Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

What happens when a college engineering student buys a CNC machine just to experiment… and accidentally builds an aerospace machine shop? That's exactly what Nick Preece did. What started as a curiosity fueled by YouTube videos and garage tinkering quickly evolved into Preece Machining & Assembly, a fast-growing shop focused on complex, high-mix aerospace work. In this Gen CNC episode, Nick shares how he bootstrapped the business from a used mill and a $1,200/month goal into a 10+ machine operation. Alongside his brother Tanner, the two built a company rooted in technical problem-solving, disciplined growth, and a willingness to learn everything the hard way, from customer concentration risk to hiring challenges. The conversation dives into how young shops can compete with larger manufacturers by focusing on complex work, building strong customer relationships, and creating positive sales pressure. Nick also explains how painful lessons around diversification forced them to rethink outreach, refine their quoting strategy, and become more intentional about the work they pursue. Nick also discusses scaling a team, investing in five-axis capability, and even bringing on strategic partners to accelerate growth. With a vision of building a full "PMA campus" and a culture built on kindness and urgency, Nick offers a real-world look at what it takes for the next generation of manufacturing leaders to grow fast without losing focus. His advice for anyone starting a shop? Don't just compete, turn it up to 11 and deliver something exceptional every single time. Segments (0:00) Introduction and welcome to Gen CNC featuring Nick Preece (2:24) Preece Machining & Assembly overview and aerospace focus (4:22) Origin story: learning machining on YouTube and starting in a garage (7:40) Working with family and division of responsibilities with Tanner (12:39) Bootstrapping the first machine to multiple machines and five-axis investments (15:00) Head to DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event (15:59) How they make decisions on capital equipment (17:47) Sales and marketing strategy, customer concentration, and diversification (20:15) Building a sales process and generating positive sales pressure (21:34) First in, First Order: What is your ideal part profile? (27:7) Pricing pressure, margins, and competing during slow periods (30:54) Hiring strategy, workforce challenges, and recruiting experienced talent (33:55) Shop culture: kindness, urgency, and high performance (36:33) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding (38:48) Long-term vision and building a "PMA campus" (42:39) Five-axis strategy and thoughts on automation (45:10) Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026 (46:04) Bringing on investment partners and scaling the business (49:24) Nick's advice to young founders: "turn it up to 11" Resources mentioned on this episode NYC CNC/John Saunders John Grimsmo Head to DN Solutions Manufacturing Without Limits event: DN-Solutions.com Paperless Parts: What is your ideal part profile? Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding Hire MFG Leaders Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What happens when a childhood obsession with trains turns into a manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Chris Huffman, a young shop owner who launched Huffman Machining Solutions at just 21 years old. Now 26, Chris is building his business one machine, one customer, and one calculated risk at a time. Chris didn't grow up in a machining family, and he didn't follow the traditional path into manufacturing. Instead, his curiosity started with steam locomotives and model trains. That fascination led him to learn how parts were made, which eventually pulled him into machining. Along the way, he realized he didn't just love trains. He loved the process of turning raw material into precision components. That passion evolved into opportunity. Requests for custom parts began to pile up, and Chris saw a path forward. With minimal overhead, a steady job at a community college, and a willingness to take calculated risks, he bought his first machine, found a small space, and started building his shop from the ground up. In this conversation, Chris shares the realities of starting young. He talks through financing equipment, navigating insurance challenges, buying used machines, and learning business skills on the fly. He also opens up about the mental side of entrepreneurship, including the pressure of hiring a first employee and the responsibility that comes with building something bigger than yourself. This episode is a great look at what the next generation of manufacturing founders actually looks like. It's not about overnight success. It's about passion, persistence, and slowly laying the track to build a sustainable machine shop. Segments (0:00) Introduction to Chris Huffman and the Generation CNC young founder series (1:06) Starting a machine shop at 21 and the story behind Huffman Machining Solutions (4:30) From model trains to machining and discovering a passion for manufacturing (9:18) Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026! (11:00) Desire to work on historic locomotives and falling in love with machining itself (14:10) Demand for parts lead to launching the business in 2022 (16:16) Transitioning from teaching machining to running a shop full-time (19:30) Financing the first machine and lessons learned about tooling costs (22:02) Buying a used Mazak and costly surprises after purchase (25:54) Adding additional machines and building capability as a one-man shop (28:43) Paperless Parts: CMMC compliant and secure option for estimating and quoting  (29:55) The "#ThankAMachinist" mindset and educating others about manufacturing (33:20) Hiring plans, apprenticeships, and outgrowing the current space (37:13) The fear and responsibility of hiring the first employee (38:40) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (39:08) Learning the business side: scheduling, marketing, and sales (41:39) Long-term goals including ISO certification and ERP implementation (43:15) Letting go of machining work to grow the business (45:21) Opportunity to acquire retiring shop owners' businesses (46:50) Hosts' reflections on passion-driven paths into manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2026: https://www.imts.com/ Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/ Coffey Machining Group: https://coffeymg.com/ The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280 Huffman Machining Solutions: https://huffmanmachining.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-huffman-93b69423b/ Chris@HuffmanMachining.com

They started a machine shop before turning 30… and doubled their projections in year one. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Sean and Sinjon of Three Rivers Precision to hear how two mechanical engineers turned hands-on curiosity into a high-end machining business focused on five-axis work, titanium, and complex parts. What began in a university machine shop quickly evolved into five years of learning inside a young manufacturing company, where they gained experience across programming, estimating, project management, and customer communication. When that company shifted direction, they made the leap. They mapped out their financial runway, secured startup funding, built out an empty facility, and launched with a clear strategy: focus on difficult materials, deliver fast, and build relationships by exceeding expectations. The result? A fully booked shop, automation plans, and growth without rushing to hire. Sean and Sinjon also share how they structured a 50/50 partnership, why they're prioritizing lights-out machining over headcount, their philosophy on paying skilled machinists well, and the mindset that helped them go all-in and build a modern machine shop from day one. From funding and partnerships to five-axis strategy and customer acquisition, this episode offers a candid look at how the next generation of manufacturing leaders is building modern machine shops from day one.  Segments (0:00) Introduction to Sean and Sinjon from Three Rivers Precision and their growth journey (2:21) Meeting at the University of Pittsburgh and early exposure to machining (9:04) Why Sean and Sinjon decided to launch Three Rivers Precision (15:15) Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers (16:27) The emotional and financial risk of leaving secure jobs (17:53) Working with the Small Business Development Center (19:14) SMW Autoblok and the seven habits of highly effective workholding (21:04) Turning an empty shell into a working shop and their early sales strategy (24:02) Why they chose a higher-end machine strategy from the beginning (26:20) Why one-op or two-op efficiency matters more than "fancy" five-axis parts (27:30) Why they intentionally pursued harder materials (32:04) Paperless Parts: How to take the complexity out of running your business (39:53 ) How they're finding work and thinking about future growth (43:11) Their decision to pursue AS9100 early (44:43) What it's like to co-own a 50/50 business (47:04) Building a business around quality of life and flexibility (49:12) Factur and building a more consistent pipeline (53:52) How they're tracking against their original business plan (57:15) What was critical to their successful first year? (1:01:19) Final advice for young founders (1:03:05) Where to find Three Rivers Precision Resources mentioned on this episode SBDC CDFI Factur can help you build a more consistent pipeline: FacturMFG.com/chips Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers SMW Autoblok and the seven habits of highly effective workholding ThreeRiversPrecision.com Connect on LinkedIn Hello@ThreeRiversPrevision.com Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Automation and lights-out manufacturing are often framed as the future of machining, but for many shops that future is already here. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with longtime industry leader Keith Grano to talk about what lights-out machining actually looks like in practice. Drawing on years of experience working with manufacturers, Keith explains how automation, machine monitoring, and disciplined processes allow shops to run more efficiently and extend production beyond the traditional workday. Lights-out machining isn't about replacing people. It's about using technology to make better use of the time, talent, and equipment already inside a shop. When done well, it increases capacity, improves consistency, and helps manufacturers grow even when skilled labor is limited. Keith walks through the practical considerations behind unattended production, including machine reliability, process stability, tooling strategy, and the systems required to keep parts running when no one is standing at the control. Along the way, we explore why many shops struggle to implement automation and why incremental steps often work better than trying to jump straight into fully autonomous production. This conversation also connects to a theme we've been exploring across our Generation CNC series: the next generation of manufacturing leaders is entering an industry where automation and digital systems are becoming foundational capabilities. Understanding how lights-out machining works, and when it makes sense, will shape how the next generation builds and scales their shops. Segments (1:28) Introducing Keith Grano and his background in manufacturing automation (3:06) What "lights-out machining" actually means in a modern shop (7:23) Why automation is about maximizing equipment and people, not replacing labor (12:09) The operational discipline required to run machines unattended (14:52) How ProShop ERP can help you achieve on-time delivery (20:11) Why process stability matters more than the machine itself (25:08) Tooling strategy, monitoring, and the systems that support unattended production (29:38) If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com (30:53) The mindset you need to have to implement lights-out machining (33:13) Where do you start with lights out automation?  (40:08) How to adjust your mindset to allow for automation (46:33) How machine monitoring and data change decision-making on the shop floor (51:27) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (51:58) The most affordable way to automate a five-axis setup (58:54) How state, local, and federal grants can help cover purchases (1:00:47) How to determine what to charge for a machine's time  Resources mentioned on this episode Visit proshoperp.com/95 to get a free guide to achieve on-time delivery If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) ROI Calculator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

At 17 years old, Michael King bought a brand-new CNC machine despite never having seen one in person. With no formal trade school background or apprenticeship, he relied on years of self-directed learning, curiosity, and a steady stream of YouTube machining content to take the leap. He sectioned off space in his dad's warehouse, installed a Haas DM2, and started figuring it out in real time. What began as a personal interest in building things quickly turned into real production work. A stainless steel contract gave him early traction. A used Swiss machine that arrived broken forced him to learn diagnostics and hand-code thousands of lines of G-code. Over time, one machine became several, including a dual-spindle lathe and a five-axis Matsura, forming the foundation of what is now The Monk Works. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we talk through how Michael has approached growth with unusual discipline. He's kept overhead low, relied entirely on word-of-mouth instead of advertising, and leaned heavily into technology from day one. Rather than scaling by adding headcount immediately, he's focused on automation, standardized tooling, and building systems that allow the business to operate beyond what he can personally track in his head. The conversation also explores how he thinks about cash flow, process maturity, quality, and long-term sustainability. At just 20 years old, married with two kids, Michael is already navigating the tension between capacity and structure, ambition and patience. His story challenges the idea that manufacturing has a high barrier to entry while reinforcing that longevity still depends on discipline and intentional decision-making. Segments (0:00) Buying a brand-new Haas DM2 at 17 (before ever seeing a CNC machine in person) (1:24) RC planes, 3D printing, Fusion 360, and discovering machining through YouTube (6:24) The YouTube channels that shaped Michael's journey (8:27) Paperless Parts: secure AI-powered quoting built for manufacturers (9:42) Landing the first year-long stainless contract and realizing the machine had more capacity (11:00) How Michael learned business fundamentals from his dad (12:21) Becoming a firefighter, HVAC tech, drone pilot, and getting married (13:38) The $5,000 "working" Swiss machine and the lessons that followed (16:39) The Monk Works brand story: small, fast, agile, and intentionally different (18:58) IMTS 2026: Why getting out of the shop and into the show matters (20:07) Financing growth: bootstrapping under an established family business (21:44) Homeschooling, self-directed learning, and defining meaningful work (22:38) Faith, diligence, and quality as a leadership philosophy (23:52) Realizing systems must scale before workload does (25:35) Building his business entirely through word-of-mouth (26:52) Launching proprietary titanium suppressor accessories alongside contract work (28:00) Certifications, ERP systems, and preparing for higher-regulated industries (29:47) Embracing paperless workflows, CAM, automation, and standardized tooling (33:09) Adding automation to unlock capacity without adding labor (35:50) SMW Autoblok, RASRAM, and the seven habits of highly effective workholding (37:50) Advice for young entrepreneurs: low overhead, low risk, and just start Resources mentioned on this episode The Munkworks Connect with Michael on LinkedIn TITANS of CNC NYC CNC John Grimsmo Adam Savage Hacksmith Industries Donnie Hinske Paperless Parts Join us at IMTS 2026 SMW Autoblok Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of MakingChips, we continue our young founders series with a story that challenges the traditional growth narrative in manufacturing.  At just 26, Walter Peters is balancing a full-time job at a defense-focused shop with building MW Machine Co. from a modest 500-square-foot industrial unit. Walter didn't start with a big loan or a brand-new machine. He bought a used CNC mill for $6,500, kept overhead intentionally low, and focused on getting good at both machining and business fundamentals. But what makes this conversation especially interesting isn't just how he started. It's how he defines success. Walter isn't chasing 100 spindles or a massive payroll. He's building toward a highly automated, small-footprint, lifestyle-oriented shop that gives him time freedom and intellectual stimulation without the burden of heavy overhead or HR complexity. We talk about finding work with no formal sales plan, leveraging Google reviews, balancing a day job while building a business, using AI as a thinking partner, and why low stress starts with low fixed costs. This episode is a grounded, practical look at modern entrepreneurship in manufacturing — especially for the next generation. Segments (0:00) Introducing Walter Peters and MW Machine C. (2:31) Walter's unconventional path from video production to woodworking to machining (6:13) Leaving cabinet work and moving toward CNC-focused fabrication (8:42) Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026 (9:32) Buying his first CNC mill and signing a lease in late 2023 (11:21) Landing early work through cold calls and a serendipitous utility customer (14:31) The reality of entrepreneurship: quoting, purchasing, and doing the "business stuff" (16:03) Working full-time while building MW Machine Co. (19:31) The current shop setup: one CNC mill, manual lathe, TIG welder, 500 sq. ft. space (20:18) Bootstrapping with less than $30,000 and reaching profitability in year two (22:52) Managing cash flow and keeping monthly overhead intentionally low (23:57) His long-term plan to go full-time and why he's staying employed for now (25:25) His long-term vision: a small, automated shop connected to his home (26:43) Time freedom, automation, and the Lights Out mindset (30:20) The goal of owning the building and eliminating rent as overhead (31:45) Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips (32:48) Growing up around content creation and craftsmanship with his father (37:43) Using ChatGPT and AI tools to think through quoting and problem-solving (41:18) Generating work through Google reviews and inbound RFQs (46:12) Why low overhead and small, shippable parts create leverage (46:56) Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Resources mentioned on this episode Walter Peters MW Machine Co. Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026 Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog The Long View Podcast Longview Woodworking Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What happens when a 26-year-old machine shop kid decides the real bottleneck in American manufacturing isn't machining—it's metal supply? In this episode, we sit down with Zane Hengsperger, founder and CEO of Knox Metals, to talk about building a modern service center powered by AI, automation, and software. Zane's mission is bold: supply every factory in America in under 24 hours at a fair, transparent price. Raised in his father's injection molding shop, Zane grew up on shop floors before pivoting into software, startups, and eventually reindustrialization. After publicly sharing his ideas online, Y Combinator reached out—and within 24 hours, he had funding and a flight to San Francisco. We explore what it takes to modernize the metals supply chain, the friction of accessing domestic mills, the realities of startup logistics, and why focusing exclusively on aluminum plate might be Knox's smartest strategic move yet. This is a conversation about speed, ownership, risk, and the future of American manufacturing—not just at the machine level, but across the entire supply chain. Segments (1:34) Introducing Zane Hengsperger and Knox Metals' mission (2:46) Growing up in a machine shop and learning manufacturing early (3:35) Paperless Parts ad — Secure AI for quoting (4:48) From software startup to reindustrialization (6:48) Early struggles gaining access to domestic mills (8:53) Why Knox is narrowing focus to aluminum plate (10:05) Instant quoting and automated cutting — what makes it different (11:30) Building a hybrid team: industry veterans + software talent (13:05) Potential integrations and vertical integration strategy (16:23) Team structure and rapid early growth (18:26) How Y Combinator found Zane — and funded Knox in 24 hours (20:59) Young founders, machine shop resurgence, and generational opportunity (25:00) How to attract young talent into manufacturing (27:05) MFG 2026 ad — Executive leadership event (29:48) The overlooked opportunities in manufacturing careers beyond the shop floor (30:59) Early lessons: building selection and trying to serve everyone (32:52) Why narrowing their focus created leverage (33:42) How Knox manages inventory, mills, and lead times (36:10) The massive aluminum block story (18,000+ pounds) (39:21) Mentorship, investors, and surrounding yourself with believers (41:46) YC's push into reindustrialization (45:50) Technology vs. tribal knowledge in rebuilding industry (47:24) Has age been an obstacle? Building trust over time (49:59) Biggest wins so far — stacking consistent progress (51:47) Expansion plans: LA, regional giga-factories, and automation (54:19) ProShop ad — Investing in your own shop first (55:56) Where to find Knox Metals and connect with Zane Resources mentioned on this episode NOX Metals  Connect with Zane on X and LinkedIn Zane@NoxMetals.co The Technological Republic  Y Combinator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Recorded live from McCormick Place in Chicago, this episode marks the official kickoff of the MakingChips journey toward IMTS 2026. With nine months to go, we sit down with two leaders helping shape the show itself: Michelle Edmondson, Vice President of Exhibitions for IMTS, and Bonnie Gurney, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations. What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at how the largest manufacturing technology show in North America is built — from campaign strategy and theme development to visitor planning, education tracks, emerging technologies, and student engagement. This year's theme, "Achieve the Impossible," paired with the campaign message around "Six Days," reflects what IMTS is really about: momentum. It's not just about buying a machine this year. It's about seeing where the industry is heading five years from now. We explore how exhibitors should define ROI, why attendees need a strategy before walking the floor, what's new in 2026 (including the Industrial AI Arena and the 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center), and how young people — including our own kids — can get plugged into manufacturing through Smartforce and the Student Summit. Whether you're an exhibitor, an attendee, or still on the fence, this episode is a practical roadmap for how to get the most out of IMTS — and why it matters more than ever in today's manufacturing climate. Segments (0:00) Live from Chicago: Exhibitor Workshop energy and early IMTS planning (2:17) Hennig's evolving booth strategy and bringing real machines to the floor (3:43) Why you need to be at the MFG Meeting 2026 (4:38) Introducing Michelle Edmondson and Bonnie Gurney from IMTS (7:04) The power of long-term partnerships and IMTS' impact on careers (8:58) Defining ROI for exhibitors: Setting measurable goals before the show begins (11:16) Planning IMTS as an attendee: short-term shopping list vs. long-term vision (13:21) IMTS 2026 theme: "Achieve the Impossible" and the Six Days campaign (14:52) How real visitors shape the ad campaign and messaging (16:07) Student Summit and engaging the next generation (17:40) Family business, succession, and getting kids into manufacturing (21:55) Common exhibitor mistakes — territory gatekeeping and lost opportunities (23:48) Factur: Building consistent pipeline systems for manufacturers (24:54) Behind the scenes: how IMTS develops its theme and campaign strategy (29:25) 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center (30:04) Launch of the new Industrial AI Arena and AI conference (30:59) Education tracks, co-located conferences, and specialized programming (33:56) MakingChips live podcast studio plans at IMTS 2026 (35:47) Rockford IMTS summer party and nonprofit partnership (37:35) Smartforce, Student Summit, and how schools can get involved (39:12) What visitors should be doing right now to prepare (41:19) Housing deadlines and avoiding scam hotel vendors (43:24) Hire MFG Leaders: Recruiting leaders who understand manufacturing (43:52) Will IMTS 2026 be the best show ever? Why optimism is high (45:53) Young founders in manufacturing and the entrepreneurship tailwind Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Michelle Edmondson Connect with Bonnie Gurney IMTS 2026 IMTS Smartforce Student Summit IMTS Show Planner USMTO Report Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This episode of MakingChips is different from most conversations we have on the show, and it needed to be. In late 2025, the manufacturing community was shaken by the murder of Amber Czech, a welder who was killed by a coworker after reporting harassment multiple times. That tragedy forced many of us to confront an uncomfortable truth: workplace violence and harassment are not abstract issues. They are real, ongoing, and present in the trades today. In this episode, Paul Van Metre is joined by Nush Ahmed, CEO of Sisterhood of Trades, along with two national experts who work directly on workplace violence and gender justice. Jessica Stender of Equal Rights Advocates and Anna Van Balen of Futures Without Violence bring decades of experience working with employers, workers, and policymakers to help address harassment, escalation, and prevention in real workplaces. Together, we talk candidly about how harassment often becomes normalized in the trades, why underreporting is so common, and how unchecked behavior can escalate into violence. We also discuss what shop owners and leaders can do today, not just to comply with the law, but to build workplaces that are genuinely safe, respectful, and welcoming. This conversation is about responsibility. It's about leadership. And it's about recognizing that culture, policies, and daily behavior all play a role in preventing harm. For owners, managers, and anyone who cares about the future of manufacturing, this episode is a call to take workplace safety seriously, before another tragedy forces the issue. Segments (0:54) Introducing Nush Ahmed and her work advocating for women in the trades (2:44) Why the murder of Amber Czech prompted this episode (4:56) Introducing Anna Van Balen and the work of Futures Without Violence (6:26) Introducing Jessica Stender and Equal Rights Advocates (7:28) What Nush hears daily from women in the trades about harassment and safety (10:12) Why workplace culture must be addressed alongside physical safety (12:35) The data on harassment prevalence in skilled trades (15:14) What shop owners can do to begin protecting their teams (19:14) Why "check-the-box" training fails and what effective training looks like (21:38) How harassment escalates when early behavior goes unaddressed (22:50) Why reporting is so difficult and fear of retaliation is real (25:42) The reality of repeated HR reports and system failure (28:48) The responsibility of owners to investigate and act, even in small shops (32:16) Safety planning, allyship, and the role of bystanders (36:16) Building ally communities and encouraging men to engage constructively (39:41) What leaders can say and do proactively to create safer workplaces (41:53) Why respectful workplaces benefit everyone, not just marginalized groups (42:50) Reviewing policies, audits, training, and reporting structures (48:50) Practical resources available to employers and workers (52:10) Sisterhood of Trades resources and community support (55:06) How to connect with Jessica and Anna's organizations (56:38) How to engage with Sisterhood of Trades and Next Gen MFG (58:03) Closing reflections on responsibility, culture, and speaking up Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Anna Van Balen and Futures Without Violence Connect with Jessica Stender and Equal Rights Sexual Harassment Response Training and Toolkit Sexual Assault Response Training and Toolkit How to create workplace policies Workplaces Respond National Resource Center  The California Civil Rights Department  Email: workplacesrespond@futureswithoutviolence.org Tradeswomen Task Force Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Starting a machine shop doesn't always begin with a perfectly laid business plan, a polished facility, or years of hands-on experience. Sometimes it starts in a garage, with curiosity, YouTube videos, and a willingness to figure things out one mistake at a time. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with brothers James and Sean Cerven to talk about how they built their shop from the ground up during COVID. With backgrounds in mechanical engineering but almost no hands-on machining experience, they bought a small CNC, welded their own enclosure, and decided early on to take the business seriously, even when the operation itself was still small. Their story is a candid look at starting early and learning fast. The Cerven brothers share how financing machines, running jobs out of a garage, hiring quality before machinists, and investing in systems ahead of schedule helped them survive the most fragile years of the business. Along the way, we talk about learning through online communities, when advice helps and when it hurts, why gut instinct still matters even when mentors are involved, and how discipline, systems, and credibility can allow a very small team to punch far above its weight. If you're thinking about starting a shop, already in the early stages of ownership, or curious how the next generation is approaching manufacturing, this conversation offers an honest, unfiltered look at what building a CNC business actually takes. Segments (0:00) Kicking off the conversation and why this story stood out (2:00) Engineering backgrounds, COVID lockdowns, and buying the first CNC (3:33) Why they decided to turn machining into a business to fund tooling (6:10) Learning machining through YouTube, trial, error, and bad cuts (7:30) Why we love the SMW Autoblok catalog (8:00) Parents, neighbors, and running CNCs late at night (11:34) Early financial discipline and separating personal and business money (14:20) Exposure to entrepreneurship and learning through podcasts and peers (18:38) Finding first customers through friends and online communities (19:35) Building a machining-focused business community online (22:20) Scaling equipment and deciding when automation actually makes sense (25:54) Financing machines and managing growing monthly obligations (29:00) Why bookkeeping, accountants, and financial reviews mattered early (30:06) Factur: Market intelligence and targeting the right customers (34:39) Hire MFG Leaders ad: Hiring manufacturing leaders who actually fit (35:04) Working on the business versus in the business (40:16) Hiring quality before machinists and why it paid off (43:45) Investing early in systems and ERP to build credibility (52:03) Lessons learned from buying too small or cutting corners (54:18) Mistakes with customers, outsourcing, and trusting the wrong advice (58:40) Why founders can't outsource strategy or culture (1:01:40) Why you need to check out Buy the Numbers (1:02:38) Advice for young founders building their network (1:07:00) Where to connect with the Cerven brothers (1:08:00) Final reflections on starting early and thinking long-term Resources mentioned on this episode SMW Autoblok catalog Get a free industry report from Factur at FacturMFG.com/chips Buy the Numbers podcast The Third Door Cerven Solutions on Instagram Cerven Solutions Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Launching a CNC shop young comes with no shortage of advice — but not all of it comes from experience earned the hard way. In this episode, we bring in Larry Robbins to speak directly to the next generation of shop owners. Larry has spent decades building companies, leading teams, and navigating growth, failure, and reinvention inside manufacturing. Instead of talking tools or tactics, this conversation focuses on the fundamentals that actually last. Larry shares lessons on planning before you leap, learning from mistakes without repeating them, and why humility, honesty, and relationships matter more than any single machine or strategy.  Along the way, we explore how younger founders can use modern tools like AI without losing the human side of business, why budgeting and organization are non-negotiable, and how building value means thinking beyond short-term wins. This episode serves as a reset for anyone starting early — or starting over — in manufacturing. If you're thinking about ownership, leadership, or legacy, this one is worth slowing down for. Segments (1:44) Why we're launching the Generation CNC highlighting founders under 30 (3:02) Larry's first piece of advice: Leverage older generations as resources (4:45) Why writing a real business plan matters, even if you're not borrowing money (6:03) Learning by doing, making mistakes early, and why experience compounds over time (9:00) Imposter syndrome, asking questions, and why no one should aim to be the smartest person in the room (10:23) Truth, integrity, and why lies always cost more in the long run (11:14) Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! (12:06) How modern tools like AI can help young founders build better business plans (14:21) The power of networks and how relationships open doors (18:25) Holding yourself accountable as a business owner (20:49) Staying organized, building systems, and why chaos is optional (28:24) What's Your Method? Transitioning manual machinists to CNC (35:47) How Factur can help you build consistent sales pipelines through targeted outreach (36:49) Humility, passion, and why you shouldn't build a business around something you don't care about (39:21) Generational businesses, entrepreneurship inside family companies, and carrying the torch forward (44:15) Giving back, mentoring younger leaders, and why relationships outlast transactions (50:30) Why AI can't replace networks and never will (55:48) What's happening with workholding that you need to pay attention to (1:06:09) Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business (1:07:45) Final reflections on leadership, legacy, and building something worth passing on Resources mentioned on this episode Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! Check out Methods Machine Tools and connect with Jleflore@methodsmachine.com Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from Facturmfg.com/chips  Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business BOOK: Die with Zero Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Manufacturing doesn't always start with a perfectly funded plan or a shop full of machines. Sometimes it starts in a garage, with curiosity, grit, and a willingness to learn by doing. In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Harris, founder of Covenant Manufacturing, to talk about what it really looks like to start a CNC business at a young age. Caleb didn't inherit a shop or wait until everything felt safe. He learned by working in high-mix job shops, making mistakes, taking calculated risks, and slowly building confidence as both a machinist and a business owner. We dig into the early decisions that mattered most, from buying the first machine and pricing early jobs to managing cash, handling subcontracting issues, and building trust with customers. Along the way, Caleb shares honest lessons about risk, accountability, and why reputation matters even more when you're small. This conversation kicks off a new chapter of MakingChips focused on young founders who are stepping into manufacturing early and building businesses with intention. If you're under 30, thinking about ownership, or simply curious what the next generation of shop leaders is learning the hard way, this episode offers a real, unfiltered look at the journey. Segments (0:00) Why we're focusing on young founders and early ownership stories (2:24) Meeting Caleb Harris and how Covenant Manufacturing got its start (4:12) Get a free demo of Scaylor and finally unify your business data once and for all (5:25) Growing up homeschooled and discovering a passion for making (7:28) Knife making, early entrepreneurship, and learning what doesn't scale (10:01) Caleb's first exposure to CNC machining and seeing a viable business path (15:47) Working in a job shop to learn programming, setup, and workflow (20:26) Learning under pressure in a high-mix manufacturing environment (24:07) Understanding shop economics and thinking like an owner (31:07) Deciding to start a shop while still employed full time (32:47) Buying a first machine with limited capital and unloading it solo (35:32) Landing early jobs and growing through overflow work (41:32) Why you need to join us at IMTS 2026 (42:21) Managing risk without putting the business in danger (44:03) A subcontracting mistake and lessons on accountability (50:12) Building trust, culture, and reputation as a small shop (53:02) What growth looks like next for Covenant Manufacturing (57:46) Being young in manufacturing and turning age into an advantage (1:01:13) Advice for younger founders thinking about starting a shop (1:04:40) The role of community, mentorship, and industry relationships (1:07:50) Why we love SMW Autoblok workholding  (1:09:01) Why these stories matter for the future of manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Get a free demo of Scaylor at Scaylor.com Register for IMTS 2026 We love SMW Autoblok workholding Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Covenant Manufacturing Follow Covenant on Instagram Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As new manufacturers step into ownership, one challenge shows up faster than almost any other: building a team. Before you can scale production, invest in automation, or grow revenue, you need people — and not just any people, but a workforce that can grow with the business. That's where this conversation fits. In this episode, MakingChips is sharing a powerful discussion from Manufacturing Executive, where host Joe Sullivan sits down with John Loyack, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System. Together, they explore what happens when workforce development is treated as critical infrastructure — the same way we think about roads, utilities, and power. Using North Carolina as a real-world example, John explains how long-term investment in education, customized training, and public–private collaboration has helped manufacturers start, scale, and stay competitive. These systems didn't appear overnight. They were built intentionally, with the understanding that skilled people are foundational to economic growth. The conversation digs into how workforce ecosystems actually function behind the scenes, from customized training programs to leadership development and upskilling. It also highlights why one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work, and how manufacturers can better engage with state and regional resources to support their teams. As you listen, consider this episode a wide-angle view of what it takes to build a manufacturing business that lasts. For aspiring shop owners and young entrepreneurs, it offers context that often gets overlooked early on — but makes all the difference long term. Segments (0:00) Why we're sharing a Manufacturing Executive episode (1:49) Why workforce should be treated as critical infrastructure (3:58) Joe introduces John Loyack and North Carolina's manufacturing strategy (10:33) Defining what "workforce as infrastructure" really means (13:42) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders: culture-first recruiting for manufacturers (14:20) How NC EDGE and customized workforce training programs work (20:51) Gorilla76 — revenue-focused industrial marketing (22:44) Leadership development as part of workforce strategy (25:27) Factur: Building consistent sales pipelines for manufacturers (30:59) Where manufacturers can learn more about NC EDGE (32:00) IMTS Exhibitor Workshop dates and registration details Resources mentioned on this episode Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: Following North Carolina's Model Connect with John Loyack on LinkedIn Why we created Hire MFG Leaders: culture-first recruiting for manufacturers Gorilla76 — revenue-focused industrial marketing Factur: Building consistent sales pipelines for manufacturers Why you should join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Kicking off a new year often comes with big goals, bold plans, and fresh momentum. But before chasing what's next, we decided to slow down and focus on something more foundational: our core values. In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes process of defining the values that will guide MakingChips through 2026 and beyond. With the help of Jim Mayer, we took the ideas, behaviors, and instincts that had shaped the brand for years and intentionally put words around them. We talk about why core values are more than slogans on a wall. When done right, they become filters for decisions, hiring, investments, partnerships, and even the content we create. We also challenge a common misconception: that shared values require everyone to think the same way. Instead, strong values allow for diversity of background, belief, and perspective while still pulling people in the same direction. Along the way, the conversation blends humor, honesty, and real-world examples from manufacturing shops that live their values every day. From having fun at work to taking responsibility seriously, we explore how culture, action, and consistency are deeply connected. Whether you're running a shop, leading a team, or building a brand, this episode offers both inspiration and a practical framework for defining values that actually get used, not ignored. It's a reset for the year and a reminder that intentional culture is never accidental. Segments (0:00) Work, play, and why loving what you do matters (3:37) Why we decided to define our core values intentionally (4:19) Mission versus values and how they work together (6:30) Why we decided to do this exercise (7:28) Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (9:35) Why shared values don't require identical beliefs (11:09) What core values are not and why posters don't work (13:57) Dissecting aspirational versus practical values (16:05) The process we used to define our values (20:52) Value #1: Elevating our Metalworking Nation (22:33) Value #2: Being real, raw, and bold (23:17) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your business (25:25) Value #3: Action is the outcome: say it, do it, own it (27:56) Value #4: Serious about manufacturing, never too serious about ourselves (33:16) Value #5: Contagious energy and unstoppable passion (35:43) A practical framework for defining your own values (37:42) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (38:51) Putting values to work in reviews, hiring, and decisions Resources mentioned on this episode Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Invest in ProShop, invest in your business Check out Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire  Kyra Tillman of BTM Industries Connect with Jim Mayer to define your core values Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We've kicked off a lot of years on MakingChips, but never quite like this. To start 2026, we decided to try something completely different. Instead of bringing on a shop owner, a technology provider, or an industry expert, Mike and Paul invited three artificial intelligence chatbots to join the conversation. No prep calls. No talking points. Just live questions and real-time answers from Miles (from Sesame), Gemini, and ChatGPT. The result was equal parts fascinating, funny, and just a little bit eerie. In this episode, we explore what happens when you ask AI the same kinds of questions we ask manufacturing leaders every week. What should machine shops focus on in 2026? How do you increase throughput? Where is growth coming from? And can a chatbot actually understand culture, leadership, and systems inside a machine shop? Along the way, we react in real time to the different personalities and strengths of each tool. Miles sounds uncannily human and leans hard into people and culture. Gemini delivers concise, structured answers around automation and data. ChatGPT takes a broader strategic view of markets, customers, and growth opportunities. Each one brings something different to the table, and none of them sound quite the same. This episode isn't about replacing human judgment or experience. It's about curiosity. It's about new tools. And it's about kicking off the year with a reminder that learning, experimentation, and asking better questions still matter, whether those questions are aimed at a peer, a mentor, or an AI. If you're looking for a lighthearted but thought-provoking way to start 2026, this one's for you. Segments (0:00) Kicking off the episode and setting up a very different kind of guest (1:22) Why we decided to interview AI to start the year (2:50) Asking Miles: the top three things machine shops should do to succeed (4:55) How Factur can generate new opportunities for your shop (6:00) Reacting to AI advice on people, data, and flexibility (7:13) Digging deeper with Miles on culture, mission, and core values (11:50) Bringing on Gemini and asking about maximizing throughput in 2026 (13:20) Automation, machine monitoring, and practical first steps (15:21) AI search, discoverability, and how customers may find shops in the future (16:21) Why you need to join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (18:29) Real-world experiences with machine monitoring and productivity gains (19:38) Bringing in ChatGPT to talk sales growth and new markets (22:36) Growth sectors and what may accelerate in the years ahead (24:11) Practical strategies for breaking into new customers and markets (27:19) Reflecting on how far AI tools have come in just a few years (28:36) Letting AI summarize lessons from decades of machine shop conversations (32:15) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing (33:30) Reacting to AI-generated insights on people, process, and growth (34:08) Final takeaways and why curiosity still matters Resources mentioned on this episode Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips Join us at the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop MakingChips Interviews ChatGPT about Manufacturing Leadership, 342 Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As we close out 2025, we're wrapping up more than just a year. This episode marks the conclusion of the Machine Shop MBA series, a collaboration with CLA and Modern Machine Shop built around insights from the Top Shops benchmarking program. What started as a practical exploration of shop metrics ends with a much bigger question: what truly separates shops that survive from shops that endure? For this final chapter, we're joined again by Brent Donaldson of Modern Machine Shop, who helped kick off the series earlier in the year. Drawing from hundreds of shop visits and years of benchmarking data, Brent helps us connect the dots across operations, finance, leadership, and strategy. Together, we reflect on a clear shift happening across manufacturing: moving away from pure "rise and grind" thinking and toward intentionally designed systems. Throughout the episode, we revisit five deceptively simple questions pulled directly from the Top Shops survey. These questions challenge assumptions and expose where real opportunity lives. From RFQ response time and revenue per employee to reinvestment discipline, standardized scheduling, and succession planning, each one reinforces a central theme we've explored all year. Rather than chasing the next machine or relying on one big customer, the most resilient shops we see are building repeatable processes, measuring what matters, and reducing dependence on tribal knowledge. This conversation serves as both a reflection on what we've learned through the Machine Shop MBA series and a call to action as we head into 2026. If there's one takeaway we hope sticks, it's this: the shops that last aren't just collections of people and equipment. They are systems. Designed on purpose. Improved on purpose. And built to outlast any one individual. Segments (0:00) Wrapping up 2025 and closing out the Machine Shop MBA series (0:36) Why we created the series and partnered with CLA and Modern Machine Shop (2:25) Why you need to head to the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (4:34) The shift from viewing shops as machines and people to viewing them as systems (7:52) Moving from survival mode to disciplined, systems-based thinking (12:33) Top Shops Question #1: RFQ response time as a competitive advantage (15:55) Top Shops Question #2: Revenue per employee as a true efficiency metric (17:15) What's Your Method? The unique financing process with Methods Machine Tools (26:47) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (27:37) How automation, workholding, and systems increase output per person (32:16) Top Shops Question #3: Reinvesting in equipment, software, and training (36:50) Why consistent reinvestment beats sporadic big spending (37:51) Top Shops Question #4: Standardized scheduling versus tribal knowledge (40:22) How poor systems create stress and constant firefighting (43:05) Top Shops Question #5: Leadership and ownership transition planning (46:01) The Top Shops 2026 Benchmarking survey opens February 1st, 2026 (47:27) How benchmarking accelerates maturity and reveals real gaps (48:19) How we use the Top Shops survey as part of annual strategic planning (49:19) Looking ahead to 2026 and continued collaboration (50:00) Why we love the SMW Autoblok catalog and quality (51:11) Final call to action and why benchmarking matters Resources mentioned on this episode Why you need to head to the 2026 IMTS Exhibitor Workshop What's Your Method? The financing process with Methods Machine Tools The Top Shops 2026 Benchmarking survey opens February 1st, 2026 Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog and quality Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Some episodes are planned. Others are produced. And then there are episodes like this one—where the setting, the people, and the moment all collide into something memorable. For the 500th episode of MakingChips, the team gathered once again At the Boring Bar for an unfiltered, bourbon-fueled roundtable with leaders from across the manufacturing ecosystem. Recorded live at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions during the Top Shops Conference in Charlotte, this special annual episode brings together shop owners, executives, advisors, and industry partners for the kinds of conversations that usually happen after the microphones are turned off. The drinks are poured, the guardrails come down, and the real stories start to flow. What emerges is an honest discussion about what truly separates top-performing shops from the rest. Not hype. Not buzzwords. But culture, systems, communication, and the discipline to do the hard things consistently—especially when cash flow is tight, customers are demanding, and complexity is rising. From benchmarking through the Top Shops survey to navigating OEM power dynamics, cash flow strain, customer communication, and the maturity of manufacturing as an industry, this conversation reflects how far the industry has come—and how far it still needs to go. Along the way, there are laughs, sharp takes, personal stories, and more than a few lessons earned the hard way. This is At the Boring Bar. And for Episode 500, it's exactly where the MakingChips conversation belongs. Segments (0:00) Setting the scene at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions during Top Shops (1:47) Introductions from shop leaders, OEMs, advisors, and industry partners (6:14) What actually separates Top Shops from the middle of the pack (10:15) Core values, culture, and leadership maturity (15:57) IMTS, trade shows, and the pressure to bring something new (22:06) Marketing, differentiation, and industry buzzwords (26:00) AI, automation, and separating real value from hype (31:51) Cash flow realities and long payment terms (37:15) OEM power dynamics and positioning as a second source (45:57) Communication as a competitive advantage (55:40) Systems, standards, and operational discipline (1:02:10) Data visibility, professionalism, and rising expectations (1:12:45) Scaling culture, teams, and leadership (1:26:45) Developing people and building trust (1:37:15) Industry maturity and cross-industry learning (1:47:45) Final reflections from At the Boring Bar Resources mentioned on this episode CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Top Shops IMTS 2026 Methods Machine Tools Connect With the Guests/Hosts Isaac Burton Jason Davis Nick Goellner Mike Payne Paul Van Metre Jamie Marzilli Leslie Boyd Jon Star Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What happens when a machine shop does everything right operationally but still feels exposed when markets shift, customers pull back, or one industry cools overnight? In this episode of MakingChips, the conversation turns squarely toward one of the most uncomfortable and misunderstood areas of manufacturing leadership: proactive sales and diversification. We're joined by Gabe Draper, founder of Factur, and Alan Hartmann, CEO of Hartmann's Inc., a multi-generation Texas manufacturer. Gabe shares a raw and honest origin story that starts with growing up in a manufacturing family, fighting to save a struggling shop, riding the oil and gas rollercoaster, and ultimately losing nearly everything when the downturn hit. That experience became the catalyst for building Factur, a company designed to help shops avoid reactive, last-minute sales cycles by intentionally filling their pipeline. Alan brings the perspective of a well-run, highly capable shop that realized success alone wasn't protection. With major customers concentrated in just a few industries, Hartmann's needed diversification, not because business was slow, but because resilience matters. Through their partnership with Factur, Alan explains how proactive sales, clearer positioning, and market intelligence led to rapid customer growth, industry expansion, and the confidence to invest in new capabilities. We unpack the difference between scarcity and abundance mindsets, why most shops accidentally commoditize themselves, and how sales, operations, and finance must work together as equal legs of the stool. From aerospace and medical to space flight and Swiss machining, this episode offers a candid look at how manufacturers can stop waiting for the phone to ring and start taking control of their future. Segments (0:00) Holiday banter and introducing guests Gabe Draper and Alan Hartmann  (4:32) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (5:09) Gabe Draper's origin story and what led to founding Factur (10:53) The danger of customer and industry concentration (13:55) Alan Hartmann's multi-generation shop story and long-term customer relationships (18:22) Reactive vs proactive sales and why diversification matters (22:31) Breaking down Factur's full sales funnel (26:03) Why technical "hunters" outperform generalist sales roles (28:16) "What's Your Method": Aerospace Success with Zach from Methods (34:50) Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog for your workholding  (36:04) Choosing the right sales and marketing services with Factur (40:02) Scarcity vs abundance mindset in shop growth (42:58) Using sales insights to justify equipment investments (46:05) How one new customer quickly became a top account (48:37) Managing risk across aerospace, medical, and space markets (51:11) Filling your capacity with the right work first (55:30) Sales specialization as shops scale (56:22) How manufacturers can engage Factur for market intelligence (1:00:13) Talent challenges and Hire MFG Leaders Resources mentioned on this episode Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Methods Machine Tools  Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog for your workholding  Get your free market intel report at https://facturmfg.com/chips/ Hire your next leader using our recruiting service—Hire MFG Leaders Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Some conversations feel scripted. This one… absolutely did not. Larry Robbins walked in ready to talk life, passion, family, culture, workholding, philosophy, and whatever else popped into his head — and somehow it all connected back to manufacturing. This episode of MakingChips is one of the most unhinged, hilarious, honest, and wisdom-packed conversations we've ever recorded. Larry has been in the industry for nearly 46 years, and he's collected enough stories, scars, and laughs for ten careers. From his father dragging him into the business ("long hair doesn't work here") to his famous explanation that SMW makes "magic hands," Larry blends humor and experience into lessons every shop owner needs to hear. His passion for the industry is unmatched — and his candor is even better. Throughout the episode, the crew dives into culture, leadership, lying (don't), modularity, flexibility, high-density workholding, predictable setups, financing equipment, and why you should stop crawling across a dollar to pick up a dime. Larry opens up about the future of manufacturing, warns against bad advice, and reminds everyone that machining touches every single thing in the world. If you're ready for an episode that's equal parts educational and unhinged in the best possible way, buckle up — Larry Robbins is in rare form. Segments (1:00) Larry's background, early failures, and the stories that shaped his approach to leadership (3:31) An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business (3:32) Culture, loving your work, and leadership lessons (5:07) Entering the family business, retirement humor, and long-term commitment (7:23) The reality of workplace culture, honesty, and handling difficult employees (10:02) Integrity, truth-telling, and early lessons on character (13:18) Appreciating machinists and the unseen parts of manufacturing (15:05) Workholding vs. cutting tools and why workholding matters more than people think (16:09) "Magic hands" — Larry's explanation of workholding for a 5-year-old (17:20) Workholding misconceptions and the cost of poor setups (19:00) Vendor trust, trying equipment, and choosing partnerships wisely (20:22) Setup reduction, rigidity vs. flexibility, and predictable processes (22:12) Cutting 12-hour setups and the value of internal vs. external setups (24:16) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing (25:24) Expensive machines + cheap vices = lost potential (27:26) Modular workholding, infinite adjustment, and the origins of the industry (29:18) When not to sell a customer — long-term trust over short-term gain (30:19) Why shops "don't know what they don't know" about proper workholding (31:58) Financing workholding and proving ROI to shop owners (33:09) Tooling certs and buying the solution, not just the machine (35:24) High-density workholding and maximizing machine real estate (37:12) Protecting customers from bad investments and the role of good vendors (38:01) The LEGO analogy and building reusable workholding systems (40:13) Trusting experts and using the right resources in decision-making (41:19) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (41:57) Buzzwords like Industry 4.0 vs. solving real problems (43:49) Competing with global labor costs and running unattended (44:19) Extending the life of old machines with better processes (46:41) Universal truth: If you're not making chips, you're not making money  Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Larry Robbins and SMW Autoblok An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Smart Money Moves: Equipment Financing Tips with Ty Willis Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this special episode of MakingChips, we broadcast from the EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Planning Event—a gathering designed to pull shop owners out of the day-to-day grind and force intentional thinking about long-term growth. This year's event was hosted at the Sandvik Coromant facility in Mebane, North Carolina, creating a perfect backdrop for conversations about planning, strategy, and culture. Paul is joined by three key voices who bring decades of hard-earned manufacturing wisdom: Jim Carr, a founding voice of MakingChips; Zach Overton, who is deep in the trenches of leading a multi-generation shop through transition and growth; and David Capkovitz, co-founder of EBITDA Growth Systems, whose strategic coaching framework is the backbone of this entire event. They pull back the curtain on why the event exists, how planning actually becomes actionable, and how shops can double their value in three years. Together, they dive into the realities every manufacturer faces—financial blind spots, operational challenges, cultural shifts, succession dilemmas, and the emotional weight of leadership. David's perspective as a coach blends seamlessly with Jim and Zach's lived experiences, creating a conversation that's equal parts strategic and deeply human. This episode highlights why stepping away from the shop floor is often the missing link for achieving the next level of growth. Whether you're planning for 2026, building resilience for a generational handoff, or simply trying to stop fighting fires, the insights shared here offer a clear direction forward. And yes—there's also a Cheerwine Old Fashioned or two. If you're ready to plan your next chapter with more clarity and confidence, this episode gives you the mindset and the roadmap to get started. Segments (0:00) Setting the scene: EGS happy hour, heaters, and Cheerwine Old Fashioneds (1:11) Paul and Jim revisit the origins of MakingChips and Jim's full-circle moment (2:35) What the Double Your Value Planning Event is & how it's grown under EGS (3:32) Introducing Zach Overton and his connections with Paul & Jim (4:36) Jim's memories and insights from advanced machining processes (6:38) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (7:14) David explains why EGS created the event and its planning philosophy (10:23) The power of peer-to-peer conversations among manufacturers (11:54) Identifying obstacles to growth and building criticality assessments (13:15) Zach shares his takeaways from stepping out of day-to-day firefighting (15:26) Jim describes how EGS supports Carr Machine as a Fractional CFO (18:08) Lighter moments: drink taste-testing and event humor (19:53) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP (21:27) Zach explains how David coaches Overton Industries operationally (24:15) How manufacturers can start planning intentionally for 2026 (28:08) Why shop owners need guidance, accountability, and encouragement (30:11) Culture as the foundation of growth: reflections on Mike Hirsh's talk (32:13) Jim's transformation story: shifting from a lifestyle business to scalable growth (36:21) Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok catalog (37:31) Did older generations only want lifestyle businesses? (39:00) Zach on pushing back in automotive to protect margins (40:38) Navigating multi-owner family decisions and succession complexity (42:12) David reflects on the personal relationships EGS builds with clients Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with EBITA Growth Systems Connect with Jim Carr on LinkedIn Connect with David Capkovitz on LinkedIn Connect with Zach Overton on LinkedIn Connect with Mike Hirsh on LinkedIn Peter Doyle on Machine Shop MBA and Machine Shop Mastery MC070: Leadership, Action, and a British Accent – with Sean Holt Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP Why you need to check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube