AI in the Front Office: How Manufacturers Stay Competitive with Steven Lopez

In this episode of AI Lab Unfiltered, Drew Veach (BizStream) and Pete Tarrin (New Wave) talk with Steven Lopez, Director of Manufacturing Solutions at The Right Place, about what AI really looks like in manufacturing—especially in the front office. They explore how AI can speed up quoting, clean up manual processes, integrate legacy systems, and help manufacturers see where they actually stand competitively. Steven shares how he uses AI to cut research time, run better assessments, and design dynamic tools that give leaders same-day insights—all while tackling fears around change, jobs, and “AI for the sake of AI.” Powered by ThinkTank Thought Leadership.

Chapters

(00:00) Intro: AI in the manufacturer’s front office
(00:38) How ThinkTank Thought Leadership powers this podcast
(01:33) Meet Steven Lopez & The Right Place’s mission
(02:40) Competitiveness, “ugly babies,” and gap analysis
(06:27) Where tech & AI fit in manufacturers’ reality
(08:12) Fixing the front end: quotes, ERP, and AI-enabled speed
(12:11) AI adoption across 13 counties & different types of manufacturers
(17:44) AI as collaborator, org charts, and the future of director roles
(23:28) Blank-check vision: AI-powered assessments that protect communities
(35:32) Dynamic assessments, avatars, and rethinking how we help manufacturers

Creators and Guests

Host

Drew Veach

Drew Veach is the Senior Account Manager at BizStream, co-lead of West Michigan AI Lab, and co-host of AI Lab Unfiltered. He helps organizations build better brand experiences and apply AI to drive innovation and productivity.

Host

Pete Terryn

Pete Terryn is the Director of Operations at NuWave Technology Partners, co-founder of West Michigan AI Lab, and co-host of AI Lab Unfiltered. He helps organizations understand and apply AI to drive growth, innovation, and productivity.

What is AI Lab Unfiltered?

The AI Lab Podcast is your gateway to the dynamic world of artificial intelligence, where innovation meets application. Each episode dives deep into the latest AI technologies, tools, and real-world use cases, providing practical insights for professionals, enthusiasts, and beginners alike. From groundbreaking advancements to ethical considerations, we explore how AI is reshaping industries, improving workflows, and solving global challenges. Hosted by experts passionate about making AI accessible, the podcast fosters a vibrant community of listeners eager to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.