Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

Hosts Nick Goellner, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger are joined by Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting to discuss the differences between product and sales management at manufacturing companies, and how strategic sales tools can lead sales teams to success. Segments: 0:06 Jim talks about how he found an easy-to-install machine monitoring system from Amper Technologies. 1:37 Nick introduces the topic of episode: Product Management vs Sales Management 3:01 The hosts discuss what’s new at their companies 4:21 Nick shares some manufacturing news about the computer chip shortage 8:53 Nick introduces the guests: Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting 11:57 Mark explains his time spent in the business, and what opportunities he saw 13:44 Jason discusses the dynamic between himself and his wife in their business 14:12 Mark tells how he got connected with Nick and Hennig, Inc. and the projects that he helped them with 18:15 Nick mentions how he has seen ProSh

In this episode of MakingChips, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss  Retirement: Yes, No or Never. This could be a step in evaluating your decision whether you are a manufacturing leader at the highlight of your career or at the beginning stages of your career with plans for greatness. Segments: 0:14 | Jim talks about Amper Technologies, machine monitoring system, easy to install with minimal onboarding 3:08 | Jim, Jason and Nick talk about retirement, how manufacturers are approaching retirement age 7:55 | The hosts  announce great news that is happening on September 23, 2021.  MakingChips is having a Celebration for Manufacturing Leaders. 10:42 | Nick discusses with Jim and Jason, an article from Modern Machine Shop, March machine tool orders have been the biggest growth since 2019, unit orders have also increased 15:35 | Nick, Jason and Jim mention Xometry - custom manufacturing on demand 16:42 | Retirement talk. 17:25 | The hosts discuss how to tell if you are ready for retirement and sign

In this episode of MakingChips, Jason, Jim and Nick discuss the R&D Tax Credit.  This could be a huge saving for your manufacturing company, but please don’t take this episode as legal, accounting or any similar advice; you should contact a professional after you have listened to this episode. Segments: 0:40 | Jim points out that he utilizes ProShop ERP tool "Work by Industry Dashboard" to receive real time data 3:12 | Jason asks Nick and Jim "Do you guys like paying taxes?" 3:45 | Jason references Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr., Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court - quoted "Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society" 4:22 | Jason references Billings Learned Hand, Former American Judge and Judicial Philosopher who served in the U.S. District Court of Appeals quoted "Anyone may arrange his affairs so that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which best pays the treasury.  There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one's taxes" 9:43 | Jason shares manuf

In episode of #267 MakingChips, host Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss Why You Need to Consider These New and Low-Cost Employee Benefits"   Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact Segments: :02 | Do you love your ERP? ProShop ERP. for additional details please visit: loveyourerp.com 1:30 | Jason and Jim discuss Employee Benefits, the shift in culture, how we pay benefits to our employee 5:21 | “Save the Date" Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 - Celebration of our industry and Manufacturing Leaders - a party that will Equip & Inspire @ MakingChips Headquarters in Rockford, Illinois 7:35 | Jim shares manufacturing news - Smart Manufacturing news i.e., Broad category of manufacturing that employs computer integrated manufacturing,  high levels of adaptability, rapid design changes, digital information technology and more flexible / technical workforce training 10:05 | Jason and Jim talk about Amper, how Jim is utilizing Amper software (30 day trial) and how it has helped him become more efficient 1

In episode #266 of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and co-host Jim Carr Discuss 25 Trends Affecting the Future of Manufacturing in 2021 and Beyond. Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact   Segments: :22| Go to Loveyourerp.com and find out why so many manufacturing leaders love ProShop ERP 6:04 | Business Models, People, The World and Tools 6:25 | Business Models 13:56 | People 27:50 | The World 35:52 | Tools 36:32 | Check out Amper.xyz, a company that specializes in easy to install machine monitoring systems 41:50 | Final thoughts

In episode #265 of MakingChips, host Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jessica Peterson discuss How to Create a Diverse Community in the Workplace to Solve One of the Biggest Challenges in Manufacturing with Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe with Equity Machine Works Segments: :02 | Jim promotes Amper, a great company that specializes in machine monitoring systems, easy to Install with minimal on-boarding. Check them out at Amper.xyz and look under products for their pilot program 9:28 | Jessica introduces Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe from Equity Machine Works 11:37 | Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe from Equity Machine Works, explains Diversity of Manufacturing and how it relates to his business model;  ie; Manufacturing, Teaching, Trades Classes, Managing the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Grant Funding, Educational Programs, Barriers that some grants create on their own 23:32 | Nick speaks to Manufacturing per prior discussion; Manufacturing needs a rebrand, needs to know how to communicate their brand bett

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger discusses 4 reasons to say no to an opportunity.  Manufacturing leaders may need to say no more often to opportunities especially as the economy heats back up.   Segments: :09 | Jim and Jason discuss how ProShop ERP helped with Jim’s AS9100 virtual audit. 3:59 | Jason and Nick discuss two manufacturing news articles: #1 - article by "CNBC " Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian on what life Serena Williams taught him about sustained greatness 7:02 | #2 manufacturing news article: by "Wall Street Journal" Turbo charge economy leaves factory struggling to deliver goods that shoppers want. 8:04 | Jason expresses the four opportunity filters to put your decisions through - #1 Does fit your vision for the future, #2 Does it meet your core values, #3 It does have a measurable ROI, #4 Is it the best option for your client? 18:55 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger discuss 6 Communications Tools for the Manufacturing Leader. Segments: :57 | Nick and Jason discuss how a Manufacturer Leader can learn how to better communicate 4:39 | Nick shares Manufacturing News from an article by Jay Timmons, President and CEO of NAM (National Association for Manufacturers) regarding tax reform and investment incentives for manufacturers 12:25 | Jason recommends the book "Crucial Conversations" 15:43 | Jason talks people, culture, numbers and ProShop ERP - Can get data in real time 16:47 | Nick shares the first tool RACI chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix) 19:53 | Approval Drawing Review (Approval Review meeting) 23:17 | PCP Program (Premiere Channel Partner Program)  25:12 | BrandScript (StoryBrand) Help companies tell coherent stories 28:05 | PSM (Process Success Map) - Making your customers successful 30:16 | VOC Program (Voice of the Customer/Client program) 32:83 | Jason offers his final thoughts on t

In this week’s episode of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss tips for effectively communicating to your team in the workplace Segments: :00 | Jim and Jason share how ProShop ERP helped them with the federal R&D tax credit 1:14 | Jason and Nick discuss changes in leadership at their companies 5:07 | Jason mentions article on Manufacturing predictions for the next  decade 10:57 | Jason and Nick discuss cloud-based data and how moving to Edge and 6G will be faster 11:58 | Nick shares his thoughts on communicating change to team members 17:02 | Jason touches on how you can make implementing changes into a win-win situation 27:26 | Jason and Nick offer their final thoughts on the episode 29:32 | Jessica introduces Xometry’s new purchasing system: Xometry Pay

In this week's episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jim Carr are joined by Eric Nekich, a Sales Manager at 5th Axis, to talk about workholding, and the changes in sales tactics through the years. Segments: 3:30 | Jim and Nick play a manufacturing quiz game 10:30 | Nick introduces the episode guest Eric Nekich of 5th Axis 14:15 | Eric shares how he got involved in the manufacturing industry 16:00 | Eric talks about how 5th Axis grew from a contract manufacturer to a workholding brand 18:10 | Eric discusses how automation is growing in popularity in machine tool tending 22:00 | Jim talks about what his team likes about 5th Axis workholding 27:33 | Eric and Nick discuss how selling workholding has changed over time 37:14 | Eric explains the difference between the jaws on "dinosaur" vises and 5th Axis vises 40:44 | Eric talks about new modular automation components at 5th Axis 45:10 | Jim offers his final thoughts on the episode 47:09 | Jim and Jason explain the different technologies featured on IMTS

In this week's episode the MakingChips hosts talk with metalworking influencer Tony Gunn and his career in the manufacturing industry. Segments: 0:00 | Jim talks about how simple ProShop ERP made his virtual shop audit 4:25 | Nick shares manufacturing news about the rise of firearm sales 10:00 | Nick introduces the episode guest, Tony Gunn, the General Manager of MTDCNC Global 13:18 | Tony discusses how he got his start in the manufacturing industry 17:40 | Jim asks if the manufacturing industry is still seen as a "dirty" or "lower-class" industry 22:00 | Tony shares some of his thoughts on social media, marketing, and fellow manufacturing influencers 29:19 | Tony talks about his new position at MTD CNC Global 35:30 | Jason asks Tony about what problems he is trying to solve in the manufacturing industry 39:43 | Jim and Jason talk about the knowledge centers at IMTS Spark

In this episode of MakingChips the hosts discuss sections to include in their production meetings, and how they can benefit their shop and team's productivity. Segments: 0:00 Jim shares how he can access real-time data and reports using ProShop ERP. 1:32 The hosts talks about the virtual grand opening of the Boring Bar 5:20 Jim introduces "social intimacy" and how it strengthens relationships 9:40 The hosts discuss what's happening in their businesses 12:30 Jim explains what he uses production meetings for and why they're important 15:49 Jim shares the different sections he includes in his production meetings and the benefits they provide to the team 19:08 Jim discusses how he added weekly COVID-19 updates to his production meetings in response to the pandemic 26:44 Jim creates a "hot list" to update his team on what's going on in the shop 29:50 Jim opens the floor at the end of meetings for Q&A and team discussion 34:18 Jim and Jason talk about the different showcases at IMTS Spark

In this episode, the MakingChips hosts discuss the career of NFL star Tom Brady, and how his personal keys to success are also applicable to the manufacturing leader. Segments: 0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different technologies featured on IMTS Spark 7:24 | Jason reads a press release from DARPA about off-Earth manufacturing of lunar structures 12:45 | Jason shares his points on how manufacturing leaders can take cues from Tom Brady's success  13:13 | The hosts discuss how manufacturing leaders might be retiring too early 24:49 | Jim and Jason talk about IMTS Spark Demo Days with Stephen LaMarco from AMT 31:53 | Jason explains Tom Brady's daily schedule and how having a routine helps with success 37:10 | Like Tom Brady, having a healthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to the success of a manufacturing leader 39:30 | Having core objectives can get you on the path to succeeding, as opposed to unrelated pursuits 43:40 | The hosts offer final thoughts on how Tom Brady's successes can be contributed to h

In this week's MakingChips podcast, Jim and Jason discuss if you can be successful running a small machine shop, with Jim offering tips based on his own experiences. Segments: 0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different knowledge centers at IMTS Spark 1:10 | Jim mentions how he used ProShop ERP to extract the necessary data to collect the federal R&D tax credit 5:06 | Jim shares information on the failure rates of new businesses 7:45 | Jason explains why he's planning on taking a sabbatical from work 13:00 | Jim reads a news articles about the manufacturing economy bouncing back in 2021, and the different factors that will affect it 20:08 | Jim and Jason talk with Dan from Xometry and Vinny from PenCo Precision to discuss their experience with Xometry during the 2020 pandemic 26:22 | Jim asks "what is success in business?" 31:27 | Jim shares his tips for running a successful small machine shop 39:30 | Jim and Jason talk about how they analyze risks before they make business decisions

In the newest MakingChips podcast, the hosts discuss how to use triggers to create new habits and systems for your business and your personal life. Segments: 0:00 | Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the USA. 4:01 | Jason shares an article about a how people purchase books to display and pretend to look intelligent 7:27 | Jim and Nick explain a times they made changes to remain transparent as leaders 9:23 | Jason describes how he attempted to start changing certain habits at his company by creating new triggers 14:19 | Jason talks about the system he adopted to discuss and track the changing triggers and habits with his team 16:43 | The hosts talk to Chuck Matthews at DP Technology Corp. about IMTS Spark. 24:13 | Jim asks Jason and Nick how they store and utilize the information they gather through reading materials 27:53 | Jason explains how he's used triggers to create habits in his personal life      

In this week's episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason discuss how and when to talk about politics in the workplace, and why it should never affect business relationships. 0:00 | Jason talks about the 6 different showcases at IMTS Spark 2021 1:40 | Jim and Jason share their thoughts about political discussions in the workplace 4:05 | Jim discusses the new CMM in his shop 7:40 | Jason shares articles about President Biden's COVID-19 relief plan and new trade policies 15:00 | Jason explains why he thinks we need to listen to the political perspectives of others and discuss politics openly 20:10 | Nick tells us about how Xometry can help you with on-demand custom manufacturing 24:18 | Jason shares his notes on how politics can be discussed openly and honestly in the workplace, what basic guidelines you should adhere to, and what kind of environment it should foster 37:07 | Jim discusses how CARR Machine & Tool was able to have a virtual real-time audit through ProShop ERP

In this week's episode, Jim, Jason, and Nick talk about the different sales channels that you can utilize for your manufacturing company, and their strengths and weaknesses. Segments: 0:00 | Nick explains how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the country. 5:15 | The hosts share manufacturing news and purchasing trends for 2021 15:21 | Nick introduces different sales channels and how they function 19:55 | Jason discusses why companies such as Tesla don't go through local distributors and dealers 22:00 | Jim calls Matt Bain of Mazak North America to talk about IMTS Spark 30:38 | Nick introduces the concept of business development leaders, who handle distinct product groups at a national level 32:55 | Nick explains using regional sales managers as a direct channel 37:37 | Jim brings up how too many people in the sales channel could take a longer response time 42:55 | Nick discusses independent manufacturer's representatives as a sales channel 46:38 | Jason and Nick analyze the distributor relationship w

As we move forward into 2021, the MakingChips podcast hosts look back at 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and share more lessons they learned as a result. Segments: 6:06 | Jim shares information on the characteristics of a visual learner. 9:37 | The hosts discuss the potential usage of wearable technology in machine shops. 13:26 | The hosts emphasize the importance of cybersecurity, and how it will advance in 2021. 15:22 | The hosts discuss integrations of robotics in machine shops, as well as other possible future trends. 21:13 | Jim shares the thoughts and reactions of manufacturing leaders on the pandemic in March of 2020. 23:40 | Jason and Nick explain how they kept their team members informed during the pandemic. 25:00 | The hosts share how they used their organizations and affiliates to gather COVID-19 information for their peers. 29:20 | Jim talks about integrating virtual meetings, how taking risks may lead to new opportunities, and supply and demand issues during the pandemic.

Part 2 of this 2-part series continues the interview with special guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares more of his manufacturing knowledge that machine shops can benefit from. 3:38 | John shares his thoughts on how a commitment to details can improve a shop 10:20 | John explains how shops may need to be more open to hybrid solutions across brands and suppliers 12:15 | John tells why he started Way of the Mill in the middle of a pandemic and what the goals for his clients are 17:06 | John explains the process of tap testing and what shops should be using it 24:20 | Jason asks how distributor employees can help manufacturing leaders make choices

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, the MakingChips hosts welcome guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares his background in the manufacturing industry, including his time at Makino and Apple, and why he chose to start Way of the Mill. 6:09 | Jason shares current news about the near future of the manufacturing industry due to COVID-19 12:10 | Guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, tells his origin story in manufacturing 16:00 | John shares information on his experience working on turnkey projects at Makino 23:20 | John explains why he chose to share his milling advice online, and how good and bad fundamentals affect a company 27:05 | John discusses his time at Apple, and their involvement in the manufacturing industry 31:09 | John explains how he maintains unbiased content and the value it brings