Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Finding Your Niche: Right Customer—Right Seat, 314

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 ...

Time Management for the Manufacturing Leader

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...

Manufacturing Lessons from King Richard

“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’r...

Implementing 5S: Simple Tips to Get You Started

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 susta...

Get It Before It’s Gone! How to Extract Wisdom from Your Colleagues Before They Retire

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 lear...

What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist?

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] Beco...

Can You Scale Rapidly After 100 Years of Slow Growth?

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 ...

“People, Process, and Performance" A Special Live Event Interview

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, impl...

Why is Travel so Important for Manufacturing Leaders? A Special MakingTrips Episode

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 tr...

What to Do When an Employee Leaves

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 h...

Bonus Incentive Plans to Drive Action

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] Wh...

Does My Shop Need Middle Management?

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 mana...

Keeping the Culture High in a Virtual World

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 corpo...

Getting a Grip on Workholding Automation and Leading your Elders

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...

What is the Future of MakingChips?

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...

Doubling Down on Your People and Culture in 2022

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 ...

How Manufacturing Leaders Can Have Better Meetings in 2022, 298

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, oc...

What Annual Goals Do For You - Not Just Tips and Tricks, 297

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. ...

Growing Your ESOP to a New Level, 296

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 compan...

What the Great Resignation Means for Manufacturing, 295

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...

Are We Losing Legacy IP at Our Shops?

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 discussi...

Finding Solutions to the Supply Chain Chaos

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. Be...

Should Your Shop be an ESOP?

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 ...

Have You Defined Your Hiring Process? Ep #291

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...

Have You Defined Your Hiring Process?

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! ...

How Do You Forecast the Future of Your Manufacturing Business?

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 lo...

Beware of the Looming Recession

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 Segm...

Why Titan and His Team Moved from California to Texas

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 [1...

Retaining and Training Top Talent with Titans of CNC Academy

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 cr...

How Defeat and Success Has Shaped Titan Gilroy, #286

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 a...

Will the Supply Chain Woes Get Better Anytime Soon?

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...

Are Your Data Requirements Driving Your Employees Away?

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 driv...

What Can Manufacturers Do about this Crazy Labor Market?

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:...

Do I Need a Designer for My Shop Floor? 282

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 ...

Can Networking Change Your Manufacturing Business?

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...

Getting Dirty on the Factory Floor: What Does it Mean and Why Does it Matter?

Cabernet, Coffee and Cancer: A Family Story

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...

What Is CMMC And Why Should You Be Concerned?

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 [...

Selling Your Machine Shop

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 mach...

276: RE-RELEASE: Evolutions in the Workholding Process with Alvin Goellner

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Is Your Shop Protected From Being Hacked? (Cybersecurity Basics)

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...

Behind the Scenes with the Product Manager of Methods Machine Tools

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 n...

10 Steps To Simplify Your AS9100 Credentialing

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...

IMTS 2022 - What's New For You?

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 new...

3 Easy Data Points to Learn From Your Machine

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 Ja...

Product Management vs Sales Management at a Manufacturing Company

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 Th...

Retirement: Yes, No or Never?

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...

Intro to the R&D Tax Credit for Manufacturing

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 | Ja...

Why You Need to Consider These New and Low-Cost Employee Benefits

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 Manuf...

25 Trends Affecting the Future of Manufacturing in 2021 and Beyond.

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...