Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

Kicking off a new year often comes with big goals, bold plans, and fresh momentum. But before chasing what's next, we decided to slow down and focus on something more foundational: our core values. In this episode, we share the behind-the-scenes process of defining the values that will guide MakingChips through 2026 and beyond. With the help of Jim Mayer, we took the ideas, behaviors, and instincts that had shaped the brand for years and intentionally put words around them. We talk about why core values are more than slogans on a wall. When done right, they become filters for decisions, hiring, investments, partnerships, and even the content we create. We also challenge a common misconception: that shared values require everyone to think the same way. Instead, strong values allow for diversity of background, belief, and perspective while still pulling people in the same direction. Along the way, the conversation blends humor, honesty, and real-world examples from manufacturing shops that live their values eve