Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

A corporate snapshot that has nothing to do with a camera! Shop owners know what they do because they do it every day. But how do you communicate your areas of specialty and expertise in a concise, powerful way so that your prospective clients are able to get it right off? That’s what a corporate snapshot is for. In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and Jason invite 3 guests into the study who specialize in helping businesses create their very own corporate snapshot. Their guests are Jule Poulos (a previous guest from episode 19 of Making Chips), Ray Ziganto (another previous guest - episode 18 of Making Chips), and Jon Baklund (yet another previous guest - Making Chips episode 21). Here’s a brief summary of 4 important questions that a corporate snapshot should answer: What we do as a company Who we are as a company Who we serve as a company Why we do what we do better When you’re able to clearly and accurately define and express those 4 key issues about your company you unlock the power to do a couple of very powerful things… You’re equipping your employees to become “sales people” through a clear vision of what you do as a company. You’re able to more quickly identify your target clients and engage them in relevant conversations about their needs. You’re better able to serve your clients through knowing exactly what your services can do to meet their needs. This episode of Making Chips is full of practical, powerful advice about why you need your own corporate snapshot and how you can develop one. Listen in to the conversation to get started on your own corporate snapshot! Here’s the outline of the conversation about corporate snapshots Introduction of the guests on this episode: Julie, Ray, and Jim. Metalworking tools. The number one tool in your toolbox - a corporate snapshot. The objective of a corporate snapshot. How a corporate snapshot is the “home” for your elevator pitch. 4 crucial components of a corporate snapshot - What we do - Who we are - Who we serve - Why we do it better. Defining each of those 4 points in order to determine your marketing approach and target your message. How a corporate snapshot empowers your employees to serve the customer. Links mentioned on this episode www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter http://www.bi-link.com Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems The number one tool in your toolbox is a corporate snapshot. Find out more on this episode. A corporate snapshot empowers your employees to serve the customer. Do you know the 4 crucial components of a corporate snapshot? What is a corporate snapshot and why do you need one? On this episode of Making Chips Briefly and powerfully tell the who, what, why of your company with a corporate snapshot

Today Jason and Jim are coming to you from Chicago, the “Windy City!” They are there because they’re chatting with Jon Baklund, a veteran tool and die maker who started in the manufacturing industry when he was 19. His father still works in the shop daily, and his wife works in the business as well - so it’s a true “family” business. His business, Baklund R & D is heavily involved in #d printing, which is a very intriguing new aspect of the manufacturing industry. 3D printing is a newer technology that is truly going to be a game-changer in the manufacturing industry. It’s one of those things that old-school folks may feel an urge to resist but our advice is to jump on board the train because it’s going to be moving out! Jon Baklund has one 3D printer in his shop, an environmentally controlled device that allows him to make virtually any shape part with any interior shape imaginable. He says you have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing, and we agree. 3D printing machines on the scale Jon uses are pretty pricey - his machine cost his company right around $160,000.00. But he says it’s well worth it. The specialty niche it has enabled him to carve out for himself has been a huge benefit to the company and when others begin to get on board the “3D printing train” he will be one of the veterans in the space. We wrap up this episode with two “off topic” pieces that should give you some great value. Jon’s approach to the internet and social media activity from a business perspective (he’s great at it, so take some notes) How Jon and his wife are able to work together day in and day out without problems. Listen in… you’ll enjoy this episode of Making Chips! Here’s the outline of the episode Introduction of Jon Baklund. Manufacturing news - The U.S.A. is the “hotspot” for Aerospace manufacturing. A 3D printing overview - from the perspective of an end-user (Jon) How Jon is adding additional services to his company’s 3D printing The cost of materials used in a 3D printing machine - it’s comparatively inexpensive! Typical tolerance levels in 3D printing and how Jon is getting better tolerances through some custom modifications. Thinking from the inside-out in 3D printing. How Jon determines billing for 3D printing jobs. What kind of oversight does a 3D printer require? The importance of an environmentally controlled 3D printer. What is the cost of a good 3D printing machine? Jon’s approach to the internet and social media for business. How Jon and his wife are able to work together day after day in the business. Jim’s summary of his take-aways from this episode. Links mentioned on this episode www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter Jon’s website - www.jonbaklund.com The work-holding device Jon has developed - www.jonbaklund.com/baklund-workholding-llc/ Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems The U.S.A. is the “hotspot” for Aerospace manufacturing. Find out more in today’s news segment You have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing Did you know you can add additional services to 3D printing to maximize profit? How 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry: this episode of Making Chips 3D printing is the train of the future for manufacturing. Will you get on board? SOCIAL MEDIA BLURBS 3D printing machines on the scale Jon uses are pretty pricey - his machine cost his company right around $160,000.00. But he says it’s well worth it. The specialty niche it has enabled him to carve out for himself has been a huge benefit to the company and when others begin to get on board the “3D printing train” he will be one of the veterans in the space. Listen to this episode of Making Chips to hear Jon’s story. 3D printing is a newer technology that is truly going to be a game-changer in the manufacturing industry. It’s one of those things that old-school folks may feel an urge to resist but our advice is to jump on board the train because it’s going to be moving out! Jon Baklund has one 3D printer in his shop, an environmentally controlled device that allows him to make virtually any shape part with any interior shape imaginable. He says you have to “think from the inside-out” when it comes to 3D printing, and we agree. Hear Jon’s story on this episode of Making Chips.

