Matt Torres is the Founder of Rise Armament, a company that manufactures drop-in triggers, rifles, and other firearm accessories. Rise Armament was founded in 2012 as a job shop specializing in contract work for the oil and gas, as well as aerospace industries. Around 2014 or 2015, Matt began designing a drop-in trigger as a side project, driven more by personal interest than business intent. However, when the oil market collapsed in late 2015, the company pivoted fully into firearms manufacturing, launching its own product line under the Rise Armament brand. By 2016, they had phased out contract work entirely and focused exclusively on producing their own products. Since then, the company has experienced steady growth, now employing around 53 people, including 30 in manufacturing. Matt shares how his background as a manufacturing engineer and his desire to build something meaningful led him to entrepreneurship. He once believed that philanthropy would only be possible after achieving financial success, but he soon realized that even while scaling a business, there were ways to make a difference. With many veterans on their team, Rise Armament began supporting organizations like Folds of Honor, Wounded Warrior Project, and Equal Ops. Altruism became one of their core company values. Throughout the conversation, Matt reflects on the challenges of transitioning from contract work to brand ownership, the pros and cons of each model, and the importance of staying mission-focused. The company’s core values, originally based on Matt’s personal beliefs, evolved through team input and now actively guide hiring and performance reviews, reinforcing culture and accountability. He also highlights the value of business coaching and mentorship, noting that readiness to accept feedback is crucial for growth. He also discusses the role of ProShop software in helping manage growth and operations. Matt explains how the team evolved from relying on informal knowledge and instinct to operating through systems and data, enabling more consistent execution and faster decision-making. He stresses that ProShop is not just a transactional ERP but a full business system tailored for manufacturers. By embedding quality management, training, and process visibility into daily work, it served as a scalable playbook for the company’s growth. LinkedIn: Matt Torres - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewttorres/ Instagram: Matt Torres - https://www.instagram.com/matttorresrise/ RISE Armament | Drop-In Triggers, Firearms & AR Parts - https://risearmament.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Gurecky Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned machine shop, has evolved from humble beginnings in a garage to a 42,000-square-foot facility with over 60 employees. Founded in 1983 by Kellen Montpetit’s grandfather, the company has long served the oil and gas sector, though recent efforts aim to diversify into aerospace and other industries. Kellen, now part of the ownership group, and Andrew Sulak, a longtime employee who feels like family, share their journey of modernizing the business while preserving its legacy. Despite its size and complexity, the company maintains a close-knit culture, with many employees wearing multiple hats and contributing across departments. Kellen and Drew both came from non-manufacturing backgrounds but found their place in the business through a mix of opportunity, burnout, and a desire for stability. A major turning point came with the decision to implement ProShop ERP. The previous system was paper-heavy, lacked quality management integration, and couldn’t support remote access. ProShop changed all that, streamlining tasks, improving traceability, and enabling digital operations. The transition was challenging but ultimately freed up the team to focus on strategic growth. Quoting and estimating have also become more strategic. The post-COVID landscape has thinned out local competition, increasing demand and forcing Gurecky to handle more work in-house. Their “first in, first out” philosophy ensures fairness and reliability, and their commitment to on-time delivery remains strong. Customer relationships have deepened thanks to ProShop’s transparency. Clients are impressed by the system’s accessibility and real-time data, which helps resolve discrepancies and build trust. The ERP system has become the foundation for future growth. The shift to ProShop also sparked a cultural transformation. Transparency and collaboration have increased, bridging the gap between the shop floor and the front office. Veteran machinists, initially resistant to change, have slowly embraced the system, especially as they see their feedback valued and documented through process development tools. Younger employees, more accustomed to digital systems, adapted quickly. The team now feels more unified, with clearer communication and shared goals. Ultimately, Gurecky Manufacturing’s journey reflects the power of thoughtful modernization. By blending legacy values with cutting-edge tools, they’ve positioned themselves for continued success, being ready to pass the torch to the next generation while staying true to the principles that built the business. LinkedIn: Kellen Montpetit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellen-montpetit-8a363097/ LinkedIn: Andrew Sulak - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sulak-a076a9b7/ Gurecky Manufacturing - https://www.gurecky.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Dan Fifer, Founder of Lane4 Precision, shares his unconventional journey into manufacturing after a 20-year career in medical device engineering. Frustrated by long lead times in R&D, he set out to build a high-performance machine shop to support fast-paced development cycles. Despite having no prior machining experience, he took a leap of faith, selling his house to buy a Citizen L20 Swiss screw machine after learning his parts required that level of precision. Launching the shop was a risk, but momentum grew quickly. Dan started part-time while still working at his previous job and initially billed only a few hours. However, once fellow engineers discovered his capabilities, demand increased rapidly. Over the next seven years, Lane4 Precision produced over 1,000 unique parts (mostly tiny, complex components for medical R&D). His team became known for tackling difficult, low-volume jobs that other shops often declined. From the outset, Dan relied on ProShop ERP to establish a structured and professional operation. With no preconceived shop habits, ProShop provided the architecture to scale from prototype work to full production. He appreciated its flexibility, allowing users to engage with only the features they needed, while offering full traceability, inspection tracking, tool monitoring, and streamlined workflows. As the shop grew, so did its capabilities. Dan added machines based on customer needs. Even though he originally considered writing his own shop software, Dan realized ProShop offered a more digital and complete systematic solution, helping to instill confidence in customers with its robust quality tracking. Despite technical and business demands, the biggest struggle for Dan has been balancing health and family life with work. He reflects that while the work is rewarding and the customer appreciation is fulfilling, the long hours and intensity of running a shop can take a toll. He credits ProShop with saving him from drowning in paperwork, calling it a 24/7 executive assistant that keeps the business running smoothly. He appreciates how ProShop has aided in the independence and pride that he’s found in creating a high-functioning operation accidentally, and from scratch. LinkedIn: Dan Fifer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fifer-35621791/ Lane4 Precision - http://www.lane4precision.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Paramount Machine, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a well-established and highly diversified machine shop with around 70 employees and a wide range of machining capabilities. They specialize in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine work, including complex operations such as multi-axis and five-axis machining, and serve multiple industries, particularly the medical, defense, and x-ray equipment manufacturing sectors. John Rausch is the general manager at Paramount Machine with a background in machine tool sales, while Eric Van Orden, the founder’s son, started from the ground up and now plays a technical leadership role. Their long-term commitment and hands-on experience reflect the company’s strong internal culture and emphasis on relationships. The shop faced challenges with its previous ERP system, including limited visibility, reliance on printed travelers, and inefficient time tracking. These issues affected job scheduling, on-time delivery, and material tracking. Their decision to switch to ProShop stemmed from the need for better visibility, process control, and integration across departments. Implementing ProShop has not been easy. It required an adjustment from both the office and the shop floor staff. However, they began seeing improvements in scheduling, tracking, and reducing manual errors. The team values features like live part tracking and digital documentation, which reduce the need for physical traveler copies and cut down confusion. Overall, the transition has been a learning process, but one that Paramount believes is worthwhile. John told me, “It has been hard, but for the right reasons”. Paramount Machine continues to invest in its people, technology, and customer relationships. Their emphasis on continuous improvement, collaboration, and adaptability positions them well for future growth and innovation. LinkedIn: Eric Van Orden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-van-orden-378795314/ LinkedIn: John Rausch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rausch-21449261/ Paramount Machine -https://www.paramount-machine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
End 2 End Manufacturing didn’t start with high-tech machines or enterprise systems. It began as a contract welding shop focused on responsiveness, trust, and doing right by the customer. As the company grew, adding CNC machining, design, and prototyping capabilities, it became clear that tribal knowledge and whiteboards couldn’t sustain the pace. That’s where Gioni Bianchini, General Manager, saw an opportunity for real change. In this episode, Gioni Bianchini, the General Manager at End 2 End Manufacturing, shares the story of that transformation, how a lean but ambitious team evolved their culture, their operations, and their entire workflow by adopting ProShop ERP. But it wasn’t just about new software. It was about visibility, alignment, and creating space for machinists and fabricators to take real ownership of their work. From improving accountability to breaking down silos, Gioni reflects on what it took to guide his team through change while keeping their hands-on values intact. Whether you're at the beginning of your digital journey or deep into scaling challenges, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at what real manufacturing transformation looks like in practice. LinkedIn - Gioni Bianchini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gioni-bianchini-4a015b18/ End 2 End Manufacturing - www.e2emfg.com Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Shops can lose money quietly due to missed deadlines, rushed shipping, and confusion that no one wants to admit. The real issue is often buried in scattered paper records and knowledge locked in one person’s head. It feels normal until survival is at risk. At Serbin Machining, there was no pretending things would improve on their own. New owners saw the chaos immediately and decided to invest in ProShop ERP before even closing the deal. The goal was to replace guesswork with clear, live tracking of every job. Paper records and disconnected spreadsheets were out. Instead, the team could see exactly what was due, where materials were located, and how work was progressing in real time. That level of visibility turned daily operations from crisis management into smooth planning. Revenue didn’t just grow, it quadrupled in 18 months with almost the same workforce. Formal training, clear roles, and second-shift expansion became possible. Customer calls dropped from 90 minutes to 15 because the answers were ready. ProShop delivered more than software. It enforced accountability, streamlined communication, and made growth sustainable. For any shop hitting its limit without knowing why, this story proves transparency isn’t optional; it’s how you stay alive and scale. LinkedIn - Serbin Machining: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serbin-machining-inc-/about/ Serbin Machining - https://www.serbinmachining.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most shop owners don’t realize how much the structure and feel of their shop impact everything, including employee morale, customer trust, and long-term growth. Caught up in production chaos, they overlook the deeper issues holding them back: clunky systems, reactive decision-making, and a culture built on fear rather than trust. Tim Rousseau changed all that. He built Above All CNC to be clean, safe, and forward-thinking intentionally. His big shift? Ditching paper and guesswork for ProShop ERP. It gave his growing shop the structure it needed to handle complexity without the stress. Now, every part of his operation, from quoting to inspection, is consistent, trackable, and efficient. Audits go smoother. Employees take pride in their work. Customers keep coming back. If you’re still running your shop off spreadsheets and gut feel, this episode might just be your turning point. LinkedIn - Tim Rousseau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rousseau-b2309b20/ CNC Inc - https://aboveallcnc.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most shop owners don’t realize it, but the way they lead their team and the systems they use may be quietly holding them back. In this episode, we hear from Perry Kuehn of K Tooling, a shop owner with decades of experience who thought his business was running fine… until it nearly ran off the rails. What followed was a transformation that reshaped his culture, workflow, and client relationships. And it started with one bold decision. At first, Perry was focused on growth: new machines, new buildings, new customers. But under the surface, delivery dates were slipping, team members were stressed, and quality issues were creeping in. The systems in place, both technological and cultural, weren’t built for scale, and Perry soon realized it wasn’t just a software problem. Leadership needed to change, too. That’s when he went all-in on ProShop ERP. But adopting a new system didn’t just mean new screens or better scheduling. It became the catalyst for a complete reset in how the team operated and how they were led. Perry shares openly about the resistance, the tough personnel decisions, and the leap of faith required to shut off their old ERP cold turkey. The shift was immediate and profound. Delivery stabilized. Quality improved. Communication got clearer. And for the first time in a long time, the team wasn’t just keeping up, they were thriving. Perry also reveals how these internal changes paved the way for external wins: major new contracts, ISO and AS9100 certifications, and his highest month of incoming sales on record. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to evolve from a reactive job shop into a high-trust, high-performance operation, or how leadership, culture, and the right systems are deeply connected, this episode offers a powerful firsthand account of what that transformation can look like. LinkedIn: Perry Kuehn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-kuehn-6a197210/ K Tooling - https://www.ktooling.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Some machine shop owners come into the industry late. Adam Verdon was born into it. From shredding paper in the office as a toddler to operating machines as a teenager, Adam grew up at G.V. Industries, the precision machining company his father founded in 1978 after returning from Vietnam. Today, he’s not just leading the company, he’s reshaping it. With a deep respect for GV’s history and a clear vision for its future, Adam set out to modernize the shop from the inside out. That meant more than swapping paper travelers for terminals or spreadsheets for software. It meant earning trust, building buy-in, and creating a culture where machinists and their ideas matter. When the team embraced ProShop ERP, they didn’t just get a new system. They got visibility, clarity, and ownership. Tribal knowledge became shared knowledge. Workflow friction disappeared. And the change didn’t come through top-down mandates, it came from listening. This episode is about more than digital transformation. It’s about what happens when the next generation takes the wheel and drives with both head and heart. LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-verdon-6b4292267 G.V. Industries - gvindustries.biz Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Plenty of people still picture manufacturing as dark, dirty, and dangerous. That image sticks, even though the real day-to-day inside many shops couldn’t look more different. But when perception lags behind reality, it’s no wonder few young people see themselves in roles like toolmaker or machinist. Darryl Gratrix didn’t grow up knowing he’d land in the trades. He went the university route first. Nearly three decades into his career today, he's running production at Molded Precision Components and doing everything he can to ensure the next generation sees what’s possible. That includes opening the shop doors to students, teachers, and guidance counselors, people who’ve rarely had a reason to set foot in a modern manufacturing facility. For many, a single tour flips a switch. One teacher left inspired enough to organize an event that brought 300 students face to face with local vendors. While he’s helping shift the narrative around skilled trades, Darryl’s also keeping a 15-person toolroom running at full tilt. And that got easier with a new ERP system, ProShop, that replaced clunky interfaces and manual entry with faster, clearer processes. It didn’t just save time; it gave the team better data to manage and improve. So yes, this is a story about skilled trades. But it’s also about what happens when one person decides to be visible in an often hidden industry, on the shop floor, in the school system, and in young people's choices about their future. LinkedIn - Darryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-gratrix-373827309 Molded Precision Components - https://www.mpccomponents.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Shop owners are so deep in the daily grind that they don’t see how outdated systems are quietly setting limits on their business. When processes feel "good enough," it’s easy to miss how much time, money, and opportunity are leaking out of a business every day. Ben Dunn didn’t come from machining, he came from hospital administration. And that fresh perspective made it impossible for him to ignore the old habits inside the shop he acquired. Walking into a company still running on a DOS-based computer and stacks of paper, he saw what longtime owners sometimes can’t: without a clear schedule, accurate data, and systems that live beyond a single person’s memory, the business had no path to real growth or long-term survival. Once Blueprint Advanced Manufacturing embraced modern systems, everything changed; on-time delivery skyrocketed, employee roles became clear, and the company became far more resilient. Owners will start to see that fixing what feels "good enough" isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s the difference between a company that struggles and one that thrives across generations. Ben Dunn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-dunn-9a8540b4/ Blueprint Advanced Manufacturing - https://blueprintadvancedmfg.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Running a shop often means wearing every hat and holding every answer. For Andy Reinwald at Ripley Machine, that translated to years of nonstop work, nearly no time off, and the weight of every open order living in his head. It was sustainable until it wasn’t. Things came to a head after a rough year in 2016. Revenue was slipping, customer service was lagging, and the company was running on outdated systems. Andy knew he couldn’t keep leading the shop this way and expect different results. That realization kicked off a steady climb. Andy pursued ISO certification, leaned into lean thinking, and began to untangle Ripley Machine from manual processes and memory-based management. Still, the tools he had weren’t suited for the kind of shop he wanted to run. It wasn’t until Andy implemented ProShop that the fundamental transformation took hold. The team got access to the same information, tooling, and setups became easier to manage, and planning work no longer relied on his constant oversight. Late orders dropped, morale lifted, and quoting, scheduling, and tracking got faster. Now, Andy runs a growing shop with more efficient systems, higher standards, and the breathing room to take a fully unplugged vacation. His story isn’t about flashy leaps, it’s about what happens when a shop owner truly commits to improving, one decision at a time. LinkedIn - Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyreinwald/ Ripley Machine - https://www.ripley-machine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most shop owners don’t realize how much stress is baked into their day-to-day. They’re running jobs, juggling people, chasing parts—and slowly getting used to the constant pressure. For Phil Gurecki, it was normal to be the only one who knew where everything was, how it worked, and what came next. Until it wasn’t. As Accurate Machine grew, so did the complexity. Assemblies got tougher. Tooling got chaotic. Binders multiplied. And the cost of relying on Phil’s memory—or a key employee’s tribal knowledge—became impossible to ignore. He tried two ERPs. Neither stuck. It wasn’t until ProShop that things clicked. This time, Phil went all in. Got his team involved. Started documenting everything. Within months, even newer hires could confidently run repeat jobs. And when a key team member left, nothing fell apart. Phil didn’t set out to build a world class shop. He just wanted to get organized and get some peace of mind. But once the systems were in place, everything shifted. He had time to lead. His team had clarity. And customer tours? He starts those at the computer now—because that’s where the real work lives. There’s pride in the machines, sure. But for Phil, the real pride comes from knowing his shop can scale, adapt, and grow—without burning anyone out in the process. LinkedIn - Phil Gurecki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-gurecki-4a9439110/ Accurate Machine Inc -https://www.accmachine.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most machine shops are filled with skilled workers, powerful machines, and a relentless drive to get parts out the door. But behind the scenes, inefficiencies can quietly eat away at profitability, morale, and even long-term survival. Many shops rely on outdated systems, fragmented information, and tribal knowledge that vanishes when key employees leave. The result? Missed deadlines, costly mistakes, and constant firefighting. Marvin Rodriguez of True Precision Machining shares how his company faced these challenges and found a way to transform operations through a strategic shift in processes and systems. By implementing ProShop ERP, his team moved from paper-driven chaos to a fully digital, streamlined workflow. Along the way, they improved efficiency and fostered a culture of engagement where employees actively contribute to continuous improvement. True Precision is thriving, reducing errors, cutting wasted time, and positioning itself as a top-tier supplier in aerospace, defense, and medical manufacturing. Marvin’s story is a masterclass in using data, structure, and technology to take a business from reactive to proactive. Whether you’re struggling with inconsistent processes or just looking to scale smarter, this episode is packed with actionable insights for any shop owner or leader ready to perfect their systems for success. LinkedIn - Marvin Rodriguez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-rodriguez-08667694/ True Precision Machining - https://www.trueprecisionmachining.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most job shops turn to ERP systems expecting more efficiency but end up with more headaches, more spreadsheets, and more frustration. Most ERPs weren’t built for job shops—high-mix, low-volume work, constant scheduling changes, and the need for real-time visibility. Instead of fixing the chaos, they add layers of complexity, leaving shops struggling to keep up. Traditional ERP systems were designed for large-scale manufacturing, where jobs are predictable and repeatable. A job shop doesn’t operate that way. Custom parts, shifting lead times, and last-minute jobs require flexibility. The wrong ERP slows everything down, forcing machinists to hunt for information and managers to rely on outdated spreadsheets. Matt Gawlik of 3D Graphite Machining struggled with multiple ERPs that couldn’t keep up. He realized the problem wasn’t just the software—it was how most ERPs force shops into rigid workflows that don’t match reality. His experience highlights the difference between an ERP designed for mass production and one that actually works in a job shop. There are clear signs an ERP is failing. If scheduling is still a mess, if machinists don’t trust the system, or if data has to be manually entered in multiple places, that’s a red flag. A job shop ERP should track everything in one place, automate scheduling, and provide instant access to accurate job data. Disconnected tools and outdated processes don’t have to be the norm. A job shop ERP should be a natural extension of how machinists and managers already work. The difference between struggle and efficiency isn’t just software—it’s using one that actually understands how a job shop runs. LinkedIn - Matt Gawlik - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gawlik-92843222a/ 3D Graphite Machining - https://www.3dgraphite.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Most manufacturers don’t realize just how much inefficiency is baked into their daily operations—until they start pulling back the layers. That was the case for Johnny Goode, President of MSP Manufacturing, who stepped into the family business in 2020 and immediately saw opportunities for change. Paper-based processes, siloed systems, and hidden inefficiencies were costing the shop time, money, and agility. But change wasn’t easy—especially for a team that had been doing things the same way for years. Johnny shares how MSP systematically broke free from outdated habits, transitioning to a fully digital, ProShop-driven workflow. The results? A purchasing process that went from two full-time employees to a four-hour-a-week task, on-time delivery skyrocketing to 97-99%, and a 50% growth in revenue with only a 2% increase in overhead. He also talks through the challenges of change management, the unexpected benefits of radical transparency, and how the right ERP doesn’t just organize a shop—it transforms its culture. For shop owners wondering if digital transformation is worth the effort, Johnny’s story makes it clear: the cost of staying the same is far greater. LinkedIn - Johnny Goode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-goode-1846441bb/ MSP Manufacturing - https://msp-manufacturing.