Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

Hello Metalworking Nation! Today on MakingChips, we speak with Scott Gasich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Haas Automation. Haas Automation is an American machine tool builder that designs and manufactures precision machine tools and specialized accessory tooling. Haas is one of the largest machine tool builders in the world by total unit volume. Starting with company culture, Scott gives us insight into what drives Haas to continue being the largest, most modern machine tool manufacturing operation in the United States. We also discuss how Haas is bridging the generational gap in manufacturing, using the power of video content to educate workers of all ages. Episode Structure:[02:20] - Welcome Scott Gasich [03:30] - Keeping it Simple [05:15] - The Story of Gene Haas [07:50] - Haas Culture [10:10] - The Practical Experience [11:23] - Bridging the Generational Gap [13:45] - Intuitiveness [15:50] - The Power of Video Content [18:40] - Providing Speed [20:01] - MT Connect [21:12] - Conclusion of Epis

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome Nicole Wolter, Vice-President of H.M. Manufacturing to the show. H.M. Manufacturing is a family-owned, gear and pulley manufacturing facility in Chicago that specializes in Custom/Standard Pulleys, Gears, Sheaves, Shafts and Pulley Stock. Today's topics of discussion include Nicole's rebranding of H.M. Manufacturing, ingenuity & innovation in machine technology, and shopping for the right machine tool. -- Episode Structure: [01:54] - Welcome Nicole Wolter [02:35] - Nicole's IMTS Objective [05:15] - Rebranding the Company [07:10] - Ingenuity and Innovation [09:30] - Shopping for a Machine Tool [11:54] - Conclusion of Episode   Mentioned in this Episode: HM Manufacturing Sandvik's New Connectivity Solutions for Manufacturing Nicole Wolter | LinkedIn    We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • jim@makingchips.com • jason@makingchips.com • ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On today’s episode of MakingChips, we welcome back our good friend Ray Ziganto, President of Bi-Link, to the show. Bi-Link is a global mechanical component supplier that specializes in Stamping, Injection Molding, Die Cut, EMI/RFI Shielding, and  Assembly. Today’s topics of discussion include advancements in manufacturing technology, 3D measurement systems & scanners, and IMTS “Orphans”. Later on we shift the conversation to marketing analysis, strengthening business relationships with your top customers, and product development.   -- Episode Structure: [02:10] - Mecca of the Industry [03:30] - Welcome Ray Ziganto [05:08] - Advancements in Technology [08:30] - 3D Systems & Scanners [13:05] - IMTS Orphans [16:04] - The Marketing Pendulum Swings [18:10] - Analyzing Marketing Results [21:08] - Separating from a Customer [23:20] - Ray’s Product Development [25:50] - Conclusion of Episode   Mentioned in this Episode: Bi-Link  Ray Ziganto | LinkedIn    We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: •

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome special guest Jeremy Bout, the Producer and Host of Edge Factor to our show. Edge Factor produces inspiring, high impact media that tell the stories of innovative teams who design and build incredible products that impact lives and ultimately... the future of the country. Their mission is to equip educators and business leaders with media and resources to inspire the next generation of makers.   Jeremy shares his passion for inspiring the future generation of manufacturing and speaks about his work with Edge Factor. He tells us about his roots in manufacturing, his perception of manufacturing as an art form, and his use of multimedia resources for educators and business leaders to inspire the next generation of advanced manufacturers.   Episode Structure: [02:20] - Introducing Jeremy Bout of Edge Factor [06:00] - From Manufacturing to Media [08:45] - Work Environment [11:04] - Representing Your Industry [13:56] - Manufacturing Art [16:00] - Stories from Edge Factor

Welcome to another episode of MakingChips. On this episode, we welcome Julie Poulos of Red Caffeine back to our show. Julie talks with us about the importance of telling your company's story while building relationships. We also discuss takeaways from IMTS, marketing automation, and Julie shares some tips on prospecting. Early on in the show we welcome Chuck Rigali of Alro Steel to our MakingChips studio to talk about Super Square precision mill blocks. Episode Structure: [00:15] - Episode Preview [02:49] - New Wave of Manufacturing [03:57] - Welcome Chuck Rigali [05:46] - Super Square [07:40] - Square and Parallel [08:40] - Raw Material [10:16] - Costs [11:23] - Julie Poulous [12:04] - Takeaways from IMTS [13:15] - Telling Your Story [15:04] - Making a Connection [17:05] - Organizing and Analyzing [19:45] - Marketing Automation [21:11] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Alro Steel  Chuck Rigali | LinkedIn Red Caffeine Julie Poulos | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Natio