This is a hot topic edition where Jim is asking Jason about vending systems for the machine shop. You may have the impression that vending machines are just for the huge companies that crank out bazillions of widgets every day. But is that true? You’re going to find out that and a ton more about machine shop vending systems in this episode of Making Chips. There are many misconceptions about vending systems and much resistance to the idea that a small shop could actually benefit from using them, but Jason Zenger knows better. He’s been able to place systems in a variety of settings, from small to large shops and has seen the benefit in even the smallest settings. The reason for that is simple: The cost for vending systems has dropped as the technology has increased, making the power of vending systems more affordable for the little guy. Vending systems also enable you to keep track of tool and supply usage, which in turn tells you which employees are using what items so that you can make more informed adjustments to your systems or procedures as needed. Just imagine the savings of ensuring that every part is being used to its fullest capacity! The major objectives of implementing a vending system in your shop: Reduction in Spending Increased Productivity Increased Profitability If it doesn’t make sense to you how those benefits come from installing and using a vending system in your shop, you need to listen in as Jason shares his experience as a representative for some vending system companies. What the guys have to say about vending systems in this episode... Major objectives of having a vending system in your shop - 3 powerful reasons. The history of modern vending systems for the machine shop. Aren’t vending systems geared more for huge manufacturers? How to use vending systems in a small machine shop. The sizes of vending machines and how to fit them into your shop. Partnering with someone to help you manage the vending system so it doesn’t take over your schedule. What types of supplies and tools can work with a vending system? The process of bringing on a vending system and the importance of your vending partner. Best practice software issues relating to your machine shop vending system. The increasing popularity of vending systems. 3 ways small companies can benefit from vending systems. Listener questions Jim and Jason are also happy to highlight questions from listeners on this episode. You can ask your question for this section of the podcast by call 1-312-725-0245 and leave your message on the recording. Here’s today’s questions: How important is it for a manufacturing company to have a clean, updated, and functional website? What are buyers looking for when searching for a new supplier? Links mentioned on this episode www.MakingChips.com - sign up for the Making Chips newsletter Something to look forward to… Making Chips is going on the road! Stay tuned for more details. Tweets you can use to tell others about the benefits of vending systems Machine shop vending systems for the little guys… it’s not only possible, it’s a reality. You don’t have to be a huge shop to afford and benefit from vending systems. Find out more in this episode. Track your supplies and tools more effectively, and keep more profit on the bottom line. Vending systems can reduce spending, increase productivity, and increase profit, even in small machine shops. Your machine shop can function more smoothly and profitably by using a vending system. Find out how in this episode.

In this episode, we interview Julie Poulos about the brand image of your manufacturing company and why strategy is most important. Being "the best kept secret" should NOT be your goal. Julie tells us why starting with a new website or a new logo is NOT the right first step. Marketing Steps: 1. Competitive Analysis 2. Interviews 3. Online Analytics 4. Influencer Identification (Defining Your Buyer Types) 5. Develop the Plan Jim and I want you to be equipped when you are having a discussion with a firm to help you with marketing or your e-Strategy. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss multiple articles that cite a slow down in business for the beginning of 2015. About MakingChips MakingChips is a weekly podcast that will equip leaders in the metalworking manufacturing industry with valuable content to utilize in their career and business. What makes MakingChips unique is the fact that we are in the trenches getting dirty, leading, managing, designing, solving problems and pushing productivity. MakingChips is here for us to report back from the factory floor to tell you what worked and what didn't work…we tell you the mistakes we made and what we are excited to try. We want to understand your problems and leverage this community to find a solution. Our goal is to equip manufacturing leaders and for those leaders to influence others in the manufacturing industry. From Jim: I'm the owner of CARR Machine & Tool, Inc., a 2nd generation high precision CNC machine shop utilizing 3 and 4 axis CNC Machining Centers. I've been at this a long time and ! know machining like the back of my hand. Our company specialty is short to medium run jobs where we consistently hold tolerances of ± .0005 utilizing state-of-the-art tooling - which I get from Jason! From Jason: I'm the president of ZENGERS, a 3rd generation industrial supply company. I direct our team of metalworking specialists to decrease costs and increase productivity of our metalworking customers by applying the best tooling for the job and utilizing tool crib management technology. Subscribe and Follow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakingChipsPodcast Twitter: http://twitter.com/Making_Chips Instagram: http://instagram.com/MakingChips Website: http://MakingChips.com

In this episode, we interview Ray Zaganto, who created a new concept called "The Hardware Store" for reaching his customers by being innovative, thinking outside the box and finding the Alpha Engineer. Your "first place" is your home. Your "second place" is the workplace. The "third place" is another location that connects you into a community and facilitates creative interaction. A lot of companies do not have the resources to outfit a standalone location and create a third place, but as Ray said: "Make Your Shop a Destination." In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an episode of the TV show, "The Good Wife" in relation to an episode about 3D printing. About MakingChips MakingChips is a weekly podcast that will equip leaders in the metalworking manufacturing industry with valuable content to utilize in their career and business. What makes MakingChips unique is the fact that we are in the trenches getting dirty, leading, managing, designing, solving problems and pushing productivity. MakingChips is here for us to report back from the factory floor to tell you what worked and what didn't work…we tell you the mistakes we made and what we are excited to try. We want to understand your problems and leverage this community to find a solution. Our goal is to equip manufacturing leaders and for those leaders to influence others in the manufacturing industry. From Jim: I'm the owner of CARR Machine & Tool, Inc., a 2nd generation high precision CNC machine shop utilizing 3 and 4 axis CNC Machining Centers. I've been at this a long time and know machining like the back of my hand. Our company specialty is short to medium run jobs where we consistently hold tolerances of ± .0005 utilizing state-of-the-art tooling - which I get from Jason! From Jason: I'm the president of ZENGERS, a 3rd generation industrial supply company. I direct our team of metalworking specialists to decrease costs and increase productivity of our metalworking customers by applying the best tooling for the job and utilizing tool crib management technology.

In this episode, we interview Michael Magliano, an industrial real estate broker from Cushman & Wakefield, about strategies for buying, selling and leasing industrial real estate. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article that asks the question: "What Do Manufacturing Workers Want From Their Employer."

