“How do we connect today’s youth with the skilled careers of tomorrow?” This is the challenge the Skilled Careers Coalition is determined to solve. Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Long-time business owners are retiring without successors, shutting down operations entirely. Skilled operators are stepping away, leaving a void without replacements. Shops are struggling to keep up as talent drains at an alarming pace. Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, explains their mission: to close the skills gap by inspiring the next generation and linking them to fulfilling careers. It’s more than just promoting jobs—it's about helping young people find purpose through skilled work. Learn how the Coalition is driving change—and how manufacturing leaders like you can play a role—in this episode of MakingChips. Segments [0:37] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [1:43] Introducing Mark and the Skilled Careers Coalition [7:01] Why the term “coalition” is significant [16:53] What attracted Mark to the skilled trades industry [21:58] How the SCC is bridging the skills gap [27:11] Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [30:43] The importance of connecting and converting [34:17] Collective impact and coalition building with organizations [36:23] Recruiting and retaining skilled talent  [37:40] Connecting students to opportunities in their own backyard [42:50] How to get involved with the Skilled Careers Coalition [48:31] Use Paperless Parts to quote smarter, faster, and more consistently [49:23] Subscribe and listen to the MakingSparks podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Skills Jam on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram  Skilledcareers.org 2.1 Million Manufacturing Jobs Could Go Unfilled by 2030 The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning Check out Paperless Parts Subscribe and listen to the MakingSparks podcast! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of MakingChips, Al Whatmough explores how AI and automation are transforming the manufacturing industry—not by replacing people, but by empowering them to focus on higher-value work.  Al shares insights from IMTS and introduces the concept of Human-Aided Manufacturing (HAM), where AI handles routine tasks, freeing machinists to make smarter decisions.  They also discuss shifting compensation models toward productivity-based metrics and how automation unlocks new growth opportunities. Tune in to learn how embracing AI can set your team free to innovate and thrive.  Segments [1:19] Learn more about Toolpath and their value proposition [6:53] Bringing AI and CNC together  [9:19] How Toolpath can make a shop better [13:51] Check out the manufacturing transformed podcast [14:21] How Toolpath influences the programming process  [16:31] Why our job is to increase human productivity [19:58] Have the courage to make yourself irrelevant  [21:45] Lights Out is launching soon!  Resources mentioned on this episode Toolpath Connect with Al Whatmough ModuleWorks Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How does a machinist from Canada end up leading a California tech startup? In Episode #432 of MakingChips, Al Whatmough shares his unique journey—from the shop floor to becoming the CEO of Toolpath, a company dedicated to improving machining through smart software solutions. Al’s path is shaped by personal challenges, faith, and a passion for building—whether it’s with tools, people, or technology. Now at Toolpath, he’s focused on empowering machinists by eliminating repetitive programming tasks, so they can focus on more meaningful work.  Tune in to hear how Toolpath’s innovative approach is changing the future of manufacturing—and how Al found his way to the helm of this exciting venture.m Segments [1:50] Introducing today’s guest, Al Whatmough [4:21] Al’s journey to Toolpath [13:55] Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools [16:23] The inspiration for the booth [17:11] Solving for the productivity gap [24:09] Buy the Numbers launching! Resources mentioned on this episode Toolpath Connect with Al Whatmough on LinkedIn The 6 Types of Working Genius  Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools Sophia la Giraffe Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

IMTS is where manufacturing's cutting-edge technology takes center stage, and this year was no exception. IMTS 2024 brought the future to the forefront, showcasing the most advanced solutions in the industry. In this episode of MakingChips, Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke join Paul, Nick, and Mike to dive into the game-changing technologies that caught their attention—from additive manufacturing and 3D printing to machine monitoring, automation, robotics, and beyond. If you’re a manufacturing leader who’s serious about staying at the forefront of technology, you need to know what’s shaping the industry. Ttune in to catch up on the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing. Segments [2:05] Introducing Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke [4:13] Our favorite innovations showcased at IMTS 2024 [10:43] Broadening the appeal of manufacturing [12:41] Why you need ProShop ERP in your shop [18:45] The innovation happening in software  [21:40] The innovation happening in communications and marketing Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Nush Ahmed Connect with Chris Luecke Manufacturing Happy Hour  Within Tolerance Podcast Leela AI Toolpath Datanomix Paperless Parts Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Why would an American company want to consider expanding operations to Mexico? With more experienced engineers retiring and a decreasing number of new blood entering the manufacturing workforce, Mexico has become a viable option for operations. But is the process worth the potential hassle?  Today’s guest is the Senior Director of Latin America for AMT and he's been an invaluable part of helping AME and Hennig rework their growth strategy and commercial structure in Mexico: Carlos Mortera.  He shares why American manufacturers should consider leveraging the Mexican market in this episode of MakingChips.  Segments [0:19] Manage your cuttings tools with ProShop ERP [2:42] Machine Shop Masterclass: Building a Team [11:23] Introducing today’s guest, Carlos Mortera [12:35] Carlos Mortera’s origin story [17:05] Expanding AMT into Latin America  [18:39] Creating the AMT tech center [21:26] AMT’s a la carte services [23:37] The sentiment about Mexican manufacturing  [26:30] NetSuite’s CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [30:18] Why an American company would want to do business in Mexico  [34:41] Why job shop manufacturers reach out to Carlos/AMT [38:24] The manufacturing outlook for Mexico [42:00] Stay tuned for the first episode of Buy the Numbers! Resources mentioned on this episode The Association for Manufacturing Technology Monterrey Technology Center Connect with Carlos Mortera NetSuite’s CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning The End of the World is Just the Beginning  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In the wake of 9/11, the aerospace and defense industry experienced a dramatic transformation, with new regulations like the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 reshaping how manufacturers handled sensitive data.  For many small shops, it was a turning point—forcing them to adapt while navigating a surge in defense demand. Companies either thrived or struggled under tighter compliance and rising production needs.  Today, the industry faces new hurdles: a looming skills gap, escalating production requirements, and the ever-present threat of data breaches. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace automation, invest in robust systems, and prioritize building strong customer relationships. Those prepared to align with these demands will be positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape. Panelists Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer join Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre in this special episode recorded live at IMTS to address what can be done to meet the challenges the manufacturing industry is facing head-on.  Segments [1:01] Introducing Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer [3:21] How 9/11 changed the defense industry  [6:54] Leveraging the increased demand in the industry [9:33] We need to grow the aerospace and defense sector [13:41] Where is the current customer demand?  [15:54] Why you should listen to Manufacturing Transformed [18:44] How to improve sales and marketing [24:16] Why shops are starting plating businesses [26:32] The importance of product safety  [27:42] Preparing to serve the defense industry  Resources mentioned on this episode BuildSubmarines.com CloudNC Cam Assist The Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Theo Saville was frustrated by the lack of real-world applications for 3D printing. Then it struck him: Why not make CNC machining as simple as 3D printing? What if we could make machines smarter by installing more sensors? What if we gave the software more inputs to work with? Theo immediately set out to disrupt a 600-billion-dollar industry and, together with Chris Emery, founded CloudNC. When Jeff Maki and Austin Whitmer came across CloudNC and their CAM Assist software, they knew they had to implement it immediately.  In this episode of MakingChips, they share the real-world impact of CAM Assist on a machine shop’s efficiency, quoting, and ability to win new business.Because if you can’t quote quickly enough, you won’t win business. And if you’re not winning new business, you’re not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:51] Introducing Theo, Jeff, and Austin  [3:52] The origin story of CloudNC [13:35] Learn about Maki CNC [15:00] Why you need ProShop ERP [16:08] Implementing CloudNC in the shop [21:31] How Maki is using CAM Assist [24:00] Getting buy-in from the industry  [25:38] What is CAM Assist best for?  [30:14] What’s next at Maki?  [31:10] What’s next for CloudNC? [34:54] Check out MakingSparks! Resources mentioned on this episode CloudNC CloudNC CAM Assist Maki CNC Connect with Theo Saville on LinkedIn Connect with Jeff Maki on LinkedIn Connect with Austin Whitmer on LinkedIn ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Wouldn’t it be amazing to come up with a design for anything and turn it into a physical reality as easily as you can create something in Photoshop? What would people build if it were that easy? And what if you had machine monitoring in place for every piece of machinery, regardless of its age?  In this special episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, Mike and Nick sit down with Theo Saville, CEO of CloudNC, and Camoren Schley, the Founder of Slytek. They dive into practical ways every shop can leverage AI to improve efficiency and make more chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [4:06] Learn more about Theo Saville and Camoren Schley [7:10] The future of AI in the manufacturing industry  [8:41] The practical use cases of AI with CloudNC  [11:07] How ProShop ERP can improve your business [12:12] The practical use cases of AI with Slytek  [13:08] Is AI going to replace humans? [17:57] Theo and Cameron’s success stories [19:21] The biggest challenges of adopting AI [26:40] How to find practical and useful solutions [27:42] Where is AI in manufacturing headed? Resources mentioned on this episode CloudNC Connect with Theo Saville SlyTek Connect with Camoren Schley  ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The two biggest complaints in any business are always the quality of the toilet paper and the coffee. Joking aside—coffee is a crucial part of any shop’s function. You need to have good coffee on the shop floor.  Mike Franz and his Co-Founder Amy Teal set out to do two things when they created ShopFloor Coffee. Their first goal was to create an amazing coffee that any shop would proudly serve. Their second mission was to support workforce development programs to bring more people into manufacturing. Mike shares how they’re working to achieve those goals in this fun episode of MakingChips. Because if your shop floor isn’t caffeinated, they won’t be efficiently MakingChips, and they won’t be making money. BAM! Segments [4:45] Introducing today’s guest, Mike Franz [6:37] The Chip on Nick’s Shoulder [9:44] The origin story of ShopFloor Coffee [16:10] Standing out in a crowded marketplace [20:35] Learn about ShopFloor Coffee [25:25] Graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [27:27] Fueling workforce development  [29:42] The biggest challenge they’re facing  [33:05] The future of ShopFloor Coffee [35:25] How to buy your ShopFloor Coffee Resources mentioned on this episode Amy Teal on LinkedIn Mike Franz on LinkedIn Mike(at)ShopFloorBrands.com Build Submarines Netsuite by Oracle MPMA Minnesota Manufactured SME Skill Up Arizona SkillsUSA The NTMA Foundation NCATC Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In the final segment of the first edition of At The Boring Bar, our expert panel of guests return to dive into the future of manufacturing and why manufacturing leaders need to embrace technology. They discuss the application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing and how they can be used to attract the next generation.  Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas also take a look at the challenges the national security and defense industry are facing because of a lack of partnerships.  We believe hosting round-table discussions of these important issues can help move the manufacturing industry toward a solution. Don’t miss this conversation.  Segments [0:25] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs [2:28] The application of 3D printing  [13:34] 3D printing a car at IMTS [15:21] Why we need to embrace emerging technology [16:30] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [17:57] National security and the defense industry  [19:40] Attracting the next generation to manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing BlueForge Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you grow a machine shop through acquisitions? What is it like working in a legacy family business? How do you find and hire talented engineers? Where does AI fit into the daily grind? These are all questions that this team of industry experts and friends seek to answer over a glass of bourbon At the Boring Bar. Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas share their unique perspectives on the manufacturing industry—and how it must adapt—in part II. Check it out! Segments [0:37] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop ERP [2:25] Embodying entrepreneurial spirit [7:02] Carrying on a family business [12:15] Overcoming the fear of technology [19:34] NetSuite: The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [20:35] Shifting the conversation to AI [38:09] Gamifying adaption of new technology  Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP NetSuite: The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning CNC Expert Peter Eelman  Manny Pasillas Nicole Wolter Chris Luecke Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Some of the greatest ideas in manufacturing don’t happen in boardrooms but over a drink with peers. In At the Boring Bar, Jason aims to cut deeper into the conversations that matter most to manufacturing leaders. So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join Jason as he uncovers the insights that drive the manufacturing industry forward.  In this inaugural episode of At the Boring Bar, join Jason, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas At the Boring Bar. They cover everything from the exciting new exhibits at IMTS to one of the biggest problems the manufacturing industry faces: a mass exodus of Baby Boomers.  You’ll laugh, you may cry, and you’ll undoubtedly hear something that will provoke you to think about the future of the industry and your impact on it. Don’t miss it.  Segments [0:20] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE [2:51] Why Jason is taped to a mannequin  [3:47] Learn more about “At the Boring Bar” [6:12] The evolution and legacy of IMTS [13:06] What we’re looking forward to at IMTS [22:29] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [27:36] Throwback to IMTS 1980 [29:05] What Peter will miss about IMTS [34:43] The mass exodus of Baby Boomers Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2024 ELEVATE Expomaq The Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

“Inspiring the extraordinary” is the theme for this year’s IMTS and that’s exactly what they’re doing. The Emerging Technology Center will showcase extraordinary advances in technology (including an exhibit by BlueForge Alliance and Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid Robot). They’re offering specific ELEVATE programs for job shops, women in manufacturing, and the first-ever ELEVATE LATAM: A half-day conference for the Spanish-speaking manufacturing technology community. For the first time, Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud will be at the show in the automation sector. This year’s IMTS is a can’t-miss event. Show Boss Peter Eelman shares all of the amazing details in this episode of MakingChips.  Segments [0:20] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop ERP [3:17] The amazing Manufacturing Happy Hour Event [5:14] Introducing the "Show Boss" Peter Eelman [8:52] Machine Shop Masterclass: Taming the Chaos  [18:04] The Past, Present, and Future of IMTS [22:46] How Peter’s experience impacts his process [26:19] Overcoming crazy odds to make things happen [29:26] Graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [30:44] The huge wins in technological advances [35:54] The crazy behind-the-scenes of IMTS [37:39] The driving force behind IMTS: The people  [40:06] What’s new at IMTS 2024? [46:13] What does the future of IMTS hold?  [48:16] Peter’s final word of advice Resources mentioned on this episode Head to IMTS 2024 ProShop ERP NetSuite by Oracle OscarMike IMTS ELEVATE Programs Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Maintenance is something that’s essential to protect the longevity of your machines but rarely something regularly implemented in shops. It’s often a huge and costly mistake. Don’t know where to start?  In this episode, Manny Pasillas—a machine tool maintenance expert and the Founder and VP of Business Development for Tech CNCs—shares a simple yet exhaustive checklist anyone can use to properly clean and maintain their machines.  Because if you’re not cleaning your machines, they will break down, and you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money! – Nick Goellner AND - to get the full checklist, subscribe to our email newsletter! Segments [5:04] Manny’s origin story [25:55] Leadership Spotlight [30:17] The three tiers of machine maintenance  [33:52] ProShop ERP’s Manufacturing Transformed Podcast [34:25] Category #1: Lubrication  [36:21] Category #2: Hoses and lines [37:09] Category #3: Electronics [39:15] Category #4: Backlash checks  [40:02] Category #5: Safety  [41:29] Category #6: Way covers [43:38] Category #7: Motors and belts [45:02] Category #8: Air Filters [46:08 ] Category #9: The engine  Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP’s Manufacturing Transformed Podcast Connect with Manny on LinkedIn To get the full checklist, subscribe to our email newsletter! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you need to know before you launch automation in your shop? What would be signs that you’re not ready to automate? If you’re launching the process, how can you use your ERP/MRP to the fullest?  Even the smallest mistakes—like not having a process in place to deal with the chips your machines are creating while running lights out—can be costly. We want to help you avoid those costly errors.  That’s why Paul Van Metre and Mike Payne join me to tackle the important things you need to consider before you run lights out. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:35] Why you need ProShop ERP [5:08] What’s new with the crew [6:43] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [13:52] Do you have a repeatable process?  [19:03] NetSuite by Oracle [20:31] Do you have a chip management process? [23:48] Cutting tool management features [26:24] Are you making adjustments for accurate costs? [34:06] Do you have training in place for your team?  [37:16] Do you have a preventative maintenance program? Resources mentioned on this episode The Oscar Mike Foundation Noah Currier The Checklist Manifesto NetSuite by Oracle Moseys Production Shop Tour Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Here’s our controversial take: We believe that “automated” is more important than “operated”. It’s a stance that scares a lot of operators—but it shouldn’t. In this episode of MakingChips, Mike Payne and Kaleb Mertz return to dive into part loading and pallet loading, a mixed vs fixed mindset, and why predictive is better than reactive. We’ll connect all of it back to every shop's end goal: business results. Don’t miss it! Segments [0:18] Learn about IMTS 2024 Sectors [4:03] Part loading vs pallet loading [9:53] Embrace a mixed vs fixed mindset [16:00] Manufacturing Transformed [17:32] Predictive is better than reactive  [22:29] If you can sense it, you can do it Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS Sectors IMTS Community Go listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Machine monitoring can give us insights into our machines that can and should change how we’re operating. The end goal is to drive better business results. But how should monitoring be paired with advanced business strategies to help you achieve those results? Mike Payne, Kaleb Mertz and I connect the dots in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not efficiently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Nick Goellner Segments [0:20] Learn more about IMTS 2024 Elevate [2:28] What we listen to at work [7:00] Manufacturing News: Technology Orders Grow [13:08] Latin America Conference at IMTS [15:02] Using ProShop for cutting tool management [16:11] Coaching is more important than monitoring [21:21] Adaptive controls and tooling optimizations  Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS Elevate ChillHop Radio Pop Goes Classical on Spotify Erica Violet on Spotify Manufacturing Technology Orders Grow Despite Sustained High Interest Rates Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What if your life has little distinction between work and play? What if you’re so passionate about what you do that the time you spend on it is inconsequential? We began to explore the idea of work-life integration in part 1 of this series.  In part 2, we dive into the creative ways we integrate our work and personal lives so that we can be fully present whenever possible. Because when we take a break from MakingChips, our business must still be MakingChips to make money! – Nick Goellner Segments [0:37] Improve On-Time Delivery with ProShop [2:00] Little distinction between work and play [9:43] Switch to NetSuite by Oracle [11:01] You have to love what you do [16:01] Bookending our time off [21:20] Our biggest takeaways [23:38] Come to the MakingChips party!  Resources mentioned on this episode Improve On-Time Delivery with ProShop NetSuite by Oracle Eat That Frog! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Work-life balance. It’s a phrase that’s often thrown around. Many of us struggle feeling like we’ll never achieve some sort of balance. Work usually fills a greater space than we think it should. But what if that’s okay?  Everyone’s heard the adage, “Find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” What if you love your work? What if you don’t mind when work bleeds outside of designated work hours? Is it ever a problem?  That’s the topic that Mike and I dive into in this episode of MakingChips. Especially because you have to be MakingChips to be making money. BAM! – Nick Goellner Segments [3:04] Mike’s family vacation in Colorado  [4:44] Machine Shop Masterclass: Lean Manufacturing  [14:38] Is there such a thing as work-life balance? [19:25] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop ERP [20:33] Life is a series of seasons [25:04] Achieving work-life integration Resources mentioned on this episode 2 Second Lean Get ProShop’s Lean Setup Guide The 5AM Club Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There are over 1 billion users on LinkedIn worldwide, 200 million of which are in the United States. Manufacturing is one of the largest industry segments represented on LinkedIn. Interestingly, LinkedIn is rewarding people who create content and share it on their platform. Why? It’s simple—they need more content. It’s time for manufacturing and fabrication businesses to take advantage of these facts. But how? In this episode of MakingSparks, Preston Hadley—the President & Founder of Envision Automation & Controls—shares how his content strategy on LinkedIn not only grew his following but transformed his business.  – Matthew Nix Segments [3:11] Preston’s background in the industry  [2:05] Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop  [2:52] Envision Automation & Controls [6:02] Learn more about ProFab Alliance  [6:45] Casey’s dad joke [8:10] Growing a LinkedIn presence [13:50] Finding a balance with content [19:43] Graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [26:59] How to write on LinkedIn [30:03] Getting started on LinkedIn Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Preston Hadley on LinkedIn Envision Automation & Controls Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What’s keeping you up at night? What are you excited about? It’s important to reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? First and foremost, to learn from our mistakes. But secondly, to embrace gratitude. Even despite challenges and setbacks, there’s always room for gratefulness and thankfulness. So in this episode of MakingSparks, Casey and I sit down to discuss the challenges we’re facing and exciting changes happening in our businesses. We also share why we don’t let worry consume us and instead, practice gratitude.  – Matthew Nix Segments [2:39] What’s keeping Matthew up at night?  [3:28] How ProFab Alliance can help you [4:11] Issue #1: Safety concerns in the shop [5:37] Issue #2: On-time delivery and customer service [7:24] Why you can’t let worry consume you  [10:31] Using ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools [11:45] Strategic planning for Captivated Content [14:14] Practicing gratitude at all times [15:32] What’s happening at NIX Industrial [19:26] Launching a franchising business Have questions? Want to be a guest? Reach out to us on LinkedIn! We’d love to hear from you.  Resources mentioned on this episode ProFab Alliance Man’s Search for Meaning ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Gamification. Gamification is a highly successful strategy in the world of marketing. It’s used all the time to enhance engagement in children’s education. How can we apply gamification concepts to manufacturing education?  Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Gabe Kooyers, and Chris Townsend joined me in this discussion and nailed down some incredible ways to leverage gamification. Because if you’re not motivating your students (or employees), then you’re not MakingChips. If you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Goellner Segments [0:27] Netsuite by Oracle [3:44] Introducing Chris Townsend [5:01] The Chip on Nick’s Shoulder: Being “pitch-slapped” [7:49] Chris’s background in engineering [10:33] Creating Eagle Manufacturing  [14:13] Using gamification with students [16:54] Gamifying ProShop [19:43] Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [20:14] Simulating a business for education [28:10] Teaching employability skills  Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle Get ProShop ERPs free guide TITANS of CNC Academy Connect with Chris Townsend Connect with Paul Van Metre Connect with Mike Payne Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. Olson Custom Designs  Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do we train the next generation of manufacturing leaders so employers are ready to hire them immediately? Do students still need to learn manual machinery? Or do employers only want skilled CNC machinists?  These are just a few questions we dissect in this conversation with special guest and long-term educator Gabe Kooyers. Because if we’re not properly training machinists to make chips, they’re not getting hired, and no one’s making money. BAM! – Nick Goellner Segments [0:25] Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [3:48] Introducing Gabe Kooyers [5:44] Why promoting students is a game-changer [9:01] Manufacturing News: Declining interest in the trades [11:50] Learn more about Gabe and his students  [18:37] Do students need experience with manual machines? [23:00] How to revitalize an apprenticeship program [26:27] On the clock and off the clock training  [30:22] What’s important for students to know  Resources mentioned on this episode Get ProShop ERPs free guide Stemming the STEM Decline Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn TITANS of CNC Academy Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Did you know that only about 6% of welders are women? Women bring a much-needed perspective and expertise to the table. So how do we get more women in welding? NIX has actively been trying to recruit, hire, and retain more women.  In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with Tori Guzman and Aubree Beyer to hear what they think we can do—or continue doing—to draw more female interest to the welding industry. Listen to learn what you can do to change the welding workforce. – Casey Voelker Segments [1:13] Join the AMT community! [3:08] Learn more about Tori Guzman and Aubree Beyer [8:25] Learn more about ProFab Alliance  [10:38] Why Tori is transitioning out of welding  [15:44] Why you should consider NetSuite by Oracle [17:02] How to attract and retain women in welding  [22:55] Why women should consider welding  [25:10] How leaders can encourage women in welding  [31:21] What Aubree and Tori find rewarding about welding [35:43] Wrapping things up with Casey’s dad joke  Resources mentioned on this episode ProFab Alliance Join the AMT Community NetSuite by Oracle IMTS 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Where is the United States with reshoring initiatives? Do we still have huge vulnerabilities in our supply chain(s) that need to be addressed? If we continue to reshore manufacturing, will companies remain competitive?  Reshoring impacts supply chains. Reshoring brings more jobs and opportunities to the US. These are all valid questions that are playing in people’s minds.  So in this special episode of MakingChips, Rosemary Coates—the Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute—will answer some of these burning questions. Because, ultimately, if we’re not manufacturing chips in the US, the US isn’t making money.  – Nick  Segments [0:24] Achieve 95% on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [2:22] The Reshoring Institute vs the Reshoring Initiative [4:31] Rosemary Coates’ origin story [11:25] Rosemary’s experience as an expert witness [14:02] Why Rosemary started the Reshoring Institute  [17:03] The state of reshoring as it stands today [28:03] How elections may impact reshoring initiatives [32:40] Can US manufacturers stay competitive?  [36:38] Cost structure determines manufacturing environment [40:14] Rosemary’s #1 piece of advice for manufacturers  Resources mentioned on this episode Go to ProShop ERP to get their on-time delivery guide Reshoring Institute [email protected] Connect with Rosemary on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Can small shops begin to automate their processes? Where do they start with automation? In this episode of MakingChips, the CNC Samurai, Steve Courchane, returns to share his passion for automation. He lays out his 3M process and how it changes the way you view automation. Because if you’re not modeling, making, or measuring—you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Zenger Segments [0:20] Join the AMT community!  [4:06] Update on my progress!  [5:40] Welcoming Steve Courchane back [7:35] Machine Shop Masterclass [14:53] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [19:52] Who is the CNC Samurai?  [23:30] Why branding was important to Steve [26:13] It’s time to graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [27:33] How Steve’s mindset has changed about automation [34:27] When Steve learned to love automation  [36:37] Steve’s 3M process: model, make, and measure Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT community!  What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist? Winning the War for Talent by Chris Czarnik Steve Courchane on Instagram Chris Luecke on LinkedIn The Cultish Show NetSuite by Oracle Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, you need to seek out new customers and build relationships with them while pushing them through your sales pipeline. The reality is that you have to make more sales to grow your business.  You need a way to track and measure your progress with potential customers (and current key accounts). In this episode of MakingChips, Jason returns to help us get back to the basics of business. Because if you’re not managing the sales pipeline, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:15] Join the AMT Community! [1:55] Jason is back to MakingChips! [6:05] Manufacturing News: Whistleblowers are dying [11:04] How to gauge the potential of an account [16:24] Creating key accounts from target accounts  [19:45] Get NetSuite by Oracle for your business [21:26] Measuring customer relationships [24:56] Is it too much work for account reps?  [27:30] It’s about getting back to the basics Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community! The Boeing Whistleblower Controversy NetSuite by Oracle Trello What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist? Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

You need to know the “numbers” in your business. Every business owner needs to know that they’re making enough to pay their employees, make and deliver their products, and grow the business. That’s just good business. Non-financial metrics are important, too. A successful business has to focus on quality, safety, customer service, on-time delivery, retention, and even culture. Because if your culture is dialed in, the numbers will prove it. We take a deep look at the different numbers that are important for a manufacturing business to know in this part 2 episode of MakingSparks with Mike Payne.  Also, listen to the end for a BIG announcement. – Matthew Nix Segments [1:00] Recapping part I with Mike Payne [3:13] Everything comes down to numbers [13:59] How to learn the numbers [17:49] How to decide what’s important [26:38] When should you hire someone? [35:20] Introducing “By the Numbers” Resources mentioned on this episode ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Mike Payne has spent the last 20+ years deeply entrenched in the M&A process with dozens of companies throughout Oklahoma. Early in his career, he realized he loved the world of manufacturing. He also learned that he enjoyed operating a business. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to unfold.  Then it happened: Six years ago, Mike was able to purchase Hill Manufacturing. In this episode of MakingSparks, we chat with Mike about his work in the M&A space, why he made acquisitions close to home, and what led to his passion for manufacturing.  – Matthew Nix Segments [1:10] Chit-chatting with Mike Payne [5:26] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning [6:39] Casey’s dad joke  [7:29] Mike’s background in manufacturing [9:32] Mike’s work in the M&A space [12:30] Why start with acquisitions close to home? [17:54] Get NetSuite by Oracle [19:11] Why Mike decided to run a business  [26:02] Why build relationships within the industry? Resources mentioned on this episode Warren Buffett's 2024 Annual Letter To Shareholders Get NetSuite by Oracle The Six Types of Working Genius Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you the type of manufacturing leader who prefers to do everything yourself? You learn and innovate as you go, right? We’ve learned from experience: There is an art and a science to recruiting. I’ve muddled through using LinkedIn Recruiter to make some hires. And while it’s a great tool, it can only do so much. So in this episode of MakingChips, Trevor O’Malley joins us to discuss all aspects of recruiting, from finding the right technical fit to the right person for your culture. Because if you can’t recruit the right people, you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t make money. BAM! Segments [0:13] Join the AMT Community [3:36] Machine Shop Master Class [10:41] Introducing Trevor O’Malley [13:54] Trevor’s favorite memory of AME [15:22] Understand the world of recruiting  [20:30] Everyone needs to be on LinkedIn [22:35] Connecting the right people to the right culture [34:27] Recruiting people who are already employed Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community! ProShop ERP CiderScene Connect with Trevor O’Malley on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

My shop has been restoring a 1959 Ford F10. When we decided to recreate a digital dash for the truck, we decided to ask the LinkedIn world for help. That’s when I met Ira Laughy with rapid3D.  Rapid3D exists to solve complex measurement challenges to empower confident decision-making. We scanned the space and current dash and Ira and his team helped us reverse-engineer the process to design a CAD model to ultimately create the part we need. Ira shares how you can use a 3D scanner to reverse engineer a part in this fascinating forward-thinking episode of MakingChips. Because if you can’t make the part you need, you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money. BAM!  — Mike Payne Segments [2:28] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight: Robin Moore [5:37] Introducing Ira Laughy with Rapid3D [9:44] What inspired Ira to launch Rapid3D [12:18] The cost associated with a 3D scanner [16:51] From scan to CAD to part [20:50] Make the move to Netsuite by Oracle [22:10] Ira’s experience bringing designs to life  [24:22] Working through a real-life scenario [28:41] The future of 3D scanning technology Resources mentioned on this episode Rapid3D.ca  Email Ira at [email protected] Connect with Ira on LinkedIn Creaform 3D scanners Geomagic Design X Autodesk Inventor SOLIDWORKS Netsuite by Oracle Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How important is building relationships and trust with your vendors? When you do have established relationships, are you placing too much trust in them? How do you balance being business savvy and trusting?  Mark McCormack is known for saying “All things being equal, people will do business with a friend; all things being unequal, people will still do business with a friend.” How much does this matter in the supply chain? Let’s see if we have an answer. We dissect the topic in this episode of MakingChips. – Nick Segments [0:22] Join the AMT Community at AMTOnline.org [5:21] The Chip on Mike’s Shoulder: Managing vendor relationships [7:48] “All things being equal, people will do business with friends” [13:53] When good intentions get in the way of business [16:21] Are you providing value to your vendors? [18:44] How much transparency should you provide? [27:03] Navigating price increases with your vendors [32:18] Tracking quality, price, delivery, and more Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community ProShop ERP What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What are the benefits of working closely with a local career & technical education center? You can have a huge impact on the local community, education system, and businesses. If you partner with a local technical center, it could have a far-reaching impact—and it just might help you recruit the next generation.  Nix Partners with a local career & technical education center in Southwest Indiana. David St. Clair and Hannah Lang join us in this episode of MakingSparks to share how collaboration can benefit the students, the community, and your business.  Segments [2:58] Learn more about David St. Clair [5:00] Casey’s dad joke [5:42] Learn more about Hannah Lang [7:36] Spark of Knowledge: Judging ability  [8:52] The impact of our welding competition  [15:41] Trends in the CTE system  [20:54] NetSuite by Oracle [22:11] Why you should partner with a CTE [27:20] More details about the tech center [31:10] What’s next for David’s CTE?  [32:53] How to work with a local tech center  Resources mentioned on this episode Get a product tour of NetSuite by Oracle Connect with Hannah Lang on LinkedIn Connect with David St. Clair on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

POV: You’re a woman with an entrepreneurial edge. You want to start a business. Why not consider the manufacturing industry? There are only 6,431 women-owned manufacturing businesses in the United States (representing just 2% of all manufacturing companies). 20% of them are minority-owned. This industry needs a woman’s perspective and expertise. So what does it take to get into the industry? Nicole Wolter—the President & CEO at HM Manufacturing—shares her advice for budding female entrepreneurs in this episode of MakingChips.  Segments [1:22] Join the AMT Community!  [3:03] Manufacturing News: U.S. Women-Owned Manufacturers [7:04] Becoming a certified woman-owned business [15:11] Get NetSuite’s KPI Checklist for Free [16:43] The manufacturing industry is changing  [21:52] What Nick tells his daughter about manufacturing [25:20] Hiring more women in manufacturing  [30:53] Nicole’s advice for budding female entrepreneurs Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community!  What is a Woman Manufacturing Leader? Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn U.S. Women-Owned Manufacturers Infographic  Benefits of Becoming a Certified Women-Owned Business Get NetSuite’s KPI Checklist for Free Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

POV: You’ve decided to start the process of implementing automation in your machine shop—but it isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. It’s a process that consists of failing forward and learning from every mistake. Tom Schroeder—the Executive Vice President at PBC Linear—joins us in this episode of Lights Out to share how to prioritize flexibility when you invest in and begin to implement automation in your shop. Because if you’re not making the right chips, you’re not making money. – Nick Segments [1:28] Learn more about Kaleb Mertz [4:04] Today’s guest: Tom Schroeder  [5:16] What's the Chip on Your Shoulder?  [11:44] PBC Linear’s investment in an MCM  [16:52] Get NetSuite’s KPI Checklist  [19:31] Managing high mix low volume  [23:40] Steps to take before automating  [27:11] Why automation is necessary  [30:00] Innovation = learning to think differently  [32:30] Automation doesn’t take away jobs  Resources mentioned on this episode Get your free KPI checklist from NetSuite by Oracle!  Kaleb Mertz on LinkedIn Tom Schroeder on LinkedIn Episode #399: Do We Need More Manufacturing Entrepreneurs? Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There are around 17,000 contract manufacturing job shops in the US. That sounds pretty great, right? The truth is that growth is down 16% since 2008. Now, more than ever, we need new entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry. Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, and Mike Payne join me in this roundtable discussion to talk about the vast opportunities available, how to take advantage of them, and why manufacturing leaders should encourage and grow entrepreneurs from within their businesses. Because if manufacturing isn’t growing, we aren’t MakingChips, and we aren’t making money. BAM! – Nick Goellner Segments [1:41] Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, Mike Payne [2:33] Manufacturing News: Leverage AMT’s custom research [11:07] Our reaction to the declining number of job shops [18:02] What Mike looks for in an acquisition [23:55] Join the AMT community! [24:48] Why every shop can leverage an ERP [28:00] There are vast opportunities available [33:55] Why you should grow future entrepreneurs  Resources mentioned on this episode The benefits of joining the AMT community  ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan return to share how this program has positively impacted them and the business.  – Matthew Nix Segments [1:03] Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist [4:56] Casey’s dad joke (stolen from his five-year-old) [5:41] The essential part(s) of an improvement program [15:48] Spark of Knowledge: Business development [16:59] Why communication is critical for success [19:37] The most rewarding part of this industry [21:55] The importance of a culture of respect Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do we recruit more young talent to fabrication? How do we navigate rapid growth balanced with training and development? How do we help develop young talent into our future leaders? These are just a few questions we wrestle with in this episode of MakingSparks with special guests Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan.  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:48] Join the AMT online community  [2:14] Introducing Jack Henry Hagan & Dakta Hunt [3:47] Casey’s dad joke [4:16] Dakota’s background in fabrication [8:27] Jack Henry’s background in fabrication [11:24] Sparks of Knowledge: CRMs [13:45] Why fabrication is rewarding work [16:28] Dos and don’ts for bringing in young talent [21:38] How to handle rapid growth  Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT online community  ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practices, and why the work they do is incredibly important.  – Casey Segments [1:09] Learn more about AMT [2:38] Introducing special guest Nate Foote [7:57] Casey’s dad joke [9:31] BWXT’s team-building process [13:54] Their program with a local high school  [15:39] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning  [17:28] The recruiting strategies they leverage  [26:38] Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist  [29:42] BWXT’s involvement in niche markets [31:18] Their commitment to processes [35:38] What’s keeping Nate up at night [36:35] What Nate’s most excited about Resources mentioned on this episode Learn more about AMT Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist Connect with Nate on LinkedIn BWXT Mount Vernon Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the right tool, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:19] FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop [2:17] Nick’s dad joke [2:43] Learn more about R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo [9:45] The definition of precision [12:16] The history of lasers in machining [19:28] Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist [21:29] Plasma versus water jet versus laser cutting [25:55] Cutting with nitrogen versus oxygen [31:05] How technology is driving innovation [38:48] Are people still G-code programming? Resources mentioned on this episode FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop When the Machine Stopped Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo Connect with R.J. Reed Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist “The Goal” by Eliyahu M Goldratt FABTECH 2024: October 15-17, 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll share Jason’s miraculous story. We’ll also share some of the lessons we’ve learned throughout the last couple of months. Be ready to be awe-struck.  – Nick Segments [0:18] IMTS 2024 [2:01] Miracle #1: Making it to the hospital [8:35] Miracle #2: Getting a heart transplant [12:01] Miracle #3: Being near the right hospital  [14:41] Miracle #4: Hearing Jason on the phone [21:22] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [24:16] Takeaway #1: Focus on your health [26:59] Takeaway #2: Create an estate plan [29:23] Takeaway #3: Build a team you can trust [32:19] Takeaway #4: Don’t take anything for granted  Resources mentioned on this episode Jason’s CaringBridge page Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist IMTS 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally.  However, they had lofty goals for the business and ultimately needed more capital to realize those goals. Joe shares how they expanded their family business and why they sold the majority of their shares to private equity in this episode of MakingSparks. Listen to learn how you can help your family business make sparks, grow, and make money. Segments [1:20] Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security [5:03] Matthew’s dad joke [6:20] Learn more about Joe Patterson [10:50] Why Joe initially left the family business  [13:30] Sparks of Knowledge: Host “tryouts” [14:33] How to have the conversation with family  [17:05] How Flanders scaled the family business [20:51] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [22:23] The difference between offering services and products [24:40] A centralized versus decentralized model [31:35] Why the family decided to sell the business [40:08] How to join the AMT Community  [41:00] How to scale your family business  Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist Join the AMT Community by reaching out to [email protected] or going to AMT Online Connect with Joe Patterson on LinkedIn Flanders Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations?  Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all.  – Matthew Nix If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE. Segments [0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [4:38] Casey’s dad joke [5:30] Common challenges family businesses face [7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media [8:40] How to have hard conversations  [10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance [16:50] The purpose of the family council [19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:24] Open communication is the goal [26:08] When a small business should start [31:10] Think about the future now [32:30] Thomasnet programs Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn T.A. Dickel Group Tad’s podcast Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security The Family Business Consulting Group The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsay Thomasnet Programs Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from governance to succession planning.  Tad shares why having difficult conversations with family early can make a profound impact on the long-term generational success of the business. He also covers how to have those conversations. Don’t miss this one!  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:38] Netsuite by Oracle [2:42] How Tad Dickel helps family-owned businesses [5:39] Why work with a Leadership & Strategy Consultant  [9:16] Challenges that family businesses face [12:42] Spark of Knowledge: The Ideal Team Player [13:57] Casey’s dad joke [14:25] Tad’s hope for this episode [17:43] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:33] Using a Venn diagram to think through family dynamics Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn T.A. Dickel Group Netsuite by Oracle: CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist The Ideal Team Player by Patrick M. Lencioni Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Cutting tool manufacturers have to remain on the cutting edge. If you do so, it’s possible to stay competitive. We know that a solid education and training for new talent is the best first step. But you also have to learn to embrace grit to make it through. We cover what else is important to remain successful and competitive in this episode of MakingChips.  – Drew Crowe Out call-to-action: Bring us someone who can talk about innovation in the tooling industry in North America.  Segments [0:13] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [2:32] Why collaborations are important [9:02] Manufacturing fuels grit  [11:18] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [14:58] The future of American manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Andy Mueller Missouri Tools Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security 5 Keys to A Successful Cutting Tool Manufacturing Business with Mike Polizzi Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Andy Mueller is a seasoned vet in manufacturing, one of the real OGs. I’ve leaned on him for advice and support throughout the years because he’s been through the seasons and weathered the storms. Andy was able to step in and teach my students things that I couldn’t with my limited resources. That’s why, in this episode of MakingChips, we have a conversation with Andy about inspiring the next generation and teaching them what they can’t learn in classes. Because if they aren’t MakingChips, they aren't making money. BAM! – Drew Crowe Segments [0:12] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [6:58] Drew’s passion for the metalworking nation [7:42] Where in the world is Tony Gunn? [12:36] Introducing Andy Mueller [16:00] Impacting the future of manufacturing [23:59] Check out Thomas™ Programs [25:18] Get your team invested in the process [27:00] Andy’s start in manufacturing  [29:37] The value Andy brought to Ranken students [39:00] What are you trying to achieve?  Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Connect with Andy Mueller on LinkedIn Check out Thomas™ Programs Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Kyle Stoff spent his high school years doing parkour and making butterfly knives by hand. By the end of his Junior Year in high school, he’d decided he wanted to get into manufacturing to perfect his knife-making process. He skipped his Senior Year and dove into a full-time program at Ranken, becoming one of my best—and youngest—students.  Now, Kyle works full-time for Orizon Aerostructures and makes his knives on days and weekends. His knives typically sell starting at $1,800—many are auctioned off even higher. He shares his story and why he’s passionate about manufacturing in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making knives, and you’re not making money. BAM! – Drew Crowe Segments [0:17] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [3:08] How MakingChips launched Drew’s career [8:40] Shoutout to Mark Bosworth at Southwestern Illinois College [11:12] Celebrating MakingChips hitting 1,000,000 downloads [17:11] Introducing today’s guest: Kyle Stoff with Orizon Aerostructures [24:07] Check out Thomas™ Programs [26:52] Shifting to making knives on a CNC machine [31:47] Kyle inspired a curriculum change [42:12] Kyle’s message to aspiring machinists [44:03] The trajectory of Kyle’s future Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Brandon Dempsey with goBRANDgo! Kyle Stoff on LinkedIn Kyle’s Instagram page ComFlux SZN1: #ThankAMachinist, 367 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you express gratitude for your team members? Do they know their work is appreciated? Do you help guide them through their career so they can continue to learn and improve? Too many shops overwork good employees because they achieve excellence. That’s a mistake. It’s one of many reasons machine shops struggle with retention.  In part II of our conversation with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, we talk about the importance of showing appreciation. We also cover why it’s important for account managers to offer value, and how to retain young talent. Because if you’re not appreciating your talent, you won’t retain them. And if you can’t retain them, you’re not MakingChips, and definitely you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:21] Register for IMTS 2024 [2:22] We need to express gratitude [7:38] Recap of part I [8:16] Transitioning to Edge Technologies [15:35] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [17:19] What we look for when we hire [20:39] Recruiting the next generation [25:58] Thomas™ Programs Resources mentioned on this episode Drew Crowe on LinkedIn Dan Borders on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Register for IMTS 2024 STL GRILLZZ Oracle Netsuite: Ultimate KPI Checklist Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How can we attract the next generation to machining? How can small shops attract and retain talent? How can we fuel greatness? In this episode of MakingChips, guest host Drew “The MFG” Crowe—the force behind the American Manufacturing Renaissance—brings on Dan Borders with Edge Technologies to start to tackle these questions. Because if you’re not attracting and retaining top talent, you won’t have a team to make chips. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [1:50] Introducing Drew “The MFG” Crowe  [8:43] Why “Y’all” is universal [9:50] The Chip on Drew’s shoulder: Influencers [19:17] Netsuite by Oracle [20:47] Introducing Dan Borders [31:50] How Dan landed at Davis Tool & Die Co. [40:51] Thomas™ Programs Resources mentioned on this episode Drew Crowe on LinkedIn Dan Borders on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security IMTS+ STL GRILLZZ Oracle Netsuite: Ultimate KPI Checklist

What separates successful shops from unsuccessful ones? The people. As a leader, taking care of your people is paramount. So how do you manage and lead your people better? By following the Golden Rule. How do you apply the “Golden Rule” in business? Mike Ruge—the Integrator and Experience Director at ZENGERS—shares what that looks like and it can transform your business in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren’t taking care of your people, they won’t be MakingChips and if they’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  Segments [0:16] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs [4:10] Manufacturing News: Tesla is changing perspectives  [8:45] Applying the Golden Rule in your business [14:33] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:07] Ask questions to collaborate on a solution  [22:26] How to shift your culture in the right direction [25:34] How to address underperformance  [35:02] Some BIG changes at ZENGERS and Hennig  [37:06] Learn how to be more empathetic [38:06] Learn more about IMTS+ [39:31] How to keep yourself accountable Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Ruge on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Tesla on YouTube Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Marketplace Chaplains IMTS+ Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you select the right ERP for your business? What should the implementation process look like? What are some mistakes you must absolutely avoid making? In this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre shares some of the lessons he’s learned from failed ERP implementations. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Nick  Segments [0:17] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs [2:20] The definitions of ERP, QMS, and MES [6:08] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [7:47] The chip on my shoulder: Weaponizing contracts [11:02] Paul Van Metre’s background in the industry  [12:47] You need to involve every impacted department  [17:13] Choose a system that works for the whole shop [19:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [21:27] Use real data and processes in demos [23:34] The implementation process: Let go of the past [29:43] Overcoming analysis paralysis in the implementation process [36:46] Register for the exhibitor workshop for IMTS 2024!  Resources mentioned on this episode Paul Van Metre Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Westec IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Why do you need to create video content, both for recruiting team members and bringing in new business? How do you get started when you don’t have the budget to hire a production company? Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix share what you can do to kickstart video marketing for your shop—and why it’s incredibly important—in this episode of MakingChips! Because if you aren’t Making videos, you’re losing out on money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] Sign up for a Thomasnet™ program [3:11] Manufacturing News: Short-form video trends [9:12] How Casey started working with Nix Companies [13:27] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:16] How to get started creating videos  [22:33] Integrate video marketing into your business [24:16] Content marketing in manufacturing [27:57] A day in the life of a craftsman [29:05] Incorporating video into MakingChips [29:44] Join the AMT Community [32:00] Why you need to create video content Resources mentioned on this episode Thomasnet™ programs Matthew Nix on LinkedInLinkedIn Casey Voelker on LinkedIn 7 Short-Form Video Trends to Watch in 2023 Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security CapCut Video Editor Manufacturing Transparency: How Ken Parent is Inspiring the Industry Documentary: The Story of Content: Rise of the New Marketing Full Time Filmmaker  Join the AMT Community Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is FabTech? Why should anyone in welding, fabrication, metal forming, or finishing attend FabTech? They not only hold seminars and have booths and exhibitors to visit. You won’t only learn about trends in technology and meet with potential suppliers. Most importantly, you’ll be able to network. In this episode of MakingSparks recorded live at FabTech 2023, we interview a couple of people we met at FabTech whose careers were positively impacted because they showed up. Don’t miss it. – Matthew Nix Segments [1:16] Why you should go to FabTech [2:35] Netsuite by Oracle [4:06] Networking opportunities at FabTech [6:13] Casey’s dad joke  [7:04] FabTech will help rejuvenate you  [11:38] What stood out at FabTech 2023 [13:38] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:27] Spark of Knowledge: Use a CRM  [17:49] Stephanie Hoffman with the AWS [22:39] Learn more about Weld.com [27:32] Check out Thomas™ services Resources mentioned on this episode FabTech Netsuite by Oracle Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Stepanie Hoffman on LinkedIn and Instagram Chris Ewing on LinkedIn Metal Shop Masters Weld.com Weld.com on YouTube Check out Thomas™ services Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Recruiting in manufacturing can be difficult. Many students are taught the traditional “Graduate high school and go to college for four years” mentality. While there’s nothing wrong with taking that route, how do we capture the attention of young talent? How do we make them see the career trajectory available in welding or fabrication? Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin share some actionable tactics and strategies in this episode of MakingSparks! – Matthew Nix  Segments [1:13] Lindsey’s dad joke [2:35] Create a Thomas™ profile [5:02] The internship programs at Nix Companies [9:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [12:21] How Nix is investing in recruiting  [15:57] The benefits of video marketing  [19:54] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [23:13] Spark of Knowledge: Try candidate tryouts [24:16] Leverage social media for recruiting [31:22] Now trending: work/life balance [34:23] Show children different career options [36:34] Register for IMTS 2024 [37:42] Be authentic and consistent  Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn Casey Voelker on LinkedIn ProFab Alliance Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Join the AMT Community IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Most mom-and-pop shops don’t have to worry about recruiting, hiring, and retaining talent until they decide they want to grow. When you find yourself needing to recruit and hire talent, where do you start? Start with your core values. Your company needs core values and a clear mission and vision to hire the right people, build the right culture, and retain your team long-term. Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin weigh in on what it takes to recruit top talent in this episode of MakingSparks. Segments [1:10] Introducing Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin [2:30] Casey’s dad joke of the day [4:02] Hiring and recruiting in the beginning [6:37] Sign up for a Thomas™ program! [9:38] How Angela learned the culture [12:18] Spark of Knowledge: Core Values [13:38] Angela’s role encompasses retention  [15:35] Recruiting women in fabrication  [18:15] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security  [17:23] The importance of core values  [28:23] Join the AMT community Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn ProFab Alliance Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Join the AMT Community Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

MakingSparks has officially arrived! Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks. In this episode, Matthew shares more about Nix Companies and their explosive growth over the last 20 years. We’ll also cover what you can expect from MakingSparks, who should listen, and give you a sneak peek at our next episode.  – Casey  Segments [3:24] Learn more about Matthew Nix and Nix Companies [5:33] Recruiting and talent retention in fabrication [7:27] Spark of Knowledge: Branding and marketing [9:25] Growing the company to 100x revenue [10:21] Who should listen to the MakingSparks podcast? [13:50] Learn more about IMTS+ [15:13] What should we talk about? [16:25] What’s happening in our next episode?  Resources mentioned on this episode Casey Voelker on LinkedIn Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Can You Scale Rapidly After 100 Years of Slow Growth? 308 Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 ProgressiveFabricator.com IMTS+ Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you in welding or fabrication? Are you a long-time listener of MakingChips who’s just been waiting for content that speaks directly to you? The wait is over. In this episode of MakingChips, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix join us to introduce a brand new addition to the MakingChips lineup: MakingSparks. Casey and Matthew will be hosting the show that will bring even more industry voices to the mic. Tune in to this episode to learn exactly what to expect from this new podcast! Because if you’re not MakingSparks, you’re not making money. BAM! — Jason  Segments [2:24] Why we created the MakingSparks podcast [6:19] What’s going to be different about MakingSparks? [7:16] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic planning [10:23] Free KPI checklist from Netsuite by Oracle [14:46] The evolution of Nix Companies  [18:44] What we want your takeaway to be [20:36] IMTS 2024: Sept 9th-14th in Chicago [21:57] Who will MakingSparks speak to? Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle: FREE KPI checklist  IMTS 2024: Sept 9th-14th in Chicago Casey Voelker on LinkedIn Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

You’ve found your acquisition target. They’ve committed to selling you the business. Now the real work begins. It’s time for due diligence. Where does due diligence start? What factors should you consider? How do you build a checklist?  Jason, Nick, Adam Schmitt, and I tackle due diligence in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not doing due diligence, you may miss important factors that will impact your ability to make chips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:57] Where does due diligence start?  [6:43] Don’t be afraid to walk away [9:33] Will leaders and employees stay? [11:01] Take a deep dive into processes [12:26] Asset purchase vs. stock purchase [15:45] Don’t stop asking questions [18:46] How to develop your own checklist Resources mentioned on this episode FabTech Adam Schmitt Matthew Nix ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you increase your capacity, make more chips, and bring on new clients without buying a new machine or pitching yourself to a single end user? Buying a company. Acquisitions are a large part of how we’ve all built our companies. But how do you start acquiring companies? Why would you want to?  In this episode of MakingChips, Adam Schmitt—the Managing Partner of ProFab Alliance—joins Jason, Nick, and I (Matthew Nix) to dive into the starting point of acquisitions. Because if you’re not making acquisitions, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Matthew Nix Segments [3:43] Manufacturing News: Trade School Programs [9:39] Why should you make acquisitions?  [16:04] How should you look for acquisitions?  [23:35] Buyout conversations gone wrong [26:39] Why you need to pay attention to due diligence Resources mentioned on this episode FabTech Adam Schmitt ProFab Alliance Trade School Programs Thrive Amid Overall College Enrollment Decline Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Once you’ve implemented lean manufacturing, how do you sustain a lean culture? How do you motivate your team to focus on continuous improvement? How do you inspire them to keep reaching and passing their goals?  In this episode of MakingChips—part 2 of a live panel discussion at TSMA with special guests Doug Bawel, Femi D-Etti, and Jake Ward—we dive into what it takes to maintain a lean culture. It can be so easy to fall back into old patterns but it’s important to stay the course.  Because if you can’t sustain a lean culture, you won’t be MakingChips efficiently, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:52] Leading measures for lean manufacturing [5:34] Balancing day-to-day with improvement projects [11:46] Learn more about NetSuite by Oracle [13:17] How to sustain a lean culture [17:40] Their biggest wins in the lean process [24:58] Some final thoughts on lean manufacturing  Resources mentioned on this episode Tri-State Manufacturers Alliance (TSMA) Doug Bawel: President/CEO of Jasper Engines & Transmissions Femi D-Etti: Vice-President & General Manager of AstraZeneca Jake Ward: Vice President of Manufacturing of Anchor Industries Learn more about NetSuite by Oracle The Basics of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan Should Your Shop be an ESOP? #292 The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is your definition of lean manufacturing? One definition of lean is “Maximizing the flow of value through your business to your customer.” We all want our business to be customer-centric, right? It’s a given that we all want to reduce waste and improve efficiency. But how do you do that? On this episode of MakingChips, we recorded a live panel discussion at TSMA with special guests Doug Bawel, Femi D-Etti, and Jake Ward. Each of them shares how they’re finding unique ways to build a lean culture through strategic leadership.  Because if you’re not implementing a lean culture, you’re not MakingChips efficiently, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [2:50] What does lean manufacturing mean? [7:09] Introducing Doug Bawel, Femi D-Etti, and Jake Ward [14:50] The most important factor when introducing lean into your culture [22:33] How to use gamification to move your teams toward a goal Resources mentioned on this episode Tri-State Manufacturers Alliance (TSMA) Doug Bawel: President/CEO of Jasper Engines & Transmissions Femi D-Etti: Vice-President & General Manager of AstraZeneca Jake Ward: Vice President of Manufacturing of Anchor Industries The Basics of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan Should Your Shop be an ESOP? #292 The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is going on with the economy? We’re all feeling a slowdown in the manufacturing industry. So what gives? What happens in the economy can be directly impacted by politics. It can be impacted by war. It can be impacted by interest rates and the rising costs of consumer goods. Nicole Wolter—the President and CEO of HM Manufacturing—joins us again to dissect what we see happening with the economy and what you can do to start marking more chips. Because if you aren’t MakingChips, you aren’t making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:15] Netsuite by Oracle  [4:04] Nicole’s experience representing manufacturing at the white house [9:25] Lessons from manufacturing leaders: How AI will help manufacturing [15:23] What is the manufacturing economy like right now?  [18:27] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [26:05] Why are we in our current economic position?  [31:01] What should you do when the economy is down? Resources mentioned on this episode Nicole Wolters on LinkedIn Oracle Netsuite: FREE CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist What is Industry 4.0? The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Today’s controversial topic: What is a woman…in manufacturing? We need to inspire the next generation of women to pursue a career path in manufacturing. But is the “sex sells” movement killing any chance of that? I’m Nicole Wolter—the President and CEO of HM Manufacturing. In this episode of MakingChips, I share how we can attract more women to manufacturing. Because if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments Segments [0:19] Netsuite by Oracle  [2:44] Introducing Nicole Wolter [3:35] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [8:57] Is “Sex sells” corrupting the women in manufacturing movement? [13:06] How do we attract more women to manufacturing?  [15:17] Everyone is welcome in manufacturing [18:45] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [19:24] The “booth babe” rant [24:58] Getting girls interested in manufacturing  [27:38] What is a Woman in Manufacturing? [31:40] How to support other women in manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn HM Manufacturing  Oracle Netsuite: FREE CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist? 309 New Generation, New Ways w/Nicole Wolter Shifting Gears at HM Manufacturing – When Crisis Strikes On The Shop Floor (Part 1) MC116: Shifting Into Overdrive with Nicole Wolter - Overcoming Adversity (Part 2) Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Many companies strive to move toward digital transformation. Some struggle with the process. Others—like JJR Fabrication—see remarkable results. They’ve seen enormous efficiency and throughput improvements by embracing digital workflows while ensuring the physical side of their shop is in full alignment.  This includes doing things like lean manufacturing work, Kaizen activities, and really embracing the ProShop way of doing things. Kevin Richards and Lynne DuBose from JJR Fabrication join us in this episode of MakingChips to share how their leap toward a digital transformation was a game-changer for their business.  Because if you’re not being efficient, you’re not making chips, and if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Paul Van Metre Segments [0:12] Learn more about Netsuite by Oracle [4:44] Lessons for manufacturing leaders [7:47] Introducing Kevin Richards and Lynne DuBose [11:09] How I met Kevin and Lynn [12:41] Making the transition to ProShop [20:20] The physical changes they’ve implemented [24:17] The premise of the book “2 Second Lean” [27:25] Why they implemented a morning meeting [29:16] Creating a thoughtful pre-production checklist [35:47] 4 Lessons for a successful digital transformation [37:33] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle ProShop ERP The Machine Shop Mastery podcast JJR Fabrication Connect with Lynne DuBose on LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Richards on LinkedIn 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you grow a business while raising a family? When you and your spouse are business partners, how do you choose what to prioritize and when? Matthew and Lindsey Nix have been navigating this challenging road together for years. In the second part of a two-part episode (check out episode #1 first), Matthew and Lindsey share some of the lessons they’ve learned about leadership and family life. Because if you aren’t making chips, you aren’t making money—and you aren’t providing for your family. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:20] Learn more about Oracle Netsuite [3:00] The BIG news: Baby #4 is on the way! [4:47] What’s more important: The business or the marriage? [6:11] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [9:34] Set boundaries for each other [12:50] Overcoming the negative voice in your head [14:49] “Treat people like you would want your kids to be treated.” [17:56] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [18:36] Balancing the kids and the business Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is it like to be married to your business partner? Especially when both people are very involved in the business. The metalworking industry is dominated by family-owned businesses. I’d love to see more husbands and wives team up to grow manufacturing together. In the next two episodes of MakingChips, special guests Lindsey and Matthew Nix share what it’s like to grow a business as a united front. Because if you aren’t making chips together, you aren’t making money. BAM!  Segments [0:22] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [3:28] Introducing today’s guests: Matthew & Lindsay Nix [7:13] Manufacturing News: We Need More Hybrid Cars [14:58] How Lindsey became part of the business [17:57] What catapulted their major growth [19:25] Lindsey’s role throughout the years [23:50] The challenges of a married couple working together Resources mentioned on this episode Nix Companies Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Toyota Is Right: We Need More Hybrid Cars and Fewer EVs. Here’s Why “People, Process, and Performance" A Special Live Event Interview Can You Scale Rapidly After 100 Years of Slow Growth? 308 Manufacturing a Successful Business and Marriage, 334 The MTForecast Conference Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you embracing automation in your shop? Or are you hesitating because you’re unsure how to implement it so that you’re making the best use of your time and money? Brian Kippen—the owner and CEO of KAD Models & Prototypes—reframes how you can use automation.  In this episode of MakingChips, Brian Kippen, Steve DeGrasse, and I share how you can approach automation from a different perspective. Because if you’re not automating efficiently, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:15] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:48] Introducing Brian Kippen and Steve DeGrasse [3:12] What's the Chip on Your Shoulder? [5:30] Brian Kippen’s origin story [20:36] How Brian approaches automation differently  [24:28] Running his company like a barbershop [30:21] What Brian looks for in new talent [36:44] How Brian is using automated pallet delivery [41:10] Why Brian took a job as a high school teacher Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect with Steve DeGrasse on LinkedIn Connect with Brian Kippen on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I created a campaign to build awareness for machinists. Why? Because, sadly, the general public knows very little about manufacturing. They don’t look around them and see what we see: That almost everything is machined.  So in this episode of MakingChips, I’ll share a few ways you can highlight manufacturing in your communities. It’s not just to build awareness but to also grow interest in manufacturing in the next generation. Because what would happen if no one was MakingChips? – Paul Van Metre Segments [2:51] Leadership Spotlight: Jacob Sanchez [5:17] Everything is influenced or created by machines [9:28] What inspired #ThankAMachinist  [11:00] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [12:19] How to shine a spotlight on manufacturing  Resources mentioned on this episode Jacob Sanchez So God Made a Farmer Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Paul Van Metre is no stranger to MakingChips, and we’ve shared his story before. But this time, we’re looking at it through a whole new lens. Paul and his partners started in the industry running a machine shop. Then, it morphed into a software company: ProShop. What started as a solution to their problems became a solution for thousands of businesses.  How has ProShop become a game-changing ERP? How are they growing and supporting the industry at large? Find out in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not making an impact, you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:39] The manufacturing community down under [4:44] Lessons for Manufacturing Leaders [12:42] What’s more fulfilling to Paul? [13:54] From PRO CNC to ProShop ERP [16:58] Proving the concept [19:12] Will ProShop ERP grow to other industries? [24:19] How ProShop supports the industry at large [31:11] What’s next for ProShop ERP? Resources mentioned on this episode The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization The Machine Shop Mastery Podcast ProShop ERP Love Your ERP Eagle Manufacturing Cardinal Manufacturing Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you create and cultivate a manufacturing leadership mindset? What can you do to recharge? How do you take care of yourself so you can take care of your team? How do you unify your team toward a shared goal? Special guests Eric Nekich 5th Axis® Workholding, Michael Gaunce with SCHUNK USA, and Kaleb Mertz with AME help me tackle these questions in this special round-table episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren’t leading your team well, they won’t be productively making chips, and they won’t be making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:36] Introducing our three guests [3:54] Our daily routines to recharge [12:59] How to set realistic expectations  [18:40] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [19:22] Embracing a change-oriented mindset [26:28] The skills gap is becoming a wide-ranging reality [32:45] How to unify teams toward a shared goal [42:38] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [43:16] How to connect with our guests Resources mentioned on this episode Eric Nekich with 5th Axis® Workholding  Michael Gaunce with SCHUNK USA Kaleb Mertz with AME Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop The No Asshole Rule Ray J. Green Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is the most impactful factor that helps machine tool distributors sell tools? Is it the quality of the tools themselves? Is it the skill of the salesperson? Is it the service that the distributor can offer? Tony Harrod—General Manager at Methods Machine Tools, Inc.—believes that one of these things sets you apart: Service: But is the answer really that simple? If you aren’t providing quality service, will you be making fewer chips, and making less money? Find out in this episode of MakingChips!  Segments [2:53] Manufacturing News: February 2023 Orders Nearly 50% Above Average [6:20] Introducing the GM of Methods Machine Tool West: Tony Harrod [7:40] What sells machine tools? What is the most important factor?  [14:41] How they figure out what “doors to knock on” [17:25] What the machine tool industry needs to improve [18:29] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [19:10] Why machine tool and cutting tool distributors should partner  [26:56] Why Tony trains his customer on every machine they purchase [28:46] How the skills gap is impacting machine tool distributors Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tony Harrod on LinkedIn Methods Machine Tools February 2023 Orders Nearly 50% Above Average Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this special Bonus Chips episode of MakingChips, we’re guests on Chris Luecke’s podcast, Manufacturing Happy Hour. Of all the manufacturing podcasts, we both double down on leadership topics. So in this episode, we seek to tackle one question: What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Tune in to hear what it takes to lead. Because if you’re not leading your team, they won’t be making chips, and if they’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:47] How we’d describe the MakingChips podcast [7:15] What listeners can expect from MakingChips [10:42] How you know it’s time to evolve [14:31] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [15:09] How creating content serves our businesses [20:43] What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Resources mentioned on this episode Manufacturing Happy Hour The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Chris Luecke on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In 2018, the US Government set a standard for cybersecurity, so anyone in any industry that touched the US government had to meet the requirement—but it wasn’t happening. Now, CMMC is coming out and you will be audited. So what is CMMC? Does your shop need it? How can ProShop ERP help you accelerate the adoption of the different security standards? We cover it all in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re dealing with a security breach, you aren’t making chips, and if you aren’t making chips, you aren’t making money. BAM! – Paul Segments [0:14] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [2:49] Leadership Spotlight: David Hanna [8:18] Step #1 to secure your company  [11:32] Will AI impact cybersecurity?  [14:53] What is CMMC? [18:17] When do you have to have the CMMC?  [21:43] Can companies fake it ‘til they make it?  [24:39] Is high effort the answer?  [25:20] Who should get the CMMC [28:05] How ProShop can help you accelerate adoption [30:51] The potential cost of the certification  [33:15] How will CMMC work with different softwares/systems? Resources mentioned on this episode Paul Van Metre ProShop ERP ProShop SAFE™ The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)  David Hannah of G-Zero How to Delegate Yourself Out of a Job CMMC Certification Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There is a widening disparity in the manufacturing industry: Insanely busy shops and shops that are barely treading water. In any business, there will always be companies that thrive and grow and those that don’t. But successful shops are doing something differently. In this episode of MakingChips, Kelsey Heikoop shares four things you can do differently to get more business and make more chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Paul Van Metre Segments [0:15] Industrial Buying Engine at Thomas™ [5:52] The Leader Spotlight: Hernan Ricaurte [8:36] The gap between the haves and have nots [11:33] Solution #1: Become a sales-driven organization [18:04] Solution #2: Consistent adoption of technology [26:16] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [30:44] Solution #3: Invest in quality certifications (ISO, ITAR, etc.) [39:05] Solution #4: Invest in cybersecurity  Resources mentioned on this episode Paul Van Metre Kelsey Heikoop Hernan Ricaurte Ricaurte Precision Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We are melting our faces off with some hot sauces in this episode of MakingChips. Why? Because spices break down barriers. And as these hot sauces break down our mouths, you may just get some answers you weren't expecting about everything from mental health to making investments. So join us as we work our way through a Lethal Dose of The Hottest Sauce in the Universe and reach The End of this SpicyChips series. Because if we’re not learning from each other, we’re not MakingChips together, and we’re not making money. BAM! Now, excuse me while I go chug a gallon of milk… – Tony Segments [0:22] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [3:27] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [7:14] What would you say to the world? [12:49] The End: How we take care of our mental health (milk time!) [18:55] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [21:17] Lethal dose: The best investment we’ve ever made [34:42] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [35:22] Why you should help your competitors Resources mentioned on this episode Batesville Tool & Die Mavens of Manufacturing Connect with Meaghan Ziemba on LinkedIn Connect with Tony Gunn on LinkedIn MTD CNC Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Oracle Netsuite Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We’ve moved on to medium sauce and we are on FIRE. We’re in manufacturing, so the MakingChips podcast covers all things manufacturing. But we’re also human, and we value the importance of being transparent and talking about things like mental health.  So in this episode of MakingChips, we cover some of the most challenging things we’ve faced both personally and as manufacturing leaders. So as we work through Reaper & Garlic Hot Sauce to The Death Stalker Sauce, we’ll share our biggest struggles and greatest achievements. Because there will always be challenges to overcome to make chips, right?  – Tony Segments [1:35] The manufacturing leaders spotlight [8:02] The hardest career challenge Meaghan overcame [13:00] The biggest career challenge Tony overcame [15:09] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [15:50] The difficulty of letting someone go [23:45] Our favorite influencers in business [29:01] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [29:39] The entire world is listening: What do you say? Resources mentioned on this episode Mavens of Manufacturing Connect with Meaghan Ziemba on LinkedIn Connect with Tony Gunn on LinkedIn Connect with Andrew Crowe on LinkedIn Connect with Nicole Wolter on LinkedIn Connect with Dwain Dy4er on LinkedIn Ivor Andrew MTD CNC Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We’re tasting our way through 12 different types of hot sauce chosen by none other than me, Tony Gunn, the Global GM at MTDCNC.com. Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing also joins us as we work our way through some chicken wings.  We’ll talk about our backgrounds, how we balance life and work, and mental health in manufacturing. Balance is important, and if you don’t have it, you won’t be MakingChips efficiently, and you won’t be making money. BAM! – Tony Segments [3:25] Where in the world is Tony Gunn? [9:03] How Meaghan and Tony got into manufacturing  [14:49] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop ERP [15:29] How Tony balances life and work [22:08] Mental health in manufacturing  [27:15] The Industrial Buying Engine from Thomas™  Resources mentioned on this episode Mavens of Manufacturing Connect with Meaghan Ziemba on LinkedIn Connect with Tony Gunn on LinkedIn MTD CNC Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Does Titan still run a shop? Does he believe in digital transformation on the shop floor? Why did Titan seek out jobs no one else wanted? In this special edition of MakingChips, Titan Gilroy answers burning listener questions while simultaneously sharing some spectacular advice for manufacturing leaders everywhere. We recorded a short and sweet episode so we could all get back to MakingChips, because if we aren’t MakingChips, we aren’t making money. BAM! Segments [0:20] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [2:29] Does Titan still run a shop? [3:58] Does he have a team to alter posts? [4:27] Digital transformation on the shop floor [5:46] Good machinists comes down to leadership [9:20] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [10:00] Why Titan went after jobs no one else wanted [12:27] The future of US manufacturing  [13:38] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ Resources mentioned on this episode Oracle Netsuite Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Automation continues to be a popular and divisive topic in the manufacturing world. Automation is important for attracting and retaining young talent and growing your business. So we’ve been working hard to highlight the importance of automation—and where you can dive in—with our Lights Out series.  Chris Luecke—the host of Manufacturing Happy Hour—has a similar goal. We’re using our platforms to squash the rumors, lessen fears, and highlight how automation can and will benefit your business. Because if you’re not automating, you’re not making enough chips, and you’re missing out on money. BAM! Segments [0:20] The lean setup guide [2:26] When we embraced automation (and why) [4:03] Manufacturing News: NAM CEO Interview [7:33] Chris’s thoughts on our pre-show banter [10:38] How Chris got started in Manufacturing [19:53] Chris’s advice to sales management about new projects [22:38] Why automation has become a popular topic [26:07] Is the allure that automation has become more affordable?  [31:00] Automation 101: Where do you start? [34;21] Automation doesn’t take people’s jobs away [36:40] IT/OT convergence and why it’s important [43:25] Chris’s assessment of cybersecurity in automation  Resources mentioned on this episode NAM CEO talks on AI, banking, manufacturing, trade relationships, labor market The Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Titan Gilroy wanted to create a platform where aspiring machinists could hone their skills, share their work, and connect with leaders in the industry to get hired. So he launched CNC Expert. You can share projects, get hired (or hire someone), receive free training to get certifications, and much more.  CNC Expert certifications are based on real-world skills and aren’t just a piece of paper. Because at the end of the day, it’s about parts—not paper. You have to be able to machine top-notch parts. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  Segments [0:15] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [3:37] Manufacturing leadership lessons [5:14] Titan intentionally created a great culture  [11:46] What inspired the vision for CNC Experts [19:54] A conversation about influence [23:25] The future of CNC Experts [26:48] Making a certification legitimate  [31:26] How to become an inspector [32:54] Does CNC Expert replace NIMS?  [35:15] Can Titan bench-press Jason? [37:16] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop The CNC Expert Platform Titan Gilroy on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Lights out manufacturing isn’t only a large topic of conversation but it’s also the way of the future. Shops around the world are embracing automation. Are you? If you haven’t become part of the automation conversation, don’t miss our first lights-out-focused episode with Special guest Titan Gilroy. He shares how automation has progressed, the mindset you need to embrace to be successful, and how to mitigate the risks. Because if you’re not automating, you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:10] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [2:08] Manufacturing news: OK, Mexico, Save Me [7:09] How automation technology has progressed  [9:49] The use of robots in automation [11:38] Will robots replace machinists? [15:51] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [16:23] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [22:57] How to mitigate the risks of lights-out manufacturing  [27:20] If you don’t automate, you’ll get left behind [28:30] What’s next for Titans of CNC and automation? [31:53] How automation is different around the world [36:00] There is a place for everyone in manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Lights Out: Training Machinists with an Automation Mindset with Titan Gilroy How Defeat and Success Has Shaped Titan Gilroy, #286 TITANS of CNC Connect with Titan on LinkedIn Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Steve Burkett has been in global aerospace manufacturing for 30 years. One year ago, he bought a well-established local shop and is now the President and CEO of Auto-Turn Manufacturing. Steve transitioned from being a big MFG leader to a small MFG owner. In this episode of MakingChips, Steve covers the good, bad, and the ugly of the transition. Is he MakingChips? Is he MakingMoney? There’s only one way to find out. BAM! – Mike Segments [1:56] Our warm MakingChips welcome for Steve Burkett [3:10] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [7:34] Big MFG leader to small MFG Owner [14:26] What Steve’s learned that benefits his company [17:23] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [21:08] Why Steve chose to purchase Auto-Turn [27:03] How Steve connected with a private equity firm [28:07] Steve’s advice for those considering ownership  [31:01] The next steps for Auto-Turn Manufacturing [34:33] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Ken Parent keeps it real. Ken launched Parent Manufacturing in 2020 in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Navigating running a small shop and providing for his family hasn’t been an easy road. Instead of shying away from the reality of entrepreneurism, Ken shares the good, the bad, and the ugly on LinkedIn. The response has been overwhelming.  In this episode of MakingChips, we chat with Ken about the realities of being a small business owner in Oklahoma. He shares why he went into manufacturing, what his hope for the future is, and how he’s inspiring the manufacturing nation to make chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Mike Segments [3:23] Jason’s “What are you learning?” segment [5:24] Learn more about Ken Parent of Parent Manufacturing [17:38] Why Ken became an entrepreneur [21:42] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [22:22] How LinkedIn has become a community of support [30:40] The impact of the manufacturing community on his family [36:00] Creating content for The Practical Machinist  [39:48] What Ken’s ideal job looks like  [43:36] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ Resources mentioned on this episode Father of 7 Builds Machine Shop From the Ground Up. So Can You. Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect with Ken on LinkedIn Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance Mitutoyo Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Did you know that we all operate from one of three root motivations? The majority of the decisions we make are because we’re striving for respect, value, or approval. When you know your root motivations as a leader—and in turn learn your team’s—it can help you become a better leader. Dennis Humphrey Ph.D. LCPC joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share how to narrow down your root motivation and how it can benefit your business. Because if your team isn’t syncing up because they don't understand each other’s motivations, you’re not going to be MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM.  Segments [2:28] The three root motivations: Respect, value, and approval  [3:10] Manufacturing leader spotlight: Mike Rudy [6:55] Learn more about Dennis Humphrey Ph.D. LCPC [8:20] Where do our root motivations come from?  [10:22] The part where we make Nick the guinea pig [13:52] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [15:06] How do the “unhealthy” versions of these values manifest? [19:23] How to use your root motivation to be a better leader [24:20] Using someone’s root motivations to reach goals [30:28] How to frame root motivations correctly with your team [32:19] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop The 6 Types of Working Genius Eden Business Concepts  Thrive Space Podcast Root Motivations PDF Download Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is the greatest show on manufacturing Earth? IMTS. Every two years, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) draws manufacturers from around the world to Chicago for six days. IMTS not only makes a huge impact on the economy in Chicago but also on the manufacturing industry. Peter Eelman—the Chief Experience Officer at AMT— joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share just what that impact is. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:13] The Industrial Digital Marketing Services at Thomas™ [2:45] What our new show structure is going to look like [4:35] Manufacturing leadership spotlight: Karyn Ross [6:22] Today’s guest: Peter Eelman at AMT [9:28] What Peter’s been doing since IMTS [13:16] The impact IMTS has on Chicago [22:41] The economic impact on the manufacturing industry [27:02] Does the health of the trade show industry matter? [30:14] What impacted the attendance numbers in 2022? [35:17] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [35:55] How can you engage with IMTS and each other? Resources mentioned on this episode The Toyota Way to Service Excellence by Karyn Ross Karyn Ross on LinkedIn Michelle Edmonson on LinkedIn Peter Eelman on LinkedIn IMTS+ SPS Formnext Formnext Forum Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I’m Mike Payne, the President and Owner of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication and the first guest host for MakingChips Seasons. When I first bought my company, I had to take on many of the HR functions. Enter Thrive PEO: Jon Scoggins came into the picture and took a lot off my plate.  So in this episode of MakingChips, Jon joins us to share what a PEO is and how it can not only benefit manufacturing leaders, but help them remain competitive in the workforce. Because if you can’t attract and retain machinists, you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [1:48] Learn more about the MakingChips Seasons concept [3:14?] Why Mike Payne is our inaugural guest host [6:25] Introducing Jon Scoggins: President & CEO at Thrive PEO [8:08] What is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)? [12:17] How a PEO can help you with employee onboarding [14:00] How Thrive PEO goes above and beyond a payroll company [15:38] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [16:16] A PEO can help you revamp your employee handbook [18:51] How a PEO stays up-to-date on local regulations [23:32] Is there a downside to using a PEO? [27:10] Can you justify the cost of a PEO? [28:20] Can a PEO work with an existing HR team? [29:44] Takeaways from this episode of MakingChips Seasons [30:53] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Affiliated Distributors Thrive PEO Mike Payne on LinkedIn Jon Scoggins on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Where have we been? Where are we now? Where are we going? These three questions are a simple way to structure how we communicate the vision for our company. But to reach the goals we’ve outlined in our vision, we need a plan. And then we need to work the plan.  During our upcoming annual sales summit, I’ve asked my sales teams to create growth roadmaps for their goals and objectives. In this episode of MakingChips, I’ll share how we’re going to structure our roadmaps and how you can make the process work for you. Because if you don’t plan the work, you’re not MakingChips, and if you don’t work the plan, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [3:22] New Segment: Where in the world is Tony Gunn?  [9:10] Jason’s “Where, where, where” structure [10:34] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [11:13] The format for our annual sales summit [21:44] Thomas™ supplier analytics dashboard Resources mentioned on this episode Tony Gunn on LinkedIn The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We know that 2023 is going to be a challenge. After all, a recession is being purposefully orchestrated. The Fed is trying to curb inflation. And truthfully, recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle. Will a recession negatively impact the manufacturing industry? Or will we be left untouched? Will a recession actually lead to new opportunities for the metalworking nation? In this episode of MakingChips, we continue with our recession obsession, because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  Segments [0:10] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:32] Is a recession being purposefully orchestrated? [3:03] Manufacturing News: 3M cutting 2500 manufacturing jobs [5:53] We share why recessions are normal [8:08] Why is a recession going to happen? [11:07] How is this impacting the manufacturing industry? [13:27] How can you transform your company in 2023? [15:24] Learn about the Industrial Buying Engine (IBE) Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop 3M cutting 2,500 production jobs Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Reflecting on the past and learning from it helps shape our future decisions as leaders—both personally and professionally. I’ve worked in my family business for 25 years and recently spent some time reflecting on what I’ve learned.  So in this episode of MakingChips, I share 10 things I’ve learned during my time at ZENGERS. You need to learn and grow alongside your team. If they aren’t learning and growing with you, you won’t be effectively MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you aren’t making money. BAM! – Jason  Segments [0:19] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [3:54] Reflections on 25 years at ZENGERS [5:52] Manufacturing News: Tesla announces $3.6 billion investment [7:30] Why social media is for interacting [8:55] #1: Give your team a reason to wake up in the morning [10:18] #2: Don’t be afraid to blow things up and start a new business model [11:02] #3: Respect your mentors while being yourself [12:40] #4: Leaders need to acknowledge and own their influence [13:54] #5: Do something every day to keep learning [15:33] #6: Work a defined number of hours per week [19:08] #7: Collaborate from the heart, not the contract [20:06] #8: Hire a rockstar team with common values  [20:49] #9: Give your team autonomy to free you up  [21:53] #10: People are everything in your business  [23:03] Learn about the Industrial Buying Engine (IBE) Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Tesla announces $3.6 billion investment in electric semi-truck manufacturing Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As a manufacturing leader, one of the most important things you can do is hire the right people. As I’ve been working through the recruiting process, I started to realize that it closely parallels the sales process. And if you excel as a salesperson, you’ll find it easier to recruit than you think. In this episode of MakingChips, we talk about recruitment in manufacturing. Because if you can't build the right team, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:15] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:37] We’re building a recording space at ZENGERS [3:53] Manufacturing News: GM to Sink Over $900M Into 4 Plants [9:23] The parallels between LinkedIn Recruiter and Sales Navigator [13:27] The list-building and prospecting process is the same [14:14] Prospecting and recruiting are the same grind [17:43] You have to qualify prospects and recruits  [19:33] Prospecting and recruiting are both about building trust [21:20] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 [22:28] Both sales and recruiting require extensive negotiation Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop GM to Sink Over $900M Into 4 Plants Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This is a good time of year to start thinking about your sales pipeline and hunting for new business. Prospecting is one of the most important things you can do to grow your business—but it’s also something that everyone hates—even salespeople. So what is the concept of “Fanatical” prospecting? How do you bite the bullet and get started? We share some tips in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not prospecting, you’re not growing, and if you’re not growing—you’re not MakingChips. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:20] Learn how Thomas™ can work for you [4:45] What’s happening in our businesses [5:42] Manufacturing News: Aerospace Industry Outlook [11:22] Why prospecting is an important piece of the sales puzzle [15:16] The concept of “Fanatical Prospecting” [18:32] Top performers utilize time blocking [23:37] How to start fanatically prospecting  [26:53] Balancing prepwork and numbers  [29:26] Why a recession is the best time to prospect Resources mentioned on this episode 2023 aerospace and defense industry outlook Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount 5-Minute Selling by Alex Goldfayn EDA Data Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you conducting performance reviews in your business? Have you found a way to structure them to be useful? In this episode of MakingChips, Jason and I talk about how we structure our performance reviews, why we do them consistently, and why they matter. Your teams need to be performing at a high level. Why? If they’re not achieving their goals, they’re not MakingChips, and if they’re not MakingChips, we’re not making money! BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 [2:33] Jason’s favorite manufacturing memory from 2022 [4:08] Announcing one of our guest hosts for 2023 [8:03] Manufacturing News: U.S. manufacturing needs federal funding [13:51] Implementing a self-review alongside performance reviews [20:10] The #1 thing I learned from our performance reviews [22:28] Making sure performance reviews are a good use of time [25:33] Why peer reviews can be a useful tool to gauge performance [28:23] Start implementing performance reviews in your business Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Op-ed: U.S. manufacturing needs federal funding to protect national security, spur innovation boom Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

