Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

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

In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Charlie Hushek, President of Phoenix Heat Treating, whose family has been in the heat-Treating world for over a century. Charlie is a fifth-generation heat Treatinger—but his leadership story is anything but inherited. When he stepped into the business in 2020, he wasn't handed stability. He was handed a crisis. Within a matter of months, Phoenix Heat Treating lost its NADCAP certification—twice—suffered major operational setbacks, faced COVID turmoil, and endured the tragic loss of their general manager. For a company where more than 70% of revenue is tied to regulated aerospace work, this wasn't a stumble. It was a free fall. And it forced Charlie into leadership far earlier—and far harder—than he expected. But instead of shrinking from the challenge, Charlie transformed it into a total rebuild. He redesigned their QMS from the ground up, implemented true systems thinking, rewrote cultural standards, and introduced transparent, performance-driven practices that aligned every employee around shared values. The result? A thriving business, a revitalized culture, and a blueprint for how to rebuild a manufacturing company under extreme pressure. In this raw and energizing conversation, Charlie shares how Phoenix Heat Treatinging went from chaos to clarity, how culture becomes a competitive advantage, and what it takes to lead a team through uncertainty, fear, and burnout—and come out stronger on the other side. If you're leading a shop through change, growth, or crisis, this episode is a masterclass. Segments (1:29) Charlie's fifth-generation family history and the Phoenix Heat Treating story (2:19) The beginnings of Wesley Steel Treating and early industrial growth (3:43) Check out SMW Autoblok's massive catalog of products (5:15) Heat Treating as a long-standing, often overlooked "shadow industry" (5:45) Phoenix Heat Treating's early years, the move to Arizona, and generational transitions (7:34) Charlie's introduction to the business, working second shift, and learning operations (8:53) Phoenix Heat Treating's modern operations: five shifts, fast turn times, and business units (10:40) The importance of NADCAP certification and the challenges that come with losing it (12:45) Climbing out of crisis, stabilizing the business, and confronting hard truths (18:55) Internal emotions, team reactions, turnover, and the "burn the boats" mentality (22:06) Rebuilding from 50 employees to 80 through culture, transparency, and momentum (23:30) How primes issued waivers and partnered with Phoenix during the crisis (25:17) Working with customers to maintain flow on critical aerospace and defense parts (27:42) What's Your Method? 30-taper machines (34:43) The honesty and transparency you'll experience working with Phoenix Heat Treating (35:55) Building culture from the ground up and defining core values (39:01) Using employee surveys to define core values: teamwork, positivity, detail, work ethic (41:38) Embedding culture in hiring, onboarding, and daily expectations (45:30) Profit sharing, pay transparency, and rewarding performance (49:20) Applying the playbook to the newly purchased machine shop (52:53) Incentivizing change and gaining buy-in through aligned rewards (54:45) The importance of defining winning, alignment, and standards (58:23) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (58:50) Charlie's "playbook," open-book management, and The Great Game of Business Resources mentioned on this episode The honesty and transparency you'll experience working with Phoenix Heat Treating Connect with Charlie Hushek on LinkedIn Where to check out SMW Autoblok's massive catalog of products Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) The Great Game of Business Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Top Shops 2025 brought together the most innovative, forward-thinking leaders in manufacturing—and this year's gathering at the NASCAR Hall of Fame felt like stepping directly into the winners' circle. Surrounded by the energy of hundreds of top-tier manufacturers, we sat down with the four shops recognized as the crème de la crème in their categories: Technology, Shopfloor Technology, Business Strategy, and Human Resources. Together, these honorees represent what's possible when ambition meets execution. In this special episode of MakingChips, recorded live in Charlotte, we talk with each winner about the decisions, investments, philosophies, and people that drove their rise to the top. From multimachine pallet-tech automation and Swiss machining efficiency to bold equipment investments and workforce strategies that transform culture, each story reveals a different path to excellence. Yet all four shops share a mindset of curiosity, courage, and relentless improvement. Throughout these conversations, we explore how technology becomes a competitive advantage, how small teams can deliver massive output, why unconventional business strategies can pay off, and how employee-first leadership becomes