Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Have you read the book, "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin? The book talks about the mindset of Navy SEALs and how the techniques they employ in and out of combat can be embraced by leadership. So in this episode of MakingChips, we break down some of the facets of extreme leadership and share how they're applicable to the manufacturing nation. Because if you're not taking extreme ownership of your business, you're not making chips. And if you're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [3:02] What the end of the year looks like for ZENGERS and Black [5:33] How Carr Machine & Tool is growing organically [8:40] Manufacturing News: Manufacturing Survey Report [15:59] Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win [17:22] Why do military officers make amazing business leaders? [19:04] The gist of Jocko Willink's TEDx Talk [20:41] What do you do when you take extreme ownership? [24:17] What should you instill in your culture? [27:40] What are your "laws of combat?" [31:18] Leading up and down the chain of command [33:55] How to avoid micromanagement [35:32] The dichotomy of leadership [37:03] Jason's five takeaways for a small machine shop Resources mentioned on this episode LBMC Manufacturing Survey Report ProShop ERP Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Jocko Willink's TEDx Talk Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

When do you ask customers to pay their invoices? How do you ask your customers to pay their invoice(s)? Collecting on a debt that's owed is an art and a science. You have to be careful so you don't lose a customer. In this episode of MakingChips, we cover a recent frustrating situation I dealt with that should have been handled differently—because they just might lose me as a customer. Don't miss this episode to hear the whole story! – Jim Segments [3:06] What's happening at ZENGERS and Carr Machine & Tool [7:12] Using discretion in your collection tactics [9:10] Manufacturing news: Indiana leads nation on manufacturing job growth [15:37] The reason why we're talking about collection tactics [23:58] How we evaluate our collection tactics [26:51] Who is handling accounts receivable? Resources mentioned on this episode Indiana is leading the nation on manufacturing job growth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We believe that there are three components to running a great manufacturing company: People, process, and performance. And properly managing each of these areas will drive the success of your business. In this episode of MakingChips, we moderate a panel at the CV Manufacturing Conference with special guests Mike Allison and Ryan Howard. We cover everything from finding and retaining top talent to achieving and sustaining high-output results. Don't miss this special edition of the MakingChips podcast! Segments [1:20] How MakingChips got its start [4:28] Introducing Mike Allison and Ryan Howard [6:42] Strategies to find, hire and retain top talent [14:05] How manufacturing can make an impact on your family [18:54] How to build on the strengths of your employees [26:32] Using personality tests to identify motivations for employees [30:46] The processes they use to meet customer's demands [38:50] Key characteristics of a best-in-class supplier [42:20] What Mike and Ryan are doing differently with processes [46:16] How to achieve and sustain high output results [52:06] Using gamification to help motivate employees to level up [57:53] Sharing who's receiving rewards for excellence in manufacturing [1:01:30] Make sure you actually implement your "open door" policy [1:04:30] Setting the example for your employees post-Covid [1:11:36] Where to get started with the MakingChips podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Allison with Power Engineering and Manufacturing Ryan Howard with John Deere How to Create a Bonus Incentive Program that Drives Results Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle to sleep at night? Do you lay in bed and think about work and show up in the morning exhausted? Guess what—sleepy leaders are NOT better leaders. I'm going to share why I think that and how manufacturing leaders can get higher-quality shut-eye in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you're not getting enough sleep, it's like being drunk on the job. And if you're drunk, you're certainly not MakingChips, and you're not making money. BAM! Segments [3:40] What's happening in our businesses [6:24] What's keeping you up at night? [8:05] Why sleep is important to your overall health [13:17] My tips to help you achieve better sleep [23:42] Jim's tips to help you sleep at night [29:16] Some tips that experts recommend Resources mentioned on this episode How drunk are you without sleep? CEOs: A Sleep Culture at Work Is a Competitive Advantage Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I met Jamie and Lee Marzilli at ProShop ERP's happy hour event while we were at IMTS 2022. When I heard how they founded and grew a machine shop as a married couple, I knew we needed to have them as guests on MakingChips. So in this episode, Jamie and Lee share their background in machining and how they built Marzilli Machine from the ground up. Don't miss hearing about their grassroots success story! Segments [2:35] A husband and wife team on MakingChips! [5:31] The definition of teamwork (makes the dream work) [6:05] Recruiting and hiring in our businesses [9:12] The Hawkeye Community College visit [10:30] How rising inflation impacts manufacturing [14:37] Introducing Jamie and Lee Marzilli [16:37] How Jamie got started in manufacturing [24:01] Jamie's temporary stint selling cars [28:05] How Jamie and Lee started their shop [34:40] Navigating a business and a marriage [39:06] The vision for the future of Marzilli Machine Resources mentioned on this episode Michael Watkins and David Capkovitz from EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) 5 Steps to Detoxify a Toxic Work Culture, According to New MIT Research Marzilli Machine Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Kelsey Heikoop and Paul Van Metre met in an entry-level engineering class. They hit it off right away—while simultaneously falling in love with machining. Once they graduated college, they started their own machine shop. How did that lead to founding ProShop ERP? They share the ProShop ERP origin story—full of overcoming challenges to reach success—in this episode of MakingChips! Segments [2:17] Our aha moments from IMTS [5:49] Manufacturing news: Uptick in production [7:12] Learn more about Kelsey Heikoop and Paul Van Metre [15:54] From growing a custom machine shop to creating an ERP [19:08] Selling the idea of ProShop ERP to a developer [25:44] What helped them overcome their struggles [30:44] Onboarding ProShop ERP with their first customer [34:37] The outstanding success of ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Kelsey Heikoop on LinkedIn Connect with Paul Van Metre on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you make an industry event a worthy investment for your business? Can you prepare ahead of time to see an ROI? What should you avoid doing when you're attending an event? In this episode of MakingChips—with IMTS fresh on our minds—we talk about the dos and don'ts for industry events. You have to be strategic because if you're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:09] What's happening in our lives [4:42] Hear our manufacturing news [9:49] What we're reading right now [11:37] The ROI of industry events [15:27] Craft a social media campaign [16:47] Set appointments ahead of time [18:12] Prepare specific questions [19:32] Bring a guest with you [21:12] The "don'ts" you need to avoid Resources mentioned on this episode Kiplinger Letter Good to Great The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Selling the Price Increase The Terminal List ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

