#80: Leading the Marine Machinery Association and Supporting the Defense Industry– with John Rhatigan

In today's episode, Gene interviews special guest, John Rhatigan, the CEO of the Marine Machinery Association. John is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the marine and defense industries. He is here to provide us with valuable insights into his role as the chairman of the association, its mission, and how it has been navigating the complex challenges of the industry for over four decades.

SUMMARY

Gene Moran and John Rhatigan delve into the background of the Marine Machinery Association and its origins. John shares how the association has since evolved to become a crucial link between suppliers, shipyards, and the final customers, striving to make cooperation as seamless as possible.

Gene also explores John's impressive journey and how he found himself in his current leadership position. With a background in marine engineering and experience in shipbuilding, John's expertise and leadership roles in construction management have prepared him well for the challenges of his current position. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in the industry, highlighting the need to get along and get the job done. One of the crucial topics Gene discusses with John is the state of the industrial base and supply chains in the marine industry. John sheds light on how the industry has been impacted by tightening regulations and an increasing number of product specifications. He highlights the challenges faced by companies trying to keep up with these demands, leading to some businesses pulling out of the defense industry.

Additionally, John highlights the pressing need for a skilled workforce to build the ships of the future and the importance of collaboration between industry, parents, schools, and the Navy and Coast Guard to develop and retain the necessary talent. Tune in to this informative episode as we gain valuable insights from John Rhatigan, a leader in the marine industry, and discover how the Marine Machinery Association is playing a vital role in navigating the complexities of the defense industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

01:17 – 07:46 Succeed by cooperating technically and mentally.

07:47– 12:16 Where are we going to get the people to build our ships?

12:17 –21:16 4 months of training leads to good paying marine jobs.

21:17– 30:14 We’re not playing by the same rules we were 20 years ago.

YOUR MOVE

Get all the resources from this episode at genemoran.com/80

Connect with John Rhatigan on LinkedIn here.

Learn about the Marine Machinery Association here.