Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

Hello Metalworking Nation and Happy Holidays from Jim, Jason and Ryan at MakingChips! We are happy to be back in our DMDII studio where today we will be expanding upon some similar principles from our last episode. What does your future look like?  Do you have a short, medium, and long-term vision of where you see your company? Jason and Jim lay down the framework for achieving your future desire for your business. In Manufacturing News, we discuss the latest NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, which reflected unprecedented optimism in the sector. Episode Outline: [00:01] - IMTS 2018 [02:40] - Thank You DMDII [03:54] - The New MakingChips [04:57] - Manufacturing News [09:17] - Black Industrial and Safety Supply [10:57] - Carr Machine and Tool in 2018 [13:42] - What Does Your Future Look Like? [16:24] - Putting a Date On It [17:50] - The Rubber Hits The Road [21:24] - Reviewing the Medium Term Plan [23:42] - The Short Term Plan [23:07] - Challenges Across Industries [28:12] - An Opportunity for Improvement [32:

Hello Metalworking Nation and Happy Thanksgiving from MakingChips! Where do you see your manufacturing business in the next five years? Do you have a vision of your company's future? On today's episode, Jim & Jason share 5 Questions that Manufacturing Leaders need to ask themselves right now. In manufacturing news, we talk about a groundbreaking new surgical procedure and how it relates to manufacturing. Jim and Jason also share their plans for Thanksgiving, and news related to their business and family. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 - Register Today [02:44] - Thanksgiving [05:24] - Manufacturing News [08:55] - What’s New With Jim [11:04] - Mission and Vision Statement [15:56] - Vision of Your Future [19:58] - Technology Advancements [21:27] - Communicating to the Marketplace [22:56] - Lead, Manage, and Hold People Accountable [30:10] - Scaling your Business Links Mentioned in this Episode:IMTS 2018 - Register Today! TMA Illinois Manufacturing News Cruial Conversations We Want to Hear From YOU, The

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled to be back in the MakingChips studio! On today's episode we answer a listener's questions about the social media platform, LinkedIn. Jim and Jason both share their individual strategies for using the business platform -- notably for creating a conversation, strengthening their personal brand, and connecting with like minded individuals. They'll share their LinkedIn do's and don'ts, as well as their goals for optimizing the platform's full potential. In manufacturing news, we talk about how Boeing is seeking thousands of applicants for open manufacturing jobs.   Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 - Register Today [03:48] - Whats New with Jim? [05:28] - Whats New with Jason? [08:03] - Manufacturing News [12:27] - Answering a Listener’s Questions [14:50] - Daily Social Media Routine [18:10] - Starting a Conversation [21:30] - Requests to Connect [24:38] - Declining Requests [28:02] - We Want To Hear From You Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Manufacturing New

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. On today's episode we welcome back Red Caffeine's Julie Poulos along with Dan Mantilla and Natalie Dubs as they help you answer the question -- "Who Do I Market To?" Where do you start? It starts with a list! Julie and her team cover the four challenges that most mid market manufacturers face when figuring out who to market themselves to. We'll share some strategies that you can use right now to begin building up your brand and targeting leads.   Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [06:08] - What’s New With Jason & Jim [07:38] - Welcome Julie Poulos [09:48] - The Four Challenges [14:03] - Buyer Data [16:50] - Segmenting Your Lists [21:10] - Building Up Your Brand [22:13] - Creating Meaningful Content [24:10] - Identifying Contacts [30:15] - Direct Contact Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation InstituteRed Caffei

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to welcome back by popular demand, Bill Strauss - Senior Economist and Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. On today's episode Bill shares his professional insight on several different topics relating to manufacturing and the global economy. We'll hear about manufacturing's economic performance in the U.S., the potential economic impact of new trade agreements, the current outlook of the stock market, and the lasting impact of the recent hurricanes. We also talk about the consequences of recession, and how to better position your manufacturing company to prepare for it. In manufacturing news, we discuss 3 ways to lower your manufacturing costs. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:50] - What’s New at CARR Machine [06:07] - What’s New at ZENGERS [08:12] - Jason’s Exciting News [09:35] - Manufacturing News [15:37] - Welcome Back Bill Strauss [18:45] - Manufacturing’s Economic Performance [20:40] - Contributing Factors [25:16] - Trade Deals [28:24]

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to welcome back Patricia Miller - CEO of Matrix 4, to the MakingChips Podcast. On today's episode we hear about Patricia's visit to the White House on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers. Patricia was seated directly next to President Trump as the group discussed efforts to boost manufacturing in the United States. In manufacturing news, we discuss Brennan Investment Group's plans to turn 85 acres in Elk Grove Village, IL into a $1 Billion Technology Park. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:28] - Manufacturing News [05:03] - Call In with Pat McGibbon [10:03] - Welcome Back Patricia! [13:04] - The Invitation [16:30] - Delivering The Message [19:01] - The Level of Security [21:04] - Press Coverage [22:40] - Representing Manufacturing [24:10] - Trump’s Message [28:02] - IMTS 2018 Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Manufacturing News TMA - Technology & Manufacturing Association NAM - National Association of Manufacturer

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are coming to you LIVE from the Valley Industrial Association's Manufacturer’s Collaboration Conference in Sugar Grove, Illinois. On today's episode of MakingChips, we answer the question: What is a chaplet? - Hint, it’s used in castings. We welcome Rich Hoster, President at Smith and Richardson Inc. Rich takes us through some of the strategies that Smith and Richardson uses to help mitigate the skilled labor shortage. We'll also hear about the company's efforts to teach students about manufacturing, and Rich gives us some information on Smith and Richardson's facility in Jiangsu, China. In Manufacturing News, we talk about how a manufacturing alliance in Dayton, Ohio is providing opportunities for residents to begin a new career in manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:15] - The Story of MakingChips [06:27] - Manufacturing News [13:30] - Welcome Rich Hoster [15:48] - History of Smith and Richardson [18:45] - Mitigating the Skilled Labor Shortage [23:06] - Echo P

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are broadcasting remotely from a Xometry Vendor Partner, GT Automation Group in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Today we welcome Steve Gildea, President at GT Automation and Michael Dickson, VP of Customer and Partner Success at Xometry to the MakingChips Podcast, as they give us a deeper dive into the Xometry brand. We'll hear about the impact that Xometry has had on GT Automation as Steve walks us through the process that Xometry provides GT Automation to view and accept work. Michael explains the benefits of the Xometry Partner Network, and shares some insight as to what sets Xometry apart from the competition. In manufacturing news, we discuss 4 Keys to Boosting Workplace Culture in Manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:00] - What’s New with Jim & Jason? [05:17] - Manufacturing News [11:19] - New Orleans [12:51] - Introducing Xometry [18:43] - Welcome Michael Dickson [20:45] - Xometry’s Algorithm [24:00] - Welcome Steve Gildea [26:00] - The Job Process and Partner N

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today on MakingChips we welcome back Stacia Hobson for the second half of our two part interview. On this episode we'll hear about how her father reacted to their confrontation. Stacia also shares with us how she was able to take control of the business, what she would do differently in hindsight, how Image Industries addresses the skilled labor shortage, and we'll hear a bit about her award winning Toastmaster's speech. Later on, we'll hear from Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist at Cox Automotive Inc., as he gives us a preview of what he'll be speaking about at this year's GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:10] - The Reaction [05:12] - Moving the Needle [07:24] - From Buyer to Manufacturer [10:32] - What Would You Do Differently? [13:15] - Finding Capable Workers [15:00] - Managing Price Instability [16:46] - Xometry [17:50] - Toastmasters Speech Contest [22:08] - Preparing For Recession [24:20] - Family Dynamic in Business [26:30] - Charlie

Hello Metalworking Nation! On this two part episode of MakingChips, we welcome Stacia Hobson, Co-Owner of Image Industries, Inc to our remote studio at the TMA in Schaumburg, IL. Image Industries offers stud welding solutions for compact construction equipment to service the agricultural and construction markets. They are the industry leaders in manufacturing threaded fasteners & hydraulic ports for these businesses. Stacia runs us through the history of the company and gives us a brief overview of her day to day responsibilities. She also reveals the difficulties that came along with working in the family business, including butting heads with her hot tempered father. We'll also discuss Hurricane Harvey's destructive aftermath on the city of Houston, how it has impacted manufacturing, and what you can do to help. Later on, we'll jump on a phone call with Pat McGibbon, Vice President at AMT as we hear some more details on what's in store for the GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - G