the backbone of success. Every guest brings candor, humor, and real-world wisdom—showing that you don't become a Top Shop by accident. Whether you're just starting your Top Shops journey or are already benchmarking in the top percentile, you'll walk away from this episode energized, inspired, and equipped with ideas you can put into practice immediately. Because these shops aren't just winning awards—they're redefining what modern manufacturing looks like. Segments (0:48) Opening from the NASCAR Hall of Fame at Top Shops 2025 (1:28) What are the Top Shops award categories and how does the survey work? (2:19) Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business (3:56) A conversation with Joey Jones on Aerotech Machining and their award (9:17) The details of Aerotech Machining's automation journey  (12:47) Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award (15:03) When robotics become accessible and feasible for Midway Swiss Turn (18:59) How do you train new employees with no Swiss experience? (19:50) Staying niche instead of chasing high-volume work (22:02) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (22:40) Mike Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award  (25:13) Why Mike buys machines before having the work (his spiderweb method) (30:27) Machine count, headcount, and shop expansion history (31:40) Consolidating two businesses and retraining all employees (32:40) Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech (34:44) Implementing a 4×10 schedule and early challenges (37:23) Using the Top Shops survey for benchmarking and improvement (40:17) Building culture and partnering with local trade schools (41:22) Challenges in technical education and the need for better instructors (45:53) Why you should listen to the Lights Out podcast Resources mentioned on this episode Why investing in ProShop is an investment in your business Connect with Joey Jones with Aerotech Machining (Technology award) Introducing Jayme Rahz of Midway Swiss Turn and their shop floor practices award Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Michael Bauer with Marathon Precision on winning the Business Strategy award  Allison Giddens joins the conversation and introduces Win-Tech Complete the 2026 Top Shops Survey and see us at Top Shops 2026! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together. This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand. From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program." Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count. Segments (1:00) Introducing guest Mark Kennedy and the importance of the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (3:14) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (6:32) How IMTS continues to evolve — from pavilions to product sectors (8:20) Why IMTS is the "Super Bowl" for manufacturers (9:01) What separates the best exhibitors (habits of highly effective show teams) (9:52) Creative booth ideas that drive engagement (ProShop Ambassadors, Toolpath's cornhole concept) (13:46) Lessons for first-time exhibitors and the importance of detailed planning (14:51) Panel discussions and hearing directly from attendees (16:46) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog (18:00) The new executive track — teaching leaders how to measure ROI (19:07) Alternatives for those who can't attend: Regional "Spring Training" sessions (20:38) Why McCormick Place and in-person networking still matter (21:53) Understanding the E-Kit and saving money through early planning (23:35) Collaboration among competitors and shared learning on the show floor (24:32) Maximizing IMTS Plus and digital marketing before the show (25:33) Introducing the IMTS Exhibitor Workbook — your "playbook for ROI" (26:35) The importance of preparation (you can't wing IMTS like a football game) (30:30) The continuous improvement mindset and what's coming next for IMTS 2026 (31:29) Predicting the next big trend — AI as the "prom queen" of manufacturing (33:46) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Resources mentioned on this episode Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We're coming to you once again from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit in Washington, D.C.—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. This time, we're joined by two inspiring leaders from the Metalworking Nation who prove that the heart of American manufacturing beats strongest in small towns and family-run shops. Our guests, Jenny Steffensmeier, owner of Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove, Iowa, and Paul Bothe, third-generation owner of a CNC job shop in Kenosha, Wisconsin, share how the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program transformed not only their businesses, but their lives. From resilience in the face of loss to the legacy of family ownership and the power of advocacy, their stories show what it means to make small big. Together, we talk about how to lead through transition, the role of creativity in machining, and why the best shops are built by "high-quality people doing high-quality work." Whether you're a shop owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a believer in the power of community, this episode will remind you why manufacturing matters—and how small businesses create a big impact. Segments (0:00) Recording live from the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Summit (2:45) Introducing guests Jenny Steffensmeier and Paul Bothe (5:50) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP (7:23) How Jenny got involved with the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program (8:22) How Paul found his way from music to manufacturing (13:20) Jenny's story of taking over the business after her husband's passing (17:12) The power of community and connection in the 10KSB program (18:39) Leadership lessons from raising five kids and leading a team (20:24) Why you should consider Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing (21:33) Favorite lessons from the 10,000 Small Businesses modules (25:00) Jenny's realization at 10KSB: "I'm not alone." (27:58) Why vulnerability builds better leaders (28:54) Family legacy: The German "Mittelstand" mindset and stewardship over ownership (30:42) How family values and long-term customer relationships build trust (32:21) Jenny on her children's involvement and carrying forward their father's legacy (35:22) Lessons in storytelling—Tailoring your message for customers, students, and policymakers (38:52) "High-quality people doing high-quality work"—what culture really means (40:54) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (41:29) Thinking bigger: making small businesses big through policy and voice (40:30) Final reflections and memorable takeaways Resources mentioned on this episode Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP Use Phoenix Heat Treating for Outside Processing Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn Connect with Paul on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We're coming to you live from Washington, D.C., at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit—the largest gathering of small business owners in U.S. history. With more than 2,700 entrepreneurs in one place, the energy is electric, and the conversations are powerful. Among them is our guest, Brandon Dahms, owner of Innovative Manufacturing & Engineering (IME) in Des Moines, Iowa. Brandon's story captures what this summit is all about—growth, resilience, and transformation. After starting his career with plans to work in sports marketing, he took an unexpected turn into manufacturing and never looked back. Today, his 10,000-square-foot, lights-out machining operation runs nearly 24/7, serving as proof that automation, strategy, and strong leadership can turn even the smallest shop into a powerhouse. In this episode, we talk with Brandon about how the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helped him refine his growth strategy, strengthen his company culture, and position IME for long-term success. We dive into what it's like to go through a program that feels like an "MBA for real-world business owners" and how it shaped his ability to pivot from a traditional job shop to a high-volume, automated manufacturer. We also explore the advocacy side of the program—how small business owners like Brandon are meeting directly with congressional leaders to influence policy on issues that affect manufacturers every day: workforce development, healthcare costs, and economic uncertainty. From his experience in the classroom to his conversations on Capitol Hill, Brandon shows how one voice can help represent the entire metalworking nation. If you've ever wondered how programs like this can truly impact your business—and why stepping outside your bubble might be the key to future growth—this conversation is one you don't want to miss. Segments (0:39) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (1:15) Recording at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit (2:48) Brandon Dahms' origin story in metalworking (6:07) Why "Innovative Manufacturing & Engineering" stuck (and why it's a long email address) (7:17) Why apply for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program? (11:13) Why the investment of time is invaluable—Brandon's personal ROI (12:40) Manufacturing's place in the conversation: explaining CNC to non-manufacturers (13:30) The Voices advocacy program: How advocacy efforts translate into real policy conversations (16:05) Navigating uncertainty: Tariffs, government shutdowns, and planning for growth (18:16) SMW Autoblok: automation and workholding innovation (19:28) Applying 10KSB lessons to IME—pivoting, culture, and core values (21:08) Pivoting from job shop to high-volume manufacturing and reshoring work (22:51) Presenting the capstone project (a real-world growth plan) (24:34) How networking led to new high-volume customers (26:53) Balancing capacity, growth, and selectivity in customer relationships (28:21) Hiring for core values first, technical skill second (and personality tests that help) (31:20) Aligning personal goals with company growth (33:07) How to apply for the 10,000 Small Businesses program and what to expect (34:45) How MakingChips' "Machine Shop MBA" series aligns with the same mission (36:44) Why the best ideas often come from outside your industry (38:00) Hire MFG Leaders—find manufacturing talent that fits Resources mentioned on this episode Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit Connect with Brandon Dahms on LinkedIn Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) SMW Autoblok: automation and workholding innovation Hire MFG Leaders—find manufacturing talent that fits Apply for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this powerful installment of the Machine Shop MBA series, we welcome two guests who embody the heart of continuous improvement: Noah Goellner, President of AME and Hennig, and Nick DeGeorgia, Manufacturing Engineer at P1 Industries. What starts as a story of one listener's journey—from cutting chips to becoming a lean champion—evolves into a masterclass on how lean thinking transforms not just the shop floor, but every function of an organization. Nick shares how MakingChips inspired him to bring process improvement into his career, using whiteboards, kaizen events, and a relentless focus on reducing waste to reshape his company culture. We also break down how lean applies far beyond machining—into quoting, engineering, office workflows, and even sales strategy. They unpack how to start small, gain buy-in, and build trust that leads to sustained results. From Kanban systems to complete-and-accurate feedback loops, this conversation bridges the gap between concept and practice. Whether you're a shop leader, engineer, or business owner, this episode offers a blueprint for turning lean from a buzzword into a daily habit that drives clarity, collaboration, and growth. Segments (0:00) A Goellner family introduction and a musical interlude gone wrong (1:36) Meet Nick DeGeorgia — how MakingChips inspired his lean journey (5:25) Moving from a large OEM to a small contract manufacturer (7:02) Come see us at the Top Shops 2025 event in Charlotte, NC! (7:28) Reintroducing Noah and how lean shaped AME and Hennig's company culture (8:45) Paul's lean journey: ISO, standardization, kaizen newspapers, and cutting waste (10:31) Defining lean — eliminating waste vs. maximizing flow of value (12:38) Where to start: applying lean based on your role and customer definition (18:19) Process success mapping: starting at the end to define what success looks like (20:31) Using "complete and accurate" feedback to fix systemic process issues (21:15) Why you should use Hire MFG Leaders for recruiting (21:42) How to gain buy-in when you're not in leadership (22:31) Mapping processes and linking operations to customer outcomes (23:10) Implementing "no hunting" and Kanban systems at P1 Industries (26:12) P1's Kanban system explained (visual signaling for just-in-time replenishment) (29:30) Building trust and reliability so teams want to surface problems (30:30) Level 1 meetings, rewarding problem identification, and closing the loop on improvement (35:14) "Lean isn't magic—it's discipline in the basics." (36:00) How ProShop embeds lean principles across the manufacturing workflow (41:53) Top lean book recommendations and building a lean network (44:41) Final reflections: staying humble, staying curious, and sticking to the basics (49:37) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Resources mentioned on this episode Come see us at the Top Shops 2025 event in Charlotte, NC! Why you should use Hire MFG Leaders for recruiting 2 Second Lean Toyota Kata The Toyota Way The Goal Learning to See Managing to Learn The Kind Leader The E Myth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Every machine shop relies on outside processes—whether that's heat treating, plating, grinding, or coating. But every time a part leaves your building, your risk profile changes. Quality, timing, and accountability become harder to control. In this episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Charlie Hushek, owner of Phoenix Heat Treating and a newly minted machine shop owner, to unpack what it really takes to manage outside processes like a pro. Charlie's experience on both sides of the fence—running a generational heat-treating company and now owning a machining operation—gives him a rare perspective on what separates smooth partnerships from painful ones. He shares the top mistakes shops make when sending parts out, how to build lasting vendor relationships, and how to turn your outside processes into a seamless extension of your own workflow. The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for planning, communication, and documentation, plus how to handle the inevitable hiccups along the way. From establishing fixed processes to verifying incoming and outgoing inspections, this episode equips manufacturing leaders with the tools they need to reduce risk, improve consistency, and strengthen their supplier relationships. If you've ever lost sleep waiting on a heat-treating order—or had a part fall off a truck—this one's for you. Segments (0:00) Highlights from the Automated Shop Conference and the rise of blue-collar value (3:40) Introducing Charlie Hushek, third-generation owner of Phoenix Heat Treating (5:00) The connection between automation, culture, and building value in acquisitions (7:09) Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking (8:19) How each added process increases risk, scrap rate, and lead time (10:10) Real-world stories: when parts fall off trucks and lessons learned from it (11:26) Building relationships and setting expectations with outside vendors (12:57) Why "heat treat per print" isn't enough—clarity prevents costly mistakes (15:50) Inviting vendors to planning meetings to align early on risk and tolerance (17:45) The value of educating yourself about heat treating and other outsourced processes (18:27) Treating your vendors like partners—turn them into extensions of your shop (19:36) Relationship-building tips: tours, face-to-face meetings, and yes, donuts (20:31) Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok (21:15) How clear documentation and fixed process numbers can save time and eliminate confusion (26:34) Using ERP systems like ProShop to manage outside processes and supplier specs (27:41) Why outgoing and incoming inspections are critical for accountability (28:57) Handling disputes over damage, missing parts, or quality issues (32:33) How ProShop automates documentation and visual tracking for outside operations (35:03) Liability and how heat treaters manage high-risk, high-value parts (38:28) The importance of empathy when resolving quality issues (39:57) Quoting faster: what information outside vendors need upfront (41:46) The "Hot Potato vs. Baton Pass" analogy—how to work as one unified team (43:40) Why relationship-building directly impacts quoting speed and quality priority (44:31) Eliminate risk by integrating your partners into your process  (46:41) Make sure you meet us at Top Shops 2025! Resources mentioned on this episode Phoenix Heat Treating's transparency advantage: real-time client portal tracking Drill in on your workholding with SMW Autoblok Get 20% off your Top Shops 2025 ticket with code MAK20 Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Finance doesn't have to be a mystery—it can be your greatest advantage. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we sit down with Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to unpack the financial principles that separate high-performing shops from those that just get by. Together, they dig into how manufacturers can transform their accounting systems from mere compliance tools into strategic assets that fuel growth. From understanding capacity and pricing to mastering forecasting and job costing, this conversation bridges the gap between the shop floor and the balance sheet. CLA's experts explain why simplicity often beats complexity, how to avoid "bad business" when chasing volume, and why aligning cost structure with capacity utilization is the secret to consistent profitability. They also explore how automation and advanced equipment investments change the financial equation, why separating costing from pricing is essential, and how the best-run shops use forecasting not just to plan—but to learn. Whether you're running a $3M job shop or a $30M operation, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter financial decisions and build long-term resilience. Segments (1:03) Recapping Nick's trip to EMO in Germany (1:52) Meet the guests: Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CLA (4:38) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (7:06) Keep it simple: Capacity vs. demand (the key to unlocking consistent profitability) (9:19) Why labor is effectively a fixed cost in modern manufacturing (12:21) When increasing capacity is a smart risk and when it's not (15:08) Activity-based costing and why not all machines should share the same rate (16:38) Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing (17:47) How to price automation and capture its true value (20:30) Separating cost from price & matching pricing strategy to niche and capacity (25:06) The danger of underutilized automation and inflated rates (27:09) How customer communication improves quoting accuracy and margins (28:38) The "death spiral" of bad quoting assumptions (30:57) Understanding your cost structure vs. chasing perfect accuracy (32:46) Material-heavy jobs, overhead allocation, and avoiding double-dipping (35:25) Demystifying EDM technology with Methods Machine Tools Bill Burba (49:17) Forecasting and budgeting: why they matter beyond the numbers (52:35) Linking your business model to your P&L for smarter decision-making (54:23) How to use forecasting to test your assumptions (56:05) Killing unprofitable jobs ("deselecting customers") and improving mix (1:01:10) Meet us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC Resources mentioned on this episode Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA Why we love Phoenix Heat Treating for outside processing Get more information about EDM technology from Methods Machine Tools Business Model Canvas Meet us at Top Shops 2025 in Charlotte, NC Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube