Makingchips | Equipping Manufacturing Leaders

Can small shops begin to automate their processes? Where do they start with automation? In this episode of MakingChips, the CNC Samurai, Steve Courchane, returns to share his passion for automation. He lays out his 3M process and how it changes the way you view automation. Because if you’re not modeling, making, or measuring—you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Zenger Segments [0:20] Join the AMT community!  [4:06] Update on my progress!  [5:40] Welcoming Steve Courchane back [7:35] Machine Shop Masterclass [14:53] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [19:52] Who is the CNC Samurai?  [23:30] Why branding was important to Steve [26:13] It’s time to graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [27:33] How Steve’s mindset has changed about automation [34:27] When Steve learned to love automation  [36:37] Steve’s 3M process: model, make, and measure Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT community!  What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist? Winning the War for

Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, you need to seek out new customers and build relationships with them while pushing them through your sales pipeline. The reality is that you have to make more sales to grow your business.  You need a way to track and measure your progress with potential customers (and current key accounts). In this episode of MakingChips, Jason returns to help us get back to the basics of business. Because if you’re not managing the sales pipeline, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:15] Join the AMT Community! [1:55] Jason is back to MakingChips! [6:05] Manufacturing News: Whistleblowers are dying [11:04] How to gauge the potential of an account [16:24] Creating key accounts from target accounts  [19:45] Get NetSuite by Oracle for your business [21:26] Measuring customer relationships [24:56] Is it too much work for account reps?  [27:30] It’s about getting back to the basics Resources mentioned on this epi

You need to know the “numbers” in your business. Every business owner needs to know that they’re making enough to pay their employees, make and deliver their products, and grow the business. That’s just good business. Non-financial metrics are important, too. A successful business has to focus on quality, safety, customer service, on-time delivery, retention, and even culture. Because if your culture is dialed in, the numbers will prove it. We take a deep look at the different numbers that are important for a manufacturing business to know in this part 2 episode of MakingSparks with Mike Payne.  Also, listen to the end for a BIG announcement. – Matthew Nix Segments [1:00] Recapping part I with Mike Payne [3:13] Everything comes down to numbers [13:59] How to learn the numbers [17:49] How to decide what’s important [26:38] When should you hire someone? [35:20] Introducing “By the Numbers” Resources mentioned on this episode ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On Linked

Mike Payne has spent the last 20+ years deeply entrenched in the M&A process with dozens of companies throughout Oklahoma. Early in his career, he realized he loved the world of manufacturing. He also learned that he enjoyed operating a business. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to unfold.  Then it happened: Six years ago, Mike was able to purchase Hill Manufacturing. In this episode of MakingSparks, we chat with Mike about his work in the M&A space, why he made acquisitions close to home, and what led to his passion for manufacturing.  – Matthew Nix Segments [1:10] Chit-chatting with Mike Payne [5:26] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning [6:39] Casey’s dad joke  [7:29] Mike’s background in manufacturing [9:32] Mike’s work in the M&A space [12:30] Why start with acquisitions close to home? [17:54] Get NetSuite by Oracle [19:11] Why Mike decided to run a business  [26:02] Why build relationships within the industry? Resources mentioned on this episode Warren Buffett's 2024 Annual

Are you the type of manufacturing leader who prefers to do everything yourself? You learn and innovate as you go, right? We’ve learned from experience: There is an art and a science to recruiting. I’ve muddled through using LinkedIn Recruiter to make some hires. And while it’s a great tool, it can only do so much. So in this episode of MakingChips, Trevor O’Malley joins us to discuss all aspects of recruiting, from finding the right technical fit to the right person for your culture. Because if you can’t recruit the right people, you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t make money. BAM! Segments [0:13] Join the AMT Community [3:36] Machine Shop Master Class [10:41] Introducing Trevor O’Malley [13:54] Trevor’s favorite memory of AME [15:22] Understand the world of recruiting  [20:30] Everyone needs to be on LinkedIn [22:35] Connecting the right people to the right culture [34:27] Recruiting people who are already employed Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community! ProShop ERP CiderScene Conn

My shop has been restoring a 1959 Ford F10. When we decided to recreate a digital dash for the truck, we decided to ask the LinkedIn world for help. That’s when I met Ira Laughy with rapid3D.  Rapid3D exists to solve complex measurement challenges to empower confident decision-making. We scanned the space and current dash and Ira and his team helped us reverse-engineer the process to design a CAD model to ultimately create the part we need. Ira shares how you can use a 3D scanner to reverse engineer a part in this fascinating forward-thinking episode of MakingChips. Because if you can’t make the part you need, you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money. BAM!  — Mike Payne Segments [2:28] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight: Robin Moore [5:37] Introducing Ira Laughy with Rapid3D [9:44] What inspired Ira to launch Rapid3D [12:18] The cost associated with a 3D scanner [16:51] From scan to CAD to part [20:50] Make the move to Netsuite by Oracle [22:10] Ira’s experience bringing designs to life  [24:2

How important is building relationships and trust with your vendors? When you do have established relationships, are you placing too much trust in them? How do you balance being business savvy and trusting?  Mark McCormack is known for saying “All things being equal, people will do business with a friend; all things being unequal, people will still do business with a friend.” How much does this matter in the supply chain? Let’s see if we have an answer. We dissect the topic in this episode of MakingChips. – Nick Segments [0:22] Join the AMT Community at AMTOnline.org [5:21] The Chip on Mike’s Shoulder: Managing vendor relationships [7:48] “All things being equal, people will do business with friends” [13:53] When good intentions get in the way of business [16:21] Are you providing value to your vendors? [18:44] How much transparency should you provide? [27:03] Navigating price increases with your vendors [32:18] Tracking quality, price, delivery, and more Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Co

What are the benefits of working closely with a local career & technical education center? You can have a huge impact on the local community, education system, and businesses. If you partner with a local technical center, it could have a far-reaching impact—and it just might help you recruit the next generation.  Nix Partners with a local career & technical education center in Southwest Indiana. David St. Clair and Hannah Lang join us in this episode of MakingSparks to share how collaboration can benefit the students, the community, and your business.  Segments [2:58] Learn more about David St. Clair [5:00] Casey’s dad joke [5:42] Learn more about Hannah Lang [7:36] Spark of Knowledge: Judging ability  [8:52] The impact of our welding competition  [15:41] Trends in the CTE system  [20:54] NetSuite by Oracle [22:11] Why you should partner with a CTE [27:20] More details about the tech center [31:10] What’s next for David’s CTE?  [32:53] How to work with a local tech center  Resources mentioned on thi

POV: You’re a woman with an entrepreneurial edge. You want to start a business. Why not consider the manufacturing industry? There are only 6,431 women-owned manufacturing businesses in the United States (representing just 2% of all manufacturing companies). 20% of them are minority-owned. This industry needs a woman’s perspective and expertise. So what does it take to get into the industry? Nicole Wolter—the President & CEO at HM Manufacturing—shares her advice for budding female entrepreneurs in this episode of MakingChips.  Segments [1:22] Join the AMT Community!  [3:03] Manufacturing News: U.S. Women-Owned Manufacturers [7:04] Becoming a certified woman-owned business [15:11] Get NetSuite’s KPI Checklist for Free [16:43] The manufacturing industry is changing  [21:52] What Nick tells his daughter about manufacturing [25:20] Hiring more women in manufacturing  [30:53] Nicole’s advice for budding female entrepreneurs Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT Community!  What is a Woman Manufac

POV: You’ve decided to start the process of implementing automation in your machine shop—but it isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. It’s a process that consists of failing forward and learning from every mistake. Tom Schroeder—the Executive Vice President at PBC Linear—joins us in this episode of Lights Out to share how to prioritize flexibility when you invest in and begin to implement automation in your shop. Because if you’re not making the right chips, you’re not making money. – Nick Segments [1:28] Learn more about Kaleb Mertz [4:04] Today’s guest: Tom Schroeder  [5:16] What's the Chip on Your Shoulder?  [11:44] PBC Linear’s investment in an MCM  [16:52] Get NetSuite’s KPI Checklist  [19:31] Managing high mix low volume  [23:40] Steps to take before automating  [27:11] Why automation is necessary  [30:00] Innovation = learning to think differently  [32:30] Automation doesn’t take away jobs  Resources mentioned on this episode Get your free KPI checklist from NetSuite by Oracle!  Kaleb Mertz on LinkedI

There are around 17,000 contract manufacturing job shops in the US. That sounds pretty great, right? The truth is that growth is down 16% since 2008. Now, more than ever, we need new entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry. Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, and Mike Payne join me in this roundtable discussion to talk about the vast opportunities available, how to take advantage of them, and why manufacturing leaders should encourage and grow entrepreneurs from within their businesses. Because if manufacturing isn’t growing, we aren’t MakingChips, and we aren’t making money. BAM! – Nick Goellner Segments [1:41] Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, Mike Payne [2:33] Manufacturing News: Leverage AMT’s custom research [11:07] Our reaction to the declining number of job shops [18:02] What Mike looks for in an acquisition [23:55] Join the AMT community! [24:48] Why every shop can leverage an ERP [28:00] There are vast opportunities available [33:55] Why you should grow future entrepreneurs  Resourc

