Explore every episode of the podcast Manufacturing Transformed: Real Shops, Real Stories
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| 63. Prepared + Persistent: How Coastal Machine Broke Into Aerospace & Defense | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:58:05 | |
I sat down with Kody Guidry of Coastal Machine & Supply for a conversation that was both fun and really meaningful. I've known Kody and the Coastal team for years now, and it has been incredible to watch their transformation from a 30-person oil and gas machine shop into a 60-person precision manufacturing company serving oil and gas, space, aerospace, and defense. In this episode, Kody shares how Coastal made the decision to diversify after the oil and gas downturn, pursued AS9100 and ITAR, and slowly but persistently built its way into new markets. We talk about how ProShop helped free up the team's time, improve visibility, support customer audits, and give Coastal the digital backbone it needed to execute at a higher level. Kody also shares the story of how one aerospace opportunity started with a supplier referral, then turned into a year of persistent follow-up before finally becoming real work. This is a conversation about preparation, execution, and persistence. Coastal didn't stumble into aerospace and defense by accident. They built the foundation, showed customers they were a lower-risk supplier, and kept showing up until the opportunity came. Now, with new partners, major growth plans, and a renewed focus on hard-metal manufacturing, Coastal is aiming to become one of the premier space and defense manufacturing companies in the country. Resources Mentioned
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| 62. Replacing Chaos With Visibility: How D&D Enterprises Improved Scheduling and On-Time Delivery | 18 août 2026 | 01:00:33 | |
I sat down with Jason Davis of D&D Enterprises for a conversation about what happens when a shop replaces constant schedule chasing with real visibility. D&D is a 50-year family-owned CNC machining business in central North Carolina that started with a manual mill and lathe in a small building behind Jason's family home. Today, they have around 50 employees, more than 30 machines, 50,000 square feet, and a strong mix of machining, assembly, and value-added manufacturing work. In this episode, Jason shares how D&D moved from an older ERP system and a magnetic scheduling board to a more connected, digital workflow with ProShop. We talk about how better scheduling visibility helped improve on-time delivery, reduce firefighting, and give the team more flexibility to drop in hot orders without throwing the whole shop into chaos. Jason also shares how tablets helped with shop floor adoption, how customer service can now answer status questions faster, and why traceability, in-process checks, and an integrated QMS have become powerful tools for customers, audits, and new employees. Resources Mentioned
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| 61. From Amish Roots to CNC Success: Phil Miller's Star Machine Story | 04 août 2026 | 00:53:30 | |
I sat down with Phil Miller of Star Machine for a conversation that really captures what makes this industry so special. Phil's story starts long before CNC machining, back when he was a kid standing on a five-gallon bucket in his dad's shop, running a drill press and learning the feel, smell, and satisfaction of making things. Growing up Amish, technology wasn't a normal part of daily life for him, but once he found machining, he dove all the way in. In this episode, Phil shares how he went from working in a local machine shop to starting Star Machine on his family property, originally running CNC machines on generator power. We talk about building a business around core values, hiring for attitude and training for skill, giving young people opportunities to grow, and why ProShop became such an important part of documenting tribal knowledge, managing repeat work, and helping the shop scale. It's a thoughtful, honest conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, culture, people, and building a shop that stands for more than just making parts. Resources Mentioned
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| 60. From a Farm Hangar to 285,000 Square Feet: The Incredible Flying S Growth Story | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:54:27 | |
I've known the team at Flying S for close to nine years now, and every time I reconnect with them, I'm amazed by how much they've grown. What started in a farm hangar in rural Illinois has turned into a 285,000-square-foot aerospace manufacturing operation with around 170 people, about 50 CNC machines, advanced composites, machining, assembly, and some seriously impressive work happening under one roof. In this episode, I sit down with Cody Yager to talk about the systems behind that growth. We dig into their move from paper travelers and Excel-based scheduling to a more connected, paperless operation with ProShop. We cover how they manage drawing revisions and traceability, how they use training records to support AS9100 and CMMC readiness, and how time tracking notes help improve quoting and future jobs. We also talk about lights-out machining, workforce development, interns, community outreach, and what it looks like to build an aerospace company in the middle of cornfields. Resources Mentioned
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| 59. 12,000 Work Orders a Year: How Low Country Aerospace Scaled Without the Chaos | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:59:27 | |
How does a 38-person aerospace shop process thousands of work orders a year without letting paperwork, handoffs, and daily firefighting take over? I sat down with Hunter Russell of Low Country Aerospace to unpack the systems behind their remarkable growth. With roughly a dozen CNC machines, waterjets, routers, and a press brake, the team is on track to process nearly 12,000 work orders this year, all while maintaining the responsiveness and quality their customers count on. Hunter shares how Low Country Aerospace moved from paper travelers and disconnected processes to a fully digital, paperless operation with ProShop. We talk about building a team that takes ownership, using risk-based quoting to stay in their lane, stocking material for speed and recovery, and creating clear digital and physical workflows that keep jobs moving. This is a conversation about what happens when great people are given great systems: less chaos, more confidence, and a shop built to scale. Resources Mentioned
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| 58. They Built 3,000+ Horsepower Drivetrains—Now They're Chasing Aerospace | 23 juin 2026 | 00:49:30 | |
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sat down with Brock Graves from Quick Drive Racing, a small family-owned business building incredibly high-end drivetrain components for serious horsepower. We're talking drag racing, monster trucks, and applications designed to handle 3,000+ horsepower. As a lifelong motorhead, this was a really fun one for me. What I loved about this conversation is that Quick Drive's story is about much more than racing. Brock, his brother, and his dad recognized that as their business grew, spreadsheets, CAM notes, and tribal knowledge weren't going to give them the structure they needed for the next chapter. After bringing on ProShop, they were able to organize their processes, improve planning, get better control of inventory and purchasing, and then move aggressively toward AS9100 certification. Within just a few months, they went from racing-focused manufacturing to opening the door to aerospace. It's a great example of how a small shop can make a big, intentional pivot when the right systems and mindset are in place. Resources Mentioned
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| 57. From Race Engines to Defense Manufacturing: Roush Yates' Next Chapter | 09 juin 2026 | 00:50:42 | |
I've been looking forward to this conversation for a long time. Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions has been a ProShop customer since late 2018, and in a lot of ways, our two companies have grown up together. When we first started working with them, RYMS was a 35-person manufacturing operation tied closely to the legendary Roush Yates Engines business, known for building high-performance Ford NASCAR engines. Today, they've grown to around 115 employees and have evolved into a world-class contract manufacturer serving industries like aerospace, defense, space, medical, and motorsports. In this episode, I sit down with Todd English, CEO of Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, to talk about that transformation. We get into how they moved from paper, spreadsheets, and internal engine work into a highly organized, digitally connected, and compliance-driven operation. Todd shares how ProShop has supported their growth, improved visibility on the shop floor, strengthened traceability and compliance, and helped them continue operating with the precision, speed, and attention to detail you'd expect from a company rooted in racing. Resources Mentioned
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| 56. ProShop as the Operating System - Archer Precision | 26 mai 2026 | 01:25:28 | |
Every once in a while, I record an episode that sticks with me long after the microphones are turned off. This was one of those conversations. I sat down with Alex Mazerolle from Archer Precision expecting to talk about ERP systems, process control, and shop management. Instead, we ended up unpacking something much bigger: what it really looks like to build a modern machine shop around clarity, accountability, systems, and people. Alex shares how Archer Precision evolved from a small shop acquisition into a highly disciplined manufacturing company serving aerospace, medical, and military customers around the world, all while pursuing what he calls a "glass box" approach to manufacturing. We dive deep into the lessons learned from trying to build a custom ERP system, why they ultimately embraced ProShop ERP as the operating system of their business, and how standardization has transformed everything from customer communication to employee confidence on the shop floor. What really stood out to me, though, was Alex's perspective on leadership, workforce development, and creating an environment where machinists can thrive instead of constantly firefighting. This episode originally also aired on Machine Shop Mastery as Episode 115 because there was simply too much gold in this conversation not to share with both audiences. Resources & Links
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| 55. Inside Rise Industries: From One-Man Shop to $1.5M Medical & Aerospace Supplier | 12 mai 2026 | 01:01:19 | |
What happens when you leave a stable career, bet on yourself, and commit to building a shop the right way from day one? In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, Chris Schutte from Rise Industries shares how he turned a two-machine startup into a rapidly growing medical and aerospace supplier in just a few short years. Starting as a one-man operation, Chris focused on surrounding himself with trusted, highly skilled people, many of whom he had worked with before—creating a team that could execute at a high level from the beginning. But growth didn't come from people alone. Chris made early investments in systems, structure, and certifications that positioned the company for long-term success. From moving beyond spreadsheets to fully embracing ProShop, to earning ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485 certifications in rapid succession, Rise Industries built a foundation that could support serious customers and complex work. The payoff? Major opportunities—including a game-changing medical implant project that landed immediately after certification. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale quickly, stay organized, and build a shop that's ready for the next level. Resources & Links
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| 54: Breaking the $3M Ceiling: How Pivot Manufacturing Unlocked Its Next Phase | 28 avr. 2026 | 01:06:06 | |
What does it actually take to break through the $3M ceiling in a machine shop? For many manufacturers, that plateau isn't about lack of opportunity. It's about systems, structure, and the ability to scale without everything breaking. In this episode, Steve Macias of Pivot Manufacturing shares the real story behind that transition, from surviving early volatility to building a business capable of sustained growth in the defense sector. After decades of steady but capped performance, Pivot made a series of intentional moves: investing in higher-end equipment, remodeling their facility, and most importantly, replacing outdated, paper-heavy processes with a fully integrated system using ProShop ERP. What followed wasn't just incremental improvement. It was a shift in how the entire company operates. Quotes became orders in seconds instead of days, audits became seamless, and the team gained visibility into every part moving through the shop. But the transformation goes beyond software and machines. Steve shares how empowering a younger, more tech-forward workforce, letting go of control as an owner, and building a culture of accountability all played a critical role in unlocking the next phase of growth. The result is a shop that not only looks modern on the surface, but runs with the structure, clarity, and confidence needed to scale toward $8M to $10M and beyond. Resources & Links
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| 53. He Bet his Life Savings on Buying an Aerospace Job Shop: Andrew Crook with Dynamic Fabrication | 14 avr. 2026 | 01:11:53 | |
What happens when you bet everything on a struggling job shop… and then decide to completely rebuild how it operates from the inside out? That's exactly what Andrew Crook did when he purchased Dynamic Fabrication in 2017. Instead of continuing business as usual, he made a bold decision to narrow the customer base, shift toward aerospace and defense, and invest heavily in systems that could support scalable, high-quality growth. It wasn't just a strategic pivot. It was a full operational transformation. In this episode, Andrew shares how adopting ProShop as the company's digital backbone helped turn complexity into clarity. From tool management and contract review to audits and new product introduction, every process became more structured, traceable, and repeatable. The result was faster setups, smoother audits, and a stronger foundation for high-margin production work. But the transition wasn't easy. The team had to digitize everything from fasteners to fixtures, rethink workflows, and build discipline around data accuracy. Over time, that effort paid off. Today, Dynamic Fabrication runs with a culture of accountability, clear documentation, and operational "hygiene" that supports consistent growth in the demanding aerospace and defense market. Andrew walks through the real-world impact of these changes, what worked, what didn't, and how betting on systems helped transform the business into a scalable, audit-ready operation. 👉 Dynamic Fabrication: https://dynamicfab.com/ 👉 Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crook/ | |||
| 52: From Guesswork to Scaling: The Systems Shift Powering Mahler Machining's Next Chapter | 31 mars 2026 | 01:03:50 | |
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, we head to British Columbia to explore how Mahler Machining is replacing spreadsheets, paper travelers, and tribal knowledge with a scalable digital backbone. Aaron Kennedy shares how the team transitioned a 30+ person shop with roughly 700 active jobs into ProShop in just a few months, dramatically tightening feedback loops, improving visibility, and creating a foundation for repeatable growth. What started as a need to eliminate guesswork quickly evolved into a systems-driven approach to quoting, scheduling, quality, and continuous improvement. You'll hear how Mahler Machining moved from manual processes and conservative planning to confident scaling, with faster quoting, real-time job visibility, and structured quality data that drives smarter decisions. Aaron also breaks down how empowering machinists with better information, digitizing setup knowledge, and building a performance-based culture is helping the company grow sustainably while maintaining customer trust. This conversation is a practical look at what happens when the right system becomes the backbone of a shop's next chapter. 👉 Mahler Machining: https://mahler-machining.com 👉 Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com 👉 Machine Shop Mastery Episode #107: https://machineshopmastery.com/episode/107-how-to-buy-a-machine-shop-well-nik-and-aaron-with-mahler-machining/ | |||
| 51: Turning Legacy Processes into Lean Systems: The Lafarge & Egge Transformation Story | 17 mars 2026 | 00:57:57 | |
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sit down with Bryan from Lafarge & Egge to talk about what real operational transformation looks like inside a highly specialized aerospace manufacturer. When Bryan joined the company, he stepped into a shop full of deep experience and craftsmanship—but also a lot of legacy processes. Critical information lived across spreadsheets, Access databases, and paper-based work instructions. Drawings, inspection records, and job tracking were spread across multiple systems, making it difficult to see what was really happening across the business. Instead of jumping straight into new machines or automation, Bryan and his team made a strategic decision: fix the systems first. We talk through how Lafarge & Egge digitized their workflows, consolidated multiple tools into a single platform, and built a stronger operational foundation across two facilities. The impact has been significant—from faster quoting and contract review to better visibility on the shop floor and a much smoother audit process in a highly regulated aerospace environment. Bryan also shares lessons learned along the way, including how they capture tribal knowledge, manage complex quality requirements, and think about lean systems in a high-mix manufacturing environment. If you're interested in how manufacturers can modernize legacy processes while preserving the expertise that built the business, this conversation offers a practical and honest look at what that transformation actually takes. Topics Discussed
Bryan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bryanluttrell Lafarge & Egge: https://lafargeandegge.com/ Email: Info@lafargeandegge.com
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| 50. Cultivating a Continuous Improvement Culture | 03 mars 2026 | 01:05:20 | |
For most manufacturing founders, the early years mean fighting fires, working late nights, and inheriting old ways of working. But what if you could skip the legacy headaches and design your shop for the future—right from day one? That's exactly what David Bamforth did at Renscott Manufacturing. David didn't inherit a tired, paper-heavy organization—he started Renscott as a college student, purchasing his first CNC mill at 21 and building workflows around digital tools, not file cabinets. With a relentless focus on innovation, he and his team rolled out everything from paperless work orders and custom job management APIs to a powerhouse co-op program that develops talent in-house. Renscott has grown from a bootstrapped startup to a cutting-edge manufacturer with 40,000 square feet, 32 full-time employees, ISO/AS/ITAR certifications, and a customer roster spanning spaceflight and defense. Their digital-first mindset allowed them to break into metal 3D printing, implement traceability systems for complex powder inventories, and even inspire legacy shops to update their own game. In this episode, David shares his blueprint for shop design, workforce development, custom automation, and how a new generation is redefining what a job shop can be—with ProShop ERP as the operational foundation.
David Bamforth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bamforth/ Renscott Manufacturing: https://www.renscottmfg.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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| 49. Modernizing a High-Mix Machine Shop Lessons From DieCraft's Transformation | 17 févr. 2026 | 01:03:22 | |
For many job shops, the "perfect storm" looks like this: Your legacy ERP software is becoming obsolete due to Windows updates, and your two most senior employees, holding 72 years of combined tribal knowledge, are retiring at the same time. That was the reality facing Justin Westerfeld at Die-Craft Engineering. Die-Craft, a high-mix, low-volume shop averaging just 2-3 parts per order, was at a crossroads. They could continue operating as a traditional repair shop with heavy administrative overhead, or they could modernize. Justin chose the latter. By implementing ProShop ERP, Die-Craft didn't just replace software; they fundamentally changed their business economics. The results of this digital transformation are staggering. Die-Craft reduced their front-office staff from 11 people down to 6, saving nearly four full-time salaries strictly through efficiency gains, while simultaneously increasing milling capacity by 20%. In this episode, Justin reveals how accurate job costing allowed them to win back lost contracts, how they slashed office processing time from 10 days to 1, and why even their most "crotchety" manual machinists now panic if their computers go down.
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| 48. Huge Parts, Huge Success: Craig Lange of Lange Machine & Tool | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:50:29 | |
Some shops measure parts in millimeters. Lange Machine and Tool measures them in tons, up to 80,000 pounds, to be exact. But running a shop that handles massive mining and foundry components with a small batch, high-mix workflow presents a unique data challenge. For decades, Craig Lange's family business relied on paper cost cards and a custom-built Access database to keep track of it all. It worked, but at a cost. It required nearly a full-time employee just to handle data entry, and tribal knowledge was constantly slipping through the cracks. When a job came back three years later, the team often had to "relearn" the setup from scratch. In this episode, Craig shares how moving to ProShop ERP was the administrative equivalent of upgrading from a manual lathe to a CNC machine. By digitizing their entire workflow, Lange Machine cut office processing time from days to just five minutes. They captured critical setup data, reducing setup times by 10%. Most impressively, when a key administrative employee retired, the new efficiencies allowed them to handle a 15% increase in growth without backfilling the position. This is a story about how a 52-year-old family business modernized their operations to handle monster parts with precision and profitability. Craig Lange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-lange-83974b1a/ Lange Machine and Tool: https://www.langemachine.com/
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| 47. Small Headcount - High Discipline: Building Success with Garrett from Elemental Design + Machinery | 20 janv. 2026 | 01:02:45 | |
Most machine shop startups are defined by hustle, long hours, and organized chaos. But when Garrett Wolfford founded Elemental Design + Machinery in January 2024, he had a different blueprint: "Small headcount, high discipline". While many owners wait years to professionalize their operations, Garrett built the foundation of a major aerospace facility for a team of just three people. He didn't wait to "grow into" systems; he implemented AS9100 certification, ITAR registration, and ProShop ERP almost immediately. The goal was audacious: to transition from general manufacturing to critical "hard parts" for the aerospace and defense sectors. After a site visit to a major rocket manufacturing facility ignited a fire in the team, they worked backward from the customer's vendor checklist, acquiring the necessary CMM technology, Model-Based Definition (MBD) capabilities, and digital infrastructure to qualify. The strategy paid off. In less than two years, Elemental went from an empty floor to an approved supplier for a major rocket company, securing their first six-figure purchase order shortly after certification. This episode is a case study on why "too small" is a myth. It explores how digital manufacturing systems, rigid quality planning, and a refusal to compromise on discipline allow a small shop to compete directly with industry giants. Garrett Wolfford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-wolfford-567714311/ Elemental Design + Machinery: https://elementaldesignandmachinery.com/about/
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| 46: Scaling a Machine Shop Without Losing Control with Wesley of B&W Machine Works | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:52:23 | |
In this episode, I chat with Wesley Traumbauer of B&W Machine works. We examine what happens when a manufacturing business grows faster than the systems supporting it. As complexity increases, reliance on memory, informal communication, and disconnected tools creates friction that compounds daily. What once felt manageable begins to erode trust in schedules, delivery dates, and capacity, making even simple decisions heavier than they need to be. When estimating, scheduling, purchasing, and quality exist in separate places, visibility disappears. Work-in-process grows, interruptions increase, and leadership is forced into reactive mode. The episode highlights how uncertainty, not workload, is often the real driver of stress inside a growing shop. A central theme is the shift toward integrated systems and what that transition actually changes. Centralization doesn't eliminate problems, but it exposes them early and forces clarity. Data replaces assumptions. Accountability becomes visible. Decisions are made with confidence instead of instinct. The discussion reinforces that this shift is less about software and more about operational discipline. Leadership and culture remain constant threads throughout. Systems only work when they are used consistently. Side spreadsheets, workarounds, and exceptions undermine trust and keep businesses stuck in chaos. Real transformation requires commitment, standardization, and a willingness to let the system surface uncomfortable truths. The result is not slower work, but calmer work. Planning extends further into the future. Communication improves. Problems live in the system instead of in people's heads. The episode illustrates how structure creates resilience and why sustainable growth depends on visibility, process, and trust in the data. Make sure you give it a listen. LinkedIn: Wesley Traumbauer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-trumbauer-a30953324/ B&W Machine Works Inc. - https://bandwmachine.com/
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| 45: Eliminating Chaos: How Ferrera Tooling Streamlined Scheduling, Quality, and Traceability | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:47:59 | |
When Cody Joy joined Ferrera Tooling Company in 2020, the shop was growing rapidly but struggling with chaotic systems. Scheduling relied on a single Google Sheet, paper travelers cluttered the floor, and quality records were scattered across uncontrolled spreadsheets. Twice-weekly meetings attempted to manage priorities, but inefficiencies threatened to stall the company's expansion into aerospace and space exploration. Ferrera's leadership recognized the need for a paperless ERP solution. After considering building their own system, they adopted ProShop, which consolidated scheduling, inventory, serial number tracking, and estimating into one integrated platform. The transition eliminated redundant spreadsheets, improved traceability, and gave machinists confidence in their instructions and materials. This confidence translated directly into speed and throughput, reducing delays and boosting productivity. Quality assurance, once a bottleneck, was transformed. Ferrera expanded from two to eight CMM machines, while ProShop scheduled inspections and integrated static checks to reduce cycle times. Parts no longer piled up waiting for inspection, and audits became smoother, with AS9100 reviews shortened from five days to two. Auditors praised ProShop's robustness, reinforcing customer trust in Ferrera's processes. Culturally, ProShop became the backbone of Ferrera's operations. Cody, now Director of Systems and Process Engineering, emphasized how the system fostered accountability and teamwork, replacing endless meetings and email chains with a single source of truth. Employees embraced ownership, documenting setups with photos and detailed instructions, further strengthening the company's culture of continuous improvement. On a personal level, Cody noted that while his hours remain long due to Ferrera's growth, his stress is far more manageable. ProShop allows problems to "live in the system" rather than in his head, reducing the burden he once carried home. He believes that without ProShop, Ferrera would have reverted to chaos, unable to sustain its current scale. Instead, the company now thrives with streamlined scheduling, robust quality control, and reliable traceability. LinkedIn: Cody - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyjoy/ Ferrera Tooling - https://www.ferreratooling.com/
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| 44: Massive Transformation with David Pannell of Faircloth Machine | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:49:35 | |
Faircloth Machine Shop's journey is one of remarkable transformation. Founded in the late 1960s as a manual machining operation, it was modernized under David Pannell, who joined in 1994 and helped transition the shop into CNC machining. By 2017, Faircloth adopted ProShop ERP, moving away from paper records and embracing digital systems that enabled growth into aerospace manufacturing. ProShop proved pivotal, offering built-in AS9100 compliance and integrated tools for audits, documentation, and quality management. Though the shift was a cultural shock, it allowed Faircloth to expand from 10 employees to nearly 40, with advanced CNC, Swiss, and five-axis machines producing complex aerospace assemblies. Lessons in standardization and systematization became critical as the stakes grew higher with expensive equipment, and ProShop's tooling and inspection modules helped prevent costly mistakes while streamlining operations. The company's success has also been defined by its people. David takes pride in hiring individuals with little experience and training them into skilled machinists and leaders. Employees like Brandon grew into pivotal roles, while mentors like Brian introduced systems that improved efficiency and quality. Even during crises, such as David's near-fatal accident in 2023, the staff kept the business running seamlessly, proving the strength of both the systems and the team. Today, Faircloth Machine Shop stands as a testament to persistence and tenacity. From humble beginnings with manual equipment and paper records, it has evolved into a certified aerospace manufacturer with advanced technology and a strong workforce. David's philosophy is simple: never give up, adapt to change, and keep building systems that support growth. With ProShop as a trusted partner and a dedicated team, Faircloth has become a thriving business that sustains livelihoods and strengthens American manufacturing. Email: Brandon B. McKinney - bmckinney@fairclothmachine.com. LinkedIn: David Pannell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pannell-62431a68/ Faircloth Machine Shop - https://fairclothmachine.com
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| 43: From Multi-National Executive to Machine Shop Owner - Chris Basgall of Catamount | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:58:49 | |
Some shop owners work their way up from the shop floor. Chris Basgall arrived from the opposite direction. Before buying Catamount Machine Works, he spent decades leading IT, operations, and large-scale transformation inside one of the world's biggest telecommunications companies, serving 350 million customers across continents. Then he walked away from corporate life, moved his family to Florida, and bought a 15-person machine shop with paper travelers, scattered data, and a tech stack that hadn't changed much in years. Chris didn't choose Catamount for what it was. He chose it for what it could be. He came in with a 3, 5, and 10-year plan built around three pillars: advanced technology, smart automation, and rigorous certification. Over the next few years, that strategy became reality. Catamount migrated from clipboards to servers, from manual workflows to digital structure, from three-axis machines to three-plus-two automation cells, and from scattered documentation to ITAR-compliant, audit-ready systems. They added robots, upgraded Mastercam, implemented High QA, achieved AS9100 and CMMC 2.0 compliance, and positioned themselves for the aerospace work they knew they could win. But the biggest shift came from adopting ProShop and building a fully interconnected architecture. Estimates flowed cleanly into parts, quotes, and work orders. Inspectors worked inside a single source of truth. FAIs became a one-click process. And the shop finally had the operational backbone it needed to support complex assemblies, dense specs, and multi-system data flow without drowning in rework or duplicate effort. Today, Catamount runs fewer people than when Chris bought it, yet they produce more, respond faster, and scale smarter. They've added multiple aerospace customers, landed significant prototype work headed for production, and have built a foundation capable of supporting explosive growth in 2026 and beyond. This episode isn't just about technology adoption. It's about what happens when a small shop embraces enterprise-level thinking, builds systems before scaling, and gets every person aligned behind a clear, communicated vision of the future. LinkedIn - Chris Basgall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbasgall/ Catamount Machine Works: https://catmw.com/
Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | |||
| 42: Scaling Smart, Leading with Data & Building a Future-Ready Shop at Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:45:55 | |
Some shops grow fast. But very few grow fast and stay in control. Prosper-Tech is doing both, and doing it with intention. In just two years, Andrew and Gabby Devroy have helped transform the company Andrew's parents built in a garage into a 30-person aerospace and medical machining powerhouse, all while raising three kids and navigating the complexities of a second-generation business. Their approach isn't about chasing work, it's about choosing the right work, building systems that scale, and creating a culture where data drives decisions instead of putting out fires. When they joined Prosper-Tech, the team was running AS9100 audits and daily operations off clipboards. There was tribal knowledge everywhere, no visibility into upcoming sales, and no clear way to plan capacity. The business needed more than "working harder", it needed a backbone. Implementing ProShop became the catalyst that shifted everything: transparent workflows, cleaner scheduling, predictable margins, empowered machinists, and a level of trust with customers that translated into real growth. In this episode, Andrew and Gabby share how they balanced succession planning with rapid expansion, how they chose the markets they wanted to dominate, why they embraced batch production, and why the tooling module became one of their biggest early wins. They also reveal how real-time data has helped double margins, smooth out cash cycles, and make strategic equipment decisions, including the moment one machine type changed everything. This is a story about scaling thoughtfully, leading intentionally, and building a shop that's ready for the next decade, not just the next order. LinkedIn - Andrew Devroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-devroy-3332b444/ LinkedIn - Gabby Devroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-devroy-b7920a68/ Prosper-Tech Machine & Tool: https://www.prosper-tech.net/
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| 41: A Blank Slate Urban Machine Shop Concept - Matt Bruner of APW | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:55:09 | |
Matt Bruner, co-founder of American Precision Works (APW), shares the journey of launching a modern machine shop in urban Philadelphia with his partner, John Celley. Founded in October 2024, APW was built on a "clean slate" philosophy, emphasizing automation, streamlined systems, and a people-first approach. With complementary backgrounds (John in machining and Matt in sales and operations) they aimed to create a business that could train individuals without prior machining experience, using standardized processes and advanced technology to empower their workforce. Their urban location was a strategic choice, allowing them to tap into a younger, more diverse talent pool and stand out from suburban competitors. Matt recounts hiring Tom, a retail worker with no machining background, who quickly adapted to running a five-axis machine thanks to APW's modern systems. This hiring model, focused on potential and attitude over experience, has proven successful and even attracted seasoned professionals eager to work with cutting-edge equipment. A cornerstone of APW's strategy is its early investment in ProShop ERP, which has helped them avoid the inefficiencies common in older shops. Drawing inspiration from Matt's father (who launched a machine shop with ERP in the 1990s with a design that was less about machines and more about systems) he set out to start a shop that solved common industry problems. APW uses ProShop to manage tooling, job costing, and quality control. Their team eliminated spreadsheets, built custom Chrome extensions for tool management, and integrated CAM data to streamline operations. These systems have enabled APW to operate efficiently and scale without excessive overhead. Matt emphasizes that while job costing is important, his primary focus is on daily throughput and machine-level performance. ProShop's integration with financial tools like QuickBooks has exceeded expectations, allowing APW to maintain clean financials while keeping operations agile. By starting fresh and embracing modern tools, APW has built a lean, scalable business model that serves both its community and the broader manufacturing industry. Matt reflects on the support he received from industry peers and expresses a desire to pay it forward. Though he acknowledges the challenges of starting a machine shop, he remains proud of APW's progress and optimistic about its future. LinkedIn - Matt Bruner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bruner-9870257b/ American Precision Works - https://www.americanprecisionworks.com/how-we-work
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| 40: Shop Transformation Leads to the Largest PO Ever Received - Damon Snider | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:44:26 | |
Snider Precision began as a garage-based machine shop founded by Damon Snider's father in 1978, growing organically over decades through grit, bold decisions, and a passion for machining. Damon started helping as a child, deburring parts and learning CNC operations before joining the Navy. After his father fired an unreliable crew, Damon returned to help and eventually took over the business, bringing fresh energy and a vision for modernization. Under Damon's leadership, the shop transitioned from paper-based workflows to a fully digital system using ProShop ERP. This shift enabled better planning, streamlined operations, and empowered machinists to work independently. The implementation of AS9100 certification was a turning point, unlocking new opportunities with aerospace clients and leading to the company's largest-ever purchase order (PO), securing half of next year's revenue. Damon emphasizes the importance of investing in quality systems, hiring the right people, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The shop now operates with a robust quality department, a clean and efficient workspace, and a forward-thinking mindset. Relationships with other local shops, like Next Intent, helped inspire the transition and reinforce the value of collaboration in the industry. ProShop has become more than just software; it's the backbone of Snider Precision's operating system. It supports everything from inspections and work instructions to planning and quoting, allowing Damon to focus on strategic growth. The team is still expanding its use of modules like tooling management, aiming for full integration and vendor-supported inventory systems. Snider Precision's journey reflects a generational shift in leadership, where embracing change and technology has transformed the business. With a strong foundation, a growing backlog, and family members involved in operations, Snider Precision is well-positioned for continued success and serves as an inspiring example for other shops considering similar paths. LinkedIn - Damon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-snider-a657102ab/ Snider Precision - https://sniderprecision.com
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| 39: Driving Excellence and Growth with Jeff Justesen of Oakdale Precision | 01 oct. 2025 | 00:57:50 | |
Oakdale Precision, a manufacturing company, transformed after adopting Pro Shop ERP. Previously reliant on a homegrown software system and tools like spreadsheets, whiteboards, and scattered network drives, the company faced challenges in scheduling, quality control, and tribal knowledge transfer. As the company grew, these limitations became unsustainable, prompting leadership to seek a more structured solution. Jeff Justesen tells how the transition to Pro Shop was facilitated with onboarding across departments. Floor staff quickly adapted to basic functions like scheduling and clocking in/out, while deeper features such as operation components and part check info were gradually adopted. A phased rollout allowed Oakdale to maintain customer continuity while shifting new work orders into the new system. One of the greatest improvements was in lead time reduction. In 2022, the average time from work order creation to shipment was 4.3 weeks; by 2024, it had dropped to 2.7 weeks. This gain was attributed to parallel processing, better scheduling, and proactive quality planning. The ability to move jobs between machines, track tooling, and communicate across departments created a more responsive operation. The software also strengthened collaboration between office and shop floor teams. Messaging tools, process development modules, and structured feedback loops gave machinists and logistics staff a voice in continuous improvement. Employees now feel connected, and hiring has become easier thanks to the clarity Pro Shop brings to onboarding and training. Pro Shop allowed Oakdale's management to shift focus to strategic growth. Instead of patching recurring issues, they now concentrate on market expansion, customer relationships, and long-term planning. The system's ability to capture tribal knowledge and standardize best practices has been critical in preserving expertise and preparing for generational transitions. With over 100 machines and just 65 employees, Oakdale now runs lights-out manufacturing across multiple shifts, maximizing output with minimal staffing. Jeff credits Pro Shop with enabling their evolution from a paper-driven shop to a data-driven operation. The ERP system has become the backbone of their business, supporting everything from quoting and scheduling to inspection and training. As they continue to grow and diversify, Oakdale sees Pro Shop not just as a tool but as a strategic partner in building the future of precision manufacturing. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-justesen-792049b6/ Email - Jeff Justesen: jj@oakdaleprecision.com Oakdale Precision, Inc. - https://oakdaleprecision.com
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| 38: From Job Shop to OEM Manufacturer with Matt from Rise Armament | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:44:36 | |
Matt Torres is the Founder of Rise Armament, a company that manufactures drop-in triggers, rifles, and other firearm accessories. Rise Armament was founded in 2012 as a job shop specializing in contract work for the oil and gas, as well as aerospace industries. Around 2014 or 2015, Matt began designing a drop-in trigger as a side project, driven more by personal interest than business intent. However, when the oil market collapsed in late 2015, the company pivoted fully into firearms manufacturing, launching its own product line under the Rise Armament brand. By 2016, they had phased out contract work entirely and focused exclusively on producing their own products. Since then, the company has experienced steady growth, now employing around 53 people, including 30 in manufacturing. Matt shares how his background as a manufacturing engineer and his desire to build something meaningful led him to entrepreneurship. He once believed that philanthropy would only be possible after achieving financial success, but he soon realized that even while scaling a business, there were ways to make a difference. With many veterans on their team, Rise Armament began supporting organizations like Folds of Honor, Wounded Warrior Project, and Equal Ops. Altruism became one of their core company values. Throughout the conversation, Matt reflects on the challenges of transitioning from contract work to brand ownership, the pros and cons of each model, and the importance of staying mission-focused. The company's core values, originally based on Matt's personal beliefs, evolved through team input and now actively guide hiring and performance reviews, reinforcing culture and accountability. He also highlights the value of business coaching and mentorship, noting that readiness to accept feedback is crucial for growth. He also discusses the role of ProShop software in helping manage growth and operations. Matt explains how the team evolved from relying on informal knowledge and instinct to operating through systems and data, enabling more consistent execution and faster decision-making. He stresses that ProShop is not just a transactional ERP but a full business system tailored for manufacturers. By embedding quality management, training, and process visibility into daily work, it served as a scalable playbook for the company's growth. LinkedIn: Matt Torres - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewttorres/ Instagram: Matt Torres - https://www.instagram.com/matttorresrise/ RISE Armament | Drop-In Triggers, Firearms & AR Parts - https://risearmament.com/
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| 37: The 3rd Generation Takes the Reigns at Gurecky Manufacturing | 03 sept. 2025 | 01:12:48 | |
Gurecky Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned machine shop, has evolved from humble beginnings in a garage to a 42,000-square-foot facility with over 60 employees. Founded in 1983 by Kellen Montpetit's grandfather, the company has long served the oil and gas sector, though recent efforts aim to diversify into aerospace and other industries. Kellen, now part of the ownership group, and Andrew Sulak, a longtime employee who feels like family, share their journey of modernizing the business while preserving its legacy. Despite its size and complexity, the company maintains a close-knit culture, with many employees wearing multiple hats and contributing across departments. Kellen and Drew both came from non-manufacturing backgrounds but found their place in the business through a mix of opportunity, burnout, and a desire for stability. A major turning point came with the decision to implement ProShop ERP. The previous system was paper-heavy, lacked quality management integration, and couldn't support remote access. ProShop changed all that, streamlining tasks, improving traceability, and enabling digital operations. The transition was challenging but ultimately freed up the team to focus on strategic growth. Quoting and estimating have also become more strategic. The post-COVID landscape has thinned out local competition, increasing demand and forcing Gurecky to handle more work in-house. Their "first in, first out" philosophy ensures fairness and reliability, and their commitment to on-time delivery remains strong. Customer relationships have deepened thanks to ProShop's transparency. Clients are impressed by the system's accessibility and real-time data, which helps resolve discrepancies and build trust. The ERP system has become the foundation for future growth. The shift to ProShop also sparked a cultural transformation. Transparency and collaboration have increased, bridging the gap between the shop floor and the front office. Veteran machinists, initially resistant to change, have slowly embraced the system, especially as they see their feedback valued and documented through process development tools. Younger employees, more accustomed to digital systems, adapted quickly. The team now feels more unified, with clearer communication and shared goals. Ultimately, Gurecky Manufacturing's journey reflects the power of thoughtful modernization. By blending legacy values with cutting-edge tools, they've positioned themselves for continued success, being ready to pass the torch to the next generation while staying true to the principles that built the business. LinkedIn: Kellen Montpetit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellen-montpetit-8a363097/ LinkedIn: Andrew Sulak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sulak-a076a9b7/ Gurecky Manufacturing - https://www.gurecky.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK | |||
| 36: Accidental Machine Shop Owner-Dan Fifer with Lane4 Precision | 20 août 2025 | 00:50:42 | |
Dan Fifer, Founder of Lane4 Precision, shares his unconventional journey into manufacturing after a 20-year career in medical device engineering. Frustrated by long lead times in R&D, he set out to build a high-performance machine shop to support fast-paced development cycles. Despite having no prior machining experience, he took a leap of faith, selling his house to buy a Citizen L20 Swiss screw machine after learning his parts required that level of precision. Launching the shop was a risk, but momentum grew quickly. Dan started part-time while still working at his previous job and initially billed only a few hours. However, once fellow engineers discovered his capabilities, demand increased rapidly. Over the next seven years, Lane4 Precision produced over 1,000 unique parts (mostly tiny, complex components for medical R&D). His team became known for tackling difficult, low-volume jobs that other shops often declined. From the outset, Dan relied on ProShop ERP to establish a structured and professional operation. With no preconceived shop habits, ProShop provided the architecture to scale from prototype work to full production. He appreciated its flexibility, allowing users to engage with only the features they needed, while offering full traceability, inspection tracking, tool monitoring, and streamlined workflows. As the shop grew, so did its capabilities. Dan added machines based on customer needs. Even though he originally considered writing his own shop software, Dan realized ProShop offered a more digital and complete systematic solution, helping to instill confidence in customers with its robust quality tracking. Despite technical and business demands, the biggest struggle for Dan has been balancing health and family life with work. He reflects that while the work is rewarding and the customer appreciation is fulfilling, the long hours and intensity of running a shop can take a toll. He credits ProShop with saving him from drowning in paperwork, calling it a 24/7 executive assistant that keeps the business running smoothly. He appreciates how ProShop has aided in the independence and pride that he's found in creating a high-functioning operation accidentally, and from scratch. LinkedIn: Dan Fifer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fifer-35621791/ Lane4 Precision - http://www.lane4precision.com/
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| 35: Hard for the Right Reasons - Paramount Machine | 06 août 2025 | 00:57:39 | |
Paramount Machine, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a well-established and highly diversified machine shop with around 70 employees and a wide range of machining capabilities. They specialize in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine work, including complex operations such as multi-axis and five-axis machining, and serve multiple industries, particularly the medical, defense, and x-ray equipment manufacturing sectors. John Rausch is the general manager at Paramount Machine with a background in machine tool sales, while Eric Van Orden, the founder's son, started from the ground up and now plays a technical leadership role. Their long-term commitment and hands-on experience reflect the company's strong internal culture and emphasis on relationships. The shop faced challenges with its previous ERP system, including limited visibility, reliance on printed travelers, and inefficient time tracking. These issues affected job scheduling, on-time delivery, and material tracking. Their decision to switch to ProShop stemmed from the need for better visibility, process control, and integration across departments. Implementing ProShop has not been easy. It required an adjustment from both the office and the shop floor staff. However, they began seeing improvements in scheduling, tracking, and reducing manual errors. The team values features like live part tracking and digital documentation, which reduce the need for physical traveler copies and cut down confusion. Overall, the transition has been a learning process, but one that Paramount believes is worthwhile. John told me, "It has been hard, but for the right reasons". Paramount Machine continues to invest in its people, technology, and customer relationships. Their emphasis on continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptability positions them well for future growth and innovation. LinkedIn: Eric Van Orden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-van-orden-378795314/ LinkedIn: John Rausch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rausch-21449261/ Paramount Machine -https://www.paramount-machine.com/
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| 34: A Dream Come True - ERP, QMS & MES in One with Gioni Bianchini | 23 juil. 2025 | 01:05:04 | |
End 2 End Manufacturing didn't start with high-tech machines or enterprise systems. It began as a contract welding shop focused on responsiveness, trust, and doing right by the customer. As the company grew, adding CNC machining, design, and prototyping capabilities, it became clear that tribal knowledge and whiteboards couldn't sustain the pace. That's where Gioni Bianchini, General Manager, saw an opportunity for real change. In this episode, Gioni Bianchini, the General Manager at End 2 End Manufacturing, shares the story of that transformation, how a lean but ambitious team evolved their culture, their operations, and their entire workflow by adopting ProShop ERP. But it wasn't just about new software. It was about visibility, alignment, and creating space for machinists and fabricators to take real ownership of their work. From improving accountability to breaking down silos, Gioni reflects on what it took to guide his team through change while keeping their hands-on values intact. Whether you're at the beginning of your digital journey or deep into scaling challenges, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what real manufacturing transformation looks like in practice. LinkedIn - Gioni Bianchini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gioni-bianchini-4a015b18/ End 2 End Manufacturing - www.e2emfg.com
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| 33: 4x Growth in 1.5 Years at Serbin Machining | 10 juil. 2025 | 00:53:01 | |
Shops can lose money quietly due to missed deadlines, rushed shipping, and confusion that no one wants to admit. The real issue is often buried in scattered paper records and knowledge locked in one person's head. It feels normal until survival is at risk. At Serbin Machining, there was no pretending things would improve on their own. New owners saw the chaos immediately and decided to invest in ProShop ERP before even closing the deal. The goal was to replace guesswork with clear, live tracking of every job. Paper records and disconnected spreadsheets were out. Instead, the team could see exactly what was due, where materials were located, and how work was progressing in real time. That level of visibility turned daily operations from crisis management into smooth planning. Revenue didn't just grow, it quadrupled in 18 months with almost the same workforce. Formal training, clear roles, and second-shift expansion became possible. Customer calls dropped from 90 minutes to 15 because the answers were ready. ProShop delivered more than software. It enforced accountability, streamlined communication, and made growth sustainable. For any shop hitting its limit without knowing why, this story proves transparency isn't optional; it's how you stay alive and scale. LinkedIn - Serbin Machining: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serbin-machining-inc-/about/ Serbin Machining - https://www.serbinmachining.com/
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| 32: Designing and Growing an Ideal Machine Shop with Tim Rousseau | 25 juin 2025 | 00:54:10 | |
Most shop owners don't realize how much the structure and feel of their shop impact everything, including employee morale, customer trust, and long-term growth. Caught up in production chaos, they overlook the deeper issues holding them back: clunky systems, reactive decision-making, and a culture built on fear rather than trust. Tim Rousseau changed all that. He built Above All CNC to be clean, safe, and forward-thinking intentionally. His big shift? Ditching paper and guesswork for ProShop ERP. It gave his growing shop the structure it needed to handle complexity without the stress. Now, every part of his operation, from quoting to inspection, is consistent, trackable, and efficient. Audits go smoother. Employees take pride in their work. Customers keep coming back. If you're still running your shop off spreadsheets and gut feel, this episode might just be your turning point. LinkedIn - Tim Rousseau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rousseau-b2309b20/ CNC Inc - https://aboveallcnc.com/
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| 31: Life Changing Transformation with Perry Kuehn of K Tooling | 11 juin 2025 | 01:19:18 | |
Most shop owners don't realize it, but the way they lead their team and the systems they use may be quietly holding them back. In this episode, we hear from Perry Kuehn of K Tooling, a shop owner with decades of experience who thought his business was running fine… until it nearly ran off the rails. What followed was a transformation that reshaped his culture, workflow, and client relationships. And it started with one bold decision. At first, Perry was focused on growth: new machines, new buildings, new customers. But under the surface, delivery dates were slipping, team members were stressed, and quality issues were creeping in. The systems in place, both technological and cultural, weren't built for scale, and Perry soon realized it wasn't just a software problem. Leadership needed to change, too. That's when he went all-in on ProShop ERP. But adopting a new system didn't just mean new screens or better scheduling. It became the catalyst for a complete reset in how the team operated and how they were led. Perry shares openly about the resistance, the tough personnel decisions, and the leap of faith required to shut off their old ERP cold turkey. The shift was immediate and profound. Delivery stabilized. Quality improved. Communication got clearer. And for the first time in a long time, the team wasn't just keeping up, they were thriving. Perry also reveals how these internal changes paved the way for external wins: major new contracts, ISO and AS9100 certifications, and his highest month of incoming sales on record. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to evolve from a reactive job shop into a high-trust, high-performance operation, or how leadership, culture, and the right systems are deeply connected, this episode offers a powerful firsthand account of what that transformation can look like. LinkedIn: Perry Kuehn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-kuehn-6a197210/ K Tooling - https://www.ktooling.com/
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| 30: Pride, Passion, and Purpose in Machining | 28 mai 2025 | 00:55:19 | |
Some machine shop owners come into the industry late. Adam Verdon was born into it. From shredding paper in the office as a toddler to operating machines as a teenager, Adam grew up at G.V. Industries, the precision machining company his father founded in 1978 after returning from Vietnam. Today, he's not just leading the company, he's reshaping it. With a deep respect for GV's history and a clear vision for its future, Adam set out to modernize the shop from the inside out. That meant more than swapping paper travelers for terminals or spreadsheets for software. It meant earning trust, building buy-in, and creating a culture where machinists and their ideas matter. When the team embraced ProShop ERP, they didn't just get a new system. They got visibility, clarity, and ownership. Tribal knowledge became shared knowledge. Workflow friction disappeared. And the change didn't come through top-down mandates, it came from listening. This episode is about more than digital transformation. It's about what happens when the next generation takes the wheel and drives with both head and heart. LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-verdon-6b4292267 G.V. Industries - gvindustries.biz
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| 29. Mold Making, Skilled Trades & ProShop | 14 mai 2025 | 00:34:44 | |
Plenty of people still picture manufacturing as dark, dirty, and dangerous. That image sticks, even though the real day-to-day inside many shops couldn't look more different. But when perception lags behind reality, it's no wonder few young people see themselves in roles like toolmaker or machinist. Darryl Gratrix didn't grow up knowing he'd land in the trades. He went the university route first. Nearly three decades into his career today, he's running production at Molded Precision Components and doing everything he can to ensure the next generation sees what's possible. That includes opening the shop doors to students, teachers, and guidance counselors, people who've rarely had a reason to set foot in a modern manufacturing facility. For many, a single tour flips a switch. One teacher left inspired enough to organize an event that brought 300 students face to face with local vendors. While he's helping shift the narrative around skilled trades, Darryl's also keeping a 15-person toolroom running at full tilt. And that got easier with a new ERP system, ProShop, that replaced clunky interfaces and manual entry with faster, clearer processes. It didn't just save time; it gave the team better data to manage and improve. So yes, this is a story about skilled trades. But it's also about what happens when one person decides to be visible in an often hidden industry, on the shop floor, in the school system, and in young people's choices about their future. LinkedIn - Darryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-gratrix-373827309 Molded Precision Components - https://www.mpccomponents.com/
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| 28. Why "Good Enough" Systems Are Quietly Killing Your Shop's Growth | 30 avr. 2025 | 00:50:57 | |
Shop owners are so deep in the daily grind that they don't see how outdated systems are quietly setting limits on their business. When processes feel "good enough," it's easy to miss how much time, money, and opportunity are leaking out of a business every day. Ben Dunn didn't come from machining, he came from hospital administration. And that fresh perspective made it impossible for him to ignore the old habits inside the shop he acquired. Walking into a company still running on a DOS-based computer and stacks of paper, he saw what longtime owners sometimes can't: without a clear schedule, accurate data, and systems that live beyond a single person's memory, the business had no path to real growth or long-term survival. Once Blueprint Advanced Manufacturing embraced modern systems, everything changed; on-time delivery skyrocketed, employee roles became clear, and the company became far more resilient. Owners will start to see that fixing what feels "good enough" isn't just a tech upgrade, it's the difference between a company that struggles and one that thrives across generations. Ben Dunn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dunn-9a8540b4/ Blueprint Advanced Manufacturing - https://blueprintadvancedmfg.com/
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| 27. Dedicated to Improvement - Andy Reinwald at Ripley Machine | 16 avr. 2025 | 00:49:42 | |
Running a shop often means wearing every hat and holding every answer. For Andy Reinwald at Ripley Machine, that translated to years of nonstop work, nearly no time off, and the weight of every open order living in his head. It was sustainable until it wasn't. Things came to a head after a rough year in 2016. Revenue was slipping, customer service was lagging, and the company was running on outdated systems. Andy knew he couldn't keep leading the shop this way and expect different results. That realization kicked off a steady climb. Andy pursued ISO certification, leaned into lean thinking, and began to untangle Ripley Machine from manual processes and memory-based management. Still, the tools he had weren't suited for the kind of shop he wanted to run. It wasn't until Andy implemented ProShop that the fundamental transformation took hold. The team got access to the same information, tooling, and setups became easier to manage, and planning work no longer relied on his constant oversight. Late orders dropped, morale lifted, and quoting, scheduling, and tracking got faster. Now, Andy runs a growing shop with more efficient systems, higher standards, and the breathing room to take a fully unplugged vacation. His story isn't about flashy leaps, it's about what happens when a shop owner truly commits to improving, one decision at a time. LinkedIn - Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyreinwald/ Ripley Machine - https://www.ripley-machine.com/
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| 26. Proud to Own a World Class Shop - Phil Gurecki of Accurate Machine | 02 avr. 2025 | 00:47:04 | |
Most shop owners don't realize how much stress is baked into their day-to-day. They're running jobs, juggling people, chasing parts—and slowly getting used to the constant pressure. For Phil Gurecki, it was normal to be the only one who knew where everything was, how it worked, and what came next. Until it wasn't. As Accurate Machine grew, so did the complexity. Assemblies got tougher. Tooling got chaotic. Binders multiplied. And the cost of relying on Phil's memory—or a key employee's tribal knowledge—became impossible to ignore. He tried two ERPs. Neither stuck. It wasn't until ProShop that things clicked. This time, Phil went all in. Got his team involved. Started documenting everything. Within months, even newer hires could confidently run repeat jobs. And when a key team member left, nothing fell apart. Phil didn't set out to build a world class shop. He just wanted to get organized and get some peace of mind. But once the systems were in place, everything shifted. He had time to lead. His team had clarity. And customer tours? He starts those at the computer now—because that's where the real work lives. There's pride in the machines, sure. But for Phil, the real pride comes from knowing his shop can scale, adapt, and grow—without burning anyone out in the process. LinkedIn - Phil Gurecki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-gurecki-4a9439110/ Accurate Machine Inc -https://www.accmachine.com/
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| 25. Perfecting Processes & Systems to Success - Marvin Rodriguez with True Precision Machining | 19 mars 2025 | 00:52:40 | |
Most machine shops are filled with skilled workers, powerful machines, and a relentless drive to get parts out the door. But behind the scenes, inefficiencies can quietly eat away at profitability, morale, and even long-term survival. Many shops rely on outdated systems, fragmented information, and tribal knowledge that vanishes when key employees leave. The result? Missed deadlines, costly mistakes, and constant firefighting. Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining shares how his company faced these challenges and found a way to transform operations through a strategic shift in processes and systems. By implementing ProShop ERP, his team moved from paper-driven chaos to a fully digital, streamlined workflow. Along the way, they improved efficiency and fostered a culture of engagement where employees actively contribute to continuous improvement. True Precision is thriving, reducing errors, cutting wasted time, and positioning itself as a top-tier supplier in aerospace, defense, and medical manufacturing. Marvin's story is a masterclass in using data, structure, and technology to take a business from reactive to proactive. Whether you're struggling with inconsistent processes or just looking to scale smarter, this episode is packed with actionable insights for any shop owner or leader ready to perfect their systems for success. LinkedIn - Marvin Rodriguez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-rodriguez-08667694/ True Precision Machining - https://www.trueprecisionmachining.com/
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| 24. From Pirate Ship to Proven Process - Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite Machining | 05 mars 2025 | 00:48:16 | |
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/
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| 23. Technology as a Force Multiplier | 19 févr. 2025 | 00:56:54 | |
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/
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| 22. Nobody Can Do It Better Than Me - Ron Wallace with Ace Machining | 05 févr. 2025 | 00:53:00 | |
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sit down with Ron Wallace, the owner of Ace Machining, a leading job shop located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Ron shares the remarkable story of how he went from starting his business with just a few machines to now overseeing a thriving operation with advanced equipment like Swiss lathes, waterjets, and five-axis mills. Ron's journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and innovation. After years of trial and error, including multiple relocations and expanding the team, Ron realized that embracing technology was the key to taking his business to the next level. That's when Ace Machining turned to ProShop ERP—a game-changing decision that streamlined operations, enhanced communication, and improved efficiency across the shop floor. In this episode, we learn how ProShop ERP has helped Ace Machining overcome common growing pains, such as managing material certifications, job costing, and reducing setup times. With the help of ProShop, Ron and his team were able to implement systems and processes that improved not only their operations but also their bottom line. Ron also discusses the value of hiring the right people, delegating responsibilities, and investing in technology to fuel growth. This episode is packed with insights on how modernizing your manufacturing process can lead to incredible transformations—just like at Ace Machining. LinkedIn - Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wallace-172a8627/ Ace Machining Ltd - https://www.acemachining.ca/about-us/ Buy Back Your Time - https://www.buybackyourtime.com/
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| 21. How Zimmer Design & Manufacturing Achieved 70% Growth with ProShop | 22 janv. 2025 | 00:52:19 | |
Zimmer Design & Manufacturing, an ITAR-registered AS9100 Contract Manufacturing machine shop in Austin, TX, has experienced remarkable growth—70% since its launch in 2020. Founder Adam Zimmer started the company in his garage, crafting cigar stands and ashtrays as a hobby with a manual lathe and mill. A pivotal moment came when he purchased equipment and customers from a friend closing his shop, which set the stage for his transition into a thriving business. From day one, Adam knew he wanted to scale, so he invested in ProShop ERP for its functionality, scalability, and affordability. Today, with a team of 11, ProShop underpins every part of their operation, from quoting and processing to training and tool management. Adam credits ProShop for making growth and organization seamless, enabling streamlined systems that have become the backbone of his success. The ERP's documentation and workflows even simplified their AS9100 certification process. As a programmer and machinist, Adam's focus on automation and efficiency has been key to scaling the business, and he emphasizes the role of delegation in balancing work and family life. With ProShop as the foundation, Zimmer Design & Manufacturing is not only thriving but also on track to achieve another year of explosive growth in 2025. LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmer-5b806b152/ Zimmer Design and Manufacturing - https://www.zimmermanufacturing.com/
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| 20. From Repair Shop Roots to Aerospace Excellence: Faircloth Machine Shop's Remarkable Journey | 08 janv. 2025 | 00:39:59 | |
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, Brannon McKinney, General Manager at Faircloth Machine Shop, shares the incredible evolution of a small repair shop into an AS9100-certified leader in aerospace manufacturing. When Brannon joined Faircloth 16 years ago, fresh out of community college, the shop had just eight employees and relied on conventional machines and a homemade ERP system. Today, with the help of ProShop ERP, they've streamlined operations, embraced innovation, and achieved certifications that transformed their business. Brannon discusses how ProShop became an essential part of their journey—simplifying scheduling, enhancing tool tracking, and making the AS9100 certification process seamless. You'll hear how Faircloth leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a team culture that drives success. Whether you're curious about ERP systems, certifications, or scaling a manufacturing business, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. LinkedIn - Brannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brannon-mckinney-a6666b87/ Faircloth Machine: https://fairclothmachine.com/
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| 19. Vision + Culture + Technology = Transformation with Jim & Ryan Carr of CARR Machine | 11 déc. 2024 | 01:04:36 | |
This third-generation precision machining business is thriving and growing thanks to a well-executed vision, a focus on culture, and the adoption of the best technology, like ProShop ERP. The transformation that CARR Machine has seen in the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. Jim and Ryan are aligned in the vision of the company, they use their core values to drive the hiring, firing and alignment of their team, and along with a strong marketing focus, they have grown considerably, entering new markets, expanding their facility and moving from a low volume industrial shop to a high volume aerospace and defense contract manufacturer. Enjoy the inspiring story in this episode. LinkedIn - Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmycarr/ LinkedIn - CARR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carr-machine-&-tool-inc-/ Website: https://carrmachine.com/ | |||
| 18. Breaking Free from Manual Processes: How Modern ERP Transforms Manufacturing with John Zmuda from Moseys Production Machinists | 27 nov. 2024 | 00:48:59 | |
In this episode, we sit down with John Zmuda, President of Moseys Production Machinists, to uncover how his team revolutionized their operations by ditching outdated manual processes. From the frustrations of late-night spreadsheet marathons to unlocking double-digit growth, John shares the transformative impact of adopting modern ERP and QMS software. Learn how transitioning to a machine shop ERP system gave Moseys the tools to streamline workflows, improve customer communication, and free up time for strategic growth. Hear firsthand how Joanna, the company's customer service lead, shifted from time-consuming order entry to proactive client engagement. John also dives into how automation and digitization have boosted team morale, attracted younger talent, and created a culture of innovation and collaboration. Discover the hidden costs of manual workflows and why investing in modern tools is essential for thriving in today's competitive manufacturing landscape. If you're still juggling spreadsheets and paper trails, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you run your business. Don't miss it! 👉 Tune in to learn how modern ERP can unlock your shop's potential. | |||
| 17. Manufacturing Transformed This Man's Life with Daniel Anglemyer from Hibshman Screw Machine | 13 nov. 2024 | 00:50:33 | |
17. Manufacturing Transformed This Man's Life with Daniel Anglemyer from Hibshman Screw Machine | |||
| 16. 4x Growth In 4 Years with Kevin Richards from JJR Engineering and Fabrication | 30 oct. 2024 | 01:10:01 | |
16. 4x Growth In 4 Years with Kevin Richards from JJR Fabrication | |||
| 15. Building a Company with ProShop as the Foundation with Nick Preece from PMA | 16 oct. 2024 | 01:05:27 | |
15. Building a Company with ProShop as the Foundation with Nick Preece from PMA | |||
| 14. A One Man Machining Army with CJ Abraham from PPD | 02 oct. 2024 | 01:04:22 | |
14. A One Man Machining Army with CJ Abraham from PPD | |||