Explore every episode of the podcast The Manufacturing Automation Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Business Hell: Culture, Capacity, and the Cost of Doing Things “Right” | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:59:29 | |
Michael and Matt unpack what it really feels like to operate in the most difficult stage of company growth—the stretch where you’re too big to wing it and too small to specialize. They talk candidly about culture drift, missed deadlines, and the hidden cost of onboarding, especially when half the team is new and tribal knowledge disappears faster than expected. The conversation dives deep into execution vs. effort, why batching creates downstream quality failures, and how Gantt charts, daily huddles, and clearer deadlines are helping realign work with outcomes. Michael shares hard-earned lessons from QC issues and a necessary termination, while Matt explains why “depth of bench” matters more than headcount—and how utilization, onboarding curves, and capacity planning shape smarter hiring decisions. They also debate CRM discipline vs. custom tools, the real ROI of enterprise software, and when founders should stop building systems themselves and start enforcing the ones they already pay for. The episode closes with honest reflections on leadership, culture-building habits, and how to keep teams motivated when growth is messy, exhausting, and unavoidable. | |||
| The 10x Conversion Jump: SOP Discipline, Sales Bottlenecks & Turning Shopify Into the Core Business | 28 janv. 2026 | 01:03:24 | |
Matt and Michael compare notes on what happens when your bottleneck stops being production and starts being sales consistency and founder bandwidth. Michael shares how Gimbel Automation’s Shopify revenue is up ~4x in a few months, driven by a major page overhaul and a conversion rate that’s increased ~10x—shifting his attention toward scalable “widget” sales instead of field-heavy turnkey installs. Matt breaks down the other side of the same problem: Develop’s delivery engine is scaling, but the limiting factor is now top-of-funnel response time, lead follow-up cadence, and project accounting, pushing him toward hiring an executive assistant and standardizing customer reporting. Together they talk SEO reality (KD-zero industrial keywords), how agencies stall when founders stop reviewing deliverables, and why the next growth step is often delegation plus tighter systems, not more leads. On the ops side, they cover floor-space constraints, CapEx tradeoffs, and practical improvements like Kanban discipline, objective-driven OKRs, and aligning incentives to measurable execution. The episode closes with real-world engineering updates—including shipping a major build in brutal weather, refining CoolantClear beta production, and catching a critical torque-spec oversight before a prototype hits the field. | |||
| The SEO Grind, the Forgiveness Log, and What Breaks at Scale | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:53:00 | |
Matt and Michael recap a packed week of operations pressure, follow-on project momentum, and the unglamorous reality of scaling: quality errors, retraining, and tightening SOPs without bloating the system. Matt shares what he’s learning from a new owner-operator roundtable, plus how follow-on work is stacking up across multiple active builds. On the marketing side, they go deep on SEO strategy that actually works in industrial B2B—long-tail keyword mapping, training an agency to understand the market, and what a realistic monthly SEO spend looks like when the founder is still the bottleneck. They close with two practical scale moves: (1) a shop-floor re-layout to unlock space for larger machine builds, and (2) a cultural experiment Matt calls the “forgiveness log”—a structured way to push decision-making down to the team, speed up execution, and track ROI on micro-improvements in real dollars and hours. | |||
| Building Automation Businesses Without Losing the Plot | 14 janv. 2026 | 01:07:35 | |
In Episode 64 of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael Gimbel and Matt Moseman dig into what it actually looks like to run and scale an automation business when the hype wears off. This episode covers:
This is a candid, operator-level conversation about decision-making, discipline, and building sustainable automation companies — not just impressive ones. If you’re a manufacturer, integrator, or founder navigating growth, hiring, and product strategy, this episode is for you. 👉 Listen to the Manufacturing Automation Podcast on Spotify and follow the show for weekly conversations on building automation businesses the right way. No theory. No fluff. Just two founders documenting the journey. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and join the conversation. | |||
| Profit First Thinking, Product Strategy & Building for Strength | 07 janv. 2026 | 01:01:45 | |
In Episode 63 of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael Gimbel and Matt Moseman kick off the new year by reflecting on 2025 and setting a more disciplined, profit-driven direction for 2026. They dig into the shift from cash to accrual accounting, applying Profit First principles, and why growth without margin creates unnecessary stress. The conversation also covers product strategy decisions, simplifying automation offerings, market education challenges, and designing products that scale — not just technically, but operationally. This episode covers:
No theory. No fluff. Just two founders documenting the journey. | |||
| Roller Coaster Weeks, Hiring Reality & Making Automation Convert | 24 déc. 2025 | 00:51:11 | |
In Episode 62 of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael Gimbel and Matt Moseman unpack a high-energy, high-stress week inside two growing automation companies. They cover factory acceptance pressure, hiring engineers and machinists, refining interview processes, and the realities of scaling technical teams without compromising culture. The conversation also dives deep into sales and marketing execution — from viral product moments and conversion optimization to AI tools, website design, and where automation buyers actually want friction removed. This episode touches on:
If you’re running or scaling an automation, CNC, or manufacturing business, this episode is an honest look at what growth actually feels like behind the scenes. No theory. No fluff. Just two founders documenting the journey. New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and join the conversation. | |||
| Installs, Hiring Pressure & the Reality of Scaling Automation | 17 déc. 2025 | 00:56:30 | |
In Episode 61 of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael Gimbel and Matt Moseman check in on a busy week inside two growing automation businesses. They talk through real-world challenges around machine installs, troubleshooting communication issues, hiring engineers and machinists, forecasting workload, and balancing growth with capacity. The conversation also dives into marketing realities in manufacturing, paid ads performance, content strategy, and how small process improvements compound over time. This episode covers:
If you’re building or running an automation, CNC, or manufacturing business, this episode offers an honest look at what growth actually feels like week to week. No fluff. No theory. Just two founders building the future of industrial automation. New episodes every week — follow the show to stay updated. | |||
| Hiring Smarter, Scaling Faster: Engineering Leadership & Automation Growth Strategies | 10 déc. 2025 | 01:04:17 | |
In Episode 60 of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael Gimbel (Gimbel Automation) and Matt Moseman (Developed LLC) dive deep into the real-world challenges and wins of scaling industrial automation companies. From hiring high-caliber engineering talent to fixing production bottlenecks, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in manufacturing, CNC automation, robotics integration, engineering leadership, and industrial operations. This week, the guys break down: Michael shares how bringing on a VP of Engineering instantly moved the needle across R&D, product refinement, and throughput — and why he regrets not making the hire sooner. They talk through backlog pressure, longer lead times, and the shift from “selling hard” to “choosing the right customers” as automation adoption accelerates. Growing automation companies means navigating terms, inventory, complex POs, and why cash-based accounting stops making sense once you scale. Matt and Michael discuss Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, trade shows, SEO, and creating a central content vault to multiply high-value manufacturing leads without burning out. Everything from metric hardware migration, foam insert redesign, fixture optimization, semi-automated CAM, and macro testing — to how small engineering details compound into big operational wins. A field-failure story highlights the reality of building reliable CNC automation inside OEM limitations — and why redundancy, software updates, and customer communication matter. They explore the mental load of running automation companies, balancing optimism with financial responsibility, and knowing when to push vs. when to stabilize. Whether you're running a CNC shop, building automation products, integrating robotics, or scaling a manufacturing startup — this episode delivers grounded, shop-floor-real perspective you won’t find on typical business podcasts. No fluff. No theory. Just two founders building the future of industrial automation. New episodes every week — follow the show to stay updated. | |||
| Scaling Automation: Real Talk with Michael & Matt | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:59:26 | |
Hosted by: Michael Gimbel (Gimbel Automation) & Matt Moseman (Developed LLC)Platforms: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTubeThe Manufacturing Automation Podcast is where two automation-obsessed founders pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build, scale, and lead modern industrial automation companies.Every week, Michael and Matt jump into an open, unfiltered conversation about:• Growing and running automation companiesReal talk about backlog management, hiring struggles, team leadership, burnout, wins, screwups, and everything in between.• Sales & Marketing in the industrial worldFrom ad spend efficiency to SEO, attribution tools, content strategy, demos, and how deals actually get closed in a B2B manufacturing economy.• Engineering, R&D, and product developmentAutomation, robotics, fixtures, grippers, software—plus the reality of debugging, edge cases, failed tests, and the breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile.• Continuous improvement & real-world operationsProcess refinement, lean thinking, project flow, customer management, pricing discipline, and building systems that actually scale.• Life as founders in industrial automationMental load, personal growth, leadership evolution, and the mindsets that keep a business moving through chaotic seasons.Whether you’re a machinist, engineer, shop owner, automation integrator, or you’re building hardware and robotics from the ground up — this podcast gives you the honest, inside-the-shop perspective you won’t find anywhere else.No theory. No fluff. Just documenting the journey.New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and join the conversation. | |||
| Lead-Time Leverage: ROAS Breakthroughs, Email-Gated CAD & Subassembly Outsourcing | 19 nov. 2025 | 01:01:09 | |
Matt and Michael compare notes on a surprising truth: pushing lead times out actually improved close rates—and sanity. Michael shares how a few e-commerce fixes (cleaner checkout, aggressive email capture) plus Meta + Google PMax ads are finally delivering real ROAS, while Matt walks through shop-floor wins—from 1701’s palletized case-packing speeds to kicking off a multi-robot project. They dig into vendor-built subassemblies, a company-wide shift to metric, and email-gated Fusion CAD embeds that trade downloads for qualified contacts. The through-line: stop brute-forcing growth; eliminate steps, raise the bar, and let systems carry the load. | |||
| Breaking the Sine Wave: Hiring Smart, Scaling Sanely, and Staying Sane | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:57:25 | |
Matt and Michael open up about the hardest phase of growth yet—scaling while exhausted. From sorting through 500+ job applicants to navigating burnout, trade show fatigue, and the fine line between serving customers and setting boundaries, this episode gets real about what it takes to run a growing manufacturing business. They cover trial-day hiring tests, customer scope creep, and the chaos of being your own head of engineering, sales, and ops all at once. Matt shares lessons from three back-to-back trade shows, and Michael reflects on how to rebuild systems, protect margins, and stop living in the “urgent and important” quadrant. Along the way, they debate lifestyle business vs. growth company, what makes a good hire, and how to know when to pull back—or push forward. It’s a grounded, honest look at the messy middle of manufacturing entrepreneurship and the discipline required to build something sustainable. | |||
| Delegation, Drama, and Data: The Growing Pains of Scaling Manufacturing | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:58:00 | |
Matt and Michael dive into the real-world challenges of scaling a manufacturing company—from letting go of control to navigating tough customers and trade show ROI. Michael reflects on learning to delegate, setting boundaries with unreasonable clients, and choosing which orders to take as demand grows. Matt, fresh off the MD&M trade show, shares how live events pressure-test both product and people—and how one broken AI sales tool turned into a valuable workflow lesson. Together, they explore the balance between sales velocity and buyer confidence, why faster isn’t always better, and how to decide when a trade show is worth the investment. The conversation expands into marketing automation, Shopify strategy, and 3D model integration, revealing how small process improvements compound into massive leverage. The episode closes with a candid look at leadership transitions, hiring discipline, and rediscovering excitement in “boring” systems—because in manufacturing, scaling isn’t just about building better machines; it’s about building better companies. | |||
| Builder to CEO: Scaling Smart, Letting Go, and Growing Without Breaking | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:57:44 | |
Matt and Michael sit down to unpack the growing pains that come with scaling from builder to CEO. From juggling trade shows and staffing shortages to fixing water jets and optimizing Shopify conversion rates, this episode captures what it really looks like to grow a manufacturing company in real time. They discuss the balance between speed and control, the discipline of hiring slowly, and the struggle to delegate when production pressure is high. Michael reflects on hitting the limits of what worked for a $2M company—and what it takes to evolve toward a $4M operation—while Matt shares how consistency, recurring revenue, and system thinking define sustainable growth. The conversation moves fluidly between cash flow, client terms, financing models, and trade show ROI, all tied together by one theme: learning to work on the business, not just in it. Whether you’re an engineer, entrepreneur, or operator trying to scale, this episode is a candid look at the mindset shift required to lead through growth. | |||
| Trade Shows, Trust, and Team Building: Scaling Manufacturing Without the Chaos | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:54:46 | |
Matt and Michael talk about what it really takes to show up well—at trade shows and in business. They break down their evolving trade show strategy: why it’s not just about leads, but about relationship-building, visibility, and operational readiness. From planning booth logistics and displays to clarifying who’s in the booth (and why), they share how events like WESTEC are forcing better systems back at home base. They also dive into team culture and hiring, discussing how to maintain high standards while keeping morale strong, plus lessons from recent hires who are reshaping how work gets done. The conversation touches on vendor relationships, R&D updates, and even a few AI workflow experiments—the practical kind that actually save time instead of adding noise. By the end, it’s clear: whether it’s a trade show floor or the shop floor, success comes down to the same things—clarity, consistency, and communication. | |||
| From Overdue Invoices to Onshoring Wins: Vendor Strategy, Hiring Pains & Incremental R&D | 08 oct. 2025 | 01:09:06 | |
Matt and Michael get candid about what it takes to scale manufacturing companies in 2025. Michael shares how “caring less” and enforcing reciprocity with customers—matching their cadence and demanding payment before implementation—has improved both cash flow and relationships. They discuss dealing with late invoices from billion-dollar corporations, the reality of tiered customer rules, and why sometimes dropping uphill battles (like bead-blast anodizing) makes everything smoother. The conversation digs into vendor strategy: outsourcing only by referral, working with smaller shops as if they were part-time employees, and tracking accountability with a vendor Gantt chart. Matt pushes back, emphasizing long-term sustainable partnerships and highlighting the tradeoffs of Michael’s approach. On the sales and marketing side, they cover reshoring trends, smart website conversion upgrades (mobile checkout fixes, email capture, weekly newsletters), and the ROI of focusing on conversion over top-of-funnel leads. In R&D, both hosts share incremental product improvements—from new grippers and all-metal push-to-fit fittings to quick design tweaks for field failures. They wrap with company-wide updates: A3 certification prep, SOP consolidation, ISO/UL goals, and a renewed focus on employee career development through structured reviews. It’s an honest, practical look at balancing short-term tactics with long-term strategy in automation and manufacturing. | |||
| Boundaries That Scale: Reciprocity, 24-Hour Proposals & Gantt Discipline | 01 oct. 2025 | 01:01:43 | |
Matt and Michael unpack how they’re shifting from firefighting to systems. They talk about rewriting core values around reciprocity (no pay, no play—match the customer’s cadence), and how fixing a broken mobile checkout button quietly tripled Shopify conversions. They share an SOP that lets the team turn complex proposals in under 24 hours (11 proposals in ~10 days), prep for an A3 certification audit, and roll out vendor- and customer-facing Gantt charts to make dependencies—and delays—undeniably clear. They also get real about AI tools breaking in production (why leverage beats replacement), delegating with Loom to small vendors, and even the occasional two-by-four “field fix” when parts show up bent—all in service of building the companies and lives they want. | |||
| Accountability and Alignment: Rethinking Sales, Marketing, and Engineering Leadership | 24 sept. 2025 | 01:07:28 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on how accountability—both with customers and within their teams—is reshaping the way they operate. From confronting delayed payments and setting clearer boundaries, to revising sales strategies and rethinking when to say yes to massive projects, they dig into the hard lessons of staying disciplined. The conversation also covers refreshing their marketing tools, updating the automation partner eBook, and the importance of hiring higher-caliber engineering leadership. | |||
| Too Much on the Plate: Cash Crunches, Trade Show Costs, and Product Discipline | 17 sept. 2025 | 01:08:09 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt open up about the stress of balancing heavy workloads with cash collection delays, vendor issues, and rising trade show costs. Michael shares how short staffing and delayed payments collided to create a frustrating crunch, while Matt reflects on managing questions from the team and keeping operations moving despite fatigue. Together they explore how to decide when to say no, avoid unnecessary scope creep, and keep product development disciplined—even when the pressure mounts. | |||
| From Chaos to Cadence: Turnkey Installs, Sales Momentum, and Smarter Systems | 10 sept. 2025 | 01:10:40 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt recap a whirlwind couple of weeks—from the headaches of a misconfigured turnkey install to the stress of managing short staffing and nonstop work. Michael shares how deals are finally starting to move after a slow stretch, while Matt reflects on team growth, updated marketing content, and refining sales SOPs. Together they dig into how quoting systems, AI tools, and continuous improvement efforts can help bring more rhythm to the business. | |||
| More Leads, Slower Closes: Navigating Sales Frustration and Building Resilient Systems | 03 sept. 2025 | 01:01:41 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the strange paradox of rising inquiries but fewer deals actually closing. They share the grind of following up on slowed decision-making, why the economy might be driving hesitation, and how they’re responding by refining processes, tightening supply chains, and pushing continuous improvement. From CI experiments to new product refinements, this episode captures the tension of short-term frustration alongside long-term optimism. | |||
| From Quote to Completion: Streamlining Shop Workflow | 27 août 2025 | 01:20:30 | |
In this episode, we break down how to keep jobs moving efficiently from the moment a quote is issued to final delivery. We discuss ways to tighten scheduling, align team priorities, and ensure execution stays on track — all while reducing bottlenecks and meeting customer deadlines. Whether it’s coordinating resources or fine-tuning the quoting process, you’ll hear practical strategies to improve turnaround times and keep production running smoothly. | |||
| The Middle Game: Adapting Systems for the Next Stage of Growth | 20 août 2025 | 00:55:25 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt explore the often-overlooked “middle game” of business growth—the stage where old systems start to break, but the new ones aren’t fully in place yet. They share lessons on recognizing the signs of outgrown processes, evolving leadership approaches, and turning friction into fuel for the next phase. | |||
| Defining the Line: Protecting Focus from Customer Distraction | 13 août 2025 | 01:29:34 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack the hidden cost of trying to be too helpful. They talk through how well-meaning customer interactions can quickly spiral into distractions—and what it takes to stay focused on your core business. From learning when to say no, to redesigning how help is offered, this episode dives into the hard work of protecting team capacity without sacrificing customer trust. | |||
| Signal or Noise: Leading Through Communication Overload | 06 août 2025 | 01:11:47 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt explore what happens when communication volume becomes its own problem. From flooded Slack threads to endless requests for clarity, they unpack how overcommunication often points to broken systems. The conversation touches on leadership stress, channel fatigue, and the need to adjust both mindset and infrastructure when signal turns to noise. | |||
| Breaking the Cycle: Clarity, Ownership, and Team Coordination | 30 juil. 2025 | 01:11:22 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt talk through the kinds of breakdowns that happen when decisions are delayed and responsibilities aren't clearly owned. They explore how uncertainty in one part of the workflow—whether quoting, job release, or planning—can ripple across the team. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive clarity, consistent communication, and building habits that reduce last-minute chaos. | |||
| Knowing When to Say No: Delegation, Focus, and Operational Discipline | 23 juil. 2025 | 01:01:20 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack the leadership tension between saying yes to opportunities and staying focused on what actually moves the business forward. They discuss the challenge of delegating without creating confusion, how to recognize when systems need to mature before taking on more, and what happens when clarity breaks down. A grounded look at the discipline required to grow a team without losing momentum. | |||
| Scaling Smart Quoting: Visibility, Rework Reduction, and Better Communication | 16 juil. 2025 | 01:05:45 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the nitty-gritty of improving quoting workflows as the team grows. They talk about reducing rework, creating better internal documentation, and helping team members quickly understand what’s already been quoted and why. Whether it’s through easier access to notes or structuring customer conversations more clearly, this episode is all about removing friction and building quoting systems that scale. | |||
| Staying Ready: Quoting Discipline, Systems Thinking, and Operational Resilience | 09 juil. 2025 | 00:56:45 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt discuss how to lead through uncertainty without overreacting. They dive into improving quoting workflows, building systems that support consistency, and the mindset shift from reactive fixes to resilient infrastructure. From setting up long-term CRM structure to maintaining discipline when momentum feels unclear, this episode offers a grounded approach to keeping your operation sharp—even when things aren’t urgent. | |||
| Treating Marketing Like a Product: Systems, Iteration, and Long-Term Strategy | 02 juil. 2025 | 00:55:17 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt shift gears to talk about building marketing infrastructure with the same rigor and iteration as product development. They cover how to create feedback loops using performance data, the importance of consistency over sprints, and what it looks like to preserve brand voice while testing new tactics. Whether you’re trying to generate demand, establish thought leadership, or just keep the pipeline warm, this episode dives into building a sustainable, systematized marketing engine. | |||
| Building the Muscle: Habits, Systems, and Leadership Mindset in Scaling Teams | 25 juin 2025 | 00:40:31 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on what it takes to build a company that doesn’t rely on daily firefighting. They explore how developing repeatable habits, systems for information-sharing, and consistent team rituals leads to more predictable outcomes. Michael shares leadership insights on calibration, communication cadence, and the shift from individual heroics to collective readiness. If you’re growing a team and want it to feel less chaotic over time, this episode hits on the mindset and mechanics required. | |||
| Sharpening Focus: Team Ownership, Quoting Expectations, and Leadership Tradeoffs | 18 juin 2025 | 00:49:25 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt talk through the tradeoffs of staying heads-down in execution versus reigniting marketing efforts. They unpack the importance of team initiative, define clearer quoting expectations, and explore what accountability should look like across roles. Michael reflects on how leadership mindset evolves as the company scales, and how to build a culture where urgency, follow-through, and ownership aren’t optional. A grounded episode on tightening up internally while keeping sight of long-term growth. | |||
| Quarter-End Momentum, Lean Execution, and Building for Sustainable Growth | 11 juin 2025 | 00:58:50 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on wrapping up Q2 with solid momentum and a clearer vision heading into Q3. They share how quoting systems, lean team habits, and a more disciplined sales process are shaping the next phase of growth. The conversation also dives into the benefits of consolidating operations under one roof—from engineering to final assembly—and building internal clarity to support simultaneous machine builds. If you're thinking long-term but fixing friction today, this episode offers a grounded take on sustainable scaling. | |||
| Execution Highs, Hiring Setbacks, and Hard Lessons in Automation Operations | 04 juin 2025 | 01:01:58 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack a rollercoaster week—celebrating the smoothest turnkey project delivery in company history while also grappling with a surprise hiring fallout and challenging customer interactions. They reflect on cash flow milestone structures, quoting approaches, and how internal friction often leads to the most meaningful lean improvements. The episode also touches on ambitious goals for machine build timelines, continuous improvement habits, and managing expectations during growth. If you’ve ever hit a high and a low in the same week, this episode is for you. | |||
| Refocusing from Growth to Execution: Lean Culture, Sales Reset, and Quoting Smarter | 28 mai 2025 | 01:02:57 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack the reality of stepping back from growth mode to refocus on execution, culture, and systems. Michael shares how working in the business revealed bottlenecks in machining and sparked a deeper investment in lean shop floor improvements. Matt reflects on Automate trade show wins, shifting team energy, and integrating AI into lead follow-up and sales workflows. They also dive into quoting friction, CRM constraints, inventory cleanout, and the tension between chasing growth and staying operationally stable. If you're rebalancing priorities or scaling through simplification, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons. | |||
| Lean Overhaul, Product Cuts, and Operational Clarity in Automation | 21 mai 2025 | 01:09:37 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the messy but essential work of simplifying operations, cutting underperforming SKUs, and doubling down on lean principles. They reflect on recent wins in sales and onboarding, explore the unexpected effects of tariff changes on customer demand, and compare strategies for improving customer communication—whether through proven process graphics or Loom videos. The episode also covers website refinement, managing ECR requests, and how leaders can balance engineering pride with execution. Whether you're rethinking product lines or building a leaner shop, this episode delivers lessons in operational clarity and focus. | |||
| Cutting the Clutter: Lean Mindset, Visual Sales Tools, and Operational Reset in Automation | 14 mai 2025 | 01:07:53 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on the shift from high-velocity scaling to focused execution. They talk through the pressures of excess demand, making tough SKU decisions, and leaning into simplified, efficient operations. The conversation also dives into how visuals like sales process flowcharts can boost customer confidence, new Fyxer workflows for email automation, and how to create culture-driven lean adoption across teams. Whether you're navigating burnout, decluttering your shop floor, or rethinking what growth should look like, this episode is a sharp look at simplifying to scale smarter. | |||
| Sales Momentum, Smart Hiring, and AI-Driven Process Building in Automation | 07 mai 2025 | 01:05:58 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack a surge in sales activity, the stress of scaling under pressure, and how they’re leveraging AI and software to improve efficiency. They discuss making tough hiring decisions, refining quoting systems, and building out productized automation assessments. The conversation also explores strategies for maintaining long-term growth without burnout, from automating SOP creation to using data to guide expansion. Whether you're riding a growth wave or looking to build smarter systems, this episode delivers valuable insights on how to scale with clarity. | |||
| Tariff Uncertainty, Hiring Discipline, and Building Operational Maturity in Automation | 30 avr. 2025 | 01:05:59 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into how economic uncertainty—like shifting tariffs and client hesitations—affects automation businesses. They discuss strategic pricing adjustments, managing inventory risk, and why communication with suppliers is more critical than ever. The conversation also explores operational discipline: from streamlining hiring funnels and onboarding machinists to rethinking Kanban systems and ISO certification strategy. Whether you’re scaling your team or navigating unpredictable markets, this episode offers tactical insights on building a resilient and professionalized business. | |||
| Cash Flow Tensions, CRM Tweaks, and Navigating Supplier Delays in Automation | 23 avr. 2025 | 01:19:30 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt unpack the real-world stressors of running a growing automation business—from late payments and supplier delays to team accountability and CRM systems. They share lessons from urgent hiring, optimizing sales workflows in HubSpot, and integrating video tools like Loom to close deals faster. The discussion also explores product page improvements, trade show planning, and how to handle customer expectations when things don’t go as planned. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the messy but rewarding process of building smarter systems in automation. | |||
| Cash Flow, Culture Shifts, and Hybrid Sales Roles in Automation | 16 avr. 2025 | 01:09:15 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on navigating headcount reductions, cash flow management, and the challenge of finding the right hires. They explore the idea of hybrid technical-sales roles, frustrations with influencer marketing, and the continued evolution of their CRM, video, and email strategies. The conversation also dives into sales conversion tactics, warehouse cleanup, new CNC equipment, and long-term thinking in automation leadership. If you're juggling growth, systems, and team culture, this episode offers an honest look into the operational realities of scaling a business. | |||
| Sales Close Rates, Product Perception, and Scaling Pains in Automation | 09 avr. 2025 | 00:54:29 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt share updates on shifting sales strategies, improving lead conversions, and the growing pains of scaling automation operations. They reflect on closing high-value deals, customer buying behavior, and how product perception impacts sales outcomes. The conversation also explores credit card pricing strategies, streamlining sales calls, optimizing internal systems, and whether it’s time to automate more of the sales process. If you're balancing business growth, lead management, and product development, this episode is packed with candid lessons and practical advice. | |||
| Sales Pressure, Team Changes, and Tech-Driven Efficiency in Automation | 02 avr. 2025 | 01:08:04 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt break down the highs and lows of the past few weeks—from closing major deals to restructuring their sales process. They discuss the pressure of hitting quarterly targets, making tough team decisions, and leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency. The conversation also covers refining sales outreach, automation-driven marketing strategies, and the ongoing shift toward smarter business operations. Whether you’re navigating sales challenges or optimizing your workflows, this episode delivers practical insights on running and growing an automation business. | |||
| Milestones, Marketing Shifts, and Scaling Smarter in Automation | 26 mars 2025 | 00:51:10 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on major life and business milestones, from welcoming a new family member to making critical shifts in sales and marketing strategy. They discuss lead generation, optimizing their funnel, and adjusting product offerings to streamline customer engagement. The conversation also explores R&D updates, improving operational efficiency, and the balancing act of long-term business growth. Whether you’re scaling your automation company or refining your marketing approach, this episode delivers valuable insights and candid reflections on entrepreneurship. | |||
| Closing Big Deals, Overhauling Sales, and Building for the Future in Automation | 19 mars 2025 | 01:12:53 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt discuss the challenges and excitement of closing high-value automation deals while refining their sales and marketing strategies. They dive into sales cycle optimizations, proposal structuring, and lessons learned from long-term business growth. The conversation also covers new R&D efforts, the evolution of their turnkey processes, and navigating the complexities of scaling efficiently. Whether you're refining your business approach or strategizing for growth, this episode delivers real-world insights into the automation industry. | |||
| Navigating Installations, Sales Challenges, and Business Growth in Automation | 12 mars 2025 | 01:00:10 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the realities of handling complex installations, managing shipping delays, and making critical business decisions. They discuss optimizing sales cycles, shifting marketing strategies, and the challenges of moving upmarket. The conversation also explores the importance of team dynamics, refining automation assessments, and balancing long-term vision with short-term execution. Whether you're scaling an automation company or navigating sales hurdles, this episode provides valuable insights and candid discussions on business growth in automation. | |||
| Sales Cycles, Scaling Smart, and Marketing Tactics in Automation | 05 mars 2025 | 00:59:25 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt discuss the ever-changing dynamics of sales and marketing in automation. They share insights on managing sales cycles, optimizing lead generation, and finding the balance between chasing new opportunities and staying focused on core business goals. The conversation also explores R&D updates, automation assessment strategies, and the challenges of scaling efficiently. Whether you're refining your sales funnel or looking for smarter marketing tactics, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for automation professionals and business owners alike. | |||
| Sales Momentum, Marketing Shifts, and the Challenge of Predictable Growth in Automation | 26 févr. 2025 | 01:04:08 | |
In this episode of theManufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on the unpredictable nature of revenue cycles and the constant adjustments required to maintain business growth. They discuss refining sales strategies, leveraging trade shows, and optimizing SEO and ad campaigns to drive leads. The conversation also explores managing team workload, the evolving role of R&D, and the challenge of balancing marketing consistency with product development. Packed with real-world business insights and candid reflections, this episode is a must-listen for automation professionals looking to scale smarter. | |||
| Client Challenges, Cash Flow, and R&D: Navigating Business Realities in Automation | 19 févr. 2025 | 00:56:26 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt reflect on the highs and lows of managing an automation business. They discuss handling difficult client meetings, the importance of maintaining cash flow, and strategies for structuring automation assessments. The conversation also dives into R&D updates, refining sales and marketing tactics, and the impact of trade shows on lead generation. Whether you're scaling an automation company or refining your business processes, this episode offers practical insights into the everyday realities of entrepreneurship. | |||
| Adapting to Change: Sales, Strategy, and Scaling in Automation | 12 févr. 2025 | 00:56:09 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt discuss the ups and downs of business growth, from refining sales strategies to managing operational bottlenecks. They explore lessons from trade shows, SEO optimizations, and the challenge of maintaining efficiency while scaling. The conversation also touches on team accountability, process improvements, and personal reflections on balancing leadership with everyday challenges. Whether you're in sales, engineering, or operations, this episode delivers valuable insights on adapting to change in the world of automation. | |||
| Navigating Leadership, Growth, and Operational Chaos in Automation | 05 févr. 2025 | 00:57:11 | |
In this episode of the Manufacturing Automation Podcast, Michael and Matt dive into the realities of leading a growing automation business while managing shifting priorities. They discuss strategies for balancing sales and execution, improving team accountability, and making tough hiring decisions. The conversation also covers the challenges of process standardization, navigating trade show strategies, and refining marketing efforts for better conversion rates. With candid insights on risk-taking, operational restructuring, and work-life balance, this episode provides valuable takeaways for leaders and entrepreneurs in the automation space. | |||