Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

What is it like to be married to your business partner? Especially when both people are very involved in the business. The metalworking industry is dominated by family-owned businesses. I’d love to see more husbands and wives team up to grow manufacturing together. In the next two episodes of MakingChips, special guests Lindsey and Matthew Nix share what it’s like to grow a business as a united front. Because if you aren’t making chips together, you aren’t making money. BAM!  Segments [0:22] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [3:28] Introducing today’s guests: Matthew & Lindsay Nix [7:13] Manufacturing News: We Need More Hybrid Cars [14:58] How Lindsey became part of the business [17:57] What catapulted their major growth [19:25] Lindsey’s role throughout the years [23:50] The challenges of a married couple working together Resources mentioned on this episode Nix Companies Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Toyota Is Right: We Need More Hybrid Cars and Fewer EVs. Here’s Why “People, Proce

Are you embracing automation in your shop? Or are you hesitating because you’re unsure how to implement it so that you’re making the best use of your time and money? Brian Kippen—the owner and CEO of KAD Models & Prototypes—reframes how you can use automation.  In this episode of MakingChips, Brian Kippen, Steve DeGrasse, and I share how you can approach automation from a different perspective. Because if you’re not automating efficiently, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:15] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:48] Introducing Brian Kippen and Steve DeGrasse [3:12] What's the Chip on Your Shoulder? [5:30] Brian Kippen’s origin story [20:36] How Brian approaches automation differently  [24:28] Running his company like a barbershop [30:21] What Brian looks for in new talent [36:44] How Brian is using automated pallet delivery [41:10] Why Brian took a job as a high school teacher Resources mentioned on this episode The Lean Setup Guid

I created a campaign to build awareness for machinists. Why? Because, sadly, the general public knows very little about manufacturing. They don’t look around them and see what we see: That almost everything is machined.  So in this episode of MakingChips, I’ll share a few ways you can highlight manufacturing in your communities. It’s not just to build awareness but to also grow interest in manufacturing in the next generation. Because what would happen if no one was MakingChips? – Paul Van Metre Segments [2:51] Leadership Spotlight: Jacob Sanchez [5:17] Everything is influenced or created by machines [9:28] What inspired #ThankAMachinist  [11:00] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [12:19] How to shine a spotlight on manufacturing  Resources mentioned on this episode Jacob Sanchez So God Made a Farmer Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Paul Van Metre is no stranger to MakingChips, and we’ve shared his story before. But this time, we’re looking at it through a whole new lens. Paul and his partners started in the industry running a machine shop. Then, it morphed into a software company: ProShop. What started as a solution to their problems became a solution for thousands of businesses.  How has ProShop become a game-changing ERP? How are they growing and supporting the industry at large? Find out in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not making an impact, you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [1:39] The manufacturing community down under [4:44] Lessons for Manufacturing Leaders [12:42] What’s more fulfilling to Paul? [13:54] From PRO CNC to ProShop ERP [16:58] Proving the concept [19:12] Will ProShop ERP grow to other industries? [24:19] How ProShop supports the industry at large [31:11] What’s next for ProShop ERP? Resources

How do you create and cultivate a manufacturing leadership mindset? What can you do to recharge? How do you take care of yourself so you can take care of your team? How do you unify your team toward a shared goal? Special guests Eric Nekich 5th Axis® Workholding, Michael Gaunce with SCHUNK USA, and Kaleb Mertz with AME help me tackle these questions in this special round-table episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren’t leading your team well, they won’t be productively making chips, and they won’t be making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:36] Introducing our three guests [3:54] Our daily routines to recharge [12:59] How to set realistic expectations  [18:40] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [19:22] Embracing a change-oriented mindset [26:28] The skills gap is becoming a wide-ranging reality [32:45] How to unify teams toward a shared goal [42:38] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [43:16] How to connect with our guests Resources mentioned on this episode Eric Nekich with 5th Axis® Workholdi

