Season 7 of Automation Ladies kicks off with grit, ingenuity, and a no-nonsense take on modern industrial automation.
In this episode, hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez sit down with Cathy “Conveyor Cougar” Rinne, President of FlexLine Automation — a 15-person, woman-owned systems integrator that moves fast, stocks critical inventory, and isn’t afraid to rethink the playbook.
From conveyors to robotics, from taping systems to a gluing-capable box erector, Cathy shares what it really takes to lead and grow a modern integration company in a competitive “go direct” world.
We dig into what a president actually does inside a family business:
• Setting strategic direction
• Teaching teams to own outcomes
• Letting go of “my way” so the next generation can lead
• Balancing speed, inventory, and customer service
Cathy explains how FlexLine deploys AI where it truly adds value — automating drawings, quoting, and repetitive engineering tasks — while navigating ERP fatigue and generational skepticism. Her perspective is clear: if an automation company won’t automate itself, the market will notice.
The conversation also explores how her agricultural roots shape her approach to manufacturing. From autosteer tractors to robotic milking, we discuss rural manufacturers, overlooked GDP drivers, and why engineers need hands-on exposure to technology before making investment decisions.
We also tackle a persistent myth: “going direct” isn’t always cheaper or faster. Custom reach studies, multi-size changeovers, and hybrid conveyor builds require an integrator’s judgment, stocked inventory, and speed. FlexLine keeps enough parts on hand to turn around 100 feet of conveyor in 24 hours — and has even flown urgent orders when necessary.
Pair that with authentic social presence across LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and you get a modern path to trust — plant by plant, person by person.
If you care about real-world automation — AI that saves hours, robotics that fit the job, and service that shows up — this conversation is for you.
🔗 Connect with Cathy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%90%86-cathy-rinne-a1764a11/
Website: https://flex-lineautomation.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theconveyorcougar
🎙 About Automation Ladies
Automation Ladies is an industrial automation podcast spotlighting the engineers, integrators, innovators, and leaders shaping the future of manufacturing.
🌐 Podcast Website: https://automationladies.io
🎤 Want to be a guest on the show?
Fill out the guest registration form here:
https://www.automationladies.io/guests/intake/
👩🏭 Connect with the Hosts
Nikki Gonzales: https://linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales
Courtney Fernandez: https://linkedin.com/in/courtneydfernandez
Ali G: https://linkedin.com/in/alicia-gilpin-ali-g-process-controls-engineering
🎟 The Automation Ladies Conference
Learn more about the hosts’ industrial automation conference at:
https://otscada.com
OTSCADA brings together automation professionals, engineers, integrators, and technology leaders for hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and meaningful industry connections.
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💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments.
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🎬 Credits
Produced by: Veronica Espinoza
Music by: Sam Janes
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