Manufacturing Transformed: Real Shops, Real Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

Most job shops turn to ERP systems expecting more efficiency but end up with more headaches, more spreadsheets, and more frustration. Most ERPs weren’t built for job shops—high-mix, low-volume work, constant scheduling changes, and the need for real-time visibility. Instead of fixing the chaos, they add layers of complexity, leaving shops struggling to keep up.

Traditional ERP systems were designed for large-scale manufacturing, where jobs are predictable and repeatable. A job shop doesn’t operate that way. Custom parts, shifting lead times, and last-minute jobs require flexibility. The wrong ERP slows everything down, forcing machinists to hunt for information and managers to rely on outdated spreadsheets.

Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite Machining struggled with multiple ERPs that couldn’t keep up. He realized the problem wasn’t just the software—it was how most ERPs force shops into rigid workflows that don’t match reality. His experience highlights the difference between an ERP designed for mass production and one that actually works in a job shop.

There are clear signs an ERP is failing. If scheduling is still a mess, if machinists don’t trust the system, or if data has to be manually entered in multiple places, that’s a red flag. A job shop ERP should track everything in one place, automate scheduling, and provide instant access to accurate job data.

Disconnected tools and outdated processes don’t have to be the norm. A job shop ERP should be a natural extension of how machinists and managers already work. The difference between struggle and efficiency isn’t just software—it’s using one that actually understands how a job shop runs.

LinkedIn - Matt Gawlik - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gawlik-92843222a/

3D Graphite Machining - https://www.3dgraphite.com/

Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Most manufacturers don’t realize just how much inefficiency is baked into their daily operations—until they start pulling back the layers. That was the case for Johnny Goode, President of MSP Manufacturing, who stepped into the family business in 2020 and immediately saw opportunities for change. 

Paper-based processes, siloed systems, and hidden inefficiencies were costing the shop time, money, and agility. But change wasn’t easy—especially for a team that had been doing things the same way for years.

Johnny shares how MSP systematically broke free from outdated habits, transitioning to a fully digital, ProShop-driven workflow. The results? A purchasing process that went from two full-time employees to a four-hour-a-week task, on-time delivery skyrocketing to 97-99%, and a 50% growth in revenue with only a 2% increase in overhead. 

He also talks through the challenges of change management, the unexpected benefits of radical transparency, and how the right ERP doesn’t just organize a shop—it transforms its culture.

For shop owners wondering if digital transformation is worth the effort, Johnny’s story makes it clear: the cost of staying the same is far greater.

LinkedIn - Johnny Goode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-goode-1846441bb/

MSP Manufacturing - https://msp-manufacturing.com/

Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

14. A One Man Machining Army with CJ Abraham from PPD

CJ is a humble and extraordinarily capable guy. He can keep a CNC machine running literally 24/7 for 6 weeks straight without a minute of downtime. But he spins self deprecating jokes about not running a legitimate business. That’s one of the most endearing qualities about CJ. In this really interesting conversation CJ shares why he bought ProShop as a 1 person company, and how it helps keep him from hiring several people just to keep up with the high volume of work and data his company creates. His main customer calls him a One Man Machining Army, which seems like an apt description when you learn about the incredible business he runs today and the volume of parts his machines spit out on a daily basis. It’s a great lesson on how little details and systems can be stacked to produce extraordinary results!

About PPD:
We offer fully automated, 24/7 lights-out machining with the ability to finish "6-sided" milled components in a single operation from round bar. With automatic material handling, we maintain tolerances down to +/-.0002" (+/-.005mm) in a temperature-controlled environment. Our one-piece-flow process adapts to any quantity, from 10 to 10,000 pieces. Finishing includes deburring, tumbling, ultrasonic cleaning, and drying, with options for anodizing, nickel, cadmium, and gold plating. We conduct first-article and in-process inspections with advanced equipment. Through ProShop ERP, we ensure ISO9001 and AS9100 compliance, manage certifications, and track equipment calibration.

Follow CJ and PPD on Social Media:
Personal LI: /cjabraham
Company LI: /precision-product-development-llc
Website: www.ppd-llc.com

13. You’re Never Too Small for an ERP with Tom Rougeux from RX Industries

Tom is the owner of RX Industries, a precision machining company serving high-end markets from Hilton Head Island SC. In his previous job, he had been an implementer of SAP for more than 5 years, so he had the battle scars to prove that he knew what he did and didn’t want from the ERP system he’d use for the company he had just bought. After much research, he decided to invest in ProShop before the company was even open for business. And Tom firmly believes that it’s worth looking past the functionality of an ERP and whether or not those functions could be satisfactorily covered with spreadsheets at the earliest days of a company. He shares his thoughts about why a shop that wants to differentiate themselves needs to consider the right ERP in the early days.

About RX Industries:
RX Industries is the Palmetto State's first CNC shop powered by the ProShop ERP MES QMS system. We specialize in close tolerance, multi-axis CNC machining for the Space, Military and Aerospace industries.
Our CNC equipment consists of new, DMG-Mori 5-axis mills and turn/mill lathes with 9-axes of machining capability. New Tsugami Swiss machining centers with 5 axis capabilities and we have invested in palletized automatic production and robotic loading/unloading for unattended machining. RX Industries has a 2020 Zeiss CMM for Quality Control, running Calypso software. We use Esprit CAM and SolidWorks CAD. We are ITAR registered, CMMC Level 2 Compliant, We are ISO9001 Certified and AS9100 compliant and carry 06, 07 & SOT FFL licensure.

Follow Tom and RX Industries on Social Media:
Personal LI: /tomrougeux
Company LI: /rx-industries
Website: www.rxind.com
Facebook: /rxind

12. How to Cut Metal More Often, Solo Episode with Paul Van Metre

There are a lot of roadblocks to cutting metal as much as we’d all want to in our shops.  From not having the right material on hand, to setups that take WAY too long.  In this solo episode, Paul talks about a question he was asked about how ProShop can actually help increase the value-added time of cutting chips. When companies can make a meaningful improvement in this area, it can be a powerful force for transformation. Give a listen to see if your issues made the list.

Follow Paul and ProShop ERP on Social Media:
Personal Li: /paulvanmetre
Company Li: /proshoperp
Website: www.proshoperp.com
YouTube: /ProShopERP
FB: /ProShopERP
IG: /proshoperp
X: /proshoperp

11. Building a Business Worthy of Passing to Your Children with Chad Vanderbeek from Hibshman Screw Machine Products

Chad Vanderbeek knew that the company they were running was not one he would be happy to hand off to his children if they were to take over the business one day. Things were too chaotic, information was not readily enough accessible to make the best decisions, and he felt that the company systems needed to be rebuilt.  Since choosing ProShop the company has made a significant transformation and it’s now a company that Chad would feel confident and proud to hand off to the next generation.  From getting a nearly perfect score on an Industry 4.0 assessment, eliminating all their 3-ring QMS binders, to doubling the bottom line of the company, and feeling like their team has really stepped up ownership of the results of the company, everything has gotten better since implementing ProShop ERP. This candid and authentic interview demonstrates what’s possible with a committed team and great leadership to implement the tools effectively.

About Hibshman Screw Machine Products:
Hibshman Screw Machine Products, Inc. is a major screw machine products manufacturer and supplier in the Midwest area, supported by our most important assets; knowledgeable employees, courteous service and a host of satisfied customers. It is the goal of Hibshman Screw Machine Products, Inc. to provide total customer satisfaction by continuously improving our products, quality processes, and services.

Follow Hibshman Screw Machine Products and Chad Vanderbeek on Social Media:
Chad's Personal LI: /chad-vanderbeek
Company LI: /hibshman-screw-machine-product
Website: www.hibshman.com

10. A New Breed of Precision Machining Businesses with Sean and James Cerven from Cerven Solutions

James and Sean Cerven were both a bit bored during Covid and decided to buy an inexpensive CNC machine for fun, having never run one before, and mostly seeing them on YouTube videos.  Fast forward just a few years and they have a thriving business with high-end CNC machining equipment specializing in making small parts. They share their lean journey openly on their social media channels, and they’re focusing on building the foundation of a mature enduring company ready to grow on scalable business processes.  For their young age, these guys pack an outsized amount of wisdom, grit and can-do attitude that is sure to take them far. It’s an honor to get to interview them early in their journey, and even more of an honor that they’ve chosen ProShop as a partner in their growth.

About Cerven Solutions:
Multi-axis, precision machining for Medical, Aerospace, and Tech, ITAR Registered, Powered by ProShop

Follow Cerven Solutions and Sean and James on Social Media:
Sean's Personal LI: /seankcerven
James' Personal LI: /james-cerven
Company LI: /cerven-solutions-inc
Instagram: @cervensolutions
YouTube: @cervensolutions

09. Driving Accountability & Performance with Hernan Ricaurte from Ricaurte Precision

Continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability are very important to Hernan, President and CEO of Ricaurte Precision.  Those are all values or qualities he looks to build and foster in the culture at Ricaurte Precision - a precision machining company serving the defense, commercial space, medical device and other industries out of their Orange County CA location. Focusing on those things has helped Hernan grow revenue at Ricaurte Precision by more than 3x since he took the business over from his father in 2016. Hernan describes ProShop as the “backbone” of their company, and the transformation over the past 8 years under Hernan’s leadership is nothing short of remarkable. Enjoy this insightful interview with Hernan to learn some of his secrets to success!

About Ricaurte Precision:
Ricaurte Precision Inc. has been providing a wide range of turnkey precision machining (CNC) services to FDA and Aerospace regulated clients for over 30 years (ISO 9001:2015). With a capacity of over 10,000 machining hours per month, Ricaurte Precision specializes in medium to high quantity, tight tolerance machining of metal and plastic parts.

Follow Hernan and Ricaurte Precision on Social Media:
Personal LI:/hernan-ricaurte-rpi
Company LI: /ricaurte-precision-inc.
Website: www.ricaurteprecision.com
Facebook: /ricaurteprecision
Instagram: @ricaurteprecision
YouTube: @RicaurtePrecisionInc.-RPI

08. Tying Process & Culture Upgrades Together with Matthew Sawhill from IME

Manufacturing & Engineering was a precision machine shop specializing in quick turn, low volume job shop work, doing lots of repair work and reverse engineering for local customers.  While that business model worked, they often found themselves with their valuable machines and resources sitting idle.  They decided to focus on automation and unattended machining processes and capture higher-volume production machining work to maximize their revenue and machine throughput.  As they started making that change, they realized that the old E2 ERP system they had been using was not up for the challenge. From the waste of the paper-based processes to a schedule that didn’t work, they decided they really needed a change to their business operating system.  After finding and deciding on ProShop ERP, they were up and running in 3-4 months and haven’t looked back since.  They’ve seen dramatic improvements in on-time delivery, scrap reduction, throughput increases, setup-time reduction, and much more.  Importantly, they’ve focused on the cultural shifts necessary to get real buy-in and alignment with their production team to focus on process improvements, and eliminating variables so they can successfully optimize their unattended time and get maximum throughput on their equipment.  Matt shares very candidly, the important things they’ve focused on to transform the business in this way, and how ProShop has been foundational in that effort.

About IME:
Innovative Manufacturing and Engineering is your ideal partner for CNC milling and CNC machining. Our advanced machining processes let us tackle projects of all scopes and sizes. IME specializes in high-volume production, fabricating large quantities of precision parts with exceptional quality and speed. Our team handles projects ranging from early prototypes and up to 1,000,000 pieces or more. Often times we work with our clients 12 months in advance to plan according and solidify that you have what you need exactly when you need it.

Follow Matthew and IME on Social Media:
Personal LI: /matthewsawhill
Website: www.innovative-me.com
Facebook: @IME
Instagram: @innovative_mfg_eng
YouTube: @InnovativeManufacturing

07. Reigniting Passion for Business with Heather Charlton from Free Force Machining Technology

Heather Charlton is co-owner of Free Force Machining Technology Inc. in Ontario Canada. Free Force is a 100% Swiss CNC machining business that serves many industries with its AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications. Heather and her husband Steve started the business in 2007 during the height of the financial crisis, with a new toddler, and she was pregnant with their second child! Talk about a bold move! Seventeen years later they have a thriving business with 13 CNC Swiss machines. Formerly on E2 Shoptech, Heather decided she needed an upgrade to their ERP and ProShop has been live on the shop floor since early 2022.  It’s made a huge difference to all aspects of the shop, and has reignited Heather’s passion for the business.  In fact, she said that without adopting ProShop, she may have decided to leave the business as it was such a challenge to run the business on E2.

About Free Force Machining Technology:
Free Force Machining Technology Inc. was founded in 2007. We specialize in CNC machining of precision parts for today’s high technology industries. We are Small Part Specialists with a focus on parts less than 1.25″ (approx. 32mm) in diameter.  From prototypes to production runs we are your one course supplier.  Free Force is committed to Zero Defect Production.

Follow Heather and Free Force Machining Technology on Social Media:
Personal LI: /heather-charlton
Company LI: /free-force-machining-technology-inc.
Website: www.freeforceinc.com