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome two very special guests to the show. Meghan West and Ben Mund of CNC Software Inc., the developers of Mastercam CAM software. Meghan serves as President of the company, and Ben is the Senior Marketing Analyst. Both Ben and Meghan talk to us about their respective positions with CNC Software Inc., their takeaways from IMTS, exciting new technology in manufacturing, and we get a preview of Mastercam’s latest user interface. In Manufacturing News, we recap Penny Pritzker's Keynote address at IMTS 2016.   Episode Structure: [02:45] - Manufacturing News [08:00] - Welcome Meghan West and Ben Mund [09:01] - Takeaways from IMTS [11:41] - Mastercam's Reseller Network [14:25] - Ben’s Role at Mastercam [16:08] - Exciting New Technology [19:40] - Practical Application of Additive [21:50] - Continuous Innovation [23:40] - Mastercam’s New Interface [27:40] - Breaking out of your Comfort Zone [30:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Mastercam

Welcome to the first mini episode of MakingChips. In this special MakingChips mini episode, we welcome back Elena Valentine of Skill Scout to the show. Elena talks about what brought her to IMTS, what's new at Skill Scout, the Smartforce Student Summit, and the resurgence of the maker movement.   Episode Structure: [01:30] - What Brought you to IMTS? [03:20] - Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing [07:30] - Smartforce Student Summit [08:20] - What’s New with Skill Scout? [10:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Skill Scout Smartforce Student Summit Elena Valentine | LinkedIn  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

Welcome to another special edition of MakingChips! On this episode, we meet with Nick Goellner and his brother Noah at the IMTS 2016 TV studio. Nick works as the Marketing Director at Henning and AME. Hennig designs and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools. We talk about how Nick and Noah got involved in the family business, what their roles are at Henning/AME, and we dive into the practice and theory of Quick Response Manufacturing. We also highlight some of the exciting things we've seen at this year's IMTS. Episode Structure: [02:50] - IMTS Keynote [05:40] - AMT Emerging Technolgoy [07:20] - Additive Manufacturing [09:29] - Welcome Nick Goellner [10:00] - History of Henning/AME [12:00] - Nick’s Role [15:00] - Family Business [17:15] - Marketing and Manufacturing [21:15} - Welcome Noah Goellner [22:50] - Quick Response Manufacturing [27:00] - Pushback from the Team [31:50] - QRM Certification [33:25] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in

This week: We are coming to you live from IMTS 2016! On this special episode of MakingChips, we welcome Jason Harrelson, founder of Harrelson Trumpets to our IMTS TV studio. Harrelson Trumpets is a leading manufacturer of world class trumpets and accessories. Jason talks about how he got started building custom made trumpets, the process and machining behind it, his experience with Kickstarter, and what excites him about IMTS. Episode Structure: [03:40] - The Beginning [07:02] - The Process [09:05] - Word of Mouth [11:15] - Custom Components [14:30] - What brought you to ITMS? [17:03] - Kickstarter Campaigns Mentioned in this Episode: Harrelson Trumpets http://www.whyharrelson.com Watch Jason play along to our Theme Song!  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips, we answer a question from a listener and aspiring manufacturing leader named Doug. Doug asks the question: "Not being a manager yet, what can I do to promote a positive culture/work environment at work?" Jim and Jason share their respective opinions on the matter. In Manufacturing News, we talk about concerns over rising wages in the metal industry. Later on, we share some details on our Make & Elevate series, and we preview IMTS' "Miles for Manufacturing" 5K event. Episode Structure: [03:05] - Manufacturing News [05:30] - Hiring Filters [08:07] - Make & Elevate [09:45] - IMTS 5K Run [11:40] - Sandvik Infographic [14:37] - Ask MakingChips [19:30] - Life is Great Attitude Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Make & Elevate Miles For Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk Sandvik Infographic Summary |The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Today on MakingChips we give you an inside look at what you can expect to see at IMTS 2016. We tell you what you need to be prepared, where you can find us at the event, a brief rundown on what's happening in the four different buildings, as well as information to help you find where you're going. In Manufacturing News, we talk about the history of IMTS, and later on we reveal some exciting new details about our highly anticipated Make & Elevate Series. Episode Structure: [02:30] - Manufacturing News [04:40] - Being Prepared for IMTS [07:20] - Find MakingChips at IMTS [11:05] - Find Where You're Going [14:30] - Machine Utilization [17:40] - Student Summit [18:35] - Make & Elevate Series [23:45] - Corporate Snapshot [25:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 | App Store Make & Elevate

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Karla Dobbeck to the show. Karla is a certified professional in Human Resource Management with over 20 years experience in many aspects of human resource management and employment law compliance issues. Karla shares some tips and tricks to help machinists elevate their resume to the next level. In manufacturing news, we talk about Tesla Motor's decision to manufacture in the United States. We speak to Brian Papke of Mazak about their booth at the upcoming IMTS 2016, and Jason lists 6 reasons why you should sign up now for our highly anticipated Make and Elevate event.     Episode Structure: [01:45] - Manufacturing News [05:08] - Electric Cars [05:56] - American Made Cars [07:34] - Make and Elevate [10:50] - Mazak at IMTS 2016 [15:36] - News at CARR Machine [17:26] - Welcome Back Karla Dobbeck [21:03] - Machinists and Resumes [23:01] - Customizing for the Job [26:20] - Cover Letter [28:55] - Application vs Resume [33:09] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in thi

Where are you going?   Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing (your mission), where you’re trying to go (your vision), and how you’re going to go about it (your values) are the glue that holds an organization together.   On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason dive into the subject of corporate vision. Notably, the questions you should be asking yourself when developing your companies vision. In manufacturing news, we discuss signs of a slowdown in auto sales. We also highlight some of the exciting things we will be doing during our highly anticipated Leadership Series.   Episode Structure: [02:11] - Manufacturing News [04:00] - Getaround [05:56] - IMTS 2016 [07:54] - Make & Elevate [13:58] - Vision [16:00] - Question 1 [19:26] - Question 2 [20:43] - Question 3 [23:40] - Diversifying [27:20] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Getaround Make & Elevate IMTS 2016  We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome to the show Bill Angsten, co-founder of Compass Automation. Compass Automation designs and builds custom equipment to automate manufacturing processes. Bill talks with us about how he started the company, what Compass Automation does differently, maintaining a strong company culture, and marketing yourself differently. In manufacturing news, we talk about Facebook's recent venture into hardware research and we share more information about our highly anticipated Leadership Series.   Episode Structure: [01:50] - What's New? [02:35] - Manufacturing News [05:40] - Leadership Series [09:15] - IMTS 2016 / Sandvik Coromant [11:15] - Welcome Bill Angsten [12:16] - Compass Automation's Background [14:30] - What Does Compass Automation Do Differently? [20:04] - Hiring & Marketing [24:21] - Corporate Culture [26:45] - Marketing Differently [28:40] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Leadership Series IMTS 2016 Compass Automation Bill Angste

It is not unusual for multiple members of a family to work at the same business.  However, such situations can be troublesome if the relationships give rise to suspicions of favoritism or unfair treatment. We see this a lot in family business, government, everywhere.  After all, it’s in our human nature to help those we love and who are like us but is it good for the business? What should your company do to avoid nepotism? "Growing up [in the family business], you were very cognizant of the fact that employees thought you were being treated in a different way." - Jim Carr On this episode of MakingChips, Jim & Jason share their experiences with family in the business and lay out 7 different ways to avoid nepotism in the workplace. Episode Structure: [02:15] - Sandvik Coromant Video [03:22] - Manufacturing News [05:56] - Listener Email [10:00] - What is Nepotism? [13:36] - Seperation [19:00] - Evaluation [20:02] - Hiring Process [24:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode:   Ways to Avoid N