In this episode, we interview Ray Ziganto, President of Bi-Link, a global manufacturing company about his take-aways from the Crain's Manufacturing Summit. • How does a manufacturing company stay on the leading edge? • How do you re-think manufacturing education? • Start with small steps. Cary Wood, President, Chief Executive Officer, Board Member of Sparton, talks about how to train and relate to the new workforce generation and why his turnover is so low. Dr. David Boulay, President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), discusses how public-private partnerships like IMEC support small and midsize manufacturing companies. For more information on organizations like this, search for US Department of Commerce Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Dave Szczupak, Executive Vice President of Whirlpool, discusses the importance of local manufacturing companies to their supply chain and workforce development for the new generation. Dave also tells us about the FIRST Robotics Competition for the youngest future generation of manufacturing. Jim Schultz, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, discusses the importance of manufacturing to state commerce and how he is collaborating with his peers in other states. MakingChips.com/BiLink

What are the 3 most important actions that manufacturers can take now to improve their utilization of CAM software? In this episode, we interview Matt Sump with ShopWare, one the top resellers of MasterCAM Software. Jim answers the question: If you put 10 machinist in a shop and gave them a piece of material and a print, how many different ways will they produce that part? We discuss: • Latest trends in CAM software • How tool paths are calculated • Radial chip thinning • Most efficient amount of material removal • Surface feet per minute • Spindle speed • Utilizing a tooling database in CAM software • Machine utilization • Dynamic Machining versus High Speed Machining • Improving machining hydraulic manifolds using CAM software • Utilizing Dynamic Tool Paths • Automating existing processes with macros • Going beyond the basics by automating ! We briefly talk about the history of how MakingChips was started. !! In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article declaring that US manufacturing is going extinct. I'm going to state it here: if you remove manufacturing from the US Economy, the United States will lose 30% of its GDP. ShopWare http://www.shopwareinc.com Matt Sump www.linkedin.com/in/mattsump/en

In this episode, Jim and I discuss how you can receive grant money to expand your manufacturing business. We specifically discuss the Federal TAAF Grant that Jim was awarded, the process that he went through, the reimbursed expenses and how he coupled two programs together. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms MakingChips.com/TAAF In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article in the LA Times that states manufacturing is slower to grow in California than any other state in the USA. The main factor for slow growth in California is the cost of doing business in the state. We have 2 questions for you: 1. Have you been successful receiving grant money? If so, please share your story in the comments for this episode. 2. Would you like us to share more information associated with grant money, so you can take advantage of this under-utilized resource?

Roberts Swiss, a 60 year old manufacturer of Precision Swiss Machined Parts. Fernando gives actionable advise to others who are not born into privilege and do not have a lot of resources, but desire to seek advancement starting from the ground floor. Fernando attributes his career success to: • Taking advantage of learning from every possible resource - including the people who stood in his way • Tackling large projects • Questioning the WHY behind business processes • Working hard and doing the right thing • Being the conduit of change • Realizing challenges as opportunities for growth • Bringing a culture of excellence • Grace In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article that stated US Stocks started the year mixed because manufacturing growth stalled in December, which proves that manufacturing makes a huge difference to the US economy. #ManufacturingMatters

When should the owners of a business start succession planning? NOW! In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss an article stating that slow manufacturing growth doesn't matter to the economy.

Should you implement Robotics into your company? In this episode we interview Brian Panek from Panek Precision about robotics. We discuss the basics of robotics, how it has changed his manufacturing and the culture of his company. PanekPrecision.com LinkedIn.com/in/brianpanek Universal Robots In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss that MakingChips has been featured on iTunes New & Noteworthy, which is a huge accomplishment. We would like to thank our listeners for their feedback and support.