ChatGPT is a chatbot that is making waves in artificial intelligence. It’s not your typical chatbot that produces canned robotic answers. So in this episode of MakingChips, we put ChatGPT to the test. We asked the bot five questions about manufacturing and its answers will surprise you. Plus, we share how this AI can be useful to the manufacturing nation. Because if you're not taking advantage of technology, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:20] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 [3:45] Why Mike Payne is excited about ChatGPT [7:27] MakingChips is alternating guest hosts to bring different perspectives [7:45] Manufacturing News: Statistics about chatbots [9:44] Learn more about ChatGPT, its functions, and its limitations [12:47] Question #1: How do I lead the manufacturing company of the future? [14:52] Question #2: What are the best technologies for automating a machine shop?  [16:50] Question #3: How can robots increase efficiency in a machine shop? [17:39] Question #4: How do you choose between a co-bot and a robot?  [19:56] Question #5: What is the #1 podcast for manufacturing leaders? [20:40] Our observations about the usefulness of ChatGPT for manufacturers Resources mentioned on this episode ChatGPT Key Chatbot Statistics You Should Follow in 2023 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you looking for a way to give back to your local community? We started MakingChips as a way to serve the manufacturing nation with no strings attached. Mike Payne—the President of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication—found a unique way to do just that. He and his team started fostering dogs last year as a way to give back to their community. How has it gone? How has it also benefited his team? We share his unique story—and why giving back is so important for manufacturing leaders to embrace—in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not giving back, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:17] Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 [3:40] Manufacturing News: Bringing Manufacturing Closer to Home [7:36] Introducing today’s guest Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication [9:42] Why Hill Manufacturing’s team is fostering hound dogs [13:58] How fostering hound dogs is benefitting Mike’s team [15:58] What happens when a foster dog isn’t a good fit?  [18:02] How dog fostering ties into serving the community [20:51] Balancing business objectives with being a good citizen Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 How Smaller Companies Can Bring Manufacturing Closer to Home What to Consider Before Buying or Selling a Manufacturing Business with Mike Payne Helpless Hounds Dog Rescue Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

It’s official: Jim Carr is leaving MakingChips. He’s stepping back to take more time to focus on Carr Machine & Tool. Jim has been an integral part of the success of MakingChips. So in this episode, I’ll share six things I’ve learned from Jim that are impactful in both business and  life. We’ll sure miss our banter, but we’ll keep MakingChips, because if we aren’t MakingChips, we aren’t making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:58] A MakingChips farewell to Jim Carr [4:58] Manufacturing news: Automotive manufacturing shifting south [7:14] Lesson #1: If you need time to think about something, take it [11:04] Lesson #2: If you’re gonna do something, do it with top quality [13:09] Lesson #3: Always provide a first-class experience  [15:24] Lesson #4: Dare to be different than other leaders [16:45] Lesson #5: Relationships fuel growth (the community is everything)  [19:04] Lesson #6: You can’t work hard without playing hard [20:54] The new direction MakingChips is going to take Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this special episode of MakingChips, we are taking my journey with MakingChips full circle by recording a follow-up episode to our very first episode, “Social Media in Manufacturing,” which aired in December 2014. This episode will cover why we still care about social media in manufacturing and what platforms you should leverage. Because if you aren’t leveraging social media, then you aren’t MakingChips. And if you aren’t MakingChips, then you aren’t making money. BAM! — Jim Segments [5:32] Why am I leaving MakingChips? [8:14] Do we need social media marketing? [9:46] What’s new at AME/Hennig and ZENGERS [13:56] Why should business owners care about social media? [15:42] The three different platforms that are relevant to business [18:45] Why a company page is important on LinkedIn [25:12] Building connections with a personal LinkedIn page [30:31] Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed with “the rules” [34:10] My final words of wisdom and some big thank-you’s Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Have you read the book, “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin? The book talks about the mindset of Navy SEALs and how the techniques they employ in and out of combat can be embraced by leadership. So in this episode of MakingChips, we break down some of the facets of extreme leadership and share how they’re applicable to the manufacturing nation. Because if you’re not taking extreme ownership of your business, you’re not making chips. And if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [3:02] What the end of the year looks like for ZENGERS and Black [5:33] How Carr Machine & Tool is growing organically [8:40] Manufacturing News: Manufacturing Survey Report [15:59] Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win [17:22] Why do military officers make amazing business leaders? [19:04] The gist of Jocko Willink’s TEDx Talk [20:41] What do you do when you take extreme ownership? [24:17] What should you instill in your culture?  [27:40] What are your “laws of combat?” [31:18] Leading up and down the chain of command [33:55] How to avoid micromanagement  [35:32] The dichotomy of leadership  [37:03] Jason’s five takeaways for a small machine shop Resources mentioned on this episode LBMC Manufacturing Survey Report ProShop ERP Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Jocko Willink’s TEDx Talk Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

When do you ask customers to pay their invoices? How do you ask your customers to pay their invoice(s)? Collecting on a debt that’s owed is an art and a science. You have to be careful so you don’t lose a customer. In this episode of MakingChips, we cover a recent frustrating situation I dealt with that should have been handled differently—because they just might lose me as a customer. Don’t miss this episode to hear the whole story! – Jim Segments [3:06] What’s happening at ZENGERS and Carr Machine & Tool [7:12] Using discretion in your collection tactics [9:10] Manufacturing news: Indiana leads nation on manufacturing job growth [15:37] The reason why we’re talking about collection tactics [23:58] How we evaluate our collection tactics [26:51] Who is handling accounts receivable?  Resources mentioned on this episode Indiana is leading the nation on manufacturing job growth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We believe that there are three components to running a great manufacturing company: People, process, and performance. And properly managing each of these areas will drive the success of your business. In this episode of MakingChips, we moderate a panel at the CV Manufacturing Conference with special guests Mike Allison and Ryan Howard. We cover everything from finding and retaining top talent to achieving and sustaining high-output results. Don’t miss this special edition of the MakingChips podcast! Segments [1:20] How MakingChips got its start [4:28] Introducing Mike Allison and Ryan Howard [6:42] Strategies to find, hire and retain top talent  [14:05] How manufacturing can make an impact on your family [18:54] How to build on the strengths of your employees [26:32] Using personality tests to identify motivations for employees [30:46] The processes they use to meet customer’s demands [38:50] Key characteristics of a best-in-class supplier [42:20] What Mike and Ryan are doing differently with processes [46:16] How to achieve and sustain high output results [52:06] Using gamification to help motivate employees to level up [57:53] Sharing who’s receiving rewards for excellence in manufacturing [1:01:30] Make sure you actually implement your “open door” policy  [1:04:30] Setting the example for your employees post-Covid [1:11:36] Where to get started with the MakingChips podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Allison with Power Engineering and Manufacturing Ryan Howard with John Deere How to Create a Bonus Incentive Program that Drives Results Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle to sleep at night? Do you lay in bed and think about work and show up in the morning exhausted? Guess what—sleepy leaders are NOT better leaders. I’m going to share why I think that and how manufacturing leaders can get higher-quality shut-eye in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s like being drunk on the job. And if you’re drunk, you’re certainly not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [3:40] What’s happening in our businesses [6:24] What’s keeping you up at night?  [8:05] Why sleep is important to your overall health [13:17] My tips to help you achieve better sleep [23:42] Jim’s tips to help you sleep at night  [29:16] Some tips that experts recommend  Resources mentioned on this episode How drunk are you without sleep? CEOs: A Sleep Culture at Work Is a Competitive Advantage Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I met Jamie and Lee Marzilli at ProShop ERP’s happy hour event while we were at IMTS 2022. When I heard how they founded and grew a machine shop as a married couple, I knew we needed to have them as guests on MakingChips. So in this episode, Jamie and Lee share their background in machining and how they built Marzilli Machine from the ground up. Don’t miss hearing about their grassroots success story!  Segments [2:35] A husband and wife team on MakingChips! [5:31] The definition of teamwork (makes the dream work) [6:05] Recruiting and hiring in our businesses [9:12] The Hawkeye Community College visit [10:30] How rising inflation impacts manufacturing [14:37] Introducing Jamie and Lee Marzilli [16:37] How Jamie got started in manufacturing [24:01] Jamie’s temporary stint selling cars [28:05] How Jamie and Lee started their shop [34:40] Navigating a business and a marriage [39:06] The vision for the future of Marzilli Machine Resources mentioned on this episode Michael Watkins and David Capkovitz from EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) 5 Steps to Detoxify a Toxic Work Culture, According to New MIT Research Marzilli Machine Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Kelsey Heikoop and Paul Van Metre met in an entry-level engineering class. They hit it off right away—while simultaneously falling in love with machining. Once they graduated college, they started their own machine shop. How did that lead to founding ProShop ERP? They share the ProShop ERP origin story—full of overcoming challenges to reach success—in this episode of MakingChips!  Segments [2:17] Our aha moments from IMTS [5:49] Manufacturing news: Uptick in production [7:12] Learn more about Kelsey Heikoop and Paul Van Metre [15:54] From growing a custom machine shop to creating an ERP [19:08] Selling the idea of ProShop ERP to a developer [25:44] What helped them overcome their struggles [30:44] Onboarding ProShop ERP with their first customer [34:37] The outstanding success of ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Kelsey Heikoop on LinkedIn Connect with Paul Van Metre on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you make an industry event a worthy investment for your business? Can you prepare ahead of time to see an ROI? What should you avoid doing when you’re attending an event? In this episode of MakingChips—with IMTS fresh on our minds—we talk about the dos and don’ts for industry events. You have to be strategic because if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:09] What’s happening in our lives [4:42] Hear our manufacturing news [9:49] What we’re reading right now [11:37] The ROI of industry events [15:27] Craft a social media campaign [16:47] Set appointments ahead of time [18:12] Prepare specific questions [19:32] Bring a guest with you [21:12] The “don’ts” you need to avoid Resources mentioned on this episode Kiplinger Letter Good to Great The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Selling the Price Increase The Terminal List ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I believe if you find your passion you will have a successful and fruitful career. I didn't realize what my true passions were until later in life. In this episode of MakingChips, each of us will break down and share with the metalworking nation what we are passionate about. Because if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, you’re not living to your full potential. And if you’re not happy with your job, you’re not making chips, and if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! — Jim Segments [3:21] The definition of “finding your passion” [3:53] What’s happening in our lives [8:05] Manufacturing News [13:56] What we’re passionate about [22:35] Be realistic about your passions Resources mentioned on this episode Biden signs China competition bill to boost U.S. chipmakers NAM Facts About Manufacturing Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In the final special edition episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, we sit down with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM and RoboJob USA and Derek Goodwin with Trinity Robotics Automation to talk about a paradigm shift in the industry: Automation. We cover the difference between pallet automation and machine tending, implementing automation, and calculating the true ROI of automation. Automation can increase spindle utilization and help your shop make more chips to make more money. BAM! Segments [2:54] Learn more about Craig Zoberis and Derek Goodwin [5:13] The difference between pallet automation and machine tending [9:23] The first step toward lights-out manufacturing [16:19] Is automation easy to program and implement? [20:41] Is the cost of automation a barrier to entry? [22:26] How many untended hours can you achieve?  [30:00] RoboJob USA and Trinity Robotics Automation complement each other Resources mentioned on this episode  Connect with Craig Zoberis on LinkedIn Connect with Derek Goodwin on LinkedIn ProShop ERP Amper Robot ROI Calculator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Have you implemented a machine monitoring system in your machine shop? Do you know how to leverage the data to make meaningful improvements in your shop? CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies Akshat Thirani joined us live at IMTS to talk about how his company has simplified machine monitoring and made it accessible to every shop. The bottom line is that your shop can take the data from machine monitoring to become more efficient, immediately. Because if you’re not efficient, you’re not making enough chips, and you’re not making money! Segments [5:07] We welcome Akshat Thirani to the IMTS stage! [6:49] Why Akshat developed Amper Technologies [8:24] How machine monitoring changed Carr’s KPIs [10:21] Making machine monitoring simple and accessible [18:30] How machine monitoring changed Jim’s shop [24:31] The data that can be extracted from machine monitoring [26:05] The length of time to see the ROI of Amper [28:20] Why you need a machine monitoring system Resources mentioned on this episode Amper Connect with Akshat Thirani on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What would the shop of the future look like? What’s more exciting—hardware or software? What can manufacturing leaders learn from B2C businesses? In this special LIVE episode at IMTS 2022, we chat with special guests Mike Payne with Hill Manufacturing  and Eike Huebner with Ellison Technologies about what they would do with their shops if they had 10 million dollars to spend. Listen to this episode to find out what the machine shop of the future looks like. You need to use technology to make chips efficiently because if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money! BAM! Segments [1:49] The US is on the cutting edge of manufacturing [2:30] Learn more about each of our guests [3:50] What would the shop of the future look like? [6:24] The future is focused on software development [9:12] Mike’s background in software and data collection [11:35] How Mike and Eike would build the shop of the future [15:16] How Mike doubled the size of his machine shop [16:48] What manufacturing leaders can learn from B2C  [19:05] The impact of technology on additive manufacturing  [22:06] Why style of CNC machine tools should you invest in?  [25:40] What is a human-machine interface? [27:30] Mike and Eike’s call to action to the manufacturing nation Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Payne with Hill Manufacturing  Eike Huebner with Ellison Technologies ProShop ERP Amper Technologies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As a leader looking to grow his business, Tom Schroeder knew it was time to start gathering data to inform the growth process. So Tom began to implement machine monitoring technology in his shop. In this episode of MakingChips, hear how Tom implemented Amper Technology and the impact it has made on his business.  Because let’s face it, if you’re not monitoring your machines, you don’t know which ones are making enough chips, and if you’re not making enough chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick BONUS: Akshat Thirani—the CEO and Co-Founder of Amper—also joins us in this episode to cover machine monitoring from every aspect.  Segments [3:24] Nick’s upcoming podcast: Light’s Out [5:29] Jim’s upcoming podcast: My True Position [7:16] Manufacturing News: Economy expectations [10:59] Meet the guests on this week’s episode [13:02] Learn more about Tom’s background [15:05] Shifting from product manufacturing to technology OEM [21:45] What inspired Tom to look for machine monitoring solutions [26:46] Why Tom wanted to monitor and measure his machines [32:45] Why is Amper easier to implement than the alternative(s)? [39:22] How Amper is helping PBC Linear improve [41:27] The core strategies moving into the future Resources mentioned on this episode Kiplinger Letters Don’t miss IMTS 2022 Connect with Tom Schroeder on LinkedIn Connect with Akshat Thirani on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

According to Peter Eelman, if you walk every bit of carpeting at IMTS, you’d walk 69 miles. Those 69 miles cover everything from The Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops’ Panel to the 3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops, from Women Make Manufacturing Move to The Smartforce Student Summit. In this episode of MakingChips, we go beyond the exhibits to cover what’s happening at IMTS 2022 that you can’t miss!  – Jason Segments [2:30] What’s happening in our lives [4:43] Manufacturing News: Food in Chicago [11:30] The Job Shops Specialty Program Day 1 [19:38] Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops [21:17] The Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops’ Panel [22:58] MakingChips will be on stage at IMTS! [25:45] 3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops [30:53] WMMM: Women Make Manufacturing Move [36:26] AMT Emerging Technology Center [39:46] Flying a 3D Printed jetpack [41:34] The Smartforce Student Summit [45:31] How registering for IMTS works  [46:49] Download the My Show Planner Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS 2022! Chicago Air and Water Show IMTS Specialty Program: Job Shops Workshop Day 1 Modern Machine Shop Announces 2022 Edition of Top Shops Event Amper Technologies Machine Monitoring  3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops The Additive Manufacturing Conference Women Make Manufacturing Move Beyond the Exhibits: Attractions at IMTS AMT Emerging Technology Center Gravity.co The Smartforce Student Summit Sign up for the My Show Planner app ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Does your team know what they’re really getting when you offer employee benefits, such as health insurance and a 401k? In this episode of MakingChips, Jason and I dissect the employee benefits we offer at Carr Machine & Tool. When we calculate what we’re investing in our employees, the number is shocking. Learn just how valuable offering employee benefits can be in this episode! After all, you have to incentivize your employees to make chips, so you’re making money! BAM! – Jim Segments [1:55] Employee benefits: Are you benefiting?  [3:47] The definition of employee benefits [6:35] Why employee benefits are important [9:21] Manufacturing news: Rivian laying off 6% of workforce [13:38] Breaking down the cost of employee benefits [24:05] Why benefits outweigh a higher hourly wage [29:48] Carr Machine & Tool and ZENGERS are hiring! Resources mentioned on this episode Amper Technologies Don’t miss IMTS! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter

Scheduling is the art of planning your activities so that you can achieve your goals and priorities in the time that you have available. When it’s done effectively, it helps you understand what you can realistically achieve with your time. Why is it a big deal on the shop floor? As technology and automation are being implemented, it forces you to be faster. So you have to be efficient. Paul Van Metre joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share how ProShop can help your shop become more efficient. Because if you aren’t being efficient, you aren’t making enough chips. BAM! Segments [2:42] Why scheduling is important on the shop floor [5:39] Make sure you come see MakingChips at IMTS! [6:37] What’s happening in our lives and businesses [8:52] Paul Van Metre is back on the show [13:05] Tips for make your setups better [16:33] The secret to great scheduling is accurate estimations [23:31] How expediting impacts your scheduling in ProShop [25:08] Setup reliability is key to proper scheduling [26:38] Why Paul believes expediters are unnecessary  [28:23] Consistently monitor and update your setup and run times [31:00] ProShop’s pre-processing checklist  [33:42] Why fully automated scheduling isn’t realistic [36:14] How Dave Hannah saw improvements with ProShop scheduling Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS 2022! ThomasNet ProShop ERP Paul Van Metre High QA G Zero CNC Machining  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is back! This is the first time that IMTS has been forced to go on hiatus since World War II. It’s taking place September 12–17 at McCormick Place in Chicago and will consist of 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space.  In this episode of MakingChips, Peter Eelman—the Chief Experience Officer at AMT—joins us to share what’s happening at IMTS, how to book your hotel stay, how Chicago is safer than ever, and even shares what to do to enjoy your stay. Even better, we will be in the Grand Concourse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Come by and say hi! Segments [2:50] Why Chicago is a safe and fun city to host IMTS [5:41] Learn about our special guest Peter Eelman [10:39] Book your hotel directly through IMTS [15:31] This years main stage is stellar [16:37] The Emerging Technology Center [20:11] The Additive Manufacturing Pavilion [21:35] Set up a my show planner account [23:48] Sign up for drawings every Thursday! [26:23] Some logistics about navigating Chicago [28:33] Things to enjoy while in Chicago [29:41] Learn about the IMTS Smartsource Student Summit [31:07] Find Me, Find Us, and Find It at IMTS!  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Book Your Hotel for IMTS 2022! Register before August 12th to take advantage of $50 tickets  McCormick Place Convention Center IMTS Show Planner Smartforce Student Summit Connect with Peter Eelman Chicago Architecture Tour Ingersoll Machine Tools ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We’ve all gone into plants that smell awful because they’re dealing with coolant problems. But that smell is a symptom of other, bigger problems. If you have a smelly shop, foggy and dirty windows, and gunk on your tables, you’ve got a coolant problem that’s creating an unhealthy environment for your team. Learn how to identify coolant problems and how to solve them in this episode of MakingChips!  Segments [7:45] What’s happening in our lives [9:27] Manufacturing News: Peloton abandons building manufacturing plant [11:09] How coolant problems impact your team [13:35] How coolant problems impact your equipment [16:21] Solution #1: Preventative maintenance [20:54] Solution #2: Wash your hands [22:50] Solution #3: Wear nitrile gloves [23:37] Solution #4: Use mist collectors [24:30] Solution #5: Use high-quality water [24:53] Solution #6: Proper filtration systems [29:19] Solution #7: Choose the right coolant [32:49] Leave us a review on your favorite platform! Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2022! O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The key to being a good salesman is to add value wherever you can for your customers. I want to be able to talk with ZENGER’s customers about integrating their tooling management with their ERP system and why it can help them. That’s why, in this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre comes back to share how tooling management works using ProShop ERP. Because if you’re not properly managing your tools, you’re losing money (and definitely not making chips).  – Jason! Segments [3:24] What’s happening in our lives [7:14] Manufacturing News: Amogy Powers a Tractor Using Ammonia [10:34] Why is tooling management important?  [15:31] Process stability and setup reduction [20:16] Differences between high-production and project-based shops [22:22] Walking through the tooling management inventory system [26:41] A success story from Faircloth Machine Shop [37:58] Be more scientific with your tooling management system Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP Tooling Management Webinar Thomas™ IMTS 2022 Amogy Demonstrates First Ammonia-Powered, Zero-Emissions Tractor Faircloth Machine Shop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Whether you rely on inbound marketing, outbound marketing, or a combination of both, sourcing new customers can be a hassle. But it’s how you grow your business, so you can’t give up. Thomas™, a Xometry company, is America’s #1 industrial sourcing platform and marketing powerhouse. It could also be your #1 driver of new customers. Thomas™ President Shawn Fitzgerald shares how in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not gaining new customers, you’re not making chips, and if you’re not making chips—you’re not making money! BAM! – Nick Segments [2:54] The exciting things happening in ours lives [5:13] Learn all about what’s happening at IMTS [6:27] Manufacturing News: Reverse Logistics Booms [9:25] Shawn Fitzgerald’s origin story [14:53] Learn more about the evolution of Thomas [17:42] How Thomas works for buyers and suppliers [27:50] Inbound, outbound, and account-based marketing [?:??] A discussion about what’s most-sourced [35:09] Thomas is a single-source platform to get everything you need [37:41] How Thomas and Xometry transformed someone’s business [39:10] What’s happening next at Thomas and Xometry? Resources mentioned on this episode Don’t miss IMTS 2022! Thomas Reverse Logistics Booms as Americans Return 17% of All Retail Purchases Connect with Shawn Fitzgerald on LinkedIn Wonder Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Why is a skills gap analysis helpful? How can it make your company more efficient? What does the process look like? In this episode of MakingChips, we define a seven-step process you can use to help you run a skills gap analysis on your manufacturing business. Special guest Crystal Van Vleet shares how she’s brought the process to life in her role with Advanced Machine & Engineering (and at MakingChips). The bottom line is, if you don’t have skills, you’re not making chips, and if you're not making chips, you’re not making money! — Nick Segments [2:06] Why a skills gap analysis can help your business [4:56] Manufacturing News: Skills Gap Analysis for the Future of Work [12:43] Learn all about our guest Crystal Van Vleet [17:59] Step #1: Make a plan for the skills gap analysis [22:09] Step #2: Define your organization's future goals [24:58] Why Crystal got her CMTSE certification [26:47] Step #3: Catch up on the future of work trends  [28:04] Step #4: Determine key skills needed for the future [30:18] Step #5: Measure your current skills [33:16] Crystal’s experience with self-assessment tools [35:03] Step #6: Find out where the gaps are [39:23] Step #7: Put a plan into action Resources mentioned on this episode Skills Gap Analysis for the Future of Work Connect with Crystal Van Vleet on LinkedIn Don’t miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What can you do to double the value of your manufacturing company and increase your likelihood of selling it exponentially? In this episode of MakingChips, Michael Watkins and David Capkovitz from EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) share how they can help you increase your profitability and Paul Van Metre from ProShop ERP shares how he partners with EGS to bring value to his clients. They are all passionate about improving business performance in manufacturing companies and impacting lives. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable insight. Segments [4:38] What’s happening in our businesses [6:45] Manufacturing News: Industrial manufacturing deals outlook [9:30] Learn all about EBITDA Growth Systems’ mission [16:02] How Paul is connected to EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS)  [19:17] How EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) can help your business [27:29] Does EGS focus on internal systems or external marketing? [29:25] How they meet their brand promise with businesses that realize success [34:00] The #1 thing that Michael and David focus on to drive more revenue [35:09] The investment that’s required to drive change in your company [38:04] The synergy between ProShop ERP and EBITDA Growth Systems Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2022 ProShop ERP Xometry Supplies Flex Industrial manufacturing: Deals 2022 midyear outlook The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization EBITDA Growth Systems The E-Myth Revisited The World is Flat Scaling to Exit by Michael Watkins Connect with David Capkovitz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Many manufacturers are facing a common struggle: Their team members are retiring. Even worse, they’re struggling to replace them. Matt Carr—the President of Storch Products Co—found an ingenious way to solve the skills gap at his company by attracting talent from a local technical college. How? He shares a strategy that any manufacturing leader can adapt in this episode of MakingChips. After all, you need talent on your team to make chips!  Segments [2:45] The definitions of reshoring and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) [5:14] Reshoring Initiative® IH2021 Data Report [8:00] Learn about Matt Carr—the President of Storch Products Co [17:20] The advantages of a magnetic chip conveyor [20:20] How Matt solved the skills gap at his company [26:45] How Matt has attracted talent from a local school [29:45] Matt’s experience implementing EOS at Storch  [35:46] Why scaling back and niching down solves problems [40:40] What the class looks like Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP Video Library Reshoring Initiative® IH2021 Data Report Don’t miss IMTS 2022 Shop thousands of raw materials at Xometry Traction by Gina Wickman Entrepreneurial Operating System Connect with Matt Carr on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

AS9100 is a standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry. If a manufacturer wants to work in this field, they have to be AS9100 certified. The credentialing process is difficult to achieve quickly. Integrating it into your quality management system (QMS) can be even more time-consuming. In this episode of MakingChips, special guest John Jones shares how he used ProShop to speed up and complete the implementation in just 4 months. Listen to this episode for his strategies! Segments [2:52] What is the AS9100 credential? [6:29] Manufacturing news: Solar panels [9:41] What’s happening in our lives [11:11] Learn all about John Jones [17:29] Implementing AS9100 into ProShop [25:04] John’s experience being audited [31:44] Learn about ProShop’s Flying Start Package Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Check out the IMTS 2022 Investor Forum Biden invokes Defense Production Act to boost solar panel manufacturing Find buyers and suppliers at Thomas Become a supplier with Xometry ProShop Flying Start Package Paul Van Metre Clinkenbeard John Jones on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle with any pet peeves? We’ve compiled a list of three sales and marketing tactics that people utilize that drive us crazy: misusing lead capture forms, cold calls, and spammy LinkedIn connections. But instead of just complaining about these things, we’re going to share what anyone in sales or marketing should do instead. There’s a right way—and most definitely a wrong way—to do it. Find out which side you’re landing on in this episode of MakingChips! – Nick If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone you know! If you know someone who struggles with spammy sales tactics, it might be a nice way to nudge them in the right direction.  Segments [3:18] Bring a nanny on your vacation [4:15] The good things happening in our lives [5:57] Manufacturing news: Recession Unlikely in 2022 [14:30] Things that drive us crazy (other than Jason) [17:30] Pet Peeve #1: Misusing lead capture forms [21:40] Pet Peeve #2: The dreaded cold call [25:15] Pet Peeve #3: Spammy LinkedIn connections Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Don’t miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Recession Unlikely in 2022 The Remedy by Pascal Dennis Claim Your Company at https://www.thomasnet.com/claim Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Gino Wickman and Jim Collins popularized the term, “Right people, right seat” in reference to getting the right employees in leadership positions. But what if we take that terminology and apply it to customers? How do you decide what type of customer is the right fit for your manufacturing business? What type of customer will be the most profitable for your business? Those are the questions that we dissect in this episode of MakingChips. Don’t miss it! Any great tips I can use to find THE right customers for Carr Machine & Tool? Email me at [email protected].  Segments [6:28] The definition of “right people, right seat” [7:22] What’s happening in our lives right now [10:35] Business News: Dow falls for sixth straight day [15:43] How do you decide who the right customer is?  [16:52] Step #1: Focus on solving problems [20:10] Step #2: Focus on sales not vanity metrics [23:15] Step #3: Get the word out about your business [26:14] Step #4: Improve your customer retention [28:14] Step #5: Track your analytics [32:14] How we filter our customers at Carr [36:07] What work is the most profitable? [39:02] Study your customer’s behaviors Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Dow Falls for a Sixth Straight Day After Another Wild Session Gaining Customer Traction: 5 Steps to Customer Growth Traction by Gino Wickman Good to Great by Jim Collins Don’t miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Learn about Xometry’s Flex program Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle with time management? Do you find yourself overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the week with an endless backlog of things to do? After a rough week of long workdays and back-to-back dinner meetings, I felt like a zombie. I thought it wise to dive into an episode about time management. So in this episode of MakingChips, Jason and I tackle mastering time management in three areas: your phone calls, your calendar, and your time off. Because if you’re not managing your time efficiently, you aren’t making chips efficiently, which means you aren't making money, are you? — Nick Do you have a great system for time management? Let us know! Email us at [email protected] Segments [2:23] What’s happening in our lives [8:57] Manufacturing News: China Opposes Semiconductor Bill [15:15] Tip #1: Schedule phone calls and Zoom meetings [22:17] Tip #2: Share your calendar to avoid availability ping pong [24:33] Tip #3: Time block your calendar to get work done [29:59] Tip #4: What’s required and what’s optional changes [35:36] Tip #5: Manage “out of office” time the right way [43:14] Jason is certified as a “Full Focus” professional Resources mentioned on this episode Schedule a meeting with Jason! Full Focus Planner ProShop ERP Xometry Don’t miss IMTS 2022! China Opposes Semiconductor Bill Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

“King Richard” is a movie about Venus and Serena’s dad, Richard Williams. I remember watching their rise in tennis and was fascinated by this movie that followed their path to success. Their father was a large driving force behind their successful careers. So in this unique episode of MakingChips, we talk about 7 takeaways from King Richard and how they can be applied to the manufacturing world. If you want to rise to the top, you have to make chips. Because if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [3:01] The sacrifice(s) it takes to achieve success [6:25] What’s happening in our lives [9:21] Manufacturing News: Manufacturing Activity Slows [15:08] Takeaway #1: The importance of planning [18:41] Takeaway #2: What are you willing to sacrifice? [21:31] Takeaway #3: Hard work and tenacity can take you places [23:20] Takeaway #4: The more successful you are the more haters you’ll have [24:25] Takeaway #5: Don’t make success about getting in the spotlight [26:23] Takeaway #6: The power of a positive mindset [28:20] Takeaway #7: Make no excuses Resources mentioned on this episode The movie: King Richard U.S. manufacturing activity slowest in more than 1-1/2 years as workers quit Xometry IMTS 2022!  ProShop ERP The CNC Samurai Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

5S is a methodology that I decided to implement when Carr Machine & Tool moved to a new location. We were meticulous about each decision we made so that we could create a clean and safe work environment to lead to increased productivity. The 5 S’s consist of sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. In this episode of MakingChips, I share how we implemented 5S in our shop. Our process is something that any shop can learn from and implement. It’s time to get organized and make sustainable changes so you can safely and efficiently make chips. BAM! Segments [3:13] What is the 5S methodology?  [7:07] What’s happening in our lives [11:18] How we implemented 5S in our inspection department [21:04] How we implemented 5S on our shop floor [23:13] The two hardest S’s: standardize and sustain [30:50] Why we bought a floor scrubber to shine our epoxy floors  [32:45] Don’t forget to register for IMTS 2022!  Resources mentioned on this episode Xometry’s alternate option for quoting  Don’t forget to register for IMTS 2022!  Check out LISTA for custom workstations Trump, Seiri, Shitsuke and 3 Other "S" Words Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There’s so much wisdom my generation needs to extract from our older colleagues before they retire. Many young people in this industry are naive because it takes time and experience to master a trade. I don’t want someone to retire and still have lingering questions I wished I would’ve asked. That’s why we NEED to document the wisdom of our elders. So how do I extract wisdom from my colleagues before they retire? In this episode of MakingChips, we talk through a few ideas you can use to learn as much as you can from your expert machinists.  We’d like to hear from you—How would you extract knowledge from peers? Reach out to [email protected]  Segments [3:25] A conversation about retirement [5:34] Why we never learned anything from our dads [7:21] Manufacturing news: Germany is in a recession [12:30] An impromptu ProShop ERP Shoutout [15:55] How to approach a conversation with a veteran machinist [18:52] Four ways to extract knowledge from veteran machinists [25:30] What inspired me to choose this episode’s topic [27:54] Don’t miss IMTS in September 2022! Resources mentioned on this episode Get 10% off Xometry EU ban on Russian energy would spark ‘sharp recession’ in Germany ProShop ERP helps you extract and codify knowledge  Make sure you’re at IMTS 2022 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do gaming, programming, and the world of a machinist look intersect? In this episode of MakingChips, Steve Courchane—the CNC Samurai—shares his “origin story,” talks about how programming and gaming are aligned, and how to apply gamification to machining to motivate employees. Because if your employees aren’t making chips, you aren’t making money! BAM.  Segments [2:27] What’s going great in our businesses [4:37] Manufacturing news: Shoe manufacturing shifting to the US [8:00] Becoming the CNC Samurai: Steve Courchane’s origin story [15:02] The convergence of programming and gaming [19:37] The interface between Roblox and machining [24:37] Gaming: Attracting the next generation to manufacturing [26:08] How to apply gaming principles to motivate employees Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Grow your shop with Xometry - Get 10% off Connect with Steven on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram Check out Roblox Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

If your business has been slow-growing or stagnant, can you ramp up your growth? Matthew Nix would know—he’s grown his family business by a 100x multiple and spent seven straight years on the Inc. 5000 list. But how do you grow from a small mom-and-pop shop to an acquisition and growth machine? In this episode of MakingChips, Matthew shares how they’ve scaled their business with a three-prong strategy and how you can, too. Segments [3:40] What’s happening in our lives? [6:16] Learn all about Matthew Nix [8:23] What Nix Companies looks like 100 years ago [14:47] How Matthew rapidly grew his business [20:28] The difference between growing and scaling [24:31] Nix Companies’ three-prong approach to growth [26:52] Should you provide your leadership team with equity? [32:22] How to use acquisitions as a growth tactic [35:58] Financial advice for acquiring businesses [40:10] Manufacturing news: lead times & pricing Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Don’t forget to book a hotel for IMTS 2022! Should Your Shop be an ESOP? Growing Your ESOP to a New Level Good to Great by Jim Collins Connect with Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Nix Companies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Today’s episode of MakingChips is recorded at a special LIVE Tri-State Manufacturing Alliance (TSMA) event in conjunction with the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. We are joined by three amazing panelists: Leah Curry: The President at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana David Conner: The CFO at Anchor Industries in Evansville, IN Matthew Nix: President at Nix Companies in Poseyville, IN Each panelist shares their perspective on the importance of taking care of your people, implementing the right processes, and how to compel and measure performance. We also have the pleasure of announcing this year's Manufacturing Excellence Award. Don’t miss out on a unique perspective from manufacturing leaders in the trenches! Segments [0:33] Don’t forget to register for IMTS! [1:43] Learn more about each of us! [7:41] Successfully hiring and retaining top talent [25:10] Processes and procedures to meet customer demand [35:55] The PDCA process: Plan, do, check, and act [39:10] The impact of compensation and benefits on performance [44:44] Applying gamification to impact performance [49:01] How to recover culture post-COVID [52:43] Making processes adaptable when hiring and promoting [56:52] Presenting the manufacturing excellence award [1:02:31] Make sure to listen to the MakingChips Podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS Keeping the Culture High in A virtual World Leah Curry David Conner Matthew Nix Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We’re on a five-hour drive to a speaking event for the Tri-State Machining Association (TSMA) so we thought, why not do an episode on the importance of travel for manufacturing leaders? In this special episode of MakingChips, we cover the benefits of travel, the potential downsides, and how to use your time wisely when you’re on the road. Welcome to MakingTrips.  Segments [0:35] Don’t forget to book a hotel for IMTS 2022! [2:27] Welcome to our special edition: “MakingTrips” [3:16] Is travel necessary for a manufacturing leader? [7:04] Manufacturing news: The price of gas [11:23] The hidden benefits of travel [16:53] Use your time wisely when traveling [18:49] The dangers of traveling too much [21:14] You have to establish travel guidelines [23:41] Weighing the cost of travel against the ROI [26:07] Get out of your cave—go and see for yourself [28:20] Identify and connect with the decision-makers Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Book a hotel for IMTS 2022! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you do when an employee resigns? How do you handle their departure in a dignified way? What do you do when you have to let someone go? You have to handle each scenario differently—and sometimes gingerly. So in this episode of MakingChips, we walk through navigating the exit process. Paul Van Metre joins us to share how ProShop ERP can make the transition easier.  Segments [0:26] Come see us at IMTS 2022! [3:14] What’s happening in our worlds [5:07] Manufacturing News: What’s happening in Ukraine? [7:28] What do you do when someone resigns? [10:37] The formalities of the exit process [13:38] Paul shares how ProShop ERP can ease the transition [19:50] What happens when you have to let someone go? [22:10] What Jim’s Dad would have done  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Register for IMTS 2022 ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you expect from your employees? Do you expect them to think like an owner? Or just clock in and get their work done? Are they compensated for your expectations? In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll cover the bonus incentive plan I’ve structured for my core team. I’ll share the goals of the program, how to determine what behaviors to incentivize, what the reward(s) will be, and an easy way to manage it. Don’t miss it! Segments [2:16] ZENGERS new bonus incentive program [2:50] What’s happening in the lives of ZENGERS and Carr [5:59] Illinois and Chicago’s Vaccine and Mask Mandates to End Feb. 28th [9:03] How I structure my bonus incentive program [13:15] The 4 goals of my bonus incentive program [15:39] How to determine what behaviors to incentivize [23:53] The goal of the incentive program is to drive results [26:20] Determine the reward of your incentive program [28:17] How to manage your bonus incentive program [32:33] Are you incentivizing what someone is paid to do? Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Illinois and Chicago’s Vaccine and Mask Mandates to End Feb. 28th, Anticipation Builds for IMTS 2022 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As our team begins to grow at Carr Machine & Tool, I believe it’s time to hire for a middle management position. But what is middle management? What does a middle management role consist of? Will implementing this role truly solve our problems? Jason helps me talk through the challenges I’m facing in this episode of Making Chips! Any tips, tricks, or ideas to help me through this? Reach out at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!  Segments [2:00] Does my shop need middle management? [4:46] What’s happening in our worlds [7:33] BIG NEWS: Meet us at IMTS 2022! [8:36] Manufacturing is a high-tech frontier [15:48] What does a middle management role consist of? [18:54] How to determine if you need middle management roles [24:49] The core problem we’re trying to solve [30:45] What is the biggest role of a middle manager? Resources mentioned on this episode What Has Led to the Manufacturing Labor Shortage? Why Middle Management is So Exhausting and What to Do about it International Manufacturing Technology Show 2022 ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you keep corporate culture alive when your workforce is completely remote? How do you focus your company on your values, mission, and goals? When a thriving company culture is crucial to retaining your employees, it can’t be neglected. We dissect this problem we’re facing because of the COVID pandemic—and 6 possible ways to promote and maintain your unique company culture—in this episode of MakingChips.  Segments [2:11] How remote work impacts company culture [4:57] What is corporate culture?  [6:27] What’s happening in our worlds [8:09] Celebrating our 50th Anniversary our way [10:05] Artificial intelligence in manufacturing [15:20] Corporate culture in a virtual world [18:23] Tip #1: Populate your social stream [20:38] Tip #2: Start a virtual club [21:34] Tip #3: Embrace video calls [25:40] Tip #4: Gamify your platform [26:56] Tip #5: Create an expert’s area [28:27] Tip #6: Keep your company mission alive  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! ProShopERP.com OTT-JAKOB How to Keep Company Culture Alive When Remote Working: 6 Proven Strategies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Is the labor shortage accelerating automation? Why is there a perception that automation is both risky and complex? How do you lead your elders with authority yet humility? To dovetail—or not to dovetail? These are the questions that we hash out with Michael Gaunce, the VP of Sales for Tooling and Workholding at SCHUNK. We take a deep look into the technical side of workholding and automation in this episode of Making Chips. Now is the time to embrace automation. Because if you’re not making chips efficiently, you’re not making money! Segments [2:55] What’s happening in our lives [5:23] 2022 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers [9:09] Learn more about Michael Gaunce [12:47] Is the labor shortage accelerating automation?  [15:20] The perception that automation is risky or complex [19:10] Two ways to do automation machine-tending [27:42] A conversation on workholding [32:55] To dovetail or not to dovetail? [39:01] Leading your elders with authority and humility Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 2022 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers Connect with Michael Gaunce on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

MakingChips is NOT a cult of personality. We want MakingChips to be about the Metalworking nation. We want to interview you. We want to talk about your problems and how to solve them. We hope we equip, inspire—and sometimes entertain—you. With that being said, some BIG changes are coming. What will the future of MakingChips hold? Listen to this episode to hear our game-changing update for the Metalworking nation.  Segments [3:58] Learn more about the MakingChips hosts [5:22] We’re NOT a cult of personality [7:26] The numerous transitions of MakingChips [11:05] MakingChips 3.0: next steps [14:39] How to apply to become a podcast host [16:06] Jim’s new show: My True Position  [20:00] Nick’s new show: Design. Build. Grow. [22:30] Jason’s new show: At the Boring Bar Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! We want to bring on three new hosts of three NEW shows. If you believe you have a podcast the Metalworking nation can benefit from, connect with us. Send us a pitch at [email protected]. Share a description, your history, and why you believe it can become a monthly show. You may just become a member of the MakingChips podcast family! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Your people are the most important part of your business. If they’re not, they should be. When you hire someone, it’s always with the hope that they’ll become a long-term part of the family, right? So you need to cultivate a workplace culture they want to stay and thrive in. So in this episode of Making Chips, we’ll share nine simple tactics that you can implement immediately to transform your company culture.  Segments [5:01] Your culture is the muscle below the muscle [7:56] The good things happening in our lives  [13:30] Tactic #1: Fight for individuals that you care about [14:52] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [16:48] Tactic #2: Get to know your employees [21:58] Tactic #3: Cultivate and promote friendships [23:38] Tactic #4: Don’t overly focus on profit and achievement [27:30] Tactic #5: Reward your people for success [29:06] Tactic #6: Believe in your mission and align everyone to that [30:33] Tactic #7: Be humble and treat everyone as equals [32:10] Tactic #8: Inspire your people to be better [33:44] Tactic #9: Be approachable in any circumstance Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! New Sales Simplified By Mike Weinberg Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What are the things you HATE about meetings? Moving into 2022, would you like to have better, more productive meetings that don’t waste time and actually get things done? The MakingChips team is discussing the issue on this episode based on a book Nick read recently, called, “Death By Meeting.” Learn 3 steps you can take to make your meetings powerful for 2022. Segments [0:32] Holiday experiences from the guys (good ones) [7:35] Manufacturing news: supply chain issues: trucking, air, ocean, rail trends [13:30] Nick’s resolution: Lead better meetings in 2022 [21:45] How to have better meetings [26:25] Making it safe for participants to share differing opinions [36:19] Asynchronous meetings: what they are, how they work Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! OUR SPONSOR: https://www.xometry.com/makingchips/ BOOK: Death by Meeting MOVIE: The Santa Clause BOOK: Smart, Not Spoiled BOOK: The Advantage Supply Chain article Nick discussed BOOK: No Fail Meetings Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This is NOT another goal-setting podcast episode. You know, the kind that explains how to effectively set goals for the year… this one is about WHY you need to set goals. No tips and tricks. No newest approaches and apps. We’re going to talk about the impact goal-setting can have on your life and business. Jim and Nick come along for the discussion because this is something important to me, personally. We’re going to cover eight reasons annual goals will benefit you, so be sure to listen. BAM!  Segments [3:57] This episode’s topic [6:19 ] Manufacturing News: Industry Week Article: Taking action, future flexibility  [11:56] Closure of the preceding year  comes from annual planning [13:15] Goal-setting enables you to Identify opportunities [15:09 ] Prioritization flows from goal setting [15:39] Goal-setting enables you to develop an attitude of gratitude [22:26] You can focus on what is important throughout the year when you set goals [23:04] Goals enable you to say “NO” to things  [23:45] You can tell if you have won at the end of the year if you set goals [27:04] Annual goals set you up for 3 to 5 years Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! MT Forecast Conference Previous podcast episode about goal setting BOOK: Traction Two episodes about  the Entrepreneur Operating System: here and there Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In our previous conversation with Jeff Taylor (episode 292) we introduced the idea of ESOPS (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) as a way to give true ownership to your manufacturing business employees. We invited Jeff back for this episode to tell us more of the journey he’s been on with ESOPs and discovered that the outcome was more than he could have imagined. Going back to the beginning of the process for Jeff, he has spent his adult life working for others and adding value to their companies. But he never received any sort of extended value or equity in the company. His experience led him to think about how he could develop cultures and attitudes among working teams that enabled them to truly have ownership in the company (in terms of mindset AND equity). That’s when the idea of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) came onto his radar. This episode explores the topic in greater detail and will open your mind to how your manufacturing business could be organized to leave a legacy through your employees.   Segments [1:13] Thank YOU for being such loyal listeners [3:45] Manufacturing news: NASA “dart” mission [7:35] Resuming our previous conversation with Jeff Taylor about ESOPs [15:10] The conscious decisions and eventual growth that make and ESOP reality [27:49] Nobody set out to sell, but they wanted to be ready for the best situation [35:51] The timeline and summary and how the company is different now [37:52] Jeff’s view of the ESOP in the continuum of possibilities, pros and cons Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Visit our Sponsor Xometry Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn NASA “DART” mission BOOK: Progressive Partnerships BOOK: Name of the Wind BOOK: Hitler’s Monsters Crafts Technology - the company Jeff served and that sold to Hyperion Technologies Previous MakingChips episode (292) featuring Jeff Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The “Great Resignation” as it’s been called, has created a wide variety of circumstances that have impacted the American workforce. 55% of workers making under $30K/year say they will be looking for a new job soon. Has this impacted manufacturing? If so, what can we do as manufacturing leaders to mitigate the impact? This episode focuses on what leaders can and should be doing to build the kind of loyalty that will sustain their companies and provide a culture and experience for team members that is “sticky,” keeping them around for years to come.  BAM! Segments [1:20] The Great Resignation: How it impacts manufacturing [6:22] Ripples across the country from this Great Resignation [12:50] Employment news: 55% making under $30K/year expect to look for a new job [16:20] If you lose people on your team, how can it affect your business? [18:45] Why do people leave your company? Why do they stay? [22:06] Hiring process: ways to win candidates and be smart in your process [26:32] How you can improve your retention rate [32:10] Tech company trends and how it might spread Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Visit our Sponsor Xometry Eden Business Concepts (gave Jason the inspiration for this episode) Bob Dylan song “Hurricane” BOOK: Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson 55% of people expect to find a new job soon Apple TV show: Ted Lasso Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There is a paradigm shift happening in the industry: many skilled machinists are retiring. As these long-term skilled machinists are leaving, they’re leaving with intellectual legacy knowledge that’s irreplaceable. Do procurement people sourcing machining parts know what the processes and procedures look like? Do they know the difference between a fabricated, turned, or machined, or five-axis part? What can we do as owners to mitigate the problem or offer solutions? We dive into the discussion in this episode of Making Chips! Segments [1:23] The challenges we face with retiring machinists [4:30] The definition of intellectual property [6:28] What is keeping us awake at night? [14:22] Boosting automation in manufacturing [18:18] A discussion of intellectual property  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! What is Intellectual Property? Report Outlines Difficulty in Boosting Automation in Manufacturing The Future of Manufacturing is Automated Production Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Finding Solutions to the Supply Chain Chaos, #293 What is the root cause of the supply chain crisis? How can manufacturing businesses mitigate those risks and find realistic solutions that work in the short and long term? Tom Hilaris—the President & CEO of Ergoseal—joins us to share the three things they focus on: risk mitigation, communication, and culture. In this episode of Making Chips we offer real, practical solutions your business can implement to overcome the supply chain chaos. Because—after all—if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money! BAM! – Jason Segments [1:10] Material lead times and pricing [5:10] What’s happening at Carr Machine & Tool [7:07] Manufacturing news related to supply chain issues [14:39] Learn more about our guest—Tom Hilaris [17:16] Step #1: Risk Mitigation [19:46] Managing pricing with redundancy of sourcing [22:58] Step #2: Communicating with your customers is imperative  [29:12] Elmhurst University Supply Chain Masters Program [32:15] Step #3: A great culture improves outcomes Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Connect with Tom Hilaris on LinkedIn Clean Energy Faces its Own Supply Chain Crisis What Everyone Gets Wrong About the Never-Ending COVID-19 Supply Chain Crisis Growing your Manufacturing Business Through Acquisitions with Tom Hilaris Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is an employee stock ownership plan ESOP? How does it work? How can it transform the buy-in of your team and lead to revenue growth? Jeff Taylor—the President and CEO of Crafts Technology—implemented an ESOP. Listen to this episode to hear about the impact it had on his business—and figure out whether or not it’s right for yours. Employee buy-in can lead to profitability which can lead to Making Chips! BAM! – Jim Segments [4:49] What’s happening at ZENGERS and Carr Machine & Tool [8:20] Disclaimer about implementing an ESOP [10:54] Welcome Jeff Taylor to Making Chips! [12:13] What is an employee stock ownership plan ESOP? [13:45] How Jeff got into manufacturing [20:15] What is Craft’s technology? [21:49] Choosing to create an ESOP [30:00] Who should consider an ESOP? [35:05] Pensions, profit-sharing, and ESOPs [39:45] What kind of return does an ESOP get? [45:36] Are you handing over control to your team? Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Crafts Technology Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What does your hiring process look like? Do you even have a hiring process in place? In this episode of Making Chips, we walk through what each of our processes look like and share some useful strategies that anyone can implement. A streamlined process leads to better hires which leads to Making Chips! BAM! – Jason! What are your tips and tricks for the hiring process? Let us know! Send an email to [email protected]!  Segments [0:30] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [3:35] What’s happening in our lives and businesses [6:54] Manufacturing news: A discussion on composite materials [11:44] Shoutout to listeners who’ve left reviews! [14:26] Step #1: It’s all about the setup  [19:10] Step #2: The careers landing page [22:43] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [24:31] Step #3: Screen your candidates  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! 6 of the Most Exciting Trends In Composite Materials Today Join the ZENGERS Team! LinkedIn Recruiter Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What factors should you consider when forecasting? What questions do you need to ask to determine your next steps? Who gets to make those decisions? We walk you through some common questions to ask yourself—and your company—about your business. We’ll also cover Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor to see how your type impacts your decision-making process. Learn a great process to forecast and set goals in this episode of Making Chips! Now is the time to look ahead! BAM! – Nick If you have a great methodology for forecasting, let us know! Shoot us an email at [email protected]!  Segments [0:32] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [3:16] How future proof is your business? [5:25] What we’re happy about right now [9:34] Discovering the Keys to U.S. Manufacturing Recovery [14:23] What factors should you consider when forecasting? [17:47] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [21:39] The Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor [24:56] Who makes the forecast in your company?  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Discovering the Keys to U.S. Manufacturing Recovery Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor BOOK: Humanocrisy Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Nick jokes that I have a recession obsession—and it’s true. Recessions are painful. I want to make the experience less painful when a recession comes around again. So in this down-to-earth episode of Making Chips, I’ll share the common causes of most recessions and 8 tips you can use to prepare yourself—and your business—for a recession. Preparedness is key to helping your business survive and thrive. Because after all, if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jim Segments [0:43] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [2:53] Shoutout to everyone involved with the research project with Xometry  [5:11] The reasons why Carr Machine & Tool is thriving [9:38] Manufacturing News: Hertz bought 100,000 Teslas [12:18] What’s new in Jason and Nick’s worlds [14:43] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [15:53] Be smart with the buying decisions that you make [21:55] Learn about the common causes of recessions [24:39] 8 tIps to prepare yourself for a recession [28:28] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! How to Prepare for a Recession: 8 Tips You Can Start Now Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In round three with Titan Gilroy, we talk about why Titan decided to move his entire business from California to Texas. Was it a smooth transition? Was he able to retain his entire team? Titan also shares more of the “why” behind his business and his passion for serving his audience. Titan continues to go above and beyond the expected as he grows his academy. Listen to learn more. BAM! Segments [0:52] Why Titan moved his business to Texas [11:28] Solving people’s problems = success [18:28] Understand your audience + tell your story [26:50] Titan’s transition from regret to changing lives [29:34] Where did Titan’s “Boom!” come from Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of Making Chips, we dive back into the conversation with Titan Gilroy. This time, we talk about how Titan’s TV show, “American Built,” came to life. We also talk about how he almost gave up the TV show to do something he was passionate about—helping prisoners transform their lives and learn to become full-fledged machinists. This passion project eventually led to the creation of the Titans of CNC Academy, where you can learn everything from the fundamentals of machining to creating aerospace parts—all completely free. Don’t miss this episode with THE Titan of the industry. BAM! Segments [1:55] Why schools and colleges don’t have sufficient manufacturing training [7:35] How Titan’s TV show, “American Built” came to fruition [13:31] How Titan took inmates and helped them become full-fledged machinists [19:34] Why Titan uses the phrase “uniquely abled” instead of disabled  [32:48] Learn more about Titans of CNC Academy  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Titans of CNC Academy Check out Titan’s Youtube Channel: MakerSpace77 Follow Titan on LinkedIn Follow Titan’s organization on Twitter: @TitanGilroy Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This episode takes you (and us) to Texas to speak with Titan Gilroy. He calls himself an advocate for advanced manufacturing, and that’s a huge understatement. He runs two academies that teach what it takes to be a success in manufacturing. His personal stroy demonstrates that becoming a success in the industry — individually or as an organization — doesn’t happen overnight or without a significant amount of struggle. We skip the banter and back and forth typical of our episodes because we are so excited to bring you this conversation with Titan. So, without further delay, click the play button and hear what Titan’s got to share. BAM!   Segments [1:50] Titan Gilroy’s start in CNC machining came through a great deal of hardship [6:30] Moving to California and finding his first opportunity in a shop [10:15] Stepping into his first role in a machine shop and making the most of it [18:10] Moving into a troubleshooter role for large companies, then starting his own shop [22:15] The beginning of Titan Engineering in early 2005 [31:15] Raising the bar to eliminate variance and manufacture art for customers [40:35] The 2008-2009 recession hit hard — everything stopped & 15 people had to be let go [46:53] Lessons learned during the economic downturn were exactly what he needed  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! https://titansofcnc.com - Find out about Titan’s training courses Follow Titan on LinkedIn Follow Titan’s organization on Twitter: @TitanGilroy Wall Street Journal article, “A Tale of a Young Boxer’s Redemption” Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

According to a recent article in Reuters, “The ISM said its index of national factory activity inched up to 59.9 last month from a reading of 59.5 in July. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in manufacturing, which accounts for 11.9% of the U.S. economy.” Manufacturing is on the rise, yet every industry is struggling with an impaired supply chain. Will things get better anytime soon? How can manufacturing businesses manage shortages in the meantime? We share some thoughts in this episode of Making Chips!  Segments [0:40] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [4:15] A discussion about supply chain issues [6:57] What do we like right now? [11:30] U.S. manufacturing activity rises; shortages linger [14:08] The disruption that comes with reshoring [17:00] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [19:40] How shortages are impacting industries [26:14] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [26:57] Will the supply chain get better anytime soon? [29:01] Tips to mitigate the pain of supply chain disruptions The Great Supply Chain Disruption Manufacturing is becoming increasingly busy but supply chain woes linger. It’s the #1 thing on our minds right now. Most machine shops are at or near capacity. But we’re having trouble getting aluminum, brass, steel, and finished goods. Even getting containers to ship the goods is a struggle. This phenomenon is being dubbed “The Great Supply Chain Disruption.”  Whenever you’re making a systemic change, it’s going to cause disruption. No matter how much planning you put into something, disruption happens. This should have been expected.  The disruption that comes with reshoring Reshoring is more relevant than ever. And this isn’t a new topic to our show. What is driving the reshoring initiative? COVID. Everything that was coming from overseas halted or decreased. Ships weren’t coming through the Panama Canal. Ships weren’t being unloaded because the workforce was at home.  When China started rethinking its business environment and they started to incorporate more free-market tendencies, they wanted to become an export economy. They didn’t have the technology to export high-end goods so they started on the low end. But now they’re catching up. Now, China is focused on export as well as making branded goods for their economy.  People spent their time in quarantine buying low-cost things that are sourced from Amazon—from exercise equipment to kitchen mixers. They’re buying computers, TVs, headphones, etc. Many things that are sourced from China.  Will the supply chain get better anytime soon? Lead time and prices are going to increase. Everyone is dealing with it right now. We can’t be the link that absorbs all the cost increases. The federal government knew that the influx of money into the economy plus the supply chain issues were going to lead to increased prices. This is going to lead to inflation. Inflation does slow growth. But everyone is saying that interest rates will be holding steady ingo 2022. We think the supply chain issues will continue into 2022 but it’s currently a game of wait and see. So what can manufacturers do in the meantime to mitigate the problems that come with supply chain issues? We share a few tips in this episode you don’t want to miss. Check it out!  BAM! – Jim Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Camino Island by John Grisham U.S. manufacturing activity rises; shortages linger Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do your employees feel like they’re a means to an end? I think a lot of team members don’t realize—or believe—that we care about them. Some feel that when you hold them accountable to hit their numbers that data is all you care about. But that isn’t always the case.  At the end of the day, we’re all business leaders who need an efficient working environment. So where do we find a balance between data, accountability, and caring for our team members? How do we drive profitability without driving our employees away? Listen to this episode of Making Chips for the full discussion! Segments [0:40] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [3:24] Hold your employees to metrics they can control [7:33] Manufacturing News: A Generation of American Men Give Up on College [16:55] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [17:39] Avoid measuring data that is not helpful to the employee [37:33] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry Hold your employees to metrics they can control I’ve seen a trend where everything is about data. Everyone wants to harvest data. But can you take it a step too far? Can there be an imbalance in the data? On a recent episode of Russell Brand’s podcast, he talked about how Amazon’s delivery people have an app they have to use. The app tracks every move they make and everything they do when they deliver packages. But it appears that Amazon is tracking metrics that are outside of the control of the employee and using those metrics to evaluate them.  We believe when you hold people accountable with metrics it should be something that’s within their control. But Amazon has taken it so far that people are being fired when they don’t meet the metrics of the algorithm Amazon has in place for delivery drivers.  When Russell Brand described this, he pointed out that Amazon was treating their employees like zombies living in an algorithm—disposable cattle.  The data doesn’t always show the full picture Nick had a conversation with leaders at AME and Hennig about compensation for their salespeople. Commissions are results-based compensation and the result is why you work. But there are other activities salespeople do that add value. They do activities to achieve an objective to create a result. So his company talked about activity-based objectives they could compensate their salespeople for. They decided compensation should be a mix.  Salespeople are driven by increasing their compensation. So they tend to focus on what would compensate them the most. But if your company wants them to focus on other activities not directly tied to making a sale, you might have to compensate them. You have to match the compensation with the desired behavior.  Situations when data-tracking is necessary I just took off the month of August and ZENGERS had a record month of sales while I was gone. I’m not trying to micromanage my team. They have an overall objective—sales and profitability. My goal is to train them on the right things to do to achieve that goal. I’m not saying they need to make a certain amount of calls a day or track every detail. I give them an overall mission to achieve but I don’t track their every movement. I feel like asking your team to track everything they do is the kiss of death. But is that true for every business?  For Jim, due to Carr Machine & Tools AS9100 certification, they are mandated to document all of the results from their machining process. He runs a data-driven and oriented business where he has to measure, record, validate, time-track against jobs, and more.  And of course, each individual on my team has those types of quality measurements that they have to hit. We record data that contributes to useful management of your team. But I don’t want my team to record data that’s pointless. Nick’s brother always says that any data that you record and isn’t used to make an improvement is wasted money. Wasted information is wasted action.  The bottom line is that everyone needs to take a step back and think about this. Are the right activities being tracked? Are you gathering useful data, or just wasting time? You need to collect the right data that helps you drive profitability for your company. Listen to the whole episode for the full conversation.  BAM! – Jason Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! A Generation of American Men Give Up on College Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The U.S. labor market is still struggling despite record numbers of job openings. Businesses aren’t able to hire as quickly as they need to. What’s the holdup? Is there a lack of candidates in the market? Are people choosing not to return to work? In this episode of Making Chips we dissect what’s happening—and a few things you can do about it.  Segments [0:18] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [2:30] What’s happening in the Making Chips world [8:43] Manufacturing news: The U.S. Labor Market [19:41] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [20:36] What I’m learning through the hiring process [35:35] How to recruit high caliber candidates [41:34] Learn about Amper Technologies monitoring systems The U.S. Labor Market Isn’t Adding Up—And This Is Why According to Andrew Hunter’s research, we’re seeing a high level of job openings but low levels of hiring. Millions of Americans are quitting and many aren’t re-entering the labor market. It’s claimed that the labor market is healthy, but the numbers don’t add up. Why?  Subdued Employment: 8.7 million Americans remain unemployed. Before the pandemic, 5.7 million Americans were unemployed.  Record Job Openings: The number of job opportunities is high and rising, reaching 10.1 million at the end of June with 590,000 more openings than the month before.  Low Hiring: Hiring isn’t keeping pace with job growth. June saw 6.7 million hires, but that’s 3.4 million short of the number needed to fill open roles. High Quits: Referred to as the “great resignation,” 3.9 million people quit their job in June. It’s partly the response to job opportunities. Workers are confident in their ability to find better jobs.  The incentive to stay home and not work will decrease as the double unemployment payments are pulled back. The economy is recovering but worker confidence isn’t returning at the same pace. Autumn 2021 may bring the correction needed to balance the market. The outlook is optimistic. But until things turn around, what do manufacturers do? Find creative solutions to your problem A client of Jason’s had a key person in their shop that was doing some things that he deemed worthy of firing. But Jason’s client couldn’t afford to lose—and be forced to replace—this person. So he took a risk and sat him down for a conversation. He gave him the option to fix the problem or he’d be fired. This person turned his life around completely. This may not be an option for everyone, nor will it work in every scenario, but it was a creative way for this business owner to solve a problem.  Two ways to hire for difficult positions Recruiting for regional sales positions has been a huge focus of mine recently as we are restructuring our sales. But I don’t want to hire the first warm body. Everyone has heard “Hire slow, fire fast,” right? But if your machinist quits, you can’t hire slow because it causes production problems.  So what am I doing right now? Finding a way to work with a candidate before we commit to hiring them full-time. If there’s a way to test the relationship, do it. Making Chips is a podcast and marketing agency. We brought someone on as a contractor to try out on a trial basis before we commit to hiring him full-time. It’s great for both parties to make an educated decision about each other. You can even put it in writing so it’s transparent and fully agreed on.  What else can you do to hire for a difficult-to-fill position? Use LinkedIn’s recruiting tool. The price is steep—approximately $30,000—but you’re given access to highly qualified candidates interested in a new position. LinkedIn will even train you how to use it. The opportunity to do it yourself is available for larger companies who can make that number work.  Listen to the whole episode to learn more about how the hiring process has gone for me and get some in-depth details on my two strategies.  BAM! – Nick Shameless plug: If you are interested, we’re all hiring! Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! The U.S. Labor Market Isn’t Adding Up And This Is Why Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I wanted to differentiate myself among other machine shops in the area with the new Carr Machine & Tool location. The shop floor is where we make our money. I took extra steps in the process to create a new image for my shop. I wanted to present it in a way that was sophisticated, high-tech, polished, and professional—while remaining efficient.  That’s where IMEC came in. I reached out to them for some technical collaboration to help design an efficient shop floor. I worked with both Dean Harms and Tim Maurer and it was an amazing experience. So in this episode of Making Chips, I’m sharing what the collaboration and design process looked like with IMEC. Segments [0:24] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [2:46] Why I chose the new Carr Machine & Tool location [4:17] What’s happening at ZENGERS? [6:19] Why investing in your business is important  [10:32] President Biden Announces Support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework [12:55] The process of designing a new facility with IMEC  [15:10] What IMEC (the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) is all about [19:16] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [19:59] How the infrastructure bill will be distributed to MEPs [25:43] My experience working with IMEC to design my shop floor [36:50] Other types of shops IMEC works with [38:55] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry What IMEC (the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) is all about Dean Harms is a Regional Manager with IMEC. It’s his mission to help others any way he can on a daily basis and have fun along the way. Sounds like us, right?  IMEC is part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network. It’s connected to the US Department of Commerce through the NIST organization. IMEC launched in the 1990s and is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. There are 51 MEPs (one in every state + Puerto Rico). Their overall mission is to provide solutions and improvements to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies to help them navigate the changing landscape, drive profitability, sustain growth, and become globally competitive.  IMEC is a non-profit that is both privately and publicly funded. They are a channel that brings tax dollars back into the state of Illinois by specifically serving manufacturing businesses. Dean Harms makes sure the money is applied where it’s needed most.  My experience working with IMEC Dean cold-called me after I was on a live Facebook interview. I mentioned I was about to move my shop, so he reached out. He knew that there was probably something IMEC could do to help with the move. I heard that they could help design my shop floor and I really wanted a high-end polished shop. Dean introduced me to Tim Maurer and said he would be the perfect guy to collaborate with to design my shop floor. Tim has decades of experience not only with IMEC but also with Caterpillar. After I met Tim, I knew I was dealing with someone who was competent and knew what a manufacturing floor should look like.  The shop floor design process Tim’s design process was thorough, starting with the vision for our future and ending with the execution of the move. We started by setting objectives: Where did we want to be? What type of work would we be doing? What new technologies will be utilized on the shop floor?  We did a physical walk of both of the properties. He took physical measurements of the new building, all of our tools, and made sure the room was big enough for a CMM. After he did the physical layout, we met again to go over the flow of the room and nail down the workflow. We placed the machinery and equipment in the prime areas of the floor to maximize the square footage.  He established power needs, air drops, water needs, an eyewash station, etc. He developed the CAD and we talked about future automation and made sure they’d be room around the machines. He delivered the final layout to us in a CAD model. The best part? On moving day we had a roadmap to mark where everything went. We knew where every single thing would go.  The design process was an investment in our future productivity. I would never have completed this process as well as Tim did. I highly recommend working with IMEC through a big move to create a more efficient shop floor. Don’t be afraid to delegate design to the experts.  BAM! – Jim Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Why Investing in Your Business is Important President Biden Announces Support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework Connect with Dean Harms with IMEC Connect with Tim Maurere with IMEC Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Everyone is familiar with the concept of networking. But how many people actually implement it to grow themselves and their businesses? In this episode of Making Chips, Jim, Jason, and I dive into how networking has impacted our businesses in unexpected ways. To hear the good, bad, and the ugly—give it a listen! Segments [0:18] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [3:04] Learn what’s happening at ZENGERS [3:51] Nick welcomed a baby boy to his family on June 27th! [4:54] Boeing Slows Dreamliner Production After New Manufacturing Issue [9:17] Can Networking Change Your Manufacturing Business? [12:41] How networking has changed Jim’s business [16:10] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [16:54] The Making Chips Network of Manufacturing Leaders [20:59] Should increasing sales be the objective of networking? [24:41] A working relationship built on mutual interests [26:15] Ad-hoc networking: Keep your ears to the ground  [28:58] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [30:09] Networking is like growing a 401k Networking is what brings us together today I think it’s important to point out that networking is why all of us are here. It’s why we all know each other and host a podcast together. But where did this partnership start?  Jim was spending money at ZENGERS and was a great customer for them. So Jason loosely knew who he was. Why did Jim purchase from ZENGERS in the first place? One of his friends—a production manager at a shop—recommended ZENGERS. One would’ve thought that’s how their relationship started. But it wasn’t.  Jason and Jim were both asked independently to be on an AM radio show at 6 am on a Saturday (the time slot when you know only serious entrepreneurs and business owners would be awake and listening). Jason was talking about creating a vision for your company and Jim talked about social media marketing for manufacturers. They were both impressed by each other, their business acumen, and how well acquainted they were with the industry. They realized they’d make a great combination and the podcast was developed from there.  The question is—without networking, would they have gotten the opportunity to speak on the same radio show? How networking has changed Jim’s business Jim had a strategic vision for networking for his business. He became a member of the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) who had recently hired a marketing manager to help machine shops with their marketing. Jim got on the phone with him and they got along. He became instrumental in helping Jim develop networking within the association.  Jim was asked to join a young leaders group where he was able to meet like-minded people. He knew if he committed his time to networking and building relationships within the community, that he would grow in some capacity. He didn’t know where it would take him but that he’d walk away from networking events learning more.  If you go to a networking event and leave feeling like you learned nothing, you’re doing something wrong. You’re either in the wrong place—or not asking the right questions.  Jim also joined the Greater O'Hare Association and the Valley Association. He met great people in all of them. Networking is a great way to listen to other people and learn from their experiences.  The Making Chips Network of Manufacturing Leaders Some of our Making Chips sponsors have been a great way for us to realize connections across the industry. Amper can help you better understand your shop and help you solve problems on your shop floor. Nick, our guest on a previous episode, also works with Amper. It was a game-changer for him. Nick had emailed me a year or so ago and I hadn’t followed up with him. Luckily, Jim met him again at a networking event and we all got back in touch. Another sponsor, Xometry, asked us to be part of a focus group consisting of manufacturing leaders. This shows that Xometry cares about their network. How often do companies hire a credible third party to dig into discovery? How often do they dig into their segments to find out what they care about and need? They got a third party to investigate and find out what’s happening. They wanted to re-engineer their value proposition to serve their customers better.  In the Xometry focus group, we heard that four of the individuals were all ProShop ERP users—and had heard about them through the Making Chips Podcast. These leaders all loved ProShop. It certainly gave us more structure for our processes. You’ll become more efficient, productive, detail-oriented, data-driven, and results-oriented.  They heard about ProShop because Jason and Jim had the courage to create a podcast just for the manufacturing industry. I joined them because I’m just as passionate about the space and I know that this show delivers valuable content. People tend to think networking has to be about growing your business and making connections to make sales. Why is that the wrong mindset to have? What mindset should you embrace instead? Learn more by listening to the whole episode! BAM! – Nick Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Boeing Slows Dreamliner Production After New Manufacturing Issue Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems Greater O’Hare Association Michael Gaunce YG-1 5th Axis Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Part of being a machine shop owner—and a business owner in general—is that every day there’s a new challenge to navigate. A machine might break down. Perhaps someone who has been a team member for decades quits. Your factory could burn to the ground. Or your Dad—the owner and manager of the shop—gets sick with cancer. That’s how Nick Sainati was thrust into becoming the GM of Belden Universal. In this episode, he shares his journey. It will resonate with some of us, fascinate most of us, and impress all of us. Don’t miss this inspiring family story! Segments [0:26] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [6:24] Dealing with supply chain issues caused by COVID [8:09] Fun facts about family-owned businesses [14:07] Create a Formal Business Succession Plan in 7 Steps [16:52] Today's guest: Nick Sainati, GM at Belden Universal  [24:00] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [27:42] When everything changed: How Nick took over his Dad’s machine shop [40:10] Managing a machine shop through COVID [44:35] What the future looks like for Belden Universal [46:32] How Nick’s experiences have prepared him for the future [48:42] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry The history of Belden Universal Belden Universal is an AS9100 manufacturer of precision universal joints and drive shafts. They started in 1970 as Belden Tools, founded by Nick’s grandfather and his brothers on Belden Avenue in Chicago. They used to buy tools from ZENGERS, which was just down the street!  Instead of going into the family business, Nick ended up in San Francisco in investment banking. He spent two years at an eCommerce startup and eventually moved back to Chicago. After both he and his wife got an MBA, they moved to Seattle for her job. After running a wine business, Nick transitioned into Starbucks Corporate in brand management. He helped launch the Starbucks evening program that tied-in with wine. He transitioned to a strategy team after that. He learned about culture, managing people, and running complex projects.  How Nick took over his Dad’s machine shop Two months after Nick’s first daughter was born, his parents came to visit them in Seattle. They told Nick that his Dad had a rare form of Leukemia. He needed to take time off of work for treatment. They were going to have to sell the business unless Nick or his sister could come back and run it. Nick was shocked. His parents were healthy active people who were never sick.  After processing the news and discussing it with his wife, Nick decided to move back to Chicago to take over Belden Universal, an AS9100 manufacturer of precision universal joints and drive shafts. Four months later, he was in Chicago running a machine shop—and he knew nothing about manufacturing. Nick bought a large book about manufacturing that was for a college-level manufacturing class and dug into back episodes of Making Chips, which helped him get immersed in the language of machining.  Navigating challenges while learning the ropes When Nick took over in 2018, the machine shop had just moved into a new facility, doubling the size of their manufacturing floor. They had a tenured team and people to help get Nick up to speed. But he was also their boss—and couldn’t do most of their jobs.  Soon after taking over, Belden lost their biggest customer—which was one of the reasons they had moved into the bigger space. They immediately lost what would have been ¼ of their business. Nick knew it would be his first challenge. But then his sales manager of 19 years quit three months in. Instead of panicking, he took stock of the situation and helped define where they wanted to go in the future. They hired an internal candidate for the sales management position. She blossomed as a leader and got their team back on track. They worked hand-in-hand on the culture so people were excited to come to work every day. In an era like today where every shop is competing for employees, the culture matters. A shop can’t survive with a negative culture. 18 months later, after continuous incidents with the production manager (who had been there 29 years), Nick decided it was time to part ways. They let him go. But this man had been involved in every part of the business. The benefit of letting him go was that Nick was forced to get more involved in floor operations. He began to work closely with his engineers on improvement projects and personnel issues. He got to know the people on the factory floor. He stepped up and earned respect from his team. How did Nick manage the machine shop through COVID? What does the future hold for Belden Universal? Listen to the whole episode to hear more of his unique story.  How Nick’s experiences have prepared him for the future What did Nick learn? The most important thing is that problems can look very daunting in the moment—especially multi-faceted problems. But the most important thing is to take a break, formulate a plan, understand what the desired end outcome is, and start chipping away at it. Family businesses have long timelines where things don’t have to be solved overnight. They can make progress every day, month, and year towards that vision. Eventually they will find success. A problem now may seem like a bump in the road over the arc of your career.  — BAM! Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Create a Formal Business Succession Plan in 7 Steps Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry Book: Humanocracy by Gary Hamel and Michelle Zanini Learn more about Nick Sainati Belden Universal Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)? The DOD is implementing the CMMC to normalize and standardize cybersecurity preparedness across the Federal government’s defense industrial base. Meaning? If you’re doing DOD work, they’re mandating that you get this certification. So you need to know what this is all about. We’ve brought in Paul Van Metre and John Bilek to help fill in the blanks. Check it out! Segments [0:00] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [3:39] Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) [5:05] Let’s talk acronyms (there’s one for everything) [7:20] What’s happening at ZENGERS? [8:20] The amount of money wasted on cybersecurity [11:05] We welcome our two guests to the show [14:48] What is CMMC really all about? [17:09] Who is impacted by the CMMC requirement?  [19:44] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [20:44] The five levels of CMMC compliance [21:56] The CMMC implementation process [27:19] What does “CMMC Compliant” mean? [29:02] What ProShop ERP is rolling out to enhance security The amount of money wasted on cybersecurity Cybersecurity is a large problem. Most attacks originate from Russia but there’s also a lot of domestic hacking happening. Because of this—according to MXD—the DOD is now spending more than $300 billion each year on government contracts. The DOD Directive 8140 requires that any contractor must satisfy specific training and certification provisions to ensure sensitive data remains secure. The qualifications can be transferable and useful across the board.  Jason points out that this cybersecurity effort is how we protect our country, industry, economy, and more. Our enemies want to steal our technology, which is why we must keep it secure. Because manufacturing is a huge part of what the DOD does, anyone in their supply chain must follow the same cybersecurity protocols.  Who is impacted by the CMMC requirement?  CMMC applies to anyone in the defense contract supply chain. That includes both contractors who engage directly with the DOD and subcontractors who fulfill and/or execute those contracts. The CMMC standards will affect over 300,000 organizations. If you want to continue to do work for the DOD, you will have to get certified over the next 4–5 years.  Paul has heard of shops that are starting to lose work because they aren’t on track to get the CMMC certification. John has been asked multiple times if he’s been certified. While you cannot get certified yet, he is working toward compliance. There are five different levels of CMMC compliance. Most machine shops are expected to be certified at level three. How soon do you have to implement this? Paul points out that you can’t sit on this. There are very few approved auditors, so if you wait until the last minute you’ll lose out on a significant amount of your sales. If 30% of your business deals with the DOD, you could lose millions without the certification.  The financial impact on machine shops In May 2021, an entity was announced that would start handling the CMMC audits. What kind of costs will be put on machine shops? It’s going to be far more expensive to implement than an AS9100 audit. The CMMC is built on cybersecurity standards, the main one being the NIST 800-171 standard.  If a company is already compliant with that standard, they can likely check off the boxes for CMMC Level one. If you aren't compliant with this standard, to reach level one compliance could cost you between $5,000 to $25,000. For level three, it will be around $15,000 to $100,000, depending on the size of your shop. This is going to be a large financial hit no matter what you do. The certification is costly—but if you don’t get it, the loss of business may cost you more. A shop in Florida was quoted $100,000 for a company to “help” them get CMMC certified. Be wary of who you look to for help—a lot of unscrupulous people will take advantage of this rollout. Find accredited and reputable consultants. There will be grant money offered to help companies get this certification. Can you swing the cost of the certification?  What can help cover some of these costs? IMEC gave Carr Machine a grant to get ISO certified years ago, which covered some of the implementation and auditor fees. IMEC will be giving grants out to augment the cost of implementing this. Paul points out that the MEP gets its money from the Federal government and allocates it to different organizations like IMEC. The unknown? The amount of labor you may have to invest in to get to level three certification.  So what does CMMC compliant actually mean? How is ProShop ERP implementing updates to help you walk through the process? John and Paul share a few examples, so keep listening! If you have an idea for a MakingChips message, please ask us a question or leave us a message at 312-725-0245 and let us know! Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! John Bilek MXD USA The DOD Directive 8140  ITAR IMEC Making Chips Episode #1 The NIST 800-171 standard 85 FR 51161 - Award Format for DoD Grants and Cooperative Agreements Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and I chat with Paul Van Metre—the Co-Founder of ProShop ERP—about the process of selling his machine shop. We dissect the process, including how to understand the valuation of your company and how to make your shop more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re considering selling in the next few years, this episode is full of actionable tactics and strategies that will help you succeed.  BAM! - Jason Zenger Segments [0:07] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [3:10] How to sell your machine shop [5:11] Ozark Technical Community College offering a two-week manufacturing bootcamp [7:49] Jim shares what’s new at Carr Machine [8:42] Paul Van Metre’s experience selling his machine shop [13:42] Is this a big change in the manufacturing industry? [15:27] Why would a strategic buyer pay more?  [16:40] Understanding the process of valuation  [17:35] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [26:10] The experiences of Paul’s customers buying shops [28:12] How to make your company more attractive for buyers [30:53] How buyers can make sure they’re getting a fair valuation Now is a great time to sell—or buy—a machine shop  I bought ZENGERS from my Dad in 2019, right before the pandemic hit. learned that there’s a lot involved in buying/selling a machine shop. Not only that, but it takes multiple years to get to the point to learn how to run a shop by yourself. Running any business that employs a team of people takes a lot of work.  A lot of people are looking to retire and sell their machine shops. The youngest people of the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 by 2030. And of the 18,000 machine shops in America, the majority are owned by Baby Boomers. The vast majority will have some type of transition of ownership in the next 10–15 years.  Jim is getting calls from M&A companies all the time about buying his shop. He isn’t even close to ready to sell. I’m on the buy side, and I think this is a great time to buy a machine shop. Whether you want to merge, participate in a roll-up, etc. now is the time. Even if you’re not ready for several years, you need to start planning. The experiences of Paul’s customers buying shops Paul notes that owning a business is one of the most significant financial decisions anyone can make in their lifetime. These shops are the baby of their owners. They’ve poured 10, 20, 30, 40+ years into them. Leaving that behind and passing it on to the next generation is a difficult and taxing process. Some shops may close their doors and sell off their machinery.  A client of Paul’s, Mike, was deeply involved in the M&A and private equity space. He was trying to sell a shop where the owner wasn’t interested in making her business attractive for sale. They couldn’t sell the shop for years. So Mike decided to buy the shop himself. He knew it was a good business at the core and got it for a great deal. He also recently acquired another machine shop. Paul worked with a small shop in Colorado—Focused on Machining—who was in banking before moving into manufacturing. He looked at 4–5 shops before landing on this one. Because he was in banking he understood the financial side and has done an incredible job growing the business. Paul’s experience selling his machine shop Pro CNC was founded in 1997 when Paul was just 23—straight out of college. When they sold in 2014, they were a mature company with 17 years of experience under their belt (Paul shares his story in episode #98 of Making Chips). In hindsight, Paul had been preparing the company for sale for many years. They started hiring people to replace the three partners so they weren’t working in the business every day. They then hired an M&A company to take them to market (the whole process took around a year).  Sadly, Paul points out that 80% of businesses that get listed for sale never sell. Many businesses end up selling off their assets. Those people are likely making only a fraction of what their company could be worth. So how do you set your business up for success? What can you do now to make it more attractive to future buyers? Listen to the whole episode to learn the process! Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Ozark Technical Community College offering a two-week manufacturing bootcamp Paul Van Metre’s Story: Episode #98 of Making Chips Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! Modern Machine Shop magazine Focused on Machining The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

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In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring in Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD, to discuss the basics of cybersecurity, including the types of cyber attacks, and how a manufacturing leader can equip their shop with a strategic plan to prevent and deal with potential cyber threats. Segments 0:08 | Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring 1:21 | Jason introduces manufacturing cybersecurity as the topic of the episode 4:57 | Jim and Jason talk about what’s new at their businesses 5:28 | Jason introduces the episode guest: Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD 6:52 | Jason discusses manufacturing news, including a press release on the FBI’s internet crime report 10:17 | Jason explains Business Email Compromise, a type of phishing attack 12:21 | The hosts mention another type of cyber attack, Ransomware 13:52 | Jason mentions Malware attacks due to malicious software and brute force attacks 15:44 | The hosts and Federico discuss how to avoid and prevent coming under cyber attack 17:40 | ProShop ERP is being used in shops across the country 20:46 | Federico shares advice on how to avoid ransomware and how to prepare your business for potential cyber attacks 25:31 | Federico explains how MxD helps strengthen cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry 30:18 | Jason asks what a manufacturing leader can do to create a strategic plan to prevent cyber attacks 34:16 | The hosts share their thoughts on the new information they learned during the episode

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Nick Goellner talk with Nick St.Cyr, a Product Manager at Methods Machine Tools, about his history in the manufacturing industry, the role of a product manager, and the importance of establishing a vision of the future for your company. Segments:   0:11 | Jim mentions his experience with Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems through their pilot program 2:12 | Nick G. and Jim discuss CARR Machine & Tool’s move to their new, upgraded facility 3:40 | Nick G. talks about the current state of the manufacturing industry supply chain and reasons for the disruptions 7:30 | Jim introduces special guest Nick St.Cyr, a Product Manager at Methods Machine Tools, where he oversees the design, sales, support, and integration of MMT machine tools 9:45 | Nick S. shares his background and history in the manufacturing industry, and talks about his current position and responsibilities at Methods Machine Tools 17:14 | Jim talks about it’s important for machine shops to have a vision of the future 18:22 | Nick G. mentions how he sees ProShop ERP being used in shops across the country when he travels 19:22 | Jim explains the progression of his shop towards the established vision 21:40 | Nick S. discusses the expansion of the Methods facilities as they’ve grown 24:25 | Jim asks Nick S. about how Methods is preparing for the industry in the near future 26:30 | Nick G. asks how Methods is able to offer such quick, custom machine orders 30:38 | Nick S. talks about the change in the relationship between the product manager and the customer 33:52 | Nick S. shares his thoughts on automation’s role in the future of manufacturing 38:01 | Nick S. mentions taking a focused look at current products to create a roadmap for the future product lines and features

In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger meet with Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP to discuss 10 things to consider when going through the process of getting AS9100 certified. Segments: 0:13 | Jim talks about his time using Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems under their pilot program 2:27 | Jim shares manufacturing news about past experiences with IMTS Rockstars and the current boom in manufacturing 4:24 | Jason mentions his 2021 sabbatical and how it’s okay to take a break from work 6:04 | Jim introduces the topic of the episode and offers questions you can ask yourself to decide if AS9100 certification is needed 8:58 | Jason introduces this week’s guest: Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP 10:45 | Paul talks about his time at his former company implementing AS9100 features into ProShop ERP 12:30 | Jason asks if a cutting tool distributor would benefit from being AS9100 certified 25:10 | Paul shares how ProShop ERP can help you build your process for getting AS9100 certified

In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger talk with Peter Eelman, Vice President and Chief Experience Officer of AMT, about IMTS 2022, the return of their in-person trade show, and what’s in store for the future of IMTS events. Segments:0:08 | Jim talks about his time with the Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring systems 1:27 | Jim and Jason introduce the episode and their past experiences with IMTS events 8:00 | Jason shares manufacturing news regarding Xometry’s move to the public market 10:16 | Jim introduces their guest Peter Eelman from AMT to discuss the history and return of IMTS 16:54 | Peter talks about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on IMTS, and how they were able to adapt to the situation 20:33 | Jim asks Peter about the future of IMTS, as both physical and virtual events 23:21 | Peter explains the scale of IMTS, and its effect on the industry and the Chicago area 26:57 | Peter describes what’s next for IMTS, with the return of the physical event in 2022 30:20 | Jim asks about the future of automation in manufacturing, and how IMTS 2022 will feature it 34:52 | Peter explains how IMTS participants can prepare for the 2022 event and connect with other manufacturers through their website 38:30 | Jim talks about the upcoming Fanuc & Mitutoyo demonstration from CNC Machine Services Inc, and how you can register for the free event

MakingChips hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger sit down with Akshat Thirani, the CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, to talk about how Charles implemented Amper technology in his shop, and the benefits it has had on his business. Segments: 0:21 Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP being used in shops throughout the country. 4:24 Jim and Jason share what’s new at their companies and at MakingChips HQ 6:06 Jason discusses new economic inflation data relating to manufacturing 7:50 Jason introduces Akshat Thirani, CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and his history in manufacturing 9:20 Jim introduces Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, and his relation to Amper Technologies, Inc. 11:27 Akshat explains how Amper helps manufacturers be more Lean and improve day-to-day operations on the shop floor  13:17 Jim talks about his experience using Amper technology on his machines 15:53 Charles shares his background with Amper and how he implements and monitors their technology in his factory 18:57 Nick explains how you can source high-volume projects through the Xometry network 19:49 Charles discusses how Amper allows for collection of real, trackable efficiency data and can help increase productivity 23:26 Akshat talks about the simplicity of integrating Amper on the shop floor 24:45 Akshat explains the different ways the data provided by Amper can assist in company growth 26:58 Jim mentions that he shows off his shop’s Amper data while prospecting new customers 28:32 Charles shares why he chose Amper over other machine monitoring options 31:30 Charles explains how Amper technology relates to his shop’s Lean process 33:52 Akshat talks about how Amper offers a trial program for their technology 36:12 The hosts and guests offer their final thoughts on how this technology can improve many aspects of a shop

Hosts Nick Goellner, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger are joined by Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting to discuss the differences between product and sales management at manufacturing companies, and how strategic sales tools can lead sales teams to success. Segments: 0:06 Jim talks about how he found an easy-to-install machine monitoring system from Amper Technologies. 1:37 Nick introduces the topic of episode: Product Management vs Sales Management 3:01 The hosts discuss what’s new at their companies 4:21 Nick shares some manufacturing news about the computer chip shortage 8:53 Nick introduces the guests: Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting 11:57 Mark explains his time spent in the business, and what opportunities he saw 13:44 Jason discusses the dynamic between himself and his wife in their business 14:12 Mark tells how he got connected with Nick and Hennig, Inc. and the projects that he helped them with 18:15 Nick mentions how he has seen ProShop ERP being used in shops across the USA 19:18 Mark shares how he develops electronic sales playbooks and how they can be used 22:50 Nick talks about how he restructured his sales management and business development units 26:19 Mark discusses the difference between product and sales management 28:10 Kim shares her story, from law school to a strategic sales consultant 30:26 Mark talks about how CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting leads clients to the right solutions for their businesses through sales tools

In this episode of MakingChips, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss  Retirement: Yes, No or Never. This could be a step in evaluating your decision whether you are a manufacturing leader at the highlight of your career or at the beginning stages of your career with plans for greatness. Segments: 0:14 | Jim talks about Amper Technologies, machine monitoring system, easy to install with minimal onboarding 3:08 | Jim, Jason and Nick talk about retirement, how manufacturers are approaching retirement age 7:55 | The hosts  announce great news that is happening on September 23, 2021.  MakingChips is having a Celebration for Manufacturing Leaders. 10:42 | Nick discusses with Jim and Jason, an article from Modern Machine Shop, March machine tool orders have been the biggest growth since 2019, unit orders have also increased 15:35 | Nick, Jason and Jim mention Xometry - custom manufacturing on demand 16:42 | Retirement talk. 17:25 | The hosts discuss how to tell if you are ready for retirement and signs you are NOT read for retirement. 29:55 | What are your takeaways from this episode?   

In this episode of MakingChips, Jason, Jim and Nick discuss the R&D Tax Credit.  This could be a huge saving for your manufacturing company, but please don’t take this episode as legal, accounting or any similar advice; you should contact a professional after you have listened to this episode. Segments: 0:40 | Jim points out that he utilizes ProShop ERP tool "Work by Industry Dashboard" to receive real time data 3:12 | Jason asks Nick and Jim "Do you guys like paying taxes?" 3:45 | Jason references Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr., Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court - quoted "Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society" 4:22 | Jason references Billings Learned Hand, Former American Judge and Judicial Philosopher who served in the U.S. District Court of Appeals quoted "Anyone may arrange his affairs so that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which best pays the treasury.  There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one's taxes" 9:43 | Jason shares manufacturing news -  what are legislators trying to accomplish, when they come out with a new tax law? 12:45 | Jim calls Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP to talk about how a client of his utilized the R&D Tax Credit 19:34 | Jason explains what type of research qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit 28:14 | Jim talks about ProShop ERP, to record Documentation Data Metrics 29:34 | Nick, Jim and Jason discuss what may qualify you for the R&D Tax Credit 32:40 | The hosts offer their final thoughts    

In episode of #267 MakingChips, host Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss Why You Need to Consider These New and Low-Cost Employee Benefits"   Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Segments: :02 | Do you love your ERP? ProShop ERP. for additional details please visit: loveyourerp.com 1:30 | Jason and Jim discuss Employee Benefits, the shift in culture, how we pay benefits to our employee 5:21 | “Save the Date" Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 - Celebration of our industry and Manufacturing Leaders - a party that will Equip & Inspire @ MakingChips Headquarters in Rockford, Illinois 7:35 | Jim shares manufacturing news - Smart Manufacturing news i.e., Broad category of manufacturing that employs computer integrated manufacturing,  high levels of adaptability, rapid design changes, digital information technology and more flexible / technical workforce training 10:05 | Jason and Jim talk about Amper, how Jim is utilizing Amper software (30 day trial) and how it has helped him become more efficient 12:34 | Jason and Jim talk about innovative employee benefits and why to offer those benefits. 27:23 | Jim and Jason offer their final thoughts

In episode #266 of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and co-host Jim Carr Discuss 25 Trends Affecting the Future of Manufacturing in 2021 and Beyond. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact   Segments: :22| Go to Loveyourerp.com and find out why so many manufacturing leaders love ProShop ERP 6:04 | Business Models, People, The World and Tools 6:25 | Business Models 13:56 | People 27:50 | The World 35:52 | Tools 36:32 | Check out Amper.xyz, a company that specializes in easy to install machine monitoring systems 41:50 | Final thoughts

In episode #265 of MakingChips, host Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jessica Peterson discuss How to Create a Diverse Community in the Workplace to Solve One of the Biggest Challenges in Manufacturing with Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe with Equity Machine Works Segments: :02 | Jim promotes Amper, a great company that specializes in machine monitoring systems, easy to Install with minimal on-boarding. Check them out at Amper.xyz and look under products for their pilot program 9:28 | Jessica introduces Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe from Equity Machine Works 11:37 | Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe from Equity Machine Works, explains Diversity of Manufacturing and how it relates to his business model;  ie; Manufacturing, Teaching, Trades Classes, Managing the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Grant Funding, Educational Programs, Barriers that some grants create on their own 23:32 | Nick speaks to Manufacturing per prior discussion; Manufacturing needs a rebrand, needs to know how to communicate their brand better 24:37 | Jessica discusses to group how important StoryBrand is - Clarifying your message (using straight-forward language) as well how it can create barriers to entry  30:21 | Nick talks to Equity Machine Works; Are you a machine shop? What's different between your shop and Carr Machine Tool; Justin speaks to how Equity Machine Works benefits and adding value to the Community 46:52 | Jim and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger discusses 4 reasons to say no to an opportunity.  Manufacturing leaders may need to say no more often to opportunities especially as the economy heats back up.   Segments: :09 | Jim and Jason discuss how ProShop ERP helped with Jim’s AS9100 virtual audit. 3:59 | Jason and Nick discuss two manufacturing news articles: #1 - article by "CNBC " Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian on what life Serena Williams taught him about sustained greatness 7:02 | #2 manufacturing news article: by "Wall Street Journal" Turbo charge economy leaves factory struggling to deliver goods that shoppers want. 8:04 | Jason expresses the four opportunity filters to put your decisions through - #1 Does fit your vision for the future, #2 Does it meet your core values, #3 It does have a measurable ROI, #4 Is it the best option for your client? 18:55 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger discuss 6 Communications Tools for the Manufacturing Leader. Segments: :57 | Nick and Jason discuss how a Manufacturer Leader can learn how to better communicate 4:39 | Nick shares Manufacturing News from an article by Jay Timmons, President and CEO of NAM (National Association for Manufacturers) regarding tax reform and investment incentives for manufacturers 12:25 | Jason recommends the book "Crucial Conversations" 15:43 | Jason talks people, culture, numbers and ProShop ERP - Can get data in real time 16:47 | Nick shares the first tool RACI chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix) 19:53 | Approval Drawing Review (Approval Review meeting) 23:17 | PCP Program (Premiere Channel Partner Program)  25:12 | BrandScript (StoryBrand) Help companies tell coherent stories 28:05 | PSM (Process Success Map) - Making your customers successful 30:16 | VOC Program (Voice of the Customer/Client program) 32:83 | Jason offers his final thoughts on the episode  

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss tips for effectively communicating to your team in the workplace Segments: :00 | Jim and Jason share how ProShop ERP helped them with the federal R&D tax credit 1:14 | Jason and Nick discuss changes in leadership at their companies 5:07 | Jason mentions article on Manufacturing predictions for the next  decade 10:57 | Jason and Nick discuss cloud-based data and how moving to Edge and 6G will be faster 11:58 | Nick shares his thoughts on communicating change to team members 17:02 | Jason touches on how you can make implementing changes into a win-win situation 27:26 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode 29:32 | Jessica introduces Xometry’s new purchasing system: Xometry Pay

In this week's episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jim Carr are joined by Eric Nekich, a Sales Manager at 5th Axis, to talk about workholding, and the changes in sales tactics through the years. Segments: 3:30 | Jim and Nick play a manufacturing quiz game 10:30 | Nick introduces the episode guest Eric Nekich of 5th Axis 14:15 | Eric shares how he got involved in the manufacturing industry 16:00 | Eric talks about how 5th Axis grew from a contract manufacturer to a workholding brand 18:10 | Eric discusses how automation is growing in popularity in machine tool tending 22:00 | Jim talks about what his team likes about 5th Axis workholding 27:33 | Eric and Nick discuss how selling workholding has changed over time 37:14 | Eric explains the difference between the jaws on "dinosaur" vises and 5th Axis vises 40:44 | Eric talks about new modular automation components at 5th Axis 45:10 | Jim offers his final thoughts on the episode 47:09 | Jim and Jason explain the different technologies featured on IMTS Spark

In this week's episode the MakingChips hosts talk with metalworking influencer Tony Gunn and his career in the manufacturing industry. Segments: 0:00 | Jim talks about how simple ProShop ERP made his virtual shop audit 4:25 | Nick shares manufacturing news about the rise of firearm sales 10:00 | Nick introduces the episode guest, Tony Gunn, the General Manager of MTDCNC Global 13:18 | Tony discusses how he got his start in the manufacturing industry 17:40 | Jim asks if the manufacturing industry is still seen as a "dirty" or "lower-class" industry 22:00 | Tony shares some of his thoughts on social media, marketing, and fellow manufacturing influencers 29:19 | Tony talks about his new position at MTD CNC Global 35:30 | Jason asks Tony about what problems he is trying to solve in the manufacturing industry 39:43 | Jim and Jason talk about the knowledge centers at IMTS Spark

In this episode of MakingChips the hosts discuss sections to include in their production meetings, and how they can benefit their shop and team's productivity. Segments: 0:00 Jim shares how he can access real-time data and reports using ProShop ERP. 1:32 The hosts talks about the virtual grand opening of the Boring Bar 5:20 Jim introduces "social intimacy" and how it strengthens relationships 9:40 The hosts discuss what's happening in their businesses 12:30 Jim explains what he uses production meetings for and why they're important 15:49 Jim shares the different sections he includes in his production meetings and the benefits they provide to the team 19:08 Jim discusses how he added weekly COVID-19 updates to his production meetings in response to the pandemic 26:44 Jim creates a "hot list" to update his team on what's going on in the shop 29:50 Jim opens the floor at the end of meetings for Q&A and team discussion 34:18 Jim and Jason talk about the different showcases at IMTS Spark

In this episode, the MakingChips hosts discuss the career of NFL star Tom Brady, and how his personal keys to success are also applicable to the manufacturing leader. Segments: 0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different technologies featured on IMTS Spark 7:24 | Jason reads a press release from DARPA about off-Earth manufacturing of lunar structures 12:45 | Jason shares his points on how manufacturing leaders can take cues from Tom Brady's success  13:13 | The hosts discuss how manufacturing leaders might be retiring too early 24:49 | Jim and Jason talk about IMTS Spark Demo Days with Stephen LaMarco from AMT 31:53 | Jason explains Tom Brady's daily schedule and how having a routine helps with success 37:10 | Like Tom Brady, having a healthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to the success of a manufacturing leader 39:30 | Having core objectives can get you on the path to succeeding, as opposed to unrelated pursuits 43:40 | The hosts offer final thoughts on how Tom Brady's successes can be contributed to his strict regimen and practices  

In this week's MakingChips podcast, Jim and Jason discuss if you can be successful running a small machine shop, with Jim offering tips based on his own experiences. Segments: 0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different knowledge centers at IMTS Spark 1:10 | Jim mentions how he used ProShop ERP to extract the necessary data to collect the federal R&D tax credit 5:06 | Jim shares information on the failure rates of new businesses 7:45 | Jason explains why he's planning on taking a sabbatical from work 13:00 | Jim reads a news articles about the manufacturing economy bouncing back in 2021, and the different factors that will affect it 20:08 | Jim and Jason talk with Dan from Xometry and Vinny from PenCo Precision to discuss their experience with Xometry during the 2020 pandemic 26:22 | Jim asks "what is success in business?" 31:27 | Jim shares his tips for running a successful small machine shop 39:30 | Jim and Jason talk about how they analyze risks before they make business decisions

In the newest MakingChips podcast, the hosts discuss how to use triggers to create new habits and systems for your business and your personal life. Segments: 0:00 | Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the USA. 4:01 | Jason shares an article about a how people purchase books to display and pretend to look intelligent 7:27 | Jim and Nick explain a times they made changes to remain transparent as leaders 9:23 | Jason describes how he attempted to start changing certain habits at his company by creating new triggers 14:19 | Jason talks about the system he adopted to discuss and track the changing triggers and habits with his team 16:43 | The hosts talk to Chuck Matthews at DP Technology Corp. about IMTS Spark. 24:13 | Jim asks Jason and Nick how they store and utilize the information they gather through reading materials 27:53 | Jason explains how he's used triggers to create habits in his personal life      

In this week's episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason discuss how and when to talk about politics in the workplace, and why it should never affect business relationships. 0:00 | Jason talks about the 6 different showcases at IMTS Spark 2021 1:40 | Jim and Jason share their thoughts about political discussions in the workplace 4:05 | Jim discusses the new CMM in his shop 7:40 | Jason shares articles about President Biden's COVID-19 relief plan and new trade policies 15:00 | Jason explains why he thinks we need to listen to the political perspectives of others and discuss politics openly 20:10 | Nick tells us about how Xometry can help you with on-demand custom manufacturing 24:18 | Jason shares his notes on how politics can be discussed openly and honestly in the workplace, what basic guidelines you should adhere to, and what kind of environment it should foster 37:07 | Jim discusses how CARR Machine & Tool was able to have a virtual real-time audit through ProShop ERP

In this week's episode, Jim, Jason, and Nick talk about the different sales channels that you can utilize for your manufacturing company, and their strengths and weaknesses. Segments: 0:00 | Nick explains how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the country. 5:15 | The hosts share manufacturing news and purchasing trends for 2021 15:21 | Nick introduces different sales channels and how they function 19:55 | Jason discusses why companies such as Tesla don't go through local distributors and dealers 22:00 | Jim calls Matt Bain of Mazak North America to talk about IMTS Spark 30:38 | Nick introduces the concept of business development leaders, who handle distinct product groups at a national level 32:55 | Nick explains using regional sales managers as a direct channel 37:37 | Jim brings up how too many people in the sales channel could take a longer response time 42:55 | Nick discusses independent manufacturer's representatives as a sales channel 46:38 | Jason and Nick analyze the distributor relationship within a sales channel 49:56 | Jim shares the sales channels that he utilizes

As we move forward into 2021, the MakingChips podcast hosts look back at 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and share more lessons they learned as a result. Segments: 6:06 | Jim shares information on the characteristics of a visual learner. 9:37 | The hosts discuss the potential usage of wearable technology in machine shops. 13:26 | The hosts emphasize the importance of cybersecurity, and how it will advance in 2021. 15:22 | The hosts discuss integrations of robotics in machine shops, as well as other possible future trends. 21:13 | Jim shares the thoughts and reactions of manufacturing leaders on the pandemic in March of 2020. 23:40 | Jason and Nick explain how they kept their team members informed during the pandemic. 25:00 | The hosts share how they used their organizations and affiliates to gather COVID-19 information for their peers. 29:20 | Jim talks about integrating virtual meetings, how taking risks may lead to new opportunities, and supply and demand issues during the pandemic.

Part 2 of this 2-part series continues the interview with special guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares more of his manufacturing knowledge that machine shops can benefit from. 3:38 | John shares his thoughts on how a commitment to details can improve a shop 10:20 | John explains how shops may need to be more open to hybrid solutions across brands and suppliers 12:15 | John tells why he started Way of the Mill in the middle of a pandemic and what the goals for his clients are 17:06 | John explains the process of tap testing and what shops should be using it 24:20 | Jason asks how distributor employees can help manufacturing leaders make choices

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, the MakingChips hosts welcome guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares his background in the manufacturing industry, including his time at Makino and Apple, and why he chose to start Way of the Mill. 6:09 | Jason shares current news about the near future of the manufacturing industry due to COVID-19 12:10 | Guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, tells his origin story in manufacturing 16:00 | John shares information on his experience working on turnkey projects at Makino 23:20 | John explains why he chose to share his milling advice online, and how good and bad fundamentals affect a company 27:05 | John discusses his time at Apple, and their involvement in the manufacturing industry 31:09 | John explains how he maintains unbiased content and the value it brings

In the 250th episode of MakingChips, the hosts discuss new factors and trends in the estimation process, especially when utilizing an ERP system. Jim Carr also shares his quoting process, and the tips and tricks he has used over the years that other manufacturing leaders should take into account. 3:30 | Nick tells a story about quoting 9:00 | Jim shares manufacturing news about the surge in metal prices 12:50 | Jim breaks down the estimation process into 3 factors: the estimator, the tools, and the tactics 19:30 | Jim explains his quoting process 23:30 | The hosts compare a traditional spreadsheet to an ERP system, and what columns to utilize 30:15 | The hosts discuss veteran quoting processes vs newer quoting tactics 34:50 | Jim lists some "red flags" to look out for during the estimation process 38:00 | Jim summarizes his thoughts on effectively quoting a job

In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner share the new leadership principles and processes they adopted during 2020 to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how other manufacturing leaders can benefit by doing similar. 6:20 | The hosts share recent manufacturing news, plus Nick has his own special announcement 13:20 | Jason explains how he focused on growing his company's core values in 2020 16:15 | Jim discusses the new implementations he made at CARR this year 18:30 | Jason recounts how he increased communication between his employees 28:50 | Nick describes how his leadership team implemented new Lean practices and playbooks 33:09 | Jim shares the added business responsibilities he felt due to the COVID-19 pandemic 35:00 | Jason gives details on his experience of testing positive for COVID-19

In this week's episode, we share our experiences with imposter syndrome and discuss what it means. We talk about how it affects different generations and how to rise above the feeling that you aren't qualified or don't know what you're doing. 5:01 | Nick covers general manufacturing news - and improving market trends 8:55 | Nick defines imposter syndrome 10:05 | Jason brings up a bible verse that illustrates that everyone is a little bit of an imposter 13:32 | Jason asks how you'll learn anything if you never ask 22:26 | Jason and Nick discuss what imposter syndrome means for a manufacturing leader 25:42 | Nick shares a story about feeling like you can't ask questions or make mistakes 30:32 | Jason mentions how important it is to get your self-worth from multiple places, and Nick talks about how ego plays into imposter syndrome

In this week's episode, we share our experience as guest speakers at DMG Mori's sales conference this year. We touched base on the evolving sales process during COVID, how DMG really sells, and what old school techniques you can implement in today's new normal. 3:53 |  DMG MORI's team announces keynote speakers - MakingChips 5:17 | Nick discusses the sales challenges brought on by COVID and how his team has adapted to overcome them 7:10 | DMG's area sales manager talks about how they've adapted to the closed doors 11:01 | Nick asks DMG MORI "How does your customer buy?" 20:14 | Jason talks about cultivating relationships and avoiding going silent  31:50 | Jim goes over old school sales tips in the new "not normal" world 39:21 | A new way to make "cold calling" work again 44:24 | Jason and Jim talk to Marty from Autodesk to talk about what they're doing with IMTS Spark 49:31 | Q&A with MakingChips and DMG MORI

In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner invite guest Peter Eelman, Vice President & CXO at AMT to discuss how IMTS pivoted into an online digital destination for Manufacturers. Segments: Missing IMTS - Everybody gets together (2:15) Good News with Jim Carr (6:30) Manufacturing News: Smart manufacturing platform revenue to pass $32B annually by 2025 (7:04) Introducing our Guest: Peter Eelman (14:12) IMTS Spark is a digital destination for a connected manufacturing community (16:45) Peter: This is not a virtual tradeshow (21:45) Jason: The main theme of 2020 is rebuilding the supply chain (30:20) IMTS is coming back in 2022 (38:30) Why you should sign-up for IMTS spark today (40:34) What happened to IMTS 2020 swag? (44:00) Takeaways from IMTS Spark (46:10) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr invite guest Jenn Ryan, SVP of Global Network Operations at Xometry to discuss how they pivoted during COVID and how it helped them transform who they are as a business. Segments: Jim and Jason’s businesses thriving when the industry is down (1:44) Good news at Carr’s: 4th new CNC machine (6:06) Jason Discusses the Manufacturing News: Foxconn fails to meet requirements in Wisconsin (6:47) Introducing our guest: Jenn Ryan, SVP of Global Network Operations at Xometry (11:40) Check out our previous episodes 122 & 189 with Xometry Jenn: Keeping the doors open during COVID shutdowns (14:10) Jenn: Changing the binary questions “What part of this job can I do?” (17:10) Jason: Why we created the Makingchips podcast (19:20) Jenn: Partner Success stories in 2020 (21:00) Jason: We need more manufacturing in the US (31:05) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

In this week's podcast, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger invite guests Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP, and Matt Gawlik, President of 3D Industries to discuss what it takes to properly implement a new ERP in a machine shop, and how it can change your culture. Segments: How the ERP revolution shifted our culture (1:47) Teasing our special guests (2:56) Putting on makeup is fun? IMTS interview (3:33) What’s new with Jason: Zengers, Black Industrial (5:00) Discussing this week’s manufacturing news (6:20) Introducing our guest: Paul Van Metre from ProShop (13:13) Introducing our other guest: Matt Gawlik, President of 3D Industries (14:10) The origin story of “3D Industries” (15:20) How Matt found ProShop (16:45) Jim: Using the wrong ERP for 20 years (19:52) Matt: Rehabilitating the company to implement the perfect ERP (20:45) Jason: What is a Pirate ship company? (27:25) Roadblocks when implementing a new ERP (28:00) ProShop features that hit the spot for Machine shops (30:45) What is your estimator doing all day now? (33:55) Matt: Extracting data from the minds of employees is a necessary safeguard (34:45) Culture Shift: Before and After ProShop (38:50) Paul: Implementing ERPs is a team commitment (43:45) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr discuss the process of building the right legacy you want to leave behind as a Manufacturing Leader. Segments: Getting morbid for a minute (0:45) Leaving a legacy after a transition (2:10) Jim compares MakingChips hosts to past music greats (3:30) Another new CNC machine at Carr Machine (5:06) Jason, the business coach? (6:27) Manufacturing News: New manufacturing facility for undersea drones (8:40) Jason: Leaving a positive legacy in the minds of others (11:51) A legacy gone wrong: Statues don’t make chips (16:30) Guiding principles towards a great legacy (19:40) Every manufacturing leader needs to think about their legacy (27:10) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

In this week's episode, we get a look into Carr Machine's setup process. Hosts Jim Carr and Nick Goellner invite guests Ryan Carr, Operations Manager at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc., and Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP on to discuss the challenges they face with long setup times and explore how ProShop has helped them refine the process while providing measurable analytics for future improvement.  Segments Jim and Nick talk about manufacturing news 4:26 Jim Introduces Paul Van Metre and Ryan Carr 8:40 Jim introduces the age-old issue of setup times 10:34 Ryan talks about today’s setup process on the shop floor at Carr 14:18 Jim and Ryan talk about how their team uses ProShop 15:47 Paul Van Metre lays out the pre-processing checklist at ProShop 20:42 Paul and Ryan cover the impact of implementing ProShop 26:41 Jim addresses the transition of accountability 29:54 Nick asks about ROI and measurable results for improvement 31:55 Success stories with ProShop 36:05 The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

In this week's podcast, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss old school manufacturing tips that still equip & inspire their team on the shop floor. Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (8:41) Solving today's shop problems with "old school" techniques: Tapping (18:10) Flatness on prints/Material Science (23:38) Using oversized materials for better accuracy (26:12) Bringing back old school collaboration (28:36) Machine tool distributors selling tooling (31:50) The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

This week on the MakingChips podcast, Host Nick Goellner, Jim Carr, and Jason Zenger discuss the Agile Marketing Process and how to have a marketing program in place that allows you to pivot when the time comes!   Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (6:12) What is ProShop: (10:40) What great marketing is and what great marketing isn't. (16:05) GPCT Workshop: Goals.Plans.Challenges.Timelines.(19:10) Begin with the end in mind—start creating vision backlogs. (20:55) Keys to success: Prioritize, Protect your sprints, Pull don't push, Park. (29:45) 4 keywords for meetings: Daily stand up, Plan, Review, Reflect. (35:15) How does a marketing program work for a small job shop? (37:42)  The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!

This week on the MakingChips Podcast, Jim Carr shares 6 tips on what CARR Machine & Tool has done to pivot from prototypes to becoming a full production machine shop.   Jim shares this week's manufacturing news - "Making Robots Smarter & Safer."  (7:05) Tip #1: How do you quote a production job? (17:44) Tip #2: The importance of manufacturing planning. (21:25)  Tip #3: Determining the correct amount of pieces in your active setup. (24:10) Tip #4: Know your tools. (28:00) Tip #5: Understanding your Customer Demands (36:38) Tip #6: Look into automation, robots, and cobots. (38:10)

This week's guest, Ted Ladzinski from Motor City Spindle Repair joins co-hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner to discuss ways to increase your spindles’ longevity, how to know when to replace your spindle, as well as how to use short- and long-term social media strategies to generate leads. The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Segments: Nick shares this week's manufacturing news. (7:10) Nick introduces this week's guest Ted Ladzinski. (10:00) Ted shares his story on he got started in manufacturing. (12:56) Creating an impactful social media strategy in manufacturing. (14:18) Ted gives insight into creating a short- vs long-term strategy on social media. (21:00) Ted shares how to know when it's time to replace your spindle. (40:20) Tips to increase your spindles’ longevity. (48:15)  

Co-host Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner are joined by Andrew Crowe, Ranken Technical College Instructor and Senior Machinist at Seiler to discuss the diversity and skills gap the manufacturing industry is facing today. Tune in as you learn Andrew's vision to create a more diverse manufacturing community and a ways recruiting, educating, and funding are impacting the skills gap we face today in this episode of MakingChips.   Segments: Jason shares positive news about Zenger's Industrial. (3:14)  The guys introduce this week's guest, Andrew Crowe. (8:29) Andrew shares his experience during the 2008 recession. (12:30)  Andrew gives insight on why and how he got involved in the manufacturing industry. (13:09) The guys discuss diversity in manufacturing. (19:40)  Dissecting the skills gap and diversity in manufacturing: Image or awareness? (21:35) Ways to expose manufacturing to different communities and cultures.  (23:02) Andrew shares his vision to create a more diverse manufacturing community. (24:18) Andrew shares his strategies in bringing in more talent into the workforce. (26:25) Awareness, curriculum and funding: How to solve them? (32:00)

A year without IMTS, FabTech, etc. have you wondering what comes next for industry tradeshows? In this episode, Jim, Jason, and Nick talk all about the year without tradeshows. They cover everything from attendees to exhibitors and ways you can still market yourself without using large tradeshows. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Segments:  The podcast talks IMTS and trade shows during COVID 1:02 Jim shares his good news… a new HAAS on the shop floor 3:18 Jim shares manufacturing news… Second-quarter GDP plunges 5:10 Jason introduces this week’s topic: Why you go to trade shows 9:20 Going to trade shows to see new technology 10:03 Nicks talks about translating into the digital market 13:40 Jason asks, is losing IMTS a gain or a loss for your business? 14:39 Alternatives to trade shows: smaller shows and digital spaces 16:00 Finding the missing social connection that shows provide 19:51 Going to trade shows to buy and sell 22:43 Jason asks, what’s the alternative to selling at a trade show? 23:46 Are trade shows here for the long haul? The hosts perspectives 27:38 Chiptober Fest! Come join us 30:55

What exactly is EOS, and what is an L10 meeting? This week on the MakingChips podcast, co-hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner share their experiences and discuss how to use the Entrepreneurial Operating System for leadership success.    Segments: Jason and Nick share their thoughts on expansion. (3:33) Jim announces 'Chiptober Fest' for the MakingChips Grand Opening event.  (5:45) Jim shares this week's manufacturing news: Indiana Lost nearly 8,000 Manufacturing Jobs in 2019 (6:50) Jim reads the first paragraph of Letting Go of The Vine, of the book Traction. (11:45) What is EOS? The Definition of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (12:39) Nick defines the process of kicking off your EOS (17:00) What is an L10 meeting and why is it called L10? (21:08) The structure of a Level 10 meeting: (23:46) One of the most important aspects of the L10 meeting- Rocks. (27:23) The 3rd aspect of the L10 Meeting: Client/Employee Headlines ( 30:40) What are To-Do lists? (31:40) Identify, discuss, solve: Issues List  (32:27) Differentiating the types of issues that belong on the issues list. (35:07) L10 Meeting: What is a parking lot? (38:55)  The guys share their success using L10 meetings for their businesses. (40:38)

Are you communicating with your team effectively? Step up your communication skills this week as Jason Zenger shares 10 effective tips to improve your communication as a leader.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!   Segments: Jason discusses "miscommunication" (1:02) Jim shares good news about Carr Machine & Tool. (5:28) The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (7:44) Tip #1: How to be self aware to understand your team better. (14:30)  Tip #2: Why you should assume the best in others when you communicate. (15:47) Tip #3: Have a mutual best outcome in mind while communicating.  (17:01)  Tip #4: Be direct and forthcoming, but be empathetic. (19:02)  Tip #5: Be open with your team: Share your thoughts and ideas with your team. (20:33) Tip #6: Understand people can handle bad news better than they can handle lack of communication. (21:30)  Tip #7: Be specific with what you're asking for. (22:48) Tip #8: Seek to understand your team. (27:20) Tip #9: Over-communicate. (29:54)  Tip #10: Learn how others like to receive communication. (31:14)

In this episode, MakingChips hosts, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner interview MakingChips Agency Director Jessica Peterson about what it means to have brand standards for your manufacturing business and why having a logo doesn't translate to having a brand.    Segments: The guys discuss this week's manufacturing news. (5:08) The guys introduce this week's topic of Brand standards with special guest, MakingChips Marketing Director Jessica Peterson (9:00)  Jessica shares the importance of brand standards and where to start. (11:16) Jessica gives insight on what should be part of your brand standards: Brand Book, Style Guide, and Media Kit (13:32) Jessica shares some core elements your brand book should include. (15:48) Jessica explains what a Media Kit is. (20:17) Jason defines what a Favicon is and how to use it properly. (25:05) The guys discuss the importance of defining your brand standards if you want to be a company that scales. (27:08) Jessica shares how a small shop can start creating their brand book. (30:40) Email Jessica at [email protected] 

When it comes to managing a sales team, it’s important not to confuse efforts with results. In this episode, co-host Nick Goellner draws on his experience as AME Sales & Marketing Director to discuss key sales results and metrics as they relate to manufacturing sales team management, customer service, and marketing efforts.   Segments: Co-host Jim Carr discusses what is keeping him positive at work right now. (1:37) Nick gives a Boring Bar update, announcing staff changes and new employment opportunities. (2:37) Co-host Jason Zenger gives a business update and introduces the topic of journalistic integrity. (4:49) The guys discuss this week’s manufacturing news regarding U.S. manufacturing hitting a 14-month high. (8:47) The guys introduce this week’s topic of sales and the impact it has on manufacturing businesses and how sales are managed at each business Nick explains his four types of sales management: territory, account, opportunity, call; and defines sales force enablement and how it can improve a team. (16:32) Nick provides details on the types of sales meetings he uses, including the frequency, order of operations, and desired outcomes. (20:19) The guys discuss utilizing the CRM (22:20)  Nick explains the difference between group vs one-on-one meetings at AME and provides details about performance criteria including: new business development, key account management, brand building. (29:33) Nick defines his expectations of what it means to be a brand builder and explains how he evaluates his sales team, including factors he uses to adjust compensation. (36:40) Mentioned on the Show: CRM Hubspot Salesforce Integration “U.S. manufacturing activity hits 14-month high”

Times are changing and as manufacturing leaders, we need to adjust with these times. "In business, if we don't change, we don't grow and we don't survive." - Robin Johnson, a change agent, with a passion for helping organizational leaders move their organizations from current to future state joins MakingChips to discuss how to become emotionally intelligent as a leader during these changing times. Segments: Jim and Jason discuss how they are changing and adapting with their businesses through a global pandemic. (1:42) Jason and Jim discuss manufacturing news about the H.R. 6690 Act (5:46) Guest Robin Johnson explains what emotional intelligence is. (13:41)  Robin gives insight on how to use emotional intelligence as a manufacturing leader. Robin discusses the importance of having your employees feeling great about wanting to work for your business. (20:45) The 16 elements to emotional intelligence. (26:54) Robin and Jim discuss how to help nurture your employees to accept change. (28:18) The types of leaders you should look for to help grow your business. (34:35) Robin shares insight on how she got into change and development.  Mentioned on the Show: Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements To Consumers Here In North America Act (H.R.6690) Leaders Don't Have to Be Lonely: Eliminate the Loneliness by Leading Like a Coach (Book)

In business and in life we all experience pain we can’t control. Jim Carr reflects on the recent death of his parents and gives practical advice on how business leaders can prepare for personal loss and grief.   Segments: Jason Zenger talks about the recent trend of companies coming back to ZENGER’S from large national integrators and discusses the value of high-level customer service. (3:20) Jason and Jim discuss manufacturing news about how the Reshoring Initiative aims to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. (5:15) Jim discusses multi-generational machine shops and the importance of mitigating a personal and professional plan for when a leader passes on. (13:30) Jason and Jim discuss the role of open communication in succession planning and the value of hiring of outside professionals to help. (18:10) Jim discusses the importance of creating a trust to avoid probate and insulate assets from creditors. (24:30) Jim answers Jason’s questions about the most valuable lessons he learned from his father. (28:30) Jim discusses the evolution of leadership styles from his father’s generation to now and explains how creating core values and adapting to modern business practices has helped him navigate succession and loss. (32:15)   Mentioned on the Show: Don’t Give Up on Bringing Manufacturing Back to the U.S. (article) Bellicose Rhetoric (definition)

Co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger talk about their past experiences with fear in business, including navigating recession, unemployment, and the current pandemic, then offer seven steps for leading through fear, along with personal applications and examples.    Segments: Nick and Jim to talk about their most fearful time in business (1:30) Jim gives an update on Carr Machine Tool’s new business (5:15) Jason introduces manufacturing news about Apple’s manufacturing base (6:45) Jim, Nick and Jason talk about overcoming fear as business leaders and provide commentary on how taking certain steps have led to successful innovation, expansion and reinvention. (10:15) Jim, Nick, and Jason add their final thoughts and reflections. (27:40)   Mentioned on the show: The Strategic Coach Podcast  Killing Marketing: How Innovative Businesses Are Turning Marketing Cost Into Profit, by Richard Rose   Related links: https://sports.yahoo.com/apple-looking-diversify-manufacturing-headphones-072853788.html

Guest Steve Schubert, Chief Operating Officer at Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., talks with co-hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger about his rise from high school apprentice to a manufacturing industry leader and provides advice and perspective on recruiting and training the next generation of manufacturers.   Segments: Jason provides a positive outlook on business-related changes prompted by COVID-19 (2:10) Nick introduces manufacturing news about a recent drop in Europe’s automotive industry sales (4:05) Guest Steve Schubert explains how he first got involved in manufacturing (10:00) Steve discusses his experience with formal apprenticeship and gives some thoughts on alternative educational opportunities and what it will take to build future manufacturing leaders (21:00) Steve gives insight into recruitment and discusses specific sources for finding future employees  (28:00) Jason and Jim discuss whether or not it is the company’s responsibility to teach soft skills (33:00) Steve provides advice on how small companies can benefit from apprenticeship programs and gives final thoughts on the benefits of a career in manufacturing (36:00) Jim, Nick, and Jason provide final takeaways (42:00)   Mentioned on the show: Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association German Precision Tool Industry Projects Decline in Consumption

When it comes to your cutting tools, how do you know when it's time to resharpen or recycle? This week on the MakingChips podcast, hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner discuss when and why you should consider resharpening your cutting tools as well as the cost to resharpen versus cost of buying brand new.

It’s tempting, in rapid response, to abandon procedures or suspend protocols in order to solve immediate crisis situations. This week’s guest, Noah Goellner, lean manufacturing expert and COO of Hennig Inc., provides practical methods for incorporating your company’s core values and internal processes to produce successful solutions, no matter the timeline or challenge.

MakingChips guest Jim Griffith, an employment attorney for HR Source, answers timely questions about individual state and federal marijuana laws, and provides manufacturing leaders with three action steps to help address management and human resources issues related to the use of legalized cannabis.

Chad Moutray, chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), talks with MC hosts Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger to provide insight into the current economic conditions for manufacturers during COVID-19 and offer an economic forecast for the future of our industry.

In a timely interview, Jim Carr, Nick Goellner, and Jason Zenger sit down with Cook County IL Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle, who oversees one of the nation’s largest public health and hospital systems as well as one of the nation’s largest criminal justice systems, to discuss details of the COVID-19 management and response, the CARES Act, and how to utilize current and future available resources to meet the demands of the crisis. 

Are there any positives in this pandemic? With social distancing, working from home, schools and businesses closing, and travel being restricted, the physical and psychological impact of COVID-19 is hitting us all. The MakingChips podcast has always focused on equipping and inspiring leaders in the manufacturing industry and we are not changing course now. In this episode, Jim Carr and Nick Goellner talk with guest Karl Koenigsberger, Business Development Manager at IRIS Factory Automation, about finding opportunities to improve services, products, and management during this unprecedented time of change and challenge.

In this week's MakingChips podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner discuss the impact of today’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and consider its effect on the manufacturing industry, future investors, travel and much more.

When the family members running the family business comprise everyone from seasoned octogenarians to fresh-faced millennials, challenges arise that are not necessarily talked about in other industries. In this week’s MakingChips podcast, hosts Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner (representing three separate generations) delve into some complex, and often emotional, leadership issues experienced in their own multigenerational family businesses, and provide guidance on how to navigate these delicate situations.

As business leaders, the way we respond to unforeseen issues and crises can put a spotlight on both strengths and vulnerabilities within our corporate practices, culture, and personal character.      In this week’s MakingChips podcast, Jason Zenger challenges Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and the metalworking nation to examine the impact of today’s Coronavirus (CoV) pandemic, and consider its effect on the manufacturing industry as well as what can be learned from the way leaders around the world are reacting to this threat.  The guys discuss 4 points that every manufacturing leader can learn from this crisis as well as Xi Jinping, the paramount leader of the PRC, and the reaction from the Communist Party of China.

You are motivated, inspired and positive - your employee… not so much. How can you turn around an employee who does not match the positive energy in your workplace?In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger, and Jim Carr, discuss a listener’s question and come up with 3 ways you can inspire your employees even if you’re new to your leadership role. Learn how to bring the energy, develop or redefine your core values, and find out what really drives your employees in this week’s new episode of MakingChips.   Feedback? Go to MakingChips.com/feedback

Has anyone ever called you a control freak? Do you have trouble sharing responsibility? Is your inability to delegate holding back your potential? Divide and conquer is the name of the game on today’s episode of MakingChips. Jason Zenger, Jim Carr and Nick Goellner take a look at how to become the best version of yourself by taking simple steps such as learning to delegate and be more self-aware. Learn how to identify workaholic traits in yourself and how to combat them with the MakingChips team.

What exactly is the multiplier effect? How does manufacturing positively impact the economy and our communities? What makes manufacturing and other “creation industries” different from service industries?    In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger tackles these questions and more as the MakingChips team dives into a listener question.  Do Jim Carr and Nick Goellner agree with the analysis?  Listen and let us know what you think!

This week’s guest on MakingChips, Federico Sciammarella, CTO at MxD, gives us an insider's glimpse of the “future factory” and offers practical ways to introduce digital to any size shop. Located in Chicago, MxD is one of 14 institutes that make up Manufacturing USA, a public-private funded partnership working to secure American manufacturing's future through innovation, education, and collaboration.

Sustainable growth for today’s manufacturing leader has as much to do with company values as it does with the value of your company. As industry leaders, setting meaningful personal and professional goals assure strong culture, inspire innovation and, ultimately, increase shareholder value. In this week’s MakingChips podcast, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger, and Nick Goellner each share the vision behind their own personal and professional goals for 2020 and provide inspiration on how to tackle the new year with meaning, purpose, and direction. Listen to the "guys that get dirty on the factory floor" on all major audio platforms and channels.        

What’s the one question to ask before making any investment decision? As leaders in the industry we are dedicated to growth, yet with quality manufacturing relying so heavily on process, it often seems safer to keep doing things the way we always have. In today’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger talks mergers, acquisitions, and good ways to grow with Mike Payne, President of Hill Manufacturing and Fabrication, who spent the first half of his career buying, managing, and selling dozens of companies across multiple industries before successfully acquiring a machine shop of his own.   Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

A team of leaders who are not united will never reach their potential.  On today’s episode of MakingChips, the guys discuss the importance of team health after Jason Zenger shares an exercise he does with his leadership team at ZENGERS.  This exercise brings healthy conflict to the forefront of their end-of-year planning meetings. The process improves company culture and brings teams closer together by affirming what each member admires about each other and what they would like to see improved.   Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Quality management in the manufacturing industry should be high on your list of priorities. Carr Machine & Tool is going through the auditing process with ProShop ERP to prepare for the AS9100 certification they’d like to obtain. In this episode of MakingChips, the guys will talk with Paul Van Metre and Michael Collins about ProShop ERP, AS9100, and everything you need to know to prepare for getting your shop certified.  Paul is the president of ProShop USA, and founder of Adion Systems, which develops ProShop, a web-based and paperless ERP, MES, QMS system specifically designed for elite companies in the metalworking industry. They partner with shops that seek to be elite and deliver cutting edge quality. Michael is an implementation specialist at ProShop USA, who trains clients on how to effectively use and implement ProShop in their shops. In addition, Michael provides QMS consulting in the areas of compliance, documentation, auditing and achieving management system certification such as AS 9100. Michael is also an ASQ certified quality auditor.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact ProShop takes quality management to a whole new level ProShop describes itself as a Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem (DME) that combines quality management system (QMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), Computerized Maintenance Management System, and manufacturing execution system (MES) all in one.  Not only is ProShop ERP an all-encompassing system you need for your manufacturing business, but they are also completely paperless. The system takes you into the 21st century and helps you manage everything in one system.  This episode IS a shameless plug for ProShop because we 100% believe everyone needs to integrate it into their business—and we aren’t afraid to say it.  What you need to do to get AS9100 certified AS9100 is the international Quality Management System standard for the Aviation, Space and Defense (AS&D) industry (Rev D (2016) is the most recent version). If you want to work with the AS&D you must get your shop certified.  So what does the AS9100 certification process look like? According to Michael, you simply start with a gap assessment. He’ll come in and ask questions, look at records and evaluate where your business is currently at as far as conforming to the AS9100 requirements.  The gap assessment will help you narrow down where you need to focus and implement changes to become compliant with your quality management. According to Michael: “The whole idea of quality is continuous improvement”.  It won’t be achieved in a day, but you can take ongoing steps. There is always something to be improved upon. Be sure to listen as Michael goes into detail.  How does ProShop ERP simplify the auditing process?  All of the records that Michael needs to audit can be found within ProShop. There is no navigating through different programs or—heaven forbid—paper files. He can follow the audit trail from one thing to the next in one seamless platform.  ProShop cuts down the time it takes to do an audit to a third.  Jim points out that as a business owner, this is a weight off your shoulders. There are so many other areas where your time is better spent and if you’re decreasing the time spent on an audit bt 66% it decreases anxiety. It also allows you to get back to what you need to do much faster. Doing things paperless will become the new standard. An auditor can’t tell you that you have to use binders. Even if they aren’t familiar with ProShop, you can walk them through where to find any and all of the info they need.  ProShop raises the bar when it comes to excellence in quality ProShop integrated quality management into their system to benefit you. Here are just a few of the functionalities and updates they make that raise the bar:  They help you integrate updates into your system as revisions are made to the standard. They are always updating their ‘Flying Start’ package to reflect regulation updates. The integrate a vendor rating system so you can track the quality of the vendors that you work with. It always you to rank vendors on quality, communication, on-time delivery, and more.  ProShop offers different options to help make sure your system is secure and follows ITAR regulations (on-site server or AWS GovCloud).  We rely on ProShop ERP to automate our systems and help us go above and beyond expectations with the quality we deliver.  Listen to the whole episode for valuable information on quality management, ProShop ERP, ASQ9100 certification and much more.  Here’s The Good Stuff! What’s new at Carr Machine & Tool and Zenger’s & Black Manufacturing News: Automated Metrology by Quality Magazine Michael Collins and Paul Van Metre join Jason and Jim How Michael got started in the manufacturing industry What you need to do to get AS 9100 certified Having ProShop ERP cuts audits down to ⅓ of the time People Recognize that ProShop ERP is an efficient QMS system A conversation about the ProShop vendor rating system Is ProShop ERP a secure system? Tools & Takeaways ProShop ERP Automated Metrology by Quality Magazine American Society for Quality Amazon GovCloud ISO 9001:2015 This Week’s Superstar Guests Michael Collins on LinkedIn Paul Van Metre on LinkedIn ProShop ERP on Facebook ProShop ERP on Twitter Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Is it possible to recession-proof a business? With all the chatter in the economic world about the potential of a recession, how do you mitigate your losses? Are their things that you can do up-front that would help you survive a recession? Jim and Jason discuss the ‘dirty word’ in the industry and some steps you can consider implementing before—or when—a recession hits.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Why are so many NOT worried about a recession?  Many young people in the industry who dove into the workforce after 2008 don’t understand what it means to be in a recession. They haven’t lived through one. Those who remember what it felt like hate to talk or think about it. Jim points out that despite the emotion surrounding the word, it needs to be brought back into the vocabulary. Just because you avoid something doesn’t mean it won’t still happen. Jason and Jim emphasize that if you are educated and prepared a recession won’t impact you as much as it could. So what do you do? If a recession IS coming, what do you do? Jim notes that every recession he’s lived through “looks and feels a little bit different than the one before.'' The unfortunate reality is that we don’t know when a recession will come, how bad it will be, or how long it will last. When Jason’s Dad, Steve, led his business through a recession—he stopped taking a paycheck for a chunk of time. If you’re a business owner, you will have to take some hits. It’s inevitable. Jason’s dad knew he had to protect his business and employees, so he stopped paying himself to get them through the economic downturn. One way to mitigate the harshness of this reality in your own life is to build up a nest-egg. Create a savings account in case of a recession that can see you, your family, and your business through to the other side.  Labor is the #1 biggest cost in the manufacturing industry If cutting your pay isn’t enough to mitigate the financial losses, you have to address the elephant in the room: you might have to let someone go. It’s not easy to do, but sometimes it has to be done. It comes with the territory of being a business owner. It may come down to, “Who can we afford to lose?”.  Sometimes, there is a clear path. Steve Zenger had to ‘trim the fat’ in the last recession and fire a few people who were under-performing or unwilling to help them make it through the recession. If you’re not at the point where you need to make some layoffs, a tip to save some money is to reduce overtime. If you can’t afford to pay your team, you certainly can’t afford to pay time-and-a-half.  Reduce your overhead costs and develop sales skills Jason currently pays rent on three different locations for his business. He questions if a recession hits, could he consolidate locations to reduce overhead? Another option the guys point out is relocating the business somewhere with lower rent.  During the last recession, Jason’s Dad took him out for lunch, and point-blank asked: “What are you going to do about this?”. Jason wasn’t going to sit back and cry. Instead, he developed a passion for sales. If business wasn’t finding him, he was going to do everything possible to bring it in.  A recession is difficult to talk about, but Jim and Jason agree it’s stuff you need to know. A business owner must do everything they can to prepare. To hear the rest of their suggestions regarding surviving a recession, listen to the whole episode of MakingChips! Here’s The Good Stuff! Recession is a dirty word in the industry The potential of the electric vehicle Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to the Boring Bar Newsletter! America’s largest truck engine manufacturer is laying off 2,000 people Mitigating the risks that come with a recession When it comes down to reducing your labor force Jim and Jason discuss ways to lower your overhead costs Don’t get used to a lifestyle of expensive living Consider outsourcing work that isn’t profitable Tools & Takeaways Xometry Trucking Companies Going out of Business Cummins Diesel Announced Layoffs of 2,000 employees Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Today’s guest on the MakingChips podcast is passionate about job creation in the manufacturing industry. Today’s youth are being pushed towards college degree—while racking up debt—which has led to $1.6 trillion in student loan debt in the country. It is staggering. Unfortunately, many students spend the majority of their working life paying off that debt.  Jon Klinepeter left a career as a Pastor to start Forrest Bradshaw Industries and the Better Good Group. His goal is to offer underprivileged youth a shot in an industry that is screaming for more labor. To hear more about his heart and mission in manufacturing, listen to the whole episode of MakingChips now! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Jon’s journey from Ministry to Machining Jon Klinepeter spent 22 years as a Pastor in Chicago (and Minneapolis, MN). He had a passion and love for the people he worked with. He was an advocate in his community. His faith has always been very important to him—but he didn’t love the church organizational structure. So he completed an MBA in Strategy and Innovation. Then, he bought a 38-year-old CNC Machining company from a Polish Immigrant.  But why machining? Jon’s grandfather was his hero growing up, and had spent his life as a machinist. According to Jon, what drew him in was “The intellect being expressed through your hands rather than through an education system that rewards a certain type of thinking”. He wanted to build a business with that thought in mind. A passion for job creation Jon’s passion is job creation, and he knows the manufacturing industry is constantly growing. Not only is it growing, but being a CNC machinist is the highest paying career you can have without a college degree. Jon wanted to take that knowledge and start creating generational opportunities for underprivileged youth. Nothing brings him greater joy than seeing the look of hope on someone’s face when they’ve been offered a job they never thought remotely possible. The purpose of Forrest Bradshaw is to inspire hope for a better future through living wage job opportunities in precision metal manufacturing. 100,000 jobs for at-risk youth is possible With his purpose and vision for Forrest Bradshaw, he launched an initiative to create 100,000 jobs for at-risk youth across the country. He wanted to inspire hope for a better future through living wage job opportunities in precision metal manufacturing. He’s watched thousands of kids walking into job fairs scared and hopeless, but leaving full of hope.  What is being offered is more than just a job, but a future.  Many kids don’t have the right guidance or mentors available to them. Those of us fortunate enough to have parents that were available had a safety net. Parents are ongoing mentors throughout our lives—but many underprivileged youths don’t get that. Providing jobs gives them hope for the next generation.  A business owner must lead with Integrity With his core vision in mind, Jon knew he had to build a business with his values at the center of everything he did. The foundational value he chose to build Forrest Bradshaw on was integrity. At times, practicing integrity can seem counter-cultural. Jon reminisced about getting some machinery fixed: The company giving him a quote for the job (that the insurance was going to cover) asked him what cut that he wanted from the quote.  With his team waiting to see what his response would be, he responded “Just whatever it costs, bill us for that”. Your integrity will cost you something. That would’ve been easy money in his pocket. Instead, he chose to honor his core values and lead with integrity.  To hear the rest of Jon’s mission, vision, core values, and advice for leaders in manufacturing, listen to the whole episode!  Here’s The Good Stuff! What would Jim do if he wasn’t at Carr Machine & Tool? What’s happening at Carr Machine & Tool  What’s new at Zenger & Black Subscribe to the Boring Bar Newsletter! Manufacturing News: Mike Rowe weighs in on student debt Why Jon Klinepeter left ministry for machining The purpose of Forrest Bradshaw Industries The core values Jon embraces in his business Jon’s advice for aspiring manufacturing leaders We chat with Mark at Xometry about ITAR compliant vs. registered Tools & Takeaways Lack of shop classes is why we’re $1.6T in student debt: Mike Rowe Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR) Connect with Mark Gallagher This Week’s Superstar Guest Forrest Bradshaw Industries Jon’s LinkedIn Better Good Group Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Employee onboarding can be stressful and it’s hard to know what you should or shouldn’t be doing. What do you tell a new hire on day one? Do you start the process before their first day? When do you do performance reviews? The list of questions goes on! Today, Jim and Jason are going to walk you through the Carr Machine & Tool onboarding experience.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Hiring Millennials: A new era of employee onboarding? The overarching number of people applying to machinist jobs are millennials. For those of us in a different generation, do we need to change the way we onboard? According to Jungohr, there are some tips to make the process more successful.  Get on-board with preboarding: You can send the employee handbook and have them fill out the necessary paperwork before day one. Begin relationship-building: One fun way? Have them listen to the MakingChips Podcast! Clearly communicate: Communication is key to a successful onboarding process (this, of course, applies to every generation) Establish a sense of purpose: Millennials want to feel as if they are contributing to the greater good of the company and the world. Foster an environment where they know they are! Many of these points apply to every generation, but it’s been found to be especially impactful to Millennials. Let us know what YOU think! How to gauge if the potential hire is the best fit At Carr Machine & Tool, Jim has several ways to see if a potential hire is a fit for their culture. If he has a good feeling about a candidate, he will bring them into his weekly production meeting to see how they interact with the team. He also enjoys walking a candidate through the shop to see how they interact and engage with people. This could be labeled as “pre-boarding”—he’s involving the potential hire in his company culture before officially hiring.  If they’re not interested in engaging and don’t make an effort, you can end the process before it’s even started. It may seem time-consuming on the front-end but can save a lot of pain and problems throughout the next 30, 60, or 90 days. Make performance reviews meaningful  On a new hire’s first day, Jim lays out what the process looks like, and schedules a 30-day performance review. The first 30 days is a sort of trial period to see how they acclimate. There is no goal-setting or anything that would place pressure on the candidate. You want them to spend time shadowing (and there’s a lot of hand-holding) and learning new processes.  Jim makes sure to ask 6 different questions in the first performance review. He wants to let them know if they are on-par with expectations and see how they think they’re doing. Jim will even let them know if they are performing below expectations. The goal isn’t to be critical, but to let them know that you are going to take an active role in their success.  When should you do a compensation review? Listen to find out! Regular performance reviews are a proven process for success Within the first year an employee is hired, Jim does performance reviews at 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, and at the one-year mark. These reviews are based on goals they’ve set, improvements that were recommended, and so forth. If the employee has proven themselves exceptional, they reward the employee with a pay increase.  It allows the employee to learn new skills and be goal-driven.  The goal is to help your team members feel more connected and that they have a safe environment to grow in—you want to help them reach the next level of expertise. When you schedule reviews in a formulaic manner, it’s a structured way for both you and the employee to constantly move forward.  To hear some mistakes to avoid, be sure to listen to the rest of the episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! What’s new at Zenger! Subscribe to our newsletter: text CHIPS to 38470 4 Proven Ways to Successfully Onboard Millennial Employees The onboarding process at Carr Machine & Tool Check out Xometry’s helpful design guides! A proven process that works for Carr Mistakes to avoid making during reviews Tools & Takeaways Xometry’s Design Guide Jungohr’s Millennial Onboarding Article Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

This re-release of one of our most popular episodes includes never released bonus content about development, retention strategies, compensation techniques and much more. Our returning guest, Jess Giudici, packs a punch with her on-point advice and skillful mastery of employee development. If you’re ready to grow and retain a team of motivated and fulfilled employees, don’t miss this special episode! Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Create development paths that aren’t leadership specific Human Resources (HR) is a faction of every company and the roles within HR can vary. On one hand, they must be focused on protecting the business. But new-school HR is about recruitment, development, training, and retention. As an employer, it is your job to make sure that the employees you’ve recruited feel understood and fulfilled in their role.  One means of doing that is crafting different development paths that allow team members to grow—that aren’t necessarily leadership. Not everyone wants to climb the career ladder with the end goal of being in leadership. How can you help individuals grow in their roles, take on more responsibility, or become more technically proficient?  To hear some of the questions that Jess recommends asking to gauge what an employee desires for their career path, keep listening! The conversation about compensation  Jess recommends having “touch-point” conversations with employees throughout the year where you gauge their engagement level and offer support. Sometimes, they may feel content with the role that they’re playing and aren’t looking to take on increased responsibility. Jess points out that this is great if they’re consistently achieving what is expected of them. But the guys ask—what if they want more money with no added responsibility? Jess takes the challenging question head-on, recommending that you be ready and equipped to answer. She points out that it’s okay to implement salary caps for positions and clearly define up-front that you understand the desire for a raise, but they are at the high end of the payscale for their position. If they would like more compensation you can start the conversation but be sure they’re aware that includes increasing responsibilities.  Jason, Jim, and Jess continue to talk about fair market value, offers from competition, and employee engagement. Don’t miss it! You need to implement two separate reviews Many businesses tend to do an “annual review” to assess employee performance and converse about the “expected” raise. Jess believes these conversations need to be split up. The annual review should only be about performance. It should be tying up loose ends regarding the conversations you’ve had throughout the year. Center the review around development and engagement. Be sure the employee knows that compensation is not part of this conversation, and they will be more engaged and open.  Compensation needs to be addressed separately, even perhaps as the employee is exceeding what is expected of them. Often, there is an expectation that an employee will get a “cost-of-living” raise, but this isn’t always the case. Your team needs to know that if they are exhibiting behaviors that detract from their productivity and performance, they may not get the expected raise. Jess points out that the team members should know that their performance has been lacking—it shouldn’t come as a surprise—and that you will work with them to further develop. Perhaps they’ll see that raise at a later date as they improve.  The guys open up a tough conversation about some of their pet peeves about expected yearly raises. Be sure to listen! Understanding employee turnover and developing retention strategies In most cases, Jim and Jason aren’t surprised when an employee announces they’re leaving, but sometimes it comes as a surprise. If an employee decides to leave unexpectedly, it’s important to know why. Were they engaged? Did they receive sufficient training? Did their pay scale not match the market? All of these questions can be incorporated into an exit interview. It allows you to reflect on your processes and making changes where necessary.  But how do you avoid employee turnover? Jess advocates for giving your employees a voice. When someone is employed in a culture where they feel validated and understood, they are likely to feel fulfilled in their role. You can cultivate a culture that gives everyone a voice while aligning with your core values. Hold round-table discussions, ask for feedback or have employees complete surveys—then be prepared to implement changes. This helps your team feel heard and respected. Jess, Jason, and Jim talk in detail about developing a culture of engagement in this episode. If you’re ready to create a company culture where no one wants to leave, this is the episode for you!  Here’s The Good Stuff! Uniting your team under the goal to constantly improve.  Manufacturing news: Millennials’ Skeptical About Manufacturing Careers Jess Giudici is back with the Metal Working Nation! Fostering a love of personal and company growth through HR development.  Understanding the individual: what drives your employees? What if someone doesn’t want to climb the career ladder? Balancing formal and informal development conversations.  Separating performance and pay reviews.  Understanding why people leave and why people stay.  Creating and cultivating a great company culture.  Bonus content: Compensation techniques with Jess Giudici.  Automated quoting process with Greg Paulson of Xometry Keeping file sharing ITAR compliant  Tools & Takeaways Millennials Skeptical About Manufacturing Careers Halogen Software Smalley ProShop ERP This Week’s Superstar Guest: Jess Giudici Jess Giudici  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Is social media marketing for manufacturers really worth the effort? How should you market your brand in general? It may be hard to figure out where you fit in the social media world and what content to put out. In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason talk about why social media marketing can make a positive impact on your business. Their answers aren’t what you expect! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Prioritize Self-Care above your business Jim and Jason had a scary Halloween—but not for the reason you'd expect. They were preparing to record a couple of episodes for the podcast. Instead, Jim was rushed to the ER with a case of Gastritis. Among other factors, severe stress is one of the things that contributed to his illness. Running multiple businesses and caring for unhealthy parents took a toll on him. The moral of the story? Know what’s going on with your body, and take care of yourself. As a business owner, you have an obligation to care for your company. However, it is impossible to do so if you aren’t healthy. Proper self-care should be the entrepreneur’s #1 priority. Jim is already active and watches his diet, but wasn’t limiting his stress. It was a wake-up call for him and he hopes that it’s a wake-up call for listeners as well.  Social Media marketing to promote company culture A listener pointed out that he doesn’t believe a machine shop must do any social media marketing. He doesn’t buy it. He believes that it’s a total waste of time for an industrial company. After all, what aerospace engineer goes on Facebook to look for a manufacturer? While Jim and Jason point out and understand that social media isn’t for everyone, there are some important reasons to utilize Social media.  Firstly, you’re not creating posts on Facebook to attract buyers. You are doing it to promote your company culture. You can promote new talent or offer a behind the scenes take of what your company does. Social media allows a business to share their values with the world. It is THE most effective way to do so—and costs you nothing but time.  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn—where do you begin? As much as you may not want to give credence to the importance of the social space, they point out that people build careers in social media. Instagram influencers make thousands of dollars promoting services or products in posts. Instagram is a great model for the manufacturing space because it allows you to share visuals in a meaningful way. You can share photos of parts, people in your business, or of projects you’re working on. Or perhaps a short video of work in progress or a how-to piece. Whatever it is, it allows you to build an authentic connection with your audience. If you’re providing valuable information, social media marketing for your brand can certainly be worth the time and effort. LinkedIn can also be a useful tool to attract new talent. A new hire came across some of the content Jim had shared on LinkedIn. He saw that Jim was hiring a C & C Machinist, and messaged him about the opportunity. He already knew—based on their social media presence—that the company would be a good fit. And he was! Marketing isn’t a waste of time when done properly Marketing doesn’t necessarily reap immediate rewards as far as attracting new clients. However, the immediate reward is how it impacts your company. As you build a website or define a marketing strategy, you are defining how you want your business presented to the world. What are your values? What are your specialties? What is the #1 thing you want the general public to know about your company?  As you’re building a vision for your brand it helps lay out the vision for how you operate your business. You differentiate yourself in the industry by being different, and marketing helps you portray what makes you special. If you stand out and exploit what makes your business different, you attract the type of customers that are the right fit. They emphasize the importance of finding a good marketing agency to guide you through the process. It can make a world of difference.  Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing leaders need to prioritize self care SIA latest news Social media marketing for manufacturers What can Instagram do for you? Is marketing a waste of time? Find a good marketing agency! What Upcoming episodes will look like A conversation with Peter Goguen of Xometry Tools & Takeaways ProShop ERP StoryBrand Marketing Xometry Titan Gilroy Zenger’s Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Making the decision to employ veterans may seem like a shot in the dark, but it could actually be the best hiring decision you will ever make as a manufacturing leader. Military veterans not only have the tangible leadership skills you need to grow and succeed in your business, but they also bring a rich set of attributes and experiences to the table. Making the transition from military life to a new, civilian career can be intimidating, however! Helping veterans thrive in their post-military chapters is what brought Andrea Biwer (Executive Director of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce) and Marne Deithorn (Director of Human Resources at the Des Plaines Rivers Casino) together to form the Veteran Boot Camp.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The “Aha moment” that created the Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp Andrea knew there was a shortage in the manufacturing workforce, but she didn’t see it as an opportunity for veterans until she watched her son and his friends come back from their service in the marines and have trouble finding work. Joining with Marne (a veteran herself!) at the Rivers Casino, the two women helped lead the charge in founding the Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp. The ten-week program is built to help and empower veterans who have given so much to our country and to fill job opportunities within various industries - including manufacturing!  A ten-week itinerary of life-changing self-discovery Over 250 veterans have applied to the boot camp since it began. 20 were chosen out of 85 applications for this past year’s program. While there are no set criteria for being accepted, Andrea and Marne explain that they painstakingly go through each application, looking for those they believe will most benefit from the experience and be committed to the learning opportunity. Those that aren’t accepted are still given access to the job fair put on by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce.  Mentors come alongside the veterans, sharing their own mistakes and experiences. Topics such as Who are You?, Persona, and Introversion vs. Extroversion are covered, as well as interviewing skills and resume building. Marne explains that in the military, everyone is told exactly what to do - all the time. Veterans are used to a life where they are told what to wear, where to move, and what they should do in their job. Suddenly living in a world without constant direction can be daunting. The Boot Camp endeavors to help veterans find themselves again after identifying themselves as “the military” for so long.  Employ veterans for their strengths and tangible leadership experience Andrea and Marne share that the veterans who leave the program are filled with newfound confidence and strength in their personal capabilities. The practical experiences they gain from the program, such as participation in networking events and community service projects, help give them a sense of purpose outside of the military. One of the greatest strengths of veterans is their desire for purpose - to give to something bigger than themselves. Veterans have so much to offer, and their military training and experiences have proven them to be men and women of integrity, loyalty, character, and principle. They know how to lead under pressure and how to build up those around them to greater achievements. They know how to make decisions. When you employ veterans, you aren’t just utilizing their skill-set, you are investing in the future.  Don’t stereotype - we all have things we struggle with  Unfortunately, there are many misconceived misgivings surrounding employing veterans. Firstly, veterans aren’t just line employees. Because of their military experience, they are ready for leadership positions at the get-go. While they may need to learn the details of a specific job, they already have the tangible leadership skills needed to succeed (know yourself, know your troops, and know your mission).  Secondly, not every veteran has PTSD. Andrea and Marne warn against placing veterans inside a box of mental disorders. “That negative stigma is absolutely ridiculous,” they say. Everyone has something they struggle with, and not only military members have PTSD. If you find that one of your employed veterans has some type of disorder, help them find the encouragement and aid they need.  Thirdly, not all homeless veterans have a debilitating habit that brought them to that condition. Again, everyone has struggles. Veterans are human too, and they deserve a chance. To learn more about the ways you can help give back to military veterans while also growing your business, listen to the episode!  Here’s The Good Stuff! Veterans know how to make decisions! The inspired beginnings of the Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp.  The three-fold mission of the Boot Camp.  How do veterans benefit from a mentorship-based program?  Overcoming obstacles on the road to self-discovery.  Training built to inspire and create the future.  Practical experiences make for a well-rounded education.  Unexpected reasons you should employ veterans.  How the manufacturing community can help make a difference.  Overcoming the negative stigmas surrounding employing veterans.  Tools & Takeaways Fifteen Benefits of Hiring Military Veterans Xometry ProShop ERP Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar This Week’s Superstar Guests Andrea on LinkedIn Marne on LinkedIn Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp Boot Camp Videos Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Training to achieve top credentials has long been a goal of many in the Metal Working Nation, but what about training for performance? Montez King, Executive Director of NIMS, unpacks the power of training machinists to perform at their ultimate best. How do you measure performance? Listen to the episode to find out!  Montez grew up on the rough side of the tracks in Baltimore - eager to pursue something bigger than himself when he grew up. Encouraged by a high school instructor to pursue machining, Montez found himself learning the tricks of the trade in his high school machine shop. Over the years in various manufacturing jobs, Montez endeavored to find solutions to the issues he found riddling the manufacturing industry - namely, the habit of companies to reward their employees for hoarding their expertise. As he climbed the industry ladder, Montez encouraged a paradigm shift towards a community rich in growth, teaching, and learning.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Redefining the values: training for performance instead of credentials When Montez became the executive director at NIMS, he laid out a new mission for the organization - to train from the end. Manufacturers are always learning. Technology continues to grow at a rate that demands elite performance and an insatiable desire to learn. Montez explains that simply having a list of credentials doesn’t cut it anymore in an industry where performance equals compensation. Employers are coming up against unique problems every day that require quick and expert solutions. Performance has become the new measuring stick.  NIMS helps companies train for performance with specific goals and standards in mind. When measuring performance, they determine whether or not an individual can operate within the responsibilities of their job description while drawing upon the competencies associated with that job. The training isn’t just for the sake of training. It’s training with a specific performance goal in mind.  Empowering the standards while building the performance  Manufacturing leaders know that they can’t wander aimlessly when trying to improve their teams. There needs to be a goal - a standard of achievement. NIMS takes this need for standards and applies it to their performance measurement, creating training methods that enable the trainee to meet the performance goals of the employer. Trainees leave with the ability to make an analysis of the task at hand and to apply their expertise based upon their best judgment of the tools, time, and needs within their environment.  Montez makes it clear that standards should not be held above performance. The answer to the employer’s needs is the competent and consistent performance of the trained individual. Credentials are awarded to individuals who complete the training and meet the performance standards so that the trainee is recognized for their hard work, while also meeting the needs of the employer. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. It’s a three-way stop in the NIMS stakeholder environment  In order to make the performance training at NIMS a true win-win, Montez has helped create a stakeholder environment in his company’s training methods. Using the image of three bars, each one stands for a stakeholder in the training: the employer, the trainer, and the trainee. Everyone is reaching for the same goal, and each one is held accountable for their part in the deal. Validation is achieved when the trainee can draw upon the competencies they have learned and can successfully apply them to the environment that their employer has defined for them. The employer is responsible for establishing the standards, the trainer is responsible for creating a training method that builds performance and skill, and the trainee is responsible for mastering the craft and competence in applying knowledge to real-life situations. All three bars have to measure up. When one falls short - they all fall short.  NIMS is building an exciting opportunity for manufacturing teams at IMTS 2020 To Montez, performance measurement is preventative maintenance! In order to push the Metal Working Nation to the next level, NIMS will be hosting a one-of-a-kind challenge at the IMTS 2020 trade show. The goal will be to measure the performance of a team, since teamwork is such a vital part of the manufacturing industry. This PM will require multiple skill-sets to come together to design, create, and produce a task that will then be voted upon by the IMTS crowd. In accordance with the NIMS training methodology, the competition will include standards, inspections, and requirements modeled after real-life challenges. What’s the reward? You’ll have to find out at IMTS 2020!  Here’s The Good Stuff! From Baltimore to NIMs - Montez’s manufacturing story.  The detrimental trend of hoarding knowledge.  Changing the culture and mission of NIMS.  Measuring performance instead of credentials.  Creating a win-win training method for employer and employee. The magic of entanglement in training.  The importance of having standards and reliable methods.  It’s the employer’s job to define the desired performance standard.  NIMS is offering an exciting opportunity at IMTS 2020! Tools & Takeaways IMTS 2020 Rockford Rescue Mission Offers New Manufacturing Training Program Xometry ProShop ERP Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar This Week’s Superstar Guest: Montez King Montez on LinkedIn Biographical video on Montez’s journey to NIMS NIMS Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Content marketing provides an opportunity to expand your business and to offer something of value to the manufacturing community around the world. Chris Fox, the creative director at MakingChips, shares why every manufacturing leader should be investing in the development of a strong and value-driven content marketing strategy. It’s all about building your online presence as a company and growing your audience.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Provide content marketing with value to those that need your expertise Content marketing has grown from only a couple of usable platforms to several powerful mediums for sharing what your business offers - from products to educational knowledge. Blogging, social media, and YouTube are all avenues for content marketing. The goal is to establish the presence of your business and brand, while also meeting the needs of the Metal Working Nation. Chris explains that learning and teaching are things that every machinist and manufacturing leader can benefit from. Every manufacturing business has expertise and wisdom to share with the manufacturing community. Don’t be afraid to begin documenting the story of your company as you create, make mistakes, and overcome obstacles. Your knowledge can easily become rich building material for content marketing!  Create authentic content that offers a valuable return on investment Your audience craves and needs original, authentic content to help them accomplish their work at their very best. Being natural in your content marketing is vital. People easily see through facades and glossy content. Be honest and provide real solutions to real problems through your content marketing. If you want your audience to invest their time in watching your videos, reading your blog, or re-tweeting your twitter post, then you need to provide a valuable ROI.  Chris encourages listeners to put aside the notion of proprietary secrets. The goal is to grow as a manufacturing community - while also building your reputation as a brand. Value-driven content marketing can help establish your reputation as a trustworthy source for knowledge and product.  Vlogging helps establish credibility with your audience  Vlogging is blogging in a video format - most often through YouTube. The true value in a blog comes from the individuals in your business. Content marketing doesn’t have to be formal or impressively polished. Being real is vital, and showcasing the talent and knowledge of individual team members can help establish credibility with your audience.  Chris explains how to navigate the nuances of vlogging as a manufacturing company. Being honest with the titles of your videos is key. If your title claims to answer a question, make sure that the video actually answers it. Google is now smart enough to read the transcript of your video and match it with the title. If those two factors don’t match up, Google is less likely to promote your video.  The length of your videos should be tailored to the needs of your audience. If it takes an hour to demonstrate the solution to a real problem, then your video should be an hour long. If it only takes three minutes, then only create three minutes. Lots of ads and fluff in your videos will turn your audience away and detract from your credibility. Above all, be honest and be concise.  Equip and inspire your audience - and your team The value in content marketing is derived from the desire to give without thought of receiving anything in return. Take the time to understand what your customers, partners, and team members need. Know what platforms they use and what types of mediums they are most likely to engage with. While you may not be able to kick off a content marketing strategy that utilizes YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook all at once, you can certainly start with one. Don’t have expensive camera equipment to film? Use your phone! Bring in the team and refer to their feedback when developing material. Companies aren’t people, but they are made up of people. Make sure that you are providing excellent content by ensuring that you are not only promoting your brand but also equipping and inspiring.  Here’s The Good Stuff! Why Jim and Jason see MakingChips as a way to pour back into the Metal Working Nation.  Introducing Chris Fox: Creative Director at MakingChips Is all marketing content marketing? The valuable knowledge that manufacturers have to share.  Tracking your marketing performance through content marketing platforms.  People want value - not excess material.  Knowing what platform is best for your company’s needs. Building credibility through vlogging.  How important is the title of your vlog video? Showcasing the people in your business - not just your products.  Gaging the appropriate length for your video.  Learning how to tag your videos.  Tools & Takeaways What Is Content Marketing? MakingChips on YouTube Xometry ProShop ERP Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar This Week’s Superstar Guest: Chris Fox Creative Director at MakingChips Chris on LinkedIn Chris on Twitter Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Choosing a new career path or education route can be intimidating, but a manufacturing career may just provide the perfect solution! Sarah Wierman shares her inspiring story and helpful insights into joining the manufacturing industry and how being willing to learn and ask questions can open up new and exciting opportunities. Be sure to listen to the episode for a unique look into changing career paths and learning the ropes of manufacturing from a beginner’s perspective.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact From deaf studies to a manufacturing career: Sarah’s story of embracing change  Working on obtaining her bachelor’s degree in deaf studies, Sarah tried a job in sign language and teaching but found that she hated it. She decided to take a break from her education and took a job in sales at Raptor Workholding on the recommendation of a friend. Little did she know that she would soon fall in love with the manufacturing industry and find her new passion and calling.  The initial appeal in a sales job was the travel opportunities. Sarah soon discovered that manufacturing was more than producing and delivering products. It was creativity and masterful workmanship created to meet an incredibly wide spectrum of needs - from replacing knees to providing building supplies. Inspired, Sarah took it upon herself to learn as much as she could about the industry and asked questions of everyone she met. “I never stopped talking to people,” she shares. Vendor shows and visiting other shops to sell live tooling afforded her plenty of opportunities to deepen her knowledge of machining.  Don’t confuse lack of experience with the inability to take action When Sarah first began her job as a sales rep at Raptor, she didn’t even know what a CNC machine was. After a year of intense learning and diving into the new world of manufacturing, she realized that she wanted to stay in the industry long-term. Her eagerness to learn opened new doors, and she took a job as the regional manager at MD Tooling. “Your lack of experience in the industry doesn’t make you ignorant,” she says. “It makes you eager.” If you find that you truly want to be a part of the manufacturing industry, then you need to be willing to take on the responsibility of learning - and learning well. Listen to the episode to learn more about why Sarah fell in love with machining and why she decided to pursue a manufacturing career. Sarah’s positive experience as a woman in the manufacturing industry  Even though there are many women in the manufacturing industry, it still isn’t common. Sarah shares her experiences entering into and growing in an industry that is still considered a man’s world. “It is what you make of it,” she says. Even though some of the people she worked with initially found her presence odd, there was never any hostility or opposition. Once her fellow workers discovered that Sarah was willing to learn and put her best foot forward in every job and customer encounter, they embraced her unique perspectives and place within the team.  Sarah shares that while it can be intimidating entering a workforce made up almost entirely of men as a young woman, the important thing to focus on is the experience that you are offering customers and your teammates. View obstacles as challenges and find ways to overcome them. It’s about being collaborative and willing to find the solution and solve the problems that arise. Everyone has something unique to offer, and being confident in one’s perspective - while also acting and speaking in humility - will take you farther than you ever thought possible.  Use unique avenues to learn something new Learning about a new career opportunity can be daunting. Sarah shares some tips for exploring the manufacturing industry as a new career. Mentors can be invaluable in helping you navigate how to get started, who to talk to, and how to put your best foot forward. Investing in relationships should be a key component of your entire career, but especially when starting out. You will always need others to help you and provide a place for you to seek advice. Never stop asking questions and making room for edifying voices in your life.  Social media isn’t just a business marketing tool. It can be a learning tool for exploring new career paths as well! Sarah explains how she began an Instagram page for Raptor Workholding and soon discovered other manufacturing-related pages from which she learned an invaluable amount of insight and skill. Don’t be intimidated by having to learn a new industry. Put yourself out there. Use social media to learn more about the culture and the skills required. Ask questions and make it fun! Manufacturing isn’t just about the products. It’s about the people, meeting the needs of those across the nation and the world, and creating something beautiful out of ordinary hunks of metal.  Here’s The Good Stuff! A massive career change led Sarah to discover her true passion.  The importance of taking responsibility for your own education.  Live tooling allows machinists to take their tooling to the next level.  Appreciating the creative side of manufacturing.  Being a woman in the manufacturing industry.  Recognizing that everyone has a unique perspective.  The importance of mentors in launching your career.  Using social media as a marketing and learning tool.  Being brave enough to step out and ask questions. Tools & Takeaways ProShop ERP Xometry NIMS, Festo Didactic to develop Industry 4.0 skills standards The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! This Week’s Superstar Guest: Sarah Wierman Sarah on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

HAAS Automation is leading the way in how-to manufacturing videos as an education tool for manufacturing leaders around the globe - as well as a content marketing tool to demonstrate how to use the newest HAAS equipment. Guest speakers Mark Terryberry, Bryan O’Fallon, and Scott Gasich share their video-making and content marketing expertise in this fascinating episode of MakingChips! Want to learn what makes a great how-to video and how sharing your knowledge can help boost your business? Listen to the episode to find out!  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Trading manuals for how-to manufacturing videos After a couple of hit how-to YouTube videos demonstrating how to solve simple manufacturing issues, the HAAS Automation marketing team realized that there was no place for manufacturers to go to learn how to do new things or fix things outside of paper manuals. Jumping on the “video craze” bandwagon, they set out to fill the void of immediately available machining instruction by offering quality how-to and product video content.  Quickly finding that people prefer short, to-the-point videos, the HAAS team created short video series on different topics. They now average 4-5 videos per week with several series from “Tip of the Day” to “Don’t Fear 5-Axis” and the “Machine Tool Coolant Series.” Manufacturers today need quickly available and accurate demonstrations to help them master their art and easily find solutions. YouTube offers the medium that HAAS needs to accomplish its goal of meeting the needs of the manufacturing community while also marketing their latest products.  Overcoming roadblocks with authenticity  It can be overwhelming when trying to decide how much production value to put into video content creation. How polished do you make how-to manufacturing videos? Mark, Bryon, and Scott all share the need to be authentic with your audience. Just because you make a video doesn’t mean that people will watch it. Know who you are as a company and know who your customers and potential viewers are. What do they need and want to learn?  How-to manufacturing videos are a way to build trust with current and potential customers. If you are providing real solutions to real problems, then you will earn the trust of your viewers. Mark, Bryon, and Scott encourage listeners to use real-life machinists in their video production. The authentic empathy that machinists will have with viewer issues will come through in the videos and provide an added layer of reality and authenticity.  Using the needs of viewers as inspiration  Listening to your viewers is key! While the manufacturing community may still be pretty old-school, everyone consumes online material, and everyone is looking for answers through mediums such as YouTube. Be sure to read the comments people are leaving in your channel. Provide a phone number and email address so that viewers and customers have a way of reaching out with questions. Use your own company’s mistakes as opportunities for creating new content that demonstrates how to solve the problems you come up against.  Making the shift from traditional marketing to content marketing  Scott says that with digital marketing, you have to jump right in and get at it. While print marketing may still claim a slice of your resources, put most of your resources in digital marketing. With $3,000 of Facebook marketing, you can reach a million people. With $3,000 invested in print marketing, you may reach a few thousand. Invest in what works. Don’t know where to start? “Follow your gut,” says Scott. Think about how you would want the material presented to you. “Bet on yourself,” he says. Don’t go spend a fortune on production value right away. Use your phone and some good lighting tools and go from there. Build a script or storyboard to help guide the way. Speaking with passion and truth will win the trust of your viewers and help you build your business.  Here’s The Good Stuff! MakingChips receives rave reviews on iTunes! The shift from traditional marketing to video content marketing.  HAAS Automation as an early adopter of the video craze. Creating a needed learning space for manufacturers.  Overcoming the roadblocks of creating new video content.  Gleaning material from viewer feedback.  Why content marketing is the most effective way to reach your audience.  The behind-the-scenes of shooting a YouTube video.  Operator Certification through video training series.  Augmented reality may be the future of content marketing.  Tools & Takeaways Los Angeles is Largest Manufacturing Center in U.S., Government Says ProShop ERP Xometry This Week’s Superstar Guests Mark on LinkedIn Bryan on LinkedIn Scott on LinkedIn HAAS Automation HAAS YouTube Channel Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

How can the Metal Working Nation close the manufacturing skills gap? As the manufacturing industry continues to grow with the demand for fast and excellent production, it is imperative that the proper skills be found, fostered, and taught. Even with the desirable technological sophistication of the modern manufacturing world, young talent isn’t being found quickly enough to fill the gap left by the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation.  Jim and Jason brainstorm with guest speakers Hernan Ricaurte (Owner of Ricaurte Precision), Brian Grigson (General Manager of Axxis Corporation), and Brain Pendarvis (Owner of Pendarvis Manufacturing) about how manufacturing leaders can take action to influence the next generation of machinists. Be sure to listen to the entire episode to catch the best insights into the real and persisting problem of the manufacturing skills gap!  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Putting a finger on the pulse of the manufacturing skills gap Ricaurte, Grigson, and Pendarvis all agree that the skills gap is certainly a major issue of the modern manufacturing world. The “great wave” is here; the older are retiring and the younger aren’t qualified or aren’t interested. Pendarvis shares the struggle of finding talent skilled in the newest manufacturing technology. Leaders know that you can’t just stick anyone on your CNC machines. While the skills gap is a real and present problem, it doesn’t have to remain that way.  Changing the perception of manufacturing is the first step. Most high schoolers don’t even know that trade school for CNC machining or similar work is an option. Many still think that they have to go to college to have a meaningful career. Manufacturing, however, offers so much at such little training cost. Building bridges with your community is the first step to closing the skills gap. Give presentations at the local middle and high schools, invite schools to tour your facilities and show them that what they need - and want - in a career can be found in manufacturing. “It’s not always money that people want,” says Grigson. A clean environment, security, incentives, and evident room for company growth are all attributes that can help your business attract young talent.  Effective training is grounded in effective culture  Who are you as a company? What is your niche? While there is a skills issue, it is important to only hire the skills that you need. What is your company culture? The culture that you want to foster within your business begins with you as the leader. One challenge created by the skills gap is finding someone who is not only talented but also a good fit within your company. Having more experienced employees shadow and oversee the work of new hires or interns provides the opportunity for not only the skills - but for the culture - to be taught.  Ricaurte shares the lessons he learned from studying the manufacturing culture of Japanese machinists. Fostering a culture of accountability and excellence if key. Attention to detail, respect for one another, and the willingness to learn are all necessary to an effective workplace Training the younger generation within that culture will help produce the future talent that you need. Don’t forget to listen to the rest of the episode for more insight into fostering effective culture! What makes a great modern machinist?  It actually depends on the work and skill-set required! With the advancement of technology, the skill sets needed by manufacturers grows more diverse. While not everyone will be adept in all areas of machining, they always need to be willing to learn and grow. Curiosity is a sign of a great future machinist. While genuine curiosity, humility, excellent work ethic, and personal drive are all hard to detect in an interview, they should be attributes that you are striving to discover.  Running an apprenticeship or internship program at your shop is also a highly effective way to discover and nurture new talent. Involve high schoolers in your company’s growth and demonstrate to them the future possibilities within manufacturing. Hiring part-time can also be a good tactic to see if you and your new employee are a good long-term fit.  Finding and providing opportunity in unlikely places Your local high school isn’t the only place to find potential future talent to invest in. Underprivileged communities are gold when it comes to finding young people with the passion and drive to try something unconventional - such as attending trade school to learn CNC machining. There are bright, curious minds everywhere! Many kids don’t know that manufacturing is even an option among today’s career paths. Manufacturing leaders need to begin investing in and inspiring the talent and ability of young people.  Yes, the manufacturing skills gap is a problem, but it’s not insurmountable. Listen to the full episode to learn more about how you can make a difference in inspiring the next generation of manufacturers!  Here’s The Good Stuff! Preparing for the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation.  Do the challenges created by the skills gap affect all parts of the country equally?  The tie between the skills gap and advancing technology.  Knowing your niche gives you vision in knowing what talent to pursue.  The challenges surrounding changing the old perception of manufacturing.  Different strategies for finding the right fit.  What you should be looking for in a potential hire.  What you value may differ with each job opening.  Creative inspiration for the next generation of manufacturers.  Tools & Takeaways 2018 Skills Gap Report NTMA Training Centers ProShop ERP Xometry The Boring Bar newsletter: Text CHIPS to 38470 This Week’s Superstar Guests Hernan Ricaurte on LinkedIn Ricaurte Precision Brian Pendarvis on LinkedIn Pendarvis Manufacturing Brian Grigson on LinkedIn Axxis Corporation Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Being a manufacturing leader is difficult, especially if you are a manufacturing entrepreneur! With so many possible opportunities and pitfalls, it can be hard to know how to navigate the small-business world of an entrepreneur. Guest speaker, John Saunders, shares his insight and experience as a leading manufacturing entrepreneur and the ways he has successfully set his business apart and thrived through slow growth.  Founder and owner of Saunders Machine Works, John is a serial entrepreneur with his hands in multiple jobs, including running the NYC CNC YouTube channel and overseeing the training and manufacturing sides of his small business. His YouTube channel has become a medium to influence, inspire, and encourage aspiring and seasoned machinists in their careers.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Defining the “why” helps drive the business forward Although he attended college to learn entrepreneurship, John found that his key takeaways came from practical experience in selling and machining. Originally wanting to create a business in order to provide a specific product, he quickly realized that creating an excellent product isn’t the same as creating an excellent business. In order to generate a successful business, you have to know the “why” behind the work and the products created.  Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. John advises that if you are having doubts as to whether or not you really want to work for yourself and jump into the world of paperwork, legality issues, building, training, hiring, producing, and customer service, then you may want to work for someone else for a couple of years. Study how your boss leads and drives their business forward - and then go try it for yourself.  John’s business - Saunders Machine Works - grew out of his love for CNC machining and sharing its workhorse capability with viewers on YouTube via his NYC CNC channel. Continuing with the YouTube channel, he wanted a business that could also train individuals in machining and sell manufacturing tools and products. The three-part business has kept up steady - yet slow growth - just as John wants it.  Knowing when to jump at an opportunity and when to say NO Keeping a focus on who you are and why you do what you do helps you to navigate the way forward. Instead of chasing every glittering opportunity, consider whether or not it will help fulfill the goals of your business or help create a better experience for your customers. What you are selling isn’t just the object in the box - it’s the atmosphere, relationship, and experience that you are offering your customers.  For John, this means finding the best ways to share the modern world of manufacturing with others. His YouTube channel provides a place for machinists of all experience levels to ask questions, easily view videos that demonstrate solutions to popular machining problems, and be a part of the manufacturing community. The training classes that Saunders Machine Works offers provide practical experience in a variety of machining skills and open the door to both young and old to explore manufacturing as a hobby or career. John’s business also values offering internship and apprenticeship-modeled jobs to those who need practical experience through their product manufacturing side of Saunders Machine Works.  The goal in sorting through opportunities is to make continuous improvements in your processes - to make them as efficient and streamlined as possible - all without wasting resources. Bootstrapping is the ability of your business to leverage your equity for the greatest return on investment. Money and time are ever manufacturing entrepreneur’s most limited resources. In some phases of your business, you may find that you are lower in one of those resources than another. If you have the opportunity to grow in your knowledge and skills as a master of your trade, take them! Don’t be wasteful. Invest with results.  John’s take on managing growth as a manufacturing entrepreneur “Growth eats cash for breakfast,” John warns. We are trained to think that any growth opportunity is a good opportunity, but it’s wiser and more profitable to consider each one through the lens of your “why.” With such a large following, John often gets calls offering partnerships with other businesses. Due to a poor partnership experience in his early entrepreneurial days, John has decided to never partner with another business. The true 50/50 partnership is rare and often difficult to maintain. That doesn’t mean you should never try it, but know where you want your business to go and maintain integrity with those goals through your growth tactics. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for more insight into making the best growth decisions possible. Creating content that reflects your company’s values and meets your customers’ needs It can be easy for entrepreneurs to become overwhelmed by all the marketing and advertising mediums available. John stresses the importance of only utilizing what you need, what you can afford, and what will speak most authentically to your potential customers. John aligns his content creation with his goal to help others help themselves in their manufacturing stories. Be honest about what you are portraying through social media. Authenticity is a huge factor; make it a point to share the stories that surround the challenges that your business has faced and the solutions that you found. Make note of what you are personally drawn to on social media and study why you like it. At the end of the day, it’s not about you. It’s about your current and potential customers and the quality of what you are offering them.  Here’s The Good Stuff! Fostering a positive atmosphere among a multigenerational workforce.  Guest speaker, John Saunders - owner of Saunders Machine Works. The product isn’t always the business.  Knowing how to market yourselves requires a knowledge of who you are as a business.  YouTube, training, and machining. What you sell isn’t just the product in the box - it’s the experience you offer. Hands-on experience provides the best education.  John’s love of CNC machining and sharing what modern manufacturing looks like. The apprenticeship model of training provides key experiences. Why John says “no” to partnership opportunities.  “Growth eats cash for breakfast” - knowing the goal in your growth.  Using bootstrapping to reduce wasted resources and to grow where you are at.  Good content creation is about knowing your goals and customers.  The role of small businesses in the future of manufacturing.  “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not making money.”  Tools & Takeaways How To Create a Thriving Workplace Culture podcast episode Small Business, Big Potential The E-Myth Revisited How To Win Friends & Influence People ProShop ERP Xometry This Week’s Superstar Guest: John Saunders John on LinkedIn Saunders Machine Works NYC CNC NYC CNC YouTube Channel Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

With college skyrocketing in price every year, machining trade schools offer an affordable and promising solution to those looking for a meaningful - and even lucrative - career path. Kurt Preisendanz is the Director of Training at the NTMA Training Centers in Southern California. Passionate about sharing the opportunities that machining has to offer the next generation, Kurt explains the challenges that trade schools face and ways that manufacturing leaders can help lead the charge in alternative higher education. Lee Norton is a board member of the California Manufacturing Workforce Foundation, a 501c3 charity that uses their donations to provide tuition and funding to currently enrolled students who are pursuing technical careers. Be sure to listen to this inspiring and insightful episode to learn more about the amazing option of machining trade schools and how you can make a difference.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Overcoming the misperception that trade schools aren’t good enough  Kurt shares the struggles that he faces when representing the NTMA Training Centers at job fairs and high schools. Many parents and teachers push their children towards universities and traditional college paths because they believe those are the best options available. Trade schools are often looked down upon as not good enough for promising students or as a legitimate gateway into a successful career. Kurt explains that this is mostly an American view, as Europe has long viewed learning and mastering a trade as a proper way to begin a career and life as an adult.  Lee shares that while his children are attending university, they have a clear goal in mind. The problem isn’t that the traditional college route is wrong - it’s that it is often wasted and is perceived as the only path to success. That simply isn’t the case. Both Lee and Kurt believe that low trade school attendance and acceptance has to do with the fact that people simply don’t understand the value of what is being taught. The manufacturing world, especially, is still viewed as the dirty factory work that we all want to avoid and escape. Manufacturing, however, has become one of the most modernized and technological industries in the world. The robotics, engineering, building, and software developed and utilized within the manufacturing industry is extremely cutting-edge. The challenge is to overcome the misperceptions surrounding trade schools and machining and to effectively share the opportunity of a machining certification.  Machining trade schools offer modern, effective, and exciting opportunities  Forget the old days of dirty shop floors and being “doomed” to dangerous factory work. The modern world of machining and manufacturing is filled with incredible technology. Kurt explains that while students in machining trade schools are required to learn all the basics of machining, they are exposed to the many specializations that are available, including robotics, CNC machining, inspection, Master CAM, and CMM. Every one of NTMA’s students learns turning and milling and the fundamentals of machining so that they understand how everything is made. The program can be completed in as little as seven months, with daily hands-on instruction. Students graduate with a certification and are guided and encouraged in their job-finding journey. Many leave with job offers and the promise of an exciting and lucrative future.  Enabling and inspiring the next generation of manufacturing leaders to take action  Both Kurt and Lee believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel concerning the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. Many are beginning to understand and view a machining career as a valid and exciting opportunity. Kurt ensures that his presentations at job fairs and high schools accurately depict the advanced technological atmosphere that is machining. He shares the diverse culture of the manufacturing world as well. It’s not just men, but women as well, who are finding meaningful work in an industry where their talents are valued. Both young and old are finding new purpose and life in manufacturing. Lee knows that the manufacturing industry is all about giving back. Many who are in the industry grew up in it and have been a part of the Metal Working Nation for generations. Lee and Kurt believe that investing in the next generation of machinists is vital to the health of the industry. Being able to provide scholarships to currently enrolled students in technical fields of study is a huge part of keeping the manufacturing future strong. Be sure to listen to the whole episode for ideas on how you - as a manufacturing leader - can get involved!  Guiding students’ expectations towards a stable and meaningful future Kurt explains that many of the students who go to the NTMA training centers are excited about the opportunities ahead. Kurt makes sure, however, that they understand the level of hard work required. No, they aren’t going to make 100k in their first couple of years as machinists, but what they do have to look forward to is a lifelong career built on engaging and purposeful work. They can grow as fast as they want in the industry - there’s no limit to what they can learn and accomplish. They are investing in a career that can offer them a sense of pride in their labor and skillset, opportunities in aerospace and government - all while supplying them with a stable career that will enhance their marriage and family life. It takes work. But what an incredible opportunity!  Here’s The Good Stuff! The college price-tag keeps climbing. NTMA Training Centers provide an alternative education route.  The California Manufacturing Workforce Foundation enables students to achieve their goals. Why do parents and teachers continue to look down on trade schools?  Machining trade schools help close the manufacturing skills gap.  Technological advancements in manufacturing are enticing incentives.  The diverse and rich culture of the manufacturing industry.  Machining trade schools offer a promising and lucrative future.  Tools & Takeaways Price of College Increasing Almost 8 Times Faster Than Wages Xometry Design Guides The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe!  This Week’s Superstar Guests: Kurt Preisendanz & Lee Norton Kurt on LinkedIn Lee on LinkedIn NTMA Training Center California Manufacturing Workforce Foundation Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Another amazing form of automation is here - the industrial vending machine! Guest speaker Steve Pixley - Founder & CEO of AutoCrib - dives into why vending machines are the Metal Working Nation’s new best friend on the shop floor. From solving the issue of lost tools and parts to supplying a charging station for electronics, industrial vending machines will help manufacturing leaders take their businesses to the next level of efficiency and safety.  Here’s The Good Stuff! Industrial vending machines are projected to rise in popularity.  The new way to manage inventory.  Steve’s manufacturing story - from sales to automation technology.  Solving the issue of stockouts on the shop floor.  Helping minimize FOD: Foreign Object Debris.  Overcoming the roadblocks to installing an industrial vending machine. From calibrated drill bits to police tasers.  Vending machines are simply another type of awesome robot.    Tools & Takeaways Xometry ProShop ERP Industrial Vending Machines   This Week’s Superstar Guest: Steve Pixley AutoCrib Steve on LinkedIn   Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube   Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify    

Data collection has taken many forms in the history of manufacturing, and now is the time to embrace the most efficient form yet - artificial intelligence. Guest speaker, Akshat Thirani, shares how he solved the software disparity between computer engineers and manufacturers and created a tool to enable manufacturing leaders to meet their goals as efficiently as possible. AI isn’t something to fear. Without change - nothing will happen in your business! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact From India to Chicago: Akshat’s manufacturing journey Growing up in India, Akshat’s childhood was saturated in the manufacturing industry. All of his family and friends had some part in the local manufacturing and production business, and his father raised his children with a manufacturer's mindset. With manufacturing in his blood, Akshat set off for college at the age of 17, studying design engineering and computer software. It was at school that he first noticed the gaping disparity between what computer software engineers were utilizing and what leading manufacturing engineers were using - even though the manufacturers were handling some of the most complex and technical work in the world. Akshat knew he needed to create a tool that would enable manufacturers to work and live to their full potential - a tool that would help them track production time, maintenance, and the data produced by their machines.  Why manufacturers need to embrace AI and more efficient data collection  Akshat understood that it was no trivial thing to join an AI tool to a machine and start collecting data. Many shops utilize both old and new machinery - making the job of AI more difficult. Akshat knew that the tool he was creating needed to be simple and able to read the “heartbeat” of each machine and distinguish what job was being completed.  The “heartbeat” of a machine is the signature electrical current that it produces. During his senior year in college, Akshat and some of his colleagues created the prototype AI tool he had dreamed of. It eventually became the answer to the machinist’s problems with efficient data collection. Instead of jotting down on pieces of paper or having to manually insert data about a machine or job into an Excel spreadsheet, AI can be hooked up to a machine and learn the heartbeat of specific jobs and functions. AI then transmits that data to a centralized, online platform through cellular data - allowing the manufacturing team to quickly read the pulse on their machinery and work.  Meeting the needs of the Metal Working Nation through artificial intelligence  Every individual on a manufacturing team has expertise that is wasted when they are required to spend time collecting, recording, and analyzing data from each machine. Instead of having the professionals do the busywork, AI can read, transmit, organize, and analyze the data outsourced by the machinery. Providing real-time data to team members, Akshat’s AI tools can record the speed of each machine being used, which machines need maintenance, the estimated timetable for a piece or job, and the reasons why a machine is not running at optimum capacity. Meeting the core manufacturing goals of simplicity and practicality, AI is something that the leaders of the Metal Working Nation need to be taking seriously and educating themselves on.  Ensuring that your technology fits your company goals  Every manufacturing business will have different long-term goals and immediate needs. Akshat encourages listeners to walk through their shops and talk with their team members to identify what needs to be accomplished through an AI tool such as Akshat’s. Calculating the cost of integrating AI into the system may be surprisingly less than what is being spent on manual data collection. Identify what you need to accomplish work more efficiently - and then make it happen. Because if you’re not making chips, you’re not making money!  Here’s The Good Stuff! If you don’t change, nothing will happen.  Artificial intelligence is helping manufacturers pave the way forward.  Guest speaker Akshat Thirani - CEO of Amper Technologies.  Akshat’s love for manufacturing is a generational story.  Solving the disparity between online software and manufacturing tools.  Solving the code of machinery heartbeats.  Creating a more efficient workspace for all members of the team.  Know what the goal is - then take action.  Tools & Takeaways Xometry Supplies ProShop ERP How AI and IIoT Will Provide Insights to Manufacturers Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar newsletter This Week’s Superstar Guest: Akshat Thirani Amper Technologies, Inc. Akshat Thirani on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

With so many automation systems available, it can be hard to know which to use to meet your specific goals and needs as a manufacturing leader. Guest speakers Randy Jokerst and Brad Klippstein share how the THINC Developers Group enables the Metal Working Nation to perform at its best by solving manufacturing leaders’ problems through innovation.  Randy is the Director of Technical Services at Hartwig Inc. and one of the founding members of the THINC Development Group. Entering the manufacturing world by way of CNC engineering, he has used his gifting in engineering to amp up machinist’s efficiency by implementing automation systems into new machines. Also an engineer, Brad Klippstein is the Supervisor of the Okuma Product Specialist Group. His manufacturing journey began when he visited a machine tool fair fresh out of college and was asked if he wanted to program robots. Hooked, Brad dove into developing new technology and applications at the forefront of the programming world.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The THINC Developers Group brainstorms the automation systems of the future  Having trouble creating efficient processes or closing the skills gap of the next manufacturing generation? Founded in 2008, the THINC Developers Group was created to solve the issues of the Metal Working Nation and provide the cutting-edge applications needed to automate manufacturing systems. The THINC control for machining systems was originally PC-based, and while the developers understood how to navigate and decipher the data collected by the control, most users were unable to view what the control was collecting. The development group was created to enable customers to build their own control interface apps so that they could use the control system to meet their unique needs. The THINC group’s focus is on the communication between the machine tool side and the PC side - teaching people to write the apps to accomplish their machining goals.  The Okuma Sampling Path utilizes automation systems for optimal efficiency  Better efficiency is something manufacturing leaders are constantly working towards. One way to improve efficiency while also pouring into your team’s adaptability and performance is to automate the jobs that take away from time that your team can spend in their specific areas of expertise. Limiting distractions by utilizing automation systems to set and send reminders can also boost efficiency levels. Randy talks about how one of the U.S. mints had three separate operations that moved parts from one machine to the next to make the coin dies. Using an automation system developed by the THINC group, they were able to combine their operations into a three-machine/one robot cell that produced all the parts within hours instead of days.  Many of Okuma Inc.’s developments have come from the THINC Developers Group. Through the MyOkuma app, you can integrate the Okuma tools into your systems. Compatible with many different PC systems, the THINC Developers Group plays in the sandbox of the Application Program Interface (API), creating communication points between machines. The vision and goals of the customer are brought into being through the innovation of THINC and executed through their developments via the Okuma Sampling Path.  Brad explains that at Okuma, through the Okuma Sampling Path, they can read, write, and access thousands of data points within the controls of systems and machines. They can make the control do whatever the customer needs through the API. All of the solutions data can be viewed and interpreted by the customers so that they can make the best business decisions based upon the data provided.  Communicating between machines with MTConnect  MTConnect takes the guessing work out of machine data interpretation. Okuma machine tools and the Okuma control collect their machining data from MTConnect, which harvests data straight from the CNC machines, interprets it, and sends it to the Okuma control. Manufacturers have access to this data through their own Okuma controls because MTConnect is already attached to the control from the moment it hits the shop floor. MTConnect allows you to take all the information processed and pull it up via the data stream to your phone, tablet, or computer. With Okuma controls, there is no additional fee for MTConnect. Because it is sent via data stream to your devices, you can access necessary data even while offline.  Streamlining automation systems to meet your unique goals  Reading exuberant amounts of data can be overwhelming, which is why the THINC Developers Group created several unique dashboard bases to meet the different needs of manufacturing leaders and their teams. Streamlining your automation systems by utilizing a central dashboard for data collection and interpretation will enable you to view and make decisions more quickly. Instead of manually checking on the tools and machines being used and recording the health, run-time, and down-time of your tools, you can see all of that data displayed on a single dashboard. The idea is to create a condition-based, automated environment that allows you to be as hands-off as possible with the menial work required to run your business. Automation systems are all about keeping it simple and clarifying communication between your team and machines.  Remember! Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar newsletter! Stay informed about what is happening in the Metal Working Nation and how you can better lead your manufacturing business!  Here’s The Good Stuff! Randy Jokerst and Brad Klippstein share their manufacturing journeys.  The birth of the THINC Developers Group.  The MyOkuma app gives manufacturers control over their automated systems. Creating what manufacturing leaders need with the Okuma Sampling Path.  The ease of function created MTConnect utilization.  How to read machining data without becoming overwhelmed.  The success stories and impact of the THINC Developers Group.  Tools & Takeaways The THINC Developers Group My Okuma App MTConnect Xometry Pro Shop ERP Okuma Manufacturing  Hartwig Inc. This Week’s Superstar Guest: Randy Jokerst & Brad Klippstein Randy on LinkedIn Brad on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Cobotics are a current hot topic in the Metal Working Nation. Innovation within the AI spectrum is opening new doors and possibilities for manufacturing leaders who are willing to embrace change. Guest speaker, Craig Zoberis, shares his “Aha!” moment when he realized cobots could help him create a more efficient and life-giving environment to his team. His passion for innovation and the power of the cobotic ecosystem led him to create his own cobotics production line - empowering the Metal Working Nation to perform at their absolute best.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Enabling your team’s greatest potential by eliminating menial tasks Growing up working at his father’s manufacturing business, Craig entered the industry as a college graduate with a wealth of knowledge and familiarity. Starting his own business focused on assembly, he eventually recognized the need for in-house machinery. Wanting maximum control of his own schedule as well as his team’s, Craig began researching the impact that cobots can have on improving efficiency and helping to close the skills gap. Encouraged by his team to pursue a future in cobotics, he began implementing them into his workforce. The impact was so powerful that Craig and his team at Fusion OEM were inspired to create their own line of cobotics.  Collaborative robots - cobots - are designed to operate around people and often with people. Not only can they help you eliminate the menial tasks that take up your team’s valuable and limited time, but they can also help keep integration and employee turnover costs low. Cobots are easily taught by those working in their space. There is no need for a cobotics consultant to train it in every new function. Using cobots to fulfill repetitive and menial work frees up your team to focus on areas of work that require their expertise - allowing them to grow in their knowledge and application instead of being bogged down by time-consuming tasks.  Eliminating the dull, dirty, and dangerous  Craig explains that knowing where and how to utilize cobots can be overwhelming to those who are first installing them. He encourages listeners to focus on the jobs on the shop floor that are dull, dirty, or dangerous and to begin implementing cobots in those tasks. Cobots are especially helpful in highly repetitive work because they don’t slow down or speed up as a human would throughout the day. The consistent speed and functionality of the cobot allows for more predictable output timetables and eliminates the dull work that keeps your team tied. Deburring, polishing, sanding, quality inspection, sensing, and making/recording measurements are all tasks that a cobot can accomplish - freeing you and your machinists to focus on what really matters.  Investing in your team’s expertise by investing in cobotics Training up the new generation of manufacturing leaders and machinists is incredibly important, especially when considering the huge portion of the current manufacturing labor force that is made up of baby boomers. Planning for the turnover that comes with retirements can be made smoother by implementing cobots into your workforce. While training new employees, cobots can cover tasks left by retired machinists and keep your output steady. Cobots also allow you to put more time and energy into training new employees and seasoned team members in new skills. The skills gap dilemma doesn’t have to slow your business. Using cobots can not only help you close that skills gap but make your production time more efficient while doing so.  Educating yourself in the cobotic ecosystem Jumping into cobotics implementation and utilization can be intimidating. Craig encourages listeners to take small steps and to familiarize themselves with what the cobotic ecosystem is all about. Visiting manufacturing shops and production lines that use cobots will allow you to see for yourself what they can accomplish. Find easy wins for cobotics within your own workforce. Test out cobots on jobs that you know you could use them in. Cobotics is a paradigm shift, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Chip away at the automation transition and watch your business grow!  Here’s The Good Stuff! Craig’s “Aha!” moment: implementing cobots for greater efficiency.  The difference between robots and cobots. Investing in future expert machinists by using cobots. The phases of training for a cobot.  Eliminating the three Ds with cobotics.  Understanding how cobots “talk” with other machines.  Ways to engage in the cobotic ecosystem.  Tools & Takeaways Xometry ProShop ERP The Factory of the Future Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar newsletter! This Week’s Superstar Guest: Craig Zoberis Fusion OEM MakingChips Episode 46 MakingChips Episode 47 Craig on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Change in manufacturing is an inevitable and exciting necessity that Jim and Jason are ready for the Metal Working Nation to embrace and experience. Even though the industry has a history of sticking with what has worked for generations, it is now time to invest in the future by equipping and inspiring manufacturing leaders and teams to educate themselves on the progress of technology and process. Guest speaker, Drura Parrish, the president of Xometry Supplies, shares his manufacturing story and how leaders can take small steps towards big change for their businesses. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact “We’ve always done it this way” is no longer a valid mantra Growing up in the manufacturing world, Drura noticed that his grandfather’s business philosophy was built more upon hope in the future than on making that future himself with the manufacturing tools he owned. The machines that spent their lives unused - waiting for the “big deal,” caused Drura to question the processes in place. However, when he came back after college, he went to work for his grandfather and learned the important lesson of knowing when to ask why you are doing something before you set out to do it. Accepting a process because it has “always” been used isn’t a good enough reason to keep on using it. Be sure to listen to the episode for Drura’s personal experience in learning to ask “Why?”  Change in manufacturing begins with leadership It’s all about leadership. Drura explains that in many machine shops, the leader is often the one with the most expertise and experience in a specific field. But is that the way it should be? In today’s modern manufacturing world, everyone is an expert at something. People need leaders, but they don’t necessarily need a leader who is well-versed in every aspect of the manufacturing business. Instead, the leader needs to be the one asking questions - asking, “Why are we doing it this way?” Drura believes that it is the responsibility of the 21st-century manufacturing leader to instill in their team the mindset that the customer is always right and to provide the training their team needs to accomplish serving their customers well. Outdated software? Toss it out. Equip your people; instill in them a positive, service-minded attitude, and trust your people to produce a quality outcome.  Commit to the technological education of your people  Do your people know how to identify good technology? Drura explains that in a world that is saturated in options and new technology, it is vital that your team understand what makes good technology and what makes a good process. Jason and Jim both agree that while it is difficult to begin setting aside time in your business’s schedule for training and education of the team, it is essential to your company’s future success. Technology must be taken seriously in today’s manufacturing world.  What educating a manufacturing team looks like will depend on the individual business, the people, and the goals of the company. For smaller shops, it may be investing in one individual at a time instead of collectively training in new technology. For very large businesses, it could mean taking another, smaller shop under their wing and helping guide them in good business acumen. The idea is to promote in the Metal Working Nation an attitude of growth and effective change. When progressive change is made, take the time to celebrate!  Change is made one step at a time Jim, Jason, and Drura all know that change in manufacturing can be a slow process. But small progress is better than no progress! Drura suggests setting aside 1% of your time as a leader and business to invest in education. As your team explores the latest innovations in their area of expertise, they will grow in their own skills - making your business more efficient. Spending time training actually saves you time as a business in the long run. Equip your people. Inspire them to always be asking “Why?” Start with 1%, and grow from there. Change is the pathway to future success.  Here’s The Good Stuff! Robots replacing humans in the manufacturing world may actually be a good thing.  Guest speaker, Drura Parrish - president of Xometry Supplies.  Learning to ask “why?” from Drura's grandfather.  Knowing where to implement change and how to go about starting it.  Taking responsibility for change as a leader.  The vital necessity of educating your people on the latest technology.  Investing time in the education of your team will save you time in the long run.  Make it a goal to elevate fellow manufacturing businesses.  Xometry’s goal to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in manufacturers. Tools & Takeaways Robots Are Rapidly On Their Way to Taking 20 Million Manufacturing Jobs Xometry Supplies ProShop ERP Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe to The Boring Bar newsletter This Week’s Superstar Guest: Drura Parrish Drura on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Are cobots the future of your manufacturing business? Collaborative robots can share the same space with your employees and help you automate the processes and systems that keep tying up your team’s time and energy. Guest speaker, Elias Serruya shares his passion for innovative thinking and why a future of cobots may just be your manufacturing dream-come-true.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Pursuing a passion for innovation while learning the tricks of the trade Elias shares his story of pursuing the future in innovation and automation while climbing the ladder at his father-in-law’s manufacturing company, EJ Basler. Beginning as an engineering intern, he quickly learned the ins and outs of the trade and made note of where processes could be made more efficient. Always asking the question, “How could this be made better?” Elias found his passion realized in building and implementing cobots and robots.  Elias explains that the automation offered by robotics and cobotics is mechatronics - the combination of mechanical and electronic systems. Mechatronic automation covers all the bases for a machine shop by combining software, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, the cloud, and electronics for a truly all-encompassing automated system. As manufacturing leaders understand, time is money - and the more time their employees can spend on the tasks that require their expertise and less on the menial busywork - the better.  Saving time, money, and space with cobot automation  Elias unpacks the differences between robots and cobots and why cobots are a financially savvy investment for your manufacturing business. Unlike robots, cobots don’t need their own designated space with safety lines and regulations. Cobots (collaborative robots) share the same workspace as your employees and interact directly in your employees’ environment. Because they don’t need their own floor or taped-off space, and because they can’t hurt humans in their operations, there is no need to spend money and resources on building a separate and safety-ensured space on your shop floor. Cobots are slower in their movements and don’t have the huge amount of velocity behind them that regular, mechanical robots possess. If you touch a cobot outside of the designated process, they turn off. They are built to work with you - not overpower you. Applying cobots to both low and high production manufacturing businesses Are cobots for everybody? Elias explains that while the role of the cobots might change, they are useful in both low and high-production manufacturing businesses. A good strategy for both types would be to locate where you need to automate within the business. Where is time being wasted or being used inefficiently? What jobs - if freed up - could make room for greater growth and progress? Inspection and processing parts could be done by a cobot instead of your employees, allowing them to focus on work that requires their skill and expertise.  Elias shares the processes he uses to know where to implement automation within EJ Basler. Watching company costs is an extremely helpful way to see where your manufacturing team could benefit from the help of cobots. Taking a walk through your shop floor can also provide insight into identifying where processes could be made more efficient. If you are struggling with finding good hires, then using a cobot to make up the difference will save your team countless hours and headaches. Training your cobot to serve you so that you can serve your client-base  Cobots are trained by recording points in space - through logging specific conditions that build the logic of a certain job. Once all the steps have been taught to the cobot, it can carry out its task. For jobs that require unique grippers or handling parts, new grippers and tools can be 3D printed or made for the cobot. Even though cobots are serving in the role of automation, their workflow is in the hands of you and your team. Not comfortable with just one master controller? Use several for each part of the process so that you can have the flexibility of updating and controlling just one aspect of the job at hand.  Elias explains that automation is not only useful to your team - it’s attractive to your clients. When customers see that you are trying to keep up with the times, be progressive, and constantly improve, they will be more trusting and impressed by your diligence to keep on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology. The robotics industry is only growing, and those that want to keep up in the Metal Working Nation need to be thinking about how they can be progressive. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for examples of how Elias has used cobotics at EJ Basler and why cobots might need to be the next big step for your business.  Have questions about automation and cobots? Reach out to Jason and Jim at [email protected] and [email protected] Here’s The Good Stuff! What the inevitable robot takeover and “I Love Lucy” have in common.  Using cobots helps eliminate the busywork that keeps your employees tied up.  Guest speaker: Elias Serruya, quality and process engineer at EJ Basler.  Turning dreams into reality with robotic and cobotic innovation.  Saving time, space, and money with cobots.  The role of cobots in both high and low production manufacturing businesses. Teaching cobots to perform for your needs.  Tracking the costs and workflow of your shop for cobot implementation.  Using multiple control stations to help streamline your cobot.  The attractiveness of automation to the next generation of customers and co-workers.  Tools & Takeaways The Great Robot Takeover: Fact or Fiction? Xometry Text “CHIPS” to 38470 to subscribe to MakingChips!  FSBS: For Shops By Shops (ProShop ERP) This Week’s Superstar Guest: Elias Serruya Elias on LinkedIn EJ Basler on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Business automation can seem like an intimidating change, but the benefits are massive. Guest speaker, Paul Van Metre - president of Pro Shop ERP, shares how letting go of control can help grow your company and make it vastly more efficient. Automating your systems can help clear up communication, save you and your team energy and time, and help boost your profitability. Change can be daunting, but an automated system is definitely worth the cost.  Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Embracing the big changes that come with business automation  Some may think that there are too many barriers to push through to make business automation worth it. Paul explains that people fear what they don’t understand and what they don’t know. While such fear is normal, it shouldn’t keep manufacturing leaders from making the switch. The initial expense and time invested in uploading your company’s data may seem like a shock at first, but the efficiency that comes with automation is incredible. Letting go of control could be the best decision you’ve ever made.  The tools you use to automate your business are crucial to your success. Paul gives some examples of automation, including robots for the machine shop floor, apps, and entire manufacturing eco-systems - such as Pro Shop ERP. Paul shares that his company grew out of the need to solve the problems they faced as a start-up. No one offered the software they needed to automate their systems so that they could stay on top of their game and grow with their clients. Pro Shop ERP is the result of Paul’s team’s hard work and innovation. They wanted a way to tie all the details of their business together into one, centralized system. Paul encourages listeners to not be overwhelmed by the nuances of launching an automated system but to rather focus on the big picture: making chips so that you can make more money.  Why Excel simply doesn’t cut it anymore  In every small business, there are going to be people who wear too many hats. Inefficiency isn’t something that growing manufacturing businesses can tolerate for long. Miscommunication, confusion, and extended lead time can all be results of outdated processes and the struggle of having to do everything manually - from customer onboarding to running machinery. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos and not realize what could be easily solved through automation. Excel isn’t always going to cut it for logging your processes and keeping track of customer information and accounting. Before Pro Shop ERP, there was automating software to help with the accounting side of business, but there wasn’t anything that was built from the shop floor perspective. Pro Shop ERP offers that perspective in an automated format so that you can focus on what’s important to the growth of your business.  Streamline everything from redundancy to your vendor supply scores There are so many details to consider when running a manufacturing business, and tools like Pro Shop ERP help take the busywork out of the picture. Jim shares the improvements made to his company through the implementation of automation.  Redundancy: Jim explains that with an automated, centralized system, everyone knows where to find the native processes for different operations. Pro Shop is the one-stop shop to everything everyone in his team needs to know about any job within the company and any order a customer has placed. Jim can go find exactly what order was placed, who took it, what tools were used to make it, when it was delivered, how much it cost his company, and what types of inspections were required by the customer. Before, it took him hundreds of manual steps to fulfill an order. Now, everything is automated.  Vendor Supply Scores: Trying to log and remember which customer was excellent to work with and which ones weren’t can be time-consuming. Jim share that Pro Shop has enabled his company to automatically keep track of everything involving a specific vendor - from packaging to delivery and quality. Paul reminds listeners that while the system is automated, you CAN adjust all the settings and data manually. You define the details of all your processes.  Customer Information: Customer requirements, credit approval, financial information, preferences, and contact information are all logged by Pro Shop. Jim shares that this automation has saved him and his team incredible amounts of time. The automated system processes the details of how each customer wants each order completed - all the way down to whether the customer wants the paperwork for an order on the outside of the box or inside of it upon delivery.  Create greater impact by applying Pro Shop ERP to your sales processes  You can automate your sales process as well as your manufacturing processes. Jim shares that he uses Pro Shop even in the initial “interview” with new customers. Since quality communication is one of the pillars of Carr Machine & Tool, Jim likes to show new customers how well Pro Shop allows them to communicate as a team - both internally as a company and externally with their customers. He can also establish trust and openness by showing new customers the automated breakdown of pricing with Pro Shop so that there is no guesswork when it comes to quoting a price.  While there is a good bit of front-end work with uploading and customizing all of the data for an automated system, the end-product is invaluable to the efficiency of your manufacturing business.  Here’s The Good Stuff! The importance of a consistent routine to help you decompress for the night.  Automating your manufacturing business through a robust ERP system.  Manufacturing News: Don’t fear the recession.  Pro Shop ERP was born out of solving its own problems.  The fears surrounding beginning the business automation process.  Clearing up communication and creating a centralized system.  Jim shares improvements made to his company through Pro Shop ERP.  Implementing Pro Shop into your sales process. Putting in the initial work with automation is well worth it.  Tools & Takeaways Forget Recession Fears Xometry Pro Shop ERP This Week’s Superstar Guest: Paul Van Metre Paul on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Is your tech stack doing its job? Jim and Jason know how hard it can be to keep all the balls in the air and not become overwhelmed. As the manufacturing industry continues to grow, it is vital that the Metal Working Nation become increasingly efficient - and smarter. Guest speaker, Kaleb Mertz - the integrator and marketing team lead of MakingChips - dives into why and how you need to integrate your tech stack to boost your company’s efficiency and ease the load on you and your employees. Making Chips and making money doesn’t solely rely on the mechanics of the shop floor. Take further steps to build your techstack and read Kaleb's article at www.makingchips.com/techstack Subscribe to The Boring Bar newsletter by texting the word CHIPS to 38470 This Week’s Superstar Guest: Kaleb Mertz Connect with Kaleb on LinkedIn Email Kaleb at [email protected] Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Just as software-as-a-service (SaaS) has been used to streamline the software needs of businesses and organizations around the world, Xometry has created the manufacturing-as-a-service (MaaS) platform to serve the pressing needs of the Metal Working Nation. Jim and Jason discuss the inner-workings of Xometry’s impressive success with the vice president of the company, Michael Dickson, in this week’s exciting episode of MakingChips. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Xometry’s success as the leader in manufacturing as a service As the largest manufacturing-on-demand platform in the country, Xometry makes parts for over 16,000 customers - including clients such as NASA and BMW. Michael explains that their ability to meet such high demands is because of their instant quoting engine, partner network, and through their online e-commerce site - Xometry Supplies. Michael shares that the passion and drive behind the company is to help manufacturers grow in their own businesses as well as helping the manufacturing industry thrive as a whole. The gift of instant quoting If you have a part that your shop doesn’t have the capacity to create, what can you do? Michael explains how Xometry’s instant quoting engine works to provide manufacturers and customers with instantaneous answers on how their needs can be met. Uploading a 3D CAD file of the part or project you need manufactured into the system allows the quoting engine to determine when the part or project can be made and delivered and by whom. The system allows users to select the type of tools they want to be used, custom finishings, and what types of inspections they want the project or part verified through. The instant quoting engine then calculates lead time and the deadline for a need. Payment is simple and savable for future orders. When there are extremely specific details needed to complete a project, the system prompts the user to insert PDFs detailing other needs. Xometry sends the orders to the proper manufacturer for completion. Carr Machine & Tool, for instance, could use Xometry in a partnership as a way to extend the business by fulfilling orders offered through Xometry. Understanding the as-a-service genre of business Just as Uber doesn’t actually own any cars, but they are still the largest taxiing company in the world, the goal of Xometry is to be the on-demand portal for manufacturing. Their success is derived through their leverage of the workforce capacity provided through their numerous partnerships. Xometry is the coordinating portal of the Metal Working Nation - not the workforce itself. Michael explains that one of the benefits of such a company is that the customer doesn’t have to send out quote requests or conduct research on which manufacturing business is the best for their specific need. Xometry simply takes the order and delivers it to the best partner for that specific job. Because Xometry has built such a solid reputation, people trust the process. Partnering with others for greater all-around success Xometry has about 3,000 partners - including those who make parts and fulfill orders for Xometry and those who order from Xometry. The process to become a partner is an easy one. Anyone can join - once approved - and there is no partnership fee. There is an on-boarding period and a trial period. Once Xometry is satisfied, they will open the business to work within the network. While certifications aren’t required, they are heartily welcomed. Feedback is one of the main driving factors for improvement of Xometry’s systems. Jason compares the improvement process to that of the housing market. If your house doesn’t sell within a few weeks, perhaps it is priced too high. If it sells in a day, perhaps you could have raised the asking price. It is the same with manufacturing parts. Supply and demand, feedback from customers and partners help Xometry’s instant quoting system to work at optimum capacity. Michael explains that Xometry is an excellent source of growth for new manufacturing businesses or start-ups. Partnership can help cover the costs of starting a business and help provide a more steady stream of work. The goal of Xometry, after all, is to leverage the manufacturing capabilities in the US and to help their partners make more chips - so that they can make more money and reach their goals. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for more about how manufacturing as a service can benefit you and your company! Here’s The Good Stuff! The 4th industrial revolution. MAAS: Manufacturing As A Service. Xometry - the country’s largest manufacturing-on-demand platform. Instant Quoting allows for smoother operations. How Xometry works as the Uber of the manufacturing world. What it takes to become a Xometry partner. The benefits of having over 3,000 partners in the manufacturing world. How small shops and start-ups can use Xometry to their advantage. Tools & Takeaways Pro Shop ERP Xometry Don’t forget the discount code for Xometry! CHIPS50 ($50 off $100 or more) This Week’s Superstar Guest: Michael Dickson MakingChips Episode #122 Michael on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Step up your machining game by utilizing tools such as trunnion tables and growing your manufacturing business through partnerships with other companies! Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner join Stan Martin - Kentucky entrepreneur and owner of Martin Manufacturing in this inspiring episode of MakingChips. Many call him “Stan the Trunnion Man,” and rightly so. Realizing how much time he and his team were spending handling projects and parts themselves inspired Stan to streamline the trunnion table for optimal performance - for his own shop and for the entire Metal Working Nation. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Working smarter - not harder Stan says that the reason he found himself and his team in the trunnion table business is because he is a lazy machinist. He knew that manually handling every part was wasting time and energy when it could all be done by a machine. Using CNC machines and trunnion tables, Stan began creating his own product line. Stan explains that most companies still look at trunnion tables as only useful for certain jobs. While they are standardized to meet the specifications of certain projects and parts, it is rare that a manufacturing business will see a job only once or twice. More likely, they will need the same parts made over and over, increasing the practicality and efficiency of a tool like the trunnion table. Instead of having someone on the shop floor spending their time clamping, unclamping, reversing, and rotating every set of parts, you simply place the material onto the trunnion table and let it do the work for you. The result is a precise, consistent, and perfect job every time. Meeting - and exceeding - customer needs Stan understands the need to create an atmosphere of support, consistency, and ease for his customers. Instead of going straight to the larger work holding companies, he focused on meeting the needs of job shops first and coming alongside each and every customer. Stan and his team make it a priority to ensure that every customer understands how, when, and where to use their trunnion tables. Some are built to optimize vertical machinery, while others are built to compliment a rotary table. Stan explains that his team goes the extra mile to produce a ready-to-use trunnion table for their customers. If a customer sends them a rotary table, they will put work holding onto the trunnion, mount it, and hand it back to the customer - ready to make chips. Don’t be greedy with your machining Partnerships not only supply you with the tools, resources, and skills that your own team doesn’t possess - they allows your business to grow. Partnerships can extend to supply chains, manufacturing partnerships, application engineering, sales, and so forth. Stan believes that partnerships are vital. The only way to grow as a company is to not be selfish. Working with others creates a larger and more diverse pool of ideas and jobs. Collaborative efforts can be an excellent learning and growing experience for everyone involved. Obviously, you want to make sure that whoever you are partnering with is trustworthy and produces consistently excellent work. There should always be honest and open communication. Constant improvement becomes constant growth Stan discusses the need to continually evaluate the processes and tools you are using - and producing - within your business and partnerships. Customers want convenience and excellence, creating a full-time need for assessment and improvement. For Stan’s business, this meant creating standardized kits as well as offering custom lengths on their trunnion tables. From a small manufacturing business to one of the leading manufacturing companies, Stan and the team at Martin Manufacturing understand the necessity for optimal machining performance, caring customer service, and allowing other companies to partner and spread the knowledge and resources they have to offer. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: NIMS partners with Festo. Guest speaker, Stan Martin - the owner of Martin Manufacturing. Empowering his team and clients through trunnion tables. Creating a customer-focused business. The importance of partnerships. Investing in the tools and resources to make your business grow. Tools & Takeaways NIMS Partnering with Festo This Week’s Superstar Guest: Stan Martin Stan on LinkedIn Martin Manufacturing MakingChips Bio The ROI on Customer-Centric Manufacturing Culture Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

We often don’t think of a franchise and a manufacturing business as being an easy match, but systematizing your business according to the franchise model can vastly improve the functionality and profitability of your company. Tools such as an ERP system can help you boost efficiency and keep track of everything needed to streamline your business. In this episode, the co-founder and president of ProShop ERP, Paul Van Metre, shares the practical steps to take towards a more refined and systematized set of processes for optimal company performance. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Applying the franchise model vs. becoming a franchise Paul explains that the goal of modeling your business after a franchise isn’t to become the next Subway or McDonald’s. Instead, the vision is to design a franchise prototype. Creating standardized systems for every process and goal within your company will help you create repeatability and redundancy for every task and will help you pinpoint problems - leading to continual refining. The goal is to have the same and reliable output as a franchise delivers - consistent value, low labor costs, impeccable organization, and documented workflow that produces predictable product. Whether your company is growing by leaps and bounds or not - establishing systems that streamline your processes and help ground the expectations and values of your business will help take your customer experience and your efficiency to the next level. The goal isn’t to duplicate your business into a thousand perfect replicas. The goal is to run your company in the most efficient and proven method available - with a franchise mindset applied to the small business structure. Streamlining your processes for optimal customer experience and efficiency What processes do you apply to the franchise model? Paul says that the answer is all of them. Systems like ERP can help minimize the labor involved in documenting your processes for storing fixtures, programming, job descriptions, hiring, training, company expectations, and procedures for making each and every product. Paul explains that one huge step for his company was standardizing jobs. Making sure that every person in your company is following the same procedures creates reliability. Jim uses the ERP system in his discussions with new clients, allowing them to view the numbers and procedures used to create the products they need. With a standardized system in place, every operation is itemized and trackable. All the details are available in one place - not scattered across different platforms and mediums. Documenting your systems in one location allows for a higher level of professionalism that makes everything black and white for your customers - and for your employees. Paul explains that you don’t need to create brand new procedures in order to streamline your business. Begin by bringing your team onboard with the mission to document every process you already have in place. It’s a team effort - unless you are a one-man shop. Each individual is going to have specific knowledge that is vital to the tribe. So much more information can be documented with ease when it is all inserted into one place - such as an ERP system. While it may seem daunting at first, it becomes easier the more your team utilizes it. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for Jim’s story of how implementing an ERP system in Carr Machine & Tool helped him keep a clear and focused approach to company growth. A systemized approach leads to greater profitability It’s surprising how many steps you can eliminate when you centralize all of your processes and procedures in one location. Eliminating needless or unprofitable steps creates greater efficiency, which leads to greater profitability. It also helps streamline your customer experience so that they know exactly what to expect and are met with quality time after time. Paul shares the 80/20 rule of profitability. Once you have the systems in place to track the profitability of each product, order, and customer, then you can begin to see the 80/20 rule take place. 80% of profits are derived by 20% of your jobs, and 20% of your jobs cause 80% of your losses. With a systemized process, you can see which jobs are losers and which are profitable. Having a procedure for killing off the losers will help keep your company moving forward and allow for less wasted time and resources. Prioritizing and tracking the needs of your company It’s important to analyze how you define job profitability and how you analyze the urgency of a request within your business. Streamlining your processes and procedures will lead to unearthed problems within your systems. Constant improvement needs to be an understood key-to-success by everyone on the team. Humility and honesty are vital to the improvement of a company, but leaders don’t need to be bogged down and notified of every problem that arises. Know, as a leader, how you will analyze and prioritize what needs to be addressed, when, and by whom. Jason shares his strategy of IDS (Identify, Discuss, and Solve). Encouraging your team to understand why a problem occurred and report it into a centralized system - like ERP - will help minimize the risk of the same problems occurring over and over again. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for more insight into why a franchise model may be the next step you should take with your manufacturing business. Here’s The Good Stuff! Can and should you franchise your machine shop? Manufacturing News: USMCA will replace NAFTA. Guest speaker: Paul Van Metre - president of ProShop ERP. Designing a franchise prototype to optimize your company’s performance. Generating consistent and predictable output. Streamlining your processes for ease of employee upscaling. The key to methodical profit growth. Analyzing and prioritizing job profitability. Tools & Takeaways Pro Shop ERP Paul on MakingChips: Episode 156 & Episode 98 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber This Week’s Superstar Guest: Paul Van Metre Paul on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Excellent customer experience is vital to the success of your manufacturing business, and marketing automation solutions can help you not only sell your business but maintain your customer base as well. In this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason discuss the importance of utilizing marketing automation correctly with B2B consultant and advisor, Todd Hockenberry. Author of Inbound Organization: How to Build and Strengthen Your Company’s Future Using Inbound Principles and host of “The Industrial Executive Podcast,” Todd shares how to customize your marketing automation to your customers and how to map customer behavior so that you can provide the best service to each individual. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Understanding how the conversation works between your business and the customer “Marketing automation is using technology to facilitate conversations so that you can build relationships.” Todd explains that it all begins with the conversation between you and the customer. Many businesses aren’t even aware that the conversation is happening - how a customer found the business, what they were looking for, if or how they found the solution to their needs, and how they interacted with the people and media of the business. Without some type of automation system in place, you won’t be able to map out the journey that your customer is taking - and how you can best meet their needs. The role of the salesman is changing in the fast-paced world that we live in. Automated marketing is a necessity, and it is extremely powerful - if done well. Just as no one has time to invite a salesman in to talk and show off a product, no one has time to participate in poor marketing. Todd encourages marketers to consider whether the tools they are using are achieving the results that they want. Email, free downloads, and website forms have all been automation staples of the past, but they aren’t effective at speaking to the customer. Emails go unopened, downloads go unread. Marketing isn’t about how you want to communicate with the buyer. It’s about how the buyer wants to communicate with you. Familiarizing yourself with how the buyer acts and what they want can help you better serve them. Personalizing your automated marketing systems to meet your customer needs Everyone processes information differently. Some people absorb a message better audibly, visually, or through actual hands-on experience. Your automated marketing strategy must take this into consideration and be customizable to the buyer. Todd explains that he uses a myriad of mediums to relay a message and provide opportunity for conversation. Personalized video messages, pop-up chat boxes, marketing personnel available to answer phone calls, texts, and emails are all ways to make that personal connection with the customer. The key is to make sure that your customer needs are being met. Automated chat-boxes - or chat-bots - are a useful tool, if handled correctly. If customer questions are being answered then all is well, but if they aren’t being answered, how long does it take for the customer to reach an actual sales rep? Immediacy is vital in our fast-paced world of communication. If you do provide a phone number, make sure that there is actually someone there to answer it. Time is money, and people don’t want to wait for information. Todd gives some excellent insight into the importance of immediate gratification when it comes to your customer, so be sure to listen to the entire episode! Mapping out the journey of your customer is an extremely helpful step in understanding how to best serve them. Match technology with the needs of your customer - don’t just go shopping for technology and implement it into your systems without knowing if it is what your customers need to better communicate with you and vice versa. People want a seamless, helpful experience that helps them achieve their goals. Being able to track what an individual has downloaded, what they have clicked on or opened in your website or emails, and what mediums they have used to contact you - if any - are all part of the map that helps you locate what to improve in your marketing system. Matching the persona of your business with the right customer base People want to see themselves when they go onto your website - but you also want to see your business values in your customer. All relationships are two-way, and Jim and Jason understand the importance of aligning company values with the customer for an excellent, long-term relationship. Jim, for example, has set up filters that keep those he may not want to work with at bay. He doesn’t list his available machinery on his website - instead, he promotes the core values of his company and highlights what makes Carr Machine & Tool unique. His goal is to get people into a conversation with someone on his team as quickly as possible - whether that be through a chat-box, email, or phone call so that the relationship is built before anything is sold. Finding the right marketing automation solutions for your business While there are numerous tools out there to help you track and map customer behaviors, you don’t need every bell and whistle to get started. HubSpot is a favorite of Todd, Jim, and Jason. Automated marketing is a continuous task, needing a high level of attention. HubSpot helps cut back on time spent logging information and allows you to see what each website visitor is clicking on, if they signed up for a newsletter, or if they have opened an email once, never, or several times. Being able to see what a customer is interested in will allow you to better market to them so that they are given only what they need. CRM systems are also extremely helpful in building the relationship between you and the buyer. Don’t just use CRM systems as a place to drop email addresses to send automated messages to. Know the behavior of a person and send them the automated message that will speak to them personally. Keeping track of previous customers is another helpful aspect of a CRM system. If someone who bought your product a year ago is on your website again, then you know to reach out to them and update them on the latest and greatest that your company has to offer. Here’s The Good Stuff! Creating an optimal customer experience through marketing automation. Guest speaker: Todd Hockenberry - expert B2B consultant and advisor. Are you tracking the online conversation surrounding your business and product? Misuse of automation marketing. Ensuring a personable customer experience with marketing automation. The power of customization. Mapping a value stream: following and anticipating the journey of your lead. Creating a seamless experience for your customer. Aligning your company persona with the ideal customer. Content management systems are vital to your company’s performance. Tools & Takeaways Pro Shop ERP Top Line Results This Week’s Superstar Guest: Todd Hockenberry Todd on LinkedIn Inbound Organization The Industrial Executive Podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Jason and Jim both felt the need to fight against the perspective of nepotism within their family manufacturing businesses by proving their merit within their respective companies. Growing up in the family business had its perks, but it also came with the need to overcome the stigma that they were successful simply because of their bloodline. There was a lot to prove - to both themselves and others as they mastered the manufacturing business and took on greater leadership and responsibility. Guest speaker, Dietmar Goellner - Nick Goellner’s father - shares his own experience and insight into keeping nepotism out of the family business, while also mentoring his three sons within the company. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The family business is still a business Dietmar grew up saturated in the heart and soul of manufacturing. His father immigrated from Germany in 1958 and founded Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) in 1966. Dietmar is now the president, CEO, and co-owner of AME - as well as the president and CEO of Henning Inc. Dietmar was raised to become the next leader within his father’s manufacturing business, but he himself has taken a different approach with his own sons. Dietmar approaches the family business as a business - putting the needs of the company and team ahead of any desire to put a family member in a job where they may not need to be. “Being in the family might get you a job, but it won’t keep you a job,” he says. Having a managerial role in the company with shareholding and voting rights is earned by merit alone. It’s not a birthright. Dietmar never pushed his kids to follow his footsteps in the family business, but when one by one they said they were interested in pursuing their careers within the company, he took them in and placed them where the company needed them most. Each of his three sons joined the family business with unique talents, skills, and passions. Dietmar recognized this and placed them strategically within the company - where their aptitude met their passion and the need of the business. The needs of the company must be met - and that should come above the wishes of any individual. Treat the business like a business. Less micromanaging and more mentoring It is easy to micromanage any team - but especially a team made up of family members. Dietmar discusses the importance of fighting against the micromanagement of family members within the company. Coaching and mentoring are far more productive and impactful methods of training. Dietmar warns against ever forcing or coercing a person into a position that they either aren’t wired to take over or don’t even want in the first place. Not all family members who want a part in the business are going to want a leadership role. Mentoring begins with assimilation. Dietmar explains that with his sons, he explained the opportunity to be had by joining the company, but he also explained that they had to earn the right to vote and own shares. He did, however, include them in board meetings so that they could watch and learn what would be expected of them in the future. He also explained the importance of allowing family members to make mistakes and allowing for communication to be two-way. Whether you are the mentor or the one being mentored, you have a responsibility to communicate well. For Jim, that meant booking his dad’s schedule with a time-slot just for the two of them to go out and get martinis together and discuss business needs. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for more great insight into what mentoring and coaching the next generation looks like and how to keep from micromanaging your business. Fighting nepotism by sticking to your core values Core values are a key component of any company’s foundation. Dietmar encourages family businesses to communicate their stance against nepotism through their core values - and the determination to stick by them. At AME, the core value of servant leadership is vital. Anyone not displaying the humility that comes through leading by example is not considered for a place within the business - whether they are family or not. Arrogance and ignorance are two attributes that Dietmar doesn’t allow on the manufacturing floor. While he recognizes that everyone has flaws and that no one is perfect, he understands the importance of a humble and knowledgeable leader. When considering whether to promote someone - whether family or not - he looks to see whether the individual embodies the characteristics of a servant leader and also displays the manufacturing skills necessary to take the business to the next level. Dietmar explains that another aspect of a successful and healthy family relationship within a family business is respect. He warns against losing respect for one another over business issues and by not treating each other with professionalism in the workplace. Yes, you are family, but that doesn’t mean you can get away with disrespecting one another. Have a succession plan - but hold it loosely Having professionals come onto the board to help navigate succession plans and other business dynamics is hugely helpful. Dietmar suggests having an excellent attorney on board to ensure that you are getting it right when it comes to the details. Beginning the conversation early with family members about how the succession plan will work for the family business is important. Dietmar reminds listeners that arguments and misunderstandings will occur during the succession planning process. Be okay with that. Go in knowing that there will be miscommunication. Hold everything loosely and operate under grace. Be able to ask for forgiveness and forgive. Building a strong family connection while also making the right decisions for the future of the company can be difficult. Dietmar suggests that if there isn’t someone in the family who wants to take on the business, then look within the company for someone passionate and capable who does want the responsibility. Open communication and honesty should be the foundation of any succession planning. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for more helpful pointers on how to navigate the ups and downs of working with family in the family manufacturing business and how to keep nepotism at bay. Here’s The Good Stuff! The birth of The Boring Bar at MakingChips. Defining nepotism. Dietmar Goellner: president/CEO/co-owner of Advanced Machine & Engineering. Is it wrong to give your family jobs in the business? The issue of reverse nepotism. Placing family members in jobs that will impact them and the company. Less micromanaging - more coaching. Relating core values to the issue of nepotism. The dangers of arrogance and ignorance. Building strong communication between you and your family within the business. Don’t lose respect for one another! Having the succession conversation - and being willing to flex. Tools & Takeaways The Boss is Retiring... This Week’s Superstar Guest: Dietmar Goellner MakingChips Bio Dietmar on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Jim and Jason both know the importance of fostering a great company culture within their businesses. Knowing where to begin and how to accomplish a thriving culture, however, can be daunting. In this insightful episode of MakingChips, Jim shares his personal experience building a company culture that won Carr Machine & Tool the Spark Award for Culture and Workforce Development. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact When the culture is great - the work is great When your team embraces the core values of your company, the result is hugely impactful. Jim and Jason have both discovered that when manufacturing leaders take the time to pour into their team and employees, more is accomplished and business goals are not only met, but exceeded. Your people matter, and how you communicate the mission of your company to them is key. Jim explains that learning to listen to your employees and making structured room for conversation is the foundation for company culture success. The core values of your company should be honed down to just a few. They should act as the internal compass of your business and be the why behind what you do. When your people are united behind a common set of core values and know that they are each valued and have a voice, making chips becomes that much easier. Mantra and motivation craftsmanship Every business should have a stated mission and vision. Jim took those building blocks and presented them to his team - with a twist. He sat down with his team and asked them what their mantra and motivation was. What was their why? He wanted to know what it was that inspired and motivated his employees to get out of bed every morning and come to work at Carr Machine & Tool. The process offered powerful insight that gave Jim the tools he needed to communicate effectively with his team and understand his employees on a deeper level. Jim knew that not everyone would have the same why and not everyone would understand what the company does in the same way. Jim explains that people’s answers change over time as well. For instance, not everyone on his team had the same answer for how the business actually made money. Jim encouraged his team to voice their differing perspectives so that he could better understand what areas he needed to clarify and unify his team. Structured round table discussions and reviews of the company’s goals, structure, and mantra help Jim keep a pulse on the health and vision of his company culture. Investing in the team is investing in the company Fostering a company culture where success is celebrated and failures can be discussed are aspects of investing in his employees that Jim deeply cares about. Group and individual successes should be noticed and celebrated, he explains. He also wants his employees to understand that mistakes will happen - and that is okay as long as everyone can learn something from them. “No one is perfect,” he says, and the culture he has built is one where everyone knows that someone else has their back when something goes wrong. Having fun together is also an important part of the company culture at Carr Machine & Tool. Jim organizes field trips for his team to conferences, IMTS, or group BBQs. Learning together and sharing a relaxed drink together helps build community. For Jim, the emotional and physical health of his employees is vital. He explains that when your people are healthy, they will be able to put forward their best effort. As a leader, he fosters emotional health by talking with his employees and encouraging open discussion. Sharing is key. As for the physical, Jim likes to supply healthy food options to his team throughout the day. For more tips on how to build up your people and create a thriving company culture, listen to the entire episode! How to begin changing the company culture Growing a company culture takes time. Jim utilizes professionals in the areas that he needs help. He organizes standups with financial advisors and makes sure that his team understands the systems, investments, and decisions that the company is making. Uniting his team behind common knowledge of the company’s net profits and sales keeps any guesswork at bay, and taking the time to discuss hiring decisions as a team helps build trust and unity. But where do you start? Jim encourages manufacturing leaders to simply begin the conversation with team members and employees. Giving your people the opportunity to speak and share is the perfect starting point. Structured dialogue can help foster a thriving culture while also keeping the focus on core values and business growth. “Everyone has a voice,” Jim explains, “and every voice is valuable.” As a leader, stay true to the decisions you make, limit distractions, and make it clear to your people that you are invested in them. Listen to the full episode for more tips on how you can set the example to your company and keep the culture thriving. Here’s The Good Stuff! Why laughter is better than caffeine. The criteria that won Jim’s company the Culture & Workforce Development Award. Manufacturing News: tips for company culture success. Empowering your team through strategic open communication. Crafting the mission and vision of your company. Encouraging emotional and physical health among your employees. Clarifying the why and how of your company. The importance of celebrating successes and discussing failures. Utilizing field trips to foster company community and learning. Hiring new team members as a team. Contributing to charity as a company. Utilizing professionals to help make sense of the details. The return on investment of pouring into your company’s culture. How to begin changing your company’s culture as a small manufacturing business. Tools & Takeaways 10 Tips for Changing Your Company’s Culture - and Making It Stick When the Workforce Becomes a Life-force w/ Tom Carmazzi Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Knowing when to start the conversation about family business succession planning can be tough. Jim and Jason understand that the dialogue surrounding the family business can be hard as it is - without throwing in who is getting what and when. In this episode of the MakingChips podcast, Jim and Jason share their personal experiences as well as some insightful tips to help the manufacturing leaders of the Metal Working Nation get the ball rolling and keep the business growing. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Knowing where and when to start the conversation While bringing up succession is uncomfortable, it is important to start planning as early as possible. The earlier you begin the dialogue, the better. Jim shares that he knew the conversation needed to be brought up with his dad when he realized that the woman his father was dating at the time may have ended up being his stepmother - and an inheritor of all he had worked hard to maintain and create in the family manufacturing business. Family situations can get sticky, which is why it is vital to start now. Navigating all the discussions that need to take place, the legal issues, and the development of a practical, workable plan can take time. For Jim, it took several years from the time he began the conversation with his father to the time everything was legally settled on paper. Jason shares that while his family situation wasn’t as difficult as Jim’s, his dad still realized the necessity to begin succession planning early in case of unforeseen or unfortunate events. It isn’t only about settling who gets what and when - it is also about preserving the future of the business. Keeping interests and priorities in alignment Jim knew that he didn’t want the amount of effort and energy he was putting into the family business to go to waste. It is important to understand and be honest with your family members about who has the greatest or equal interest in pursuing the future of the company and who is best equipped to handle the financial ups and downs. Jim shares that he didn’t want the business to be pulled out from under him by someone else when he was the one that had put the greatest amount of effort into the company and knew that was where his passion lay. Similarly, Jason shares that while he and his sister both owned shares in the family business, Jason and his wife had sustainable future plans for the company and held a greater level of interest in its growth. Both Jim and Jason walked through the succession planning journey with their families, taking into consideration that it would be difficult and at least a little bit painful for everyone involved. The priority, however, always had to be the success of the business. Listen to the entire episode for details on how Jason and Jim helped their families walk the path of succession planning to cohesive decision-making. Navigating the waters of appraisals and attorneys Jim stresses the importance of seeking professional help when building a family business succession plan. Understanding which appraisals matter for tax purposes, payment plans, and divvying shares is vital. While conversations can create plans that seem doable, having everything put into a binding, written agreement is key. Having a business appraiser, attorney, and corporate account present can help you and your family make sense of everything involved and what needs to be done to make your succession plan a reality. Jason explains the importance of understanding the fine print. You and your family probably won’t come to complete agreement on the first draft of the succession plan. Is what is being handed to you what everyone needs? Jason knew he didn’t want to be handcuffed in any way when he took over ownership of the family business, and so further work had to be done on the succession plan before he and everyone else was content with moving forward. Jim & Jason’s call-to-action Get the conversation going - no matter what. Yes, it can be uncomfortable - whether you are the one giving everything away or the one receiving. Yes, it can give rise to rifts and pains that no-one in the family will want to feel. Jim and Jason stress, however, that the longer you wait, the worse it gets. They suggest networking with peers that may be going through the same thing and collecting thoughts and ideas on how to navigate the succession waters so that you don’t drown when you go in to start the conversation. The important thing to remember is that you do not want something such as succession planning to be a looming impediment to your family business. The growth and success of your business should always remain at the forefront. Because if you aren’t making chips - you aren’t making money. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jason and Jim discuss their personal experiences with family business succession. The importance of beginning the discussion early! Continuing the dialogue. Balancing interest with priority. Navigating Appraisals. Getting started ASAP. Tools & Takeaways Family Business Succession Planning - Tips for Success Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Specific skills and savvy are needed to succeed in the manufacturing world, making a manufacturing startup difficult to achieve. Brandon Kane, however, knew he wanted hands-on work that made a difference in the world and began his own shop in the garage with his dad, Mike. Together, they have transformed a dream into reality through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn. In this episode of the MakingChips podcast, Jim Carr and Nick Goellner explore what makes or breaks startup business endeavors and what we can learn from Brandon’s entrepreneurial spirit. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact   The statistics behind startups Entrepreneurship has many benefits. Most small business owners were inspired to create their own startup from a desire to work for themselves and be their own boss. Others had a passion they wanted to share with the world. The unfortunate reality, however, is that most startups don’t make it past their first couple of years. Jim and Nick share some surprising startup trends from the past few years. Most small business owners, for instance, are 50-59 years old - not young college graduates. The funding to start a business is often taken from the founder’s personal savings account, and family is usually a strong source of continued funding for the initial months of a small business. Learn more about the interesting statistics of startup businesses by listening to the entire episode! Inspired beginnings of a manufacturing startup Manufacturing is often seen as an industry that has a hard time inspiring the younger generation to follow in its footsteps and pave the way for the future. Brandon Kane, however, grew up watching his dad work in the manufacturing industry and fell in love with “hands-on” work. He attended a technical high school, learning skills that would help him late on when he decided to begin a manufacturing startup with his dad in their garage. Brandon’s dad, Mike, settled into his role as the visionary of the business - having seen needs in the industry that weren’t being met by the larger corporations and companies. While time is money, there should always be excellence in production, and Mike felt that smaller orders weren’t being met properly by the larger businesses. Mike helped Brandon begin a small business - Manufacturing Solutions - that saw a need and began filling it. Brandon’s love of design led him to experiment with CAM software on their first machines, creating a trigger for a firearm they use for hobby target practice. From there, the designs became more complex, and Brandon’s knowledge of software grew to produce prototypes, and he became more comfortable with different tool paths and CNC machines. Different learning paths - same passion for excellence Jim and Mike talk about the differences in the ways that they learned manufacturing skills as opposed to how the younger generation - such as Brandon - have picked up the skills needed to succeed. While it used to be popular to learn through hands-on experience with the machines themselves - learning to feel and listen to the tone of a machine and metal to determine whether or not the design would come out - Brandon learned through CAD-CAM software first. He and Mike purchased a video series on how to work the tools with the software, but much of the learning was done through experimentation and from mistakes made along the way. Mike explains that in a startup, you learn a lot through failure. He talks about the edge that modern technology can give a manufacturing startup by providing new software that can optimize a CNC machine to produce quality parts every time with a well-built design. Probing systems have also taken much of the guesswork out of machining, allowing for a more consistent product. Building the benchmarks for a strong foundation While there are many differences in the ways Mike and Brandon have learned the industry, they are united through the passion to produce quality products to fulfill a need and to inspire a positive atmosphere among manufacturing leaders. Much of their business's marketing has been done through word-of-mouth and through maintaining a strong social media presence on Instagram. Brandon loves sharing his day-to-day life with others, hoping that his business will inspire others to launch into their dreams with determination and hard work. Realistic benchmarks are important to any business, and Mike and Brandon have built theirs around practical goals. They both know that they would prefer not to compete with large, corporate companies and have tried to maintain steady growth without growing too big too fast. Mike wants to hire another employee with the same passion for learning and sharing the manufacturing industry. Brandon wants to become a bigger influence on social media and hopefully begin coaching others while also building the business he and his father have built. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for the rest of the inspiring story of a manufacturing startup done right. Here’s The Good Stuff! Surprising startup business trends. Brandon and Mike Kane: manufacturing entrepreneurs. Growing up inspired by design and hands-on work. Generational differences in learning and manufacturing application. Learning through failure. Marketing through word-of-mouth and social media. Shooting for practical benchmark goals. Creating a positive atmosphere and influence on the manufacturing industry. Tools & Takeaways Startup Statistics NSBA 2015 Economic Report Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business This Week’s Superstar Guests: Brandon & Mike Kane Brandon on Instagram Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Life often gets crazy busy, and it can be hard to fight the stress that easily sneaks in and overwhelms the everyday. Jason and Jim unpack the causes of major stress and give practical insight and tactics for overcoming the stresses that keep leaders from performing at their very best. Speaking from personal experience, these two manufacturing leaders share their personal tools and explore the need to prioritize your priorities. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Pinpointing the major causes of stress Stress can come in quietly and pile up quickly. Life changes, bad news, distractions, and inefficient processes are only a few ways stress can overtake your work, family, and life. Businesses grow, teams expand, and life gets busy! Jason talks about a time when stressful business news impacted his health. Stress not only affects how you view and approach work, but it also affects your health, relationships, and effectiveness as a leader. Understanding why you are stressed is the first step. The connectedness of the modern business world is one major cause of stress for many industry leaders. Technology has created the opportunity to be connected to everything and everyone at all times. Overstimulation can lead to incredible amounts of stress because there is never time to simply turn off and relax. How do you overcome the limitations of stress-induced scars and build a life of minimal distraction? Be sure to listen to the entire episode! Eliminating distraction and reducing wasted time Jason and Jim share some of their personal tools for combating the stresses that permeate all of life - from work to family. Exercise, essential oils, writing out thoughts in short notes or lists, spending time with loved ones and friends, and taking the time to relax and laugh can all help reduce stress. Even spending time with a pet or taking the time to relax and drink a glass of wine at night can help mitigate the constant stimulation that your mind lives in throughout the workday. But what steps can you take to cut stress in the bud and mitigate its presence at work and as a leader? Jason shares seven tools for doing just that. (7) Turn off notifications on your phone! It is easy to get caught up in group chats or conversations that could be had later or under better circumstances. Jason shares that he only leaves notifications on for family and team members vital to his current work. Otherwise, the conversation can wait. (6) Use your calendar to plan ahead. Book out the next couple weeks so that you know what to expect and where you need to be and what you need to get accomplished. Knowing your calendar can also keep you from overbooking yourself. Have a plan and write it out ahead of time. Jim and Jason have also learned to be careful with which calendar invites to accept. (5) Say “No” often. As a leader, you have a choice as to what processes, meetings, and jobs you need to be a part of. Know where to delegate and where to partake and be honest about how much time you have available for jobs and meetings that could be run and accomplished by someone else. Take responsibility where needed, but don’t overextend. Creating an efficient and stimulating environment Jason and Jim explore tactics for fighting stress that require you, as the leader, to take a step back and take the time to dwell in objective observation. It is easy to become comfortable in the status-quo and not realize that things need to be changed. Jason and Jim share the following tools for creating that efficient and life-giving environment. (4) Align yourself with great partners. Being willing to delegate the jobs that someone else can accomplish better than yourself is vital. Who on your team knows more than you about a specific job, or who do you know that has expertise where you don’t? Who has more time to give to a project? By delegating to the right people, you can grow your business by ensuring that everyone is giving their best work in their best arenas. (3) Create a routine for yourself. Habits and a normalized routine can help keep the guesswork out of the workplace. Setting aside the time to accomplish what needs to be done while also creating space for creative work can help keep your day moving steadily forward. (2) Take time to reflect on whether or not you have the right people in the right seats. Are your team members able to give their best in their current positions? Being willing to take a step back and observe whether or not a person, project, or conversation need to move forward as they are can be helpful. By simply moving a team member to a different position or by eliminating a project, you can create a more efficient path ahead for your business. (1) Focus on the “ultra” important. Distractions can take away the energy and time you need to be channeling into what is truly important to you, the team, and your business. Being willing to utilize the tools above can help keep you from giving in to the distractions that riddle everyday life. Fight stress through prioritizing Prioritizing can be difficult - especially when you have so many vital priorities as a leader. The last tool Jason and Jim discuss is the need to focus. Jim explains the need for a leader to be flexible in his priorities for the day while not losing sight of the ultimate goal. Your checklist of to-dos will change throughout the day, and that is okay. What really matters is whether or not you are accomplishing the ultra important and moving steadily along the path to your personal and business goals. Be sure to listen to the entire episode for a more in-depth look at the tools and tactics listed above. Everyone is different and will utilize unique stress-fighting tactics to overcome obstacles and distractions and create a healthy lifestyle. Taking the time to create in yourself the focus and endurance to combat stress will enable you to be a better leader. The important thing to remember is that, “If you're not making chips, you're not making money. And if you're too stressed, you're not making chips.” Here’s The Good Stuff! What to do when life is crazy. DMDII switched to MXD. What causes stress? Personal tools for eliminating stress in your personal life. Tactics for overcoming stress in the workplace. Prioritizing your priorities. Discovering what works for you. Tools & Takeaways Digital Minimalism Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