I believe if you find your passion you will have a successful and fruitful career. I didn't realize what my true passions were until later in life. In this episode of MakingChips, each of us will break down and share with the metalworking nation what we are passionate about. Because if you're not passionate about what you're doing, you're not living to your full potential. And if you're not happy with your job, you're not making chips, and if you're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! — Jim Segments [3:21] The definition of "finding your passion" [3:53] What's happening in our lives [8:05] Manufacturing News [13:56] What we're passionate about [22:35] Be realistic about your passions Resources mentioned on this episode Biden signs China competition bill to boost U.S. chipmakers NAM Facts About Manufacturing Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In the final special edition episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, we sit down with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM and RoboJob USA and Derek Goodwin with Trinity Robotics Automation to talk about a paradigm shift in the industry: Automation. We cover the difference between pallet automation and machine tending, implementing automation, and calculating the true ROI of automation. Automation can increase spindle utilization and help your shop make more chips to make more money. BAM! Segments [2:54] Learn more about Craig Zoberis and Derek Goodwin [5:13] The difference between pallet automation and machine tending [9:23] The first step toward lights-out manufacturing [16:19] Is automation easy to program and implement? [20:41] Is the cost of automation a barrier to entry? [22:26] How many untended hours can you achieve? [30:00] RoboJob USA and Trinity Robotics Automation complement each other Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Craig Zoberis on LinkedIn Connect with Derek Goodwin on LinkedIn ProShop ERP Amper Robot ROI Calculator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Have you implemented a machine monitoring system in your machine shop? Do you know how to leverage the data to make meaningful improvements in your shop? CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies Akshat Thirani joined us live at IMTS to talk about how his company has simplified machine monitoring and made it accessible to every shop. The bottom line is that your shop can take the data from machine monitoring to become more efficient, immediately. Because if you're not efficient, you're not making enough chips, and you're not making money! Segments [5:07] We welcome Akshat Thirani to the IMTS stage! [6:49] Why Akshat developed Amper Technologies [8:24] How machine monitoring changed Carr's KPIs [10:21] Making machine monitoring simple and accessible [18:30] How machine monitoring changed Jim's shop [24:31] The data that can be extracted from machine monitoring [26:05] The length of time to see the ROI of Amper [28:20] Why you need a machine monitoring system Resources mentioned on this episode Amper Connect with Akshat Thirani on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What would the shop of the future look like? What's more exciting—hardware or software? What can manufacturing leaders learn from B2C businesses? In this special LIVE episode at IMTS 2022, we chat with special guests Mike Payne with Hill Manufacturing and Eike Huebner with Ellison Technologies about what they would do with their shops if they had 10 million dollars to spend. Listen to this episode to find out what the machine shop of the future looks like. You need to use technology to make chips efficiently because if you're not making chips, you're not making money! BAM! Segments [1:49] The US is on the cutting edge of manufacturing [2:30] Learn more about each of our guests [3:50] What would the shop of the future look like? [6:24] The future is focused on software development [9:12] Mike's background in software and data collection [11:35] How Mike and Eike would build the shop of the future [15:16] How Mike doubled the size of his machine shop [16:48] What manufacturing leaders can learn from B2C [19:05] The impact of technology on additive manufacturing [22:06] Why style of CNC machine tools should you invest in? [25:40] What is a human-machine interface? [27:30] Mike and Eike's call to action to the manufacturing nation Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Payne with Hill Manufacturing Eike Huebner with Ellison Technologies ProShop ERP Amper Technologies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As a leader looking to grow his business, Tom Schroeder knew it was time to start gathering data to inform the growth process. So Tom began to implement machine monitoring technology in his shop. In this episode of MakingChips, hear how Tom implemented Amper Technology and the impact it has made on his business. Because let's face it, if you're not monitoring your machines, you don't know which ones are making enough chips, and if you're not making enough chips, you're not making money. BAM! – Nick BONUS: Akshat Thirani—the CEO and Co-Founder of Amper—also joins us in this episode to cover machine monitoring from every aspect. Segments [3:24] Nick's upcoming podcast: Light's Out [5:29] Jim's upcoming podcast: My True Position [7:16] Manufacturing News: Economy expectations [10:59] Meet the guests on this week's episode [13:02] Learn more about Tom's background [15:05] Shifting from product manufacturing to technology OEM [21:45] What inspired Tom to look for machine monitoring solutions [26:46] Why Tom wanted to monitor and measure his machines [32:45] Why is Amper easier to implement than the alternative(s)? [39:22] How Amper is helping PBC Linear improve [41:27] The core strategies moving into the future Resources mentioned on this episode Kiplinger Letters Don't miss IMTS 2022 Connect with Tom Schroeder on LinkedIn Connect with Akshat Thirani on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

According to Peter Eelman, if you walk every bit of carpeting at IMTS, you'd walk 69 miles. Those 69 miles cover everything from The Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops' Panel to the 3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops, from Women Make Manufacturing Move to The Smartforce Student Summit. In this episode of MakingChips, we go beyond the exhibits to cover what's happening at IMTS 2022 that you can't miss! – Jason Segments [2:30] What's happening in our lives [4:43] Manufacturing News: Food in Chicago [11:30] The Job Shops Specialty Program Day 1 [19:38] Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops [21:17] The Modern Machine Shop's Top Shops' Panel [22:58] MakingChips will be on stage at IMTS! [25:45] 3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops [30:53] WMMM: Women Make Manufacturing Move [36:26] AMT Emerging Technology Center [39:46] Flying a 3D Printed jetpack [41:34] The Smartforce Student Summit [45:31] How registering for IMTS works [46:49] Download the My Show Planner Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS 2022! Chicago Air and Water Show IMTS Specialty Program: Job Shops Workshop Day 1 Modern Machine Shop Announces 2022 Edition of Top Shops Event Amper Technologies Machine Monitoring 3D Printing Workshop for Job Shops The Additive Manufacturing Conference Women Make Manufacturing Move Beyond the Exhibits: Attractions at IMTS AMT Emerging Technology Center Gravity.co The Smartforce Student Summit Sign up for the My Show Planner app ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Does your team know what they're really getting when you offer employee benefits, such as health insurance and a 401k? In this episode of MakingChips, Jason and I dissect the employee benefits we offer at Carr Machine & Tool. When we calculate what we're investing in our employees, the number is shocking. Learn just how valuable offering employee benefits can be in this episode! After all, you have to incentivize your employees to make chips, so you're making money! BAM! – Jim Segments [1:55] Employee benefits: Are you benefiting? [3:47] The definition of employee benefits [6:35] Why employee benefits are important [9:21] Manufacturing news: Rivian laying off 6% of workforce [13:38] Breaking down the cost of employee benefits [24:05] Why benefits outweigh a higher hourly wage [29:48] Carr Machine & Tool and ZENGERS are hiring! Resources mentioned on this episode Amper Technologies Don't miss IMTS! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter

Scheduling is the art of planning your activities so that you can achieve your goals and priorities in the time that you have available. When it's done effectively, it helps you understand what you can realistically achieve with your time. Why is it a big deal on the shop floor? As technology and automation are being implemented, it forces you to be faster. So you have to be efficient. Paul Van Metre joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share how ProShop can help your shop become more efficient. Because if you aren't being efficient, you aren't making enough chips. BAM! Segments [2:42] Why scheduling is important on the shop floor [5:39] Make sure you come see MakingChips at IMTS! [6:37] What's happening in our lives and businesses [8:52] Paul Van Metre is back on the show [13:05] Tips for make your setups better [16:33] The secret to great scheduling is accurate estimations [23:31] How expediting impacts your scheduling in ProShop [25:08] Setup reliability is key to proper scheduling [26:38] Why Paul believes expediters are unnecessary [28:23] Consistently monitor and update your setup and run times [31:00] ProShop's pre-processing checklist [33:42] Why fully automated scheduling isn't realistic [36:14] How Dave Hannah saw improvements with ProShop scheduling Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS 2022! ThomasNet ProShop ERP Paul Van Metre High QA G Zero CNC Machining Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is back! This is the first time that IMTS has been forced to go on hiatus since World War II. It's taking place September 12–17 at McCormick Place in Chicago and will consist of 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space. In this episode of MakingChips, Peter Eelman—the Chief Experience Officer at AMT—joins us to share what's happening at IMTS, how to book your hotel stay, how Chicago is safer than ever, and even shares what to do to enjoy your stay. Even better, we will be in the Grand Concourse Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Come by and say hi! Segments [2:50] Why Chicago is a safe and fun city to host IMTS [5:41] Learn about our special guest Peter Eelman [10:39] Book your hotel directly through IMTS [15:31] This years main stage is stellar [16:37] The Emerging Technology Center [20:11] The Additive Manufacturing Pavilion [21:35] Set up a my show planner account [23:48] Sign up for drawings every Thursday! [26:23] Some logistics about navigating Chicago [28:33] Things to enjoy while in Chicago [29:41] Learn about the IMTS Smartsource Student Summit [31:07] Find Me, Find Us, and Find It at IMTS! Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Book Your Hotel for IMTS 2022! Register before August 12th to take advantage of $50 tickets McCormick Place Convention Center IMTS Show Planner Smartforce Student Summit Connect with Peter Eelman Chicago Architecture Tour Ingersoll Machine Tools ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We've all gone into plants that smell awful because they're dealing with coolant problems. But that smell is a symptom of other, bigger problems. If you have a smelly shop, foggy and dirty windows, and gunk on your tables, you've got a coolant problem that's creating an unhealthy environment for your team. Learn how to identify coolant problems and how to solve them in this episode of MakingChips! Segments [7:45] What's happening in our lives [9:27] Manufacturing News: Peloton abandons building manufacturing plant [11:09] How coolant problems impact your team [13:35] How coolant problems impact your equipment [16:21] Solution #1: Preventative maintenance [20:54] Solution #2: Wash your hands [22:50] Solution #3: Wear nitrile gloves [23:37] Solution #4: Use mist collectors [24:30] Solution #5: Use high-quality water [24:53] Solution #6: Proper filtration systems [29:19] Solution #7: Choose the right coolant [32:49] Leave us a review on your favorite platform! Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2022! O'Keeffe's Working Hands Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The key to being a good salesman is to add value wherever you can for your customers. I want to be able to talk with ZENGER's customers about integrating their tooling management with their ERP system and why it can help them. That's why, in this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre comes back to share how tooling management works using ProShop ERP. Because if you're not properly managing your tools, you're losing money (and definitely not making chips). – Jason! Segments [3:24] What's happening in our lives [7:14] Manufacturing News: Amogy Powers a Tractor Using Ammonia [10:34] Why is tooling management important? [15:31] Process stability and setup reduction [20:16] Differences between high-production and project-based shops [22:22] Walking through the tooling management inventory system [26:41] A success story from Faircloth Machine Shop [37:58] Be more scientific with your tooling management system Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP Tooling Management Webinar Thomas™ IMTS 2022 Amogy Demonstrates First Ammonia-Powered, Zero-Emissions Tractor Faircloth Machine Shop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Whether you rely on inbound marketing, outbound marketing, or a combination of both, sourcing new customers can be a hassle. But it's how you grow your business, so you can't give up. Thomas™, a Xometry company, is America's #1 industrial sourcing platform and marketing powerhouse. It could also be your #1 driver of new customers. Thomas™ President Shawn Fitzgerald shares how in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you're not gaining new customers, you're not making chips, and if you're not making chips—you're not making money! BAM! – Nick Segments [2:54] The exciting things happening in ours lives [5:13] Learn all about what's happening at IMTS [6:27] Manufacturing News: Reverse Logistics Booms [9:25] Shawn Fitzgerald's origin story [14:53] Learn more about the evolution of Thomas [17:42] How Thomas works for buyers and suppliers [27:50] Inbound, outbound, and account-based marketing [?:??] A discussion about what's most-sourced [35:09] Thomas is a single-source platform to get everything you need [37:41] How Thomas and Xometry transformed someone's business [39:10] What's happening next at Thomas and Xometry? Resources mentioned on this episode Don't miss IMTS 2022! Thomas Reverse Logistics Booms as Americans Return 17% of All Retail Purchases Connect with Shawn Fitzgerald on LinkedIn Wonder Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Why is a skills gap analysis helpful? How can it make your company