How can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan return to share how this program has positively impacted them and the business.  – Matthew Nix Segments [1:03] Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist [4:56] Casey’s dad joke (stolen from his five-year-old) [5:41] The essential part(s) of an improvement program [15:48] Spark of Knowledge: Business development [16:59] Why communication is critical for success [19:37] The most rewarding part of this industry [21:55] The importance of a culture of respect Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do we recruit more young talent to fabrication? How do we navigate rapid growth balanced with training and development? How do we help develop young talent into our future leaders? These are just a few questions we wrestle with in this episode of MakingSparks with special guests Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan.  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:48] Join the AMT online community  [2:14] Introducing Jack Henry Hagan & Dakta Hunt [3:47] Casey’s dad joke [4:16] Dakota’s background in fabrication [8:27] Jack Henry’s background in fabrication [11:24] Sparks of Knowledge: CRMs [13:45] Why fabrication is rewarding work [16:28] Dos and don’ts for bringing in young talent [21:38] How to handle rapid growth  Resources mentioned on this episode Join the AMT online community  ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practices, and why the work they do is incredibly important.  – Casey Segments [1:09] Learn more about AMT [2:38] Introducing special guest Nate Foote [7:57] Casey’s dad joke [9:31] BWXT’s team-building process [13:54] Their program with a local high school  [15:39] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning  [17:28] The recruiting strategies they leverage  [26:38] Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist  [29:42] BWXT’s involvement in niche markets [31:18] Their commitment to processes [35:38] What’s keeping Nate up at night [36:35] What Nate’s most excited about Resources mentioned on this episode Learn more about AMT Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist Connect with Nate on LinkedIn BWXT Mount

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the right tool, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:19] FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop [2:17] Nick’s dad joke [2:43] Learn more about R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo [9:45] The definition of precision [12:16] The history of lasers in machining [19:28] Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist [21:29] Plasma versus water jet versus laser cutting [25:55] Cutting with nitrogen versus oxygen [31:05] How technology is driving innovation [38:48] Are people still G-code programming? Resources mentioned on this episode FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop When the Machine Stopped Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo Connect with R.J. Reed Netsuite by Oracle’s Ulti

On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll share Jason’s miraculous story. We’ll also share some of the lessons we’ve learned throughout the last couple of months. Be ready to be awe-struck.  – Nick Segments [0:18] IMTS 2024 [2:01] Miracle #1: Making it to the hospital [8:35] Miracle #2: Getting a heart transplant [12:01] Miracle #3: Being near the right hospital  [14:41] Miracle #4: Hearing Jason on the phone [21:22] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [24:16] Takeaway #1: Focus on your health [26:59] Takeaway #2: Create an estate plan [29:23] Takeaway #3: Build a team you can trust [32:19] Takeaway #4: Don’t take anything for granted  Resources mentioned on this episode Jason’s CaringBridge page Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist IMTS 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On Link

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally.  However, they had lofty goals for the business and ultimately needed more capital to realize those goals. Joe shares how they expanded their family business and why they sold the majority of their shares to private equity in this episode of MakingSparks. Listen to learn how you can help your family business make sparks, grow, and make money. Segments [1:20] Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security [5:03] Matthew’s dad joke [6:20] Learn more about Joe Patterson [10:50] Why Joe initially left the family business  [13:30] Sparks of Knowledge: Host “tryouts” [14:33] How to have the conversation with family  [17:05] How Flanders scaled the family business [20:51] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist

communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations?  Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all.  – Matthew Nix If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE. Segments [0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [4:38] Casey’s dad joke [5:30] Common challenges family businesses face [7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media [8:40] How to have hard conversations  [10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance [16:50] The purpose of the family council [19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:24] Open communication is the goal [26:08] When a small business should start [31:10] Think about the future now [32:30] Thomasnet programs Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn T.A. Dickel Group Tad’s podcast Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from governance to succession planning.  Tad shares why having difficult conversations with family early can make a profound impact on the long-term generational success of the business. He also covers how to have those conversations. Don’t miss this one!  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:38] Netsuite by Oracle [2:42] How Tad Dickel helps family-owned businesses [5:39] Why work with a Leadership & Strategy Consultant  [9:16] Challenges that family businesses face [12:42] Spark of Knowledge: The Ideal Team Player [13:57] Casey’s dad joke [14:25] Tad’s hope for this episode [17:43] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:33] Using a Venn diagram to think through family dynamics

Cutting tool manufacturers have to remain on the cutting edge. If you do so, it’s possible to stay competitive. We know that a solid education and training for new talent is the best first step. But you also have to learn to embrace grit to make it through. We cover what else is important to remain successful and competitive in this episode of MakingChips.  – Drew Crowe Out call-to-action: Bring us someone who can talk about innovation in the tooling industry in North America.  Segments [0:13] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [2:32] Why collaborations are important [9:02] Manufacturing fuels grit  [11:18] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [14:58] The future of American manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Andy Mueller Missouri Tools Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security 5 Keys to A Successful Cutting Tool Manufacturing Business with Mike Polizzi Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube