we stall, our hands floating above the doorknob wondering
Healthy Coffee Choices While on the Road
Are you craving a coffee run while also trying to be mindful of your health? This former barista has some tricks up her sleeve to
FlexTrades: How to Create Habits in 2023
Create Habits and Stay Mindful in 2023 Happy New Year, everyone! 2023 is here whether you’re ready for it or not. The new-year pressure to
Debunking New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions Redone – “Debunking Resolutions” New Year’s resolutions are often cited as the unattainable goals we set in January, and they are iconic
FlexTrades’ Pan-American Highway Challenge
We’re kicking off the New Year with a new challenge in hopes of inspiring you to get moving, at your own pace, with a team
Not Home for the Holidays You don’t have to look hard during this time of year to realize the holidays are upon us. City streets
National Working Parents’ Day – September 16th
As a working parent, a celebration for ‘Working Parents Day’ (I say with sarcastic air quotes) seems like extra work, because I know I’m the
National Grief Awareness Day is August 30 this year. It began almost a decade ago. The intention of this day (and National Grief Awareness Month
August is National Eye Exam Month
Your eyes: 2 things you are probably taking for granted, simply assuming they will always be happy and healthy without having to put much effort
Did you know that FlexTrades has an entire behind the scenes safety team!? It’s called “Safety First”. FlexTrades’ #1 priority is to keep our people
PTSD Awareness Month Checklist
June is National PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month, but it started as just one day. In 2010, the US Senate declared June 27 to
How to Improve Work/Life Balance – While Working on the Road!
Work/Life balance matters to people, so much in fact, we even did a webinar about it. But many of us must travel frequently as part
10 Tips to Help You Stay Moving
We are focusing on movement in March! Too many of us do not get enough physical activity in our day-to-day endeavors, so we came up with
Lunchbox Hack – Holiday Leftovers
FlexTrades has lunchbox hacks because FlexTrades believes that those who eat better work better. This blog is our effort to improve the American workforce one
October 10 was recognized as World Mental Health Day but it’s fair to say mental health is something we should be talking about every day,
PMG believes that those who eat better work better. But we don’t just want you to work better; we want you to feel better too!
World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) takes place on June 14th and is celebrated around the world to raise awareness for the need for safe blood
What is Juneteenth & Why Do We Celebrate the Day?
FlexTrades is all about manufacturing, and this industry is all about making things. However, we try to remember the people doing the making, and all
Celebrating World Environment Day
June 5, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day. Each year, this passion project of the United Nations brings together more than 150
We Are Free: A Memorial Day Tribute Poem
We’re free . What an interesting concept. We choose where we step foot, Our identities draped in linens ,Our hobbies prancing through the air. We sit at our desks Falling into the
Highlighting Black-Owned Manufacturing Businesses in the United States
The manufacturing industry is one of America’s great invisible strengths. They keep our stores stocked, our transportation systems running, and our people employed. And while
What Puts the “Flex” in FlexTrades?
What is the definition of a dream job in manufacturing? There is no wrong answer to this question. Most of us will have a different
Tricks of the Trades from a (non-tradesman) Mom
In a recent interview with one of our skilled technicians, Shane, I asked who inspired him to start his work in the trades. He went
What is Upskilling & Why Does it Matter?
The core of FlexTrades’ business is addressing the skills gap in manufacturing. This is a big undertaking when one considers that the latest analysis shows
What is Mindfulness & Why Is It Important?
Mindfulness Matters: The origins of mindfulness practices are commonly thought to have started in Buddhism. If that were the case, the concept of mindfulness would
Save a Life & Join the National Donor Registry
National Donor Day: Awareness Did you know National Donor Day was on February 14? The purpose of this day is to educate people about the
Valentine’s Day: Long Distance Date Ideas
We all know long-distance relationships aren’t easy, and adding in the holidays makes them seem impossible. I’m going to share a few personal date-night ideas
Seven Female Inventors Whose Ideas Changed the World
Spanning the course of history and all around the world, innovative women have changed lives with their ideas and inventions. To celebrate and honor them
How to Support the Skilled Trades with Secondhand Clothing
The second full week of February is recognized as National Secondhand Wardrobe Week. The intent of this observance is dedicated to encouraging people to shop
New Beginnings: A Poem from the FlexTrades Team
When one door closes, How long do we wait until another one opens? How long do we stall, our hands floating above the doorknob wondering
Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. On His Day of Honor
Several years ago, I took a trip to DC to visit my sister, a US Air Force Master Sergeant (MSgt). We spent one day walking
FlexTrades: How to Create Habits in 2023
Create Habits and Stay Mindful in 2023 Happy New Year, everyone! 2023 is here whether you’re ready for it or not. The new-year pressure to
Debunking New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions Redone – “Debunking Resolutions” New Year’s resolutions are often cited as the unattainable goals we set in January, and they are iconic
FlexTrades’ Pan-American Highway Challenge
We’re kicking off the New Year with a new challenge in hopes of inspiring you to get moving, at your own pace, with a team
Attention Travel Technicians: Homemade Gift Guide Put a homemade twist on gifts during the holidays with this homemade gift guide. Check out these affordable and
Not Home for the Holidays You don’t have to look hard during this time of year to realize the holidays are upon us. City streets
National Adoption Month: The Journey of a Korean Adoptee
In a faraway country, an orphan, named Shin Ok-soon, was put on a plane to the USA leaving all that she knew behind; sights, sounds,
New Traditions at PMG The Backstory Years ago, my sister started a tradition for my nieces and nephews, as well as my kids, where she
On Saturday, September 5, we celebrate International Day of Charity. This celebration began in Hungary to commemorate Mother Theresa’s death in 1997. It was declared
Fourth Quarter Charitable Results
While PMG chooses a charitable organization each quarter to donate either time or money to, the fourth quarter initiative felt extra special this year. It
Spreading Joy this Holiday Season ‘Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.’ ~ Kathy Calvin, President &
On August 1, PMG partnered with a non-profit organization called Kids in Need Minnesota (KINMN) to help support their annual 24 Hours to Empower event.
Sweet Dreams for Kids Charitable Initiative
For our 2nd Quarter Charitable Initiative, PMG partnered with a non-profit located here in the Twin Cities called Sweet Dreams for Kids. Sweet Dreams for
Every year, across snow-country in America, do-gooders and thrill-seekers choose to jump into freezing water to warm hearts. If you’re thinking that sounds crazy, you’re
As part of our commitment to community involvement, in Q3 PMG directed an internal school supply drive to collect donations for the Twin Cities
PMG makes it a top priority to give back to the community whenever possible. At least once per quarter, the PMG team picks a foundation
Attention Travel Technicians: Homemade Gift Guide Put a homemade twist on gifts during the holidays with this homemade gift guide. Check out these affordable and
Ten Most Common FAQs About Skilled Trades Careers
I’m a big advocate for the skilled trades in general, and manufacturing specifically. I spend a lot of time and energy to get in front
Fall Into Place: Workplace Tips for Success on the First Day
As the seasons change and life begins to settle in, we often think we need a change of scenery ourselves. Fall is one of the
What Your Accounting Department Wants You to Know
This week was National Payroll Week which is observed in recognition of all employees and the payroll professionals who pay them. These groups are put
International Update Your Resume Month
September is International Update Your Resume Month. Most careers require a resume as part of consideration for employment but too often people try to write
Back to School Tips for Tech School
The start of the next school year is just around the corner. Anyone with a TV or a smartphone knows that. We see lots of
August is National Eye Exam Month
Your eyes: 2 things you are probably taking for granted, simply assuming they will always be happy and healthy without having to put much effort
Did you know that FlexTrades has an entire behind the scenes safety team!? It’s called “Safety First”. FlexTrades’ #1 priority is to keep our people
Top 7: Places to Go for National Ice Cream Day
You scream, I scream, we all scream for Ice Cream! Today, Sunday July 17th, is National ice cream Day! This classic summer treat is a
Tips & Tricks to Beat the Heat (of Summer) at Work
It’s been less than a month since spring officially turned to summer and most of America is already sizzling. Here in Minnesota, we have more
Facility Maintenance: Summer Checklist
Summer is still more than a month away, but people in many parts of the country are already starting to feel the heat. Maintenance managers
Every Technician’s Toolbox | Quality Inspection
As you know, every technician has a toolbox. Many of the tools are mechanical in nature to include wrenches, pliers, drivers, etc., but also critical
PPE Checklist – Every Technician Must Have
General PPE Made Easy The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) recommends Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as the last line of defense to
What Puts the “Flex” in FlexTrades?
What is the definition of a dream job in manufacturing? There is no wrong answer to this question. Most of us will have a different
Tricks of the Trades from a (non-tradesman) Mom
In a recent interview with one of our skilled technicians, Shane, I asked who inspired him to start his work in the trades. He went
How to Get the Most Out of a Career Fair
Spring means a lot of things across America but in hiring and educational circles it mostly means one thing – career fair season. There are
What Does a Candidate-Driven Jobs Market Mean for Employers?
In general, there are two types of job markets, a candidate-driven jobs market and an employer-driven jobs market. As it stands today, the United States
New Beginnings: A Poem from the FlexTrades Team
When one door closes, How long do we wait until another one opens? How long do we stall, our hands floating above the doorknob wondering
What is a Candidate-Driven Job Market & How Can You Leverage It?
In general, there are two types of job markets. The candidate-driven market The employer-driven market As it stands today, the United States is in a
What’s the Difference Between Sales Coaching & Sales Management?
Sales Coaching vs. Sales Management In 2023, if you look up the definitions for “coach” and “manager,” you will get very interesting results. For example…
Ten Most Common FAQs About Skilled Trades Careers
I’m a big advocate for the skilled trades in general, and manufacturing specifically. I spend a lot of time and energy to get in front
Fall Into Place: Workplace Tips for Success on the First Day
As the seasons change and life begins to settle in, we often think we need a change of scenery ourselves. Fall is one of the
National Working Parents’ Day – September 16th
As a working parent, a celebration for ‘Working Parents Day’ (I say with sarcastic air quotes) seems like extra work, because I know I’m the
What Your Accounting Department Wants You to Know
This week was National Payroll Week which is observed in recognition of all employees and the payroll professionals who pay them. These groups are put
International Update Your Resume Month
September is International Update Your Resume Month. Most careers require a resume as part of consideration for employment but too often people try to write
How to Keep Your Team & Client Happy as a Project Manager
As a Project Manager there are many responsibilities to ensure that the entire operation is running smoothly. We sat down with a few of our
Your Next Big Move – CNC Programmer/CNC Programming Certification
The future of manufacturing lies in the hands of automation. Industry 4.0 is where it’s at and that means robotics, PLCs, and CNC. If you’re
Day one seems like a distant memory, A leaf swept away by the icy breeze, Distant— —yet familiar. A year ago, I was a leaf
Technician Spotlight – Tremayne W.
PMG Technician Spotlight: Tremayne W. Each of our Technicians bring a set of colorful skills and abilities to help complete tasks. At PMG, we believe
What Not to Do – Edition 1 First Day at a New Job There’s a lot of information available today about what we SHOULD do
When it comes to industry-specific knowledge, there’s no replacement for experience. We all know that experience takes time to build. At PMG ReTool, we’re big
Being Part of the PMG Team My official title at PMG is Marketing Intern. Throughout my time here I have been able to learn quite
Paving Your (Career) Path to Aviation Maintenance
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly interrupted and disrupted the global labor market in 2020 and now in 2021, we are seeing the effects and likely lasting
Employee Corner: Why Corey Loves Working With FlexTrades
Listen in on what Corey M. has to say about growth, skills, and constantly learning to enhance his potential while working as a CNC Operator
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