Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
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| IMTS Insider: Building the World's Largest Manufacturing Show, 494 | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:34:19 | |
When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together. This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand. From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program." Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count. Segments
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| High Quality People, High Quality Work: Making Small Big with Goldman Sachs 10KSB, 493 | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:41:24 | |
We're coming to you once again from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, D.C.—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. This time, we're joined by two inspiring leaders from the Metalworking Nation who prove that the heart of American manufacturing beats strongest in small towns and family-run shops. Our guests, Jenny Steffensmeier, owner of Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove, Iowa, and Paul Bothe, third-generation owner of a CNC job shop in Kenosha, Wisconsin, share how the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program transformed not only their businesses, but their lives. From resilience in the face of loss to the legacy of family ownership and the power of advocacy, their stories show what it means to make small big. Together, we talk about how to lead through transition, the role of creativity in machining, and why the best shops are built by "high-quality people doing high-quality work." Whether you're a shop owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a believer in the power of community, this episode will remind you why manufacturing matters—and how small businesses create a big impact. Segments
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| Requirements Review: How Paperless Parts' is Making Sure You Never Miss a Critical Detail, 484 | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:50:49 | |
If you've ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how shops handle complex RFQs, drawings, and bills of materials. Over the past decade, Paperless Parts has become synonymous with solving bottlenecks in estimating and quoting. Their mission has been clear: empower people—not replace them—with software designed to make quoting faster, smarter, and less risky. In this conversation, Jason shares how their latest release takes that vision even further by surfacing critical requirements buried inside complex drawings and bills of materials. This episode is full of relatable stories and practical lessons. Jason explains how the new "Requirements Review" functionality captures tribal knowledge, accelerates mentoring, and helps shops avoid underpricing jobs while improving their RFQ triage process. Nick and Jason also dig into the big picture: the hype cycle of AI in manufacturing, the importance of trust and customer retention, and the future of Paperless Parts—including "historical intelligence" and next-level shop insights. Whether you're a shop owner, estimator, or manufacturing leader, you'll leave this episode with actionable takeaways for quoting more accurately, prioritizing the right work, and scaling your business intelligently. Segments
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| MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395 | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:44:01 | |
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
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| An Important Update on Jason Zenger and the Leadership Lessons We Learned from It, 394 | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:36:21 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Expanding and Transitioning a Family Business in Manufacturing with Joe Patterson, 393 | 30 Jan 2024 | 00:44:50 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2, 392 | 23 Jan 2024 | 00:34:58 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Navigating a Family Business in Manufacturing with Tad Dickel Part 1, 391 | 16 Jan 2024 | 00:30:15 | |
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
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| SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 2, 390 | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:22:43 | |
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
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| SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 1, 389 | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:49:59 | |
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
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| SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Gratitude with Drew Crowe and Kyle Stoff, 388 | 26 Dec 2023 | 00:50:40 | |
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
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| SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders Part II, 387 | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:29:16 | |
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
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| SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, 386 | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:43:58 | |
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
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| Building a Winning Team: Matt Wardle's Blueprint for Machine Shop Success, 483 | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:53:10 | |
Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person powerhouse by prioritizing people and culture over everything else. Matt's story shows what happens when leadership takes workforce development seriously. From his early days as a 10-person shop owner watching competitors poach his talent, to becoming a two-time Top Shops winner recognized for HR and culture, Matt has built a system for attracting, training, and retaining the kind of people who make growth possible. We dive deep into JD Machine's unique approach to workforce development: Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs, high school counselor outreach, profit-sharing models, mentorship incentives, and cultural rituals like celebrating apprenticeship completions with a "Masters Jacket." The result? A company that not only keeps top talent but grows its own leaders from within. If you've ever wondered how to build a resilient shop culture where employees feel invested, customers trust your team, and growth becomes sustainable, this conversation delivers the blueprint. Matt shows that "winning" in manufacturing isn't just about throughput or margins—it's about building people who build the business. Segments
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| How Can the Golden Rule be Applied in Business? with Mike Ruge, 385 | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:42:13 | |
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
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| BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384 | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:40:12 | |
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
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| Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383 | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:33:05 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Why Should a Manufacturing Leader Come to FabTech? 382 | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:30:40 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Part 2: Tactics and Strategies to Use for Recruiting in Manufacturing, 381 | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:40:46 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: Part 1: Embracing Culture to Recruit Top Talent in Fabrication and Manufacturing, 380 | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:30:14 | |
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
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| MakingSparks: The Launch of MakingSparks with Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix, 379 | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:18:13 | |
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
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| Why MakingChips is Sparking a New Show for Fabrication Leaders, 378 | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:24:38 | |
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
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| SZN1: Diligently Doing "Due Diligence" in Your Next Manufacturing Acquisition, 377 | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:21:35 | |
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
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| SZN1: The Starting Point in Acquisitions with Matthew Nix, 376 | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:29:23 | |
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
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| Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:46:00 | |
Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has quickly gained traction, giving machinists and shop owners a platform to showcase their work in an honest and unpolished—but deeply engaging—format. In this episode of MakingChips, Chad shares his journey from tool rep to filmmaker and how a pandemic-era discovery of shop tour videos sparked his creative pursuit. He opens up about the challenges of convincing shop owners to go on camera, the humility he sees in the most successful leaders, and the business trends shaping machine shops across the country. The conversation dives into everything from diversification and leadership mindsets to adopting new technology and empowering the next generation of machinists. Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, Chad's perspective reveals why authenticity, culture, and a willingness to evolve are essential ingredients for long-term success in manufacturing. By capturing raw, human-centered stories, Chad isn't just documenting the industry—he's helping elevate it. Tune in to hear his take on where shops are thriving, where they're struggling, and what lessons every leader can take away from the tour videos that are inspiring thousands online. Segments
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| Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 2, 375 | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:28:54 | |
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
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| Building a Lean Culture Through Strategic Leadership Part 1, 374 | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:31:31 | |
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
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| SZN1: What's Going on With the Manufacturing Economy? 373 | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:36:12 | |
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
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| SZN1: What is a Woman Manufacturing Leader? with Nicole Wolter, 372 | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:35:59 | |
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
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| SZN1: Taking a Lean Leap of Faith Toward Digital Transformation, 371 | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:40:53 | |
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
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| Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:27:14 | |
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
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| Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:29:55 | |
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
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| LIGHTS OUT: How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering the Status Quo with Automation, 368 | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:45:00 | |
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
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| SZN1: #ThankAMachinist, 367 | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:17:19 | |
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
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| How a Passion for the Manufacturing Community Caused This Shop to Transform into a Software Company, 366 | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:32:52 | |
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
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| The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:51:32 | |
Running a machine shop isn't just about cutting chips—it's about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ranks of the shop floor without formal financial training. The books often become "just compliance"—something you do because you have to file taxes. But as Jon makes clear, your financial systems can be far more than compliance—they can be a competitive advantage. From managing cash flow to planning for growth and capital expenditures, the way you handle money directly impacts your ability to survive downturns, seize opportunities, and build wealth. In this episode, we dig into why cash flow is king, what "working capital" really means for a shop, and how to navigate customer payment terms that often feel stacked against smaller manufacturers. They also explore practical strategies for budgeting, forecasting, and job costing—ensuring that every hour and every order drives long-term profitability. Packed with stories, humor, and battle-tested advice, this episode equips shop owners with the knowledge they need to turn finance into a weapon rather than a weakness. Whether you're just trying to make payroll or planning your long-term exit, these insights will help you keep making chips—and making money. Segments
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| Keys to Maintaining a Manufacturing Leadership Mindset, 365 | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:45:27 | |
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
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| What Really Sells Machine Tools? 364 | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:35:52 | |
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
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| Bonus Chips: Manufacturing Happy Hour Interviews Jason Zenger & Nick Goellner about Manufacturing Leadership, 363 | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:27:13 | |
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
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| ABC's of CMMC and Cybersecurity, 362 | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:38:25 | |
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
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| SZN1: Haves and Have Nots with Paul Van Metre, 361 | 29 May 2023 | 00:49:21 | |
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
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| SZN1: Hot Sauce with Tony Gunn and Meaghan Ziemba, 360 | 22 May 2023 | 00:40:27 | |
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
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| SZN1: Medium Sauce with Meaghan Ziemba from Mavens of Manufacturing, 359 | 15 May 2023 | 00:32:17 | |
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
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| SZN1: Mild Sauce with Tony Gunn from MTD CNC, 358 | 08 May 2023 | 00:29:10 | |
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
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| Bonus Chips: Q&A with Titan Gilroy, 357 | 01 May 2023 | 00:15:33 | |
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
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| Lights Out: Automation 101 with Chris Luecke Manufacturing Happy Hour, 356 | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:48:38 | |
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
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| What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:57:12 | |
At the heart of every successful machine shop isn't just the parts it produces—it's the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. Andy shares his journey of stepping into leadership at a young age, navigating the challenges of declining sales, and transforming Ripley Machine into a recognized Top Shops award winner. His story proves that client experience doesn't happen by accident—it's built intentionally through systems, communication, and values that shape the culture of the entire shop. From implementing ISO and ProShop ERP, to instilling a daily rhythm of accountability and continuous improvement, Andy reveals the practical steps his team has taken to turn Ripley into a trusted partner for its customers. Along the way, he highlights how something as simple as quick communication—or as complex as restructuring internal systems—can make all the difference in retaining clients and earning their loyalty. Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, this conversation will challenge you to look at your business through the lens of your customers. Because at the end of the day, consistency, transparency, and responsiveness aren't just "nice to have"—they are the foundation of growth and profitability. Segments
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| Who is a CNC Expert According to Titans of CNC? 355 | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:39:39 | |
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
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| Lights Out: Training Machinists with an Automation Mindset with Titan Gilroy, 354 | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:39:39 | |
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
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| MakingChips Seasons: Big MFG Leader to Small MFG Owner with Steve Burkett, 353 | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:36:27 | |
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
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