more efficient? What does the process look like? In this episode of MakingChips, we define a seven-step process you can use to help you run a skills gap analysis on your manufacturing business. Special guest Crystal Van Vleet shares how she's brought the process to life in her role with Advanced Machine & Engineering (and at MakingChips). The bottom line is, if you don't have skills, you're not making chips, and if you're not making chips, you're not making money! — Nick Segments [2:06] Why a skills gap analysis can help your business [4:56] Manufacturing News: Skills Gap Analysis for the Future of Work [12:43] Learn all about our guest Crystal Van Vleet [17:59] Step #1: Make a plan for the skills gap analysis [22:09] Step #2: Define your organization's future goals [24:58] Why Crystal got her CMTSE certification [26:47] Step #3: Catch up on the future of work trends [28:04] Step #4: Determine key skills needed for the future [30:18] Step #5: Measure your current skills [33:16] Crystal's experience with self-assessment tools [35:03] Step #6: Find out where the gaps are [39:23] Step #7: Put a plan into action Resources mentioned on this episode Skills Gap Analysis for the Future of Work Connect with Crystal Van Vleet on LinkedIn Don't miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What can you do to double the value of your manufacturing company and increase your likelihood of selling it exponentially? In this episode of MakingChips, Michael Watkins and David Capkovitz from EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) share how they can help you increase your profitability and Paul Van Metre from ProShop ERP shares how he partners with EGS to bring value to his clients. They are all passionate about improving business performance in manufacturing companies and impacting lives. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable insight. Segments [4:38] What's happening in our businesses [6:45] Manufacturing News: Industrial manufacturing deals outlook [9:30] Learn all about EBITDA Growth Systems' mission [16:02] How Paul is connected to EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) [19:17] How EBITDA Growth Systems (EGS) can help your business [27:29] Does EGS focus on internal systems or external marketing? [29:25] How they meet their brand promise with businesses that realize success [34:00] The #1 thing that Michael and David focus on to drive more revenue [35:09] The investment that's required to drive change in your company [38:04] The synergy between ProShop ERP and EBITDA Growth Systems Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2022 ProShop ERP Xometry Supplies Flex Industrial manufacturing: Deals 2022 midyear outlook The End of the World Is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization EBITDA Growth Systems The E-Myth Revisited The World is Flat Scaling to Exit by Michael Watkins Connect with David Capkovitz Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Many manufacturers are facing a common struggle: Their team members are retiring. Even worse, they're struggling to replace them. Matt Carr—the President of Storch Products Co—found an ingenious way to solve the skills gap at his company by attracting talent from a local technical college. How? He shares a strategy that any manufacturing leader can adapt in this episode of MakingChips. After all, you need talent on your team to make chips! Segments [2:45] The definitions of reshoring and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) [5:14] Reshoring Initiative® IH2021 Data Report [8:00] Learn about Matt Carr—the President of Storch Products Co [17:20] The advantages of a magnetic chip conveyor [20:20] How Matt solved the skills gap at his company [26:45] How Matt has attracted talent from a local school [29:45] Matt's experience implementing EOS at Storch [35:46] Why scaling back and niching down solves problems [40:40] What the class looks like Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP Video Library Reshoring Initiative® IH2021 Data Report Don't miss IMTS 2022 Shop thousands of raw materials at Xometry Traction by Gina Wickman Entrepreneurial Operating System Connect with Matt Carr on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

AS9100 is a standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry. If a manufacturer wants to work in this field, they have to be AS9100 certified. The credentialing process is difficult to achieve quickly. Integrating it into your quality management system (QMS) can be even more time-consuming. In this episode of MakingChips, special guest John Jones shares how he used ProShop to speed up and complete the implementation in just 4 months. Listen to this episode for his strategies! Segments [2:52] What is the AS9100 credential? [6:29] Manufacturing news: Solar panels [9:41] What's happening in our lives [11:11] Learn all about John Jones [17:29] Implementing AS9100 into ProShop [25:04] John's experience being audited [31:44] Learn about ProShop's Flying Start Package Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Check out the IMTS 2022 Investor Forum Biden invokes Defense Production Act to boost solar panel manufacturing Find buyers and suppliers at Thomas Become a supplier with Xometry ProShop Flying Start Package Paul Van Metre Clinkenbeard John Jones on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle with any pet peeves? We've compiled a list of three sales and marketing tactics that people utilize that drive us crazy: misusing lead capture forms, cold calls, and spammy LinkedIn connections. But instead of just complaining about these things, we're going to share what anyone in sales or marketing should do instead. There's a right way—and most definitely a wrong way—to do it. Find out which side you're landing on in this episode of MakingChips! – Nick If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone you know! If you know someone who struggles with spammy sales tactics, it might be a nice way to nudge them in the right direction. Segments [3:18] Bring a nanny on your vacation [4:15] The good things happening in our lives [5:57] Manufacturing news: Recession Unlikely in 2022 [14:30] Things that drive us crazy (other than Jason) [17:30] Pet Peeve #1: Misusing lead capture forms [21:40] Pet Peeve #2: The dreaded cold call [25:15] Pet Peeve #3: Spammy LinkedIn connections Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Don't miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Recession Unlikely in 2022 The Remedy by Pascal Dennis Claim Your Company at https://www.thomasnet.com/claim Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Gino Wickman and Jim Collins popularized the term, "Right people, right seat" in reference to getting the right employees in leadership positions. But what if we take that terminology and apply it to customers? How do you decide what type of customer is the right fit for your manufacturing business? What type of customer will be the most profitable for your business? Those are the questions that we dissect in this episode of MakingChips. Don't miss it! Any great tips I can use to find THE right customers for Carr Machine & Tool? Email me at [email protected]. Segments [6:28] The definition of "right people, right seat" [7:22] What's happening in our lives right now [10:35] Business News: Dow falls for sixth straight day [15:43] How do you decide who the right customer is? [16:52] Step #1: Focus on solving problems [20:10] Step #2: Focus on sales not vanity metrics [23:15] Step #3: Get the word out about your business [26:14] Step #4: Improve your customer retention [28:14] Step #5: Track your analytics [32:14] How we filter our customers at Carr [36:07] What work is the most profitable? [39:02] Study your customer's behaviors Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Dow Falls for a Sixth Straight Day After Another Wild Session Gaining Customer Traction: 5 Steps to Customer Growth Traction by Gino Wickman Good to Great by Jim Collins Don't miss IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP Learn about Xometry's Flex program Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you struggle with time management? Do you find yourself overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the week with an endless backlog of things to do? After a rough week of long workdays and back-to-back dinner meetings, I felt like a zombie. I thought it wise to dive into an episode about time management. So in this episode of MakingChips, Jason and I tackle mastering time management in three areas: your phone calls, your calendar, and your time off. Because if you're not managing your time efficiently, you aren't making chips efficiently, which means you aren't making money, are you? — Nick Do you have a great system for time management? Let us know! Email us at [email protected] Segments [2:23] What's happening in our lives [8:57] Manufacturing News: China Opposes Semiconductor Bill [15:15] Tip #1: Schedule phone calls and Zoom meetings [22:17] Tip #2: Share your calendar to avoid availability ping pong [24:33] Tip #3: Time block your calendar to get work done [29:59] Tip #4: What's required and what's optional changes [35:36] Tip #5: Manage "out of office" time the right way [43:14] Jason is certified as a "Full Focus" professional Resources mentioned on this episode Schedule a meeting with Jason! Full Focus Planner ProShop ERP Xometry Don't miss IMTS 2022! China Opposes Semiconductor Bill Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

"King Richard" is a movie about Venus and Serena's dad, Richard Williams. I remember watching their rise in tennis and was fascinated by this movie that followed their path to success. Their father was a large driving force behind their successful careers. So in this unique episode of MakingChips, we talk about 7 takeaways from King Richard and how they can be applied to the manufacturing world. If you want to rise to the top, you have to make chips. Because if you're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! Segments [3:01] The sacrifice(s) it takes to achieve success [6:25] What's happening in our lives [9:21] Manufacturing News: Manufacturing Activity Slows [15:08] Takeaway #1: The importance of planning [18:41] Takeaway #2: What are you willing to sacrifice? [21:31] Takeaway #3: Hard work and tenacity can take you places [23:20] Takeaway #4: The more successful you are the more haters you'll have [24:25] Takeaway #5: Don't make success about getting in the spotlight [26:23] Takeaway #6: The power of a positive mindset [28:20] Takeaway #7: Make no excuses Resources mentioned on this episode The movie: King Richard U.S. manufacturing activity slowest in more than 1-1/2 years as workers quit Xometry IMTS 2022! ProShop ERP The CNC Samurai Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

5S is a methodology that I decided to implement when Carr Machine & Tool moved to a new location. We were meticulous about each decision we made so that we could create a clean and safe work environment to lead to increased productivity. The 5 S's consist of sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. In this episode of MakingChips, I share how we implemented 5S in our shop. Our process is something that any shop can learn from and implement. It's time to get organized and make sustainable changes so you can safely and efficiently make chips. BAM! Segments [3:13] What is the 5S methodology? [7:07] What's happening in our lives [11:18] How we implemented 5S in our inspection department [21:04] How we implemented 5S on our shop floor [23:13] The two hardest S's: standardize and sustain [30:50] Why we bought a floor scrubber to shine our epoxy floors [32:45] Don't forget to register for IMTS 2022! Resources mentioned on this episode Xometry's alternate option for quoting Don't forget to register for IMTS 2022! Check out LISTA for custom workstations Trump, Seiri, Shitsuke and 3 Other "S" Words Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There's so much wisdom my generation needs to extract from our older colleagues before they retire. Many young people in this industry are naive because it takes time and experience to master a trade. I don't want someone to retire and still have lingering questions I wished I would've asked. That's why we NEED to document the wisdom of our elders. So how do I extract wisdom from my colleagues before they retire? In this episode of MakingChips, we talk through a few ideas you can use to learn as much as you can from your expert machinists. We'd like to hear from you—How would you extract knowledge from peers? Reach out to [email protected] Segments [3:25] A conversation about retirement [5:34] Why we never learned anything from our dads [7:21] Manufacturing news: Germany is in a recession [12:30] An impromptu ProShop ERP Shoutout [15:55] How to approach a conversation with a veteran machinist [18:52] Four ways to extract knowledge from veteran machinists [25:30] What inspired me to choose this episode's topic [27:54] Don't miss IMTS in September 2022! Resources mentioned on this episode Get 10% off Xometry EU ban on Russian energy would spark 'sharp recession' in Germany ProShop ERP helps you extract and codify knowledge Make sure you're at IMTS 2022 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do gaming, programming, and the world of a machinist look intersect? In this episode of MakingChips, Steve Courchane—the CNC Samurai—shares his "origin story," talks about how programming and gaming are aligned, and how to apply gamification to machining to motivate employees. Because if your employees aren't making chips, you aren't making money! BAM. Segments [2:27] What's going great in our businesses [4:37] Manufacturing news: Shoe manufacturing shifting to the US [8:00] Becoming the CNC Samurai: Steve Courchane's origin story [15:02] The convergence of programming and gaming [19:37] The interface between Roblox and machining [24:37] Gaming: Attracting the next generation to manufacturing [26:08] How to apply gaming principles to motivate employees Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Grow your shop with Xometry - Get 10% off Connect with Steven on LinkedIn or follow him on Instagram Check out Roblox Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

If your business has been slow-growing or stagnant, can you ramp up your growth? Matthew Nix would know—he's grown his family business by a 100x multiple and spent seven straight years on the Inc. 5000 list. But how do you grow from a small mom-and-pop shop to an acquisition and growth machine? In this episode of MakingChips, Matthew shares how they've scaled their business with a three-prong strategy and how you can, too. Segments [3:40] What's happening in our lives? [6:16] Learn all about Matthew Nix [8:23] What Nix Companies looks like 100 years ago [14:47] How Matthew rapidly grew his business [20:28] The difference between growing and scaling [24:31] Nix Companies' three-prong approach to growth [26:52] Should you provide your leadership team with equity? [32:22] How to use acquisitions as a growth tactic [35:58] Financial advice for acquiring businesses [40:10] Manufacturing news: lead times & pricing Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Don't forget to book a hotel for IMTS 2022! Should Your Shop be an ESOP? Growing Your ESOP to a New Level Good to Great by Jim Collins Connect with Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Nix