LinkedIn expert, Wayne Breitbarth, is back with more excellent insight into LinkedIn strategies to promote and grow your manufacturing business! Jim and Jason ask the hard questions about the worth of a premium account, when and how to say no to offending taggers and salesmen, and when, where, and how to post the good stuff. Be sure to listen the whole way through for all the tips and tricks to boost your business and put you on the leading edge of the manufacturing industry! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The premium life: LinkedIn strategies for greater coverage Is a premium account worth the cash? Wayne shares a helpful gauge to determine if it’s time for you or your business to bite the bullet for premium benefits. If you are running into what Wayne calls the “free wall,” then it’s time to pay. If trying to keep up with who has been viewing your profile is taking up all your spare time, then you may want to consider going premium. With the upgraded account, you can see the past 90 days of profile “stalkers.” Being able to go back and see who has been visiting your profile will help you determine who to reach out to and build relationship with. Another way to tell if it’s time for that premium account is if you are maxing out your search allowance for the month. A premium account will give you a wider berth for searching out the perfect people to build your business and professional alliances. Wayne suggests the “Sales Navigator/Professional” premium setting as the perfect “rocket-ship” to carry your profile to the next level. Dealing with unwanted attention Jim and Wayne both get frustrated and feel offended when someone tags them in posts that have nothing to do with them. Some people use tagging as a sales tactic to take advantage of others’ many followers. Wayne suggests that if this happens to you, untag yourself from the post. If it happens again with the same instigator, direct message that person, and politely - but firmly - ask them to stop. If it still continues, disconnect with that person. How do you respond when someone sends a connection request and within minutes of you accepting, direct messages you trying to sell you something? If there isn’t any effort being made to build relationship with you first, Wayne suggests disconnecting with that person. Learn why building relationship is important in establishing credibility before a sale and why pre-canned, automated systems aren’t the best tactic by listening to the whole episode! What to post and where to promote Earlier in LinkedIn’s history, one could post an article, and all of that person’s connections would be notified that an article had been posted. Articles, however, aren’t as profound as they used to be. Wayne explains that the tactic originally worked because LinkedIn was trying to garner quality material within its platform. Over time, however, people began cutting corners on the quality of their articles and began only posting a sentence from a blog post or a small paragraph. LinkedIn pulled back from the promotion of articles as the material deteriorated in quality. While it is important to include your latest blog posts and articles on your profile, make sure that your writing is of high quality. People viewing your profile will want to see professionalism throughout your material - including your writing. Excellent writing builds credibility. Wayne encourages the strategy of re-sharing articles that may be a month old and didn’t receive the attention it deserved. Unimpressive impressions What does a view or impression mean? Unfortunately, they aren’t as big of a deal as some might wish. Wayne explains that an impression or view is essentially someone sweeping by your post but not actually looking at it. The activity to get excited about is comments. Making sure you are active on your posts and promoting conversation is also helpful. A response to others on your own post still counts as activity that will help broadcast your post to even more connections. Personal pages are often more powerful than company pages because of the greater number of connections often found on personal pages. While posting on both will help generate greater activity, Wayne encourages users to focus their energy on their personal page. For more insight and tips on how to create the best content and broadcast it to the greatest number of connections, listen to the whole episode! Growing your business through LinkedIn isn’t as hard as you think. Here’s The Good Stuff! MakingChips News: Opinion articles to boost your competence. Understanding what it means to be a “change agent.” Wayne Breitbarth’s rise to LinkedIn success. The power of a premium account. Navigating the waters of unwanted tagging and sales. When and how to upload company content. Don’t be impressed by those impressions. Quality over quantity. Tools & Takeaways What Makes a Great Manufacturing Leader The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success This Week’s Superstar Guest: Wayne Breitbarth Wayne Breitbarth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify *******************************************************************************************************

Gaining LinkedIn success is not as difficult as some may think. Utilizing the world’s largest database of professionals is key to marketing your manufacturing business and rising as a leader in the industry. Guest speaker, Wayne Breitbarth, is a LinkedIn trainer and shares his strategies and insights into the powerhouse of LinkedIn and how manufacturing leaders can effectively connect with other leaders, share their businesses, and expand their reach. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Why manufacturing leaders need to pursue LinkedIn Success LinkedIn is the largest database of professionals and business leaders that is available. As business leaders, LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can be used to market businesses, find competent employees, and connect with other influential industry leaders. An exuberant amount of time isn’t needed to establish yourself and your business on LinkedIn. Wayne explains that it is all about strategizing the processes and systems available on the platform and focusing on what matters to you and your company. Understanding the essence of LinkedIn The essence of LinkedIn is not only found in the opportunities of such a large database but in the opportunity to form relationships. Relationships are the foundation of any successful business venture. Wayne describes what your relationship status may look like on LinkedIn depending on the size and purpose of your company. Sometimes more is truly more, and sometimes it’s not. If you are selling a book or trying to reach a wide audience with a new podcast release, then you may want to accept all those connections with people you may not know. If your business belongs in a more niche atmosphere, then your number of connections may be smaller - and that’s okay. It is important to understand, however, that the search engine algorithms that rule LinkedIn like to see a large connection base. Wayne suggests creating a social media atmosphere on LinkedIn that is saturated with the people of your industry, whether that be followers, customers, or other leading manufacturers. To learn more about how to create and maintain effective relationships, listen to the whole episode! Strategizing your LinkedIn process Succeeding with your LinkedIn profile can be achieved through strategizing the tools that LinkedIn offers. Keyword optimization is a large part of making yourself known and finding the people you need to help grow your business. Include specific terminology in your headline, stories, and description. Stay away from broad terms such as “strategy” in your skill-set and include specified terms such as “Podcast Host.” Show off your unique professionalism and offerings. Your skill-set can be utilized through endorsements and recommendations. Search engines love using your list of skills as keywords. Make sure they reflect what you want to be known for. Wayne explains that recommendations and endorsements are gifts to you. Use them in business proposals and when sharing your business with others. Posting can be a confusing tool, but Wayne explains that success in posting is all about velocity. Tagging relevant people in your post will expand its reach. Be careful to not “spam” others with overabundant tagging, but instead talk with the people you plan to tag and explain that it is a strategy to help promote and grow the business. Velocity is gained through initializing and promoting activity on your posts. Use hashtags and comment on a post that someone else tags you in to begin a conversation. LinkedIn algorithms look for how fast your post is being responded to and how much activity is being generated by your post. The more activity the better. Creating an all-star profile Beginning a profile or revamping a stagnant one isn’t hard! Begin by understanding your audience. Who are you writing and creating your profile for? Headlines should be short but descriptive. If you have five jobs, then list all of them in your headline and title. Create stories that are relevant and captivating when describing your job positions. Ask yourself, “How can my job experiences benefit others?” Promote your strengths and don’t be shy about creating an eye-catching profile. For more insight into what makes a great LinkedIn profile, listen to the entire episode!   Here’s The Good Stuff! Is social media a distraction? Guest speaker, Wayne Breitbarth, is a professional LinkedIn trainer. Understanding the power of LinkedIn: the largest database of professionals in the world. Creating a strategic LinkedIn process. Optimizing the time you spend promoting your company. The essence of LinkedIn is relationship. Is more actually more? The art of tagging. How to create velocity in your posts. Effectively utilizing endorsements and recommendations. How to begin or revamp your LinkedIn profile. Tools & Takeaways Digital Minimalism Traction These Industries Will Face the Biggest Talent Shortages by 2030 This Week’s Superstar Guest: Wayne Breitbarth The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success Wayne Breitbarth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Having the best workholding system is just as key as having the best tools! Jim Carr and Jason Zenger know the importance of keeping up with the game as manufacturing leaders. Growing up working the shop floor, guest speaker, Alvin Goellner, is the Business Development Leader of North America at Amrok Workholding. In this episode of MakingChips, he shares the latest trends in workholding systems and why you need to implement them for optimal efficiency and quality performance in your manufacturing business. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Optimizing your workholding process is vital to overall success The workholding process is all about how rigid you can make your setup - creating a solid foundation that will hold your material for optimal performance. Without a steady and rigid workholding system, your process will be riddled with chatter, less tolerance, and damaging vibration. While it is less of an investment to just keep upgrading your cutting and milling tools, it is still key to keep your workholding system up-to-date. The way your tool and materials are being held is vital to the outcome of the end-product. The workholding system must be rigid, robust, and competent at holding your material and efficient at resizing and holding different projects. Alvin explains that you can own the best cutting tools in the world, but without a competent workholding system, your product will not be the best on the market. The grid system evolution Alvin explains that over the years, he visited different manufacturing shops and studied the varying methods and machining solutions to the workholding process. He then went back to his own company - Amrok - and built the workholding systems that solved the problems he had found in his travels. The result was the 2-inch grid system, which has become an industry standard. While there used to be odd-sized grid systems with varying sized plates, Alvin found that most products can fit into the 2-inch grid plate. An incredibly efficient system, the hardened bushing, lock-tightened, slip fitted grid retains center distance tolerance because of its minimal clearance. 2-inch sub-plates are the common sub-plate, which allows for efficient adjustment of the numbers for varying projects. To learn more about the efficient and customizable applications of the 2-inch grid system, listen to the entire episode! Vise system optimization When projects become large a TRIAG modular vise system is the most efficient. With modular clamps that can fit almost any shape, the system boasts serrated base rails that mount on a standard, 2-inch grid and locate with dowel screws. This system enables the spindle to keep moving, thereby creating a more efficient process. The modular components can be loosened in seconds, and you don’t have to spend time indicating because of the dowel screw location. Listen to the full episode for more information on how the TRIAG modular vise system works and why it improves overall performance. What to implement now for immediate impact With so many options available on the current market, Alvin supplies three workholding systems that will instantly improve efficiency in the shop. First, optimize your foundation. Implementing a 2-inch grid system enables you to work with a lot of different system types, tools, and materials. Second, hydraulic, dedicated fixtures that automatically fit the part with a flip of the switch will save you time and energy. Third, introducing a low mix, high volume TRIAG system to your shop floor will prove invaluable. Center-less vises that mount on a rail are lighter and more efficient. Alvin explains that if you need to move from one sized part to another, the application is easy and fast, allowing you to produce more chips and earn more money. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing news: manufacturing jobs are steadily growing! Alvin Goellner: Business Development Leader at Amrok. The birth of Amrok created out of the need for a solid foundation. The versatility of a 2-inch grid system. Why optimizing the workholding process is just as important as upgrading your tools. How’s your vise grip? European vs. American workholding systems. The three most impactful workholding systems that you can implement today. Tools & Takeaways makingchips.com/workholding Amrok This Week’s Superstar Guest: Alvin Goellner Alvin Goellner Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

The team at MakingChips knows how important it is for the Metalworking Nation to optimize efficiency and productivity. Having the right tools for the job is at the foundation of a leading manufacturing business. Guest speaker, Tom Senger, gives the run-down on the latest and greatest tools to utilize on the shop floor. Tom is the manager of the Vending, Integration, and Productivity (VIP) program at Zenger’s. Helping customers integrate new operations, realize new levels of productivity, and bring in greater revenue is his specialty. Manufacturing runs in his blood, and he understands what tools to use to get the job done.   Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact   The latest trends in cutting tools can help you make more chips...and more money The tools you use can make or break the impact of your manufacturing business. Hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger know you need to be making chips. Being on the cutting edge of cutting tools is imperative to saving money. Tom gives several suggestions for what tools to use for what job and explains that several improvements are being made throughout the manufacturing tool spectrum. Consistency is one of them. Small diameter, multifunctioning drilling tools have seen huge improvements in all-around consistency. It’s no longer the case that you need specialized tools for each part of the job. Not only do multi-functional drilling tools save you a ton of space in your collection storage, but they also get the job done with consistent quality and efficiency. Invest in one tool that can serve multiple functions. Coolant through is the new buzzword Coolant through is being implemented across the tool board. This quality helps reduce wear and tear on your drill bits, improves lubricity, and saves you time and money on maintenance, especially with solid carbide spindles and bits. It also improves consistency. Tom shares about some of the utilization of coolant through on the shop floor. Flat-bottom drills are excellent because they don’t have to be followed up by an end mill. They have replaceable tips and a myriad of products that you can place on the high-speed, coolant through, steel body. The flexibility of this tool enables you to save on carbide costs, and it is incredibly precise with diameters down to a millimeter and a half. Coolant through is also improving the performance of turning and cutting tools, cut-off and groove tools, and milling tools. Fast and high-speed milling tools are seeing smaller diameters, indexable end mills, and dynamic milling processes with the help of CAD CAM software. Different high feed cutters are being utilized to create more corners, even up to 6, 12, and 16 corners with repeatable functions. Turning and cutting tools are being improved with higher feeds and a greater depth of cut. The coolant through allows for less load on the spindle. It’s much the same story with cut-off and groove tools. Tom explains that the coolant through allows for a cooler cutting zone, cutting the cutting time by almost half. Be sure to listen to the full episode for all the details on how and why these improved tools need to become your next investment! Coating, and tolerance improvements As Tom points out, coating is king. Products and tools are no longer simply coated in a layer of tin. Now, there are several layers of different materials being applied for improved performance. Post-treatment coating is especially valuable, coming over the top insert and applying a clear, shining, polished surface. The polish protects and preserves carbide function and strength, improving the shelf-life of the tool up to 25%. Tolerancing is also an obvious ingredient of a great tool. Improved molding technology paired with coolant through enables tools such as the solid carbide spindle coolant drill to function with consistent quality up to a thousand repeatability. Slim the carbide and save on cash Carbide is expensive, and the more you can save on the life of your carbide tools and bits, the better. Solid carbide end mills have been a staple, but Tom explains that many are moving away from solid carbide and choosing steel shanks instead. Different types of end mill heads can be applied to the shank, and many of them have been made smaller for improved performance. Investing in coolant through applications and the right coating can have a huge, positive impact on the shelf-life of your carbide collection, allowing you to work harder, longer, and better without the constant maintenance costs. For more insight into the latest cutting tool trends, be sure to listen to the entire episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! To make chips you need the right tools. Manufacturing news: exciting award nomination for Carr Machine & Tool, and sales summit for Zenger’s. Tom Senger, manager of Zenger VIP program. The latest and great cutting tool trends. Coolant through, small diameter, multi-functioning drills. The power of the flat-bottom drill. Holding tolerance levels. Yes, the coating does mean everything. High feed milling tools and dynamic processing software. Turning and cutting tool trends. Cut off and groove improvements Shrink fitting tools is the way to go. Tools & Takeaways Foxconn Disappointment This Week’s Superstar Guest: Tom Senger Tom Senger Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Understanding how to create an employee development plan can be difficult if your company is not striving towards constant improvement. Guest speaker Jess Giudici is back with the MakingChips team to discuss the importance of taking the time to focus on each employee’s goals and dreams and how to foster alignment between their goals and your company’s vision. Developing your team can help you better understand why people leave your company and why they stay. Listen to this episode for insightful advice on how to best strategize your development plan and build an ever-improving team! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Fostering a united vision to constantly improve through excellent employee development While a lot of people look at employee development as getting someone to the next level or role in a company, Jess encourages business leaders to view their development plan as a tool to foster continual growth in the individual. A good strategy is to diversify the development process. Don’t make your development plan entirely made up of formal meetings between you and the employee. While you should have planned discussions with documented goals and deadlines to meet those goals, you should also make an effort to informally engage in conversation on the floor. Learn about who they are and what they want from life, from work, from their skill-set. Jim and Jess agree that having a standard set of questions and procedures as a base to employee development is an excellent place to start - but allow space in the personal conversations you have as well. Documenting the conversations you have can help clarify future meetings, goal-making, and accountability. What motivates you? What is your passion, and how can we help? Each person is unique and will be motivated in different ways. The goal should be to align the skills that a person is motivated to learn and their aspirations with the goals and vision of the company. Ask your employees what they are passionate about. Ask what they find challenging in work and how you can help them overcome those challenges. What if someone doesn’t want to “move up the ladder” and take on leadership? Jess says that such an answer is perfectly okay - as long as your company can sustain the current position. The goal is to engage with your employees and make sure that they are feeling fulfilled in their positions. The Annual review: drawing the line between performance and pay Annual reviews are often a combination of performance review and pay review. Jess suggests that the two be separated and discussed independently of one another. While the pay may be influenced by performance, excellent performance doesn’t always mean a raise in salary. The focus should be on the employee, not the pay. This elevates the importance of performance and sends the message that you care about how the employee is doing and feeling in his or her job. When dealing with individuals who feel they should be paid more while being allowed to stay in their current skill-set and position, Jess encourages company leaders to be frank and honest about the company’s expectations and salary caps. Supporting your employees is key, but be clear about the policies. Listen to the entire episode for more advice on how to evaluate your employee performance and foster a thriving company culture! Why do they leave? Why do they stay? Understanding and evaluating retention and attrition can be confusing. Jess explains that employees leave for a wide variety of reasons, and you shouldn’t be surprised when you hear that someone is leaving your team. If you are surprised, then something probably went wrong in the development process. You should be self-evaluating your company’s processes to make sure you are doing your best at developing your employees and the company’s goals. Jess suggests having interviews with people who are leaving - as well as with people who love their work and want to stay long-term. Understanding why people want to stay can help you understand why some people may not be a good fit and want to go. Creating a company culture where everyone has a voice is vital to a thriving and happy atmosphere and excellent work ethic. Jason points out that a great culture comes from truly loving and caring about the business and the people who work it. Jess reminds leaders to understand who they are as an employer and to take the time to understand their employees’ voice. Here’s The Good Stuff! Uniting your team under the goal to constantly improve. Manufacturing news: Millennials’ perspectives on manufacturing jobs. Jess Giudici is back with the Metal Working Nation! Fostering a love of personal and company growth through HR development. Understanding the individual: what drives your employees? What if someone doesn’t want to climb the career ladder? Balancing formal and informal development conversations. Separating performance and pay reviews. Understanding why people leave and why people stay. Creating and cultivating a great company culture. Bonus interview about compensation techniques with Jess Giudici. Tools & Takeaways Millennials Skeptical About Manufacturing Careers Halogen Software Bonus Interview with Jess Giudici on Compensation Techniques This Week’s Superstar Guest: Jess Giudici Jess Giudici Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Streamlining and optimizing your company’s hiring and onboarding processes can be difficult and sometimes daunting. Hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring helpful and common questions to the table with guest speaker Jessica Giudici - manager of organizational development at Smalley. Jess gives practical and engaging advice on how to approach your hiring process and create efficient, job-unique procedures for finding the best individuals for your company’s needs. Learn how staying true to your company’s vision and values can help save you time in the hiring process on this episode of the MakingChips podcast! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The hiring process: taking it back to the roots Where should manufacturing leaders start when assessing their company’s hiring process? Jess emphasizes that understanding who you are as a company is key. Branding isn’t just something that you talk about with the marketing team; who you are should permeate everything you do, including hiring and onboarding. Identify and establish who you are as an employer. What is your commitment to your employees and team members? Jess explains that when you understand who you are as a company and employer, it helps narrow down who you want to join your team and who will make a good fit. Create an optimized process centered around your company’s values Recognizing your identity is just the first step. The next is understanding who your audience is when marketing an open position. A cookie cutter approach to hiring won’t attract the unique candidates that you want to see applying for your specific job opportunities. From there, you can hone down which platform you will use to market the job. After you have identified who it is you need - and for what job - you need to walk through what the first conversation will look like. Put yourself in the candidate’s shoes and think about what they will find and feel when they walk through the door at the first meeting. Are your processes outdated? Is it all paper and work? Is it boring? Think again about who you are as a company and create an atmosphere that highlights your strengths, values, and vision. Interviewing: a process of identification Jess discusses why speed to hire must be executed within the framework of quality over quantity. You don’t need 10 or 20 candidates; you need one excellent candidate. Create an interview process for your company that focuses on finding the right fit. Jim and Jason agree, saying that making sure the candidate is aligned with your core values is essential. Jess recommends training your hiring managers to effectively engage the candidate and to listen to the entire team’s perceptions. She discourages the 2 on 1 interview, explaining that it is needlessly intimidating to the candidate, and it is easy for the emphasis of the interview to shift from the candidate to the communication between interviewers. To learn more about the best practices for interviewing and whether or not money should be discussed in the process, listen to the full episode! Breathing life into your onboarding process Having an optimized onboarding process is just as important as having solid hiring procedures. Jess recommends walking through the goals and desired impressions of the onboarding experience. She reveals that it only takes about 45 days for a new employee to decide whether or not they wish to stay with a company long-term or begin looking for new opportunities. The first few months are vital! Training your leadership on how to engage effectively with new recruits will quicken learning and make for a positive experience for all participants. The focus should be on creating an environment in which the new employee can thrive as a learner. For more excellent tips on how to streamline your manufacturing company’s hiring and onboarding processes, listen to the entire episode! Jim and Jason encourage you to not become overwhelmed but to take things one step at a time, leading to effective success. Here’s The Good Stuff! Carr Machine & Tool secured a finalists position for some exciting awards! Bill Gates invests in carbon-free steel manufacturing. Guest speaker, Jessica Giudici - a MakingChips veteran. The importance of a streamlined hiring and onboarding process. Where to start in assessing your company’s hiring process. Creating a step-by-step process that highlights your company’s vision and values. Best practices for the interviewing process. How to optimize the onboarding process and boost long-term employee retention. Don’t be overwhelmed! Improve one step at a time. Tools & Takeaways http://fortune.com/2019/01/09/boston-metal/ This Week’s Superstar Guest: Jess Giudici Jess Giudici Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

The word is out - the economy is changing, and you should probably start planning for a recession. MakingChips hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr help take the intimidation out of a looming recessional period by offering some practical advice based on their own personal experiences with leading manufacturing businesses during economic recessions. Learn how you can get a head start in your business and personal life by making just a few - and not too frightening - changes to your company’s lifestyle in this important episode of the MakingChips podcast! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Preparation prevents poor performance Jim and Jason explain that recessions in the economy are inevitable. While we can’t ever know for sure when or how harshly recessions will hit, we can take steps to prepare for the strike. There are difficulties in every season of the economy - even in the good times. Recessions simply provide a different set of challenges that can be weathered more effectively by those who plan accordingly. Jim and Jason point out that the manufacturing economy is at a booming national high, which makes now the perfect time to save and plan for a dive. The money game: where to spend and where to save A looming recession raises numerous questions on how to best manage company and personal finances. Jim and Jason give helpful starting points for long-term effectiveness, beginning with the important step of keeping your debt low and under control. The probability of needing to cut job margins is high, and there will not be as much room in the profit margin to play with. Keeping debt thin will leave more room for necessary funding. Saving money is also vital. Jim and Jason recommend bulking up the savings account to create a buffer for yourself and your company for when times get tight. Saving now can help counter the possible need to cut employment levels. A third way you can take precautions now is to be prudent with your company and personal spending. Determine what you can cut out of your business and personal spending and make a budget. Learn how sacrificing now can save you later by listening to the full episode! Building up your team and your machine Don’t leave your employees and team members in the dark on what is happening in the economy and of the changes that you will likely need to make in your business when the recession hits. Encourage your team to not overextend themselves and to prepare themselves. Build up morale by explaining the cyclical nature of the economy. Recessions don’t last forever! Give them tools to help them prepare (such as this podcast!). Refrain from purchasing new machinery leading up to the recession and during. Invest in your current machinery by making necessary repairs and keeping up on maintenance. Today’s machinery will be tomorrow’s money-makers. Invest now while you have the monetary means. Seizing the opportunity in a recession Jim and Jason point out that opportunity is available in every season of the economy. Diversify your customer base now so that when things get rough, your company’s well-being won’t be compromised by the collapse of just one or two of your clients. Not all of your customers will be affected by the recession in the same way. When the recession does hit, don’t sit back and wait it out. Look for ways to build your business by observing what is available when other companies are struggling. An example Jim and Jason give is acquiring your competition’s businesses or bringing them onto your team. Look for ways you can help yourself by helping others. For more tips and tricks on how to lessen the pain of a recession and effectively prepare your manufacturing business for the coming times, listen to the full episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! A recession is coming. Exciting news about national growth in manufacturing and Jim’s new trunnion table. Changes in the economy call for changes of plan: how to be prepared. Why you should keep debt low. Why you need to diversify your customer base. Communication with your team is vital. The importance of maintaining your current machinery and equipment. Building your savings account so it can do its job. How being prudent in company and personal spending NOW will save you later. Opportunities are abundant - even in a recession. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

In this episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger and Jim Carr introduce a new team member, Christine Schmitz - an experienced editor and writer who explains why storytelling matters to manufacturers and their businesses. Having long been connected to the manufacturing world through her husband, Dr. Tony Schmitz (featured in a previous episode), Christine has an intensely valuable viewpoint on how and why it is important for leaders to be able to tell good stories. “Communications is the foundation of who I am,” Christine shares. To communicate well, one must build relationship, and relationship is founded in the sharing of stories. Want to know what makes a great story and how knowing how to write one can boost your game in the manufacturing business? Listen to the whole episode! Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Bringing process and art together Just as in manufacturing, there is a process of writing a good story. Christine shares the process of how to take your story and vision and work it into a compelling and useful tool. The process begins with the reader - the intended audience. Identify who your audience is and ask, “What do they want to know that I can share?” Identify what expertise you can share with your audience by knowing what problem you solve through your business or work. Your audience’s interest lies in the application of your knowledge and profession. Find an editor or another person you trust to give you feedback on your writing. Another set of eyes is invaluable and a vital part to the success of your story. Always reread your writing. Trust your professional intuition and make sure that your work, vision, and story is conveyed honestly and effectively. Creating a shared vision through your story Christine points out that most people only think of themselves when communicating. To build a lasting and effective relationship, however, one must think of the other person - in this case, the manufacturing leader must think of his or her business, employees, customers, and possible recruits. All of these categories are readers of your story who want to know, “What’s in it for me?” It can often be difficult for manufacturers to share the story of their work, the challenge of their highly technical fields, or the processes they use. Christine reveals that relevance is key to building the bridge between writer and reader. “When it’s hard to explain what you are doing to another person,” she explains, “it dramatically impacts the relationship you can have with them.” To learn how to best create a shared vision through your story, listen to the full episode! Connecting yourself and your audience through problem-solving Tailoring your message to your audience is vital for the survival of your story. But how should you convey your manufacturing story to capture your audience? Christine points out that manufacturing is something that permeates everybody’s lives. Manufacturers produce something tangible every day, whereas most other people do not. People want to know how and why you create the things you do - as long as the application applies to them. Your audience wants to know what the problem is that you solve and how and why you solve that problem. Connect yourself with your audience by concentrating your story on the end result of your work. Quality is always better than quantity Christine warns against the temptation to simply flood your readers and audience with information that they may not be interested in or need. Always take quality over quantity. One way you can ensure the quality of your writing is through an editor. While your professional expertise is needed to correctly tell the story, an editor can help you build the strongest and most effective bridge between your story and your audience. Also, realize that there is no one way to write. Find a process that works for you and don’t be afraid to change that process when it’s not working. To learn more about writing as a process and why storytelling matters to your manufacturing business and skillset, listen to the full episode! Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing is storytelling. Manufacturing News: changes in tariffs. Introducing the new MakingChips member: Christine Schmitz. Why is it important to convey a good story? Storytelling as a process. Clarity in storytelling. What’s in it for me? Relevance in storytelling. Why should manufacturers write? Getting started: Connecting with your audience. Common storylines: everyone is touched by manufacturing. The importance of an editor. Quality over quantity in writing. Tools & Takeaways https://www.thestreet.com/technology/apple-considering-moving-china-manufacturing-14809167 https://storybrand.com/ This Week’s Superstar Guest: Christine Schmitz Christine Schmitz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

The MakingChips podcast welcomes guest Tony Schmitz, professor at UNC Charlotte and assistant director, energy production and infrastructure center to talk about machining vibration. Tony teaches mechanical design, helping students design and build useful technology like robots. He also teaches mechanical vibrations, structural dynamics, and advanced manufacturing. He says, “At the end of the day, when you’ve made something, you never feel like you didn’t accomplish something that day.” During this episode, Tony gives helpful information about how to measure and mitigate machining vibration in manufacturing. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The 3 pieces of the machining dynamics puzzle Why are machining dynamics important for manufacturing leaders? Knowing the variables within a tooling machine and being able to adjust them appropriately can increase the longevity of the tool and increase productivity. Tony Schmitz explains that there are three pieces of the machining dynamics puzzle. Listen as he explains why considering these three factors are essential for manufacturers. Feel the machining vibration Whenever a force is being applied to a nonrigid structure, there will be vibration. The problem, according to Tony, is that CAD/CAM software encourages you to ignore vibration and the variables within the machining tool. CAD/CAM always drafts the cutting process perfectly. However, it doesn’t take into account the reality of a machining tool that vibrates. Vibration means displacement of your cutter that changes over time. However, Tony says that the math equations you learned in school can actually be applied to the shop floor. Hear how differential equations can actually be used in CAD/CAM software to help get higher axial depths of cut without chatter. Good vibrations v. bad vibrations “Just like we all have fingerprints, every cut has a fingerprint as well and it’s the frequency content of that sound signal,” says Tony Schmitz. Bad vibration, also called chatter, are unmistakable when you hear it in a shop. Tony talks about how he can analyze frequencies that a machine puts out and identify bad vibrations and problems in the chip making process. He also explains how viewing wave patterns produced by a machine can tell you how to adjust your spindle speed. Tony says, “The most powerful knob on your controller is not the feed override, it is the spindle speed override.” How to increase productivity in your shop In order to mitigate bad vibration and increase your productivity, Tony encourages collecting a minimum set of data. He describes how to select the 8-10 standard tools that you use the most and collect data on those tools, using an impact, or tap test. Results from a tap test can help you bid jobs more accurately. They can also help you make adjustments to your machines so that you can avoid chatter and be more efficient. Learn about that and much more on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: A Detroit entrepreneur applies lean auto manufacturing principles to build a beauty salon Introduction of guest Dr. Tony Schmitz, professor of at UNC Charlotte and Assistant Director, Energy production and infrastructure center Tony explains the three pieces of the machining dynamic puzzle How math and physics can be applied to the shop floor Analyzing frequency data to identify bad vibrations within a machining tool The correlation of feedback in a PA system and chatter in a milling tool How a tap test can help you measure your tools data, make adjustments, and increase productivity The pigskin professor and how Dr. Tony Schmitz put together videos for University of Florida football games This Week’s Superstar Guest Dr. Tony Schmitz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this week’s episode of MakingChips, guest Noah Goellner talks about lean process improvement for manufacturers. Noah is the Vice President of Continuous Improvement for Hennig Inc. He is also a lean expert with who presents lean practices in his role at Hennig and as a member of the board of directors of QRM. During this conversation with Jim and Jason, Noah shares why focusing on lean process improvement is important for manufacturers and how it can help transform their companies. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Why do manufacturers need to focus on lean process improvement Manufactures should devote time to integrating lean into their companies for many reasons. There are cost saving benefits, improvement of throughput, better problem-solving skills and employee development and much more. Failure to have a lean process can put you behind the competition Noah says, “You can’t improve without changing and you can’t change without improving unless you are going the wrong way.” Listen as Noah explains the benefits of lean process improvement during this podcast. How lean flows value to the customer Success doesn’t begin on the shop floor. Most of what determines success happens upstream before the work ever reaches a machine. Quality engineering, supply chain, and employee development all determine whether or not your company can serve your customers well. Lean process improvement is all about flowing value to the customer by eliminating waste or white space, increasing efficiency and consistently improving in all areas of the business. Listen as Noah Goellner shares more ways that lean flows value to the customer. How can you start implementing lean into your company? As with any new process implementation, the key is to take the first step. You don’t have to wait until you have everything figured out. And you don’t have to do everything at once. Consider your pain points and areas of inefficiency and start with one challenge. Noah Goellner talks about taking a cata approach to solving problems. He encourages manufacturing leaders to avoid the shotgun approach and instead take a focused approach to implement lean. Lean process improvement over the natural approach Manufacturing leaders can fall into the habit of operating their companies under natural or organic processes and expectations. However, growth and improvement must be intentional. Noah explains that taking the natural approach allows you to work in your areas of strength while your weaknesses remain unaddressed. Lean process improvement can be an effective agent of change, especially in the areas of weakness. As you identify the challenges within the business, you can then start to implement strategies to change for the benefit of the company and the customers you serve. Hear all about that and more on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: Manufacturing’s mixed messages aren’t helping to close the skills gap. Why do small machine shop owners need to devote time to implementing lean into their businesses? How Noah Goellner defines lean and how it helps companies provide value to the customer Real-world practices for implementing lean into your manufacturing business How to work backward through the manufacturing process to set expectations and evaluate process to achieve those requirements. What is cata and how does it help with problem-solving? Noah Goellner shares some stories of success for companies have implemented lean processes. What is the best reason for implementing a process rather than allowing it to happen naturally Tools & Takeaways This Week’s Superstar Guest Noah Goellner Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On today’s podcast, Jim and Jason share a very special announcement about MakingChips 2.0. Four years ago, MakingChips started with the goal of equipping and inspiring manufacturing leaders. The mission has not and will not change. However, what started as a hobby has now turned into something much more. And now there is an exciting new partnership that is going to take MakingChips to the next level. Listen to this episode to hear all about MakingChips 2.0 Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact A strategic partnership that is reshaping the future for MakingChips On this episode, Nick Goellner joins the podcast to reveal a new strategic partnership for MakingChips. Nick is the Marketing Director of Advanced Machine & Engineering and is now a Partner and Managing Director at MakingChips. He is joining the team to propel the company from a simple podcast to a media agency that can serve the metalworking nation. Hear about the bright new future that lies ahead for MakingChips and how you can be encouraged and equipped even more by joining the journey. The impact of content marketing for manufacturers Marketing has changed dramatically in the last twenty or thirty years. Companies used to talk to the consumer and tell them what they wanted. Now the key to marketing success involves interacting with your audience and talking with them, not at them. Content marketing isn’t a new strategy. Nick Goellner talks about how two companies that have leveraged it to help grow and solidify their brand. Listen to hear how content marketing can help your company expand its reach. How do you build a brand? How can you build your brand? Nick Goellner says that you build a brand by building an audience. That’s exactly what MakingChips has done over the last four years. By consistently creating quality content that educates your audience, you become a thought leader and expert in the industry. During this episode, Jim and Jason share with Nick how they have approached content marketing with MakingChips. They also discuss some of the exciting new opportunities that lie ahead. The future of MakingChips 2.0 MakingChips has provided interviews, information and inspiration for the last four years. Realizing how challenging manufacturing can be led Jim and Jason to seek out wisdom and knowledge from other leaders. Now, MakingChips is becoming an agency to serve manufacturers so they can experience greater success through marketing. Utilizing video, written content, and the brand new Chip-In program, MakingChips will continue to strive toward the mission that has driven them from the very beginning. Here’s The Good Stuff! The big announcement of MakingChips 2.0 with a very special new partner Manufacturing News: 2019 Manufacturing Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets and Trends report The mission of MakingChips when Jim and Jason started and where it is today Two classic examples of content marketing. Nick shares the six steps of building a brand by building an audience. How partnering with Nick will help MakingChips expand and grow. Ways that the metalworking nation can be a part of encouraging and inspiring manufacturing leaders. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Jim and Jason are back in the studio to start their new series on process by talking about the Entrepreneurial Operating System. This podcast series on process is designed to help you evaluate your current processes and determine where in your company new ones can or should be implemented. During this episode, Jason talks about the EOS process and how he has applied it at Zenger’s Industrial, Black Industrial and Safety Supply, and at MakingChips. As they discuss EOS, Jason and Jim also give some helpful tips for starting your own process journey. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact What is the Entrepreneurial Operating System? EOS is a set of concepts and tools designed to help leaders and organizations get better. It includes the best business practices and process, combining them into a single system. EOS focuses on vision, traction, and health to help companies solve their problems and experience progress. Listen as Jason shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System has benefited his teams during this podcast. The 6 components of EOS During this episode, Jim and Jason discuss the six components of the EOS. Each component is vital to growth and health. The first component is vision. Everyone in the company needs to know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Vision gives your company a common objective and defines success. EOS helps by giving eight questions for leaders to answer that will help them cast a vision. Right people, right seat The second component of the EOS is having the right people in the right positions on your team. In order to move forward, you have to have a team that is aligned with your core values. Hiring the right people first requires creating an organizational structure. Many companies structure their companies around the personalities already on the team. Jim and Jason talk about the importance of conflict management and solving problems methodically. Hear more about all 6 of the components during this episode. How to implement a process like EOS Knowing about a process like EOS isn’t enough. If you want to experience the benefit of such a process, you have to take a step and start implementing it. So how do you do that? Jim and Jason give some advice for how to begin utilizing a process like EOS. They also discuss how to experience the best results and how quickly change can happen. Be inspired to take a step in evaluating and upgrading your processes as you listen to this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jason introduces the process system that he uses at Zenger’s Industrial Supply, Black Industrial and Safety Supply and at MakingChips The process that Jim uses at Carr Machine & Tool, Inc. Manufacturing News: Volvo upends U.S. manufacturing plans in reaction to China tariffs 6 components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System Having a vision that is compelling and well communicated Getting the right people in the right position The importance of gathering and utilizing data Solving issues methodically Running your business like a franchise How are you achieving your vision on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis Tools & Takeaways EOS Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this special Thanksgiving episode of MakingChips, the Metalworking Nation shares what they are thankful for. While Jason and Jim usually address the challenging issues that manufacturers deal with, on this episode they step back and make some space to express gratitude for the good things in life. You wrote in and shared what you were thankful for and many of those are read many on the show. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The struggle is real, but so are the blessings Jason and Jim kick off the show by sharing the things they are thankful for. While they admit that there are difficulties and struggles in life, they have great perspective to know that in the grand scheme of things, they are blessed. Jim shares how he has learned to make adjustments in life and leadership and the difference that has created. Even small changes can have a huge impact. They also give credit to their wives for their grounding and success. What would you be doing if not manufacturing? Consider for a moment what you would’ve done for a career had you not gone into manufacturing? Where would you be if you hadn’t started in this challenging industry? During this episode, Jim and Jason discuss that very question. Listen as they both guess what they think the other would’ve done for a career. Thankfully, both Jim and Jason became leaders in the manufacturing industry and started encouraging and inspiring manufacturing leaders through the MakingChips podcast. Giving thanks with fellow MakingChips listeners On this episode, you will hear several members of the metalworking nation share about what they are thankful for. As you listen, take some time to think about how you might give thanks during this Thanksgiving season. Kaleb Mertz shares some of the email responses from MakingChips listeners and past guests. While not everyone could be featured, the ones that are shared on the episode are inspiring and encouraging. The contagious gift of gratitude One highlight of the episode comes from Steve Zenger, Jason’s dad. He wrote in to share his gratitude for his family and friends. You can hear the emotions and sentiment in his response. There are many other great submissions that include gratitude for co-workers and teams, technology, success in business and family. Listen to hear some great people giving thanks on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Since it is Thanksgiving week, Jim and Jason talk about what they are thankful for The metalworking nation shares what they are thankful for Tina Carnelli, Marketing Manager at MP Systems feels blessed by working with people she likes Bob Petrini, President of Chick Machine Company includes Making Chips in the list of things he is thankful for Steve Zenger, Jason’s dad, shares with MakingChips the things he is thankful for Todd Stukenberg is excited about robots and how they are making manufacturing safer and faster Shaun Bisordi owner/machinist at Rocky’s Wire EDM is thankful for the social community of manufacturers Matthew Guse is thankful to have been on MakingChips earlier this year Michael Pulizzi says he is thankful for his wife This Week’s Superstar Guest All mentioned resources LinkedIn Profile Never share an email address Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

It’s time for you to start dialing in manufacturing processes that can revolutionize your business. Manufacturing is challenging. But MakingChips is here to help through every aspect of running and growing your business. One of the best ways to jumpstart productivity and success in your company is by evaluating and implementing processes. Manufacturers are inherently process-oriented people. Once you understand the processes you have and the ones you need to add, you are on the way to taking your company to the next level. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The new MakingChips series Edwards Deming said, “If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process then you don’t know what you are doing.” Needless to say, processes are important. MakingChips is launching a series on the podcast that is all about dialing in processes for manufacturing leaders. Over the next few weeks, Jim and Jason will address how you market and sell, how you produce and how you manage your finances. Upcoming episodes will include discussions about the most critical areas of business that manufacturing leaders deal with every day. Facing your fear of processes Even the thought of processes for some manufacturing leaders can seem daunting. You may feel like you don’t have the time or bandwidth to deal with them because you are trying to run a business. Jim and Jason talk about the 3 Ps of running a successful company, which includes people, product and process. Each one of the three legs of the business stool is important. Failure to address one can lead a gap in your company that could cost you money and opportunity. However, optimizing core manufacturing processes can take your business leadership to the next level. The new MakingChips series will help you face your process fear. Steps to elevate processes for success What do you do once you’ve decided to jump in and start evaluating the value of manufacturing processes in your company? What are the steps to improvement? During this episode, Jim and Jason share how to implement core processes. One of the keys is to involve a team of people so that you aren’t trying to bear the load alone. Jim even encourages the smallest shops to get together weekly to talk about the difficulties and areas of growth in their shops. Dialing in your manufacturing processes with MakingChips So many companies have unwritten processes that are guiding their operations daily. Those undocumented processes can be streamlined. You can start dialing in manufacturing processes by beginning at the 30,000-foot view and zooming in as you get more comfortable. The purpose of the upcoming series is to help ignite the flame in manufacturing leaders to start implementing processes in their companies. Doing so can propel you to greater levels of success. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jason and Jim introduce a new series on the podcast that will address manufacturing processes What are the steps to implementing processes in your shop Is not having a process and indication that you don’t have confidence in what you are doing? The process checklist How to start evaluating and implementing processes in your company Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Welcome to the MakingChips IMTS2018 wrap up podcast, recorded live from the final day of the show with guests Larry Turner, President and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA and Peter Eelman, Vice President of Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT. After a long and exciting week, Jim and Jason reflect on some of the trends and themes that emerged from the show and discuss some of the takeaways for manufacturing leaders. IMTS2018 proved that it is an exciting time to be in the manufacturing industry. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact IMTS’ commitment to the next generation The future of manufacturing lies in the hands of young men and women who have not even graduated high school yet. Investment in next generation leaders is critical to seeing continued success in the manufacturing world. IMTS2018 displayed its commitment to students this year, drawing over 20,000 student registrations. The entire lower level of the C hall was devoted to students, including exhibit space and conference rooms. Students are increasingly interested in the unique machinery and technology that makes up modern manufacturing. How IMTS broke the record This year, there were over 130,000 registered attendees, an all-time record for IMTS. Why did so many people come to this event? Even though manufacturing is challenging, it is also seeing unprecedented growth. IMTS is capitalizing on the momentum that the rapid growth and change of the industry is ushering in. Peter Eelman describes how he sees the industry changing and how that change is having a positive impact on manufacturing in the United States. The manufacturing atmosphere is changing Upon reflection, IMTS proved to be a great representation of manufacturing as a whole. There was an excitement and energy at this year’s show that is prevalent throughout the entire industry. Peter Eelman believes that there is a sea change in attitude and culture. He says, “There is going to be continued growth in U.S. manufacturing. There is a desire to make things locally and closer to home.” He also thinks that shows like IMTS will stem the tide in the skills gap and will continue to foster interest in the industry. We are just getting started IMTS is meant to serve as a catalyst for manufacturing leaders. The real work begins when you get back home and start building a strategy for how to implement necessary adjustments for future growth. Both Peter Eelman and Larry Turner encourage manufacturing leaders to focus on learning. Mobilize your team to learn as much about the technology and opportunities on the horizon so that you can start implementing changes effectively. Here’s The Good Stuff! Introduction of Larry Tuner, President & CEO of Hanover Fairs Inc, and Peter Eelman, Vice President - Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT -The Association for Manufacturing Technology With over 130,000 attendees at IMTS, Peter Eelman describes what it means both to him and the manufacturing industry The theme of IMTS and how it was seen throughout the show What do metalworking leaders need to do to educate students on the opportunities in manufacturing? Will the skills gap increase or decrease in the next 24 months? How a culture of collaboration is emerging in the manufacturing industry What is one actionable step that manufacturers can take when they go back to work after IMTS Tools & Takeaways Hannover Fairs USA AMT This Week’s Superstar Guest Larry Turner Peter Eelman Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Jim and Jason are live from IMTS2018 Day 5 with guests Jim King, Andrew Benson, and Meghan West to discuss industry 4.0 and its impact on the metal-working nation. How does a machine tool manufacturer, tooling manufacturer and a CAD/CAM company work together to elevate a manufacturing business? What is industry 4.0? Listen to this episode to hear the panelists discuss their perspective on Industry 4.0 and how collaboration is driving innovation. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How collecting data can make you better One of the benefits of Industry 4.0 for manufacturers is the ability to collect data and increase both speed and efficiency in their shop. Jim King says that Industry 4.0 means collecting data and then analyzing it to improve the quality of manufacturing. Ultimately, data collection can help business owners make good decisions. Jim also shares the benefit of interfacing with the end user to understand their needs so that his company can build better tools. Connectivity and integration are 2 keys for Industry 4.0 For Meghan West, President at CNC Software, Industry 4.0 is about connectivity and integration. Without a machine tool, the software that her company creates is useless. However, pairing the software with the tool allows users to optimize their experience. Throughout the panel discussion, the theme of collaboration emerges as everyone discusses the benefit of integration and shared information. Variability is the enemy of quality in manufacturing Andrew Benson says that Industry 4.0 is allowing Iscar Metals to eliminate variability through digitization. Using indexable tools has increased the precision and predictability so that the quality of the work coming from a manufacturing floor is better. He shares the value of repeatability and how reconditioned tools might become obsolete because of the unwanted variability they introduce. Just like the other panelists, Andrew Benson sees collaboration as an important component of manufacturing. He says, “to support the factory of the future, a company can’t be an island unto itself.” Collaboration that fuels innovation In the past, companies were very secretive about the machines they were building. Rather than working together, they considered competitors to be threats to their success. However, there has been a shift in the manufacturing world that now encourages collaboration. Companies are working together, sharing data and solving problems together to push innovation forward. Industry 4.0 is leading to more collaboration that is propelling the manufacturing industry. Here’s The Good Stuff! Introduction of guests Jim King, Andrew Benson, and Meghan West What is Industry 4.0 and what does it mean for the manufacturing industry How is CAD and CAM merging and how does that impact the end user? What is possible by connecting a cutting tool technology with a machine tool? Does the machine tool builder design differently based on the advancements in manufacturing software How does a machine tool builder connect all of the complementary products to deliver maximum value to the end user? The ways R&D has changed because of industry 4.0 This Week’s Superstar Guest Jim King Andrew Benson Meghan West Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Live from IMTS 2018 day four in Chicago, Jason and Jim are joined by Barry Walter, Dietmar Goellner, Craig Zoberis, and Teresa Beach-Shelow to give their insight and advice that will help manufacturers sleep better at night. There are so many decisions and challenges that manufacturing leaders face that it is sometimes hard to get a good night’s sleep. The four panelists draw from their extensive wisdom and experience to share how you can handle some of those challenges so that you can sleep better tonight. Handing over the keys to the kingdom One issue that keeps manufacturing leaders up at night is succession planning. Manufacturers want to see their business last beyond them. How can you structure your company so that it will run well even if you are no longer the top leader? Barry Walter is a third-generation manufacturer who, despite swearing he’d never work for his father, is now in business with all four of his brothers in his father’s business. Dietmar Goellner is a second-generation manufacturer who has the third-generation working in his business. Listen as all four panelists discuss their succession plan experience and how they are planning to pass along their businesses to the next generation. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How company culture impacts the bottom line Teresa Beach-Shelow says, “Core values pour out the front door.” It’s true, culture is everything. It guides how you make decisions, how you serve your customers and how you treat employees. Craig Zoberis says, “If we take good care of our people, they will take good care of our customers.” Especially with the generation of millennial workers who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, you have to clearly define the why in your company. Creating a great company culture takes massive amounts of time and energy. But will it translate to more profit? Hear what the panelists have to say about that topic and much more during this episode. The technology that is shaping businesses Technology can be a double-edged sword. New machinery and tools can keep your business relevant and give you the competitive edge over the competition. It can also be daunting, hard to understand, and a challenge that keeps manufacturing leaders up at night. During this panel discussion, each guest talks about how they approach technology and how it is defining their businesses. Find out from them how to sleep better at night by using technology to your advantage. A marketing and sales strategy to help you sleep better Companies used to have teams of salesmen that went business to business trying to sell products or services. It was a simple strategy, but one that wasn’t always effective. Marketing and sales has changed dramatically over the past few years. It is critical for manufacturing leaders and business owners to think about how they are developing their brand. While it can be overwhelming to understand the different marketing avenues, there are tools and resources available today that can help. Listen as the four panelists discuss their marketing and sales experience and give tips for how you can have a better marketing strategy for your company. Here’s The Good Stuff! Introduction of the four panelists at IMTS 2018 day 4 How to implement a succession plan for your manufacturing business How long does it take to activate a succession plan? Does investing in a company’s culture produce profitability? In what ways is technology shaping your company? How the marketing and sales environment has changed in your company? The 4 panelists give their final advice for how manufacturers can sleep better This Week’s Superstar Guest Barry Walter Dietmar Goellner Craig Zoberis Teresa Beach-Shelow Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

During this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason talk with Tim Thiessen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Okuma America Corporation about the core values and culture of OKUMA. This conversation happened at IMTS2018 where that unique culture was on full display. OKUMA has been around for 120 years. During this conversation, Tim shares how their values influence how they serve customers. He also gives his vision for the future of manufacturing. You don’t want to miss this episode of MakingChips. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How core values impact customer interaction Long-term successful companies with strong core values are the ones that last over time. This is certainly true of OKUMA. OKUMA has a saying, “The criticism of one is more valuable than the praise of millions.” OKUMA takes customer engagement seriously. Their tagline is “Passionately pursuing customers for life.” Tim Thiessen shares how that impacts sales and customer interaction. He says, “In sales, you want to be as close to your customer as possible.” Hear Tim share how they apply that in their sales approach and strategy during this interview. A customer-centric culture that stands the test of time Trust is the foundation on which strong relationships are built. This is true in marriage and in business. In order to be effective in sales, you have to build trust with your customers. Tim Thiessen believes that the best way to earn trust is by showing genuine empathy. Rather than just selling a product, Tim stresses that you want to understand your customer. You need to know not only their machining needs but also the challenges of the customers business. Creating that kind of transparent relationship isn’t easy. It takes time, but it is worth it for a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship. When you have a culture so obviously dedicated to the customer, you earn business not just for one purchase, but for a lifetime. Investing in manufacturing for long-term benefits What sets OKUMA apart is their dedication to the core values and culture. The people who work for OKUMA love the manufacturing industry. They want to see the industry continue to thrive and are actively investing in it. They are dedicated to quality, making reliable machinery that will last. They are also on the cutting edge of technology, creating new machines with open platforms that provides flexibility and connectedness for machine shops. For Tim, he is most excited about the additive and subtractive opportunities. Listen as he shares his excitement for the manufacturing industry and the future during this conversation on MakingChips. How AI will shape the future of manufacturing There is so much potential for the future of manufacturing. As the market continues to grow, so will the opportunities for employment and technological advancement. Already, technology is outpacing the workforce in manufacturing. Tim Thiessen shares his vision for the future of manufacturing and how AI will play a significant role in the way machinery works. If you haven’t already begun to consider how to position yourself to adapt to AI technology, then now is the time. Hear more about the advantages of AI and other exciting innovation on this episode. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: 5 ways industrial AI is revolutionizing manufacturing Introduction of Tim Thiessen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Okuma America Corporation OKUMA’s tagline is “Passionately pursuing customers for life.” The role of empathy in successful leadership What percent of the machine tools that OKUMA sales is to repeat customers? The core value of passion and how it impacts customer engagement How Tim Thiessen got started in the manufacturing industry. What the term “open possibilities” means in the OKUMA culture. Tim Theisen is most excited about the additive technology and the connectedness of machinery The machine tool technology of the future for which manufacturers should be preparing Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference This Week’s Superstar Guest Tim Thiessen OKUMA Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Live from IMTS 2018, Jim and Jason talk with Steve Kline, Director of Market Intelligence at Gardner Media Business, Inc. to answer the question “does manufacturing data matter?” Steve has generated forecasts for his family owned business and for the metalworking and plastic industries. Gardner Media Business produces media for the durable goods manufacturing industries. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The current reality of manufacturing by the numbers During the interview, Steve Kline gives his assessment of the manufacturing industry. There has been a renaissance in manufacturing over the last few years. Steve says that he is surprised at the current trajectory of the industry. In the best way possible, the market isn’t following a typical pattern, with the machine market seeing growth for nearly eight years in a row. Why does data matter to manufacturers? Steve will be at MTForecast to talk to manufacturers about data related to machine tool spending, types of machinery and the buying market specific to location and company size. He explains that data matters because it helps you budget for machine tool pricing. Knowing the supply and demand of a particular tool will help you know whether prices are negotiable or if it is a seller’s market As a buyer of machine tools, data can help you plan, budget and manage expectations. What machine tools are in demand? In his company’s research, Steve Kline says that they look at six specific areas of tooling data including turning, machining centers, grinding, screw machines, and EDM. Every category is expected to experience growth in the next year. Horizontal machining centers are in particularly high demand. Even though they are a more expensive option, they better meet the needs of manufacturing customers. Listen as Steve explains the other areas of machine tool growth during this interview. How can a leader interpret manufacturing data as an evaluative tool? While it is widely accepted that data is important for business leaders, how to use that data is not always as clear. How accurate are the numbers? How are leaders to interpret the data in a way that helps guide their decision making? Steve Kline offers some advice on how to leverage the information that their research delivers. His main message is to focus on trends and not on individual numbers. Looking for patterns can help owners make educated decisions that will positively impact their future stability and growth. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 5 Introduction of Steve Kline, Director of Market Intelligence at Gardner Media Business,Inc. The current manufacturing market What does the data matter and what does it tell about the manufacturing industry? What machine tools are in demand right now and which machines can be found on a bargain? How should manufacturing leader interpret the data as an evaluative tool How accurate has Gardner Media’s forecast been over their 40 year history? How can manufacturers be prepared in the event of another economic downturn? Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference Industrial Inbound Summit This Week’s Superstar Guest Steve Kline Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

MakingChips is back with another live podcast from IMTS 2018. On this episode, Jim and Jason discuss what’s on the manufacturing horizon with guests Lonnie Love, Jay Rogers, and Adrian Allen. During times of rapid growth, long-term thinking can easily take a back seat to the next urgent task. Many manufacturing leaders lack the ability to see beyond the immediate future to think more clearly about manufacturing a decade from now. On this episode, hear the prophets of manufacturing share what they envision our industry will look like in 10 years. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How automation is transforming the future of manufacturing Automation and digitization isn’t the future. It is the present. However, automation will greatly impact the future of manufacturing. Panelist Jay Rogers says, “Digital manufacturing is all about being able to improve the speed of design and delivery of a part.” The impact will be most obvious in the automotive industry. It is a huge segment of manufacturing, drawing two and three-tier companies to develop and manufacture parts that are used in the industry. Hear the panelists discuss how autonomy is driving innovation in manufacturing. What does the machine shop of the future look like? A shop floor has a reputation for being dark and dirty. That’s not the reality in the present and it certainly isn’t true for the future machine shop. So what will the future shop floor look like? Lonnie Love says he envisions the future machine shop to be microfactory that can make anything. The flexibility that technology is opening up for companies is allowing them to diversify the products they can make. Adrian Allen adds that he sees a future where the whole factory floor is that actual machine tool bed, where the machines come to the part rather than the part going to the machine. Changes manufacturers need to make today to be a part of the future In order to prepare for the future of your company, you have to consider the customer of the future. The desire for on-demand solutions is the norm. Manufacturers must start building machines that can meet their futures customers needs. Leaders also have to begin considering their workforce. Adrian Allen says that recruiting talent is a key. Having machines that can do amazing work but lacking the talent of engineers will make those great machines irrelevant. The workforce is critical and there is a skills gap that must be addressed. Listen as the panel discusses ways to address the skills gap with practical ways to recruit and develop talent. Future challenges and opportunities for the manufacturing industry The future is both scary and exciting. Innovation and technology have increased the pace to such a degree that manufacturing leaders can’t afford to resist change. The time to consider the future and make preparations to adapt is now. Prepare to take some risk so that you don’t get left behind. Listen as the panelists give some final tips for how to do just that. They discuss the impact of future recessions, how to integrate sustainable and environmentally friendly, energy efficient processes, and how to help change the perception of manufacturing to attract the next generation of talent. Be inspired as you listen to this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Introduction of panelist Lonnie Love, Jay Rogers and Adrian Allen How is the advent of autonomous vehicles going to affect the manufacturing industry? What does the machine shop of the future look like What changes do manufacturers need to make now so that they can be a part of the future of manufacturing Ways to address the skills gap in manufacturing Economic predictions about how a recession might affect manufacturing How does sustainability and environmental consciousness impact manufacturing and the legislation around it? How manufacturing leaders need to think differently about their human resources in order to keep the right people in the right seats in their company The panel gives their final word to manufacturing leaders Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference This Week’s Superstar Guest Lonnie Love Jay Rogers Adrian Allen Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On Wednesday at IMTS 2018, Jason and Jim hosted a panel including Aisha Rasul of Socistory, Corey Koepnick of Badassmachinists and Tom Fetcho, Vice President of Operations at MariTool to discuss social media management for manufacturers. Should manufacturers be using social media to market their businesses? If so, how does a company use it to their advantage? The panelists discuss these and other important questions during this live panel discussion on MakingChips. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The first thing you can do to get started using social media Aisha Rasul is the founder and CEO of Socistory, a company that creates a compelling and integrative social media presence for brands. She encourages manufacturers to consider how social media management might help them accomplish their companies mission and vision. She explains that, rather than using platforms haphazardly, manufacturing leaders should first develop a strategy for how to most effectively and efficiently leverage social media. Having a plan will also help companies know which platform will best serve them in accomplishing their goals. Which social media platform is best for your company? There are multiple social media platforms on the market. Each one provides unique opportunities for interaction and engagement. Which platform should manufacturers use? According to the panel on this episode, the key lies in knowing what format best showcases your work and knowing where your community is most involved. Corey Koepnick, who has developed a huge following on Instagram showcasing his manufacturing expertise, chose that platform because it is image-based, which allows him to share beautiful photos of the interesting things he is making. It was also the platform where he was finding the most influencers in his manufacturing niche. Measuring your social media management ROI With any marketing strategy, you want to be able to track your effectiveness. Social media is a growing marketing tool in which companies are investing more time and money. There are two ways you can leverage these platforms, either organically or through an ad spend. During this discussion, the panel gives some helpful insight on how to measure return on investment. If you are just beginning to use social media, it is important to note that it takes some time to build a community and see results. Honing in on your target audience will help you see a better conversion rate through social media. The endgame of social media management for manufacturers Tom Fetcho is the Vice President of Operations at MariTool. He has taken his background and skills in graphic design to start a social media presence for his company. Tom showcases video and content of products being made. He encourages manufacturers to know the endgame for using social media. He also says that you should participate and engage with other companies rather than just focusing on yourself and your own content. With as little as twenty minutes a day, you can begin to see the impact of social media management in your manufacturing business. Listen to this episode of MakingChips to hear more. Here’s The Good Stuff! The impact of social media on a business and brand awareness Introduction of guests Aisha Rasul, Corey Koepnick and Tom Fetcho Why Corey started Badassmachinsts and how he has grown his Instagram page What is the first thing a manufacturing company can do to get started with a social presence? How Tom grew from being in operations to handling marketing and social media The panelists explain the different platforms and how and why they use them Understanding the terminology related to social media How do you measure the impact of social media engagement? Are there any platforms that a company should avoid? How to manage your connections on the various platforms How much time should you spend on social media marketing? Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference Socistory Badassmachinest MariTool Industrial Inbound This Week’s Superstar Guest Aisha Rasul Corey Koepnick Tom Fetcho Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason broadcast live from IMTS with their guest panel including Jess Giudici, Titan Gilroy, Federico Sciammarella and Toni Neary to discuss solving the skills gap in manufacturing. The manufacturing industry has a problem. There is not enough talent to fill the current job opportunities in the United States. Whether it is through raising awareness, providing education or focusing on recruiting, the challenge has to be addressed so that the talent pipeline is replenished with qualified workers. Listen to this great discussion with some of the world’s best and brightest manufacturing leaders. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Manufacturing doesn’t have a perception problem Jason and Jim start by asking Toni Neary how to change the perception of manufacturing among high school and college students so they consider it a career path. Toni responds by saying that manufacturing doesn’t have a perception problem, but rather an awareness problem. Solving the skills gap requires educating students about the various career opportunities within the industry. Toni discusses some of the ways that she is helping change the conversation through educational avenues to increase that awareness. How to change your culture to attract talent The upcoming generation of workers and potential employees want to do work that matters. They also want to pursue a career that offers development and advancement opportunities. How can the manufacturing industry capitalize on this kind of motivation and drive? Jess Giudici says that companies are going to have to adapt their organizational structures and developmental opportunities to start solving the skills gap. While the typical perception of manufacturing is a dark, dingy shop floor, that is not reality. Exposing students and potential employees to a meaningful culture is one way to start solving the skills gap. Solving the skills gap by changing the curriculum Titan Gilroy says that his business model of offering a free CNC academy online is adapting to the need in the industry. He currently has 45,000 students in 170 companies going through his academy. Titan says that In order to be successful you have to be highly skilled with the ability to make a high quantity of parts with precision and speed. Titan says the curriculum being taught in educational institutions needs to be elevated to match the type of technology and work being done in manufacturing. Listen as Titan explains how his disruptive model helps to better train students to have confidence in doing highly skilled work. Tips for making your company more appealing to talent Manufacturing is all about solving problems. It’s a challenging industry that is facing unprecedented growth and an unsustainable shortage of workers. What can you do to change the trajectory of the manufacturing industry? The panel offers several tips for how they can begin solving the skills gap in their local communities today. From investing in local education to defining the culture and identity of your company, manufacturing leaders can start making an impact. Changing the perception of manufacturing and raising awareness about career opportunities starts at the local level. Listen to the entire panel discussion to be equipped and inspired to make a difference in your company and community on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jim and Jason broadcast live from IMTS with four panelists to talk about solving the skills gap Introduction of panelists Jess Giudici, Titan Gilroy, Federico Sciammarella and Toni Neary What perceptions need to change in order to bring the future manufacturing leaders into the industry? What changes should manufacturing business make to their culture to attract talent to their company? How does higher education need to change so that graduates will begin their manufacturing careers with more of a practical skill set? Why Titan is disrupting the industry by giving away education through his academy How can the attendees of IMTS help to raise the awareness in a practical way In what ways is Northern Illinois University helping to place students into manufacturing jobs Tips on how companies can change their cultural awareness Tactics to diminish the negative perception of manufacturing as if it is an old-school profession How manufacturing leaders can get involved in their local communities to help solve the skill gap Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference Titans of CNC http://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Jess Giudici Titan Gilroy Federico Sciammarella Toni Neary Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this episode of MakingChips, Rob Sattler talks about how his family business took manufacturing from the farm to the shop floor. Rob is the Vice President of Sales, Estimating and Engineering at Sattler Inc in Ira, Michigan. He comes from a family of manufacturing with both his father and grandfather being involved in metalworking. Rob tells his story, his manufacturing background and how is carrying on the family legacy today. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How to turn a barn into a machine shop Rob Sattler’s father started his machine shop in the barn of his dairy farm. Having been in the manufacturing industry prior to starting the dairy farm, his dad began to purchase and repair old machines. Thanks to his dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity, Rob’s father decided to start using those machines. In 1994, Sattler Inc was born. What started as a family business has become a highly successful manufacturing company that has grown from the farm to the shop floor known as Sattler Inc. Listen as Rob shares the story of how Sattler Inc. began and how they are flourishing still today on this episode of MakingChips. The 3 most impactful lessons learned in manufacturing Through challenges and growth, there are three guiding principles that Rob Sattler has learned. The first has to do with the inevitability of change. Whether you like it or not change happens to everyone in every industry. With the rapid advancements in technology, leaders can now expect even more change at a much faster rate. What do you do if you are change-averse? Rob Sattler’s advice is to get over it. He suggests that manufacturing leaders should learn to love change. If you don’t adapt to the demands of the market, your competition will and they will either put you behind or out of business altogether. Continuous growth, training, and adaptation are essential to being successful. Get the Best Tools New tools and machinery can be expensive. Not only do you have to consider the cost of the machine, but also the time and training it takes to implement the new machine. However, Rob Sattler suggests that you can’t afford to not have the best tools. Though the upfront cost might be more, having the right tools in place in your shop will eventually pay for itself in both production and customer acquisition. Listen as Rob talks about the importance of having the best tools during this interview. The case for program management in manufacturing In order to take a company from the farm to the shop floor, there has to be great management in place. Program management is like conducting an orchestra. You can have the greatest talent and the finest tools but if you aren’t giving direction then your business will suffer. Coordinating training of your employees with the utilization of the best tools and engineering is essential in serving your customers well and having a successful manufacturing company. Hear all about that and more on MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News - The ISM manufacturing index exceeded all estimates showing positive signs for the economy Introduction of Rob Sattler, VP Sales, Estimating, Engineering at Sattler Inc Rob Sattler tells how his father started a family machine shop from his dairy farm barn How Sattler weathered the economic ups and downs through the years Sattler Inc has grown through the years, now specializing in powertrain system assemblies Rob Sattler shares the three most impactful lessons he’s learned while being in the manufacturing industry. Tools & Takeaways Okuma http://IMTS.com MTForecast Conference Sattler Inc. This Week’s Superstar Guest Rob Sattler Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this episode of MakingChips, Peter Eelman returns to talk about the last minute preparations for IMTS 2018. Peter is the Vice President of Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT. He is also the Senior Executive in charge of the International Manufacturing Technology Show, one of the top three trade shows in the United States. Listen to this interview to hear Peter talk about what you can expect at IMTS 2018 and how you can make the most out of this incredible event. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The scope and scale of IMTS 2018 IMTS is just around the corner, running September 10-15, 2018. Peter Eelman and the other organizers of the event are already starting to get McCormick Place in downtown Chicago ready for the show. By the time the event opens, about 5,000 transfer trucks worth of equipment will have been unloaded onto the 1,370,256 square foot exhibit floor. Having done so many of these shows has helped the IMTS crew get more efficient at setting up a seamless show. You don’t want to miss all there is to see at IMTS 2018. The top technology trends to look for at IMTS 2018 When asked what the top technology trend you should look for at IMTS 2018, Peter Eelman has a one-word answer - connected. He says that there is a different approach to manufacturing on the horizon through connect factories and digital transformation. In the interview, Peter mentions a surprising new technology partnership that will be on display at this year’s show. At IMTS, you will not only learn about the cutting edge of manufacturing technology, you’ll also learn tips and tricks on how to apply that technology in your company. How this year’s show will be different from IMTS in years past Because of how the IMTS organizers have developed the show through the years, and because of the fast rate of technological change, IMTS 2018 promises to be a show unlike any other. Manufacturing is flourishing, so there will be opportunities to purchase machinery right from the exhibit floor. Peter Eelman says “There’s not a lot of machinery that leaves IMTS back to the source that it came from. It goes to customers.” However, even with all of the changes, IMTS is staying true to its original roots as a machine tool science fair. Expect to have some fun at IMTS While IMTS is about learning and getting better for the sake of your company, there is also ample opportunity to have fun. In years past, there have been 3D printed cars and houses. This year you will have the opportunity to utilize and experience what was recently considered future technology. One of the most fun things you can do is join Jason and Jim every day at Noon on the main stage at the Grand Concourse. Listen to help make your last minute preparations for IMTS 2018. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: While the manufacturing industry is doing great, leaders should continually prepare themselves to be recession-proof Introduction of Peter Eelman, Vice President Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT How the IMTS team prepares for the setup of McCormick Place for the upcoming show Peter shares the technological trends that will be displayed at IMTS What kind of fun can be expected at IMTS The food that you should try while in Chicago according to Peter Eelman Sandvick Coromant Silent Tools plus dampened tools for long overhang machining Jason and Jim give the guest schedule for their time at IMTS Tools & Takeaways Okuma http://IMTS.com MTForecast Conference Hannover Messe Cisco MakingChips Episode 154 Sandvick Coromant This Week’s Superstar Guest Peter Eelman Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify Tag attributes Make plain text  

On this episode of MakingChips, Jim interviews his son Ryan Carr, Operations Manager at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. along with Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP, about the risk and reward of implementing a new ERP system. During the interview, Ryan shares about the decision-making process and how they have been applying the new, full-spectrum ERP called ProShop. Listen as Ryan and Paul explain why an ERP is so important and how you can start the process of implementing one in your business. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Taking the Plunge Into a New ERP System Prior to purchasing the new ERP system, Ryan explains that there were inefficiencies and redundancies at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. Data entry required multiple steps with numerous papers being unnecessarily shuffled around the office. Knowing that something had to be done to move the company forward, Jim and Ryan called in Paul Van Metre to explain how ProShop could help them. Hear how implementing the new ERP system is significantly minimizing redundancy and increasing efficiency. Becoming the Metal-Working Nation’s Premier ERP System Paul Van Metre was an experienced manufacturer prior to developing ProShop. He ran his own machine shop and experienced great success. His business grew to the point that they needed a better way to manage the company's data. After searching and trying other ERPs, Paul and his team decided to build their own program. ProShop was originally intended only for internal use, but after a customer asked to purchase their proprietary software, Paul knew they had a product that the metal-working nation needed. Listen to the story of how ProShop became the premier ERP system in the manufacturing market during this episode of MakingChips. The Benefits of an ERP System in Your Company Paul Van Metre says, “The economy drives off of taking raw materials and turning them into high-precision, value-added products. You can’t run an economy just making lattes and selling insurance.” Manufacturing is important, but it’s also challenging. An ERP creates a centralized place where all files are stored and easily accessed. Implementing an ERP can help streamline your processes, keep you organized and efficient, and better position you for success in your market. Assessing the Risk and Reward for Your Company Running your own manufacturing business can be difficult. Companies need as many tools as possible to help them be successful. Big, expensive decisions aren’t easy, but if you don’t change today, you’re competition will. You have to be willing to adapt and try new things to stay relevant in the market. Jim and Jason encourage you to analyze your company to see where you can reduce redundancies and inefficiencies. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how an ERP system can benefit your company. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: The $717 Billion Dollar National Defense Authorization Act and how it impacts manufacturing How Zenger’s is working to increase efficiency and throughput utilizing a new ERP system Jim introduces his son Ryan Carr, Operations Manager at CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. Ryan shares how he approached the idea of changing ERP system after using the previous one for 20 years. Introduction of Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder of ProShop ERP Paul Van Metre shares how he launched ProShop through an organic process Ways the ProShop is helping CARR Machine and Tool, Inc. become more efficient How ProShop integrates ISO and AS9100 to organize procedures, certifications and quality systems Ryan shares his personal and company goals for utilizing ProShop Tools & Takeaways MTForecast Conference http://IMTS.com ProShop ERP MakingChips Episode 98 This Week’s Superstar Guest Paul Van Metre Ryan Carr Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

This week on MakingChips, guest Michelle Edmonson, Senior Director of Exhibitions Operations and Marketing at AMT, explains the value of IMTS for job shops. Job shops are typically smaller manufacturing companies that often handle custom orders for small or medium-sized companies. This year, IMTS will be focusing on job shops by offering opportunities tailored specifically to these companies. Listen to this episode to hear all about how job shop owners and manufacturers can reap the benefit of attending IMTS 2018. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Why focus on job shops? Michelle Edmonson explains that in years past IMTS hasn’t had a particular focus. However, job shops as a community make up over 25% of the spend in the manufacturing world. Realizing the important role that these manufacturers play, IMTS leaders decided to survey local job shop owners to discover their needs. The results led IMTS 2018 to focus on job shops, offering specialized opportunities for smaller manufacturers to learn and grow throughout the week. The 3-step program for job shops at IMTS 2018 If you’ve been to IMTS before, then you know that there will be a lot of exhibits. In fact, there are over 2400 exhibitors, displaying the finest in manufacturing innovation and technology. These exhibits are also step one in a three-step program for addressing the unique challenges that job shop and precision machine companies face. Michelle Edmonson explains how many of the exhibits focus on the best business practices of top job shops from around the country and how attendees can see and learn from these manufacturers. There is so much you can learn at IMTS Beyond just the exhibits, IMTS is offering special learning opportunities for job shop owners as well. There are three specific sessions that attendees should consider, starting on Wednesday morning. These courses are the second step in the three-step program focusing on job shops. During the episode, Michelle Edmonson details the schedule and cost for attending the conference sessions. She also highlights the topics of discussion and the value they will bring to job shop manufacturers. A huge prize giveaway at IMTS for job shops The final step in the IMTS 2018 job shop focus is a chance to win a great prize from one of the event’s sponsors. ESAB is offering a welding and cutting garage shop package tailored specifically for precision machine companies. Michelle gives the details of this fantastic package and explains how you can be entered in the giveaway. Only attendees of one of the special conferences offered at IMTS will be eligible. Listen to the interview to hear more details about that and much more. Here’s The Good Stuff! The case for why small, precision machining companies should go to IMTS Manufacturing News: Asbestos is now being allowed back into manufacturing Jim and Jason address the concern about crime in Chicago for IMTS attendees Introduction of Michelle Edmonson, Senior Director of Exhibitions Operations and Marketing at AMT The focus of IMTS 2018 is on job shops The three step program that IMTS is offering job shop owners and manufacturers Michelle Edmonson explains the opportunities offered through learning sessions In order to be a top shop, you have to focus on culture IMTS is a great way to learn how to run your manufacturing business better Tools & Takeaways MTForecast AMT Bethel New Life http://IMTS.com IMTS.com/jobshops ESAB This Week’s Superstar Guest Michelle Edmonson Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this episode of MakingChips, Jim talks with Jason Lesniewicz, Director of Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago, about the best way to experience Chicago. Jason leads Choose Chicago’s cultural tourism strategy positioning as a global, cultural destination to increase visitation and achieve the annual goal of 55 million visitors as set forth by mayor Rahm Emanuel, which they achieved in 2017. Listen to this conversation for ideas and tips on how to enjoy Chicago when you come to IMTS in September. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact The Chicago neighborhoods that set it apart Chicagoans love their city. Jason Lesniewicz grew up in Chicago and has lived there his entire life. He shares the best way to experience Chicago by describing the unique neighborhoods that set the city apart. From McCormick Place convention center you can either walk or take a short taxi or Uber ride to get to several of these neighborhoods. From Wrigleyville to the West Loop to the Gold Coast, each one provides great dining, entertainment, and cultural opportunities. 3 restaurants you should try in Chicago Chicago is known for its fantastic food. No matter what you’re craving, you can find it somewhere in Chicago. Jason Lesniewicz shares his top three favorite restaurants. He says the West Loop is the best neighborhood for the Chicago dining scene. He suggests Randolph and Fulton Streets as a great place to start. The area was part of the old warehouse district that has seen a fantastic renovation with great restaurants. The best part about grabbing a bite to eat in the West Loop is that it is only about a mile away from McCormick Place. The best way to experience the cultural opportunities Chicago offers IMTS will be in Chicago in mid-September, which is a beautiful time of year. The humidity begins to drop and the average temperature is in the mid-70s. It will be a great time to experience Chicago and the different cultural opportunities the city has to offer. Chicago is known for its signature layout around the river as well as for its incredible architecture. There are many theaters that often feature off-broadway and pre-broadway shows. During September, there are three sports teams that will be in season, including the Cubs, White Sox, and Bears. During your stay in Chicago, you will want to be sure to explore the many cultural opportunities. Listen as Jason and Jim share more about the city you don’t want to miss during this episode. 3 experiences you can’t miss during your visit to Chicago for IMTS With all that Chicago has to offer on top of the vast IMTS exhibit space, it might be difficult to decide what experiences you’re going to take in while in Chicago. Just as you should with IMTS, planning ahead is key for making the most of your time experiencing Chicago. Jason and Jim narrow down their top 3 favorite experiences. From sightseeing tours, river cruises and a ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel, to catching a game at historic Wrigley Field, hear their 3 recommended experiences and make your plans accordingly. Here’s The Good Stuff! Manufacturing News: National Association for Manufacturers chief Jay Timmons is touring America to hear from the manufacturing nation around the country What can you expect when you come to Chicago Introduction of Jason Lesniewicz, director of Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago The diversity and cultural richness of Chicago’s neighborhoods set it apart as a tourist destination Jason gives advice for the best neighborhoods to seek out when you come to Chicago for IMTS Three best restaurants you should check out in the west loop Chicago River North is the old manufacturing neighborhood that has a lot of entertainment Highlights of Chicago for the first time visitor Jason recommends sightseeing options to get the best views of Chicago Three things not to miss in your visit to Chicago for IMTS Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com NAM Choose Chicago Au Cheval Girl and the Goat Haymarket Brewing Fulton Market Kitchen Fig and Olive Maple and Ash Navy Pier This Week’s Superstar Guest Jason Lesniewicz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

This week on MakingChips, Peter Claus talks about the whirlwind of leadership he experiences in his manufacturing job. Peter is the CNC supervisor at HFW Industries in Buffalo, New York where he has worked for over 20 years. He is also one of this year’s IMTS Rock Stars. Peter shares his passion for manufacturing, how he has grown in his company and how he deals with the challenges of being a leader. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Finding and following your passion Peter Claus seemed destined to work in the manufacturing field. While on a track to pursue an engineering degree in college, Peter had the opportunity to operate a lathe. It was a pivotal moment that led him to change directions and pursue a manufacturing career. He started at HFW in 1994 running a lathe machine. HFW specializes in hardfacing and thermal spray coatings. Listen as Peter talks about how his passion for manufacturing and how it has led to his success during this interview. Are you hungry enough to grow? As HFW expanded and grew, more opportunities for leadership were presented to Peter. One contributing factor to Peter’s success is his constant hunger to learn and grow. He found a passion in manufacturing and he pursued it, increasing in education and company responsibility. He has always been interested in learning the different facets of manufacturing which has led to a breadth of experience. His hunger ultimately led him to where he is now as the CNC supervisor at HFW and one of this year’s IMTS Rock Stars. 2 Keys to Surviving the Whirlwind of Leadership With increased responsibility comes the inevitable whirlwind of leadership. Every leader will experience the effects of the whirlwind while juggling the daily demands of the job. Even the best plans and intentions can be derailed when unforeseen issues arise. Peter talks about the challenges of his supervisory role. Leading well requires prioritizing daily objectives while remaining flexible to handle issues as they arise. He gives 2 keys to surviving the whirlwind of leadership that he applies at HFW. Peter’s insight is encouraging and practical for any manufacturing leader. Taking advantage of all the IMTS has to offer What can a manufacturing leader do to escape the whirlwind of leadership? One great way to recharge is by attending IMTS. During this conversation, Peter shares how he plans to take advantage of IMTS this year. In addition to doing research on specific machines and spending time in the cutting pavilion, he plans to leverage the week as a vacation, bringing his wife and enjoying some of the great Chicago food. Peter encourages manufacturing leaders to experience IMTS and dream about the potential of taking your company to the next level. Here’s The Good Stuff! Emotional intelligence prevents you from overreacting or escalating issues that arise in business Manufacturing News: Being a conscious capitalist, caring for your employees and being fair Introduction of Peter Clause, CNC supervisor at HFW Industries and one of this years IMTS Rock Stars HFW does thermal coatings and hard face welding As a supervisor, Peter is required to deal with both machine and people issues How HFW is trying to overcome the workforce problem What Peter is excited about at IMTS this year and what he plans to research while he’s there The key to Peter’s success in the manufacturing industry Make your plans to be at the IMTS Grand Concourse stage each day at noon to see Jim and Jason Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Peter Claus HFW Industries Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

This week on MakingChips, Jason asks Jim whether or not you really need a 5-axis machine. Every manufacturing company owner has to determine the right time to add a new piece of machinery to his or her shop. That decision isn’t always easy. More often than not, there are multiple good options that leave the leader with the daunting task of determining the best choice. Jim explains to Jason his rationale for a recent purchase making decision for Carr Tool and Machine and gives advice for making a big purchasing. Hear all that and more on this episode of MakingChips. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact 2 main factors that can help you make decisions about machinery When considering a big purchase of machinery for your shop, the decision largely depends on two factors. The first factor is what you currently make. Know your current customer demand and your ability to meet that demand. If you are having trouble with turn-around or customers are continually leaving your business because you can’t meet their demand, it might be time to upgrade to a new piece of machinery. The second factor is how will your company grow in the future. Considering what technology you need to integrate into your company to allow for growth and expansion will help you make a wise purchase. Buying a 5-axis machine should be a need-based purchase After originally planning to buy a 5-axis machine last summer, Jim recently purchased a 4-axis Mazak 500mm twin table horizontal machining center with full fourth axis machining capability. He explains that while he was unable to complete the deal on the 5-axis machine the 4-axis machine has served him well. He has been able to meet customer needs with the 4-axis horizontal machine. Jim also expressed that he hasn’t had the need for a 5-axis machine. When considering a machine tool purchase, Jim advises letting need be a key determining factor. Buying a piece of equipment that you already have a need for ensures that you get an immediate return on your investment. How to make a good purchasing decision It is difficult to balance the tendency to resist change with moving forward too quickly. The danger is that you purchase a piece of machinery that won’t give you a quick return on investment. It is wise to introduce technology incrementally. Jim encourages leaders to utilize the wisdom and experience of your team to help make educated decisions for your company. He also suggests reaching out to your customers to see if they need the kind of work that would justify purchasing a 5-axis machine. Will a 5-axis machine make or break your company? Not having a 5-axis machine will not keep Carr Machine and Tool from being competitive in the long run. While Jim chose not to buy the 5-axis machine yet, he will definitely be looking to purchase one in the near future. Knowing the plan for future growth and expansion gives Jim a head start in finding the skilled labor or training current employees so that they can run the machine effectively. Jim and Jason would love to hear from you. Have you purchased a 5-axis machine? If so why? Here’s The Good Stuff! It is better to have a well placed fan than having an oscillating fan Buying new technology requires you to balance risk and reward JIm shares his excitement about a new relationship with an aerospace customer Manufacturing News: Machine Metrics shares shocking machine utilization numbers Jim shares his reasons for deciding not to buy a 5-axis machine Though it wasn’t a 5-axis Carr Machine and Tool did add a new piece of equipment in the shop Buying a machine should be based on the production needs you currently have Jim shares the impact of 5-axis machines could have for his company Jason and Jim ask for your feedback about 5-axis machines Tools & Takeaways Machine Metrics http://IMTS.com Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