How is digital manufacturing going to affect the modern machine shop? On this episode of MakingChips, we are joined by Jeff Rizzie, Senior Manager of Business Development at Sandvik Coromant. Jeff talks with us about the next phase of digital manufacturing and what changes we can expect to see in the future in terms of process improvement and efficiency. He also shares some key steps to help you start digitizing in your manufacturing shop. In manufacturing news, we talk about open-book management and what one firm is doing to help implement that system. Also discussed is the highly anticipated Mastermind Series and Workshop, as well as the upcoming IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [01:35] - Audio/Video [02:45] - Manufacturing News [07:53] - Mastermind Series and Workshop [11:11] - What’s Going On at ZENGERS [14:55] - Welcome Jeff Rizzie [16:30] - What Is the Future of Manufacturing? [21:45] - Process vs Discreet Manufacturing [24:40] - Key Steps to Start Digitizing [29:01] - Extracting Information from a CNC

We are happy to announce that this is the first episode of MakingChips shot entirely with video. We want to thank Chuck Shroeder and IMTS for coming to our studio and making all of us look good. Video segments of this episode are soon to come. On this episode of MakingChips, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Cassie Haupers, Vice President at Swiss Precision Machining. SPM is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company that serves many different industries including: medical, dental, aerospace and automotive and fiber optics industries. Growing up in the manufacturing world, Cassie wants to continue her family tradition and build the business for the next generation. Topics of discussion in this week's episode include: Cassie's history and background with SPM, SPM's expansion into a new facility, driving and defining company culture, overcoming bumps in the road, succession planning, communicating your vision to your company, women in manufacturing, and working with family. Episode Structure: [02:30] - Manufac

On part 2 of this episode of MakingChips, we continue our discussion with Bill Strauss, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Topics discussed in this episode include the world economy, energy prices and their impact on manufacturing, borrowing and loans, education, growth rate, future economic trends, and the millennial generation. Episode Structure: [01:30] - Manufacturing Renaissance [03:35] - Energy Production and Manufacturing [06:05] - "The Good Old Days" [07:30] - The Two Ways to Economic Growth [10:45] - Educated Workforce [15:00] - Gradual Improvement [16:15] - Quick Fire Questions for Bill [18:40] - A Glimpse into the Future [21:55] - Millennial Generation’s Effect on Manufacturing [23:45] - Conclusion of Episode We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

On part 1 of this 2 part episode, we have a conversation with Bill Strauss. Bill is a senior economist and economic advisor in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. His research papers include analysis of the manufacturing sector, the automotive sector, the Midwest regional economy, the trade-weighted dollar, business cycles and Federal Reserve payments operations. Bill shares his experience working with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and how it relates to manufacturing. We also discuss the highly anticipated MakingChips Mastermind and Workshop series, Jim shares his experience working with SkillScout,  and we discuss the future of automation in Manufacturing News. Episode Structure: [03:20] - Manufacturing News [06:10] - MakingChips Events [07:30] - MakingChips Workshop [08:28] - IMTS 2016 Registration [10:22] - SkillScout at CARR Machine [13:45] - Introducing Bill Strauss [15:30] - Bill’s Role at the Federal Reserve [17:58] - The Rust Belt [19:15] - The 12 Cities [20

Today on MakingChips: We welcome a very special VIP guest to our show,  Sean Holt - President for the Americas at Sandvik Coromant. Sean has more than twenty years of engineering, business development and management experience. He is currently responsible for Sandvik Coromant's organization in North and South America. Sean shares his background with us, his history with Sandvik, and weighs in on what he believes defines a great manufacturing leader. We also discuss the importance of communication, the future of cutting tools, and what we can do to change the perception of manufacturing. Jim and Jason talk about MakingChips' highly anticipated Mastermind Series & Workshop, and we share more information about the upcoming International Manufacturing Trade Show (IMTS 2016). Episode Structure: [02:40] - Manufacturing News - mitchell lace manufacturing [04:45] - What’s New with Jason? [06:05] - MakingChips Mastermind Series [08:15] - IMTS 2016 [09:35] - News at ZENGERS [12:00] - Introducing Sean Holt [14:20]