Who is in your network? In this episode we discuss the power of networking and how to properly cultivate relationships in your industry. Join MakingChips at the 3rd Annual Crain's Midwest Manufacturers Summit. Crain's Manufacturing Summit 1. Networking is a long term process 2. Should you stalk them on LinkedIn? 3. When you think that it is time for the hard sell…wait. 4. Ask for an introduction. 5. Stay within a particular circle. 6. Don't forget follow up, but don't hard sell. 7. Offer free advise. 8. Look for commonality. 9. Collect business cards. 10. Connect on LinkedIn. 11. Give before you expect to receive. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss Forbes 30 under 30 in Manufacturing. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Lenox Circtech Precision Circular Saw Blades. More manufacturing companies are replacing band saw applications with with machines that use cermet tipped circular saw blades.

What is the right method for getting paid for your work? This is a subject that both Jim and I were reluctant to talk about; however, our goal is to bring the Metalworking Nation together as a community to talk about topics that people are afraid to bring up. What are your typical terms? Do you offer payment via credit card? Should you require a credit card for initial orders? Do you have a defined credit terms policy? If you are agreeing to an OEM contract that stipulates 90-120 day terms, are you considering the financing rate and including that in the price that you charge for the product or service? "Somebody has to pay it!" What is our approach to collecting? When do "put on the heat"? Do you use collection agencies? In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit that transitions veterans into civilian jobs with a focus on manufacturing training. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Z-Cut, a line of USA Made standard and highperformance end mills, drills and taps.

Years ago, most businesses did not have a vision or a mission for their companies. It was simply a matter of "blocking and tackling" your team through wins as the company grew (you buy more machines as the customers come). Now, most businesses are caught up in the Wall Street mindset that if you are not growing, you are dying. Should every manufacturing company have this mindset or can we do better? Do you have at least a loose vision or mission for your company? Where do you see the company in 5 years or in 10 years? How do you define staying where you are? - # of machines, sales, profit, employees, customers? for JZ, a couple metrics: sales, profit, # of vending integration systems that we are serving, customer retention Do prospective customers look at your business in terms of size and gage whether they want to do business with you? The wrong ways to grow 1. Using supplier credit to grow and not having a financing plan for growth • Instead: Have a financing plan for growth, talk to your bank, and learn about the proper way to borrow money in order to achieve your goals. 2. Taking on low margin business to build your business or to just get in the door • What happens? • Can't make money on the job • Late on the job ! • Quality is subpar • Can't do the job efficiently End-users have become smarter about this and many are now working with their existing suppliers to find out where they can partner and be strategic to remove costs out of the manufacturing processes (another good subject for the future). In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss women in manufacturing (again). There is a push in the Milwaukee market for welders. A 24 year old single mother with no intention to get into manufacturing is pitched to pursue a manufacturing career. "This is so cool, I am actually creating my own art." She is enjoying what she is creating, making good money and able to support her family. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss the Widia Victory versus Value lines and why a company would utilize this model.

The image is that manufacturing is a dirty, physical, turning-cranks, labor intensive job, but the facts is that the machining industry is one of the most technological forward and innovative industries. In this seventh episode, Jim and I discuss how the industry has changed along with machine and software technology. Jim tells an interesting stories about when his dad ran the shop and one of his machinist screwed up a part, which you can't do nowadays and I throw out how old I was when Jim started in the industry. More high schools are teaching manufacturing skills. In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss how Wheeling High School (Wheeling, IL) has been turning out hire-ready manufacturing students for the last six years. Part of Germany's education model is that a 15 year old will enter into an internship whereby manufacturing is one of the top choices. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss the advantages of thread milling: control the size, breakage, tool life.

Are international standards important for your company or your partners? In this sixth episode, Jim and I discuss standards and the impact of ISO on his company. We discuss the specific standards of ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) & OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety). Fun Facts: ISO, the International Organization of Standards, has 3 official languages (English, French & Russian). ISO is derived from the Greek isos, meaning equal. The International Organization for Standards is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and is associated with the United Nations. Should you hire an outside consultant to outline a plan and help you along the process? What can ISO do for your business culture? Every company is going to be different, but Jim discusses his annual cost of ISO renewal and the amount of time that his staff spends on ISO per week. How does the ISO champion interact with other employees? In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss the Multi Jet Fusion Printer, a 3D printer from HP. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss straight flute reamers versus spiral flute reamers and left hand versus right hand spiral flute reamers.

Is there a plan in place at your company if a top employee, such as the president or owner dies? Episode five is the first in a new interview format on MakingChips. In this fifth episode, we talk to Stacey Bales about her story of taking over as President of Bales Mold Service (recently rebranded as Bales Metal Surface Solutions). The first reaction from the bank is "How are we going to liquidate?" Who takes over when multiple family members are involved and no succession plan has been setup? Major issues arise, such as trust among family members - when there is no succession plan, family members will fight out their new roles instead of moving into the proper roles right away. The family needs to establish that they are all on the same team and not out for themselves. "Be very transparent with the person that you believe is coming up." The owner of every manufacturing company should be transparent about how they want to handle the succession of their company and have a vision about where they want the company to go. Stacey Bales is the 2nd generation owner and President of Bales Metal Surface Solutions. Bales provides engineered coating and finishes to mold makers and OEMs. They have locations in Illinois and Texas. In addition, Stacey is on the Board of Directors of the TMA (Technology and Manufacturing Association) and President of AESF (American Electro & Surface Finishers). In our Manufacturing News segment, we discuss a news article about the City of Atlanta. They are short on manufacturing skilled labor resulting in six figure incomes for certain positions. In our Metalworking Tools segment, we discuss Southwestern Industries (CNC Technology for Small Lot Machining). Southwestern machines are intended to produce small lots of parts, so you can go from programming to producing parts much quicker than traditional CNC lathes and mills with easy to use ProtoTRAK programming.

Do you go to the bar or do you take action? Jason and Jim will step you through 11 points to consider WHEN the recession hits the Metalworking Nation. Yes, this subject is a bummer, but MakingChips is going to Equip Manufacturing Leaders no matter the subject. Women in manufacturing Yoda says "No! Try not. Do or Do Not. There is no try" 1. Pay attention to your cash flow – like a hawk – know the numbers. 2. Talk to your staff and be honest about what is going on. 3. Be honest with your partners. 4. Know your core competency and stick to your business model. 5. Minimize purchasing and reduce expenses – can you insource any of your services? 6. Lower your overhead. 7. Minimize your labor costs (OT) – make strategic decisions sooner rather than later. 8. Realize your capacity level. 9. Negotiate with banks. 10. Negotiate with your landlord. 11. Capitalize on opportunities.

This episode is about tactics for manufacturing companies WHEN the recession hits. That's right, I said WHEN, not IF. If there is one thing that nobody understands, it's our economy. There is little evidence of a recession proof economy, so we need to spend some time discussing how to better prepare. Are you ready for a recession? 1. Do you have a diversified customer base? 2. Maintain proper overhead (building ego). 3. Review your debt – did those decisions result in a return? 4. Strategic purchase of capital equipment a. Measure your ROI b. Invest in technology to stay productive and ahead of the competition c. Don't spend money just for a write off…have a strategic reason d. Should you pay cash or get a loan? 5. Does your company provide a critical part or service that is recession proof? 6. Is your customer base recession proof or vulnerable? 7. Is your product or process difficult to replicate or will your customers be looking to lower their costs?

IMTS started as The First National Machine Tool Builders Exposition in Cleveland in 1927. Post WWII, the show moved to Chicago in 1955. What is the IMTS hangover? What did you learn at IMTS that you can take back to your business? What is the best way to prepare for a show, such as IMTS?

Do social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others matter to the manufacturing industry? We will discuss WHY you should be on social media, WHAT platforms to consider, and HOW to get started. SEO Brand Awareness Thought Leadership Influencing a New Generation Social Media Platforms How often? What is the process? What should you do first? Social Media PPC Jim's eBook "Social Media in Manufacturing"