The growth and impact of manufacturing tomorrow depends on the next-generation leaders you are investing in today. During this episode of MakingChips, Greg Jones, Vice President of Smartforce Development at AMT, discusses how he is trying to help reduce the skills gap that exists in manufacturing. He also gives some practical ways that manufacturing leaders can join in the cause of raising up next generation leaders. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact What is the cause of the skills gap? While previous generations grew up in manufacturing and joined the family business, the future of the manufacturing workforce will not come about in the same way. Many high school graduates only consider traditional college as a post-secondary option. There are approximately 400,000 manufacturing jobs that are currently unfilled because of a lack of skilled workers. In order to reduce this gap, an educational shift must happen. Greg Jones shares how apprenticeships can help create this shift while helping students secure a solid career in manufacturing. Bridging the skills gap by investing in education The Smartforce Student Summit started at IMTS in 1988 with the goal of giving students an in-depth look at the opportunities the manufacturing industry offers. It also helped to educate teachers and administrators about the importance of investing in this workforce. 30 years later, the Smartforce Student Summit is continuing to build that legacy. Greg Jones is leading Smartforce Development at AMT to help meet this significant need by exposing alternative opportunities to these students. During this episode, he shares how he is investing in education in order to help build tomorrows manufacturing workforce. Unlocking the potential of next-generation leaders While there is change happening on a national level thanks to new legislation and an increased focus on manufacturing, real change occurs on the local level. Greg Jones shares several ways that manufacturing leaders can make an impact. He encourages advocating for STEM programs. He also suggests partnering with local school systems and volunteering in technology programs. This face-to-face interaction can help change the trajectory of a child’s life and could unlock the potential of a next generation leader in manufacturing. Greg also encourages manufacturers to bring a student to IMTS to enjoy the Smartforce student summit. How to share the opportunities that exist in manufacturing There have been many news stories suggesting that new technology and robots could reduce the number of job opportunities in the manufacturing industry. Greg Jones says instead that automation is actually creating jobs. IMTS and the Smartforce Student Summit are designed to share those opportunities with next-generation leaders. Students from over 40 states will be exposed to apprentice competitions where high school and college students will show in a tangible way what a career in manufacturing could look like. Listen to MakingChips to hear the entire conversation with Greg Jones. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jim gives an update on what is new at Carr Machine and Tool Good employees will gravitate to companies with compelling mission and vision Manufacturing News: Inmates in at a prison received manufacturing certificates Introduction of Greg Jones, Vice President of Smartforce Development at AMT Smartforce is seeking to bridge the skills gap through education and workforce development Greg advocates for high school and college students to consider an apprenticeship program instead of traditional college The importance of the relationship between local manufacturing companies and schools How the future of manufacturing might be impacted by the current skills gap What to expect from the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS this year Local manufacturing leaders can make an impact in their community by getting involved in local schools Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com AMT NIMS IMTS.com/student This Week’s Superstar Guest Greg Jones Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

If you are a manufacturing leader, then it is imperative that you learn all you can about MTConnect and the digitization of the manufacturing industry. As the internet of things continues to grow, companies should be prepared to integrate technology into their company. During this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason talk with Russ Waddell, Managing Director of MTConnect. With over 200 employees under his supervision, Russ is leading MTConnect to be the standard among manufacturers. Listen and be equipped with information and inspired to grow your company. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact How information is changing the manufacturing industry Over the last 20 years, the internet has changed not only the daily lives of people around the world, but also the way companies do business. Manufacturers are not exempt from the advances of the internet. Increasingly, the internet of things is becoming a common reality in businesses. The internet of things refers to how different connected devices communicate and share information with each other utilizing wireless connection. MTConnect is an important component for manufacturers considering the digitization and internet of things in their companies. The importance of standards Just as it is important to have cultural standards within your company that helps to guide business practices and employee behavior, it is equally important to have technological standards. As the digitization of the manufacturing industry continues to grow, efficiency is a necessity. How can you best use technology to your advantage without over-complicating processes and procedures? Russ Waddell says, “The IT world is getting closer and closer to the factory world, having a basic understanding of how to pick a standard or a set of standards that is going to work is essential.” Hear all about that and more on this episode of MakingChips. What is MTConnect and how can it help manufacturers MTConnect is an open-source standard that allows the manufacturing equipment in your shop to capture, store and share important data. It can help streamline communication among machines by providing a consistent vocabulary for your equipment. Being able to access the data that MTConnect collects can help in a multitude of ways and the open-source nature of the software also allows its functions and capabilities to continually be improved. During this interview, Russ explains what MTConnect is, how it is applied, and the benefits your company can experience from using it. How to adapt your company for digitization Preparing to adapt your company for digitization first requires a plan. Before using a software like MTConnect, you have to know what questions within your company you need answers to. What data do you need to be able to access and analyze? Russ Waddell points out the importance of knowing spindle time. Your plan must also consider how you will organize and analyze data collected. Manufacturing leaders should also consider how to upgrade legacy equipment so that they can also be connected. Digitization takes planning. For more information on what you should consider and how to plan, listen to this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! The access of information and how it is changing the sales model at Zenger’s Manufacturing News: The Wall Street Journal’s manufacturing beat job opening Introduction of guest Russ Waddell, Managing Director of MTConnect Institute What MTConnect is and how it is used in manufacturing How can a manufacturing leader utilize the capabilities of MTConnect What data should manufacturers be collecting and analyzing The open source nature of MTConnect and the advantages it provides to the market The importance of assessing and implementing a set of standards for your business IMTS will give you an opportunity to get a close-up look at MTConnect Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com MTConnect mHUB This Week’s Superstar Guest All mentioned resources Russ Waddell Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Can you see a return on investment in company culture in your business? It’s a question that every manufacturing owner or operator should consider. Much of the focus in manufacturing is on production. However, one of the biggest investments you can make in your company and brand is in the area of culture. Investing in culture not only ensures that you are aligned internally but also helps you align better with the customers you serve. During this episode of MakingChips, hear about the return on investment in company culture, how it has impacted Carr Machine and Tool and how it can benefit your company. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Manufacturers Should Begin Creating a Compelling Culture What started out as a discussion about search engine optimization quickly turned into a conversation about the importance of culture. That’s because one of the contributing factors to Carr Machine and Tool’s success in SEO is the compelling culture Jim is developing in his business. The return on investment in company culture that Jim has seen is in several areas of his business. In this episode, Jim shares about how he began investing in culture, the steps he implemented and the results that he continues to evaluate. Great Change Can Come From One Small Step Lao Tzu famously said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This is true when it comes to the process of developing culture. You won’t see a return on investment in company culture overnight. Small, incremental steps can have a cumulative impact that will eventually pay large dividends. Jim explains the small steps he took to start investing in his company’s culture during this conversation. He also gives helpful tips for small steps you can take to start implementing culture discussions in your company. The Return on Investment in Company Culture Is Measured in Multiple Ways Investing in culture has both internal and external benefits. Internally, culture helps guide the hiring process. It ensures that you hire the right employees who align well with your core values. It also helps employees grow and develop their skills, instilling greater accountability and pushing them to a higher level. Externally, your company’s culture also ensures that you partner with the right customer. Solidifying your mission and vision clarifies your brand to potential customers. Culture ensures a greater sense of alignment across all facets of your company. How Culture Sets Your Company Apart Because of the competitive nature of manufacturing, it is important to be able to differentiate yourself from other companies. Rather than relying on shallow gimmicks, you should focus on being authentic. Determining your core values and communicating them consistently helps your business better convey your unique ability to serve customers. Julie and Jim talk about the return on investment in culture and how it sets you apart from the competition during this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jason and Jim discuss the importance of maintaining a positive work culture Manufacturing News: The challenge of meeting increasingly complex customer expectations Jason shares how Zenger’s exciting new partnership Jim introduces Julie Poulos, Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Julie takes over the interview to talk with Jim about the ROI of company culture at Carr Machine and Tool The first step to developing culture for Carr Machine and Tool How Jim implemented core values into his company Identifying the skill set of your employees and pushing them to use those skills at a higher level Communications role in helping to maintain the type of culture you want The differentiating factor that core values and culture can add to your brand Tools & Takeaways Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Julie Poulos - Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

On this episode of MakingChips, Jason and Jim sit down with Doug Woods, President of AMT to discuss the digital transformation in the manufacturing industry. Doug has had a lifetime of experience in manufacturing and now shares that experience with manufacturing leaders around the globe. He has a passion for innovation and for helping others integrate new technologies into their companies. Listen as Doug Woods shares his perspective on the future of manufacturing and gives tips for how your company can benefit from the digital transformation. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Is there a manufacturing industry image problem? Prior to 2008, it seemed like the entire manufacturing industry was suffering from an image problem. However, following the recession, there was a shift in focus on the importance and opportunity of manufacturing jobs in America. With the rising cost of college and the plethora of irrelevant degree fields, manufacturing is starting to recover its image. The excitement of the digital transformation is also helping to change the perception of manufacturing, especially among younger men and women. The innovation and technologies at the forefront of the digital transformation Every generation since Ford introduced the assembly line has considered itself to be in the era of advanced technology. However, Doug Woods explains that what makes manufacturing different now from previous generations is the speed at which technology is advancing. This rapid introduction of technology and innovation is enabling the manufacturing industry to grow and change in new and exciting ways. Doug talks about some of these specific technologies and how they are contributing to the digital transformation during this interview. Being a part of the digital transformation of manufacturing requires a strategy New technologies are being introduced at such a fast pace that it is easy to become overwhelmed. However, there is a way to assess the opportunities that the digital transformation of manufacturing can provide for your company. The best way to prepare your company for these opportunities is by developing a strategy. Doug Woods says that you don’t have to dive into new technology all at once. He encourages leaders to assess their areas of expertise. By finding a digital solution that can enhance your position in the market, you can begin the process of transformation in your company. Listen as Doug gives more tips for introducing new technologies during this interview. Tips for Cultivating a Positive Culture in Your Company You spend a lot of time at work. The people you work with can become family. If you have to spend so much time with your co-workers, you should do everything you can to enjoy it. The digital transformation can help you work better and more efficiently, but it can’t create a new work culture. It is important to invest in the type of culture you want to have in your company. Doug Woods shares the four cornerstones that he has implemented into the culture of AMT. Applying these tips could motivate your employees to be better while enjoying their work more. Here’s The Good Stuff! Introduction of Doug Woods, President of The Association of Manufacturing Technology Doug Woods background working on the tool and die shop floor How AMT serves manufacturers through industry intelligence and market access Does the manufacturing industry have an image problem? The innovation and technologies contributing to the digital transformation of manufacturing Developing a digital strategy that will help you integrate new technologies Doug Woods explains what blockchain technology is and how it is useful How to implement a digital strategy by leveraging your area of expertise Learning about future technology at IMTS Four cornerstones of business that Doug Woods has instilled at AMT Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com MTConnect MT360 This Week’s Superstar Guest AMT Doug Woods Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Few people are champions of manufacturing education like Jim's guest on this episode of MakingChips, Aneesa Muthana. Aneesa began working in her father's manufacturing shop when she was a very young girl, answering phones and making chips of her own. She has grown up with a deep understanding of what makes the manufacturing industry special and now, as President of Pioneer Service she is a true champion of educating the public about the inspirational meaning behind being a manufacturer. This is an inspiring conversation that you won't want to miss. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact As Manufacturers We Have A Responsibility to Educate The Public The belief that many parents have - that their children need to go to college in order to get a good job - is fine for as far as that goes, but as Aneesa points out in this conversation, it leaves out the very real and profitable possibilities that the manufacturing industry provides. Aneesa believes that the average person doesn't understand the true purpose and contributions that are made by the manufacturing industry and that every person who works within the industry has a responsibility to educate those around them in order to raise the level of understanding about the vital nature of what manufacturers do. Don't miss this challenging conversation. Every Day Is Manufacturing Day At Pioneer Service Manufacturing Day℠ is a celebration of modern manufacturing that is organized to educate and inspire the next generation of manufacturers. The first Friday in October is when the official celebration occurs, but because she is so passionate about manufacturing and equipping the next generation of manufacturers, Aneesa says that every day is manufacturing day at her shop. The doors of Pioneer Service are always open to community leaders, newspapers, school groups, and anyone else who desires to learn about manufacturing. Aneesa’s enthusiasm is contagious, so listen to this episode to be inspired by her story and her efforts at raising the awareness of the importance of manufacturing. The Challenge of Equipping A Trained Workforce Is Real During this conversation, Jim asks Aneesa about her biggest concerns regarding the future of the manufacturing industry. Like many of us, she believes that the challenge to equip and raise up the next generation as a trained manufacturing workforce is a formidable challenge that we must take seriously. She is doing her part in her own community and on a national stage and shares how she is encouraging education and mobilization on behalf of the manufacturing industry. Children Today Need To Be Taught The Inspiration In Being A Maker It’s interesting to note that when you ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, they typically mention policemen, doctors, firemen, etc. Why don’t they mention being a manufacturer? Aneesa believes it is because the education that should be happening about manufacturing's vital role in our culture is lacking. She encourages every opportunity for children to be taught about the inspirational role that makers are able to play in the creation of instrumentation that launches people into outer space, or the development of inventions that help to cure cancer. Being a part of those world-changing things is a worthwhile endeavor that children need to know about. Hear Aneesa’s story and how she became so passionate about the manufacturing industry, on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! [0:45] The excitement about the future of the manufacturing industry [3:31] Aneesa Muthana - Stereotype destroyer extraordinaire: her story [7:30] From working in her father’s business to President of her Uncle’s company [10:55] Raising prices to become profitable, cold calling to gain new business [12:43] The impact of the great recession on Pioneer: Aneesa’s willingness to change [16:02] Manufacturing has a purpose greater than just the business [20:22] The purpose that fills Aneesa’s days and fuels her vision [21:50] Why Anessa is breaking boundaries and why she does it [24:20] The key things Aneesa has learned as a shop owner [27:01] The vision and goals for Pioneer at this point in its history [30:34] Aneesa’s efforts to build a skilled workforce [35:30] What Pioneer is doing to spearhead outreach in its community [37:40] Aneesa’s top 3 lessons-learned [40:39] Digging deeper into Aneesa’s insights Tools & Takeaways http://IMTS.com The Valley Industrial Association This Week’s Superstar Guest Aneesa Muthana on LinkedIn Pioneer Service Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

In order for your manufacturing company to outlast your leadership tenure, it’s a good idea to have a succession plan. After investing so much time and energy into building a successful company, it can be difficult to hand over your responsibilities to another person. Having a succession plan can ensure that the right person is in place when the time comes. Doing so protects your employees and prepares the company for continued longevity. In this episode of MakingChips, you’ll hear Bob Bechtold talk about his success in starting and leading HARBEC in Ontario, New York. You’ll also hear about the challenges of developing his own succession plan. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Do you have a 30-year plan? What will your business be like in the next 30 years? While it used to be necessary to have a long-term vision for your company, it is becoming increasingly difficult to plan far into the future. The rapid changes in technology and the global economy require more short-term planning. However, it is still important to consider the long-term future and goals of your company. During this episode, Bob Bechtold talks about his four decades of manufacturing experience and how he has dealt with challenges and changes throughout his career. Listen as Bob also shares his approach to future planning that will prepare Harbec for continued success. Fear of change could lead to failure Bob Bechtold started his manufacturing career as a journeyman toolmaker. His years of experience both in making and teaching gave him the knowledge and wisdom to start his own manufacturing business. One of the qualities that made Bob so successful was his willingness to embrace change. He says that most people in the 1980s saw computers and technology as a threat to manufacturing. However, instead of resisting new technologies, Bob saw them as an opportunity. Hear how he has continued to lead his company to adapt and use new technologies during this interview on MakingChips. The Challenges of Developing a Succession Plan Bob Bechtold says his main focus at HARBEC currently is finding the right leader to take his place. Because he cares about his employees and wants to ensure their well-being, Bob is dedicated to implementing a succession plan. He describes the thought of letting go of his leadership role as unnerving. Bob shares candidly about the challenges he has experienced while developing this succession plan and the ways he is seeking to overcome them. 3 Keys to Manufacturing Success A succession plan is only as good as the foundation upon which it is built. There are some practices that a manufacturing leader can implement to help set their company apart and increase the likelihood of long-term success. During this interview, Bob Bechtold talks about the three keys that he has put in place at Harbec that has contributed to the company’s success. These three keys can help you not only see growth, but also help develop a culture that more readily can be passed on to the next generation of leadership. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jim and Jason talk about trends that could change manufacturing over the next 30 years Manufacturing News: The future of American manufacturing Introduction of IMTS Rockstar Bob Bechtold, President at HARBEC in Ontario, New York The changes in manufacturing technology throughout Bob Bechtold’s career and how he started HARBEC Bob Bechtold talks about his company’s core competencies and who they serve How Bob is preparing HARBEC for future leadership The three most important lessons Bob Bechtold has learned during his career Tools & Takeaways HARBEC VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest AMT Bob Bechtold Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

In order to generate measurable growth in your manufacturing company, you need to develop a sales playbook. While marketing can help you get noticed among prospective clients, a sales division converts them into revenue producing clients. In order for these two branches of your organization to work effectively, they need a unified process. The sales playbook will help streamline your operation, improve alignment and ultimately lead to increased revenue. During this episode of MakingChips, Julie Poulos, Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology, details how to develop your own sales playbook. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact 2 key factors to becoming sales enabled How can you get a prospective client interested and motivated to buy your product or service? Some might argue that it is through marketing. Others say it’s through sales. The truth is that it takes both. A sales playbook is the key to helping your marketing and sales team work together to boost your company’s growth. Julie Poulos is a marketing and sales guru who not only understands the importance of the sales playbook, but also how to implement one effectively into a business. Listen as Julie identifies 2 key factors in helping your manufacturing business become sales enabled through the use of a sales playbook. Fostering alignment through a sales playbook Because marketing and sales are complementary, it is important for them to be aligned. In some cases, a company could have a marketing department that is great at attracting prospective clients but lacks a sales team equipped to close deals. Or maybe the sales team is outpacing the marketing division. Just as a car that is out of alignment can be tough to drive, a company out of alignment has difficulty growing. Julie Poulos explains how having an organized infrastructure can help support both marketing and sales. By improving technology and processes through a sales playbook, manufacturing companies can restore alignment. How to identify your company’s current reality and future potential One challenge manufacturing business leaders face is evaluating the health and culture of the organization. Knowing the current reality of your company will help you make appropriate adjustments in areas of operation and personnel. It will also help you forecast future growth and opportunity through both your current contracts and new-acquisition clients. Julie Poulos says that a sales playbook plays a key role in the evaluation process. It also helps you establish clear goals and objectives for your team. Hear all about that and more during this episode of MakingChips. The sales playbook by the numbers Numbers don’t lie. Therefore, it is critical for manufacturing companies to keep track of their sales and production data. From customer acquisition costs to your website visitor count, Julie Poulos explains the value of understanding past and current numbers. Empirical data can help empower the sales team and enable owners and operators to develop realistic growth expectations. She also talks about the importance of systems integration so that you can easily access vital information. Listen to this episode, as Julie reveals tools and technologies that can help you measure and manage progress in your manufacturing company. Here’s The Good Stuff! Jim and Jason talk about how they manage growth in their businesses Manufacturing News: Area schools promote manufacturing through a contest Jason shares how he is reorganizing his leadership structure at Zenger’s Julie Poulos explains the difference between marketing and sales and how to align both The 2 key factors to help your business become sales enabled How to differentiate yourself by identifying purpose and communicating it to prospective clients Forecasting sales and then creating structure for your sales team The importance of collecting data to track progress and manage expectations Utilizing integrated technology to organize your sales process and measure ROI IMTS conference breakdown with Bill Herman, Director of International Exhibitions and Sponsorship for AMT Tools & Takeaways Whatssocool.org Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Julie Poulos - Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Bill Herman - Director of International Exhibitions and Sponsorship for AMT Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Developing a positive culture within your manufacturing business could be the key to reaching the next level of success with your company. On this week’s episode of MakingChips, you’ll hear from Matt Guse, President of MRS Machining in Augusta, Wisconsin. Matt took over his family manufacturing business in the late 90s after being a machinist under his Dad’s leadership. Drawing from years of experience, Matt has grown his business by creating a positive culture and work environment for his employees. His success makes him one of this year’s IMTS Rockstars. During this interview, Matt talks about the challenges he has experienced and the lessons he has learned while leading a growing manufacturing company. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact Carrying on the legacy of manufacturing Manufacturing is largely a multi-generational, family-business industry. Many of today’s manufacturing leaders are third and fourth generation owners. MRS Machining was started by Matt Guse’s dad in the mid-1980s. Matt details how his family began the business in their garage and the factors that propelled the growth of the business. After his Mom and Dad passed away, Matt took over. He talks about the difficulties of losing his parents and the succession plan that was in place before his father passed away. He also shares keys of leading the business that he learned from his father and how they helped him develop the positive culture that is prevalent in MRS Machining today. Learn how to build a positive culture With his only experience being on the shop floor, Matt determined to learn as much as he could about the operational side of manufacturing. His first step was to join a peer group of business leaders in his community. Matt details what he learned by listening to the experience of others. By gaining wisdom and understanding from successful leaders, Matt was able to establish an employee friendly, positive culture in his company. Hear about the importance of being connected to a community of leaders and how that support can help you through the inevitable difficulties and challenges of manufacturing during this episode of MakingChips. How to unleash the talent in your company One key that Matt Guse reveals about developing a positive culture within your company is recruiting and maintaining talent. His goal is to discover the unique gifts his employees have so that he can empower them to excel. Creating a positive culture where people feel trusted and valued not only helps with employee morale but also helps attract quality talent. Matt says, “Your best recruiters are your current employees.” Listen as Matt shares the ways he intentionally cultivates talent at MRS during this interview. 3 keys to building a positive culture Because running a business can be overwhelming, it is important to have a clearly defined set of directives that help keep you on target. While there are many good things you can do with your company, it is up to you to determine the best things and then drive your company to pursue them every day. Building a positive culture and work environment doesn’t happen by accident. And it doesn’t happen overnight. Matt Guse defines three keys that have impacted his company’s culture. By focusing on these three things, Matt has led MRS Machining to not only grow and produce, but also to be an enjoyable place to work. Hear about these three keys and much more on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! JIm and Jason talk about the multi-generational nature of manufacturing Jim shares about hiring a new sales manager and the importance of brand and culture in attracting talent Manufacturing News: The impact of the new tariffs on costs and supply chain Introduction of Matt Guse, President of MRS Machining in Augusta, Wisconsin How MRS started in a family garage and grew into full scale machining business Matt Guse describes the importance of investing in technology The expansion of MRS and how it navigated the recession How Matt Guse took over as president of MRS and what he learned through a local community of business leaders MRS’s succession plan and lessons learned after Matt’s dad was diagnosed with cancer Matt shares the impact of his investment in a positive culture for his employees 3 Keys to leading a successful manufacturing business VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest MRS Machining Matt Guse Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Buying used equipment might sound like a bad idea. Purchasing brand new brings about a sense of excitement and confidence. However, in the manufacturing world, buying new equipment can be incredibly expensive. This week on MakingChips, find out how buying and selling used equipment can be a great option for your company. While it may seem risky, buying used can keep you on the cutting edge of technology without breaking the bank. Listen as Jim and Jason talk with Ryan Wiegel, Vice President of Operations and Co-owner of Wiegel Tool Works about his strategies for buying and selling used equipment. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Why you should buy used equipment Ryan Wiegel has had great success in buying and selling previously owned equipment. He has a unique ability to identify a good piece of used equipment on the secondary market and purchase it for an excellent price. During his conversation with Jim, Ryan explains why buying used might be a good strategy for manufacturers. Even though buying new ensures top operating condition while including a factory warranty, he says you don’t have to sacrifice quality when purchasing used equipment. Listen as Ryan Wiegel explains why you should consider buying used equipment for your company. Guidelines for buying previously owned equipment In order to ensure that you get the best deal on a great piece of used equipment, Ryan Wiegel suggests that you follow certain guidelines. He identifies several factors to consider which will give you confidence about the condition of the piece of equipment and will help you identify the true value of the machine. The key, he says, is to do your homework. Researching the cost, testing out the used machine, and talking with the manufacturer are just a few of the steps Ryan mentions. Hear more about the guidelines for buying previously owned equipment as you listen to this episode of MakingChips. Staying on the cutting edge of technology while saving money One of the concerns when buying used equipment is staying current. As technology continues to evolve, manufacturing companies can’t afford to be behind the technological curve. Ryan Wiegel addresses this concern by suggesting a balanced approach to buying machinery. There are some pieces of equipment that have to be purchased new. However other machines can be retrofitted to make them current. You could pay half the price of a new piece, spend a marginal amount to retrofit the used machine, and still save money while adding a great piece to your shop. Hear more of Ryan’s advice on this week’s podcast. Strategies for Selling Used Equipment Not only can a manufacturer employ a strategy to buy used, they can also sell their used equipment. Internet and social network channels have opened a world of opportunities for selling equipment to customers around the globe. Utilizing those free marketing channels can help you move older pieces of equipment at a fair price. Even if a piece is in need of repair, there is a market of buyers willing to purchase and refurbish used machinery. Listen as Ryan explains his selling strategy while sharing stories of his successes and failures on this episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! [3:58] Manufacturing News: Advocating for more manufacturing jobs in Washington [7:50] Jim and Jason discuss their experience with buying used items [10:11] Jim introduces Ryan Wiegel, Vice President of Operations and Co-Owner of Wiegel Tool Works [12:16] Ryan Wiegel details the history, niche and future of Wiegel Tool Works [18:03] How Ryan Wiegel started buying used equipment [20:03] The guidelines for buying used machinery [26:20] Staying on the cutting edge of technology while buying used equipment [32:09] The sequence of finding and procuring a used machine [37:40] How to get the right price on used equipment [41:55] Ryan Wiegel shares stories of success and failures in buying used equipment [47:50] Strategies to sell used equipment on the open market [51:23] Three tips for manufacturers when buying a used piece of equipment Tools & Takeaways Staub Manufacturing Solutions VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Ryan Wiegel Wiegel Tool Works Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Whether you are a veteran attendee of IMTS, or you are planning your first experience, this week’s episode of Making Chips is for you. For 90 years, the International Manufacturing Technology Show has been the premiere manufacturing show in North America. It takes place in Chicago on even-numbered years. Peter Eelman has been involved with IMTS for 40 years. He is the Vice President of Exhibition and Business Development for The Association of Manufacturing Technology (AMT). On this episode, Peter joins Jason and Jim to give an in-depth preview of IMTS 2018. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact What makes IMTS 2018 a must-attend event Beyond just a machine tool show, IMTS encompasses all of manufacturing technology. It is the place to learn about and experience cutting-edge manufacturing technology and innovation. The show continues to get bigger and better, featuring over a million square feet of exhibition space with 1599 exhibitors. This year's show is September 10-15 in Chicago and will further the tradition of being the number one place to discover the newest technology that is revolutionizing the industry. During his conversation with Jim and Jason, Peter Eelman reveals how IMTS 2018 is gearing up to be the best yet. It’s all about the experience at IMTS Throughout four buildings, there will be an exciting array of companies showing off the latest and greatest in manufacturing technology. Peter Eelman says that the exhibition space is expanding to include more CAD/CAM software and digital factory automation companies. IMTS gives you the opportunity to get to know these companies and see the products and services they offer. You can also expect to see million dollar pieces of equipment on display. Hear much more about what you can experience during Jim and Jason’s conversation with Peter Eeman. The exciting Emerging Technologies Center at IMTS 2018 IMTS has always been about emerging technologies. During the 2014 show, IMTS featured the world’s first 3D printed car. Peter Eelman explains how IMTS will give attendees an opportunity to explore the digital transformation of industry. You will be able to explore virtual and augmented reality and learn about the impact those technologies are having in manufacturing. Peter Eelman says that because digital manufacturing is now a reality, manufacturers should be learning as much as they can so they can begin applying it in their businesses. The Emerging Technologies Center at IMTS 2018 can give you the jump start you need. How to maximize your IMTS 2018 experience Peter Eelman explains that in order to have the best experience at IMTS, you have to make a plan. There is so much to see and so much ground to cover that failing to plan will leave you overwhelmed and exhausted. Prioritizing your time will help you get the most out of the show. IMTS.com has an invaluable tool called “My Show Planner” which was developed specifically for IMTS attendees. Plan to stay for a couple of days so that you can see all of the new and exciting technology available. Hear more about how you can maximize your IMTS 2018 experience as you listen to this episode of Making Chips. Here’s The Good Stuff! [5:40] What’s new at Zenger’s Industrial [7:11] Jason’s take on the book The 4 Disciplines of Execution [8:19] Manufacturing News:Harry Moser and The Reshoring Initiative [14:12] Peter Eelman, Vice President of Exhibitions and Business Development at AMT [16:25] The scope and size of IMTS 2018 in comparison to past years [23:13] How the layout of IMTS is different and the new business that will have exhibits [27:00] Emerging technologies and innovation on display at IMTS 2018 [31:20] How IMTS attendees should prepare themselves [38:06] The registration process for IMTS [41:36] When and where you can see Jason and Jim at IMTS Tools & Takeaways The Four Disciplines of Execution The Reshoring Initiative AMT IMTS 2018 VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Peter Eelman Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

In order to have a successful cutting tool manufacturing business, you must have a plan. As Benjamin Franklin once said, failing to plan is planning to fail. Manufacturers shutter their doors every day, not because they aren’t providing a valuable service, but because they have an outdated business plan. You have to consistently invest in the business and adapt to new technology in order to best serve your customers. So how can you develop a solid plan for your cutting tool manufacturing business? Mike Polizzi, President of Hartland Cutting Tools is here to help by revealing 5 Keys that will help you build and sustain a successful cutting tool manufacturing business. You don’t want to miss this week’s episode of MakingChips. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Be A Better Salesman by Staring on the Shop Floor Mike Polizzi is the third-generation president of Hartland Cutting Tools. Hartland is a leading supplier of standard and custom high-performance cutting tools. Mike’s start in the business was not in a sales office, but rather on the shop floor. His knowledge of the tools his company manufactures comes from actually having made those very same tools early in his career. Mike is able to leverage his experience and credibility to help the manufacturers he now serves. As president of the company, Mike has turned his attention to helping Hartland increase its sales revenue with a solid marketing and technology plan. Listen now to hear Mike Polizzi give his 5 Keys to a successful cutting tool manufacturing business. Stay on the Cutting Edge of Custom Cutting Tools by Investing in Technology When the recession hit in 2008, many manufacturers were forced to close their businesses. While Mike had to cut his workforce significantly, he was able to help Hartland survive the downturn by utilizing technology. One of Mike’s 5 keys involves having a specific plan and approach to technology, keeping overhead low and prices competitive. Mike talks about how often he upgrades his machinery and about the manpower it takes to keep those machines operating. Hear more about how you should invest in technology, keeping you on the cutting edge of making cutting tools in this week's episode of MakingChips. Should You Sell Direct to Consumer or Use a Distributor? When it comes to delivering your tools to the consumer, you have two options. You can employ your own sales force and sell direct or you can rely on distributors. One of Mike Polizzi’s 5 keys to a successful cutting tool manufacturing business is deciding how you will distribute. Mike has made a firm choice on how he delivers to his customers.  He believes that making this decision will help you stay competitive and allow you to give the level of service that will win lifelong customers. Find out what Mike calls the “old idea of the flywheel” during this episode of MakingChips. Build Your Business by Understanding Trends in Custom Cutting Tools Mike Polizzi continues to grow Hartland Cutting tools by knowing the latest trends in cutting tool manufacturing. He is then able to adapt and provide those tools and services to the end user.  As Mike discusses his 5 keys to a successful cutting tool manufacturing business, he details the importance of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System. Hint: Not investing in this critical aspect of the business could threaten efficiency throughout your business. Mike also discusses the latest trends in custom/special tools, including coatings, carbide grades, and other options that can make tools last longer. Hear all about that and more on this week’s episode of MakingChips. Here’s The Good Stuff! [0:42] Jim debriefs his recent trip to Ireland and updates about Carr Machine and Tool [6:40] Manufacturing News: Is the trend toward automation slowing down? [12:06] Mike Polizzi on 5 points of Hartland Cutting Tools’ three generations of success [13:31] How Mike’s extensive experience in tool grinding gives him credibility in sales [18:40] Technology's impact on the long-term success of Harland Cutting Tools [21:11] The core value of selling exclusively through distribution companies [24:33] The human touch of knowing and empathizing with the end user [27:11] Hartland’s ERP system and how it helps them serve clients [28:19] Latest trends in custom special tools [32:36] Advice for manufacturers who are attempting to produce their own tools [47:58] Takeaways from the interview with Mike Polizzi Tools & Takeaways Hartland Cutting Tools VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Mike Polizzi - President of Hartland Cutting Tools Inc. Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify 

Building an outbound marketing strategy for your marketing business is crucial. The reality is that, in order to stay in business, you have to have customers. You need someone willing to buy what you are manufacturing. While it would be great to have a product or business that sells itself, more often than not there is some legwork involved in finding the people that need your product or service. Then you have to showcase your work so that they can become a customer. This means that in manufacturing, having an outbound marketing strategy is essential. It’s not always easy but it is necessary. In this week’s episode, Jason and Jim discuss how to institute a simple 3-step sales process, with Julie Poulos, Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology . If you’re ready to step up your sales game, then be sure to tune in to this episode. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact The End Goal is to Close a Sale, So You’re Gonna Need A Plan Every manufacturing businesses ultimate goal is to close sales. You make things so that people can buy and use them. However, closing is the last step of the process. You can’t close sales unless you have attracted potential customers. And what do you do after you’ve attracted them? You have to prove your value to the potential customers in ways that lead to closing a sale. In order to do this well, you have to have a good outbound marketing strategy. The good news is the process doesn’t have to be difficult. You can do this and MakingChips is ready to help you. Listen as Jason talks with Jule Poulos about a 3-step sales process that will help you be in a better position to do your outbound marketing in a way that enables you to close sales. Julie’s 3-step process: Identify Your Best Customers, Warm Them Up, Then Make the Call You don’t have to have a thousand potential clients or customers. But you do need a list. When developing an effective outbound marketing strategy, start with what you know about your best customers to help you develop a good customer profile. Channel your marketing energy and resources where you’ll see the most likely returns. Narrow your list down to the handful leads that seem most promising. Do your homework on those customers in order to show them how you can offer them value.The key is to be intentional and specific. In this episode, Julie gives tips on how to create what she calls an ”intentional warm” across 4-8 weeks. You will learn how to make your outbound marketing strategy more targeted and natural. Then after “warming” the potential customer, you can call with confidence and get one step closer to converting a lead into a customer. What Do You Do Once You’ve Warmed Up a Prospect? One of the hardest parts of managing a manufacturing company’s outbound marketing strategy is knowing what to do with a potential lead after you’ve warmed them up. What’s the best way to contact them? When is the best time? There is no hard and fast way to contact a lead. It might be a phone call, email, or a LinkedIn message. Julie Poulos explains that the best rule is to approach each lead individually and give them an opportunity to respond. She gives great advice on how to be natural and authentic throughout your marketing and sales process. Julie also shares practical examples of exactly how to follow up with a lead. Hear all of this and more on this week’s episode. An Outbound Marketing Strategy Doesn’t Have to be Intimidating or Time-Consuming For manufacturing business owners, sales skills don’t always come naturally. Manufacturers know how to make things but going after sales can be intimidating. Also, managing the time between making products and generating sales can be overwhelming. Julie Poulos delivers a marketing strategy with a clear process and easily applicable steps. Listen as Julie and Jason give you a 3-step marketing strategy that will help you simplify your own outbound marketing strategy. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Let your mind-shift about marketing and sales start today as you listen to this episode. Here’s The Good Stuff! [2:38] Jason asks Jim about his sales processes and ideas [6:43] Manufacturing News: Great Britain & Northern Ireland Ads for manufacturing [8:31] Julie Poulos on equipping a sales team with a 3 step outbound marketing strategy [12:06] What to do with a potential client list [15:10] How to “warm up” the client with a personal touch [18:00] Creative and intentional ways to stand out [21:00] Now that the you’ve warmed the lead determine the best method of contact [25:47] Following up authentically with potential clients [28:30] The difficulty of manufacturing sales and how the 3 step sales process can help Tools & Takeaways Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com This Week’s Superstar Guest Julie Poulos - Vice President at Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

This episode, recorded live at a recent conference, consists of a conversation between Jim and Jason and their guest, Mike Ramsey, Global Vice President of The Industrial Diversified Market Unit at Kennametal. Kennametal is a global manufacturer of cutting tools, mills, drills, taps, and more, so Jason and Jim thought it would be great to ask Mike about the newest cutting tool advances and his perspective on the future of manufacturing. Mike shares insight into the newest cutting tool technology, the power of automation, the need for a new generation of skilled metal workers, and more, so don’t miss it. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact PCD use in manufacturing PCD tools (polycrystalline diamond) are one of the items Mike Ramsey pointed to as an example of cutting tool innovations that are making a huge difference in the manufacturing industry. Many people think of PCD as being used only for finish machining, but some PCD cutting tools are now durable enough to be used in a much wider range of applications. Mike points to the more common use of aluminum in the automotive and aircraft industries as examples of what has caused PDC tools to be improved and to become more useful. Mike mentions a handful of other cutting tool innovations in this episode as well, so don’t miss it. Carbon Reinforced Polymer Fibers make new styles of cutting tools a necessity Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a material that is growing in popularity and being applied in a wider and wider range of applications. Its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance make it ideal for automotive and aerospace uses. But CFRP is not exactly friendly to many cutting or drilling tools. It can cause the tool geometry to wear down in a matter of minutes. That requires cutting tool manufacturers like Kennametal to go back to the drawing board to come up with cutting tool solutions that don’t have the same disadvantages. In this conversation, Mike Ramsey explains some of the newer tools available and why it’s important for manufacturers to make the switch as soon as possible. Today PVD coatings on various cutting tools enable many advantages One of the major costs of any manufacturing operation is the replacement of tools. Therefore, manufacturers do everything they can to extend the life and usability of the tools they purchase. One of the enhancements to tool technology mentioned by Jim and Jason’s guest, Mike Ramsey is the implementation of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). Coating appropriate tools in this manner can bring about increased performance, improved productivity, reduced wear and friction, and more. Get the inside story on PVD coatings and discover if they may be of benefit to you, on this episode of Making Chips. How Mike Ramsey and Kennametal stay ahead of the competition Every manufacturer is looking for ways to be more competitive and superior to their competitors. Jim and Jason asked Mike Ramsey what he’s seen successful manufacturers do that those who are unsuccessful do not do, as well as what should be done to stay ahead of the competition. In answer to the first question, Mike says those who are not afraid to implement automation are the ones who are succeeding. And in order to stay ahead of the competition, Mike advises manufacturers to be aware of what’s going on in the metallurgical end of the market (What are the materials being cut?), listen to your customers in order to better understand and meet their needs, understand where the market is going, and know what’s being developed in the machine tool industry. That’s the information that will enable you to know what you need to do to supply customer needs and stay ahead of your competition. Here’s The Good Stuff! [0:08] The MFG introduction to Jason and Jim at their live podcast recording [5:22] The increasing growth of the manufacturing industry [9:07] Introducing Mike Ramsey of Kennametal [10:28] The latest trends in cutting tools [14:17] Cutting tool advances and the leap frog with machine tools [17:20] What’s happening in other parts of the world that the U.S. should consider [18:52] The biggest challenges Kennametal faces in the future: demographics [20:18] How Mike and Kennametal stay ahead of the trends [21:25] The difference between manufacturers who are growing and those that are not [23:08] Advice for a successful career in the manufacturing business [26:31] What are you doing to automate and bring up the next generation? Tools & Takeaways Kennametal The IMTS Website This Week’s Superstar Guest Mike Ramsey - Global Vice President of The Industrial Diversified Market Unit at Kennametal Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to Making Chips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify  

Every now and then a technology comes along that everyone is talking about, and high pressure coolant systems are the big topic of conversation in the manufacturing world right now. Jim and Jason discuss these amazing systems on this episode of MakingChips. They cover the advantages of high pressure coolant systems, how you can determine whether or not your company is ready for them, and wrap up the episode with tips about how you can get your team ready to take on this new technology. You won't want to miss this episode. Connect with us:www.MakingChips.com/contact High pressure coolant systems are the flavor of the month. Have you tasted the goods? There's a reason that manufacturing companies all across the United States are talking about high pressure coolant systems. It's a new way of drilling that helps control some of the major elements of the manufacturing process. These systems can actually prevent chips from falling back into the tool, which prevents damage and prolongs tool life. It's the high pressure part of the system that makes it happen. Lubrication and coolant are provided where they are needed the most and flush chips away from the cut. This enables your metal workers to have much greater control over the process. You can learn more about high pressure systems from Jim and Jason, on this episode. Your shop could be drilling holes like a hot knife through butter. Here's how High pressure, through spindle coolant is not a magic wand that makes every problem in your manufacturing process go away. But it is a major advancement in the way drilling happens that enables a faster workflow and production process. These high pressure systems enable tools to last longer, the chips to have less impact on the process, and enables metal to be cut at a much higher speed without the damage that can occur at lower speeds. On this episode, Jim and Jason put in a call to a specialist and find out whether it's true that by using these systems, production times could increase by up to 10X. You can hear what they discover on this episode, so don't miss it. If you want the competitive advantage in your market, high pressure coolant systems may be the way it can happen Imagine the difference to your production process and order fulfillment if you were able to double your production speed. What if you could triple it? What if you could crank out product even faster than that? You would have a distinct advantage in your market and could easily beat your competition, hands-down. Through spindle, high pressure coolant systems can enable your machine shop to be running at a much higher-capacity that makes those things possible. Find out why Jim and Jason are so excited about this technology and why they are encouraging manufacturers all across the nation to take the leap the next time they consider upgrading equipment. High speed coolant systems require a team that is up to speed in order to be of benefit The new technology available through high pressure coolant systems is advantageous in many ways, but those advantages will not be yours if you don't take the time to properly train and equip your team to use the equipment properly. There is a learning curve involved, one that requires adjustments to technique and speed. Your team needs to understand the capabilities of the system and the advantages they can experience from these 1000 to 1200 RPM systems. You might encourage them to listen to this episode of MakingChips to get a quick education. It will fill them in on how amazing these new systems really are. Here’s The Good Stuff! [0:07] Jason and Jim fill you in on why they are approaching the show in a fresh way [4:04] 1000 PSI Through-Coolant Spindle: A new technology for machine tools [6:48] Manufacturing News: The Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. is Growing Rapidly [9:03] Why companies need to release their P.O. sooner in order to get products on time [14:09] Verifying the veracity of the effectiveness of 1000 PSI coolant [18:31] Avoiding chip problems with a high pressure coolant system [21:25] The competitive advantage of a high pressure, through spindle coolant system [22:29] Making sure your team is ready to take on the new technology Tools & Takeaways The DMDI (Digital Manufacturing, Design, and Innovation Institute) MHub Bloomberg Report: Manufacturing in the U.S. Expands ChipBlaster Iscar’s JetCut System VIPs From The Metal Working Nation SPONSOR: https://IMTS.com Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube Subscribe to MakingChips on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled at what’s to come in the near future for the MakingChips Podcast. While Jim and Jason are busy implementing the final changes to the new MakingChips, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite episodes from the MakingChips Vault. On this episode we interview Matt Sump, Account Executive at ShopWare Inc, to discuss CAM Software and Dynamic Machining. ShopWare is a value added reseller of Mastercam Cad/Cam Software & ProShop ERP. Matt shares his 3 most important actions that manufacturers can take now to improve their utilization of Computer-Aided Manufacturing. Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:15] - What Shopware Does [07:24] - Integrating Cutting Tool Data [10:28] - 90% Utilization [14:55] - High Speed Machining [19:07] - The MFG Meeting 2018 [20:12] - 3 Ways to Improve Your CAM Skills Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 - Register Today! The MFG Meeting 2018 Matt Sump| LinkedIn ShopWare Inc. We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled at what’s to come in the near future for the MakingChips Podcast. While Jim and Jason are busy implementing the final changes to the new MakingChips, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite episodes from the MakingChips Vault. On this episode we interview Stacey Bales, 2nd generation owner and President of Bales Metal Surface Solutions. Bales provides engineered coating and finishes to mold makers and OEMs. Stacey highlights the struggles that occurred in the family business after the untimely passing of her father, who was serving as acting president of the company. Without a succession plan in place, Stacy was forced to overcome several challenges while dealing with the grief of losing her father. Stacy shares her remarkable story and the hurdles she overcame while providing some advice on what you can do in the event that a similar tragedy happens in your company. Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018 [02:36] - Introducing Stacey Bales [03:40] - Getting Respect [05:00] - Unexpected Passing [08:34] - Help Through the Transition [10:25] - Biggest Hurdles [13:13] - Transition with the Bank [14:13] - The MFG Meeting 2018 [15:18] - Family Business Advice [16:49] - Conclusion of Episode Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 - Register Today! TMA Illinois The MFG Meeting 2018 Stacey Bales | LinkedIn Bales Metal Surface Solutions We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled at what’s to come in the near future for the MakingChips Podcast. While Jim and Jason are busy implementing the final changes to the new MakingChips, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite episodes from the MakingChips Vault. On this episode, we will be speaking with Patricia Miller, CEO of Matrix 4, a design and manufacturing house of plastic products based out of Woodstock, IL. Matrix 4 is 40 years old, yet operates with a start-up mentality thanks to Patricia’s progressive leadership. When we first interviewed Patricia Miller, she was a relative newbie in the business, however in the years following this interview, she has grown Matrix 4 to new heights, redefining the business model, strategy, and culture of the company. Patricia shares her 5 Points that helped drive the business into the success that it is today. 1) Get Connected 2) Understand Customers 3) Drive Innovation 4) Embrace Change 5) Give Hope Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018: Register Now! [03:42] - Get Connected [05:21] - Connecting with the Manufacturing Community [08:10] - Understand Customers [12:14] - Meeting with Customers [14:21] - The MFG Meeting 2018 [15:31] - Drive Innovation [16:40] - Embrace Change [19:04] - Shaking Up the Status Quo [20:56] - Changing Culture [23:55] - Facing Roadblocks [27:30] - Next Stages Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 - Register Today! TMA Illinois The MFG Meeting 2018 Alan Beaulieu | Economist Patricia Miller | LinkedIn Matrix 4 We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled at what’s to come in the near future for the MakingChips Podcast. While Jim and Jason are busy implementing the final changes to the new MakingChips, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite episodes from the MakingChips Vault. On this episode, we will be speaking with Brian Panek of Panek Precision, a leading precision machine shop, located outside of Chicago, IL. Brian takes us through the history of the shop and it’s longtime relationship with robot technology. We’ll hear about the “aha” moment that led to the implementation of their first robot, as Brian details the impact they have had on his business. Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:01] - Welcome Brian Panek [05:50] - Panek Precision’s Story [07:20] - Their First Robot [09:45] - Keeping Up With Production [14:04] - Reintroducing Robot Technology [16:38] - Throughput and Quality [19:21] - Collaborative Robot Technology [20:14] - The MFG Meeting 2018 [21:37] - Naming Robots and Lead Time [23:40] - Vision for the Future [28:00] - Conclusion of Episode Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 - Register Today! Washington University in St. Louis TMA Illinois Panek Precision The MFG Meeting 2018 Jim Carroll - Futurist Brian Panek | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring back Phil and David from Orbitform as we conclude our interview with a detailed discussion on Orbitform's continuous process improvements. We'll talk about the steps that your manufacturing business can take to start implementing continuous process improvements. In manufacturing news, we give our take on the newly passed tax reform bill and it's impact on manufacturing in the United States. We also share some exciting news about the future of MakingChips. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [04:37] - Manufacturing News [10:30] - Continuous Improvement Initiative [14:00] - The First Steps [17:32] - Bonus Incentive Plan [20:43] - Kill The Castings [25:27] - Hone Your Skills [26:34] - Driving the Profitability [30:48] - Automating The Process [33:49] - Looking at the Data [36:00] - Conclusion of Episode [38:43] - The MFG Meeting 2018 Links Mentioned in this Episode:IMTS 2018 - Register Today! Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) OrbitformEli (Eliyahu) Goldratt “The Goal”Phil Sponsler | LinkedIn David Shirkey | LinkedInCarr Machine and Tool | Case StudiesThe MFG Meeting 2018 We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring you part two of our interview with David Shirkey and Phil Sponsler of Orbitform. David and Phil walk us through their process of grading potential acquisitions. We'll also hear about their active involvement in The Assembly Trade Show and how they quantify their ROI. Later on, we learn about David's discovery of the MakingChips Podcast, as he explains the takeaways their business has received from the show. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [02:52] - The Trade Show [08:50] - Quantifying ROI [10:21] - Distinguishing Clients [13:50] - Looking at Acquisitions [16:46] - Grading Possible Acquisitions [20:25] - Hearing about MakingChips [25:03] - Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Links Mentioned in this Episode:IMTS 2018 - Register Today! Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII)OrbitformThe Assembly Show Workshop for Warriors Phil Sponsler | LinkedIn David Shirkey | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! On today’s episode, we welcome two very special guests from Orbitform to the MakingChips Podcast. We are pleased to welcome Phil Sponsler (President of Orbitform) and David Shirkey (Manager of Strategic Initiatives). Orbitform (Jackson, Michigan) manufacturers custom assembly machines and assembly systems to customers and industries around the world. Phil and David tell us the story of how Orbitform was started and how they got involved with the company. We'll hear some insights on Orbitform's remarkable success following the great recession and how they developed an internal CRM software system that created unprecedented efficiency in their business. In Manufacturing News, we continue to talk about the industry's growing optimism as U.S. Manufacturing accelerates to it's best year in over a decade. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:50] - Manufacturing News [04:43] - Anything New at ZENGERS? [07:06] - What’s New With Jim? [08:50] - Introducing David Shirkey [09:39] - Introducing Phil Sponsler [10:38] - The Story of Orbitform [11:38] - What Is Orbital Riveting [16:27] - Coming Out of the Recession [17:49] - Phil’s Initial Journey [19:14] - Marketing vs Sales Driven [20:41] - Driven Process [22:15] - Orbistix Mission [24:21] - What is a "Form Fix” [26:20] - Orbitform’s CRM Efficiency [31:43] - 98% Utilization Links Mentioned in this Episode: Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) Manufacturing NewsOrbitformBallistix Theory of ConstraintsDivision of Labor in Sales Sales Process EngineeringEli (Eliyahu) Goldratt “The Goal”Phil Sponsler | LinkedIn David Shirkey | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are coming to you from our studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, Illinois. On today’s episode, we continue to have a dialogue about what you can do to prepare your manufacturing business for the future. Jim and Jason talk about how future technologies will impact their respective businesses as they build on the framework we discussed on the last episode. In Manufacturing News, we discuss Apple's $1 Billion Advanced Manufacturing Fund and how the awards that Apple is doling out from it are really just prepayments in disguise. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:30] - Manufacturing News [08:07] - Whats New With Jim Carr? [09:28] - Whats New With Jason Zenger? [13:16] - You Can Re-evaluate [14:00] - Carr Machine’s Future Technology [17:13] - Tooling Technology [21:18] - Baby Steps [23:15] - Technologies Important to ZENGERS [25:45] - New Website [26:09] - Industry 4.0 [28:06] - Conclusion Links Mentioned in this Episode: Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) Manufacturing News We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation and Happy Holidays from Jim, Jason and Ryan at MakingChips! We are happy to be back in our DMDII studio where today we will be expanding upon some similar principles from our last episode. What does your future look like?  Do you have a short, medium, and long-term vision of where you see your company? Jason and Jim lay down the framework for achieving your future desire for your business. In Manufacturing News, we discuss the latest NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, which reflected unprecedented optimism in the sector. Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018 [02:40] - Thank You DMDII [03:54] - The New MakingChips [04:57] - Manufacturing News [09:17] - Black Industrial and Safety Supply [10:57] - Carr Machine and Tool in 2018 [13:42] - What Does Your Future Look Like? [16:24] - Putting a Date On It [17:50] - The Rubber Hits The Road [21:24] - Reviewing the Medium Term Plan [23:42] - The Short Term Plan [23:07] - Challenges Across Industries [28:12] - An Opportunity for Improvement [32:12] - Quarter By Quarter [34:36] - Saying “No" [37:22] - SMARTER Goals Links Mentioned in this Episode: Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) Manufacturing NewsJim Collins - Good To Great We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation and Happy Thanksgiving from MakingChips! Where do you see your manufacturing business in the next five years? Do you have a vision of your company's future? On today's episode, Jim & Jason share 5 Questions that Manufacturing Leaders need to ask themselves right now. In manufacturing news, we talk about a groundbreaking new surgical procedure and how it relates to manufacturing. Jim and Jason also share their plans for Thanksgiving, and news related to their business and family. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 - Register Today [02:44] - Thanksgiving [05:24] - Manufacturing News [08:55] - What’s New With Jim [11:04] - Mission and Vision Statement [15:56] - Vision of Your Future [19:58] - Technology Advancements [21:27] - Communicating to the Marketplace [22:56] - Lead, Manage, and Hold People Accountable [30:10] - Scaling your Business Links Mentioned in this Episode:IMTS 2018 - Register Today! TMA Illinois Manufacturing News Cruial Conversations We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled to be back in the MakingChips studio! On today's episode we answer a listener's questions about the social media platform, LinkedIn. Jim and Jason both share their individual strategies for using the business platform -- notably for creating a conversation, strengthening their personal brand, and connecting with like minded individuals. They'll share their LinkedIn do's and don'ts, as well as their goals for optimizing the platform's full potential. In manufacturing news, we talk about how Boeing is seeking thousands of applicants for open manufacturing jobs.   Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 - Register Today [03:48] - Whats New with Jim? [05:28] - Whats New with Jason? [08:03] - Manufacturing News [12:27] - Answering a Listener’s Questions [14:50] - Daily Social Media Routine [18:10] - Starting a Conversation [21:30] - Requests to Connect [24:38] - Declining Requests [28:02] - We Want To Hear From You Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Manufacturing News LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. On today's episode we welcome back Red Caffeine's Julie Poulos along with Dan Mantilla and Natalie Dubs as they help you answer the question -- "Who Do I Market To?" Where do you start? It starts with a list! Julie and her team cover the four challenges that most mid market manufacturers face when figuring out who to market themselves to. We'll share some strategies that you can use right now to begin building up your brand and targeting leads.   Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [06:08] - What’s New With Jason & Jim [07:38] - Welcome Julie Poulos [09:48] - The Four Challenges [14:03] - Buyer Data [16:50] - Segmenting Your Lists [21:10] - Building Up Your Brand [22:13] - Creating Meaningful Content [24:10] - Identifying Contacts [30:15] - Direct Contact Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation InstituteRed Caffeine Marketing + Technology Julie Poulos | LinkedIn MC118: Considerations for Marketing Planning Natalie Dubs | LinkedIn Dan Mantilla | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to welcome back by popular demand, Bill Strauss - Senior Economist and Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. On today's episode Bill shares his professional insight on several different topics relating to manufacturing and the global economy. We'll hear about manufacturing's economic performance in the U.S., the potential economic impact of new trade agreements, the current outlook of the stock market, and the lasting impact of the recent hurricanes. We also talk about the consequences of recession, and how to better position your manufacturing company to prepare for it. In manufacturing news, we discuss 3 ways to lower your manufacturing costs. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:50] - What’s New at CARR Machine [06:07] - What’s New at ZENGERS [08:12] - Jason’s Exciting News [09:35] - Manufacturing News [15:37] - Welcome Back Bill Strauss [18:45] - Manufacturing’s Economic Performance [20:40] - Contributing Factors [25:16] - Trade Deals [28:24] - The Stock Market [31:04] - Productivity Growth in the U.S. [33:21] - Opportunities in Recession [36:49] - Impact of Natural Disasters [43:16] - Fiscal Responsibility by State Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute Gantt Chart Seth Godin Manufacturing NewsMC071: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector (P1) MC072: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector (P2) Bill Strauss | LinkedIn National Association of Credit Management: NACM Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to welcome back Patricia Miller - CEO of Matrix 4, to the MakingChips Podcast. On today's episode we hear about Patricia's visit to the White House on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers. Patricia was seated directly next to President Trump as the group discussed efforts to boost manufacturing in the United States. In manufacturing news, we discuss Brennan Investment Group's plans to turn 85 acres in Elk Grove Village, IL into a $1 Billion Technology Park. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:28] - Manufacturing News [05:03] - Call In with Pat McGibbon [10:03] - Welcome Back Patricia! [13:04] - The Invitation [16:30] - Delivering The Message [19:01] - The Level of Security [21:04] - Press Coverage [22:40] - Representing Manufacturing [24:10] - Trump’s Message [28:02] - IMTS 2018 Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Manufacturing News TMA - Technology & Manufacturing Association NAM - National Association of Manufacturers Patricia Miller | LinkedInIMTS 2018 We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are coming to you LIVE from the Valley Industrial Association's Manufacturer’s Collaboration Conference in Sugar Grove, Illinois. On today's episode of MakingChips, we answer the question: What is a chaplet? - Hint, it’s used in castings. We welcome Rich Hoster, President at Smith and Richardson Inc. Rich takes us through some of the strategies that Smith and Richardson uses to help mitigate the skilled labor shortage. We'll also hear about the company's efforts to teach students about manufacturing, and Rich gives us some information on Smith and Richardson's facility in Jiangsu, China. In Manufacturing News, we talk about how a manufacturing alliance in Dayton, Ohio is providing opportunities for residents to begin a new career in manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:15] - The Story of MakingChips [06:27] - Manufacturing News [13:30] - Welcome Rich Hoster [15:48] - History of Smith and Richardson [18:45] - Mitigating the Skilled Labor Shortage [23:06] - Echo Pulse Index & Behavioral Survey [25:45] - Manufacturing Students [29:40] - Facility in China [33:44] - The Value Of Networking Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Apple Rubber - "6 Manufacturing Podcasts" IMTS Manufacturing News MakingChips TV| Interviewing Tips for a Manufacturing Job Dayton Region Manufacturers Association Rich Hoster | LinkedIn TMA | Board of Directors Valley Industrial Association We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are broadcasting remotely from a Xometry Vendor Partner, GT Automation Group in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Today we welcome Steve Gildea, President at GT Automation and Michael Dickson, VP of Customer and Partner Success at Xometry to the MakingChips Podcast, as they give us a deeper dive into the Xometry brand. We'll hear about the impact that Xometry has had on GT Automation as Steve walks us through the process that Xometry provides GT Automation to view and accept work. Michael explains the benefits of the Xometry Partner Network, and shares some insight as to what sets Xometry apart from the competition. In manufacturing news, we discuss 4 Keys to Boosting Workplace Culture in Manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:00] - What’s New with Jim & Jason? [05:17] - Manufacturing News [11:19] - New Orleans [12:51] - Introducing Xometry [18:43] - Welcome Michael Dickson [20:45] - Xometry’s Algorithm [24:00] - Welcome Steve Gildea [26:00] - The Job Process and Partner Network [32:50] - Shipping and Payment [34:56] - Farming Out Work [38:45] - Variety of Work [41:26] - The Xometry Difference Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing Services GT Automation Group Manufacturing News Michael Dickson | LinkedInLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today on MakingChips we welcome back Stacia Hobson for the second half of our two part interview. On this episode we'll hear about how her father reacted to their confrontation. Stacia also shares with us how she was able to take control of the business, what she would do differently in hindsight, how Image Industries addresses the skilled labor shortage, and we'll hear a bit about her award winning Toastmaster's speech. Later on, we'll hear from Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist at Cox Automotive Inc., as he gives us a preview of what he'll be speaking about at this year's GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:10] - The Reaction [05:12] - Moving the Needle [07:24] - From Buyer to Manufacturer [10:32] - What Would You Do Differently? [13:15] - Finding Capable Workers [15:00] - Managing Price Instability [16:46] - Xometry [17:50] - Toastmasters Speech Contest [22:08] - Preparing For Recession [24:20] - Family Dynamic in Business [26:30] - Charlie Chesbrough Phone Interview Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Stacia Hobson | LinkedInImage Industries, Inc Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing ServicesCharles Chesbrough | LinkedInLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! On this two part episode of MakingChips, we welcome Stacia Hobson, Co-Owner of Image Industries, Inc to our remote studio at the TMA in Schaumburg, IL. Image Industries offers stud welding solutions for compact construction equipment to service the agricultural and construction markets. They are the industry leaders in manufacturing threaded fasteners & hydraulic ports for these businesses. Stacia runs us through the history of the company and gives us a brief overview of her day to day responsibilities. She also reveals the difficulties that came along with working in the family business, including butting heads with her hot tempered father. We'll also discuss Hurricane Harvey's destructive aftermath on the city of Houston, how it has impacted manufacturing, and what you can do to help. Later on, we'll jump on a phone call with Pat McGibbon, Vice President at AMT as we hear some more details on what's in store for the GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 - Register Now! [03:30] - 200,000 Downloads [04:45] - What’s New with Jason & Jim [08:20] - Hurricane Harvey [13:20] - Nonprofit Donations [16:30] - Xometry [17:30] - Introducing Stacia Hobson [18:45] - What Does Image Industries Do? [22:32] - What Is a Specialized Fastener? [29:00] - Platinum Status [32:45] - Stacy’s Day to Day Responsibilities [34:45] - Joining the Family Business [37:00] - “Spit-Fired” [38:00] - Phone-in with Pat McGibbon Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Technology & Manufacturing Association Apple Rubber | 6 Manufacturing Podcasts Samaritan's Purse | Hurricane Harvey Relief Houston Food Bank Stacia Hobson | LinkedInImage Industries, Inc Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing ServicesLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Two weeks ago we were joined by Patricia Miller and Will Scott of Matrix 4 as they introduced us to the roles of Visionary and Integrator. Today, we take a deeper dive into those roles as we learn how they have been implemented at Matrix 4. Patricia and Will share the impact that these vital roles have had on their company, as they equip and inspire you to effectively implement theses processes into your own business. We'll share with you the tools that helped Matrix 4, ZENGERS Industrial, and countless other businesses work to create freedom in their respective roles, while seeing their ultimate vision become a reality. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 - Register Now! [03:37] - MakingChips Live - Valley Industrial [06:30] - Patricia’s Role as the Visionary [07:30] - Will’s Role as the Integrator [11:05] - Bringing on the Role [13:30] - Creating a Road Map [18:00] - What Kind of Leader Am I? [21:05] - Keep Achieving Goals [25:55] - Xometry [27:05] - The Effectiveness of the Integrator [30:30] - We Want To Hear From You Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! VIA Collaborative Conference 2017"Traction" - Get a Grip On Your Business EOS Worldwide Rocket Fuel for Your Business | Integrators & Visionaries Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing Services Patricia Miller | LinkedIn Will Scott | LinkedInMatrix 4 Leave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology.  Today we welcome back Julie Poulos (Vice President) and Kacey Keegan (Content Writer & Strategist) as they equip you with the key elements to consider when planning your marketing strategy. Topics on today's episode include: creating a campaign theme, developing and distributing content, showcasing your company culture, and determining a marketing budget. Episode Outline: [00:00] - GFMC 2017 Conference [03:40] - Welcome Back Julie & Kacey [04:50] - Campaign Concept [09:00] - Branding and Strategy Phase [10:30] - Frequently Asked Questions [11:50] - Case Study [15:40] - Showcasing Culture [20:30] - Providing Solutions [24:15] - P.R. Opportunities [26:43] - Tracking Leads and Budgeting [29:35] - Shifting Our Philosophy Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Red Caffeine | Blog: Key Considerations in Marketing Planning Red Caffeine | Content Marketing Planning Calendar Julie Poulos | LinkedIn Kacey Keegan | LinkedIn Leave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring back a former guest who’s incredible journey over the last few years has seen her go from an industry “newbie” to a manufacturing “rockstar". Two years ago we introduced you to Patricia Miller of Matrix 4, who had recently left her career in marketing to take over her grandfather’s failing manufacturing business. With a complete overhaul of the business, and the help of her partner Will Scott, Matrix 4 solidified a strong company culture that has turned a once dying company into a thriving success. Episode Outline: [02:50] - Manufacturing News [07:35] - News at Carr Machine [10:15] - News at ZENGERS [12:30] - Welcome Back Patricia Miller [19:54] - Competitive Edge [22:20] - Putting a Team in Place [24:38] - Welcome Will Scott [28:26] - L10 Meeting and the Daily Huddle [34:41] - OTOQET [38:30] - Family and Business [43:11] - Personal Relationships and Business [47:00] - MakingChips | iTunes Review Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! EntreLeadership MissionU Manufacturing "News" MC026: 40 Year Old Manufacturing Startup with Patricia Miller of Matrix IV MC028: Advice through the eyes of a manufacturing newbie, with Patricia Miller Patricia Miller | LinkedIn Will Scott | LinkedInMatrix 4 Leave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! On today’s episode, we bring you part two of our interview with Nicole Wolter, President of HM Manufacturing. Last week we heard about a dire situation within HM Manufacturing that rocked the family business to it's core. On this episode, Nicole shares how the company recovered, implementing new procedures and processes to help lift HM to where they are today.  Episode Structure:[02:00] - e-Commerce[06:03] - Social Media[06:40] - Customer Terms in 2017[10:49] - TMA Education Foundation[16:00] - Dig A Little Deeper Links Mentioned in this Episode: HM Manufacturing Nicole Wolter | LinkedIn TMA Education Foundation Marketing For Makers Leave Us a Review We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation and greetings from our studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, Chicago.  On this two part episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Nicole Wolter, President of HM Manufacturing Company. Nicole shares the captivating story of HM Manufacturing, a company that began with her father's passion for F1 racing. The downturn of the economy in 2008 proved to be the perfect time for Nicole to enter the family business, but as she would come to find out, things weren't quite what they seemed. Nicole's questioning of all aspects of the family business led her to a startling discovery that would turn an already dire situation into a full blown crisis. In manufacturing news, we talk about how Summer camps could be the start for the next generation's interest in the manufacturing industry. Episode Structure: [03:10] - 22,000 Downloads! [03:35] - Manufacturing News [08:30] - Half Fridays [09:45] - Process Driven Sales [13:20] - Welcome Nicole Wolter [14:40] - “Home Made” [18:05] - A Family Business [22:03] - Getting Fired [27:07] - Dire Situations with HM [29:30] - “Something is Happening" [35:01] - New Policies and Procedures Links Mentioned in this Episode:DMDII Manufacturing News HM Manufacturing Company Nicole Wolter | LinkedInSubscribe to MakingChips We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are happy to bring you another episode of our #MarketingForMakers Series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. Today we welcome back back Julie Poulos as she introduces Red Caffeine's Founder & CEO -- Kathy Steele. On this episode of MakingChips, we focus on integrating technology into your business. Kathy and Julie walk us through some starting points that will equip and inspire you to identify gaps in your business technology stack.Today's discussion features an array of topics including: integrating platforms, examining financial insights, systemizing talent management, and getting your operations in order. Episode Structure: [04:08] - Record Download Month [05:05] - Summertime in Chicago [07:50] - Welcome Julie Poulos and Kathy Steele [10:46] - Forbes Article by Kathy [13:55] - ERP, CRM, KPI's and Other Acronyms [18:36] - Identifying the Gaps [21:06] - Building Bridges [22:14] - Systemizing Talent [25:30] - CRM Integration [31:00] - Tech Audit and Financial Insights [34:05] - Get Your Operations in Order [35:56] - “Love Your Lathe” Links Mentioned in this Episode: Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Forbes Article by Kathy Steele Julie Poulos |LinkedIn Kathy Steele | LinkedIn Red Caffeine's "Biz" Tech Stack Leave Us A Review! We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Success is one of those concepts that we all understand, and yet, in reality it means something different to each individual. For some, it is financial, for others it is freedom to be able to lead a certain lifestyle. On this episode of MakingChips, we examine the concept of personal success as Jim and Jason ask: "What does success look like for you, and have you achieved it?”. Jim Carr makes an appearance in this week’s manufacturing news as we discuss Illinois’ personal income growth. Episode Structure 02:30] - Manufacturing News [09:00] - The Drought of 1988 [12:00] - What’s New at ZENGERS [13:00] - What’s New at Carr Machine [15:30] - Business Has Changed [23:50] - Bringing in New Technology [25:00] - Longterm Goals [29:00] - Outsourcing [31:20] - What Does Success Look Like For Me? [35:10] - iTunes Review Links - Mentioned in this Episode Manufacturing News The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII)iTunes Review | MakingChips We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

In business, we all know things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. Shipments become delayed, orders aren’t finished on time, and plans can change in an instant. Sometimes you can’t keep up with your end of the transaction. So what is the appropriate way to respond to these unfortunate occasions, even if they’re out of your hands? Maybe we can all learn something from the major airlines on how (not) to handle these instances. On this satirical episode of MakingChips, we list 7 Ways To Lead Like An Airline Executive. Jason highlights his experience dealing with a major airline company after an abrupt cancellation forces him to change his vacation plans. In manufacturing news, we talk about how 'Made in China' could soon be made in the US. Episode Structure[02:30] - People Getting The Word Out [03:15] - Manufacturing News [07:41] - First Birthday [10:15] - Completely Disconnect [13:10] - Do The Right Thing [16:20] - Less Than Human [20:13] - 100% Capacity [24:00] - Process Oriented [27:30] - Paying For Lost Time Links - Mentioned in this EpisodeManufacturing News The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today, we are bringing you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers Series with Red Caffeine. We are pleased to welcome back Julie Poulos as she introduces Red Caffeine's Tech Lead /Lead Developer / Front End Designer  -- Chaz Klein. Today's episode focuses on the face of your business -- your website. Julie and Chaz guide us through some steps that will equip you with questions you should be asking yourself before diving into a new website. We'll talk about recognizing goals for your website, amplifying the user experience (UX), and choosing the right platform. Episode Structure: [02:34] - San Diego [04:35] - Welcome Julie Poulos [07:50] - Business Goals [10:00] - First Steps in Developing a Website [11:00] - Introducing Chaz Klein [13:10] - UX [18:27] - Don’t Make Me Think [23:00] - Keywords and SEO [24:26] - Platforms and CMS [28:41] - WordPress [36:05] - Leave Us Some Feedback Links Mentioned in this EpisodeRed Caffeine Marketing + Technology The Ultimate Website Planning Guide Downloadable Website Planning Template Julie Poulos |LinkedIn Chaz Klein | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

"The more comfortable you get with trying new things, the more you're going to say yes to new challenges." Hello Metalworking Nation! Today, we are coming to you from our new studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, IL. On today's episode, Jim and Jason share their experiences that led them to step out of their comfort zone, and pursue new challenges. We'll hear from each of them as they explain what challenging their comfort zone means to them. In manufacturing news, we talk about how American Manufacturing is having a moment -- jobs in the industry are growing, and factory owners are feeling good about the future. Episode Structure:[01:25] - Brand New Studio[03:30] - Manufacturing News [09:30] - "Pong and Parenting" [14:14] - Board of Directors and Chambers [16:15] - Taking a Leadership Role [18:00] - What is My “Box”? [20:05] - iTunes Review Links Mentioned in this EpisodeManufacturing News MakingChips | Leave Us A Review We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There are 12 Master Brand Archetypes. Which one are you? Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled to bring you another episode in our MakingChips #MarketingForMakers Series with Red Caffeine. On today’s episode we welcome two special guests from Red Caffeine; Shannon Callarman – Content Director and Danny Wyse – Graphic Designer. We’ll hear Shannon explain what Archetyping is, and what it says about you and your brand identity. Later on, we’ll hear Danny talk about developing logos, and putting a face to a brand that represents your business. In manufacturing news, we talk about continued growth in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. Episode Outline [00:01] – MachineMetrics [03:00] – Manufacturing News [05:13] – Quarterly ZENGER’s Meetings [07:05] – Core Values at Carr Machine [10:00] – We Hug it Out [14:05] – Welcome Shannon [15:34] – The Art of Branding [16:05] – Archetyping [22:04] – Look Into Your Archetype [26:04] – Welcome Danny [29:18] – Mood Board [35:05] – The Value of Trust [39:43] – What Are Your Goals? Mentioned in this Episode:MachineMetrics – 10% Discount Manufacturing News Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Shannon Callarman | LinkedIn Danny Wyse | LinkedInWhat’s Your Archetype?Filtering The Brand Experience – Phase 1Filtering the Brand Experience – Phase 2Brand Story Template | Red Caffeine    We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to be coming to you from our brand new studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, Chicago. On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason talk about overtime in the manufacturing industry. Should workers count on it as a guarantee; or should it be considered a special privilege? We also speak about industry 4.0, our new studio, family vacations, and growing pains with acquisitions. In manufacturing news, we comment on Apple CEO Tim Cook's announcement of a new fund that will invest $1 billion into U.S. companies that perform advanced manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - MachineMetrics[01:50] - Our New Home [03:00] - Manufacturing News [07:34] - Growing Pains [10:26] - Boston [11:30] - Privilege or Entitlement? [13:10] - Counting On It [16:15] - Part of the Package [18:55] - Work/Life Balance [21:43] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Machine Metrics | MakingChips Discount Manufacturing News MakingChips | Marketing Series MakingChips TVLeave Us A Review We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today we are coming to you from DMG MORI’s Innovation Days in Hoffman Estates, IL where we are pleased to welcome some very special guests to the show. On this episode we’ll be speaking with three different manufacturing leaders, and getting their perspective on hot-button topics including automation, strategic visioning, digitization, and mitigating the skills shortage. First, we welcome Thorsten Schmidt, CEO of DMG MORI USA. Thorsten touches on DMG MORI's strong focus on technology cycles, quality control, automation, and intelligent data collection. We also hear his global perspective on what differentiates good leaders from great leaders, and what they are doing to remain successful. Next, we sit down with Rick Frankowitch, Operations Manager at Hommer Tool. Rick, a DMG MORI customer, shares his excitement about this year's Innovation Days, while offering us some insight into mitigating the skills shortage issue. Lastly, we speak with Craig Van den Avont, President of GAM Enterprises, Inc. and a founder & President of GAM Gear, LLC. Craig speaks about the future of automation, innovating tooling, and recruiting skilled talent. Episode Outline: [00:01] - Industry 4.0 / MachineMetrics [03:40] - Manufacturing News [05:14] - Turning Things Around [06:15] - Welcome Thorsten Schmidt [08:29] - Regional Focus on Technology [10:03] - Research & Development [13:40] - Intelligent Data [16:55] - Long-term Strategic Vision [19:00] - Direct To Buy Platform [21:23] - Welcome Rick Frankowitch [22:18] - New Software [23:42] - Mitigating the Skills Shortage [25:34] - Welcome Craig Van den Avont [26:00] - State of the Art Technology [29:11] - Recruiting the Next Generation [33:33] - Conclusion of Episode MachineMetrics - MakingChips Discount Manufacturing News DMG Mori USA Thorsten Schmidt | LinkedIn Rick Frankowitch | LinkedIn Hommer Tool Craig Van den Avont | LinkedIn GAM Enterprises Leave Us A Review!MakingChips TV

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled to bring in a very special guest this week; someone who we truly believe can help elevate your leadership to the next level. Today we welcome Andrea Olson, founder and CEO of Prag'madik. Prag'madik  works with technology companies, industrial manufacturers, and professional service companies that are facing challenges to growth, and looking to make their operations more efficient and effective. On this episode we'll discuss and evaluate several different components of leadership; including hot-button topics such as being pragmatic in your leadership role, establishing your company culture, and mitigating setbacks. Later on, Andrea takes us through three bullet points that you can start using to become a better manufacturing leader immediately. In manufacturing news, we'll talk about U.S. manufacturing's robust growth in March 2017, and Jim makes a bet with Jason live on air. Episode Outline: [00:01] - DMG MORI Innovation Days [02:40] - Manufacturing News [06:11] - Vacation [08:36] - Introducing Andrea Olson [11:35] - Systematizing Issues [12:30] - MachineMetrics [13:55] - Recognizing Deficits [17:01] - Defining Your Role [20:30] - Superhero Complex [23:02] - Parent/Child Perspective [25:13] - Defining Culture [29:38] - Mitigating Setbacks [35:03] - Front of House Deficiencies [38:30] - Being a Better Manufacturing Leader [43:22] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: DMG MORI - Innovation Days Manufacturing News Prag'madik Andrea Olson | LinkedIn MachineMetrics - Take 10% Off We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

How well do you know your customers and their needs? And, how well do you meet those needs? The only way to accurately pinpoint the most important expectations of your clients and how you are performing against them is to hear it directly from them. On today's episode, we talk about interviewing current, prospective and lost clients. We welcome back Julie Poulos, Kacey Keegan, and Jimmy Merritello with Red Caffeine Marketing+Technology for our MakingChips Marketing Series. They share some valuable information about surveying your clients to help you better understand the collective voice of your customers. In manufacturing news, we'll discuss the current state of the manufacturing economy and efforts to restore U.S. manufacturing to its former glory. Episode Outline:[01:11] - DMG Mori[03:39] - Manufacturing News[06:16] - MachineMetrics[07:35] - Welcome Back Julie[12:40] - Feedback Loop[15:00] - Great Success Stories[18:09] - It All Starts with a List[20:12] - Buying Trigger[23:00] - Pain Point[26:12] - Surveys[28:59] - Buyer’s Persona Mentioned in this Episode: DMG MORI - Innovation DaysManufacturing News Machine Metrics - 10% OffRed Caffeine Marketing + Technology Julie Poulos | LinkedIn Kacey Keegan | LinkedInJimmy Merritello | LinkedInSurvey Monkey Red Caffeine Keystakeholder Interviews Question Set Template | PDF Download  We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today we welcome Eric Fogg, Co-Founder and Partner of MachineMetrics, to the MakingChips Podcast. Eric started as a CNC machinist and identified an area in the throughput process that he believes can significantly help increase spindle uptime through a machine monitoring system called "MachineMetrics". MachineMetrics is a cloud solution that improves transparency and production efficiency for manufacturing facilities by automatically collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data from people, parts, and machines. Eric tells his story and shares the benefits of the system. He’s traveled all the way from Boston, Massachusetts to join us today and we are thrilled to have him in our studio. Episode Outline:[01:45] - Birthday and Books [03:30] - Manufacturing News [08:25] - DMG MORI - Innovation Days [10:18] - Introducing Eric Fogg [10:42] - The “A-ha” Moment [14:10] - Machine Metrics [17:35] - Providing Useful Data [19:16] - Success Stories [22:00] - Building the Dashboard [26:04] - Focus on Production [30:15] - Empowering the Employee [34:49] - Customer Benefits [36:20] - The Right Shop [38:30] - Customer Success Managers [40:25] - Tracking Utilization [42:57] - Money Back Guarantee [45:28] - Marketing Series w/ Red Caffeine [46:10] - Make & Elevate | MakingChips TV Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News DMG MORI - Innovation DaysMachine Metrics 10% Off MachineMetrics MakingChips TVEric Fogg | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/makingchips/Tuthill_-_part_1.mp3" title="MC102 - When the Workforce Becomes a Life-force w/ Tom Carmazzi" artist="MakingChips" social="true" social_twitter="true" social_facebook="true" social_gplus="true" ] Hello Metalworking Nation! We are back in Burr Ridge, IL -- headquarters of the Tuthill Corporation for Part 2 of our interview with CEO Tom Carmazzi. "It's the foundation of our success and it's something we require of each other no matter what our role or what day it happens to be." -Tuthill (Four Sticks) Tom shares with us his lessons on leadership - the foundation of Tuthill's success. We'll hear about the "Four Sticks", a favorite symbol of the company, and Tom tells the story of Tuthill's "Wake the World" campaign. Episode Outline:[01:23] - You Have to Make Your Stand[04:13] - “We’ll Never Stop”[06:40] - From Values to Behaviors[08:15] - The Four Sticks[11:33] - Wake the World[12:56] - Team Rubicon[16:22] - Show Your Heart[19:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:The "Four Sticks" Wake The World Team Rubicon Workshops for Warriors Leadership and Self Deception Book by Arbinger InstituteTom Carmazzi | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are coming to you from Burr Ridge, IL -- headquarters of the Tuthill Corporation where we welcome CEO Tom Carmazzi to the MakingChips Podcast. Tuthill Corporation, established in 1892, has been manufacturing pumps, meters, vacuum systems, and blowers for use in a variety of foundational markets including agriculture, construction, chemical, water & waste water, energy & power, and medical. On Part 1 of this two part interview, Tom shares some leadership principles that Tuthill uses to facilitate an environment where individuals are both motivated and effective. Tom takes us through Tuthill's cultural journey starting from their early days in brick manufacturing all the way to today, where they continue their journey to become a Conscious Company. In manufacturing news, we talk about U.S. Manufacturing's continued growth. Episode Outline:[02:00] - Manufacturing News [03:41] - Patricia Miller at the White House [05:15] - Welcome Tom [07:00] - From Horses to Pumps [09:15] - Shrink to Grow [12:36] - The Human Heart [14:00] - Conscious Company [17:00] - Aware & Awake [20:24] - It Starts With Me [22:00] - Seeing the Value [23:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Manufacturing News Patricia Miller at the White House Tuthill Corporation Tom Carmazzi | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello, Metalworking Nation! We are excited to team up with Julie Poulos and Red Caffeine Marketing to bring you an exclusive MakingChips Marketing episode. On today's show, we welcome two guests from Red Caffeine; Kacey Keegan and Dan Mantilla. Kacey- Content Writer & Strategist, shares her knowledge on Image and Brand Messaging. Dan - Digital Strategist, takes us through Digital Competitive Analysis and highlights what you can do to identify keyword opportunities in your company. In Manufacturing News, we talk about Mars Candy's plans to reinvestment $70 million in U.S. manufacturing. Episode Outline:[02:25] - Manufacturing News [05:50] - Jim Carr’s Business Succession [07:10] - Marketing Mistress [12:41] - Getting started with competitive analysis [19:00] - Service and Industry Matrix [21:37] - Digital Competitive Analysis [25:10] - Direct Competition Mentioned in this Episode:Manufacturing News Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Julie Poulos | LinkedIn Kacey Keegan | LinkedIn Dan Mantilla | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello, Metalworking Nation! Today is an exciting day in the history of MakingChips as we release the highly anticipated Episode 100! We are coming to you live from the Technology & Manufacturing Association in Chicago, IL where we have assembled a panel of some of the most progressive manufacturing leaders in the Chicagoland area. With us today we have return VIP guest, Brian Panek -- Vice President of Panek Precision, Jess Giudici -- Talent and Culture Manager at Smalley Steel Ring Company, Bill Downey -- President at Hi-Grade Welding & Manufacturing, and Tom Simeone -- President of Manor Tool. On today's episode, we will be discussing one of the most challenging topics that people are talking about right now --  workforce development, training, and hiring. Our panel offers their insight into the issue as they discuss solutions they are implementing in their own business. Episode Outline: [02:20] - MakingChips TV [05:30] - Introduction of our Panel Guests [09:15] - One Word for Workforce Development [10:08] - “Challenging” [16:42] - Finding the Next Manufacturing Leaders [24:15] - Providing Opportunity within the Organization [26:00] - Millennials vs Baby Boomers [33:33] - Culture Means a Lot [40:48] - A Bidding War [47:08] - Robots in the Shop [51:30] - Resume on your Desk [57:25] - Reaching Other Demographics [60:45] - Success Stories [66:25] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Brian Panek | LinkedIn Panek Precision Jess Giudici | LinkedIn Smalley Steel Ring Company Bill Downey | LinkedIn Hi-Grade Welding & Manufacturing Tom Simeone | LinkedIn Manor Tool: Metal Stamping Company | Custom Metal Stamping MakingChips Episode 11 East Leyden High School We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245    

Hello Metalworking Nation! After a short break, we are so excited to be back in the MakingChips studio. On today’s episode we’ll discuss the importance of creating routine processes in order to take you and your business to the next level. “Anyone that’s a manufacturing leader knows… When you own a business that consumes you 24/7 .. you’re dreaming about it, you’re thinking about it when you go to sleep .. it’s just the way that it is.” – Jason Zenger Later on in the episode we’ll discuss balancing your work life with your personal life, and what steps you can take to make sure the two don’t conflict. In manufacturing news, we talk about “Trumpenomics” and why we should re-evaluate the cost of domestic vs. offshore production. We’ll also discuss starting meetings on a high note, news with Carr Machine & Tool, and a certain German food that Jason specializes in making. Episode Structure: [02:42] – Manufacturing News [10:02] – News at Carr Machine [15:05] – Creating Routine Processes [18:35] – Starting with Something Positive [21:40] – Scorecards and KPI’s [23:20] – Rocks and Tasks [25:50] – Finding Balance with a Leadership Team [29:50] – Worklife Balance [34:34] – Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today we are excited to bring you another story that we hope will equip and inspire the younger generation of manufacturing leaders. Flying all the way in from Washington State, we are joined by Paul Van Metre, Co-Founder and VP Marketing of Adion Systems, an ERP-based software solutions company. Paul shares with us his success story of co-founding a machine shop with his friends right out of college. With little money at first, they were able to grow the business to an $11 million dollar company during the tech boom of the late 90's, by being ahead of the curve and utilizing several key processes including lean manufacturing and SEO. Eventually this led to the development of a web based and completely comprehensive ERP system that would take Paul and the company in a different direction. Earlier on in the episode we'll get to hear Jim and Jason's debate on authentic Chicago Deep Dish, and in manufacturing news, we'll discuss Rhode Island's Governor calling for new focus on manufacturing jobs. Episode Structure: [01:12] - Chuck Rigali with Alro Steel [03:12] - Manufacturing News [08:18] - Welcome Paul Van Metre [10:40] - Vehicle Research Institute [14:06] - Starting a Machine Shop [17:55] - Writing the First Paychecks [19:32] - Kaizen Newspapers [23:05] - Free Food and Other Perks [24:31] - Fully Digital Operation [26:53] - Moving Away From Old Processes [28:15] - Developing Software [30:23] - Starting a New Company [32:40] - Knowing Where We Came From [34:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Paul Van Metre | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

"The way we run a business today is completely different than how my dad would run his business.” - Jim Carr Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to share our collaborative wisdom with you today about a topic that we believe is one of the most important things for your company to define -- Core Values. In previous episodes, we have discussed why core values are important, as well as some strategies that can help you set your company's core values. Today, Jim takes us through the creation of Carr Machine's 10 core values while Jason critiques him, and makes suggestions on how to narrow them down. In manufacturing news, we talk about Ford's announcement to cancel a $1.6-billion plant in Mexico and to invest $700 million in metro Detroit's Flat Rock Assembly plant. Episode Structure: [02:22] - Manufacturing News [06:20] - “Fake News” [08:20] - Creating Carr Machine’s Core Values [14:10] - The “Aha” Moment [16:02] - Communicate [19:25] - The Band [22:10] - Feel Good [25:30] - Jason’s Critique [27:47] - First Class [31:15] - The Ticket To Doing Business [34:46] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News MC046: What Makes Fusion OEM Unique MC58: "Life is Great!" - Developing Your Core Values We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

"My first clue that we need to do something different is when I hear that we’ve done it this way for 20 years.” - Jeff Rizzie Hello Metalworking Nation! We are glad to have you back for another episode of MakingChips. We have an exciting episode in store for you today as we welcome back Jeff Rizzie, Sr. Manager of Business Development at Sandvik Coromant. Jeff is a veteran in the manufacturing industry. Starting in the early 80s’ as a machinist and working through various roles on the shop floor, he segued into various technical and strategic leadership roles for the major players – Sandvik Coromant, Mazak and Emerson Electric. Jeff joints us for a robust conversation about the future of manufacturing, as he introduces Sandvik's new open platform, The CoroPlus. We also get a chance to talk with Chuck Rigali of Alro Steel, as he stops by our MakingChips Studio. Other topics of discussion in this episode include our future trip to Sacramento, what manufacturers do with their data, the different ways we consume information, and what a state's favorite car says about who they vote for. In Manufacturing News, Jim and Jason share two different articles about GM, which leads to a discussion on the state of the media. Episode Structure: [01:10] - Chuck Rigali of Alro Steel [05:45] - Approaching 100 Episodes [07:00] - Manufacturing News (Jim) [11:06] - Manufacturing News (Jason) [14:20] - Newspaper & Coffee [16:43] - Sacramento Interview [17:40] - Welcome Back Jeff Rizzie [21:20] - Jeff’s Role at Sandvik [24:06] - Introducing “CoroPlus” [26:55] - CoroPlus Tool Guide [29:00] - Adveon [31:50] - Gathering Additional Data [34:25] - CoroBore Plus [35:50] - Promos 3+ [36:30] - Advanced Machining Analytics [39:11] - Doing Something with Data [42:15] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Alro Steel Chuck Rigali | LinkedIn Manufacturing News (Jim) Manufacturing News (Jason) Titan Gilroy MC074: How Digitization Will Affect Manufacturing with Jeff Rizzie"Robust" Jeff Rizzie | LinkedIn Sandvik Coromant CoroPlus® We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! On today's episode of MakingChips, we reunite with two time guest and longtime fan of the show, Julie Poulos, Vice President of Red Caffeine Marketing. Julie, better known as Vice Princess, Mistress of Marketing and/or Social Butterfly, loves sharing her passion for marketing + technology with anyone who is looking to move the needle in their business. Today she'll be sharing some of her marketing knowledge about developing a strategic plan for your company, starting with establishing a client profile. Topics on today's episode include evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, analyzing new opportunities, understanding pain points, setting realistic goals, and telling your company story. In manufacturing news we'll talk about the jump in manufacturing and how it compares to the heath of the economy. New Year, New Goals ... It all starts here. Episode Structure: [04:00] - Manufacturing News [05:20] - Business at ZENGER’S [06:45] - Exciting News at MakingChips [09:30] - Welcome Julie Poulos [15:50] - Take a Step Back [18:20] - New Year New Goals [21:55] - Self Examination [24:30] - Realistic Opportunity [27:17] - Business Strategic Goals [29:00] - Pain Points [32:45] - Big Fish, Mid-sized, and Guppies [35:15] - Exporting Data [38:12] - How Are You Telling Your Story? Mentioned in this Episode:Manufacturing News Julie Poulos | LinkedIn Red Caffeine Marketing + TechnologyClient Profile Template We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled and excited to be back on this brand new year as we get back into the swing of it. On this episode of MakingChips, we’ll equip and inspire you with the skills to bring your partnerships closer together when dealing with OEM’s. Jim shares some takeaways from the DMDII’s “Smart Manufacturing” round table discussion. We’ll be talking about what steps you can take to help your business thrive; including integrating your supply chain, networking, and collaborating with clients. In manufacturing news, we’ll discuss Stanley Black & Decker’s decision to move manufacturing back to the U.S. after Trump's 'border tax’ threat. Episode Structure:[01:15] - Alro Steel [03:20] - Manufacturing News [07:18] - "Thrive or Die" [09:35] - Panel Discussion [11:00] - Client Collaboration and Cost Cutting [14:46] - Innovative Process Development [17:12] - Navigate Market Fluctuation [19:10] - Networking [21:00] - Business Succession [24:43] - Working Smart & Hard [26:35] - Establishing Core Values [29:00] - We Want To Hear From You Mentioned in this Episode:Alro Steel | American Metal SupplierManufacturing NewsDMDII: Digital Manufacturing And Design Innovation InstituteMC008: Grow or Die We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! We welcome you to another episode of MakingChips. On today's episode, we share some tips that will help you stay productive and battle distractions. From resisting the temptation of checking email first thing in the morning to minimizing distractions in the workplace, we'll give you some guidance on ways to avoid being unproductive. In Manufacturing News, we discuss bringing back American manufacturing as well as McDonald’s attempt to combat the fight for $15 minimum wage with automated, self-service kiosks. Episode Structure:[01:10] - Alro Steel [03:30] - Big News at ZENGER’S [06:10] - Manufacturing News [12:05] - Getting Focused [17:14] - Running Into Distractions [20:15] - Exercising Options [23:14] - Letting Go of Micromanagement [27:38] - Scheduling [30:04] - Three Tips [33:45] - Looking to 2017 [35:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Alro Steel | American Metal SupplierManufacturing NewsManufacturing News | 2 MC071: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector with Senior Economist Bill Strauss (Part 1) MC072: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector with Senior Economist Bill Strauss (Part 2) We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Hello Metalworking Nation, we are excited to be back in our MakingChips Studio! On this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the 5S Methodology and how it’s implementation can help your business improve it’s productivity. The five key steps, just like its name suggests, all start with letter S.5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. It is a systematic and methodical approach allowing teams to organize their workplace in the safest and most efficient manner. In Manufacturing News, we discuss President-Elect Trump’s success in saving at least 1,000 manufacturing jobs from moving to Mexico. Episode Structure:[05:06] - Manufacturing News [12:33] - News at CARR Machine [15:40] - Defining 5S [19:50] - Sorting [21:59] - Set in Order [24:50] - Shine [26:36] - Standardized [28:55] - Sustain [33:22] - Making 5S Your Own [35:49] - What’s to Come on MakingChips [38:15] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Manufacturing NewsWiegel Tools We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation! On this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Paul Ricard, Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President of DP Technology Corp. Paul has nearly 35 years of experience in the CAM industry in managing sales and marketing, application engineering and customer support as well as product design and software development. Paul's passion in manufacturing has helped DP Technology become a leading developer and supplier of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. In this episode we talk all about CAM/CAD software and what DP Technology is doing to help improve efficiency. Paul also shares what excites him about the future of the manufacturing industry.   Episode Structure:[01:15] - Alro Steel [04:00] - Welcome Paul Ricard [05:03] - Providing Solutions for the Future [07:31] - Driving Passion [11:40] - Working Closely with the Machine Tool Industry [14:30] - Competitive Advantage [18:27] - Ensuring Efficiency [21:04] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Alro Steel | American Metal SupplierDP TechnologyPaul Ricard | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On this episode of MakingChips, we are very pleased to welcome Doug Woods, President of AMT–the organization behind IMTS 2016. AMT (The Association For Manufacturing Technology) supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry. The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues. Doug speaks with us about the ever-changing face of manufacturing, and how it continues to elevate IMTS into an industry success story. Doug also shares some innovations in this year’s conference, including a collaboration with Hannover Fairs. Lastly, we discuss MT Connect, an open-soure, royalty-free manufacturing communications protocol that helps to provide more efficient operations, improve production optimization, and increase productivity. Episode Structure:[01:15] - Alro Steel [02:58] - Welcome Doug Woods [04:47] - Bringing in Students [08:17] - An Industry Success Story [09:03] - Innovating the Conference [11:07] - MT Connect [12:27] - Collaboration with Hanover Fairs [13:14] - An Energized Industry [14:20] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:Alro Steel | American Metal SupplierHannover Fairs USAMT Connect We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today on MakingChips, we speak with Scott Gasich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Haas Automation. Haas Automation is an American machine tool builder that designs and manufactures precision machine tools and specialized accessory tooling. Haas is one of the largest machine tool builders in the world by total unit volume. Starting with company culture, Scott gives us insight into what drives Haas to continue being the largest, most modern machine tool manufacturing operation in the United States. We also discuss how Haas is bridging the generational gap in manufacturing, using the power of video content to educate workers of all ages. Episode Structure:[02:20] - Welcome Scott Gasich [03:30] - Keeping it Simple [05:15] - The Story of Gene Haas [07:50] - Haas Culture [10:10] - The Practical Experience [11:23] - Bridging the Generational Gap [13:45] - Intuitiveness [15:50] - The Power of Video Content [18:40] - Providing Speed [20:01] - MT Connect [21:12] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:• Haas Automation• Haas Tips of the Day | YouTube• Haas Automation Resource Center• Scott Gasich | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation:• [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome Nicole Wolter, Vice-President of H.M. Manufacturing to the show. H.M. Manufacturing is a family-owned, gear and pulley manufacturing facility in Chicago that specializes in Custom/Standard Pulleys, Gears, Sheaves, Shafts and Pulley Stock. Today's topics of discussion include Nicole's rebranding of H.M. Manufacturing, ingenuity & innovation in machine technology, and shopping for the right machine tool. -- Episode Structure: [01:54] - Welcome Nicole Wolter [02:35] - Nicole's IMTS Objective [05:15] - Rebranding the Company [07:10] - Ingenuity and Innovation [09:30] - Shopping for a Machine Tool [11:54] - Conclusion of Episode   Mentioned in this Episode: HM Manufacturing Sandvik's New Connectivity Solutions for Manufacturing Nicole Wolter | LinkedIn    We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On today’s episode of MakingChips, we welcome back our good friend Ray Ziganto, President of Bi-Link, to the show. Bi-Link is a global mechanical component supplier that specializes in Stamping, Injection Molding, Die Cut, EMI/RFI Shielding, and  Assembly. Today’s topics of discussion include advancements in manufacturing technology, 3D measurement systems & scanners, and IMTS “Orphans”. Later on we shift the conversation to marketing analysis, strengthening business relationships with your top customers, and product development.   -- Episode Structure: [02:10] - Mecca of the Industry [03:30] - Welcome Ray Ziganto [05:08] - Advancements in Technology [08:30] - 3D Systems & Scanners [13:05] - IMTS Orphans [16:04] - The Marketing Pendulum Swings [18:10] - Analyzing Marketing Results [21:08] - Separating from a Customer [23:20] - Ray’s Product Development [25:50] - Conclusion of Episode   Mentioned in this Episode: Bi-Link  Ray Ziganto | LinkedIn    We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245    

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome special guest Jeremy Bout, the Producer and Host of Edge Factor to our show. Edge Factor produces inspiring, high impact media that tell the stories of innovative teams who design and build incredible products that impact lives and ultimately... the future of the country. Their mission is to equip educators and business leaders with media and resources to inspire the next generation of makers.   Jeremy shares his passion for inspiring the future generation of manufacturing and speaks about his work with Edge Factor. He tells us about his roots in manufacturing, his perception of manufacturing as an art form, and his use of multimedia resources for educators and business leaders to inspire the next generation of advanced manufacturers.   Episode Structure: [02:20] - Introducing Jeremy Bout of Edge Factor [06:00] - From Manufacturing to Media [08:45] - Work Environment [11:04] - Representing Your Industry [13:56] - Manufacturing Art [16:00] - Stories from Edge Factor [19:00] - Rhythms of Time and Life [22:09] - Using a Great Story [24:09] - Creating Wealth [27:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Edge Factor Theater Manufacturing Day Neil Peart from Rush Edge Factor | Jeremy Bout We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Welcome to another episode of MakingChips. On this episode, we welcome Julie Poulos of Red Caffeine back to our show. Julie talks with us about the importance of telling your company's story while building relationships. We also discuss takeaways from IMTS, marketing automation, and Julie shares some tips on prospecting. Early on in the show we welcome Chuck Rigali of Alro Steel to our MakingChips studio to talk about Super Square precision mill blocks. Episode Structure: [00:15] - Episode Preview [02:49] - New Wave of Manufacturing [03:57] - Welcome Chuck Rigali [05:46] - Super Square [07:40] - Square and Parallel [08:40] - Raw Material [10:16] - Costs [11:23] - Julie Poulous [12:04] - Takeaways from IMTS [13:15] - Telling Your Story [15:04] - Making a Connection [17:05] - Organizing and Analyzing [19:45] - Marketing Automation [21:11] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Alro Steel  Chuck Rigali | LinkedIn Red Caffeine Julie Poulos | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome two very special guests to the show. Meghan West and Ben Mund of CNC Software Inc., the developers of Mastercam CAM software. Meghan serves as President of the company, and Ben is the Senior Marketing Analyst. Both Ben and Meghan talk to us about their respective positions with CNC Software Inc., their takeaways from IMTS, exciting new technology in manufacturing, and we get a preview of Mastercam’s latest user interface. In Manufacturing News, we recap Penny Pritzker's Keynote address at IMTS 2016.   Episode Structure: [02:45] - Manufacturing News [08:00] - Welcome Meghan West and Ben Mund [09:01] - Takeaways from IMTS [11:41] - Mastercam's Reseller Network [14:25] - Ben’s Role at Mastercam [16:08] - Exciting New Technology [19:40] - Practical Application of Additive [21:50] - Continuous Innovation [23:40] - Mastercam’s New Interface [27:40] - Breaking out of your Comfort Zone [30:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Mastercam  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Welcome to the first mini episode of MakingChips. In this special MakingChips mini episode, we welcome back Elena Valentine of Skill Scout to the show. Elena talks about what brought her to IMTS, what's new at Skill Scout, the Smartforce Student Summit, and the resurgence of the maker movement.   Episode Structure: [01:30] - What Brought you to IMTS? [03:20] - Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing [07:30] - Smartforce Student Summit [08:20] - What’s New with Skill Scout? [10:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Skill Scout Smartforce Student Summit Elena Valentine | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Welcome to another special edition of MakingChips! On this episode, we meet with Nick Goellner and his brother Noah at the IMTS 2016 TV studio. Nick works as the Marketing Director at Henning and AME. Hennig designs and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools. We talk about how Nick and Noah got involved in the family business, what their roles are at Henning/AME, and we dive into the practice and theory of Quick Response Manufacturing. We also highlight some of the exciting things we've seen at this year's IMTS. Episode Structure: [02:50] - IMTS Keynote [05:40] - AMT Emerging Technolgoy [07:20] - Additive Manufacturing [09:29] - Welcome Nick Goellner [10:00] - History of Henning/AME [12:00] - Nick’s Role [15:00] - Family Business [17:15] - Marketing and Manufacturing [21:15} - Welcome Noah Goellner [22:50] - Quick Response Manufacturing [27:00] - Pushback from the Team [31:50] - QRM Certification [33:25] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Advanced Machine and Engineering Company Hennig Machine Protection & Chip Solutions MC061: Riches in the Niches  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

This week: We are coming to you live from IMTS 2016! On this special episode of MakingChips, we welcome Jason Harrelson, founder of Harrelson Trumpets to our IMTS TV studio. Harrelson Trumpets is a leading manufacturer of world class trumpets and accessories. Jason talks about how he got started building custom made trumpets, the process and machining behind it, his experience with Kickstarter, and what excites him about IMTS. Episode Structure: [03:40] - The Beginning [07:02] - The Process [09:05] - Word of Mouth [11:15] - Custom Components [14:30] - What brought you to ITMS? [17:03] - Kickstarter Campaigns Mentioned in this Episode: Harrelson Trumpets http://www.whyharrelson.com Watch Jason play along to our Theme Song!  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips, we answer a question from a listener and aspiring manufacturing leader named Doug. Doug asks the question: "Not being a manager yet, what can I do to promote a positive culture/work environment at work?" Jim and Jason share their respective opinions on the matter. In Manufacturing News, we talk about concerns over rising wages in the metal industry. Later on, we share some details on our Make & Elevate series, and we preview IMTS' "Miles for Manufacturing" 5K event. Episode Structure: [03:05] - Manufacturing News [05:30] - Hiring Filters [08:07] - Make & Elevate [09:45] - IMTS 5K Run [11:40] - Sandvik Infographic [14:37] - Ask MakingChips [19:30] - Life is Great Attitude Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Make & Elevate Miles For Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk Sandvik Infographic Summary |The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips we give you an inside look at what you can expect to see at IMTS 2016. We tell you what you need to be prepared, where you can find us at the event, a brief rundown on what's happening in the four different buildings, as well as information to help you find where you're going. In Manufacturing News, we talk about the history of IMTS, and later on we reveal some exciting new details about our highly anticipated Make & Elevate Series. Episode Structure: [02:30] - Manufacturing News [04:40] - Being Prepared for IMTS [07:20] - Find MakingChips at IMTS [11:05] - Find Where You're Going [14:30] - Machine Utilization [17:40] - Student Summit [18:35] - Make & Elevate Series [23:45] - Corporate Snapshot [25:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 | App Store Make & Elevate

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Karla Dobbeck to the show. Karla is a certified professional in Human Resource Management with over 20 years experience in many aspects of human resource management and employment law compliance issues. Karla shares some tips and tricks to help machinists elevate their resume to the next level. In manufacturing news, we talk about Tesla Motor's decision to manufacture in the United States. We speak to Brian Papke of Mazak about their booth at the upcoming IMTS 2016, and Jason lists 6 reasons why you should sign up now for our highly anticipated Make and Elevate event.     Episode Structure: [01:45] - Manufacturing News [05:08] - Electric Cars [05:56] - American Made Cars [07:34] - Make and Elevate [10:50] - Mazak at IMTS 2016 [15:36] - News at CARR Machine [17:26] - Welcome Back Karla Dobbeck [21:03] - Machinists and Resumes [23:01] - Customizing for the Job [26:20] - Cover Letter [28:55] - Application vs Resume [33:09] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Make & Elevate IMTS 2016 Karla Dobbeck | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Where are you going?   Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing (your mission), where you’re trying to go (your vision), and how you’re going to go about it (your values) are the glue that holds an organization together.   On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason dive into the subject of corporate vision. Notably, the questions you should be asking yourself when developing your companies vision. In manufacturing news, we discuss signs of a slowdown in auto sales. We also highlight some of the exciting things we will be doing during our highly anticipated Leadership Series.   Episode Structure: [02:11] - Manufacturing News [04:00] - Getaround [05:56] - IMTS 2016 [07:54] - Make & Elevate [13:58] - Vision [16:00] - Question 1 [19:26] - Question 2 [20:43] - Question 3 [23:40] - Diversifying [27:20] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Getaround Make & Elevate IMTS 2016  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome to the show Bill Angsten, co-founder of Compass Automation. Compass Automation designs and builds custom equipment to automate manufacturing processes. Bill talks with us about how he started the company, what Compass Automation does differently, maintaining a strong company culture, and marketing yourself differently. In manufacturing news, we talk about Facebook's recent venture into hardware research and we share more information about our highly anticipated Leadership Series.   Episode Structure: [01:50] - What's New? [02:35] - Manufacturing News [05:40] - Leadership Series [09:15] - IMTS 2016 / Sandvik Coromant [11:15] - Welcome Bill Angsten [12:16] - Compass Automation's Background [14:30] - What Does Compass Automation Do Differently? [20:04] - Hiring & Marketing [24:21] - Corporate Culture [26:45] - Marketing Differently [28:40] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Leadership Series IMTS 2016 Compass Automation Bill Angsten | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

It is not unusual for multiple members of a family to work at the same business.  However, such situations can be troublesome if the relationships give rise to suspicions of favoritism or unfair treatment. We see this a lot in family business, government, everywhere.  After all, it’s in our human nature to help those we love and who are like us but is it good for the business? What should your company do to avoid nepotism? "Growing up [in the family business], you were very cognizant of the fact that employees thought you were being treated in a different way." - Jim Carr On this episode of MakingChips, Jim & Jason share their experiences with family in the business and lay out 7 different ways to avoid nepotism in the workplace. Episode Structure: [02:15] - Sandvik Coromant Video [03:22] - Manufacturing News [05:56] - Listener Email [10:00] - What is Nepotism? [13:36] - Seperation [19:00] - Evaluation [20:02] - Hiring Process [24:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:   Ways to Avoid Nepotism: Reinforce that being a part of the family or a friend may get you in the door, but you have to perform - and probably to a higher level and without as much praise. Owner separation from job role - starts at the top. Clear and consistent manner of evaluation backed up by data and multiple examples as evidence. Job description that includes specific goals. Stated hiring process. Exclude family members from awards & contests. Family members should work somewhere else first - in relation to younger workers. Sandvik Coromant Video  Manufacturing News We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

How is digital manufacturing going to affect the modern machine shop? On this episode of MakingChips, we are joined by Jeff Rizzie, Senior Manager of Business Development at Sandvik Coromant. Jeff talks with us about the next phase of digital manufacturing and what changes we can expect to see in the future in terms of process improvement and efficiency. He also shares some key steps to help you start digitizing in your manufacturing shop. In manufacturing news, we talk about open-book management and what one firm is doing to help implement that system. Also discussed is the highly anticipated Mastermind Series and Workshop, as well as the upcoming IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [01:35] - Audio/Video [02:45] - Manufacturing News [07:53] - Mastermind Series and Workshop [11:11] - What’s Going On at ZENGERS [14:55] - Welcome Jeff Rizzie [16:30] - What Is the Future of Manufacturing? [21:45] - Process vs Discreet Manufacturing [24:40] - Key Steps to Start Digitizing [29:01] - Extracting Information from a CNC [31:38] - Process Improvements / Efficiency [37:05] - Sensors and Extra Technology [41:20] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News The Great Game of Business Theory of Constraints Jeff Rizzie | LinkedIn Sandvik Coromant IMTS 2016 We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

We are happy to announce that this is the first episode of MakingChips shot entirely with video. We want to thank Chuck Shroeder and IMTS for coming to our studio and making all of us look good. Video segments of this episode are soon to come. On this episode of MakingChips, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Cassie Haupers, Vice President at Swiss Precision Machining. SPM is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company that serves many different industries including: medical, dental, aerospace and automotive and fiber optics industries. Growing up in the manufacturing world, Cassie wants to continue her family tradition and build the business for the next generation. Topics of discussion in this week's episode include: Cassie's history and background with SPM, SPM's expansion into a new facility, driving and defining company culture, overcoming bumps in the road, succession planning, communicating your vision to your company, women in manufacturing, and working with family. Episode Structure: [02:30] - Manufacturing News [05:40] - Mastermind Series [07:23] - IMTS 2016 [08:16] - Introducing Cassie Haupers [10:15] - Cassie’s Progression at SPM [10:40] - What is Swiss Precision Machining? [14:18] - Driving the Culture at SPM [17:15] - Proving Yourself [19:57] - A Fresh Start [25:36] - Roadblocks and Challenges of Moving the Company [31:20] - Women in Manufacturing [32:45] - Background in IT [35:09] - Working With Family [37:15] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 Cassie Haupers | We Are Innovative | IMTS 2016 Video Swiss Precision Machining | SPM We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On part 2 of this episode of MakingChips, we continue our discussion with Bill Strauss, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Topics discussed in this episode include the world economy, energy prices and their impact on manufacturing, borrowing and loans, education, growth rate, future economic trends, and the millennial generation. Episode Structure: [01:30] - Manufacturing Renaissance [03:35] - Energy Production and Manufacturing [06:05] - "The Good Old Days" [07:30] - The Two Ways to Economic Growth [10:45] - Educated Workforce [15:00] - Gradual Improvement [16:15] - Quick Fire Questions for Bill [18:40] - A Glimpse into the Future [21:55] - Millennial Generation’s Effect on Manufacturing [23:45] - Conclusion of Episode We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On part 1 of this 2 part episode, we have a conversation with Bill Strauss. Bill is a senior economist and economic advisor in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. His research papers include analysis of the manufacturing sector, the automotive sector, the Midwest regional economy, the trade-weighted dollar, business cycles and Federal Reserve payments operations. Bill shares his experience working with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and how it relates to manufacturing. We also discuss the highly anticipated MakingChips Mastermind and Workshop series, Jim shares his experience working with SkillScout,  and we discuss the future of automation in Manufacturing News. Episode Structure: [03:20] - Manufacturing News [06:10] - MakingChips Events [07:30] - MakingChips Workshop [08:28] - IMTS 2016 Registration [10:22] - SkillScout at CARR Machine [13:45] - Introducing Bill Strauss [15:30] - Bill’s Role at the Federal Reserve [17:58] - The Rust Belt [19:15] - The 12 Cities [20:33] - Specializing in Manufacturing [21:20] - Explaining the Federal Reserve [24:15] - Board of Directors / Advisory Council [26:25] - The Media [28:30] - Investing in Performance [31:15] - Foreseeing the Future of Manufacturing [32:25] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Jim & Jason's Favorite Chicago Restaurants Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 Bill Strauss | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips: We welcome a very special VIP guest to our show,  Sean Holt - President for the Americas at Sandvik Coromant. Sean has more than twenty years of engineering, business development and management experience. He is currently responsible for Sandvik Coromant's organization in North and South America. Sean shares his background with us, his history with Sandvik, and weighs in on what he believes defines a great manufacturing leader. We also discuss the importance of communication, the future of cutting tools, and what we can do to change the perception of manufacturing. Jim and Jason talk about MakingChips' highly anticipated Mastermind Series & Workshop, and we share more information about the upcoming International Manufacturing Trade Show (IMTS 2016). Episode Structure: [02:40] - Manufacturing News - mitchell lace manufacturing [04:45] - What’s New with Jason? [06:05] - MakingChips Mastermind Series [08:15] - IMTS 2016 [09:35] - News at ZENGERS [12:00] - Introducing Sean Holt [14:20] - Sean’s Background [16:30] - What Defines a Great Manufacturing Leader? [19:15] - Diversifying Key Industries [23:33] - Communication is Critical [25:25] - Future of Cutting Tools [28:25] - Changing Perception of Manufacturing [30:57] - Engaging the Younger Generations [33:02] - Opportunities in the Future [35:15] - Utilizing Podcasts for Communication [38:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Sean Holt | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

We're all familiar with Murphy's Law; "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". We've talked about this extensively in a previous MakingChips episode on crisis management, but what can you do to make sure that your manufacturing company is covered in the event that something goes wrong? "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when." From equipment breakdowns, to customer and employee claims of injury,  you need to be equipped with the knowledge of what kind of coverage you'll need for the challenges you face as a Manufacturing Leader. The reality is that many manufacturers have limited knowledge on the subject, and are often hesitant to reach out to their insurance agency. What can the metalworking nation learn from the insurance industry? On this episode of MakingChips, we talk about insurance and risk management with Marc Alberico and Steve Lorenzini of The Daniel and Henry Company. Marc and Steve share their extensive knowledge of risk solutions for the manufacturing industry and provide an answer to a MakingChips listener's question. In manufacturing news, we talk about the future of automation and it's business implications.. Jim and Jason share details of two very special MakingChips events as we look forward to IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [03:25] - Manufacturing News [06:45] - Mastermind Series [08:05] - MakingChips at IMTS 2016 [09:35] - Introducing Steve and Marc [11:36] - Answering Rob Trout’s Email [13:05] - How did this collaboration begin? [19:06] - OSHA Compliance [21:15] - Understanding the Depth of Your Business [24:38] - “The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing” [26:30] - Product Liability (Prototype vs Medical) [32:15] - Misclassified Areas [38:15] - When to Call the Insurance Company [40:40] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 The Daniel and Henry Company Contact Marc & Steve Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips: We are coming to you from the Sandvik Coromant Headquarters located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. On this episode, we have a conversation with special guest Troy Stashi, Industry & Application Specialist in Automotive/Milling at Sandvik Coromant. Troy shares his expertise on several different topics including milling, efficiency, and trends in machining. In manufacturing news, we talk about HP's cutting edge 3D printer. We also discuss our upcoming MakingChips events including our live broadcast from the floor of IMTS 2016.  Episode Structure: [02:38] - Manufacturing News [05:15] - What's new with Jason? [06:15] - Mastermind and Workshop [09:22] - MakingChips at IMTS 2016 [11:05] - What's new with Jim? [12:38] - Welcome Troy Stashi of Sandvik Coromant [13:55] - Troy's History with Sandvik Coromant [16:26] - Solving The Most Common Problems [22:00] - Trends in Milling Cutters [26:15] - Programming [31:33] - Coolant vs. No Coolant [35:30] - Coating Technology [37:50] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 Troy Stashi | LinkedIn Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There is an old adage that has been floating around the business world for ages; “you should never do business with friends". If you’ve never worked together with your friend, it can be difficult to translate their skills from a social context into a business one. That doesn’t mean that you should refuse to start a business relationship with friends and family. On this episode of MakingChips, we ask the question: can you have close relationships with vendors and clients? Jim and Jason discuss their personal experiences and lay out some hypothetical situations about doing business with friends. We also talk about the continued popularity of the retro movement and its effect on manufacturing. Also discussed is recent news with Tesla Motors, the MakingChips Mastermind & Workshop series, and IMTS 2016.  Episode Structure: [00:09] - Episode Preview [02:35] - Manufacturing News 1 [06:10] - Manufacturing News 2 [09:45] - MakingChips Mastermind and Workshop [11:10] - IMTS 2016 Registration [12:50] - Sandvik Coromant [15:10] - "Doing Business with Friends” [20:04] - Honesty [25:00] - Unsuccessful Business with Friends [29:03] - Circling Back [34:04] - iTunes Review // Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago Manufacturing News 1 Manufacturing News 2 IMTS 2016 Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

When it comes to starting up your own business, it isn’t always easy finding the the right space for exploring, creating, and developing your new ideas. What if you could assemble a community of like-minded people in a place where you can share ideas, be inspired, and collaborate with other creators. "It started with four or five people, grew to 400, and now we've built a physical home for that community." - Bill Fienup On this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Bill Fienup, co-founder of Catalyze Chicago. Catalyze is a creative and collaborative workspace, equipping its members with state-of-the-art tools, industry mentorship, manufacturing support, and investment networks. With a focus towards business start-ups, Catalyze has become Chicago’s premier center for product development and commercialization. Bill shares his brush with internet fame, his inspiration for building Catalyze, and why he believes a maker space like Catalyze should be in every community. We also preview IMTS 2016 and share some of what our listeners can expect from MakingChips at the event. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [02:45] - MakingChips Mastermind & Workshop [06:00] - IMTS 2016 [06:40] - MakingChips Studio [07:50] - Welcome Bill Fienup of Catalyze Chicago [09:00] - "Internet Famous” Story [10:20] - Patented Biopsy Needle [12:25] - The Formation of Catalyze [16:00] - How long has Catalyze been an organization? [18:51] - Benefits of Membership [22:45] - Membership Fee Structure [25:49] - Inspiration for Building Catalyze [26:40] - Investor Structure [28:55] - The Future of Catalyze [30:30] - Starting a Maker-Space in your Community Mentioned in this Episode: Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago Heinz Automato IMTS 2016 Bill Fienup | LinkedIn Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There are several options when it comes to selling one of your old machines. Some are more convenient than others, but might offer you less money than what you expected. With a little bit of added effort, you can get the most money out of your old machine. On this episode of MakingChips, Jim shares his steps for creating a successful eBay campaign. We also talk about the upcoming IMTS 2016, Chicago restaurants, and the problems the U.S. faces in manufacturing. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [03:15] - Manufacturing News [08:40] - IMTS 2016 [10:55] - Sandvik Coromant [13:05] - Selling Your Machine Using eBay [14:50] - Getting a Good Picture [17:30] - Fees [18:20] - Auction [19:40] - Buy it Now [23:15] - eBay vs Machine/Tool Dealer [25:15] - Skill Scout [26:20] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Registration Metal Cutting Knowledge JIm's Office Manager Ad Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

The Manufacturing Industry of today looks a lot different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. Modern machine shops are safe, clean working environments; equipped with high-tech machinery. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with manufacturing as a "dirty" and "dark" profession. So how do we change this perception amongst our youth?  Or perhaps more importantly, their parents, whose misperceptions of the industry might lead them to believe that a four-year college degree is the only sure route to a rewarding career. "To change people's minds and to change the perception [of manufacturing], it's the youth that we need to be educating." -Kelly Burr   On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome our guest Kelly Burr, Executive Director of the Shop Rat Foundation. The Shop Rat Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ignite interest in manufacturing careers among our nation’s youth, through development of innovative educational tools, curriculum and outreach programs and in partnerships with schools, community groups, companies and industry associations. We also discuss manufacturing news, IMTS 2016, and how to start a similar hands-on program in your community. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:55] - Manufacturing News [05:12] - IMTS 2016 Registration [07:10] - Welcome Kelly Burr [08:52] - Shop Rat's Story [12:10] -  Shop Rat's Mission [14:10] - Students [15:00] - Shop Rat’s Programs [18:15] - Machining Class [20:45] - Student Feedback [22:05] - Exploratory and Preparatory Programs [23:02] - Starting a Similar Program in your Community [27:12] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Shop Rat Foundation Kelly Burr | LinkedIn Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There is an old saying: “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” It’s not something we want to think about, and it can be a difficult topic to discuss. Crises don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they tend to have significant consequences. Without a well-thought out, strategic plan, your business is at risk of being completely caught off guard should a disaster happen. "Know that a crisis will happen at some point. It's just a question of how big it is or how small it is. The trick is being prepared." - Scott McPherson On this extended episode of MakingChips, we talk Public Relations with Scott McPherson, Principal at McPherson Public Affairs Group. Scott also shares some important tips on crisis preparation, including steps you should take to properly manage a crisis in your manufacturing shop. In Manufacturing News, we discuss the resurgence of vinyl records and it’s impact on record manufacturers. We also speak on the phone with Peter Eelman, Vice President - Exhibitions and Communications, AMT, about this year’s upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Intro [01:45] - Springtime in Chicago [02:44] - Manufacturing News [07:53] - What's New at ZENGER’S Industrial Supply [08:40] - What’s New at CARR Machine & Tool [09:15] - IMTS 2016 [09:57] - Call in with Peter Eelman [17:05] - Sandvik Coromant [18:20] - Welcome Scott McPherson [20:15] - What does McPherson Public Affairs do? [21:15] - How can my company benefit from a P.R. firm? [23:40] - What Was Old Is New Again [25:50] - Crisis: What are the things you should do right away? [29:40] - How do you prepare for a crisis? [33:08] - An Unfortunate Incident [37:01] - Handle Things Right Away [38:20] - Litigious Situation [40:50] - What are the very basic ways to be prepared? [42:06] - Reach out to Scott [43:00] - MakingChips Mastermind [44:05] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Scott McPherson | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Throughout history, successful individuals such as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison all met with groups of like-minded people on a regular basis, to help one another achieve common goals and grow. Today, this concept is called a “mastermind”, and is very well known amongst successful business owners.  In fact, many consider some concept of a mastermind group as a critical part to maintaining a healthy network. "Whether it's a problem that you need to solve, whether it's creating and implementing goals, and just supporting each other through hard times. I think its necessary for every manufacturing leader to be a part of some kind of group like that. I'm going to say it... It's necessary." - Jason Zenger On this episode of MakingChips, we talk about what a mastermind group is, how it can benefit you and your manufacturing business, and what steps you can take to form one. We also talk manufacturing news and preview the upcoming IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:35] - Manufacturing “Stuff” [03:22] - Manufacturing News [05:35] - IMTS [06:34] - Sandvik Coromant [07:23] - Mastermind Groups [08:23] - Jason’s Mastermind Groups [09:45] - Old School Philosophy [10:45] - Experience with Master Minds [12:45] - Rules and Structure [14:00] - Sharing Personal Information [16:25] - Primary Components of a Good Group [18:30] - Diverse Group of Businesses [20:00] - Steps to Starting a Mastermind Group [22:50] - MakingChips' Mastermind Group [25:45] - Conclusion of Episode [26:25] - Ryan’s Patreon Account Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Donate to Ryan's Patreon Account! We Want to Hear From You: Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone (312) 725-0245

We come to you from two separate locations (Dallas & Chicago) on this remote episode of MakingChips. Today we talk about establishing and exploring your manufacturing company’s niche. Jim and Jason share their idea of what niche means to them in their respective companies. In Manufacturing News we discuss Five Vital Steps to Set Up a Successful Manufacturing Business. We also recap the TMA’s 90th annual meeting, and introduce a new MakingChips partnership. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:45] - Dallas Airport [02:40] - Affiliated Distributors [03:40] - Manufacturing News [06:40] - Finding the Right Factory [07:30] - A Great Team [08:55] - Business Model [09:55] - TMA Board [12:20] - Riches in the Niches [14:00] - ZENGERS Industrial Supply’s Niche [16:45] - ZENGERS Original Business Model [18:48] - CARR Machine’s Niche [22:52] - Picking the Right Jobs [25:05] - Evaluate, Experiment, Evolve [26:15] - IMTS Workshop [27:25] - Sandvik Partnership [30:12] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in Episode: Article From 'Manufacturing News' Adhq Ryan's Computer We Want to Hear From You: Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone (312) 725-0245  

On this special episode of MakingChips, we recap the 2016 Crain's Manufacturers Summit with interviews from several VIP guests. First, we speak with John Sapiente of Elgin Die Mold and Trident Manufacturing about the challenges of running two businesses. Second, we have Jason Scher of Vosges Chocolate who speaks to us about working with your spouse, and the evolution of Vosges Chocolate. We also have a conversation with Tom Pellette of Caterpillar, where we discuss Caterpillar's supply chain relationships with machining companies, as well as the economic future of manufacturing.  Lastly, we talk with Sagar Patel of Woodward about their recent expansion, and promoting manufacturing to future generations. At the end of this episode, we recap what we took away from the event. VIP Guests: John Sapiente - President at Trident Manufacturing, Inc. Jason Scher - Chief Operating Officer at Vosges Chocolate Tom Pellette - Group President of Caterpillar Inc. Sagar Patel - President, Aircraft Turbine Systems at Woodward Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:40] - Welcome John Sapiente [02:06] - Elgin Die Mold’s Vision [04:05] - Trident Manufacturing - Driving Out Waste [05:05] - Wearing Many Hats [05:50] - Welcome Jason Scher [06:30] - Working With Your Spouse [07:56] - Evolution of Vosges Chocolate [09:50] - Welcome Tom Pellette [10:15] - Caterpillar’s Supply Chain Relationships [12:15] - Economic Future [13:40] - Sustainability Trends [15:10] - Welcome Sagar Patel [16:00] - Woodward’s Expansion in Illinois [19:25] - Promoting Manufacturing’s Image [22:10] - Recapping 2016 Crain’s Manufacturers Summit [23:45] - Small Donation for Ryan [25:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Ryan's Laptop       

Women are the future of manufacturing industry leaders and essential to the success of the industry. However, many women in manufacturing have experienced a gender bias which has excluded them from core managerial roles such as production supervisors and operations managers. Compounding the issue, many people think of manufacturing jobs as dirty, unskilled, back-breaking labor. That’s not the case anymore...  "When the five years had passed and I hadn't done anything, that's when I had to re-evaluate my goals, my decisions, and what I wanted to execute." - Erica Wiegel On this episode of MakingChips, we have a great conversation with Erica Wiegel, President and Owner of Aro Metal Stamping. Erica shares with us her inspiring story of accomplishing her goals through acquiring a new business. She details the acquisition process, challenges she faced along the way, and lessons she has learned from her experience. We also discuss manufacturing news, WBE certification, associations, and the future of manufacturing. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:55] - Manufacturing News [04:15] - Welcome Erica Wiegel [07:25] - What Aro Metal Does [08:10] - Erica’s 5 Year Goal Plan [10:20] - Woman Business Enterprise  [12:00] - Acquiring a New Business [13:30] - New Employees [14:15] - A Good Fit (Company Culture) [16:20] - Value Added [17:45] - Defining Goals [18:55] - Challenges, Mistakes, and Lessons [20:25] - Associations [21:40] - Competitive Edge [22:30] - WBE Certification [23:48] - The Next 5 Years (Near-sourcing) [25:50] - Cleaning Up [26:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: "Manufacturing News Article Wiegel Tool Works Aro Metal Stamping Erica Wiegel | LinkedIn TMA | Technology | Manufacturing Aligned Women In Manufacturing: Home About WBE Certification Near-sourcing We Want to Hear From You: Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone (312) 725-0245  

A few months ago, we met with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM to talk about his company's Core Values. In that episode, we covered the importance of figuring out who you are as a company and what you stand for.  More than anything, being a leader is about staying true to the values and principles that you have built your company on. Leadership also imparts the responsibility of holding your vision even as it becomes more tempting to disengage and simply enjoy the fruits of success. “You come to the point where you’ve hit a ceiling and you need to break through that ceiling. The only way to do that is to really get unified, get focused, and have a clear vision of values that the whole company is following." - Jason Zenger On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason cover the basics of developing your core values. Jason shares his process of developing ZENGERS' core values with the listeners. We also talk with John Sapiente of Trident Manufacturing, who will be a panelist at the upcoming Crain's Manufacturers Summit. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:16] - Phone Interview with John Sapiente [03:10] - Innovation [06:50] - Growth at MakingChips [08:10] - Listener Engagement [10:30] - "Titan American Built" [12:40] - Leave Us Feedback [14:00] - Developing ZENGERS' Core Values [16:50] - Interviews [21:15] - Collecting Data [23:40] - Core Value vs. Vision [26:50] - ZENGERS' Core Values [27:15] - Fusion OEM's Core Values [28:18] - Life is Great! [30:26] - Embodying the Core Values [31:25] - Life Happens [33:15] - Call to Action ZENGERS Core Values: Do the right thing. Go above, and beyond. Be dependable. Life is great! Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Midwest Manufacturers Summit (Promo Code: MANU2) John Sapiente of Trident Manufacturing, Inc. Bobby Soles Propeller Titan American Built MC046: What Makes Fusion OEM Unique We Want to Hear From You: Email [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Telephone (312) 725-0245  

Last week, we talked with Frank Holthouse about East Leyden High School’s Metals Program, and how they are providing an environment for students to learn modern manufacturing practices. This week, we continue that discussion. What can we do to spark interest in manufacturing to the younger generation? How can you replicate the success of Leyden’s Metals Program in your own community? “We need to see more of this in high schools … Those in the industry should be pushing their local high schools (or other outlets) ... to cater to getting more people involved in the world of manufacturing.” - Rob Stuebing On this episode of MakingChips, we speak with Rob Stuebing. Rob is the Vice-President of Qualiseal Technology and Current Chair of the Leyden Technology Council. Rob talks with us about the inception of the council, the success of the metals program, current objectives for the organization, and enhancing your high school’s metalworking program. We also discuss manufacturing news in the current political climate. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:15] - Crain’s Manufacturing [02:56] - Manufacturing News [05:15] - Welcoming Rob Stuebing [07:10] - Leyden Technology Council   [09:40] - Technology and Manufacturing Association [10:10] - Inception of the Technology Council [12:15] - Appealing to the Younger Generation [14:50] - Objective of the Technology Council [17:09] - Enhancing Your High School Metals Program [18:55] - Meeting Agenda [20:37] - Success Stories [23:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturers Summit Promo Code: MANU2 Donald Trump and Apple Leyden Technology Council

Just a few years ago there were stories of mass layoffs in the manufacturing industry. Now, that is no longer the case. In 2015, Forbes listed Machining as one of the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in the United States. Today, Manufacturers are increasingly looking to high schools and community colleges to fill current staffing needs. Many schools are working to meet demand by modernizing their manufacturing education programs.   “We’re very proud of where we are, and where we’ve taken our program since the 1940’s" - Frank Holthouse   On this episode of MakingChips we have a conversation with Frank Holthouse. Frank serves as the Industrial Technology Chairperson at East Leyden High School, where he has been teaching  for the last 10 years. Frank instructs East Leyden’s metalworking program, simply referred to as the Metals Program. The Metals Program provides opportunities for students to learn about modern technical practices, industrial organizations, and the role of technology in our industrial society. Students are encouraged to explore several courses, specialize in a specific course area, and ultimately participate in the school/industry cooperative work program.   Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:00] - Crain’s Manufacturers Summit [02:18] - Manufacturing News [04:15] - Welcome Frank Holthouse [05:20] - Industrial Program at East Leyden H.S. [09:08] - Machines in the Shop [10:21] - Enrolling in the Metalworking Program [13:15] - Safety and Measurements [15:00] - Structure of Metals Class [16:55] - Fundamental Machining Skills [17:40] - Jim’s High School Experience [20:45] - NIMS Credentials [22:25] - Marketing the Program [25:20] - Challenges of Running the Program [26:45] - Size of Metalworking Program [27:30] - Success Story [30:10] - Conclusion of Episode   Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturers Summit Promo Code: MANU2 Leyden Metals  

An important part of what makes a manufacturing leader successful is their ability to think outside of the box. This line of thinking should also extend to the hiring process. Successful companies are good at bringing the right people into their team, but it isn't always so easy. What if you had the ability to see candidates in action before you made a decision about who to hire? “Manufacturing has always been sexy... It just needs a generational communications facelift.” - Elena Valentine This week on MakingChips, we welcome back last week's guest Elena Valentine. Elena walks us through Skill Scout's process of screening, assessing, and recommending candidates through hands-on manufacturing activities. We also discuss the Crain's Midwest Manufacturers Summit, the consequences of declining oil prices, how Skill Scout got involved in manufacturing, the "new" old way of doing things, and steps to finding the right candidate for your business.  Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:00] - Crain’s Manufacturing Summit [03:15] - Manufacturing News [05:40] - Welcome Back Elena [06:15] - Why Manufacturing? [09:40] - How Companies Experience Candidates [10:11] - Skill Demonstrations and Work Samples [14:15] - Learned Interview Behaviors [17:00] - Finding the Right Candidate [20:00] - Virtual Meaningful Conversations [22:50] - Outside of the Resume [24:30] - Elena’s Call to Action for Listeners [25:50] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturing Summit Skill Scout [email protected]

Finding the right person for your company is crucial for building a thriving business. When recruiting for open positions, employers look for candidates with the skills, experience, and demeanor they believe will benefit their company. That said, it isn’t always easy to identify candidates who understand the needs and expectations of the job. What can an employer do to capture and relay their company's culture to a prospective candidate, while showing them exactly what the job entails? How can you more meaningfully connect a candidate to your company? "This is not just about building your employer brand, this is about getting quality talent in the door, so that you can get them on-board right away and build your business."          - Elena Valentine On this episode of MakingChips, we have a conversation with Elena Valentine, CEO and Co-Founder of Skill Scout. Skill Scout uses an innovative and fresh approach to connect potential employees to companies. Elena shares some of the methods the company uses to match candidates with employers, most notably in the form of video job postings. Also discussed in this episode is the Crain’s Manufacturing Summit and Jim’s recent trip to Jackson, Michigan.   Episode Outline: [00:14] - Episode Preview [01:20] - Crain’s Manufacturing [03:30] - Jackson, Michigan [05:40] - Welcome Elena Valentine [08:58] - Attracting Talent [10:20] - Bringing Job Posts to Life [13:45] - Better Hiring Results [16:00] - Logistics Behind the Video [20:52] - How to Shoot a Good Ad [23:45] - Authentic Window [25:20] - Success Story [27:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: http://shoprat.org http://www.skillscout.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenavalentine1  

For many manufacturing leaders, the idea of delegating tasks can cause a feeling of uneasiness. Maybe you think you’ve got everything under control, or that things always have to be done your way. In reality, doing everything yourself is simply impossible, and can cause you unnecessary stress. To be an effective leader you must be able to rely on your team by learning how to delegate strategically. "Any task that really exhausts or pulls energy from you is not something worth doing." -Jason Zenger In this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason share some simple strategies that can help you effectively delegate tasks. Also discussed in this episode is the upcoming IMTS trade show, task management in Evernote, learning to let go, and managing expectations. Episode Outline: [00:07] Episode Preview [02:19] Manufacturing News [05:10] Delegating [09:10] Simple Ways to Delegate Tasks [11:50] Task Management in Evernote [15:04] Delegating at MakingChips [17:40] Expectations [21:50] Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: http://www.imts.com https://www.strategiccoach.com  

It’s the beginning of a new year, which for many is a time to start following through with resolutions and goals. Unfortunately, many people come to find that many of those resolutions don’t always pan out the way we would like them to. If you’re serious about making a change, it’s important that you put specific, time-bound goals in place to help you achieve success. "You've got to work on the big rocks before you work on the pebbles in the sand." In this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason discuss their main goals for the new year, goal setting for your manufacturing business, a story of priorities and a jar, and manufacturing news. Using the purchase of a new CNC machine as an example, Jim and Jason show you different methods that will help you get one step closer to achieving your short, and long-term goals. Episode Outline: [0:07] - Intro [1:55] - Manufacturing News [06:30] - Call to Action for Listeners [07:10] - MakingChips Website [08:45] - Our Main Goals [10:20] - Rocks [14:45] - Complexity in Today’s Business World [16:10] - SMART Goals [20:55] - Goals for Zenger’s [22:30] - Key Motivations [25:00] - Jim’s Goals [28:44] - Conclusion of Episode Article Mentioned in this Episode: http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/04/news/economy/us-manufacturing-shrinks-again/

Some people think additive manufacturing will radically change the face of manufacturing. Although it is still a relatively new technology, additive manufacturing (also referred to as 3D Printing) has caused quite the buzz in the manufacturing community. Will additive manufacturing eventually become the way of the future, or has it's usefulness been overhyped? “Additive can not do its adding anywhere near as fast as machining can do it’s subtracting." - Peter Zelinski In this episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Peter Zelinski of Modern Machine Shop Magazine. Peter, Jim, and Jason discuss all things Additive Manufacturing, as well as the importance of manufacturing discussion among the presidential candidates. “Manufacturing happens in small facilities.” -Peter Zelinski Episode Outline: [00:17] - Episode Preview [01:26] - Welcome Back Pete [02:00] - What Guided Pete to Manufacturing? [05:30] - Additive Manufacturing [07:50] - Is Additive Manufacturing Overhyped? [11:30] - Additive Manufacturing Under the Radar [13:00] - Modified Machines [15:01] - Can Additive Encourage Domestic Production? [18:00] - Presidential Candidates and Manufacturing [22:40] - Prototyping vs Production [24:00] - Additive vs Machining [27:30] - Call to Action for Listeners [29:45] - How to Reach Peter Zelinski Links Mentioned in this Episode: additivemanufacturing.media  mmsonline.com

This is MakingChips Episode 50! In this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason recap some of their favorite episodes and interviews from the last year. This episode highlights the story behind MakingChips, as Jim and Jason share their experiences from the beginning to where they are today. “Jason and I really want to thank each and every one of you for tuning in every week, listening to us, being with us, and taking this ride with us. We had no idea that it was going to be as popular and successful as it has been so far. We’re really working hard (very hard) to make it even better.” Episode Outline: [00:08] Episode Preview [01:52] The Story Behind MakingChips [05:15] Hiccups along the Way [06:40] Episode 1 [07:50] Episode 2 [08:20] Recession [09:20] One of our Favorite Episodes [10:00] It’s Not Your Dad’s Machine Shop [11:25] The Power of Networking [12:24] Robots in your Shop [13:00] Skip Generation [13:20] Fernando Ortiz [14:00] Most Downloaded Episodes [15:00] San Diego [15:45] Michelle Mabry [16:30] Patricia Miller [18:09] Jon Baklund [18:18] Eric and Heidi Schmid [19:30] Focus on What You’re Good At [20:00] Tom Hilaris [20:25] Workshops for Warriors [22:45] Julie Poulos [23:30] LinkedIn [25:20] Thank You Listeners [25:45] Jason’s Call to Action [26:24] Thank You Guests

What makes a good leader? Leadership is the single most important factor in the success or failure of any business. Great leaders use their leadership traits to motivate, inspire, and build high performance teams around them. The role of an innovative leader greatly differs from the conventional image that many people hold of good leadership. What kind of qualities do these innovative leaders share? “The innovators in this industry, (machining, desecrate part production) are engaged together in this huge open source effort at figuring manufacturing out.” – Peter Zelinski In this Episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Peter Zelinski of Modern Machine Shop Magazine. Peter has been a writer and editor for Modern Machine Shop for more than a decade. Peter regularly visits machining facilities to learn about the manufacturing technology, systems and strategies they have adopted, and the successes they’ve realized as a result. He shares many of his insights from these experiences with us, including 4 Traits of Modern Manufacturing Leaders and 3 Deep Level Trends in Manufacturing.   “Even making metal parts is ultimately a people business.” – Peter Zelinski Peter Zelinski’s 4 Traits of Modern Manufacturing Leaders: Authenticity Persistence Love Genuine Regard for People 3 Deep Level Trends in Manufacturing: Automation Additive Atmosphere Episode Outline: [00:07] Intro/Preview [01:36] Manufacturing News [04:30] Welcome Peter Zelinski [07:45] Leadership Characteristics [09:10] Authenticity [10:32] Persistence [12:50] Baby Steps [13:35] Process Improvement [19:40] Love What You Do [22:15] Regard for People [25:00] Value of the Employee [26:22] Bad Traits [29:20] Culture Changes (Atmosphere) [33:10] Jason’s Call to Action for Listeners Shops Mentioned in this Episode: Rekluse Motor Sports in Idaho Baklund R&D in Minnesota C&A Tool in Indiana Byrne Tool and Die in Michigan Tech Manufacturing Co in Missouri Also Mentioned in this Episode: Three Ways That Smarter Mobility Is Transforming Efficiency On The Manufacturing Floor Modern Machine Shop

The thought of leaving your machine shop for even a few hours can be enough to cause anxiety for many manufacturing leaders, so it may seem impossible to imagine running your business from halfway across the country. “To make manufacturing work, to make money, you feel like you have to grab it so hard it slips through your fingers.” – Eric Schmid In this extended episode of MakingChips, we sit down with brother and sister Eric Schmid and Heidi Schaefer of Schmid Tool and Engineering. Eric and Heidi share their story of how and why they made the decision to work remotely, while still maintaining their respective roles in the company. There were many important decisions that they needed to make along the way in order to ensure a seamless transition. This episode covers a range of topics that can help manufacturing leaders decide if working remotely is the right move for them. Topics include Letting Go of Control, Planning the Transition, Bumps in the Road, Being Accessible, Holding Accountability, and Mastering Fear. Episode Outline: [0:07] Intro/ Preview [1:34] Manufacturing News [5:00] Welcome Heidi and Eric [6:10] The Roots of Schmid Tool [7:40] Roles in the Business [9:30] Working Remotely [11:40] Letting Go of Control [14:00] Planning the Transition [14:50] Bumps in the Road [17:00] Being Accessible [19:00] How Do You Let Go? [22:30] Cultural Consistencies [24:00] Making the Move [27:20] Management and Leadership [29:20] Steps to Working Remotely [31:25] The Illusion of Control [33:00] Accountability [35:30] Mastering Fear [37:00] Give and Take [38:40] Helping the Owners [40:00] Conclusion

Last week on MakingChips, we sat down with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM for the first half of a two part interview. This week, we cover a range of topics relating to a company’s Core Values. In part two of this episode, Craig shares with us his set of Core Values that define his company while guiding his team member’s actions. Later on, Craig presents us with his insight about the difference between generic Core Values, or what he calls “The Ticket of Doing Business”, and meaningful Core Values that resonate with his employees. The Right Core Values: Strive for Simplicity Show Gratitude Be Flexible Have Fun See Possibilities Go Home Safely Episode Outline: [1:23] – The Daily Huddle [4:00] – How to Handle Sharing Bad News [6:00] – Identifying Bottlenecks [7:00] – Managing Different Schedules [9:00] – Expectations of the Huddle [11:00] – The Three “I’s” [12:15] – Jim Asks Whether Everyone Gets It [15:45] – Employee Growth and Trust [16:30] – The Wrong Core Values [18:45] – The Right Core Values [23:50] – Jason on Core Values [25:40] – Fusion OEM’s Monthly Rock Star Program [30:29] – Jason’s Call to Action for Listeners [32:00] – Outtakes (Craig and Jason Discuss Books) Mentioned in this Episode: Nuts!: Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success No, the Customer is Not Always Right « Albert’s Organics Blog Blog – Fusion OEM Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business [Book] The E-Myth Revisited [Book] Double Double – Cameron Herold Vern Harnish Exponential Organizations

In the modern business era, we consistently hear the terms “core values” and “company culture”. Among many other business terms, we have integrated these words into our everyday language. But what are company core values and why are they so important? In this two part episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason sit down with Craig Zoberis, founder and current president ofFusion OEM. Fusion is an OEM contract manufacturer for industrial OEM’s whose offerings range from Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and Kanban system systems for machined parts and private labeling equipment. Craig founded Fusion OEM from his home in Illinois, and has grown the company exponentially since it’s inception in 2002. In 2009, Ink magazine named Fusion OEM as one of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies in the country. Craig begins by giving us a bit of information on his background, what sparked the idea for Fusion OEM, and what his business is all about. Later in the episode, he shares valuable insight on his company’s culture, customers, and core values. Outline of this Episode [0:08] – Intro (Preview) [1:26] – Veterans Day (Workshops for Warriors) [4:12] – Welcoming Craig Zoberis [7:20] – Fusion OEM [12:30] – What Sparked the Idea for Fusion OEM? [16:15] – Fusion’s “Ecosystem” [21:55] – People [24:00] – Core Values [25:30] – Wrong Core Values [30:20] – Jason’s Example of Core Values [32:26] – End of Episode Mentioned in this Episode Workshop for Warriors (http://www.workshopforwarriors.org) “Who: A Method for Hiring” by Geoff Smart and Randy Street (http://www.whothebook.com) “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni (http://www.tablegroup.com/oh)  

In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim and Jason talk about millennials, the future of manufacturing, and 7 millennial traits that baby boomers need to learn. The Millennial Generation is made up of people born around the early 1980s to the early 2000s. Currently they make up nearly 1 in 3 American workers. With 3.5 million manufacturing jobs expected to be created in the future it is important for manufacturing leaders to have an understanding of what drives millennials. Jim and Jason cover 7 different traits of millennials to help older generations understand their needs and passions. 7 Millennial Traits Explained in this Episode Passion Risk-Taking Work and Life Balance  Project Based Thinking Energized Through Newly Learned Skills Spontaneity Travelers Outline of This Episode [0:07] – Intro (Preview) [1:56] – MAZAK Discover 2015 Event [6:35] – Millennials in Manufacturing [8:40] – 7 Different Traits of Millennials [22:31] – Recap and Questions [24:00] – Outro Article Mentioned in this Episode http://www.inc.com/evan-burns/7-millennial-traits-that-baby-boomer-employers-need-to-learn.html

Episode 44 of MakingChips is inspired by Matthew Feight of Miller Welding.  He writes: I should start by saying that I am a Plant Manager for contract manufacturer in central Pennsylvania. We have approximately 400 employees within our 3 locations and are a contract manufacturer of fabricated metal products with capabilities in cutting, bending, welding, machining & painting. I was just referred to your podcasts yesterday by the President of our Company. I have listened to several of your episodes, a couple of your first, and a few of the more recent. One that I took particular interest in was the one regarding Business Management Tools for Manufacturing Leaders. I believe it was Jim who stated that he uses Evernote quite extensively and I would definitely like to hear more on how. I have been using Evernote for some time but do not feel I use it to its potential and would be interested on how Jim uses it to manage his time and tasks. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to listening to more of your podcasts. Sincerely, Matt   From Jason: Matt, Thank you for reaching out to us.  The funny thing is that Jim did not mentioned this…it was me (Jason)…so, either we sound the same or we are always talking over each other (most likely).  I hope that you enjoy this episode. Jason   Show Notes: Everybody has a different way to manage getting things done. For some people, it can be as simple as using an “old school” paper planner. For others, they may prefer organizing their tasks into various software programs. The most important thing is to use one system, and stick to it. Using multiple systems of management can be a tough habit to break. Figuring out a way to transition to one form of task management can do wonders for increasing productivity, and simplifying your life. In this episode of MakingChips, Jason shares his knowledge of task management that stems from one of the most popular business books ever written, “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. The main premise of the book is relatively simple to grasp, “Get your tasks out of your head, and don’t touch them multiple times.” Jason shares a quote from his father that captures this concept perfectly.  “Don’t open your mail unless you are going to deal with it now and get rid of it.” Later in the episode, Jason explains (in great detail) how he uses the business application, “Evernote” to manage his to-do lists, tasks, and projects. “The Basics of Getting Things Done” “Clearing Your To-Do List” This will help you gain peace of mind and focus on what tasks are most important  (New Job, New Quote, New Hire, Increasing Productivity, etc.) “Creating an Inbox of To-Do’s and Projects “Weekly Review” It’s important to spend a short amount of time every week to review your to-do’s and projects.  Put them into context so you can tackle in a more productive manner.                     (Who, Where, and When) “8 Different Ways to Organize Tasks” Single Step Task Items Can Be Completed in Under 2 Minutes Trash  Reference Filing System Task to Create a Project Delegated List “Waiting For” Someday/Maybe List On the Calendar “Things to Manage without Evernote” Trash To put simply, trash it and never think about it again because it is of zero importance. (An event you won’t be attending) Calendar Something you are doing on a particular date or time that doesn’t need to be thought of before that time. (A meeting with a partner) 2 Minutes If it is something that can be completed in under 2 minutes, just get it done now and move on. “Setting Up Evernote” Create a notebook called “Action Pending” and another notebook called “Completed” or “Completed Tasks”.  Then drag one of those notebooks on top of the other to create a nest or stack and rename that stack “Tasks”.  Jason mentions that he uses a third notebook with Tasks called “Completed Content”, which is where he puts everything associated with this podcast once finished. Create a tag called “.When” and “.Who”. The reason for using the dot is so you can group these together with all of your tags. Begin creating your “Who’s”. (Who you are talking to) Create your “When’s” “Projects” Projects are “things” that need to be broken into smaller steps. You should never manage a project like a to-do because it can become overwhelming. Jason refers to an old adage that captures this concept perfectly. “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Create a note with the project name in the action pending notebook. Tag is as “Project”. Break up the project into small actionable steps. Create 2-3 of those to-do’s or action steps as notes just as you would for a normal to-do. Once you create the to-do, delete that step out of the master project note. Review your projects once per week to see what new to-do’s need to be created out of it. Once the project is done, move the note to the Completed notebook. “Other Tips” All to-do’s should start with an action verb. This may sound really time consuming and complex, but is actually really easy once you get the system up and going. Brain dump everything that you need to do as soon as you think about it. Outline of This Episode [1:30] – Manufacturing News [7:45] – Matthew Feight from Miller Welding [9:20] – “Getting Things Done” [17:15] – Handling E-Mails [20:19] – 3 Things Not Used in Evernote [23:00] – Structuring Evernote [30:10] – Reviewing Evernote Structure [39:00] – New Projects Jason’s pre-show notes before Ryan rewrote them.

Get out your scuba gear, we’re taking a deep dive today! In this episode of Making Chips Jason and Jim are with a guest, John Berard who has a ton of experience in the research and implementation of ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) systems in manufacturing businesses. John’s got a lot of actionable advice for both the small and larger size manufacturing operations about how to determine your ERP needs, how to find and choose and ERP system, how much budget to set aside for the purchase, and what to expect during the implementation and transition period. This episode could help you take that bold step into a more streamlined way of managing your machine shop. What is an Enterprise Resource Planning system? (ERP) An ERP is business management software—typically a suite of integrated applications—that a company can use to collect, store, manage and interpret data from many business activities. It might and probably will include other software systems (known as MRP - Materials Resource Planning systems). Some of the things a good ERP may include are systems that track product planning and costs, manufacturing or service delivery, marketing and sales, inventory management, and shipping and payment. It sounds complex but once you have the right ERP solution chosen and implemented in your business, the long term benefit is cash savings on a daily basis. Find out more about ERP systems from our guest today, John Berard as he discusses the topic with Jim and Jason. How does an ERP system work? ERP provides an integrated view of your most essential business processes, allowing you to see a “big picture” of what’s going on in your manufacturing operation from many different levels. It also allows you to “drill down” into those broad categories to see the details you need to make better business decisions. A good ERP often does this work for you in real-time, using common databases maintained by a database management system integrated into the program. The applications that are a part of the system share information across the various departments of your operation (manufacturing, purchasing, sales, accounting, etc.). Hear the benefits your business could derive from implementing a good ERP system by listening in to this conversation. How should you start the process of finding and implementing a good ERP system? John Berard, today’s guest on Making Chips, recommends that the owner of the manufacturing company NOT try to make this decision on his own. It’s vital that everyone involved in the collection and use of data within your company be a part of the process. The combined knowledge of the particular facets of your business will enable you to make accurate and helpful decisions about what kind of functionality you’ll need from an ERP system. John’s got some very practical suggestions about how to stage and manage those conversations and how to go about finding the right company with the right solution for you. If you’re considering an upgrade to an ERP system, the basics John shares could save you tons of time and money. Be sure to listen. There are 3 main ways you can mess up the implementation of your ERP system. John Berard has seen many implementations of ERP software and has some “horror stories” about how you can mess it up. #1 - Ignore your people. You have to listen to those you’ve entrusted with the areas of your business. They will have the information and hands-on experience to help you make a good decision. #2 - You want to listen to your peers who have done an ERP implementation in the past. They will have “lessons learned” that will be of great benefit to you, so don’t let the bells and whistles of a fancy ERP system and a smooth talking salesman lead you down a path that a peer is saying may not be the best. #3 - If you have a gut feeling that the software consultant is not serving your best interests by highlighting the bells and whistles of the software that don’t really apply to your operation, listen to that feeling. You don’t want to make a huge mistake on this crucial decision. Find out more from John’s experience on this episode of Making Chips. Outline of this episode [1:05] Welcome and introduction to this episode with John Berard. [3:27] What is the direct function of a ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning tool) or MRP (Materials Resource Planning tool) system? [6:00] How do you bring all the “islands” of MRP systems together under one system? [9:05] An example: a small CNC machine shop, business is good, how do they formalize a plan to bring everything together? [12:13] Success stories of how this transition works. [14:15] Finding an ERP software solution to fit your needs. [15:51] A disaster in ERP implementation solutions and 3 ways you can mess up the transition. [17:28] Avoiding the bells and whistles the salesman might point out so you can apply the system to your typical jobs. [19:37] What should a small manufacturer budget for this type of software? [21:31] How long does it take to implement these software solutions? [21:56] John’s advice to those considering implementing an ERP solution for your company. Links mentioned in this episode John’s podcast: http://www.podcastformakers.com/ www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245

Chambers of commerce have been around for a very long time. The very first recorded mention of a chamber of commerce was in Marseille, .France in 1599. Trade associations have an equally long history with Associations finding their roots in organizations such as the church, medieval craft guilds, and merchant trading groups. Both groups still exist today and could be an important avenue through which your manufacturing business receives support, stays engaged with your community or industry, or becomes known for what you do and the quality with which you do it. On this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason chat a bit about the differences between chambers and associations and give their input about the value of each.   What is a chamber of commerce and how should you decide if being a member would be beneficial to your company?   When you think of a chamber of commerce the first thing that comes to mind should be the word “local.” A chamber of commerce is always tied to a local community, whether it be a township, city, or other local area. The focus of a chamber is to consider and discuss the interests of all businesses in its local area, moving beyond individual interests to that of a collective group. The establishment of chambers provides merchants, traders, craftsmen and business owners a public forum to discuss issues facing them as a business community. This representation of common interests became, and remains, the foundation of chambers of commerce worldwide. Should YOUR business become a member of your local chamber? Jim and Jason have some things for you to think about as you consider that decision. Take a few minutes to listen to this episode to hear what they advise.   What is a trade association and would it benefit your business to join one?   A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry or a specific niche of an industry. An industry trade association participates in public relations activities such as advertising, education, political donations, lobbying and publishing, but its main focus is collaboration between the companies that make up its membership. Associations may offer other services, such as producing conferences, providing networking or charitable events, or offering classes or educational materials to its members. In the manufacturing industry there are a number of associations, many specialized to serve its particular membership. Should your company be a member of a specific trade association? Only you can answer that question but Jason and Jim have some thoughts about what you should consider before deciding. You can hear their advice on this episode of Making Chips.   Why would I want to join my local chamber of commerce?   Given your company’s role and profile in the community, membership in your local chamber may not be a good fit. But there are many good reasons TO join your local chamber: Membership could bring credibility to your business in the community. Membership could increase your visibility in the community. Becoming a member could provide networking opportunities for your business. Being a chamber member could also give you an amplified voice in governmental issues. As part of your local chamber you’ll also make local business contacts. With a chamber membership, you can also reach potential clients through member exclusive advertising and opportunities for business-to-business advertising and publicity.   What are the benefits to joining a trade association?   Trade associations provide a valuable resource to those who take advantage of their resources. Some of the reasons you might want to be a part of a specific association are: 1. You can receive specialized knowledge. Odds are that someone, somewhere, in the industry has already discovered the solution to a vexing problem in your particular niche. 2. You can enhance your company’s reputation. 3. You can make personal and industry-related connections. 4. You could increase your company’s purchasing power. Trade associations often arrange for members to receive discounts on certain products and services. 5. Your company could gain political clout and expertise. Trade associations bring competitors together, turning each small voice into a persuasive, collective shout that gets the attention of lawmakers and officials. Listen in as Jim and Jason discuss the benefits of their membership in various associations.   Outline of this episode   [1:00] The Making Chips Youtube channel is live! [3:12] IMTS 2016 is coming up in September of 2016… and we’re putting together some ideas about the Making Chips audience coming together for collaboration. [4:06] Associations, Chambers, and both. [4:26] Local Chambers of Commerce… a local opportunity: Jim’s experience. [6:00] The kinds of things to expect at a local chamber meeting. [8:27] Costs and time investments required to be a part of a local chamber. [9:16] A success story from Jim being on the board of a local chamber of commerce. [10:32] The differences between an association and a chamber. [11:49] Clear focus characterizes associations. [13:05] For both chambers and associations, getting involved is important. [14:50] A sampling of associations that are available. [16:15] Thing you need to know about chambers and associations. [17:20] Things to do before joining an association or chamber. [18:00] Give us your feedback about chambers and associations. Links mentioned in this episode   www.MakingChips.com/10   Mazak’s upcoming event - https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245

Word of mouth advertising still works. It’s wonderful when a satisfied customer tells someone else about their experience with your company. But there are more options today than just relying on word of mouth. Technology and social media have created the opportunity to put your advertisements in front of the people who are most likely to buy your products or use your services. How is it possible? Through data that is collected through platforms like Facebook. In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason will be discussing their experience with Facebook ads, including the results they’ve seen, the cost they paid, and why they thought it was a good idea. Listen in to get the whole story.   Getting in front of your ideal customer is easier than ever.   When a person first sets up their Facebook account they’re asked a series of questions about their interests, hobbies, work, likes and dislikes. The responses they give are more than just ways to connect them with other people. Those are data points used by the Facebook machine to organize ad campaigns for those who use the Facebook Ad platform. On top of that, every click, every like, every comment is recorded and logged as well, giving Facebook an immense amount of data on every user over time. That’s the data you could tap into by using Facebook Ads. Find out more about this amazing opportunity, in this episode of Making Chips.   Jim’s experience using Facebook ads for Carr Machine and Tool.   At one point Jim decided to try out Facebook ads and set up an ad campaign for his business, Carr Machine and Tool. He was able to target people who either worked in the manufacturing industry or were interested in machining, tools, etc. It was amazing how easily he could “drill down” into the very group of people he wanted to target to put his ads in front of them, and them only. The results? He actually had one person send him a bid opportunity because of his Facebook ads. Find out more about how Jim and Jason are planning to use Facebook Ads in the future by listening to the conversation today.   The Mazak event is almost here. Act now to be a part of this amazing event!   Mazak is a company that leads the way in the manufacture of advanced technology solutions including Multi-Tasking, hybrid Multi-Tasking, 5-axis, milling, turning, CNC controls and automation. Their upcoming event, Discover 2015 is one of the largest events held in the United States and is an educational, technology, and networking event manufacturing leaders won’t want to miss. How can you be there? Go to the Mazak website https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015 and register for this event, coming up October 27-19, 2015, in Florence, Kentucky. Do you have a question or topic you’d like addressed on Making Chips? How about a guest you’d like to recommend?   Jim and Jason would love to hear from you so they can better craft the show to meet your exact needs. You can leave your question or make your guest suggestion by going to the Making Chips website - www.MakingChips.com/contact . Don’t be shy, the guys would love to hear from you! Outline of this episode   [1:06] The upcoming Mazak event - a valuable opportunity for networking and interaction. [3:05] Introduction of today’s topic: Advertising your Machine Shop on Facebook [5:31] Jim’s experience posting ads on Facebook for Carr Machine and Tool. [7:38] How Facebook ads work to target who gets to see the ad. [9:25] Who Jim targets with his Facebook ads. [10:44] The amazing ways Facebook ads can be nuanced to hit your perfect customer. [11:43] The importance of using images when creating Facebook ads. [13:48] What is the cost of Facebook ads? [14:40] Jim’s success story from using Facebook ads. [16:25] How Jason would use Facebook ads and what his goals would be. [17:56] The Making Chips experiment to test the use of Facebook ads. [20:39] How to leave your info about topics you’d like Jim and Jason to cover on Making Chips. Links mentioned in this episode   Mazak’s upcoming event - https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015/   Making Chips episode about networking: www.MakingChips.com/10   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245  

The world has changed since the days of your grandfather’s old, dusty, dingy manufacturing shop. Technology and a global economy are forcing these changes and the American manufacturing industry is changing along with it. Small manufacturers now have to compete on a global level and it’s to the advantage of all manufacturers within the United States to come together and collaborate so the U.S. manufacturing industry can remain a dominant force in the global economy. It’s to that end that a government/private sector organization, the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation was born. On this episode of Making Chips Jason and Jim do their best to explain what the NNMI is, how it came about, and why it’s an important force behind the needed changes that are coming to the U.S. manufacturing industry. Collaboration for the sake of all. That’s the idea behind the creation of the NNMI. If the government can facilitate and encourage the individual manufacturers within the United States manufacturing industry to come together, share knowledge, data, and resources, and work together to increase the manufacturing capacity and ability within the nation, everyone will win. Hear how Jim and Jason are thinking about this new effort and how you can be involved, on this episode of Making Chips. One organization, many institutes with specialized areas of focus. The NNMI is focused on helping the manufacturing industry overcome the obstacles to remaining a global force in the world-wide manufacturing community. Toward that end it has created many specialized institutes. Among them are America Makes, Digital Manufacturing and Design, Lightweight Metal Manufacturing, Power America, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing, AIM Photonics, the Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Institute, the Innovation Institute on  Smart Manufacturing, and the Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute. Find out more about each of these on this episode. What do Jim and Jason think about the DMDII from their participation on a panel at their facility? Jim and Jason were both very impressed not only with the amount of time and money that obviously went into the event they were asked to participate in, but also in the genuine concern those putting on the event had with their input and concerns. As representatives of the smaller manufacturers in the U.S. the two had a unique perspective that those running the DMDII event were very interested in hearing. Jason and Jim are hopeful that is a good sign of the desire to truly cooperate and work together for the benefit of all manufacturers. Hear more of their impressions by listening to this episode. Do you have comments, questions, or resources you’d like to share with the Making Chips crew? Jason and Jim would love to receive your feedback, learn from your knowledge, and share it with the Making Chips community. You can connect with either of them through the website at www.MakingChips.com or call them at 312-725-0245. They’d love to hear from you and build a connection that will benefit the entire manufacturing community. Outline of this episode [1:06] The upcoming Mazak event October 27-30 and November 30-5. [2:21] Introduction of Ryan Scanlan, social media manager for the Making Chips crew. [4:20] Demystifying the NNMI. [6:03] Jim and Jason’s input through the DMDII (Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute), regarding smart manufacturing. [7:47] What the NNMI does: collaboration between government, private companies, and academics to improve the manufacturing industry. [8:40] What these sorts of partnerships could accomplish in the industry. [9:44] A vision for collaboration surrounding innovation within the manufacturing industry. [10:56] Issues surrounding time to market that the NNMI wants to address in light of the change toward a global market. [12:42] Why those manufacturing companies that are resistant and inflexible could be left behind. [13:20] The different NNMI institutes, what they are focused on, and where they are. [19:19] Jim and Jason’s impressions of the DMDII facility and their time there. [22:04] Your invitation to contact the Making Chips crew with your thoughts and ideas. Links mentioned in this episode Mazak’s upcoming event - https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015/ www.Manufacturing.gov Workshops for Warriors - http://workshopsforwarriors.org/ www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode Government - private cooperation in the manufacturing industry? Demystifying the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation #NNMI What would happen if #manufacturers across the board could collaborate and innovate? A movement to increase #TimeToMarket speed in the @manufacturing industry #ManufacturingInnovation through cooperation, on this episode of #MakingChips

MC039: A Young Woman with Manufacturing Dreams: A conversation with Michelle Mabry   Traditionally the manufacturing industry has been dominated by the presence of men. That’s not a bad thing. But it’s not necessarily a good thing either. Today’s episode of Making Chips is a conversation with one of the many young women who are stepping into the once-male-dominated manufacturing industry and making a very positive difference. When Michelle Mabry moved to Chicago she enrolled in a welding class at a local community college and was set on fire by the wonderful skills and things she could do with a welding torch in her hand. She’s confident that she has a ton to offer the manufacturing industry. Hear her story on this episode of Making Chips.   What inspires a young woman to become a welder?   The answers to that question will be is as different as the young women you’re talking about, but for Michelle Mabry it was the way that welding could be an outlet for creativity and inspiration. She discovered that the skill of welding enables her to create things that otherwise might never come to reality, and that she could transfer those skills to others through teaching and enable them to establish a solid future when there otherwise may not be any hope. Hear more of how Michelle is using her welding experience and education to inspire others to make something great of their lives, on this episode.   Is the modern machine shop an appropriate place for women to be?   Michelle Mabry thinks so… as do the hosts of  Making Chips, Jason Zenger and Jim Carr. Modern manufacturing facilities are not your grandfather’s machine shop. By and large today’s shops are clean, technical, skill-oriented environments where women and men can work alongside each other to create the parts and machinery that keep our country running. Jason, Jim, and Michelle have a very open and candid conversation about the unique perspectives that women bring to the manufacturing industry on this episode, and you get to listen in. Why are women needed in the manufacturing industry?   A unique mindset and perspective is one of the many things women bring into manufacturing, and Jason Zenger and Jim Carr believe it’s sorely needed. Men and women are different and they feel it’s about time we utilized those differences to move the manufacturing industry forward, opening up doors of possibility that until now have gone unnoticed. With the combined insights and creativity of both sexes, manufacturing companies can innovate and grow in ways we’ve not seen yet. Hear more about how this combination of the sexes in the manufacturing industry could move things forward, in this episode.   What about you? Are you willing to take a step into a new field?   When Michelle Mabry first told people that she was going to enroll in a welding class at her local college, she hit opposition almost immediately. People took exception with her choice because she was a woman, because it wasn’t “normal” for a women to don a welding helmet and apron. But Michelle says the naysayers only fuel her determination. It’s not that she wants to be like a man, she wants to be who she is, and welding is one of the channels she uses to express her creativity and make a difference in the world. Hear Michelle’s inspiring story on this episode. Maybe it will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and develop a new skill as well. Outline of this episode   [1:06] The upcoming Mazak event, “Mazak Discover 2015” - click to register for this incredible event. [3:12] Introduction to this episode: An inspiring story about following your passion! [3:45] Industry news - Jim’s participation on a panel discussing smart manufacturing, and Jason’s journey in working through some acquisitions for his company. [6:10] Introduction of today’s guest: Michelle Mabry. [7:50] Michelle’s move to Chicago as the catalyst that moved her into the field of welding. [9:00] What inspired Michelle about welding? [10:15] Michelle’s enrollment in a welding class: what she learned and the certifications she is earning. [14:00] Michelle’s aspirations to teach welding once she’s finished with her education. [16:02] Hopes for the future: Sculptures, encouraging others to consider their possibilities, and the desire to help others excel.) [17:56] How to get the younger generation or women interested in the manufacturing industry. [19:21] How a welding lab can breed confidence in people who otherwise might not have it. [20:26] The power of manufacturing skills to give people a new lease on life and dreams for their future. [22:04] What the average manufacturing employer is looking for. [22:43] Michelle’s “Ah Ha!” moment when she knew manufacturing was what she wanted to do. [23:20] How Michelle dealt with the naysayers. [24:16] The importance of women in the manufacturing industry. Links mentioned in this episode   Mazak’s upcoming event - https://www.mazakusa.com/discover2015/   Workshops for Warriors - http://workshopsforwarriors.org/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode   What motivates a young #woman to become a #welder?   A young #woman who became a #welder, and how she dealt with the #naysayers   Why women are vitally needed in the #ManufacturingIndustry   How #manufacturing skills can inspire and motivate people to a better more productive life   Using #welding to #inspire and #motivate others, in this episode of #MakingChips

Business growth what we all want to see. More customers, more jobs, and more revenue. But there are other ways to grow your company, including the purchase or acquisition of another company in your niche. In this episode of Making Chips Jason and Jim chat with Tom Hilaris who has recently become CEO of Ergoseal, a company that manufactures seals for OEMs in the industrial and aerospace rotating equipment industries. Within a two month period Tom’s company acquired 2 other companies and grew both his manufacturing capabilities and his bottom line. Find out more about Tom’s experience, including things to watch out for in acquisitions, on this episode.   What is the right motivation for acquiring another company?   While the individual details of each situation will vary, there are a couple of foundational motives that would make the acquisition of a company a good deal, and there are others that wouldn’t make sense - financially or otherwise. Tom Hilaris shares his experience in leading Ergoseal in the acquisition of two other companies in the last year, on this episode. It’s about more than simply acquiring another company. It’s about adding to your product line, cutting expenses, and making greater profits. Find out how to make those determinations regarding possible acquisitions on this episode of Making Chips.   Did you know that you can hire an acquisitions advisor to guide your company in an acquisition process?   A very important part of Tom Hilaris’ story of leading his company to acquire two other companies, is the role a hired Acquisitions Advisor played. He was instrumental in helping Tom and his team pull together the paperwork they needed, locate the right companies to purchase, and strike the deal in a way that was beneficial for everyone. Looking back, Tom feels that he could possibly do those things himself from here on out, but feels that he’ll stick with an Acquisitions Advisor for future acquisitions as well simply because the expertise the Advisor had made his role much simpler and the process more streamlined. Find out more on this episode.   What are the funding options for acquiring another company?   Jim and Jason asked that question of Tom Hilaris in this episode and his answer came from his experience in leading his company in 2 acquisitions. He says that owner financing is obviously the best deal if you can make it work, but most owners who are trying to sell are wanting out of the situation entirely and aren’t open to carrying the financing. They want to take the cash from the sale and leave. That means that other types of financing will be required and Tom found that the tight formulas used by the larger banks made it impossible for his smaller manufacturing company to get financed with them. He wound up going with a smaller bank that took other things into consideration. Find out what options might exist for your situation by listening to Tom’s advice on this episode.   Hear the 3 fundamental things to consider when looking at a possible acquisition.   The lessons we learn from experience are often the best ones, and Tom Hilaris shares 3 important things to keep in mind when you’re considering the acquisition of another company. First, he cautions that you make sure you have the right motives for making the move, second, that you figure in at least 3% more than the costs that show on paper for related expenses, and third, take into account the cultural impact the acquisition will have on your employees and the employees of the incoming company. Hear more hard-learned wisdom from Tom on this episode of Making Chips! Outline of this episode   [1:17] Extended promotion of www.OnlineMetals.com from Thyssen Krupp (sponsor). Get your 15% discount by using the code CHIPS2 (through September 2015) [3:12] Business news: Acquiring a new business as part of your current business? [5:17] Introduction of our Guest: Tom Hilaris, CEO of Ergoseal. [6:16] Tom’s recent experience acquiring companies to add to his present company. [7:12] The motivations involved in buying and selling companies. [8:29] The steps Tom took to begin acquiring companies and how they navigated the journey. [9:34] What is an acquisitions advisor? How does his role help in the process of acquiring a company? [11:24] Gaining a product line through an acquisition - the benefits Tom experienced. [12:31] How gaining the customer list of an acquired company boosted sales, etc. [14:11] Tom’s decision to acquire a second company that was in the same building his company was in. [15:22] How an acquisition could be a good option for older owners who are thinking of liquidating. [15:59] How the advisor helped them determine the costs and projections for the acquisition. [18:09] What is the best approach to finding funding for a company acquisition, and what hurdles or roadblocks might you experience? [21:50] The impact federal regulations have on business financing for acquisitions and growth. [22:47] The 3 fundamentals to consider when thinking about an acquisition of another company. [25:07] Be careful of the overall costs - add 3% to what you see on paper. [27:40] Tom’s plans for further acquisitions. [28:44] Contact Tom Hilaris on LinkedIn. [29:19] Please comment or interact about these issues on the show notes page www.MakingChips.com/38   Links mentioned in this episode   Connect with Tom Hilaris through his LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tom-hilaris/5/552/a45   Tom’s company - Eergoseal - http://www.ergoseal.com/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode   Benefits of company acquisitions, on this episode of Making Chips http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=628   There are more ways to #GrowYourNusiness than adding customers http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=628   3 fundamentals to consider when looking to acquire another company http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=628   Add 3% to the acquisition costs you have on paper - here’s why http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=628   Company culture is a huge consideration when acquiring another company http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=628

In this great part-two episode, Jason and Jim continue their conversation with Sarah Caldicott. Besides being an extremely intelligent student of business and innovation, Sarah is an author and the great grandniece of Thomas Edison. Her study and writing is largely based on her own interest in her famous relative who was not only an amazing inventor, but also a manufacturer in his own right. Listen in to hear tales of Edison’s life and systems and why his contributions to the manufacturing industry continue to impact us today.   Thomas Edison’s “systematic innovation”   Edison had a process that he followed to not only innovate in his own thinking and processes, but to encourage innovation in his employees. It was a different way of thinking which included many aspects, including collaboration, product creation, and looking at issues from a variety of angles. He demonstrated that true innovation comes about by truly getting outside the conventions that exist to approach situations and problems in different ways that provide new solutions to the problem. Listen in as Jim and Jason chat with Edison’s great grandniece, Sarah Caldicott.   “Charismatic optimism” is how Sarah Caldicott (Thomas Edison’s great grandniece) describes his attitude   It’s more than a “rah-rah” mindset that is filled with unrealistic fluff. It’s a “can do” mindset that sees opportunities where others see obstacles. Edison was legendary for that kind of optimism even in the face of incredible difficulty or tragedy. In this episode Sarah shares quite a few instances of how Edison pushed through difficulties to accomplish incredible breakthroughs and turns a corner to help you see how that kind of attitude can become infections in your company, enabling you to accomplish more, innovate to a greater degree, and become more profitable. That’s on this episode, so listen in.   Better educated employees make for a more productive and innovative company   Thomas Edison had a library IN his manufacturing facility that contained over 50,000 volumes. He encouraged his employees to borrow books from the library to read, learn, and grow at all times. His belief was that employees who were growing in their knowledge and in their ability to see and recognize patterns. He believed that individual growth in his employees would make them better employees and enable his company to thrive and innovate even more. Hear the entire story by listening to this episode of Making Chips.   When you assess things, how are you at “engaging other senses?”   Thomas Edison had a summer home in Florida, at which he had a manufacturing facility, garden, and many other atypical things. He loved to get out into the gardens and feel, smell, and experience natural things. He believed natural things could be used as inspiration and even elements of the design itself. As an example, the first filament Edison used in the light bulb was made of bamboo. Listen in to hear Sarah Caldicott’s take on how manufacturing leaders can engage all of their senses in the manufacturing realm, all on this episode. Outline of this episode   [0:58] Do you know what the “L” at the end of a metal designation means? (sponsor) [8:14] Thomas Edison’s “systematic innovation” and what it means for manufacturers today. [10:01] The different way of thinking Edison used and how it integrates with collaborating with others, creating products, etc. [11:43] How Edison’s positive mindset helped him differentiate himself from others in industry. [12:35] How non-product-creating manufacturers can bring innovation to their organization. [14:05] How anticipating a client’s needs is powerful in helping them make the decision to go with your proposal. [15:09] How to move forward in collaborative ways once an order is placed. [16:10] How you can develop your brand with potential customers. [17:00] What is charismatic optimism and how can leaders employ it to be better leaders and business owners. [18:09] How a tragedy in Thomas Edison’s career was turned around to become an opportunity instead of a liability. [19:59] The reason Making Chips exists and how Edison’s story inspires that goal. [20:50] How Thomas Edison encouraged learning in his employees, and why he did it. [22:05] How Jason is following Edison’s model to raise the bar for his employee’s productivity and the company’s success long-term. [23:01] How Edison was a fan of “engaging other senses.” [24:43] Thomas Edison’s experiments with using natural substances for manufacturing. [25:34] How manufacturing leaders should use a notebook as Edison did. [29:38] How to connect with Sarah.   Links mentioned in this episode   www.OnlineMetals.com - Thyssen Krupp’s website - our sponsor.   Midnight Lunch - Sarah’s book   Innovate Like Edison -  Sarah’s other book   Sarah’s website - www.SarahCaldicott.com   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode   Learn the #1 way to boot up your mind and become an innovator   What was in Thomas Edison’s notebooks, and how it can help you innovate   Why Thomas Edison encouraged his employees to learn and grow… in this episode   What is charismatic optimism & how can leaders employ it to be better leaders & business owners. How non-product-creating manufacturers can bring innovation to their organization

  Thomas Edison was an undeniable genius. His processes and inventions still influence the way we live our lives today. Today’s conversation is one that will turn the lights on (no pun intended) for you and your manufacturing team if you’ll open yourself up to some ways of thinking about how you run your business. Today’s guest is Sarah Caldicott, author and great grandniece of Thomas Edison. Her new book “Midnight Lunch” profiles many of the strategies of collaboration and innovation that came out of Thomas Edison’s work teams, and delves into the ideas you can draw from his example to make your manufacturing company a game changer in the industry.   Thomas Edison didn’t believe in a hierarchical company structure   Don’t misunderstand, he was entirely “in charge” of the companies he created, but he was never a dictator or one who felt he had to come up with all the answers. He fostered a climate of cooperation and peer relationships that served to spark innovation and creativity in ways most manufacturing companies today can only dream of. Sarah Caldicott shares stories of Edison’s amazing work habits and approach in this episode of Making Chips, and in doing so provides practical ways you can adjust your approach to innovation and product development that could transform your place and impact on the manufacturing industry.   What would happen if the teams within your company engaged in more dialogue and debate?   At first, the idea might sound a bit out of control, or difficult to manage. But we’re not talking about adversarial debate, here, we’re talking about challenging, constructive, goal-oriented debate that brings about new ideas and fresh ways of thinking. It’s the type of atmosphere Thomas Edison built into every one of his many companies, and the type of synergy that enabled him to bring so many world-changing inventions to the world. Sarah Caldicott highlights how that happened and provides ideas about how modern manufacturing companies can apply the same approach to become innovators in their niche of the manufacturing industry.   If you can cross-train your employees you’ll be able to create a greater synergy.   That’s a principle straight out of Thomas Edison’s own approach to building and working with teams. He found that having team members adequately trained to work in multiple areas and even on different projects enabled the team as a whole to come up with better ideas, see other options, and approach difficulties with fresh eyes. Nobody was allowed to stay locked in one area of expertise but rather was encouraged (even required) to step into other projects that grew and challenged their thinking and abilities. The end result is that Edison’s teams were able to pioneer 6 distinct industries within 30 years, all which are still with us today. Find out more from Sarah Caldicott as she discusses her newest book, “Midnight Lunch” on this episode of Making Chips.   What was the only reason Thomas Edison ever got angry with an employee?   Was it when they failed to reach a designated goal? Was it because they made a huge mistake? Was it because they failed to do what they’d been told to do? None of those are the reason. Thomas Edison only got angry with employees when they were careless. Carelessness means they weren’t “taking care” to think through the eventualities and possibilities of what they were doing and to safeguard against bad results as much as they were able. How does that approach shed light on your attitude toward employees? How can you adjust to make the environment in your company more amenable to cooperation and collaboration? Find out how  Edison’s approach could help you grow in those areas, on this episode.   Outline of this episode   [1:06] Welcome and introducing Sarah Caldicott, great grandniece of THE Thomas Edison. [1:40] Calls to action for this episode [2:08] Introduction of Sarah, her background, experience, and current projects. [3:47] Sarah’s summary of her newest book, “Midnight Lunch,” and how it came from the practices and experiences carried out in the workshop of of Thomas Edison himself. [7:23] How a 5 person company could create great innovations in the Manufacturing Industry. [8:00] The importance of hiring people who are not like you to be part of your team. [8:20] The importance of dialogue and debate on a team. [9:05] Trying to create “low social distance” in your manufacturing business - a non-hierarchical work climate. [11:10] How Thomas Edison did cross-training and encouraged synergy among his teams. [13:17] Taking the concept of the “midnight lunch” to a small manufacturing company. [15:00] How dialogue and collaboration spark innovation in a company. [16:51] Collaboration as “discovery learning.” [17:38] How Thomas Edison created 6 industries in 30 years. [18:36] The only reason Thomas Edison got angry with people on his teams.   Links mentioned in this episode   Midnight Lunch - Sarah’s book   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245

The last episode of Making Chips featured a conversation with Hernán Luis y Prado, U.S. veteran and founder of Workshops for Warriors. This episode is a continuation of that important conversation. Hernán is passionate to see two things: the manufacturing industry rebuilt in a sustainable, truly effective way, and the reintegration of veterans into the American society and workforce. Hear how Workshops for Warriors is doing that in their San Diego training facility and how they have achieved 100% job placement - in this episode of Making Chips. What should an employer consider when employing a veteran as opposed to someone else? When Hernán Luis y Prado, the founder of Workshops for Warriors was asked that question, his answer was shocking and immediate. He said he doesn’t care who manufacturing leaders hire, he just cares that they hire and train people to prepare for the devastating problems that could hit the manufacturing industry if another huge demand were to hit. His heart is for veterans to be trained for the manufacturing industry because of their level of expertise and ability to produce on a level that is unmatched, and they are ready to be trained now. Find out more about how Hernán is changing the manufacturing industry on this episode. Workshops for Warriors is really just a drop in the bucket. Though the work they’re doing is amazing and powerful, Workshops for Warriors is a very small part of the help the manufacturing industry needs. At this point there are 150 locations around the United States where a similar training facility for veterans could be established and thrive. And Hernán Luis y Prado believes those 150 facilities are vitally needed. What can you do to help meet the need the manufacturing industry is facting? Find out on this episode of Making Chips. Hernán Luis y Prado’s biggest disappointment in running Workshops for Warriors… has been an ongoing problem since the organization first began, and it’s a responsibility he takes squarely on his own shoulders. He is disappointed that he’s been unable to effectively communicate, to successful, intelligent people, why they need to be active in ensuring that the manufacturing industry is supplied with competent, trained workers not only now, but for generations to come. In his mind, if the manufacturing leaders of today don’t get on board to help supply a vast pool of qualified workers for the industry, the entire industry will fall prey to some terrible effects in the near future. Find out more about how you can get involved, on this episode of Making Chips. The cannibalization of the manufacturing industry is a very real possibility. What does that mean? It means that when the demand for skilled workers for the industry is so great, like it is right now, the tendency is for the larger companies to entice workers at smaller companies away from their jobs, which clearly benefits the large company short-term, but could be a devastating blow to the smaller company, which will hurt the entire industry in the end. The fact is that there is plenty of work to go around and every company that is producing quality products is needed to meet demand. What is needed is effective and thorough training of a new workforce for the manufacturing industry, and Workshops for Warriors is leading the way. Learn how you can avoid that kind of short sightedness by supporting Workshops for Warriors, on this episode. Outline of this episode [1:06] Tyssen Krupp - Defined Vendor Management Systems for material applications. [3:07] What should an employer consider when employing a veteran as opposed to someone else? [3:34] The need for more manufacturing workers and the danger of cannibalization in the manufacturing industry. [4:51] 100% job placement through Workshops for Warriors. [5:16] The Workshop for Warriors visit to the White House. [6:40] 150 locations that are ripe for another facility similar to Workshops for Warriors. [9:02] The main two main pain points Workshops for Warriors has. [9:57] What is needed from the manufacturing community to meet the vast need. [10:27] The biggest holdup to people getting involved in training more manufacturing workers. [12:31] A story of Workshops for Warriors’ success. [14:08] The greatest disappointment Hernán Luis y Prado has experienced with Workshops for Warriors. [15:09] The personal cost Hernán is paying to get veterans trained. [15:46] Your opportunity to get involved supporting Workshops for Warriors. [17:01] How you can help WFW on a political level. Links mentioned in this episode www.TKMNA.com - The Tyssen Krup website (sponsor). Use the code CHIPS2 to get 15% off! www.MakingChips.com/WFW - Make your contribution to help Workshops for Warriors www.WorkshopsForWarriors.org www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245

There is a problem in the United States among Veterans of the U.S. Military   After sacrificing a great deal to protect their homeland, U.S. Veterans often struggle to find their place in civilian society. It’s especially difficult for those who are injured or disabled and come home to industries and jobs that are not suited to their newfound disability. Many fall into drug use, crime, and other non-productive walks of life. Workshops for Warriors is the vision of one man, a veteran himself, who saw the need and stepped into the gap to make a way for those oft forgotten heroes to find a place of productivity in the society they have given so much to serve. This episode of Making Chips highlights the efforts of  Hernán Luis y Prado, founder of Workshops for Warriors. A painful need, right in front of him.   Hernán Luis y Prado came face to face with the debilitating problems many wounded warriors face when trying to reintegrate into American society when he encountered a fellow serviceman who’d lost his legs in service to his country. It was at that point that he realized that many have made tremendous sacrifices in service to their country, and through nobody’s fault, are being left to fend for themselves when it comes to the rest of their lives. That’s when he began developing a plan to train and equip disabled veterans to move into the manufacturing industry as productive workers. Find out more on this episode.   How many 18 year olds are used to being responsible for million dollar pieces of equipment?   That’s a question Hernán Luis y Prado asks when he is asked why veterans make ideal candidates for important careers in the manufacturing industry. He’s making the point that their experience in the military has trained them to take technical demands and needs very seriously, and they know how to put that expertise to use. It’s second nature, and one that can be redirected to energize and reinvigorate the U.S. manufacturing industry. The slogan of Workshops for Warriors (Hernán’s organization) is, “Rebuilding Manufacturing, one veteran at a time.”  Find out how he’s doing that on this episode of Making Chips.   Manufacturing equipment, redesigned to accommodate wounded warriors.   That’s one of the many steps Workshops for Warriors has taken to make it possible for those who have given it all for their country to be able to do valuable jobs in the manufacturing industry so they can once again serve their country with distinction. WFW also provides training in many areas, computers, machinery, welding, all with a focus on enabling veterans to continue to provide value to the country in important ways. If you, or someone you know is in need of this kind of specialized training, listen to this episode to find out more about Workshops for Warrior’s varied programs.   But that’s not all of the conversation…   We’re just getting started. Part 2 of this important conversation will publish next week, and Hernán Luis y Prado will reveal more of what Workshops for Warriors is doing for disabled and returning veterans, the kinds of training they provide, and how you and others you know can get involved with their programs and training school to build a career in the manufacturing industry. It’s a continuation that you won’t want to miss, so listen to part 1 here, and watch for part 2 next week. Outline of this episode   [0:01] Welcome to this episode of Making Chips - THE Podcast to equip manufacturing professionals! [0:17] Introduction to today’s guest - founder of Workshop for Warriors [1:04] Featured audio from Workshop for Warriors - a look into what the organization does. [4:15] Introduction of Hernán Luis y Prado, founder of Workshops for Warriors. [6:02] Hernan’s service in the U.S. Military and his journey to starting Workshops for Warriors.   [11:42] The specialized welding equipment for disabled veterans Workshops for Warriors has created. [13:28] How the dream began in  Hernán’s garage and moved on from there. [15:59] The U.S. problem with equipping veterans to reintegrate into society. [17:45] The problem with drug abuse and crime among U.S. veterans. [19:34]  Hernán’s transition to working with WFW full time. [22:35] The first training programs WFW was able to begin. [23:02] The Workshops for Warriors facilities - what they have and the programs veterans can take advantage of to receive training. [25:34] How the U.S. Military uniquely equips veterans for the manufacturing industry.   Links mentioned on this episode   www.WorkshopsForWarriors.org   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245

The nature of things in the manufacturing industry has changed. Gone are the days when a physical filing system will adequately contain all the documents and resources you need to help your company thrive. The technology era is here and the manufacturing leaders of the future will be the ones who are able to stay on top of the ever changing technical world and use it to the advantage of their company and employees. In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason point out 3 tools they use consistently that enable them to stay on top of their workload and lives.   Email is more than it used to be   Most manufacturing leaders have been using email for a long time. But are they using it to its fullest potential? Email platforms have changed dramatically, no longer serving as a digital post office, but also integrating with other applications to provide powerful tools for use in your manufacturing company. In this episode, Jim and Jason talk about how they use Gmail and the integrations it has with the Google product suite.   An organized business is a profitable business   In a day when more and more of the resources we use in our manufacturing businesses are becoming intangible through the avenue of digital media, manufacturing leaders must stay on top of the changes in order to keep their shops ordered and running smoothly. Diagrams, schematics, work orders, quotes and estimates, all of these and a thousand other things are being transmitted and stored digitally and need to be available at a moment’s notice. Do you have systems in place that enable you to manage the digital flood? Listen in to this episode to hear Jason and Jim’s recommendations of applications that can help you do exactly that.   Where is that to-do list?   Isn’t it maddening when you have been so careful to write down your tasks and responsibilities so you won’t forget them, but then you lose the list? It’s happened to all of us, but in today’s digital world we don’t have to fall prey to such things anymore. Now there are software solutions for computers and smart devices that will automatically sync on your phone, computer, and via the internet to the storage cloud. No matter where you are, you can log in and find the information you’ve saved. Platforms like Evernote, OneNote, and Dropbox put your resources at the tip of your fingers. Listen in as Jason and Jim tell you the software they use and how it helps with their business. Dropbox to the rescue   In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason highlight one of their favorite online tools, Dropbox. If you’re not familiar with Dropbox, it’s an online service that allows you to store documents, spreadsheets, images, audio and video files, and much more “in the cloud” (on the internet) so that it’s available for use anywhere you have access to a computer. But just as important is Dropbox’s ability to sync the files to your device so you can always have your documents and resources available even if you don’t have an internet connection. Listen to hear how Dropbox has helped Jason and Jim organize and run their manufacturing businesses.   Outline of this episode   Welcome to this episode of Making Chips - THE Podcast to equip manufacturing professionals! Introduction to the topic: Management Tools for Manufacturing Leaders Tool #1: Email - both Jason and Jim use Google apps for business - and why they prefer it to an in-house server system. Tool #2: Evernote: A great tool for capturing thoughts, to-dos, recording lists, document storage via images, and even task management. Microsoft OneNote is an Evernote alternative that comes native on many new devices. Tool #3: Dropbox: A cloud storage and syncing platform to make files, large or small, available to you wherever you are. The problem of having too many software applications.   Links mentioned on this episode   Google apps for business - https://www.google.com/work/apps/business/   Evernote - https://evernote.com/   OneNote - https://www.onenote.com/   Dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com/en/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245

Why are employee annual reviews a bad idea?   It’s not the idea of having a meeting with employees that’s a bad idea, it’s the verbiage we use to describe what is happening. An “annual review” or “evaluation” has a top-down implication that puts the employee in a helpless and often defensive posture. They are going to be evaluated, rather than a much more positive approach that could enlist the employee in their own performance improvement. In this episode of Making Chips Jim and Jason speak again with Karla Dobbeck, a Human Resources specialist who is focused on the manufacturing industry. Karla shares her preferred approach to what she calls “Proactive Discussions” that actually get the employee involved in their own evaluation and improvement to create a winning team across the board.   Do you know what questions to ask during an employee review?   First, did you notice we said, “questions to ask” rather than “things to say?” A successful proactive employee discussion should be couched in terms that encourage employee interaction and show great interest in the employee’s well-being and future. You don’t want to grill your employees or make them leave the conversation feeling scolded or critiqued. You want them to leave feeling helped and motivated toward improvement. That means you’ve got to show interest in them and their approach to the work they are doing by asking questions. That approach has a greater chance of creating a win-win situation for everyone. Find out what kind of questions you need to ask in your annual reviews… oops, proactive discussion - on this episode of Making Chips.   There are two types of conversations employers need to have with employees - and they are not only done annually.   Do you know what they are? Do you know why you should shoot for having them more than annually, like a typical “annual review?” Here they are - performance conversations and behavioral conversations. What’s the difference? Let’s start with the behavioral conversations:   Behavioral - These are talks you have with employees about specific behaviors they are guilty of that need correction or modification. Examples could be use of phones on the shop floor when it’s prohibited, or an apparent refusal to comply with a certain usage technique on a new machine. With behavioral conversations you need to talk about the issue when it arises.   Performance - These conversations are planned conversations where you as the employer are being proactive to address the employee’s performance, positive as well as negative, for the sake of coaching them to greater levels of accomplishment and competence. Performance discussions should be introduced a few weeks ahead of time so the employee can come prepared for the talk, and should be done regularly - perhaps annually, but preferably more often.   Never center your proactive discussions with employees around money   The typical annual review contains a significant amount of discussion of salary, raises, etc. But when you’re making the move to these new style proactive discussions, you want to have conversations about money completely separate from the performance discussion. The point of the proactive discussion is to coach, consider options, and draw the employee into their own career advancement path in a deliberate way. You want them involved in thinking through the ways they can become an even greater asset to the company and how they can build their own skill set to put them in a place where other opportunities can open up to them. Find out why Karla Dobbeck, Human Resources Specialist, recommends you keep money-talk out of the annual review in this episode of Making Chips.   Be careful about giving “bonuses” to your employees   Karla Dobbeck recommends that you find other ways to reward employees besides the typical “bonuses” that are a part of the annual review conversation quite often. Why? Because there are negative legal and tax implications to giving bonuses that you may not be aware of. If you want to motivate better performance as part of your proactive conversations with employees, find other creative ways to do that. Bonuses could bite you in the end. Find out more about the negative consequences of giving bonuses and what Karla recommends as alternatives in this episode. Outline of this episode   Welcome to this episode of Making Chips - THE Podcast to equip manufacturing professionals! Jim’s proactive search for new equipment - what and why. Proprietary materials Jason has discovered from Thyssen Krupp (sponsor). Introduction of Karla Dobbeck, Human Resources Professional and Specialist. The headaches and benefits of acronyms. Why Karla doesn’t like the “grading system” of Employee Evaluations (she doesn’t like to use the words “evaluations” or “review.” How to approach these proactive discussions - 3 to 4 weeks ahead and at the time of the discussion. The types of questions to ask during one of these discussions. How to partner with the employee to create a plan to improve an employee’s performance. Why Jason’s approach is not an “annual review” type discussion - and how Karla responds to his approach. How to start on a better road to employee relationships with you, their employer. The two types of conversations employers should have with their employees: performance and behavior. Why these conversations should NOT be centered around money (salary increases, etc.). Jason gives a real-life type scenario for Karla and Jim’s responses - what to do? How bonuses fit into these discussions and the legal implications of bonuses. How to leave comments on this episode.   Links mentioned on this episode   http://www.OnlineMetals.com (sponsor for this episode)   Karla Dobek’s website - http://www.askhrt.com/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode   Nobody should come into the workplace and have their job done to them - Karla Dobbeck http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=578   #Employers are responsible to #coach and #equip their #employees in an ongoing manner http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=578   Why you should not talk about #money in your #EmployeeReviews http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=578   Why #AnnualReviews are not a good idea - on this episode of #MakingChips http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=578   The two types of conversations #employers should be having with #employees regularly http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=578  

Outsourcing jobs to China and other countries used to be the most affordable option for many manufacturing companies. But changes to the global economy have caused changes that make it not only affordable, but even advantageous for U.S. Manufacturers to bring jobs home. Harry Moser is a veteran of the manufacturing industry and upon retirement he took the initiative to being an organization focused on doing exactly that. Find out more about The Reshoring Initiative and what it’s doing to promote the return of jobs to the U.S., on this episode of Making Chips.   It’s cheaper to send jobs overseas… or is it?   That used to be the wisdom of the day, but the rise in wages in China and other places has caused the advantages of offshoring jobs to diminish year after year until we’re at a place where it’s actually better to keep jobs onshore in the U.S. Harry Moser and the Reshoring Initiative have developed many great studies that show the effects of offshoring VS reshoring and are convinced that the benefits of bringing jobs home to the U.S. far outweigh the once-existing perks of sending jobs offshore. Find out how Harry’s organization is helping educate the manufacturing industry, and how you can use their free tools to determine why it might be time for your company to bring jobs home.   How can you know if it’s smarter to bring your manufacturing jobs back home?   There are so many variables in figuring out your costs for offshoring or keeping jobs in the U.S. it can be very confusing. But Harry Moser and The Reshoring Initiative are working hard to simplify the evaluation. One of the ways they’re doing that is by providing free online tools to estimate what they call “Total Cost of Ownership,” which can help you gauge the overall, true costs of bringing outsourced jobs back to the U.S. It takes into account all the variables you might encounter to provide a great overall picture of both options for comparison. Find out how to access the Total Cost of Ownership Estimator in this episode of Making Chips.   Why are many companies bringing jobs back home to the U.S.?   There are likely as many reasons as there are companies, but one of the main reasons is that companies are learning from their mistakes. Years of outsourcing manufacturing jobs has shown us the true costs of sending jobs overseas, and in many cases the advantages were not as beneficial as we once thought. Smart CEOs and owners are reassessing the choices of the past with an eye toward cutting costs through bringing jobs back to the U.S. Find out if you’ve made some of those same mistakes and how you can move toward cutting costs in your business, on this episode of Making Chips.   Webinars about reshoring manufacturing jobs   The Reshoring Initiative is doing many things to educate manufacturing leaders about the benefits of bringing jobs home, benefits that didn’t exist even 10 years ago. Harry Moser covers many of the programs and offerings the Reshoring Initiative offers in this episode of Making Chips. One of those resources we’d like to highlight are the many webinars they’ve held to make the case for reshoring. You can find those webinars on the Reshoring Initiative website ( http://www.reshorenow.org/webinars/ ) and find out more about the purpouse and goals of the Reshoring Initiative on this episode of Making Chips. Outline of this episode   Welcome to the podcast - from Jason and Jim. Updates from Jason about his trip to Korea - he visited a manufacturing company there (YG1). Jim’s new marketing plan for Carr Machine and Tool and the revamp of the company web site. Making Chips goes on the road - the grand opening of a new, innovative hardware store in San Diego, California - July 21st, 4 to 6 PM. See the invite below to meet Jim and Jason if you’re in the area. Jim’s introduction of today’s guest: Harry Moser, President of “The Reshoring Initiative.” What sparked Harry starting The Reshoring Initiative - practically and emotionally. How does a manufacturer take advantage of the opportunity to “reshore” their manufacturing? How manufacturers are able to use the Total Cost of Ownership Estimator. Why it’s now possible for U.S. manufacturers to bring jobs back home (what’s happening in China - the main place jobs have been outsourced). Are wages less of a factor in our day, in the U.S. and in China? What is localization, and why does it matter for U.S. manufacturers? How companies have learned from their mistakes when it comes to the decision to outsource manufacturing offshore or to keep it onshore. How do manufacturers identify the most important factors relating to whether they should bring their manufacturing back onshore? How wastes are made worse through offshoring manufacturing jobs. Harry’s conversation with President Obama and what he encouraged the White House to do to bring jobs back to the U.S. How to find out more about the Reshoring Initiative and how you can use their free resources to estimate your costs of reshoring outsourced jobs.   Links mentioned on this episode   http://www.MakingChips.com/18 - The episode that covers the new innovative hardware store.   http://www.OnlineMetals.com (sponsor for this episode)   The Reshoring Initiative - http://www.reshorenow.org/   Free Online Total Cost of Ownership Estimator - http://www.reshorenow.org/tco-estimator/   Contact Harry at [email protected]   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Making Chips on the road - Tuesday, July 21st, 4 to 6 PM - 10211 Pacific Mesa Blvd, San Diego - come in and say “If you’re not making chips, you’re not making money.” and get a free T-shirt!   Tweets you can use to tell others about the episode   #Reshoring manufacturing jobs is now affordable. Find out how on this episode of #MakingChips http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=574   If you’re not #MakingChips, you’re not making money - the Making Chips Podcast http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=574   #Manufacturing companies can now spend less by bringing #offshore jobs home. More on this episode http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=574   The #ReshoringInitiative to bring jobs back to the U.S. On this episode of #MakingChips http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=574 Cut costs in your #manufacturing business by bringing jobs home to the U.S. More on this episode http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=574

Every employer has to deal with the complex issues that are a part of employment law in the modern age. But they also have to run a shop that is well-tuned and efficient. Too often those two responsibilities conflict in ways that they don’t expect. In this episode of Making Chips, Jason and Jim are going to chat with Karla Dobbeck, a Human Resources specialist who has some very practical, insightful advice for manufacturing employers on how to deal with those “bad apples” that show up from time to time in a way that will protect you and your company from a legal standpoint. Making an example of a troublesome employee   The old adage is true, “One bad apple will spoil the whole bunch.” In a manufacturing company, morale, attitudes, and overall contentment in the workplace can be dramatically impacted by an employee who refuses to comply with company policy or production and safety standards. Karla Dobbeck recommends that you deal with those bad apples in a way that is clearly outlined in your employment policies, and to do so quickly and without apology. Making an example of one employee is powerfully effective in communicating your company values and seriousness about keeping them, to the rest of the work force. Listen to the audio to find out more about how to do this legally and wisely. Sometimes the answer is not more rules   When issues come up on the shop floor or in the break room the tendency of management can be to make another rule to cover that sort of situation. The problem is that before long the company will have so many rules that nobody can keep track of all of them, much less enforce them fairly and consistently. In this episode of Making Chips Jim inserts his opinion about the need for “rules” and that oftentimes the answer is not to create a new rule but to have a private conversation with individual employees who need correction or guidance. This not only addresses the issue at hand, but does so in a simpler way that builds relationship and company culture at the same time. Learn more about how Jim does this by listening to this episode. Document, document, document   In our lawsuit-happy culture, it’s a sad but true fact that employers have to be very careful and clear when taking action against an employee for any reason. That’s why it’s important for every disciplinary or corrective action to be documented clearly by the employer so there is a paper trail both of the history of the offenses in question and of the actions that were taken each step along the way. This way, if the time comes when an employee has to be terminated, the employer has a strong case for the cause and need for the termination that will make their case in court, should it be needed. You’ll also be able to document your compliance with OSHA requirements. Karla Dobbeck has a wealth of insight into this subject and you can hear more on this episode of Making Chips. The most common employment mistakes employers make   Karla Dobbeck has seen it all as a Human Resources consultant and advisor - the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this episode of Making Chips she shares what she considers to be the most common and most serious mistakes that employers make regarding employment law and gives common sense, practical advice on how manufacturing employers can avoid the same pitfalls. It’s worth the price of listening, so grab a cup of coffee, a pen and paper, and get ready to take some great notes that will help you improve your processes and procedures surrounding the employment practices of your company.   Outline of this episode Social media as it relates to brand exposure - Jim’s story. Making Chips is going on the road - to San Diego! Hear the details on this episode. Invitation to be interviewed on Making Chips - give us a call - 312-725-0245 Human Resources for the Manufacturing industry with Karla Dobbeck. When to “make an example” of a troublesome employee - cell phone issues, safety issues, etc. When to create “rules” and when to rely on private conversations with individuals. Dealing with employees who are chronically late or missing work. Addressing issues where employees seem to be abusing break time. Special considerations for employees who are pregnant mothers. How to properly document employee problems and firing decisions. Employment and termination mistakes most often made by employers. How to deal with unemployment claims when an employee has been terminated. Can part-time employees file for unemployment? Yes, in these situations. How to avoid the “games” that keep bad apples in your company.   Links mentioned on this episode   Human Resource Techniques - Karla’s company -   Karla on LinkedIn -   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245   Making Chips on the road - Tuesday, July 21st, 4 to 6 PM - 10211 Pacific Mesa Blvd, San Diego - come in and say “If you’re not making chips, you’re not making money.” and get a free T-shirt!

Today’s episode of Making Chips features a listener question. You can leave your question for Jim and Jason to answer by going to www.MakingChips.com to leave your question. They just might answer it on an upcoming podcast episode. Today’s question has to do with costing out a job. Is there a standard formula or way to price out jobs in light of workers who are manning more than one machine, etc.? Jim has years of experience in costing out jobs so he’s got a lot to share in this episode. But first, some thoughts about the Making Chips growth curve The Podcast has been going gangbusters. Jim and Jason are both amazed that there have been 13,00o downloads of the show that have happened since they first began. They're eager to put that influence to even more work for you as the show continues. So the guys first of all want to "thank you" for supporting the show and their work to inform, educate, and expand the manufacturing industry. The guys also want to let you in on a materials sourcing company they've been working with. It's www.OnlineMetals.com. 24 hours a day you can go on this amazing website, receive materials quotes, and even order the products you need to fulfill your manufacturing orders. And if you use the promo code CHIPS and receive a 15% discount!  Job costing Do you know how to cost out a machining job? Do you understand how to figure in the wear on the machine, the cost of your overhead and operator wages, the type of material you’ll be using for the job, weight of the part you’re producing, and other variables? If you don’t, you need to listen carefully to this episode of Making Chips. Jim explains how he goes about costing out a job, including how he uses an excel spreadsheet to figure out the cost. When you’re costing out a job, Jim has a powerfully practical tip to help you do the costing properly: take into consideration the size of the part you’re going to be working with on the job. A very large part is going to cost you more in terms of manpower and time. Jim sets a part of similar size on his desk to put the job into perspective. He’ll take it out to the machine and hold it up beside it to see how manageable it’s going to be. Don’t overlook this important consideration as you’re costing out a job in your shop. Listen in to find out more about how Jim goes about costing out jobs. Costing out a job can also be a bit tricky when it comes to the type of material being used. Manufacturers need to keep in mind that material costs may differ widely when creating parts from various materials. That’s a variable that has to be kept in mind so you don’t under-cost a job and cost yourself the profit margin you should have. Jim shares his tips on how to go about doing that in this episode of Making Chips. All this and more on this episode of Making Chips! Here’s the outline this episode The success of the podcast and a new supplier you can use - www.OnlineMetals.com A listener question about the topic of this episode: How do you cost out a job, are there recommended ways to go about it? What about when the same operator is working multiple machines? The listener also had a second question about a “lights out” machine and how to figure costs using that sort of setup. Making Chips is going to hit the road the third week of July 21, 2015- going to San Diego, CA. If you live nearby, come check it out and meet Jason and Jim. Say, “If you’re not making chips, you’re not making money” to get a free T-shirt. An invitation to anyone who is familiar with "lights out machining." Can you serve as a resource to the guys? If so, contact them at www.MakingChips.com/contact Five things to consider on Job Costing: Quantity - Type of material - Tolerance - Size of the part you’re making - Complexity of the part How often Jim evaluates his shop rates and the things he looks at to do the evaluation well. How Jim trains others in his company to do job costing. Is it possible to create computer software to do job costing? An invitation to you: ask us your question on the making chips website. Links mentioned on this episode www.OnlineMetals.com - get your 15% discount by using the code "MAKINGCHIPS" www.MakingChips.com/18 www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245

We introduced you to Patricia Miller of Matrix IV back in episode 26 and in today’s episode we’re going to do a deeper dive into the challenges and victories Patricia has faced as she’s taken over the reigns of her family’s ailing manufacturing company. The insights she shares as a former marketer from the biotech field, looking into the manufacturing industry for the first time, are very insightful and worth a listen.   As Patricia Miller took over the reigns of her grandfather’s failing company she realized that she had her work cut out for her. The company was stuck in the 70s and had to pivot quickly or else it would die. Patricia took immediate steps to do a handful of vital things - 4 in fact - that she highlights in this episode of Making Chips.   First on Patricia Miller’s list of advice for those in the manufacturing industry is the vital need to build community and connection within the industry. She did exactly that after taking over as leader of Matrix IV, going to conventions and local meetups, using the internet to get to know other influencers and leaders within the manufacturing industry, and working to not only be known, but to get to know others in the community for the sake of mutual support and help as the industry moves forward in a new era.   Patricia’s marketing background comes into play as she looks at the way the manufacturing industry has traditionally done its own marketing - and she’s convinced that more time needs to be spent by company owners getting to know their market, asking their customers how they are doing at meeting their needs, how their needs are changing, and what they can do to better serve and enable their clients to achieve their business goals. Companies need to become more concerned with creating a positive experience for their customers and those who might use their services in the future.   As Matrix IV began to re-grow under the leadership of its new CEO, Patricia Miller, many challenges and hurdles had to be overcome. Morale and company culture needed attention immediately, as did the discovery of new pools or niches of customers so that the business could continue on a solvent path. On top of all that, Patricia had to discover how to add much needed employees to get the company producing effectively while balancing a very meager budget at the same time. You’ll learn a lot from Patricia’s advice. All this and more on this episode of Making Chips! . Here’s the outline of part two of the conversation with Patricia   Patricia Miller from Matrix IV - inheriting a family business after a successful marketing career in the corporate world. Through the eyes of a newbie - Patricia’s observations and advice to those who are in the manufacturing industry. The power of community and connections within the industry and how Patricia made connections within the manufacturing community after taking over the helm at Matrix IV. Why Patricia thinks it’s very important for manufacturers to truly understand their market, their clients, and how to create a positive position for them. The first steps Patricia took to understand her market and customers. The valuable presence and a path forward for the manufacturing industry in the U.S. Why change is a great ally for manufacturing companies. The first thing that had to change in her company when Patricia moved into the manufacturing industry. How the culture in Patricia’s company has changed as she’s implemented improvements. The challenges of adding employees to an older company. The roadblocks experienced as the company experienced its re-growing pains. What Patricia believes will be the next steps in the growth of Matrix IV. Links mentioned on this episode   Part 1 of the conversation with Patricia Miller - http://www.makingchips.com/mc026-40-year-old-manufacturing-startup-with-patricia-miller-of-matrix-iv-podcast/   Patricia’s company - Matrix IV - http://www.matrixiv.com/   Episode 18 with Ray Ziganta http://www.makingchips.com/the-third-place-for-engineers-with-ray-ziganto-mc018-podcast/   Episode 22 - Create your corporate snapshot http://www.makingchips.com/taking-your-corporate-snapshot-podcast-mc022/   www.MakingChips.com/contact   Or call us at 312-725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   Is my #manufacturing company a positive experience for my customers? http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516   Learn to market your #manufacturing company without a #marketing degree http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516   A #thankyounote is one of the most powerful messages you can send to your customers http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516   Change produces hope, even in the #manufacturing industry http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516   Changing the culture in your manufacturing shop is hard, but worth it http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516   Why #change is a great ally for #manufacturing companies that want to grow http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=516

Marketing is an important part of any business. It’s got to be because it’s how you let people know who you are and what you do. That’s something that can never change. But the WAY you marketing has GOT to change. Why? Because the world we live in changes. People are repulsed or attracted by different things today than they were even a few years ago. Marketing has got to flex with the times.   In this episode of Making Chips, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger walk you through their personal mindset about marketing for the manufacturing industry, focusing on the top old-school marketing tactics that don’t work in the modern era. Some of them are seen as “staples” of good marketing but simply don’t yield results and wind up wasting money. Listen in to find out what they are.   A peek into this episode: Interruption marketing. Do you know what that is? Do you know why it’s probably the WORST way to get attention for your manufacturing business? And do you know if you’re doing it or not? If you didn’t know what it was in the first place, chances are you are still doing it. Listen in to this episode to learn how to modify your marketing tactics so you can be more effective in generating interest in your services and products.   Do you use the Yellow Pages to market your business? Jim and Jason beleive the good old YP are a thing of the past as well. The ways people search for information have gone increasingly online and less toward print. The advent of smartphone technology is making that more true every day. The money you spend for those expensive yellow pages ads could be money wasted. Jim and Jason will explain it in the episode.   In manufacturing news, there’s a growing need for skilled, quality people in the manufacturing industry. Opportunities are abundant and more are popping up every day. There’s plenty of room for advancement and good salaries. Listen to this episode of Making Chips to find out more details about this great opportunity.   All this and more on this episode of Making Chips! . Here’s the outline of the conversation   The possibility of sponsorship opportunities for the Making Chips podcast. News items: Quality people needed in the manufacturing industry. No more interruption marketing - do you know what that means? What about the yellow pages and manufacturing directories? Should you really be in there? Are you a spammer? You might be surprised. General radio advertisements. Line cards, facilities lists, and brochures - do you need them? What is permission-based marketing? It’s the new way marketing works today. Do you know what inbound marketing is? You need to. Jim and Jason’s personal top No-No’s of traditional marketing.   Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com/contact Or call us at 312-725-0245

That’s what Patricia Miller’s professional associates told her when she started investigating the possibility of taking over her family business after she’d already pursued and been successful at a career that included marketing, corporate leadership, and politics. Put yourself in her shoes and you’ll probably understand why they said what they did. She’d already experienced many perks that manufacturing leaders seldom do. Travel, posh offices, important connections - yet, she says her heart and her home pulled her back to take over her grandfather’s failing manufacturing business.   Welcome to Making Chips - THE podcast for manufacturing leaders and those involved in the manufacturing industry. Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring you these shows week after week to help you keep on top of what’s happening in the manufacturing industry and to equip you to be the leader of your company as you desire to be.   Today the guys are talking with Patricia Miller in what is likely part one of a two part conversation. Patricia’s story is anything but typical. Though she was surrounded by the world of manufacturing as a child, spending time around her grandparent’s very successful machine shop, she never felt a draw to be “in” the family business. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams and she did exactly that. But when her grandfather retired and his health failed, Patricia was at a juncture in her own life where she was choosing her next step. Suddenly, the option of taking over her grandparent’s business was a very real possibility that she’d not considered before.   In this episode of Making Chips you’re going to hear Patricia’s story of moving out of the corporate world to take over a manufacturing business that she admits was “stuck in the 70s” and on its last leg. It’s a story that testifies to the value and importance of long-time manufacturing operations and the leadership abilities of one amazing lady.   Grab your coffee, turn up the volume, and join Jim, Jason, and their guest Patricia Miller, CEO of Matrix IV as they discuss the process of moving a old-school manufacturing business into the modern era. On this episode of Making Chips.   . Here’s the outline of the conversation with Patricia   The story of Matrix IV, beginning with Patricia’s grandfather and grandmother Patricia’s experience as a child being around the world of manufacturing Patricia’s education led her into corporate leadership, politics, pharmaceuticals, and everything BUT manufacturing Patricia’s opportunity to take over the leadership of Matrix IV and how she came to that decision The realization that the company was stuck in the 1970s and what Patricia did about it The first steps toward rejuvenating a tired, old business How 400% growth since Patricia’s arrival is spurring the business forward   Links mentioned on this episode   Patricia’s company - Matrix IV - http://www.matrixiv.com/   An article from “Plastics News” describing what Patricia has done with Matrix IV - http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20141212/NEWS/141219962/new-leader-gives-molder-a-spark   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter & podcast posts automatically (your information is never given to anyone else).   You can leave a comment or add to the discussion on this episode by visiting http://www.MakingChips.com/25   Or call us at 312-725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   Old-school manufacturing has to move into the modern age. It’s a new day http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490   My family encouraged me not to come back and take over the family business http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490   I had done the things I wanted to do and decided to consider taking over the family business http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490   90% of the business had gone offshore before I took over the leadership http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490   I decided to take over this family business that was 6 months from having no cash http://www.MakingChips.com/?p=490

It’s a manufacturing renaissance   Where do you typically find the best employees for your manufacturing company? How do you go about finding them? As you’ll hear from Jim and Jason’s stories in this podcast episode, everyone gets into the business through a different path. But the guys believe there’s a huge reservoir of future manufacturing leaders in High School students.   Why High School students? Because they represent an untapped, teachable, ready-to-train class of workers who are in need of what the manufacturing industry has to offer. The shortage of qualified, motivated manufacturing workers illustrates how shop owners have to look outside the normal places to find workers who can not only get busy making chips, but can also become the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow. High School students might just fit that bill for you.   A manufacturing renaissance is happening here and now. It’s once again possible for a person working in the manufacturing industry to earn an income that can comfortably support an entire family and establish that family in society for years to come. It’s not about the dusty, dirty shop floor of your grandfather’s day. It’s a new day, a new, technically challenging opportunity for those who are willing to seize it.   Another reason you should look to High Schools for your next manufacturing leader is because of how the manufacturing career path stacks up against college. The average college student will leave school without a specific skill set, will enter their chosen career field at the very bottom rung, and will do so with a load of financial debt that will take years to repay. By contrast, the manufacturing industry has high paying jobs available now that the average High School graduate can take advantage of. They’ll move up faster and avoid accumulating the debt often associated with higher education or specialized training (the training is paid for by their employer in many cases).   Rethink your hiring process. Reconsider the places to get your employees and the future leaders in your company. Your business needs quality employees who are motivated to move up the ladder of success and your local High School may be the very best place to find exactly that. The manufacturing renaissance is here. Will you be a part of it? Here’s a teaser: the 6 qualities every future manufacturing leader must have   The ability to pass a drug test. Dependability. A basic understanding of High School math. Communication skills - this one is HUGE! Familiarity with manufacturing (Mechanical aptitude). The desire to receive further training and certification. . Here’s the outline of the conversation about   Jim and Jason’s personal paths into the manufacturing business and how they became manufacturing leaders. Questions about a new or additional podcast. What do you think? Contact us to let us know. 312-725-0245 Jim and Jason travel to San Diego soon - connect with them to find out how you can connect while you’re there. 312-725-0245 The historical background of American prosperity and domestic stability as it relates to the manufacturing industry. The very real shortage of qualified, motivated manufacturing leaders in the modern day. Why Jim and Jason feel High School students are the ideal pool from which to draw your future manufacturing leaders. Why the manufacturing industry demands a higher quality of worker. 6 qualities every future manufacturing leader should have. How the college path compares with the path into manufacturing. How a High School grad could outpace college students through manufacturing, making better money and starting with little to no debt. Jim’s pros and cons of hiring a High School student or graduate to become a manufacturing role of leadership. Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter & podcast posts automatically (your information is never given to anyone else).   You can leave a comment or add to the discussion on this episode by visiting http://www.MakingChips.com/25   Or call us at 312-725-0245

If you are a manufacturing leader and you are not on LinkedIn, you don’t exist. - Jim Carr   That’s how strongly Jim feels about the power of having a presence on LinkedIn. It’s not just for job-seekers, it’s for anyone who wants to engage in dialogue and exchange of information in a business niche. Manufacturing is one of those and you might be surprised at the amount of information flowing back and forth behind the scenes through the LinkedIn network.   In this episode, Jim and Jason are going to walk you through 6 reasons you need to be on LinkedIn if you are (or want to be) a leader in the manufacturing industry. Some of these may seem like common sense, but others will surprise you.   Don’t neglect the conversations that are already happening on LinkedIn. You never know when you’re going to have the opportunity to get involved in a conversation, provide an answer to a question from your area of expertise, and as a result become known as a leader in your niche of the industry. That puts you on the radar of more people which eventually translates into sales, consulting and speaking opportunities, and who knows what else.   To top off the episode the guys are going to fill you in on 7 quick ways you can get started with LinkedIn (or get restarted) that will make it easy and smooth.   You owe it to yourself and to your company to create a strong LinkedIn profile and get involved in the conversations going on within the manufacturing industry on LinkedIn. It’s free, it takes only a small amount of time, and can be leveraged to great value in your manufacturing business. Listen in on this episode of MakingChips to find out how you can ramp up your LinkedIn activity and benefit your business. . Here’s the outline of the conversation about   Manufacturing news updates Why LinkedIn is a powerful tool for manufacturing leaders Relevancy matters - putting yourself on the radar of others in the industry Connect with business partners Building a digital “rolodex” Create a platform for “thought leadership” in the manufacturing industry Share what you do and create engagement with others in the industry Drive traffic, inquiries, and sales How to get started or restarted on LinkedIn (7 helpful tips)   Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter & podcast posts automatically (your information is never given to anyone else).   You can leave a comment or add to the discussion on this episode by visiting http://www.MakingChips.com/23   Or call us at 312- 725-0245

If you don’t know how to calculate SFPM, you’re losing money!   Every now and then we like to go to square one to discuss some fundamental issues surrounding the work done in the average machine shop. This episode is one of those episodes. Jim and Jason are talking SFPM - Surface Feet Per Minute in this episode. If you don’t understand what SFPM is, or if you don’t know how to calculate it, you need to listen in to this episode.   Properly calculating SFPM is a fundamental machine shop skill that enables you to do a handful of very important things:   You’re able to optimize the work-flow of your shop. You do that by maximizing the rate at which you are making chips. This results in more money being made per minute. It also saves tools, materials, and time.   Every machinist, from novice to experienced must understand how to calculate Surface Feet Per Minute in order to do the very best job with every piece of material and with every tool. Without this knowledge they will wear out tools, destroy materials, and ultimately cost the company money, simply because of ignorance of this fundamental skill.   In this episode of Making Chips Jim and Jason also give some examples of how they go about managing the issue of SFPM in their shops, including the kind of conversations they have with employees about SFPM, how they can tell if SFPM has not been calculated accurately, and how to do the actual math to determine a proper SFPM number for the material and tools being used.   Yep, it’s basics. But the basics are important. So get ready to review (or learn for the first time) on this episode of Making Chips. Here’s the outline of the conversation about corporate snapshots Making Chips is going on the road the summer of 2015. Why surface feet per minute is important for every machinist to understand. How to find the SFPM for the materials and tools you are using. The problems that can happen if you don’t understand SFPM. How a misunderstanding of Surface Feet Per Minute can cost your company. Calculating RPM for the material you are using. How do you know if you’ve calculated SFPM accurately? How Jim manages his employees regarding Surface Feet Per Minute. The risks of SFPM mismatches. Using the RPM to to calculate the feed rate based on the tool being used. How IPR (inches per revolution) relates to SFPM. The optimization of your workflow through proper use of SFPM in your shop. Training entry level machinists to properly calculate Surface Feet Per Minute. Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter & podcast posts automatically (your information is never given to anyone else).   You can leave a comment or add to the discussion on this episode by visiting http://www.MakingChips.com/23   Or call us at 312- 725-0245 Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   If you’re not making chips, you’re not making money   If your machinists don’t know how to calculate surface feet per minute, you’re losing money   Why is surface feet per minute (SFPM) such an important calculation for your job shop?   How to find SFPM (surface feet per minute) in your machine shop.   How do you know if you’ve calculated SFPM (surface feet per minute) accurately?

  A corporate snapshot that has nothing to do with a camera!   Shop owners know what they do because they do it every day. But how do you communicate your areas of specialty and expertise in a concise, powerful way so that your prospective clients are able to get it right off? That’s what a corporate snapshot is for.   In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason invite 3 guests into the study who specialize in helping businesses create their very own corporate snapshot. Their guests are Jule Poulos (a previous guest from episode 19 of Making Chips), Ray Ziganto (another previous guest - episode 18 of Making Chips), and Jon Baklund (yet another previous guest - Making Chips episode 21).   Here’s a brief summary of 4 important questions that a corporate snapshot should answer:   What we do as a company Who we are as a company Who we serve as a company Why we do what we do better   When you’re able to clearly and accurately define and express those 4 key issues about your company you unlock the power to do a couple of very powerful things… You’re equipping your employees to become “sales people” through a clear vision of what you do as a company. You’re able to more quickly identify your target clients and engage them in relevant conversations about their needs. You’re better able to serve your clients through knowing exactly what your services can do to meet their needs.   This episode of Making Chips is full of practical, powerful advice about why you need your own corporate snapshot and how you can develop one. Listen in to the conversation to get started on your own corporate snapshot! Here’s the outline of the conversation about corporate snapshots   Introduction of the guests on this episode: Julie, Ray, and Jim. Metalworking tools. The number one tool in your toolbox - a corporate snapshot. The objective of a corporate snapshot. How a corporate snapshot is the “home” for your elevator pitch. 4 crucial components of a corporate snapshot - What we do - Who we are - Who we serve - Why we do it better. Defining each of those 4 points in order to determine your marketing approach and target your message. How a corporate snapshot empowers your employees to serve the customer. Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter   http://www.bi-link.com Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   The number one tool in your toolbox is a corporate snapshot. Find out more on this episode.   A corporate snapshot empowers your employees to serve the customer.   Do you know the 4 crucial components of a corporate snapshot?   What is a corporate snapshot and why do you need one? On this episode of Making Chips Briefly and powerfully tell the who, what, why of your company with a corporate snapshot

Today Jason and Jim are coming to you from Chicago, the “Windy City!” They are there because they’re chatting with Jon Baklund, a veteran tool and die maker who started in the manufacturing industry when he was 19. His father still works in the shop daily, and his wife works in the business as well - so it’s a true “family” business. His business, Baklund R & D is heavily involved in #d printing, which is a very intriguing new aspect of the manufacturing industry.   3D printing is a newer technology that is truly going to be a game-changer in the manufacturing industry. It’s one of those things that old-school folks may feel an urge to resist but our advice is to jump on board the train because it’s going to be moving out! Jon Baklund has one 3D printer in his shop, an environmentally controlled device that allows him to make virtually any shape part with any interior shape imaginable. He says you have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing, and we agree.   3D printing machines on the scale Jon uses are pretty pricey - his machine cost his company right around $160,000.00. But he says it’s well worth it. The specialty niche it has enabled him to carve out for himself has been a huge benefit to the company and when others begin to get on board the “3D printing train” he will be one of the veterans in the space.   We wrap up this episode with two “off topic” pieces that should give you some great value. Jon’s approach to the internet and social media activity from a business perspective (he’s great at it, so take some notes) How Jon and his wife are able to work together day in and day out without problems.   Listen in… you’ll enjoy this episode of Making Chips! Here’s the outline of the episode   Introduction of Jon Baklund. Manufacturing news - The U.S.A. is the “hotspot” for Aerospace manufacturing. A 3D printing overview - from the perspective of an end-user (Jon) How Jon is adding additional services to his company’s 3D printing The cost of materials used in a 3D printing machine - it’s comparatively inexpensive! Typical tolerance levels in 3D printing and how Jon is getting better tolerances through some custom modifications. Thinking from the inside-out in 3D printing. How Jon determines billing for 3D printing jobs. What kind of oversight does a 3D printer require? The importance of an environmentally controlled 3D printer. What is the cost of a good 3D printing machine? Jon’s approach to the internet and social media for business. How Jon and his wife are able to work together day after day in the business. Jim’s summary of his take-aways from this episode. Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter   Jon’s website - www.jonbaklund.com   The work-holding device Jon has developed - www.jonbaklund.com/baklund-workholding-llc/   Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   The U.S.A. is the “hotspot” for Aerospace manufacturing. Find out more in today’s news segment   You have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing   Did you know you can add additional services to 3D printing to maximize profit?   How 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry: this episode of Making Chips   3D printing is the train of the future for manufacturing. Will you get on board?   SOCIAL MEDIA BLURBS   3D printing machines on the scale Jon uses are pretty pricey - his machine cost his company right around $160,000.00. But he says it’s well worth it. The specialty niche it has enabled him to carve out for himself has been a huge benefit to the company and when others begin to get on board the “3D printing train” he will be one of the veterans in the space. Listen to this episode of Making Chips to hear Jon’s story.   3D printing is a newer technology that is truly going to be a game-changer in the manufacturing industry. It’s one of those things that old-school folks may feel an urge to resist but our advice is to jump on board the train because it’s going to be moving out! Jon Baklund has one 3D printer in his shop, an environmentally controlled device that allows him to make virtually any shape part with any interior shape imaginable. He says you have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing, and we agree. Hear Jon’s story on this episode of Making Chips.

This is a hot topic edition where Jim is asking Jason about vending systems for the machine shop. You may have the impression that vending machines are just for the huge companies that crank out bazillions of widgets every day. But is that true? You’re going to find out that and a ton more about machine shop vending systems in this episode of Making Chips.   There are many misconceptions about vending systems and much resistance to the idea that a small shop could actually benefit from using them, but Jason Zenger knows better. He’s been able to place systems in a variety of settings, from small to large shops and has seen the benefit in even the smallest settings.   The reason for that is simple: The cost for vending systems has dropped as the technology has increased, making the power of vending systems more affordable for the little guy. Vending systems also enable you to keep track of tool and supply usage, which in turn tells you which employees are using what items so that you can make more informed adjustments to your systems or procedures as needed. Just imagine the savings of ensuring that every part is being used to its fullest capacity! The major objectives of implementing a vending system in your shop:   Reduction in Spending Increased Productivity Increased Profitability   If it doesn’t make sense to you how those benefits come from installing and using a vending system in your shop, you need to listen in as Jason shares his experience as a representative for some vending system companies. What the guys have to say about vending systems in this episode...   Major objectives of having a vending system in your shop - 3 powerful reasons. The history of modern vending systems for the machine shop. Aren’t vending systems geared more for huge manufacturers? How to use vending systems in a small machine shop. The sizes of vending machines and how to fit them into your shop. Partnering with someone to help you manage the vending system so it doesn’t take over your schedule. What types of supplies and tools can work with a vending system? The process of bringing on a vending system and the importance of your vending partner. Best practice software issues relating to your machine shop vending system. The increasing popularity of vending systems. 3 ways small companies can benefit from vending systems. Listener questions   Jim and Jason are also happy to highlight questions from listeners on this episode. You can ask your question for this section of the podcast by call 1-312-725-0245 and leave your message on the recording.   Here’s today’s questions:   How important is it for a manufacturing company to have a clean, updated, and functional website?   What are buyers looking for when searching for a new supplier? Links mentioned on this episode   www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter Something to look forward to…   Making Chips is going on the road! Stay tuned for more details. Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems   Machine shop vending systems for the little guys… it’s not only possible, it’s a reality.   You don’t have to be a huge shop to afford and benefit from vending systems. Find out more in this episode.   Track your supplies and tools more effectively, and keep more profit on the bottom line.   Vending systems can reduce spending, increase productivity, and increase profit, even in small machine shops.   Your machine shop can function more smoothly and profitably by using a vending system. Find out how in this episode.

In this episode, we interview Julie Poulos about the brand image of your manufacturing company and why strategy is most important.  Being “the best kept secret” should NOT be your goal.  Julie tells us why starting with a new website or a new logo is NOT the right first step. Marketing Steps: 1. Competitive Analysis 2. Interviews 3. Online Analytics 4. Influencer Identification (Defining Your Buyer Types) 5. Develop the Plan Jim and I want you to be equipped when you are having a discussion with a firm to help you with marketing or your e-Strategy. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss multiple articles that cite a slow down in business for the beginning of 2015. About MakingChips MakingChips is a weekly podcast that will equip leaders in the metalworking manufacturing industry with valuable content to utilize in their career and business. What makes MakingChips unique is the fact that we are in the trenches getting dirty, leading, managing, designing, solving problems and pushing productivity.  MakingChips is here for us to report back from the factory floor to tell you what worked and what didn’t work…we tell you the mistakes we made and what we are excited to try.  We want to understand your problems and leverage this community to find a solution. Our goal is to equip manufacturing leaders and for those leaders to influence others in the manufacturing industry. From Jim: I'm the owner of CARR Machine & Tool, Inc., a 2nd generation high precision CNC machine shop utilizing 3 and 4 axis CNC Machining Centers. I’ve been at this a long time and ! know machining like the back of my hand. Our company specialty is short to medium run jobs where we consistently hold tolerances of ± .0005 utilizing state-of-the-art tooling - which I get from Jason! From Jason: I'm the president of ZENGERS, a 3rd generation industrial supply company. I direct our team of metalworking specialists to decrease costs and increase productivity of our metalworking customers by applying the best tooling for the job and utilizing tool crib management technology. Subscribe and Follow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakingChipsPodcast Twitter: http://twitter.com/Making_Chips Instagram: http://instagram.com/MakingChips Website: http://MakingChips.com

In this episode, we interview Ray Zaganto, who created a new concept called “The Hardware Store” for reaching his customers by being innovative, thinking outside the box and finding the Alpha Engineer. Your "first place" is your home.  Your ”second place" is the workplace.  The “third place” is another location that connects you into a community and facilitates creative interaction. A lot of companies do not have the resources to outfit a standalone location and create a third place, but as Ray said: “Make Your Shop a Destination.” In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an episode of the TV show, “The Good Wife” in relation to an episode about 3D printing. About MakingChips MakingChips is a weekly podcast that will equip leaders in the metalworking manufacturing industry with valuable content to utilize in their career and business. What makes MakingChips unique is the fact that we are in the trenches getting dirty, leading, managing, designing, solving problems and pushing productivity.  MakingChips is here for us to report back from the factory floor to tell you what worked and what didn’t work…we tell you the mistakes we made and what we are excited to try.  We want to understand your problems and leverage this community to find a solution. Our goal is to equip manufacturing leaders and for those leaders to influence others in the manufacturing industry. From Jim: I'm the owner of CARR Machine & Tool, Inc., a 2nd generation high precision CNC machine shop utilizing 3 and 4 axis CNC Machining Centers. I’ve been at this a long time and know machining like the back of my hand. Our company specialty is short to medium run jobs where we consistently hold tolerances of ± .0005 utilizing state-of-the-art tooling - which I get from Jason! From Jason: I'm the president of ZENGERS, a 3rd generation industrial supply company. I direct our team of metalworking specialists to decrease costs and increase productivity of our metalworking customers by applying the best tooling for the job and utilizing tool crib management technology.

In this episode, we interview Michael Magliano, an industrial real estate broker from Cushman & Wakefield, about strategies for buying, selling and leasing industrial real estate. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article that asks the question: “What Do Manufacturing Workers Want From Their Employer.”

In this episode, we interview Ray Ziganto, President of Bi-Link, a global manufacturing company about his take-aways from the Crain’s Manufacturing Summit. • How does a manufacturing company stay on the leading edge? • How do you re-think manufacturing education? • Start with small steps. Cary Wood, President, Chief Executive Officer, Board Member of Sparton, talks about how to train and relate to the new workforce generation and why his turnover is so low. Dr. David Boulay, President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), discusses how public-private partnerships like IMEC support small and midsize manufacturing companies.  For more information on organizations like this, search for US Department of Commerce Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Dave Szczupak, Executive Vice President of Whirlpool, discusses the importance of local manufacturing companies to their supply chain and workforce development for the new generation.  Dave also tells us about the FIRST Robotics Competition for the youngest future generation of manufacturing. Jim Schultz, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, discusses the importance of manufacturing to state commerce and how he is collaborating with his peers in other states. MakingChips.com/BiLink

What are the 3 most important actions that manufacturers can take now to improve their utilization of CAM software?  In this episode, we interview Matt Sump with ShopWare, one the top resellers of MasterCAM Software.  Jim answers the question: If you put 10 machinist in a shop and gave them a piece of material and a print, how many different ways will they produce that part? We discuss: • Latest trends in CAM software • How tool paths are calculated • Radial chip thinning • Most efficient amount of material removal • Surface feet per minute • Spindle speed • Utilizing a tooling database in CAM software • Machine utilization • Dynamic Machining versus High Speed Machining • Improving machining hydraulic manifolds using CAM software • Utilizing Dynamic Tool Paths • Automating existing processes with macros • Going beyond the basics by automating ! We briefly talk about the history of how MakingChips was started. !! In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article declaring that US manufacturing is going extinct.  I’m going to state it here: if you remove manufacturing from the US Economy, the United States will lose 30% of its GDP. ShopWare http://www.shopwareinc.com Matt Sump www.linkedin.com/in/mattsump/en

In this episode, Jim and I discuss how you can receive grant money to expand your manufacturing business.  We specifically discuss the Federal TAAF Grant that Jim was awarded, the process that he went through, the reimbursed expenses and how he coupled two programs together. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms  MakingChips.com/TAAF In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article in the LA Times that states manufacturing is slower to grow in California than any other state in the USA.  The main factor for slow growth in California is the cost of doing business in the state. We have 2 questions for you: 1. Have you been successful receiving grant money?  If so, please share your story in the comments for this episode. 2. Would you like us to share more information associated with grant money, so you can take advantage of this under-utilized resource?

Roberts Swiss, a 60 year old manufacturer of Precision Swiss Machined Parts. Fernando gives actionable advise to others who are not born into privilege and do not have a lot of resources, but desire to seek advancement starting from the ground floor. Fernando attributes his career success to: • Taking advantage of learning from every possible resource - including the people who stood in his way • Tackling large projects • Questioning the WHY behind business processes • Working hard and doing the right thing • Being the conduit of change • Realizing challenges as opportunities for growth • Bringing a culture of excellence • Grace In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article that stated US Stocks started the year mixed because manufacturing growth stalled in December, which proves that manufacturing makes a huge difference to the US economy. #ManufacturingMatters

When should the owners of a business start succession planning? NOW! In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article stating that slow manufacturing growth doesn’t matter to the economy.

Should you implement Robotics into your company? In this episode we interview Brian Panek from Panek Precision about robotics. We discuss the basics of robotics, how it has changed his manufacturing and the culture of his company. PanekPrecision.com LinkedIn.com/in/brianpanek Universal Robots In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss that MakingChips has been featured on iTunes New & Noteworthy, which is a huge accomplishment. We would like to thank our listeners for their feedback and support.

Who is in your network? In this episode we discuss the power of networking and how to properly cultivate relationships in your industry. Join MakingChips at the 3rd Annual Crain’s Midwest Manufacturers Summit. Crain’s Manufacturing Summit 1. Networking is a long term process 2. Should you stalk them on LinkedIn? 3. When you think that it is time for the hard sell…wait. 4. Ask for an introduction. 5. Stay within a particular circle. 6. Don't forget follow up, but don’t hard sell. 7. Offer free advise. 8. Look for commonality. 9. Collect business cards. 10. Connect on LinkedIn. 11. Give before you expect to receive. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss Forbes 30 under 30 in Manufacturing. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Lenox Circtech Precision Circular Saw Blades. More manufacturing companies are replacing band saw applications with with machines that use cermet tipped circular saw blades.

What is the right method for getting paid for your work? This is a subject that both Jim and I were reluctant to talk about; however, our goal is to bring the Metalworking Nation together as a community to talk about topics that people are afraid to bring up. What are your typical terms? Do you offer payment via credit card? Should you require a credit card for initial orders? Do you have a defined credit terms policy? If you are agreeing to an OEM contract that stipulates 90-120 day terms, are you considering the financing rate and including that in the price that you charge for the product or service? “Somebody has to pay it!” What is our approach to collecting? When do “put on the heat”? Do you use collection agencies? In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit that transitions veterans into civilian jobs with a focus on manufacturing training. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Z-Cut, a line of USA Made standard and highperformance end mills, drills and taps.

Years ago, most businesses did not have a vision or a mission for their companies. It was simply a matter of “blocking and tackling” your team through wins as the company grew (you buy more machines as the customers come). Now, most businesses are caught up in the Wall Street mindset that if you are not growing, you are dying. Should every manufacturing company have this mindset or can we do better? Do you have at least a loose vision or mission for your company? Where do you see the company in 5 years or in 10 years? How do you define staying where you are? - # of machines, sales, profit, employees, customers? for JZ, a couple metrics: sales, profit, # of vending integration systems that we are serving, customer retention Do prospective customers look at your business in terms of size and gage whether they want to do business with you? The wrong ways to grow 1. Using supplier credit to grow and not having a financing plan for growth • Instead: Have a financing plan for growth, talk to your bank, and learn about the proper way to borrow money in order to achieve your goals. 2. Taking on low margin business to build your business or to just get in the door • What happens? • Can’t make money on the job • Late on the job ! • Quality is subpar • Can’t do the job efficiently End-users have become smarter about this and many are now working with their existing suppliers to find out where they can partner and be strategic to remove costs out of the manufacturing processes (another good subject for the future). In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss women in manufacturing (again). There is a push in the Milwaukee market for welders. A 24 year old single mother with no intention to get into manufacturing is pitched to pursue a manufacturing career. ”This is so cool, I am actually creating my own art.” She is enjoying what she is creating, making good money and able to support her family. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss the Widia Victory versus Value lines and why a company would utilize this model.

The image is that manufacturing is a dirty, physical, turning-cranks, labor intensive job, but the facts is that the machining industry is one of the most technological forward and innovative industries. In this seventh episode, Jim and I discuss how the industry has changed along with machine and software technology. Jim tells an interesting stories about when his dad ran the shop and one of his machinist screwed up a part, which you can’t do nowadays and I throw out how old I was when Jim started in the industry. More high schools are teaching manufacturing skills. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss how Wheeling High School (Wheeling, IL) has been turning out hire-ready manufacturing students for the last six years. Part of Germany’s education model is that a 15 year old will enter into an internship whereby manufacturing is one of the top choices. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss the advantages of thread milling: control the size, breakage, tool life.

Are international standards important for your company or your partners? In this sixth episode, Jim and I discuss standards and the impact of ISO on his company. We discuss the specific standards of ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) & OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety). Fun Facts: ISO, the International Organization of Standards, has 3 official languages (English, French & Russian). ISO is derived from the Greek isos, meaning equal. The International Organization for Standards is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and is associated with the United Nations. Should you hire an outside consultant to outline a plan and help you along the process? What can ISO do for your business culture? Every company is going to be different, but Jim discusses his annual cost of ISO renewal and the amount of time that his staff spends on ISO per week. How does the ISO champion interact with other employees? In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss the Multi Jet Fusion Printer, a 3D printer from HP. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss straight flute reamers versus spiral flute reamers and left hand versus right hand spiral flute reamers.

Is there a plan in place at your company if a top employee, such as the president or owner dies? Episode five is the first in a new interview format on MakingChips. In this fifth episode, we talk to Stacey Bales about her story of taking over as President of Bales Mold Service (recently rebranded as Bales Metal Surface Solutions). The first reaction from the bank is “How are we going to liquidate?” Who takes over when multiple family members are involved and no succession plan has been setup? Major issues arise, such as trust among family members - when there is no succession plan, family members will fight out their new roles instead of moving into the proper roles right away. The family needs to establish that they are all on the same team and not out for themselves. “Be very transparent with the person that you believe is coming up.” The owner of every manufacturing company should be transparent about how they want to handle the succession of their company and have a vision about where they want the company to go. Stacey Bales is the 2nd generation owner and President of Bales Metal Surface Solutions. Bales provides engineered coating and finishes to mold makers and OEMs. They have locations in Illinois and Texas. In addition, Stacey is on the Board of Directors of the TMA (Technology and Manufacturing Association) and President of AESF (American Electro & Surface Finishers). In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss a news article about the City of Atlanta. They are short on manufacturing skilled labor resulting in six figure incomes for certain positions. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Southwestern Industries (CNC Technology for Small Lot Machining). Southwestern machines are intended to produce small lots of parts, so you can go from programming to producing parts much quicker than traditional CNC lathes and mills with easy to use ProtoTRAK programming.  

Do you go to the bar or do you take action?  Jason and Jim will step you through 11 points to consider WHEN the recession hits the Metalworking Nation.  Yes, this subject is a bummer, but MakingChips is going to Equip Manufacturing Leaders no matter the subject. Women in manufacturing Yoda says “No!  Try not.  Do or Do Not.  There is no try” 1.      Pay attention to your cash flow – like a hawk – know the numbers. 2.      Talk to your staff and be honest about what is going on. 3.      Be honest with your partners. 4.      Know your core competency and stick to your business model. 5.      Minimize purchasing and reduce expenses – can you insource any of your services? 6.      Lower your overhead. 7.      Minimize your labor costs (OT) – make strategic decisions sooner rather than later. 8.      Realize your capacity level. 9.      Negotiate with banks. 10.   Negotiate with your landlord.   11.   Capitalize on opportunities.

This episode is about tactics for manufacturing companies WHEN the recession hits.  That’s right, I said WHEN, not IF.  If there is one thing that nobody understands, it’s our economy.  There is little evidence of a recession proof economy, so we need to spend some time discussing how to better prepare. Are you ready for a recession? 1.      Do you have a diversified customer base? 2.      Maintain proper overhead (building ego). 3.      Review your debt – did those decisions result in a return? 4.      Strategic purchase of capital equipment a.      Measure your ROI b.      Invest in technology to stay productive and ahead of the competition c.      Don’t spend money just for a write off…have a strategic reason d.      Should you pay cash or get a loan? 5.      Does your company provide a critical part or service that is recession proof? 6.      Is your customer base recession proof or vulnerable?   7.      Is your product or process difficult to replicate or will your customers be looking to lower their costs?

IMTS started as The First National Machine Tool Builders Exposition in Cleveland in 1927. Post WWII, the show moved to Chicago in 1955. What is the IMTS hangover? What did you learn at IMTS that you can take back to your business?   What is the best way to prepare for a show, such as IMTS?

Do social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others matter to the manufacturing industry?  We will discuss WHY you should be on social media, WHAT platforms to consider, and HOW to get started. SEO Brand Awareness Thought Leadership Influencing a New Generation Social Media Platforms How often? What is the process? What should you do first? Social Media PPC   Jim’s eBook “Social Media in Manufacturing”