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, I sit down with Ron Wallace, the owner of Ace Machining, a leading job shop located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Ron shares the remarkable story of how he went from starting his business with just a few machines to now overseeing a thriving operation with advanced equipment like Swiss lathes, waterjets, and five-axis mills. Ron’s journey has been filled with growth, challenges, and innovation. After years of trial and error, including multiple relocations and expanding the team, Ron realized that embracing technology was the key to taking his business to the next level. That's when Ace Machining turned to ProShop ERP—a game-changing decision that streamlined operations, enhanced communication, and improved efficiency across the shop floor. In this episode, we learn how ProShop ERP has helped Ace Machining overcome common growing pains, such as managing material certifications, job costing, and reducing setup times. With the help of ProShop, Ron and his team were able to implement systems and processes that improved not only their operations but also their bottom line. Ron also discusses the value of hiring the right people, delegating responsibilities, and investing in technology to fuel growth. This episode is packed with insights on how modernizing your manufacturing process can lead to incredible transformations—just like at Ace Machining. LinkedIn - Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-wallace-172a8627/ Ace Machining Ltd - https://www.acemachining.ca/about-us/ Buy Back Your Time - https://www.buybackyourtime.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
Zimmer Design & Manufacturing, an ITAR-registered AS9100 Contract Manufacturing machine shop in Austin, TX, has experienced remarkable growth—70% since its launch in 2020. Founder Adam Zimmer started the company in his garage, crafting cigar stands and ashtrays as a hobby with a manual lathe and mill. A pivotal moment came when he purchased equipment and customers from a friend closing his shop, which set the stage for his transition into a thriving business. From day one, Adam knew he wanted to scale, so he invested in ProShop ERP for its functionality, scalability, and affordability. Today, with a team of 11, ProShop underpins every part of their operation, from quoting and processing to training and tool management. Adam credits ProShop for making growth and organization seamless, enabling streamlined systems that have become the backbone of his success. The ERP’s documentation and workflows even simplified their AS9100 certification process. As a programmer and machinist, Adam’s focus on automation and efficiency has been key to scaling the business, and he emphasizes the role of delegation in balancing work and family life. With ProShop as the foundation, Zimmer Design & Manufacturing is not only thriving but also on track to achieve another year of explosive growth in 2025. LinkedIn - Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zimmer-5b806b152/ Zimmer Design and Manufacturing - https://www.zimmermanufacturing.com/ Audio and Video Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
In this episode of Manufacturing Transformed, Brannon McKinney, General Manager at Faircloth Machine Shop, shares the incredible evolution of a small repair shop into an AS9100-certified leader in aerospace manufacturing. When Brannon joined Faircloth 16 years ago, fresh out of community college, the shop had just eight employees and relied on conventional machines and a homemade ERP system. Today, with the help of ProShop ERP, they’ve streamlined operations, embraced innovation, and achieved certifications that transformed their business. Brannon discusses how ProShop became an essential part of their journey—simplifying scheduling, enhancing tool tracking, and making the AS9100 certification process seamless. You’ll hear how Faircloth leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a team culture that drives success. Whether you're curious about ERP systems, certifications, or scaling a manufacturing business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. LinkedIn - Brannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brannon-mckinney-a6666b87/ Faircloth Machine: https://fairclothmachine.com/ Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
This third-generation precision machining business is thriving and growing thanks to a well-executed vision, a focus on culture, and the adoption of the best technology, like ProShop ERP. The transformation that CARR Machine has seen in the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. Jim and Ryan are aligned in the vision of the company, they use their core values to drive the hiring, firing and alignment of their team, and along with a strong marketing focus, they have grown considerably, entering new markets, expanding their facility and moving from a low volume industrial shop to a high volume aerospace and defense contract manufacturer. Enjoy the inspiring story in this episode. LinkedIn - Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-carr-6231a858/ LinkedIn - Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmycarr/ LinkedIn - CARR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carr-machine-&-tool-inc-/ Instagram - CARR: https://www.instagram.com/carrmachine/ Website: https://carrmachine.com/