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Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation. Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types. It’s hosted by Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, two multi-generational manufacturing leaders, and they’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more. Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.
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Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
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Mar 12, 2024

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 

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Mar 5, 2024

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

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Feb 27, 2024

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

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Feb 20, 2024

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

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Feb 13, 2024

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

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Feb 6, 2024

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 

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Jan 30, 2024

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
  • [22:23] The difference between offering services and products
  • [24:40] A centralized versus decentralized model
  • [31:35] Why the family decided to sell the business
  • [40:08] How to join the AMT Community 
  • [41:00] How to scale your family business 

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Jan 23, 2024

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

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Jan 16, 2024

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

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Jan 9, 2024

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

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Jan 2, 2024

Andy Mueller is a seasoned vet in manufacturing, one of the real OGs. I’ve leaned on him for advice and support throughout the years because he’s been through the seasons and weathered the storms. Andy was able to step in and teach my students things that I couldn’t with my limited resources. That’s why, in this episode of MakingChips, we have a conversation with Andy about inspiring the next generation and teaching them what they can’t learn in classes. Because if they aren’t MakingChips, they aren't making money. BAM!

– Drew Crowe

Segments

  • [0:12] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [6:58] Drew’s passion for the metalworking nation
  • [7:42] Where in the world is Tony Gunn?
  • [12:36] Introducing Andy Mueller
  • [16:00] Impacting the future of manufacturing
  • [23:59] Check out Thomas™ Programs
  • [25:18] Get your team invested in the process
  • [27:00] Andy’s start in manufacturing 
  • [29:37] The value Andy brought to Ranken students
  • [39:00] What are you trying to achieve? 

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Dec 26, 2023

Kyle Stoff spent his high school years doing parkour and making butterfly knives by hand. By the end of his Junior Year in high school, he’d decided he wanted to get into manufacturing to perfect his knife-making process. He skipped his Senior Year and dove into a full-time program at Ranken, becoming one of my best—and youngest—students. 

Now, Kyle works full-time for Orizon Aerostructures and makes his knives on days and weekends. His knives typically sell starting at $1,800—many are auctioned off even higher. He shares his story and why he’s passionate about manufacturing in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making knives, and you’re not making money. BAM!

– Drew Crowe

Segments

  • [0:17] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [3:08] How MakingChips launched Drew’s career
  • [8:40] Shoutout to Mark Bosworth at Southwestern Illinois College
  • [11:12] Celebrating MakingChips hitting 1,000,000 downloads
  • [17:11] Introducing today’s guest: Kyle Stoff with Orizon Aerostructures
  • [24:07] Check out Thomas™ Programs
  • [26:52] Shifting to making knives on a CNC machine
  • [31:47] Kyle inspired a curriculum change
  • [42:12] Kyle’s message to aspiring machinists
  • [44:03] The trajectory of Kyle’s future

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Dec 19, 2023

Do you express gratitude for your team members? Do they know their work is appreciated? Do you help guide them through their career so they can continue to learn and improve? Too many shops overwork good employees because they achieve excellence. That’s a mistake. It’s one of many reasons machine shops struggle with retention. 

In part II of our conversation with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, we talk about the importance of showing appreciation. We also cover why it’s important for account managers to offer value, and how to retain young talent. Because if you’re not appreciating your talent, you won’t retain them. And if you can’t retain them, you’re not MakingChips, and definitely you’re not making money. BAM!

– Nick

Segments

  • [0:21] Register for IMTS 2024
  • [2:22] We need to express gratitude
  • [7:38] Recap of part I
  • [8:16] Transitioning to Edge Technologies
  • [15:35] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [17:19] What we look for when we hire
  • [20:39] Recruiting the next generation
  • [25:58] Thomas™ Programs

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Dec 12, 2023

How can we attract the next generation to machining? How can small shops attract and retain talent? How can we fuel greatness? In this episode of MakingChips, guest host Drew “The MFG” Crowe—the force behind the American Manufacturing Renaissance—brings on Dan Borders with Edge Technologies to start to tackle these questions. Because if you’re not attracting and retaining top talent, you won’t have a team to make chips. BAM!

– Nick

Segments

  • [0:16] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [1:50] Introducing Drew “The MFG” Crowe 
  • [8:43] Why “Y’all” is universal
  • [9:50] The Chip on Drew’s shoulder: Influencers
  • [19:17] Netsuite by Oracle
  • [20:47] Introducing Dan Borders
  • [31:50] How Dan landed at Davis Tool & Die Co.
  • [40:51] Thomas™ Programs

Resources mentioned on this episode

Dec 5, 2023

What separates successful shops from unsuccessful ones? The people. As a leader, taking care of your people is paramount. So how do you manage and lead your people better? By following the Golden Rule. How do you apply the “Golden Rule” in business? Mike Ruge—the Integrator and Experience Director at ZENGERS—shares what that looks like and it can transform your business in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren’t taking care of your people, they won’t be MakingChips and if they’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! 

Segments

  • [0:16] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs
  • [4:10] Manufacturing News: Tesla is changing perspectives 
  • [8:45] Applying the Golden Rule in your business
  • [14:33] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [16:07] Ask questions to collaborate on a solution 
  • [22:26] How to shift your culture in the right direction
  • [25:34] How to address underperformance 
  • [35:02] Some BIG changes at ZENGERS and Hennig 
  • [37:06] Learn how to be more empathetic
  • [38:06] Learn more about IMTS+
  • [39:31] How to keep yourself accountable

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Nov 29, 2023

How do you select the right ERP for your business? What should the implementation process look like? What are some mistakes you must absolutely avoid making? In this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre shares some of the lessons he’s learned from failed ERP implementations. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! 

– Nick 

Segments

  • [0:17] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs
  • [2:20] The definitions of ERP, QMS, and MES
  • [6:08] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [7:47] The chip on my shoulder: Weaponizing contracts
  • [11:02] Paul Van Metre’s background in the industry 
  • [12:47] You need to involve every impacted department 
  • [17:13] Choose a system that works for the whole shop
  • [19:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [21:27] Use real data and processes in demos
  • [23:34] The implementation process: Let go of the past
  • [29:43] Overcoming analysis paralysis in the implementation process
  • [36:46] Register for the exhibitor workshop for IMTS 2024! 

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Nov 22, 2023

Why do you need to create video content, both for recruiting team members and bringing in new business? How do you get started when you don’t have the budget to hire a production company? Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix share what you can do to kickstart video marketing for your shop—and why it’s incredibly important—in this episode of MakingChips! Because if you aren’t Making videos, you’re losing out on money. BAM!

– Nick

Segments

  • [0:16] Sign up for a Thomasnet™ program
  • [3:11] Manufacturing News: Short-form video trends
  • [9:12] How Casey started working with Nix Companies
  • [13:27] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [16:16] How to get started creating videos 
  • [22:33] Integrate video marketing into your business
  • [24:16] Content marketing in manufacturing
  • [27:57] A day in the life of a craftsman
  • [29:05] Incorporating video into MakingChips
  • [29:44] Join the AMT Community
  • [32:00] Why you need to create video content

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Nov 14, 2023

What is FabTech? Why should anyone in welding, fabrication, metal forming, or finishing attend FabTech? They not only hold seminars and have booths and exhibitors to visit. You won’t only learn about trends in technology and meet with potential suppliers. Most importantly, you’ll be able to network. In this episode of MakingSparks recorded live at FabTech 2023, we interview a couple of people we met at FabTech whose careers were positively impacted because they showed up. Don’t miss it.

– Matthew Nix

Segments

  • [1:16] Why you should go to FabTech
  • [2:35] Netsuite by Oracle
  • [4:06] Networking opportunities at FabTech
  • [6:13] Casey’s dad joke 
  • [7:04] FabTech will help rejuvenate you 
  • [11:38] What stood out at FabTech 2023
  • [13:38] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [16:27] Spark of Knowledge: Use a CRM 
  • [17:49] Stephanie Hoffman with the AWS
  • [22:39] Learn more about Weld.com
  • [27:32] Check out Thomas™ services

Resources mentioned on this episode

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Nov 8, 2023

Recruiting in manufacturing can be difficult. Many students are taught the traditional “Graduate high school and go to college for four years” mentality. While there’s nothing wrong with taking that route, how do we capture the attention of young talent? How do we make them see the career trajectory available in welding or fabrication? Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin share some actionable tactics and strategies in this episode of MakingSparks!

– Matthew Nix 

Segments

  • [1:13] Lindsey’s dad joke
  • [2:35] Create a Thomas™ profile
  • [5:02] The internship programs at Nix Companies
  • [9:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [12:21] How Nix is investing in recruiting 
  • [15:57] The benefits of video marketing 
  • [19:54] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security
  • [23:13] Spark of Knowledge: Try candidate tryouts
  • [24:16] Leverage social media for recruiting
  • [31:22] Now trending: work/life balance
  • [34:23] Show children different career options
  • [36:34] Register for IMTS 2024
  • [37:42] Be authentic and consistent 

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Nov 1, 2023

Most mom-and-pop shops don’t have to worry about recruiting, hiring, and retaining talent until they decide they want to grow. When you find yourself needing to recruit and hire talent, where do you start? Start with your core values. Your company needs core values and a clear mission and vision to hire the right people, build the right culture, and retain your team long-term. Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin weigh in on what it takes to recruit top talent in this episode of MakingSparks.

Segments

  • [1:10] Introducing Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin
  • [2:30] Casey’s dad joke of the day
  • [4:02] Hiring and recruiting in the beginning
  • [6:37] Sign up for a Thomas™ program!
  • [9:38] How Angela learned the culture
  • [12:18] Spark of Knowledge: Core Values
  • [13:38] Angela’s role encompasses retention 
  • [15:35] Recruiting women in fabrication 
  • [18:15] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security 
  • [17:23] The importance of core values 
  • [28:23] Join the AMT community

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Oct 24, 2023

MakingSparks has officially arrived! Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks.

In this episode, Matthew shares more about Nix Companies and their explosive growth over the last 20 years. We’ll also cover what you can expect from MakingSparks, who should listen, and give you a sneak peek at our next episode. 

– Casey 

Segments

  • [3:24] Learn more about Matthew Nix and Nix Companies
  • [5:33] Recruiting and talent retention in fabrication
  • [7:27] Spark of Knowledge: Branding and marketing
  • [9:25] Growing the company to 100x revenue
  • [10:21] Who should listen to the MakingSparks podcast?
  • [13:50] Learn more about IMTS+
  • [15:13] What should we talk about?
  • [16:25] What’s happening in our next episode? 

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Oct 17, 2023

Are you in welding or fabrication? Are you a long-time listener of MakingChips who’s just been waiting for content that speaks directly to you? The wait is over. In this episode of MakingChips, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix join us to introduce a brand new addition to the MakingChips lineup: MakingSparks. Casey and Matthew will be hosting the show that will bring even more industry voices to the mic. Tune in to this episode to learn exactly what to expect from this new podcast! Because if you’re not MakingSparks, you’re not making money. BAM!

— Jason 

Segments

  • [2:24] Why we created the MakingSparks podcast
  • [6:19] What’s going to be different about MakingSparks?
  • [7:16] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic planning
  • [10:23] Free KPI checklist from Netsuite by Oracle
  • [14:46] The evolution of Nix Companies 
  • [18:44] What we want your takeaway to be
  • [20:36] IMTS 2024: Sept 9th-14th in Chicago
  • [21:57] Who will MakingSparks speak to?

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Oct 10, 2023

You’ve found your acquisition target. They’ve committed to selling you the business. Now the real work begins. It’s time for due diligence. Where does due diligence start? What factors should you consider? How do you build a checklist? 

Jason, Nick, Adam Schmitt, and I tackle due diligence in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not doing due diligence, you may miss important factors that will impact your ability to make chips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! 

– Matthew Nix

Segments

  • [0:57] Where does due diligence start? 
  • [6:43] Don’t be afraid to walk away
  • [9:33] Will leaders and employees stay?
  • [11:01] Take a deep dive into processes
  • [12:26] Asset purchase vs. stock purchase
  • [15:45] Don’t stop asking questions
  • [18:46] How to develop your own checklist

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Oct 3, 2023

How do you increase your capacity, make more chips, and bring on new clients without buying a new machine or pitching yourself to a single end user? Buying a company. Acquisitions are a large part of how we’ve all built our companies. But how do you start acquiring companies? Why would you want to? 

In this episode of MakingChips, Adam Schmitt—the Managing Partner of ProFab Alliance—joins Jason, Nick, and I (Matthew Nix) to dive into the starting point of acquisitions. Because if you’re not making acquisitions, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!

– Matthew Nix

Segments

  • [3:43] Manufacturing News: Trade School Programs
  • [9:39] Why should you make acquisitions? 
  • [16:04] How should you look for acquisitions? 
  • [23:35] Buyout conversations gone wrong
  • [26:39] Why you need to pay attention to due diligence

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Sep 18, 2023

Once you’ve implemented lean manufacturing, how do you sustain a lean culture? How do you motivate your team to focus on continuous improvement? How do you inspire them to keep reaching and passing their goals? 

In this episode of MakingChips—part 2 of a live panel discussion at TSMA with special guests Doug Bawel, Femi D-Etti, and Jake Ward—we dive into what it takes to maintain a lean culture. It can be so easy to fall back into old patterns but it’s important to stay the course. 

Because if you can’t sustain a lean culture, you won’t be MakingChips efficiently, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!

– Jason

Segments

  • [0:52] Leading measures for lean manufacturing
  • [5:34] Balancing day-to-day with improvement projects
  • [11:46] Learn more about NetSuite by Oracle
  • [13:17] How to sustain a lean culture
  • [17:40] Their biggest wins in the lean process
  • [24:58] Some final thoughts on lean manufacturing 

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