Companies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Today's episode of MakingChips is recorded at a special LIVE Tri-State Manufacturing Alliance (TSMA) event in conjunction with the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. We are joined by three amazing panelists: Leah Curry: The President at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana David Conner: The CFO at Anchor Industries in Evansville, IN Matthew Nix: President at Nix Companies in Poseyville, IN Each panelist shares their perspective on the importance of taking care of your people, implementing the right processes, and how to compel and measure performance. We also have the pleasure of announcing this year's Manufacturing Excellence Award. Don't miss out on a unique perspective from manufacturing leaders in the trenches! Segments [0:33] Don't forget to register for IMTS! [1:43] Learn more about each of us! [7:41] Successfully hiring and retaining top talent [25:10] Processes and procedures to meet customer demand [35:55] The PDCA process: Plan, do, check, and act [39:10] The impact of compensation and benefits on performance [44:44] Applying gamification to impact performance [49:01] How to recover culture post-COVID [52:43] Making processes adaptable when hiring and promoting [56:52] Presenting the manufacturing excellence award [1:02:31] Make sure to listen to the MakingChips Podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Register for IMTS Keeping the Culture High in A virtual World Leah Curry David Conner Matthew Nix Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

We're on a five-hour drive to a speaking event for the Tri-State Machining Association (TSMA) so we thought, why not do an episode on the importance of travel for manufacturing leaders? In this special episode of MakingChips, we cover the benefits of travel, the potential downsides, and how to use your time wisely when you're on the road. Welcome to MakingTrips. Segments [0:35] Don't forget to book a hotel for IMTS 2022! [2:27] Welcome to our special edition: "MakingTrips" [3:16] Is travel necessary for a manufacturing leader? [7:04] Manufacturing news: The price of gas [11:23] The hidden benefits of travel [16:53] Use your time wisely when traveling [18:49] The dangers of traveling too much [21:14] You have to establish travel guidelines [23:41] Weighing the cost of travel against the ROI [26:07] Get out of your cave—go and see for yourself [28:20] Identify and connect with the decision-makers Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Book a hotel for IMTS 2022! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you do when an employee resigns? How do you handle their departure in a dignified way? What do you do when you have to let someone go? You have to handle each scenario differently—and sometimes gingerly. So in this episode of MakingChips, we walk through navigating the exit process. Paul Van Metre joins us to share how ProShop ERP can make the transition easier. Segments [0:26] Come see us at IMTS 2022! [3:14] What's happening in our worlds [5:07] Manufacturing News: What's happening in Ukraine? [7:28] What do you do when someone resigns? [10:37] The formalities of the exit process [13:38] Paul shares how ProShop ERP can ease the transition [19:50] What happens when you have to let someone go? [22:10] What Jim's Dad would have done Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Register for IMTS 2022 ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you expect from your employees? Do you expect them to think like an owner? Or just clock in and get their work done? Are they compensated for your expectations? In this episode of MakingChips, we'll cover the bonus incentive plan I've structured for my core team. I'll share the goals of the program, how to determine what behaviors to incentivize, what the reward(s) will be, and an easy way to manage it. Don't miss it! Segments [2:16] ZENGERS new bonus incentive program [2:50] What's happening in the lives of ZENGERS and Carr [5:59] Illinois and Chicago's Vaccine and Mask Mandates to End Feb. 28th [9:03] How I structure my bonus incentive program [13:15] The 4 goals of my bonus incentive program [15:39] How to determine what behaviors to incentivize [23:53] The goal of the incentive program is to drive results [26:20] Determine the reward of your incentive program [28:17] How to manage your bonus incentive program [32:33] Are you incentivizing what someone is paid to do? Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Illinois and Chicago's Vaccine and Mask Mandates to End Feb. 28th, Anticipation Builds for IMTS 2022 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

As our team begins to grow at Carr Machine & Tool, I believe it's time to hire for a middle management position. But what is middle management? What does a middle management role consist of? Will implementing this role truly solve our problems? Jason helps me talk through the challenges I'm facing in this episode of Making Chips! Any tips, tricks, or ideas to help me through this? Reach out at [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you! Segments [2:00] Does my shop need middle management? [4:46] What's happening in our worlds [7:33] BIG NEWS: Meet us at IMTS 2022! [8:36] Manufacturing is a high-tech frontier [15:48] What does a middle management role consist of? [18:54] How to determine if you need middle management roles [24:49] The core problem we're trying to solve [30:45] What is the biggest role of a middle manager? Resources mentioned on this episode What Has Led to the Manufacturing Labor Shortage? Why Middle Management is So Exhausting and What to Do about it International Manufacturing Technology Show 2022 ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you keep corporate culture alive when your workforce is completely remote? How do you focus your company on your values, mission, and goals? When a thriving company culture is crucial to retaining your employees, it can't be neglected. We dissect this problem we're facing because of the COVID pandemic—and 6 possible ways to promote and maintain your unique company culture—in this episode of MakingChips. Segments [2:11] How remote work impacts company culture [4:57] What is corporate culture? [6:27] What's happening in our worlds [8:09] Celebrating our 50th Anniversary our way [10:05] Artificial intelligence in manufacturing [15:20] Corporate culture in a virtual world [18:23] Tip #1: Populate your social stream [20:38] Tip #2: Start a virtual club [21:34] Tip #3: Embrace video calls [25:40] Tip #4: Gamify your platform [26:56] Tip #5: Create an expert's area [28:27] Tip #6: Keep your company mission alive Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! ProShopERP.com OTT-JAKOB How to Keep Company Culture Alive When Remote Working: 6 Proven Strategies Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Is the labor shortage accelerating automation? Why is there a perception that automation is both risky and complex? How do you lead your elders with authority yet humility? To dovetail—or not to dovetail? These are the questions that we hash out with Michael Gaunce, the VP of Sales for Tooling and Workholding at SCHUNK. We take a deep look into the technical side of workholding and automation in this episode of Making Chips. Now is the time to embrace automation. Because if you're not making chips efficiently, you're not making money! Segments [2:55] What's happening in our lives [5:23] 2022 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers [9:09] Learn more about Michael Gaunce [12:47] Is the labor shortage accelerating automation? [15:20] The perception that automation is risky or complex [19:10] Two ways to do automation machine-tending [27:42] A conversation on workholding [32:55] To dovetail or not to dovetail? [39:01] Leading your elders with authority and humility Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 2022 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers Connect with Michael Gaunce on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

MakingChips is NOT a cult of personality. We want MakingChips to be about the Metalworking nation. We want to interview you. We want to talk about your problems and how to solve them. We hope we equip, inspire—and sometimes entertain—you. With that being said, some BIG changes are coming. What will the future of MakingChips hold? Listen to this episode to hear our game-changing update for the Metalworking nation. Segments [3:58] Learn more about the MakingChips hosts [5:22] We're NOT a cult of personality [7:26] The numerous transitions of MakingChips [11:05] MakingChips 3.0: next steps [14:39] How to apply to become a podcast host [16:06] Jim's new show: My True Position [20:00] Nick's new show: Design. Build. Grow. [22:30] Jason's new show: At the Boring Bar Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! We want to bring on three new hosts of three NEW shows. If you believe you have a podcast the Metalworking nation can benefit from, connect with us. Send us a pitch at [email protected]. Share a description, your history, and why you believe it can become a monthly show. You may just become a member of the MakingChips podcast family! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Your people are the most important part of your business. If they're not, they should be. When you hire someone, it's always with the hope that they'll become a long-term part of the family, right? So you need to cultivate a workplace culture they want to stay and thrive in. So in this episode of Making Chips, we'll share nine simple tactics that you can implement immediately to transform your company culture. Segments [5:01] Your culture is the muscle below the muscle [7:56] The good things happening in our lives [13:30] Tactic #1: Fight for individuals that you care about [14:52] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [16:48] Tactic #2: Get to know your employees [21:58] Tactic #3: Cultivate and promote friendships [23:38] Tactic #4: Don't overly focus on profit and achievement [27:30] Tactic #5: Reward your people for success [29:06] Tactic #6: Believe in your mission and align everyone to that [30:33] Tactic #7: Be humble and treat everyone as equals [32:10] Tactic #8: Inspire your people to be better [33:44] Tactic #9: Be approachable in any circumstance Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! New Sales Simplified By Mike Weinberg Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What are the things you HATE about meetings? Moving into 2022, would you like to have better, more productive meetings that don't waste time and actually get things done? The MakingChips team is discussing the issue on this episode based on a book Nick read recently, called, "Death By Meeting." Learn 3 steps you can take to make your meetings powerful for 2022. Segments [0:32] Holiday experiences from the guys (good ones) [7:35] Manufacturing news: supply chain issues: trucking, air, ocean, rail trends [13:30] Nick's resolution: Lead better meetings in 2022 [21:45] How to have better meetings [26:25] Making it safe for participants to share differing opinions [36:19] Asynchronous meetings: what they are, how they work Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! OUR SPONSOR: https://www.xometry.com/makingchips/ BOOK: Death by Meeting MOVIE: The Santa Clause BOOK: Smart, Not Spoiled BOOK: The Advantage Supply Chain article Nick discussed BOOK: No Fail Meetings Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This is NOT another goal-setting podcast episode. You know, the kind that explains how to effectively set goals for the year… this one is about WHY you need to set goals. No tips and tricks. No newest approaches and apps. We're going to talk about the impact goal-setting can have on your life and business. Jim and Nick come along for the discussion because this is something important to me, personally. We're going to cover eight reasons annual goals will benefit you, so be sure to listen. BAM! Segments [3:57] This episode's topic [6:19 ] Manufacturing News: Industry Week Article: Taking action, future flexibility [11:56] Closure of the preceding year comes from annual planning [13:15] Goal-setting enables you to Identify opportunities [15:09 ] Prioritization flows from goal setting [15:39] Goal-setting enables you to develop an attitude of gratitude [22:26] You can focus on what is important throughout the year when you set goals [23:04] Goals enable you to say "NO" to things [23:45] You can tell if you have won at the end of the year if you set goals [27:04] Annual goals set you up for 3 to 5 years Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! MT Forecast Conference Previous podcast episode about goal setting BOOK: Traction Two episodes about the Entrepreneur Operating System: here and there Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In our previous conversation with Jeff Taylor (episode 292) we introduced the idea of ESOPS (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) as a way to give true ownership to your manufacturing business employees. We invited Jeff back for this episode to tell us more of the journey he's been on with ESOPs and discovered that the outcome was more than he could have imagined. Going back to the beginning of the process for Jeff, he has spent his adult life working for others and adding value to their companies. But he never received any sort of extended value or equity in the company. His experience led him to think about how he could develop cultures and attitudes among working teams that enabled them to truly have ownership in the company (in terms of mindset AND equity). That's when the idea of ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) came onto his radar. This episode explores the topic in greater detail and will open your mind to how your manufacturing business could be organized to leave a legacy through your employees. Segments [1:13] Thank YOU for being such loyal listeners [3:45] Manufacturing news: NASA "dart" mission [7:35] Resuming our previous conversation with Jeff Taylor about ESOPs [15:10] The conscious decisions and eventual growth that make and ESOP reality [27:49] Nobody set out to sell, but they wanted to be ready for the best situation [35:51] The timeline and summary and how the company is different now [37:52] Jeff's view of the ESOP in the continuum of possibilities, pros and cons Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Visit our Sponsor Xometry Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn NASA "DART" mission BOOK: Progressive Partnerships BOOK: Name of the Wind BOOK: Hitler's Monsters Crafts Technology - the company Jeff served and that sold to Hyperion Technologies Previous MakingChips episode (292) featuring Jeff Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The "Great Resignation" as it's been called, has created a wide variety of circumstances that have impacted the American workforce. 55% of workers making under $30K/year say they will be looking for a new job soon. Has this impacted manufacturing? If so, what can we do as manufacturing leaders to mitigate the impact? This episode focuses on what leaders can and should be doing to build the kind of loyalty that will sustain their companies and provide a culture and experience for team members that is "sticky," keeping them around for years to come. BAM! Segments [1:20] The Great Resignation: How it impacts manufacturing [6:22] Ripples across the country from this Great Resignation [12:50] Employment news: 55% making under $30K/year expect to look for a new job [16:20] If you lose people on your team, how can it affect your business? [18:45] Why do people leave your company? Why do they stay? [22:06] Hiring process: ways to win candidates and be smart in your process [26:32] How you can improve your retention rate [32:10] Tech company trends and how it might spread Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Visit our Sponsor Xometry Eden Business Concepts (gave Jason the inspiration for this episode) Bob Dylan song "Hurricane" BOOK: Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson 55% of people expect to find a new job soon Apple TV show: Ted Lasso Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

There is a paradigm shift happening in the industry: many skilled machinists are retiring. As these long-term skilled machinists are leaving, they're leaving with intellectual legacy knowledge that's irreplaceable. Do procurement people sourcing machining parts know what the processes and procedures look like? Do they know the difference between a fabricated, turned, or machined, or five-axis part? What can we do as owners to mitigate the problem or offer solutions? We dive into the discussion in this episode of Making Chips! Segments [1:23] The challenges we face with retiring machinists [4:30] The definition of intellectual property [6:28] What is keeping us awake at night? [14:22] Boosting automation in manufacturing [18:18] A discussion of intellectual property Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! What is Intellectual Property? Report Outlines Difficulty in Boosting Automation in Manufacturing The Future of Manufacturing is Automated Production Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Finding Solutions to the Supply Chain Chaos, #293 What is the root cause of the supply chain crisis? How can manufacturing businesses mitigate those risks and find realistic solutions that work in the short and long term? Tom Hilaris—the President & CEO of Ergoseal—joins us to share the three things they focus on: risk mitigation, communication, and culture. In this episode of Making Chips we offer real, practical solutions your business can implement to overcome the supply chain chaos. Because—after all—if you're not making chips, you're not making money! BAM! – Jason Segments [1:10] Material lead times and pricing [5:10] What's happening at Carr Machine & Tool [7:07] Manufacturing news related to supply chain issues [14:39] Learn more about our guest—Tom Hilaris [17:16] Step #1: Risk Mitigation [19:46] Managing pricing with redundancy of sourcing [22:58] Step #2: Communicating with your customers is imperative [29:12] Elmhurst University Supply Chain Masters Program [32:15] Step #3: A great culture improves outcomes Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Connect with Tom Hilaris on LinkedIn Clean Energy Faces its Own Supply Chain Crisis What Everyone Gets Wrong About the Never-Ending COVID-19 Supply Chain Crisis Growing your Manufacturing Business Through Acquisitions with Tom Hilaris Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is an employee stock ownership plan ESOP? How does it work? How can it transform the buy-in of your team and lead to revenue growth? Jeff Taylor—the President and CEO of Crafts Technology—implemented an ESOP. Listen to this episode to hear about the impact it had on his business—and figure out whether or not it's right for yours. Employee buy-in can lead to profitability which can lead to Making Chips! BAM! – Jim Segments [4:49] What's happening at ZENGERS and Carr Machine & Tool [8:20] Disclaimer about implementing an ESOP [10:54] Welcome Jeff Taylor to Making Chips! [12:13] What is an employee stock ownership plan ESOP? [13:45] How Jeff got into manufacturing [20:15] What is Craft's technology? [21:49] Choosing to create an ESOP [30:00] Who should consider an ESOP? [35:05] Pensions, profit-sharing, and ESOPs [39:45] What kind of return does an ESOP get? [45:36] Are you handing over control to your team? Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Crafts Technology Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What does your hiring process look like? Do you even have a hiring process in place? In this episode of Making Chips, we walk through what each of our processes look like and share some useful strategies that anyone can implement. A streamlined process leads to better hires which leads to Making Chips! BAM! – Jason! What are your tips and tricks for the hiring process? Let us know! Send an email to [email protected]! Segments [0:30] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [3:35] What's happening in our lives and businesses [6:54] Manufacturing news: A discussion on composite materials [11:44] Shoutout to listeners who've left reviews! [14:26] Step #1: It's all about the setup [19:10] Step #2: The careers landing page [22:43] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [24:31] Step #3: Screen your candidates Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! 6 of the Most Exciting Trends In Composite Materials Today Join the ZENGERS Team! LinkedIn Recruiter Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What factors should you consider when forecasting? What questions do you need to ask to determine your next steps? Who gets to make those decisions? We walk you through some common questions to ask yourself—and your company—about your business. We'll also cover Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor to see how your type impacts your decision-making process. Learn a great process to forecast and set goals in this episode of Making Chips! Now is the time to look ahead! BAM! – Nick If you have a great methodology for forecasting, let us know! Shoot us an email at [email protected]! Segments [0:32] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [3:16] How future proof is your business? [5:25] What we're happy about right now [9:34] Discovering the Keys to U.S. Manufacturing Recovery [14:23] What factors should you consider when forecasting? [17:47] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [21:39] The Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor [24:56] Who makes the forecast in your company? Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Discovering the Keys to U.S. Manufacturing Recovery Miles and Snow's Typology of Defender, Prospector, Analyzer, and Reactor BOOK: Humanocrisy Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Nick jokes that I have a recession obsession—and it's true. Recessions are painful. I want to make the experience less painful when a recession comes around again. So in this down-to-earth episode of Making Chips, I'll share the common causes of most recessions and 8 tips you can use to prepare yourself—and your business—for a recession. Preparedness is key to helping your business survive and thrive. Because after all, if you're not making chips, you're not making money. BAM! – Jim Segments [0:43] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [2:53] Shoutout to everyone involved with the research project with Xometry [5:11] The reasons why Carr Machine & Tool is thriving [9:38] Manufacturing News: Hertz bought 100,000 Teslas [12:18] What's new in Jason and Nick's worlds [14:43] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [15:53] Be smart with the buying decisions that you make [21:55] Learn about the common causes of recessions [24:39] 8 tIps to prepare yourself for a recession [28:28] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! How to Prepare for a Recession: 8 Tips You Can Start Now Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube