Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! Maki...
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the hardest-working and most impactful people in the world: machinists. These skilled professionals are behind nearly everything we touch, from the medical devices that save lives to the cutting-edge aerospace components that explore the final frontier. Machinists are the unsung heroes who take ideas from concept to reality, crafting the parts that power industries, enhance daily life, and drive innovation. Without them, the technology, tools, and conveniences we rely on wouldn’t exist. This episode is dedicated to saying a big thank you to machinists everywhere. Join the conversation online with #ThankAMachinist to celebrate their incredible contributions. Without them, we wouldn’t be MakingChips and we wouldn’t be making money. — Paul Van Metre Segments [2:16] Gift Masterclass for the Holidays! [5:15] How can we make manufacturing mainstream? [8:23] Manufacturing News: Military Contractors [10:41] The guys play a game: Connecting manufacturing with hobbies [16:25] Let’s use the hashtag: #ThankAMachinist [18:20] Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting! [19:11] Paul’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts [22:13] Jason’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts [25:14] Mike’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts [29:24] Nothing in the modern world exists without machinists [32:41] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop Resources mentioned on this episode Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting! Get 50% off your Masterclass subscription Book a discovery call with ProShop ERP Military Contractors Are in Nearly Every Small Town in the United States Matthew Lindsay on LinkedIn Josh Hacko with NH Micro on LinkedIn Greg McArthur with NTL Industries Jacob Sanchez Nate A Nush Ahmed Tony Gunn Thomas Nathan Chris Luecke John Guimond Josh McKain Jean Davis Thomas Smith Const Ivanov Gary Keel with Trillium Machine Nick and Tanner Preece of Preece Machining and Assembly James and Sean Cerven with Cerven Solutions Nathan Bourgeois of Ouroboros Space and Defense Naked Prosthetics Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
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34:20
How Will a Trump Presidency Impact Manufacturing? 438
Election years cause a lot of upheaval in the world of manufacturing. Industry spending can often see a sharp decrease, which can negatively impact many shops. The general indecision leading up to an election impacts almost every sub-genre in manufacturing, from medical devices to aerospace, oil & gas to firearms. The election is over and Trump has officially been elected back into office. Will a Trump presidency negatively or positively impact manufacturing? Nick, Paul, and Mike tackle tough topics like regulations, trade policy, tariffs, taxes, and more in this episode of MakingChips. Will America keep MakingChips and keep making money? Segments [1:02] Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast [1:32] Election results are in: Now what? [2:13] The Trump impact on different sectors [3:30] Manufacturing News: Leaders React to Trump Win [8:39] Machine Shop Masterclass: Quality Management Systems [29:28] Celebrating American Democracy [20:12] Regulations in the defense space [25:12] Talking trade policy and Tariffs [33:02] Will the R&D Tax credit return? [38:39] If Republicans sweep the House, what happens? [42:21] Check out a NEW episode of Lights Out this week! Resources mentioned on this episode The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning News: Industry Leaders React to Trump Win Allison Grealis Jay Timmons Matthew Shay Megan Tanel R&D Tax Credit Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
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43:19
How to Win Production Work, 437
Are you ready to take your manufacturing business to the next level with production work? This episode of MakingChips dives into the top five benefits of production work and the essential steps to position your shop as a full-service production-ready operation. Imagine the stability and growth potential when a substantial portion of your monthly revenue is already secured by repeat clients. We also cover the transition steps to shift your shop’s branding, approach to prototyping, and pricing strategy. From rebranding your business as a production powerhouse to splitting your shop’s workflow to accommodate both prototype and production divisions, we’re discussing how to reshape your operations for higher volume success. Hear firsthand insights on building trust with customers and the importance of a solid Quality Management System (QMS) in securing and retaining high-stakes production contracts. Listen in to learn how targeting the right customers and building robust, repeatable processes can create a competitive advantage that fuels both profitability and growth. Because if you’re not consistently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [1:10] Book a discovery call ProShop ERP [3:03] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [8:39] How do you win production work? [10:22] 5 benefits of production work [17:15] Step #1: Communicate that you’re a full-service manufacturer [21:46] Check out Paperless Parts for your quoting and estimating needs [23:01] Step #2: Continue to offer prototyping services [26:43] Step #3: Quote to win the higher volumes [31:14] Step #4: Sell your QMS/BMS [38:50] Step #5: Target the right customers Resources mentioned on this episode Book a discovery call with ProShop ERP Paperless Parts Brian Olson Mitch Olson Olson Custom Designs 4 Generations of Machining Legacy with Denny Smith Jason Premo’s LinkedIn post about prototyping Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
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41:02
How Can We Champion Manufacturing? with Terry Iverson (Part 2), 436
In this MakingChips episode, Terry discusses the transformative power of mentoring in manufacturing, especially the importance of reverse mentoring. He shares how younger, tech-savvy workers can help Baby Boomers adapt to new technologies, creating a reciprocal learning relationship. This approach combines the strengths of both generations, enhancing collaboration and knowledge transfer within organizations. Terry also introduces Camp CHAMP, a hands-on program for middle and high school students that teaches manufacturing principles through activities like CNC milling and laser engraving. High school mentors guide younger participants, who gain practical skills and complete projects to take home. Terry hopes to expand Camp CHAMP nationwide with easy-to-implement kits that make it accessible for communities across the U.S. Learn how you as a manufacturing leader can play a role in bridging the gap between generations in this episode of MakingChips! Because if future generations aren’t MakingChips, no one is making money…BAM! Segments [1:05] Check out ProShop’s podcast, “Manufacturing Transformed” [1:34] How mentoring—and reverse mentoring—can change the game [6:44] Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing [11:24] What is Camp CHAMP? How does it inspire middle and high schoolers? [14:42] Future-proof your business with NetSuite by Oracle [18:14] The future of the manufacturing industry [23:46] The role of parenting to the future of manufacturing [25:41] Learn more about camp CHAMP Resources mentioned on this episode Finding America's Greatest Champion CHAMPION Now! Check out ProShop’s podcast, “Manufacturing Transformed” Get a Camp CHAMP Kit Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing (Student Edition) Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing (Parent Edition) Nush Ahmed Drew Crowe Steven Courchane IMEC NetSuite by Oracle’s Guide to AI’s Guide to AI Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
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32:29
How Can We Champion Manufacturing? with Terry Iverson (Part 1), 435
On this episode of MakingChips, Jason dives into a conversation with Terry Iverson about his book, “Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting.” Through initiatives like CHAMPION Now!®, Iverson strives to change public perceptions about manufacturing. He advocates for seeing the industry through a broader lens—one that recognizes manufacturing as a space for entrepreneurship, leadership, and community building. He firmly believes that “There is nothing more important than the young people of this country. The manufacturing industry relies on the next generation of skilled workers, managers, and entrepreneurs to lead this country into a prosperous future.” So how do we CHAMPION manufacturing and “Change How American Manufacturing Is Perceived In Our Nation?” Listen to find out. BAM! Segments BONUS: Hear a "Sneak peek" about Jason's idea(s) for a book! [1:05] Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting [1:52] Subscribe to all of our new podcasts! [4:03] Learn more about Terry Iverson and his books [9:31] The people highlighted in Terry’s book [11:17] Machine Shop Masterclass: Mastering Setup Times [22:16] Terry’s tips for writing a book [30:03] Terry’s transition to Champion Now [33:39] Stay tuned for part #2! Resources mentioned on this episode Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting CHAMPION Now! Connect with Terry on LinkedIn Get ProShop ERP’s Lean Setup Guide 3 Body Problem Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
About Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation. Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types. It’s hosted by Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, two multi-generational manufacturing leaders, and they’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more. Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.
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