Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
416 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratingsManufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation. Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types. It’s hosted by Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, two multi-generational manufacturing leaders, and they’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more. Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.
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Episodes
How to Adapt CNC Training for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders - Part 1, 412
June 14, 2024 17:00 - 34 minutes - 25.1 MBHow 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] Ach...
MakingSparks: Women in Welding, 411
June 07, 2024 19:00 - 38 minutes - 30.1 MBDid 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 Voe...
MFG News Special: Where are We at with the Reshoring Initiative? 410
May 31, 2024 17:00 - 44 minutes - 36.2 MBWhere 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 Insti...
Lights Out: A Samurai's Journey to Automation, 409
May 24, 2024 20:00 - 46 minutes - 37.8 MBCan 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 p...
How Can Manufacturing Leaders Measure Their Customer Relationships? 408
May 18, 2024 17:00 - 33 minutes - 27.8 MBWhether 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, y...
MakingSparks: Why Numbers are Important for Your Manufacturing Business | Mike Payne Part 2, 407
May 10, 2024 17:00 - 41 minutes - 33.5 MBYou 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 th...
MakingSparks: Oklahoma Meets Indiana - A Manufacturing Chat with Mike Payne Part 1, 406
May 03, 2024 19:00 - 37 minutes - 30.8 MBMike 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 c...
Should You Use a Recruiter to Find Your Next Manufacturing Leader? 405
April 26, 2024 17:00 - 46 minutes - 37.9 MBAre 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. Becau...
The Journey from Scan to CAD to Part at Hill Manufacturing, 404
April 19, 2024 17:00 - 33 minutes - 27.6 MBMy 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 reve...
Are You Putting Too Much Trust in Your Supply Chain? 403
April 12, 2024 17:00 - 38 minutes - 31.6 MBHow 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...
How Businesses Can Collaborate with Technical Education, 402
April 02, 2024 17:00 - 37 minutes - 30.5 MBWhat 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 collaborat...
SZN1: Should Women Entrepreneurs Choose the Manufacturing Industry? 401
March 29, 2024 17:00 - 40 minutes - 32.9 MBPOV: 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 entrepre...
Lights Out: How to Prioritize Flexibility when You Invest in Automation, 400
March 22, 2024 17:00 - 36 minutes - 29.6 MBPOV: 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 ...
Do We Need More Manufacturing Entrepreneurs? 399
March 12, 2024 17:00 - 43 minutes - 35.8 MBThere 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 busines...
MakingSparks: Staying Connected through Your Front Line Leaders Part 2, 398
March 05, 2024 18:00 - 29 minutes - 24.6 MBHow 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 Ulti...
MakingSparks: Growing Shop Floor Front Line Leaders Part 1, 397
February 27, 2024 18:00 - 27 minutes - 22.3 MBHow 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 fa...
MakingSparks: Manufacturing Precision and Processes with BWXT GM Nate Foote, 396
February 20, 2024 18:00 - 38 minutes - 31.3 MBBWXT 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 F...
MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395
February 13, 2024 18:00 - 44 minutes - 35.9 MBWhat 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 mo...
An Important Update on Jason Zenger and the Leadership Lessons We Learned from It, 394
February 06, 2024 18:00 - 36 minutes - 29.8 MBOn 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] Mi...
MakingSparks: Expanding and Transitioning a Family Business in Manufacturing with Joe Patterson, 393
January 30, 2024 18:00 - 44 minutes - 36.5 MBEvery 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 so...
MakingSparks: Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2, 392
January 23, 2024 18:00 - 34 minutes - 80 MBcommunication 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...
MakingSparks: Navigating a Family Business in Manufacturing with Tad Dickel Part 1, 391
January 16, 2024 18:00 - 30 minutes - 24.9 MBNix 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 genera...
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 2, 390
January 09, 2024 18:00 - 22 minutes - 18.8 MBCutting 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. Segment...
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 1, 389
January 02, 2024 18:00 - 49 minutes - 40.7 MBAndy 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, t...
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Gratitude with Drew Crowe and Kyle Stoff, 388
December 26, 2023 18:00 - 50 minutes - 41.2 MBKyle 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 auc...
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders Part II, 387
December 19, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 24.1 MBDo 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 m...
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, 386
December 12, 2023 18:00 - 43 minutes - 35.9 MBHow 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 Securi...
How Can the Golden Rule be Applied in Business? with Mike Ruge, 385
December 05, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 34.5 MBWhat 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 ...
BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384
November 29, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MBHow 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 ...
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383
November 22, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 13.9 MBWhy 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] Manufac...
MakingSparks: Why Should a Manufacturing Leader Come to FabTech? 382
November 14, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBWhat 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. – ...
MakingSparks: Part 2: Tactics and Strategies to Use for Recruiting in Manufacturing, 381
November 08, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 33.3 MBRecruiting 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 ...
MakingSparks: Part 1: Embracing Culture to Recruit Top Talent in Fabrication and Manufacturing, 380
November 01, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 24.9 MBMost 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. Seg...
MakingSparks: The Launch of MakingSparks with Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix, 379
October 24, 2023 17:00 - 18 minutes - 15.2 MBMakingSparks 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 n...
Why MakingChips is Sparking a New Show for Fabrication Leaders, 378
October 17, 2023 17:00 - 24 minutes - 20.4 MBAre 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 yo...
SZN1: Diligently Doing "Due Diligence" in Your Next Manufacturing Acquisition, 377
October 10, 2023 17:00 - 21 minutes - 17.9 MBYou’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 mon...
SZN1: The Starting Point in Acquisitions with Matthew Nix, 376
October 03, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 24.2 MBHow 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 no...
Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 2, 375
September 18, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 23.8 MBOnce 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. Bec...
Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 1, 374
September 12, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MBWhat 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 l...
SZN1: What's Going on With the Manufacturing Economy? 373
August 28, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 29.6 MBWhat 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’...
SZN1: What is a Woman Manufacturing Leader? with Nicole Wolter, 372
August 22, 2023 17:00 - 35 minutes - 82.3 MBToday’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...
SZN1: Taking a Lean Leap of Faith Toward Digital Transformation, 371
August 11, 2023 17:00 - 40 minutes - 33.4 MBMany 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...
Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370
July 31, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 22.5 MBHow 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 ...
Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369
July 26, 2023 17:19 - 29 minutes - 24.6 MBWhat 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:...
LIGHTS OUT: How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering the Status Quo with Automation, 368
July 17, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 36.7 MBAre 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 MakingCh...
SZN1: #ThankAMachinist, 367
July 10, 2023 17:00 - 17 minutes - 14.5 MBI 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 V...
How a Passion for the Manufacturing Community Caused This Shop to Transform into a Software Company, 366
July 03, 2023 17:00 - 32 minutes - 27 MBPaul 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 MakingC...
Keys to Maintaining a Manufacturing Leadership Mindset, 365
June 26, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 37 MBHow 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 t...
What Really Sells Machine Tools? 364
June 19, 2023 17:00 - 35 minutes - 29.4 MBWhat 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 Maki...
Bonus Chips: Manufacturing Happy Hour Interviews Jason Zenger & Nick Goellner about Manufacturing Leadership, 363
June 12, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 22.4 MBIn 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] Ho...