Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

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 info@MakingChips.com!  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,

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] Lear

In round three with Titan Gilroy, we talk about why Titan decided to move his entire business from California to Texas. Was it a smooth transition? Was he able to retain his entire team? Titan also shares more of the “why” behind his business and his passion for serving his audience. Titan continues to go above and beyond the expected as he grows his academy. Listen to learn more. BAM! Segments [0:52] Why Titan moved his business to Texas [11:28] Solving people’s problems = success [18:28] Understand your audience + tell your story [26:50] Titan’s transition from regret to changing lives [29:34] Where did Titan’s “Boom!” come from Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CHIPS to 38470 to subscribe! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of Making Chips, we dive back into the conversation with Titan Gilroy. This time, we talk about how Titan’s TV show, “American Built,” came to life. We also talk about how he almost gave up the TV show to do something he was passionate about—helping prisoners transform their lives and learn to become full-fledged machinists. This passion project eventually led to the creation of the Titans of CNC Academy, where you can learn everything from the fundamentals of machining to creating aerospace parts—all completely free. Don’t miss this episode with THE Titan of the industry. BAM! Segments [1:55] Why schools and colleges don’t have sufficient manufacturing training [7:35] How Titan’s TV show, “American Built” came to fruition [13:31] How Titan took inmates and helped them become full-fledged machinists [19:34] Why Titan uses the phrase “uniquely abled” instead of disabled  [32:48] Learn more about Titans of CNC Academy  Resources mentioned on this episode Get The Boring Bar Newsletter - Text CH

This episode takes you (and us) to Texas to speak with Titan Gilroy. He calls himself an advocate for advanced manufacturing, and that’s a huge understatement. He runs two academies that teach what it takes to be a success in manufacturing. His personal stroy demonstrates that becoming a success in the industry — individually or as an organization — doesn’t happen overnight or without a significant amount of struggle. We skip the banter and back and forth typical of our episodes because we are so excited to bring you this conversation with Titan. So, without further delay, click the play button and hear what Titan’s got to share. BAM!   Segments [1:50] Titan Gilroy’s start in CNC machining came through a great deal of hardship [6:30] Moving to California and finding his first opportunity in a shop [10:15] Stepping into his first role in a machine shop and making the most of it [18:10] Moving into a troubleshooter role for large companies, then starting his own shop [22:15] The beginning of Titan Engineering

According to a recent article in Reuters, “The ISM said its index of national factory activity inched up to 59.9 last month from a reading of 59.5 in July. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in manufacturing, which accounts for 11.9% of the U.S. economy.” Manufacturing is on the rise, yet every industry is struggling with an impaired supply chain. Will things get better anytime soon? How can manufacturing businesses manage shortages in the meantime? We share some thoughts in this episode of Making Chips!  Segments [0:40] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [4:15] A discussion about supply chain issues [6:57] What do we like right now? [11:30] U.S. manufacturing activity rises; shortages linger [14:08] The disruption that comes with reshoring [17:00] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [19:40] How shortages are impacting industries [26:14] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [26:57] Will the supply chain get better anytime soon? [29:01] Tips to mitigate

Do your employees feel like they’re a means to an end? I think a lot of team members don’t realize—or believe—that we care about them. Some feel that when you hold them accountable to hit their numbers that data is all you care about. But that isn’t always the case.  At the end of the day, we’re all business leaders who need an efficient working environment. So where do we find a balance between data, accountability, and caring for our team members? How do we drive profitability without driving our employees away? Listen to this episode of Making Chips for the full discussion! Segments [0:40] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [3:24] Hold your employees to metrics they can control [7:33] Manufacturing News: A Generation of American Men Give Up on College [16:55] Learn about Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [17:39] Avoid measuring data that is not helpful to the employee [37:33] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry Hold your employees to metrics

The U.S. labor market is still struggling despite record numbers of job openings. Businesses aren’t able to hire as quickly as they need to. What’s the holdup? Is there a lack of candidates in the market? Are people choosing not to return to work? In this episode of Making Chips we dissect what’s happening—and a few things you can do about it.  Segments [0:18] Check out ProShop ERP for manufacturing software! [2:30] What’s happening in the Making Chips world [8:43] Manufacturing news: The U.S. Labor Market [19:41] Accelerate your digital transformation with Xometry [20:36] What I’m learning through the hiring process [35:35] How to recruit high caliber candidates [41:34] Learn about Amper Technologies monitoring systems The U.S. Labor Market Isn’t Adding Up—And This Is Why According to Andrew Hunter’s research, we’re seeing a high level of job openings but low levels of hiring. Millions of Americans are quitting and many aren’t re-entering the labor market. It’s claimed that the labor market is healthy, but

I wanted to differentiate myself among other machine shops in the area with the new Carr Machine & Tool location. The shop floor is where we make our money. I took extra steps in the process to create a new image for my shop. I wanted to present it in a way that was sophisticated, high-tech, polished, and professional—while remaining efficient.  That’s where IMEC came in. I reached out to them for some technical collaboration to help design an efficient shop floor. I worked with both Dean Harms and Tim Maurer and it was an amazing experience. So in this episode of Making Chips, I’m sharing what the collaboration and design process looked like with IMEC. Segments [0:24] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [2:46] Why I chose the new Carr Machine & Tool location [4:17] What’s happening at ZENGERS? [6:19] Why investing in your business is important  [10:32] President Biden Announces Support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework [12:55] The process of designing a ne

Everyone is familiar with the concept of networking. But how many people actually implement it to grow themselves and their businesses? In this episode of Making Chips, Jim, Jason, and I dive into how networking has impacted our businesses in unexpected ways. To hear the good, bad, and the ugly—give it a listen! Segments [0:18] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [3:04] Learn what’s happening at ZENGERS [3:51] Nick welcomed a baby boy to his family on June 27th! [4:54] Boeing Slows Dreamliner Production After New Manufacturing Issue [9:17] Can Networking Change Your Manufacturing Business? [12:41] How networking has changed Jim’s business [16:10] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [16:54] The Making Chips Network of Manufacturing Leaders [20:59] Should increasing sales be the objective of networking? [24:41] A working relationship built on mutual interests [26:15] Ad-hoc networking: Keep your ears to the ground  [28:58] Accelerate your digital transformation with 

Part of being a machine shop owner—and a business owner in general—is that every day there’s a new challenge to navigate. A machine might break down. Perhaps someone who has been a team member for decades quits. Your factory could burn to the ground. Or your Dad—the owner and manager of the shop—gets sick with cancer. That’s how Nick Sainati was thrust into becoming the GM of Belden Universal. In this episode, he shares his journey. It will resonate with some of us, fascinate most of us, and impress all of us. Don’t miss this inspiring family story! Segments [0:26] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [6:24] Dealing with supply chain issues caused by COVID [8:09] Fun facts about family-owned businesses [14:07] Create a Formal Business Succession Plan in 7 Steps [16:52] Today's guest: Nick Sainati, GM at Belden Universal  [24:00] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [27:42] When everything changed: How Nick took over his Dad’s machine shop [40:10] Managing a machine s

What is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)? The DOD is implementing the CMMC to normalize and standardize cybersecurity preparedness across the Federal government’s defense industrial base. Meaning? If you’re doing DOD work, they’re mandating that you get this certification. So you need to know what this is all about. We’ve brought in Paul Van Metre and John Bilek to help fill in the blanks. Check it out! Segments [0:00] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [3:39] Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) [5:05] Let’s talk acronyms (there’s one for everything) [7:20] What’s happening at ZENGERS? [8:20] The amount of money wasted on cybersecurity [11:05] We welcome our two guests to the show [14:48] What is CMMC really all about? [17:09] Who is impacted by the CMMC requirement?  [19:44] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [20:44] The five levels of CMMC compliance [21:56] The CMMC implementation process [27:19] What does “CMMC Compliant” me

In this episode of Making Chips, Jim and I chat with Paul Van Metre—the Co-Founder of ProShop ERP—about the process of selling his machine shop. We dissect the process, including how to understand the valuation of your company and how to make your shop more attractive to potential buyers. If you’re considering selling in the next few years, this episode is full of actionable tactics and strategies that will help you succeed.  BAM! - Jason Zenger Segments [0:07] Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems [3:10] How to sell your machine shop [5:11] Ozark Technical Community College offering a two-week manufacturing bootcamp [7:49] Jim shares what’s new at Carr Machine [8:42] Paul Van Metre’s experience selling his machine shop [13:42] Is this a big change in the manufacturing industry? [15:27] Why would a strategic buyer pay more?  [16:40] Understanding the process of valuation  [17:35] Check out ProShop ERP for more information on manufacturing software! [26:10] The experiences of Paul’s customers buying s

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In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger bring in Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD, to discuss the basics of cybersecurity, including the types of cyber attacks, and how a manufacturing leader can equip their shop with a strategic plan to prevent and deal with potential cyber threats. Segments 0:08 | Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring 1:21 | Jason introduces manufacturing cybersecurity as the topic of the episode 4:57 | Jim and Jason talk about what’s new at their businesses 5:28 | Jason introduces the episode guest: Federico Sciammarella, the President & CTO of MxD 6:52 | Jason discusses manufacturing news, including a press release on the FBI’s internet crime report 10:17 | Jason explains Business Email Compromise, a type of phishing attack 12:21 | The hosts mention another type of cyber attack, Ransomware 13:52 | Jason mentions Malware attacks due to malicious software and brute force attacks 15:44 | The hosts and Federico discuss

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Nick Goellner talk with Nick St.Cyr, a Product Manager at Methods Machine Tools, about his history in the manufacturing industry, the role of a product manager, and the importance of establishing a vision of the future for your company. Segments:   0:11 | Jim mentions his experience with Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems through their pilot program 2:12 | Nick G. and Jim discuss CARR Machine & Tool’s move to their new, upgraded facility 3:40 | Nick G. talks about the current state of the manufacturing industry supply chain and reasons for the disruptions 7:30 | Jim introduces special guest Nick St.Cyr, a Product Manager at Methods Machine Tools, where he oversees the design, sales, support, and integration of MMT machine tools 9:45 | Nick S. shares his background and history in the manufacturing industry, and talks about his current position and responsibilities at Methods Machine Tools 17:14 | Jim talks about it’s important for machin

In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger meet with Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP to discuss 10 things to consider when going through the process of getting AS9100 certified. Segments: 0:13 | Jim talks about his time using Amper Technologies machine monitoring systems under their pilot program 2:27 | Jim shares manufacturing news about past experiences with IMTS Rockstars and the current boom in manufacturing 4:24 | Jason mentions his 2021 sabbatical and how it’s okay to take a break from work 6:04 | Jim introduces the topic of the episode and offers questions you can ask yourself to decide if AS9100 certification is needed 8:58 | Jason introduces this week’s guest: Paul Van Metre of ProShop ERP 10:45 | Paul talks about his time at his former company implementing AS9100 features into ProShop ERP 12:30 | Jason asks if a cutting tool distributor would benefit from being AS9100 certified 25:10 | Paul shares how ProShop ERP can help you build your process for getting AS9100 certified

In this episode of MakingChips, hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger talk with Peter Eelman, Vice President and Chief Experience Officer of AMT, about IMTS 2022, the return of their in-person trade show, and what’s in store for the future of IMTS events. Segments:0:08 | Jim talks about his time with the Amper Technologies pilot program for machine monitoring systems 1:27 | Jim and Jason introduce the episode and their past experiences with IMTS events 8:00 | Jason shares manufacturing news regarding Xometry’s move to the public market 10:16 | Jim introduces their guest Peter Eelman from AMT to discuss the history and return of IMTS 16:54 | Peter talks about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on IMTS, and how they were able to adapt to the situation 20:33 | Jim asks Peter about the future of IMTS, as both physical and virtual events 23:21 | Peter explains the scale of IMTS, and its effect on the industry and the Chicago area 26:57 | Peter describes what’s next for IMTS, with the return of the physical event in 202

MakingChips hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger sit down with Akshat Thirani, the CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, to talk about how Charles implemented Amper technology in his shop, and the benefits it has had on his business. Segments: 0:21 Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP being used in shops throughout the country. 4:24 Jim and Jason share what’s new at their companies and at MakingChips HQ 6:06 Jason discusses new economic inflation data relating to manufacturing 7:50 Jason introduces Akshat Thirani, CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and his history in manufacturing 9:20 Jim introduces Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, and his relation to Amper Technologies, Inc. 11:27 Akshat explains how Amper helps manufacturers be more Lean and improve day-to-day operations on the shop floor  13:17 Jim talks about his experience using Amper technology on his machines 15:53 Charles shares his b