What is the most impactful factor that helps machine tool distributors sell tools? Is it the quality of the tools themselves? Is it the skill of the salesperson? Is it the service that the distributor can offer? Tony Harrod—General Manager at Methods Machine Tools, Inc.—believes that one of these things sets you apart: Service: But is the answer really that simple? If you aren’t providing quality service, will you be making fewer chips, and making less money? Find out in this episode of MakingChips!  Segments [2:53] Manufacturing News: February 2023 Orders Nearly 50% Above Average [6:20] Introducing the GM of Methods Machine Tool West: Tony Harrod [7:40] What sells machine tools? What is the most important factor?  [14:41] How they figure out what “doors to knock on” [17:25] What the machine tool industry needs to improve [18:29] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [19:10] Why machine tool and cutting tool distributors should partner  [26:56] Why Tony trains his customer on every machine they purchase [28:46]

In this special Bonus Chips episode of MakingChips, we’re guests on Chris Luecke’s podcast, Manufacturing Happy Hour. Of all the manufacturing podcasts, we both double down on leadership topics. So in this episode, we seek to tackle one question: What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Tune in to hear what it takes to lead. Because if you’re not leading your team, they won’t be making chips, and if they’re not making chips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [1:47] How we’d describe the MakingChips podcast [7:15] What listeners can expect from MakingChips [10:42] How you know it’s time to evolve [14:31] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [15:09] How creating content serves our businesses [20:43] What does it mean to be a manufacturing leader? Resources mentioned on this episode Manufacturing Happy Hour The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Chris Luecke on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In 2018, the US Government set a standard for cybersecurity, so anyone in any industry that touched the US government had to meet the requirement—but it wasn’t happening. Now, CMMC is coming out and you will be audited. So what is CMMC? Does your shop need it? How can ProShop ERP help you accelerate the adoption of the different security standards? We cover it all in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re dealing with a security breach, you aren’t making chips, and if you aren’t making chips, you aren’t making money. BAM! – Paul Segments [0:14] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [2:49] Leadership Spotlight: David Hanna [8:18] Step #1 to secure your company  [11:32] Will AI impact cybersecurity?  [14:53] What is CMMC? [18:17] When do you have to have the CMMC?  [21:43] Can companies fake it ‘til they make it?  [24:39] Is high effort the answer?  [25:20] Who should get the CMMC [28:05] How ProShop can help you accelerate adoption [30:51] The potential cost of the certification  [33:15] How will CMMC wor

There is a widening disparity in the manufacturing industry: Insanely busy shops and shops that are barely treading water. In any business, there will always be companies that thrive and grow and those that don’t. But successful shops are doing something differently. In this episode of MakingChips, Kelsey Heikoop shares four things you can do differently to get more business and make more chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Paul Van Metre Segments [0:15] Industrial Buying Engine at Thomas™ [5:52] The Leader Spotlight: Hernan Ricaurte [8:36] The gap between the haves and have nots [11:33] Solution #1: Become a sales-driven organization [18:04] Solution #2: Consistent adoption of technology [26:16] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [30:44] Solution #3: Invest in quality certifications (ISO, ITAR, etc.) [39:05] Solution #4: Invest in cybersecurity  Resources mentioned on this episode Paul Van Metre Kelsey Heikoop Hernan Ricaurte Ricaurte Precision Thomasnet™ Industrial Di

We are melting our faces off with some hot sauces in this episode of MakingChips. Why? Because spices break down barriers. And as these hot sauces break down our mouths, you may just get some answers you weren't expecting about everything from mental health to making investments. So join us as we work our way through a Lethal Dose of The Hottest Sauce in the Universe and reach The End of this SpicyChips series. Because if we’re not learning from each other, we’re not MakingChips together, and we’re not making money. BAM! Now, excuse me while I go chug a gallon of milk… – Tony Segments [0:22] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [3:27] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [7:14] What would you say to the world? [12:49] The End: How we take care of our mental health (milk time!) [18:55] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [21:17] Lethal dose: The best investment we’ve ever made [34:42] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [35:22] Why you should help your competitors Resources mentioned on this episode Ba

We’ve moved on to medium sauce and we are on FIRE. We’re in manufacturing, so the MakingChips podcast covers all things manufacturing. But we’re also human, and we value the importance of being transparent and talking about things like mental health.  So in this episode of MakingChips, we cover some of the most challenging things we’ve faced both personally and as manufacturing leaders. So as we work through Reaper & Garlic Hot Sauce to The Death Stalker Sauce, we’ll share our biggest struggles and greatest achievements. Because there will always be challenges to overcome to make chips, right?  – Tony Segments [1:35] The manufacturing leaders spotlight [8:02] The hardest career challenge Meaghan overcame [13:00] The biggest career challenge Tony overcame [15:09] Thomasnet™ Industrial Digital Marketing Services [15:50] The difficulty of letting someone go [23:45] Our favorite influencers in business [29:01] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [29:39] The entire world is listening: What do you say? Resource

We’re tasting our way through 12 different types of hot sauce chosen by none other than me, Tony Gunn, the Global GM at MTDCNC.com. Meaghan Ziemba of Mavens of Manufacturing also joins us as we work our way through some chicken wings.  We’ll talk about our backgrounds, how we balance life and work, and mental health in manufacturing. Balance is important, and if you don’t have it, you won’t be MakingChips efficiently, and you won’t be making money. BAM! – Tony Segments [3:25] Where in the world is Tony Gunn? [9:03] How Meaghan and Tony got into manufacturing  [14:49] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop ERP [15:29] How Tony balances life and work [22:08] Mental health in manufacturing  [27:15] The Industrial Buying Engine from Thomas™  Resources mentioned on this episode Mavens of Manufacturing Connect with Meaghan Ziemba on LinkedIn Connect with Tony Gunn on LinkedIn MTD CNC Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChi

Does Titan still run a shop? Does he believe in digital transformation on the shop floor? Why did Titan seek out jobs no one else wanted? In this special edition of MakingChips, Titan Gilroy answers burning listener questions while simultaneously sharing some spectacular advice for manufacturing leaders everywhere. We recorded a short and sweet episode so we could all get back to MakingChips, because if we aren’t MakingChips, we aren’t making money. BAM! Segments [0:20] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [2:29] Does Titan still run a shop? [3:58] Does he have a team to alter posts? [4:27] Digital transformation on the shop floor [5:46] Good machinists comes down to leadership [9:20] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [10:00] Why Titan went after jobs no one else wanted [12:27] The future of US manufacturing  [13:38] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ Resources mentioned on this episode Oracle Netsuite Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with code CHIPS25 The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Co

Automation continues to be a popular and divisive topic in the manufacturing world. Automation is important for attracting and retaining young talent and growing your business. So we’ve been working hard to highlight the importance of automation—and where you can dive in—with our Lights Out series.  Chris Luecke—the host of Manufacturing Happy Hour—has a similar goal. We’re using our platforms to squash the rumors, lessen fears, and highlight how automation can and will benefit your business. Because if you’re not automating, you’re not making enough chips, and you’re missing out on money. BAM! Segments [0:20] The lean setup guide [2:26] When we embraced automation (and why) [4:03] Manufacturing News: NAM CEO Interview [7:33] Chris’s thoughts on our pre-show banter [10:38] How Chris got started in Manufacturing [19:53] Chris’s advice to sales management about new projects [22:38] Why automation has become a popular topic [26:07] Is the allure that automation has become more affordable?  [31:00] Automation 10

Titan Gilroy wanted to create a platform where aspiring machinists could hone their skills, share their work, and connect with leaders in the industry to get hired. So he launched CNC Expert. You can share projects, get hired (or hire someone), receive free training to get certifications, and much more.  CNC Expert certifications are based on real-world skills and aren’t just a piece of paper. Because at the end of the day, it’s about parts—not paper. You have to be able to machine top-notch parts. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  Segments [0:15] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [3:37] Manufacturing leadership lessons [5:14] Titan intentionally created a great culture  [11:46] What inspired the vision for CNC Experts [19:54] A conversation about influence [23:25] The future of CNC Experts [26:48] Making a certification legitimate  [31:26] How to become an inspector [32:54] Does CNC Expert replace NIMS?  [35:15] Can Titan bench-press Jason? [37:16] The Lean Setup G

Lights out manufacturing isn’t only a large topic of conversation but it’s also the way of the future. Shops around the world are embracing automation. Are you? If you haven’t become part of the automation conversation, don’t miss our first lights-out-focused episode with Special guest Titan Gilroy. He shares how automation has progressed, the mindset you need to embrace to be successful, and how to mitigate the risks. Because if you’re not automating, you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Segments [0:10] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [2:08] Manufacturing news: OK, Mexico, Save Me [7:09] How automation technology has progressed  [9:49] The use of robots in automation [11:38] Will robots replace machinists? [15:51] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [16:23] Check out the Oracle NetSuite ERP [22:57] How to mitigate the risks of lights-out manufacturing  [27:20] If you don’t automate, you’ll get left behind [28:30] What’s next for Titans of CN

Steve Burkett has been in global aerospace manufacturing for 30 years. One year ago, he bought a well-established local shop and is now the President and CEO of Auto-Turn Manufacturing. Steve transitioned from being a big MFG leader to a small MFG owner. In this episode of MakingChips, Steve covers the good, bad, and the ugly of the transition. Is he MakingChips? Is he MakingMoney? There’s only one way to find out. BAM! – Mike Segments [1:56] Our warm MakingChips welcome for Steve Burkett [3:10] What’s the chip on your shoulder? [7:34] Big MFG leader to small MFG Owner [14:26] What Steve’s learned that benefits his company [17:23] The Industrial Buying Engine with Thomasnet™ [21:08] Why Steve chose to purchase Auto-Turn [27:03] How Steve connected with a private equity firm [28:07] Steve’s advice for those considering ownership  [31:01] The next steps for Auto-Turn Manufacturing [34:33] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Get 25% off an annual Thomas™ subscription with cod

Ken Parent keeps it real. Ken launched Parent Manufacturing in 2020 in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Navigating running a small shop and providing for his family hasn’t been an easy road. Instead of shying away from the reality of entrepreneurism, Ken shares the good, the bad, and the ugly on LinkedIn. The response has been overwhelming.  In this episode of MakingChips, we chat with Ken about the realities of being a small business owner in Oklahoma. He shares why he went into manufacturing, what his hope for the future is, and how he’s inspiring the manufacturing nation to make chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Mike Segments [3:23] Jason’s “What are you learning?” segment [5:24] Learn more about Ken Parent of Parent Manufacturing [17:38] Why Ken became an entrepreneur [21:42] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop [22:22] How LinkedIn has become a community of support [30:40] The impact of the manufacturing community on his family [36:00] Creating content for The Pract

Did you know that we all operate from one of three root motivations? The majority of the decisions we make are because we’re striving for respect, value, or approval. When you know your root motivations as a leader—and in turn learn your team’s—it can help you become a better leader. Dennis Humphrey Ph.D. LCPC joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share how to narrow down your root motivation and how it can benefit your business. Because if your team isn’t syncing up because they don't understand each other’s motivations, you’re not going to be MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM.  Segments [2:28] The three root motivations: Respect, value, and approval  [3:10] Manufacturing leader spotlight: Mike Rudy [6:55] Learn more about Dennis Humphrey Ph.D. LCPC [8:20] Where do our root motivations come from?  [10:22] The part where we make Nick the guinea pig [13:52] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [15:06] How do the “unhealthy” versions of these values manifest? [19:23] H

What is the greatest show on manufacturing Earth? IMTS. Every two years, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) draws manufacturers from around the world to Chicago for six days. IMTS not only makes a huge impact on the economy in Chicago but also on the manufacturing industry. Peter Eelman—the Chief Experience Officer at AMT— joins us in this episode of MakingChips to share just what that impact is. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:13] The Industrial Digital Marketing Services at Thomas™ [2:45] What our new show structure is going to look like [4:35] Manufacturing leadership spotlight: Karyn Ross [6:22] Today’s guest: Peter Eelman at AMT [9:28] What Peter’s been doing since IMTS [13:16] The impact IMTS has on Chicago [22:41] The economic impact on the manufacturing industry [27:02] Does the health of the trade show industry matter? [30:14] What impacted the attendance numbers in 2022? [35:17] The Lean Setup Guide from ProShop  [35:55] How ca