Hello Metalworking Nation! Two weeks ago we were joined by Patricia Miller and Will Scott of Matrix 4 as they introduced us to the roles of Visionary and Integrator. Today, we take a deeper dive into those roles as we learn how they have been implemented at Matrix 4. Patricia and Will share the impact that these vital roles have had on their company, as they equip and inspire you to effectively implement theses processes into your own business. We'll share with you the tools that helped Matrix 4, ZENGERS Industrial, and countless other businesses work to create freedom in their respective roles, while seeing their ultimate vision become a reality. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 - Register Now! [03:37] - MakingChips Live - Valley Industrial [06:30] - Patricia’s Role as the Visionary [07:30] - Will’s Role as the Integrator [11:05] - Bringing on the Role [13:30] - Creating a Road Map [18:00] - What Kind of Leader Am I? [21:05] - Keep Achieving Goals [25:55] - Xometry [27:05] - The Effectiveness of the Inte

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology.  Today we welcome back Julie Poulos (Vice President) and Kacey Keegan (Content Writer & Strategist) as they equip you with the key elements to consider when planning your marketing strategy. Topics on today's episode include: creating a campaign theme, developing and distributing content, showcasing your company culture, and determining a marketing budget. Episode Outline: [00:00] - GFMC 2017 Conference [03:40] - Welcome Back Julie & Kacey [04:50] - Campaign Concept [09:00] - Branding and Strategy Phase [10:30] - Frequently Asked Questions [11:50] - Case Study [15:40] - Showcasing Culture [20:30] - Providing Solutions [24:15] - P.R. Opportunities [26:43] - Tracking Leads and Budgeting [29:35] - Shifting Our Philosophy Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Red Caffeine | Blog: Key Considerations in M

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring back a former guest who’s incredible journey over the last few years has seen her go from an industry “newbie” to a manufacturing “rockstar". Two years ago we introduced you to Patricia Miller of Matrix 4, who had recently left her career in marketing to take over her grandfather’s failing manufacturing business. With a complete overhaul of the business, and the help of her partner Will Scott, Matrix 4 solidified a strong company culture that has turned a once dying company into a thriving success. Episode Outline: [02:50] - Manufacturing News [07:35] - News at Carr Machine [10:15] - News at ZENGERS [12:30] - Welcome Back Patricia Miller [19:54] - Competitive Edge [22:20] - Putting a Team in Place [24:38] - Welcome Will Scott [28:26] - L10 Meeting and the Daily Huddle [34:41] - OTOQET [38:30] - Family and Business [43:11] - Personal Relationships and Business [47:00] - MakingChips | iTunes Review Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! En

Hello Metalworking Nation! On today’s episode, we bring you part two of our interview with Nicole Wolter, President of HM Manufacturing. Last week we heard about a dire situation within HM Manufacturing that rocked the family business to it's core. On this episode, Nicole shares how the company recovered, implementing new procedures and processes to help lift HM to where they are today.  Episode Structure:[02:00] - e-Commerce[06:03] - Social Media[06:40] - Customer Terms in 2017[10:49] - TMA Education Foundation[16:00] - Dig A Little Deeper Links Mentioned in this Episode: HM Manufacturing Nicole Wolter | LinkedIn TMA Education Foundation Marketing For Makers Leave Us a Review We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Hello Metalworking Nation and greetings from our studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, Chicago.  On this two part episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Nicole Wolter, President of HM Manufacturing Company. Nicole shares the captivating story of HM Manufacturing, a company that began with her father's passion for F1 racing. The downturn of the economy in 2008 proved to be the perfect time for Nicole to enter the family business, but as she would come to find out, things weren't quite what they seemed. Nicole's questioning of all aspects of the family business led her to a startling discovery that would turn an already dire situation into a full blown crisis. In manufacturing news, we talk about how Summer camps could be the start for the next generation's interest in the manufacturing industry. Episode Structure: [03:10] - 22,000 Downloads! [03:35] - Manufacturing News [08:30] - Half Fridays [09:45] - Process Driven Sales [13:20] - Welcome Nicole Wolter [14:40] - “Home Made” [18:05] - A Family Business [22:03

Hello Metalworking Nation! We are happy to bring you another episode of our #MarketingForMakers Series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. Today we welcome back back Julie Poulos as she introduces Red Caffeine's Founder & CEO -- Kathy Steele. On this episode of MakingChips, we focus on integrating technology into your business. Kathy and Julie walk us through some starting points that will equip and inspire you to identify gaps in your business technology stack.Today's discussion features an array of topics including: integrating platforms, examining financial insights, systemizing talent management, and getting your operations in order. Episode Structure: [04:08] - Record Download Month [05:05] - Summertime in Chicago [07:50] - Welcome Julie Poulos and Kathy Steele [10:46] - Forbes Article by Kathy [13:55] - ERP, CRM, KPI's and Other Acronyms [18:36] - Identifying the Gaps [21:06] - Building Bridges [22:14] - Systemizing Talent [25:30] - CRM Integration [31:00] - Tech Audit and Financial Insights [

Success is one of those concepts that we all understand, and yet, in reality it means something different to each individual. For some, it is financial, for others it is freedom to be able to lead a certain lifestyle. On this episode of MakingChips, we examine the concept of personal success as Jim and Jason ask: "What does success look like for you, and have you achieved it?”. Jim Carr makes an appearance in this week’s manufacturing news as we discuss Illinois’ personal income growth. Episode Structure 02:30] - Manufacturing News [09:00] - The Drought of 1988 [12:00] - What’s New at ZENGERS [13:00] - What’s New at Carr Machine [15:30] - Business Has Changed [23:50] - Bringing in New Technology [25:00] - Longterm Goals [29:00] - Outsourcing [31:20] - What Does Success Look Like For Me? [35:10] - iTunes Review Links - Mentioned in this Episode Manufacturing News The Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII)iTunes Review | MakingChips We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation • Jim

In business, we all know things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. Shipments become delayed, orders aren’t finished on time, and plans can change in an instant. Sometimes you can’t keep up with your end of the transaction. So what is the appropriate way to respond to these unfortunate occasions, even if they’re out of your hands? Maybe we can all learn something from the major airlines on how (not) to handle these instances. On this satirical episode of MakingChips, we list 7 Ways To Lead Like An Airline Executive. Jason highlights his experience dealing with a major airline company after an abrupt cancellation forces him to change his vacation plans. In manufacturing news, we talk about how 'Made in China' could soon be made in the US. Episode Structure[02:30] - People Getting The Word Out [03:15] - Manufacturing News [07:41] - First Birthday [10:15] - Completely Disconnect [13:10] - Do The Right Thing [16:20] - Less Than Human [20:13] - 100% Capacity [24:00] - Process Oriented [27:30] - Paying For

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today, we are bringing you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers Series with Red Caffeine. We are pleased to welcome back Julie Poulos as she introduces Red Caffeine's Tech Lead /Lead Developer / Front End Designer  -- Chaz Klein. Today's episode focuses on the face of your business -- your website. Julie and Chaz guide us through some steps that will equip you with questions you should be asking yourself before diving into a new website. We'll talk about recognizing goals for your website, amplifying the user experience (UX), and choosing the right platform. Episode Structure: [02:34] - San Diego [04:35] - Welcome Julie Poulos [07:50] - Business Goals [10:00] - First Steps in Developing a Website [11:00] - Introducing Chaz Klein [13:10] - UX [18:27] - Don’t Make Me Think [23:00] - Keywords and SEO [24:26] - Platforms and CMS [28:41] - WordPress [36:05] - Leave Us Some Feedback Links Mentioned in this EpisodeRed Caffeine Marketing + Technology The Ultimate Website Planning Guid

"The more comfortable you get with trying new things, the more you're going to say yes to new challenges." Hello Metalworking Nation! Today, we are coming to you from our new studio at the DMDII in Goose Island, IL. On today's episode, Jim and Jason share their experiences that led them to step out of their comfort zone, and pursue new challenges. We'll hear from each of them as they explain what challenging their comfort zone means to them. In manufacturing news, we talk about how American Manufacturing is having a moment -- jobs in the industry are growing, and factory owners are feeling good about the future. Episode Structure:[01:25] - Brand New Studio[03:30] - Manufacturing News [09:30] - "Pong and Parenting" [14:14] - Board of Directors and Chambers [16:15] - Taking a Leadership Role [18:00] - What is My “Box”? [20:05] - iTunes Review Links Mentioned in this EpisodeManufacturing News MakingChips | Leave Us A Review We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingch