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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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Now displaying: April, 2016
Apr 20, 2016

There are several options when it comes to selling one of your old machines. Some are more convenient than others, but might offer you less money than what you expected. With a little bit of added effort, you can get the most money out of your old machine. On this episode of MakingChips, Jim shares his steps for creating a successful eBay campaign. We also talk about the upcoming IMTS 2016, Chicago restaurants, and the problems the U.S. faces in manufacturing.

Episode Outline:

  • [00:07] - Episode Preview
  • [03:15] - Manufacturing News
  • [08:40] - IMTS 2016
  • [10:55] - Sandvik Coromant
  • [13:05] - Selling Your Machine Using eBay
  • [14:50] - Getting a Good Picture
  • [17:30] - Fees
  • [18:20] - Auction
  • [19:40] - Buy it Now
  • [23:15] - eBay vs Machine/Tool Dealer
  • [25:15] - Skill Scout
  • [26:20] - Episode Conclusion

Mentioned in this Episode:

We Want to Hear From You:

  • jim@makingchips.com
  • jason@makingchips.com
  • ryan@makingchips.com
  • Telephone: (312) 725-0245
Apr 14, 2016

The Manufacturing Industry of today looks a lot different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. Modern machine shops are safe, clean working environments; equipped with high-tech machinery. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with manufacturing as a "dirty" and "dark" profession. So how do we change this perception amongst our youth?  Or perhaps more importantly, their parents, whose misperceptions of the industry might lead them to believe that a four-year college degree is the only sure route to a rewarding career.

"To change people's minds and to change the perception [of manufacturing], it's the youth that we need to be educating."

-Kelly Burr

 

On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome our guest Kelly Burr, Executive Director of the Shop Rat Foundation. The Shop Rat Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ignite interest in manufacturing careers among our nation’s youth, through development of innovative educational tools, curriculum and outreach programs and in partnerships with schools, community groups, companies and industry associations. We also discuss manufacturing newsIMTS 2016, and how to start a similar hands-on program in your community.

Episode Structure:

  • [00:07] - Episode Preview
  • [01:55] - Manufacturing News
  • [05:12] - IMTS 2016 Registration
  • [07:10] - Welcome Kelly Burr
  • [08:52] - Shop Rat's Story
  • [12:10] -  Shop Rat's Mission
  • [14:10] - Students
  • [15:00] - Shop Rat’s Programs
  • [18:15] - Machining Class
  • [20:45] - Student Feedback
  • [22:05] - Exploratory and Preparatory Programs
  • [23:02] - Starting a Similar Program in your Community
  • [27:12] - Conclusion of Episode

Mentioned in this Episode:

We Want to Hear From You:

  • jim@makingchips.com
  • jason@makingchips.com
  • ryan@makingchips.com
  • Telephone: (312) 725-0245
Apr 5, 2016

There is an old saying: “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” It’s not something we want to think about, and it can be a difficult topic to discuss. Crises don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they tend to have significant consequences. Without a well-thought out, strategic plan, your business is at risk of being completely caught off guard should a disaster happen.

"Know that a crisis will happen at some point. It's just a question of how big it is or how small it is. The trick is being prepared."

- Scott McPherson

On this extended episode of MakingChips, we talk Public Relations with Scott McPherson, Principal at McPherson Public Affairs Group. Scott also shares some important tips on crisis preparation, including steps you should take to properly manage a crisis in your manufacturing shop. In Manufacturing News, we discuss the resurgence of vinyl records and it’s impact on record manufacturers. We also speak on the phone with Peter Eelman, Vice President - Exhibitions and Communications, AMT, about this year’s upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show.

Episode Structure:

  • [00:07] - Intro
  • [01:45] - Springtime in Chicago
  • [02:44] - Manufacturing News
  • [07:53] - What's New at ZENGER’S Industrial Supply
  • [08:40] - What’s New at CARR Machine & Tool
  • [09:15] - IMTS 2016
  • [09:57] - Call in with Peter Eelman
  • [17:05] - Sandvik Coromant
  • [18:20] - Welcome Scott McPherson
  • [20:15] - What does McPherson Public Affairs do?
  • [21:15] - How can my company benefit from a P.R. firm?
  • [23:40] - What Was Old Is New Again
  • [25:50] - Crisis: What are the things you should do right away?
  • [29:40] - How do you prepare for a crisis?
  • [33:08] - An Unfortunate Incident
  • [37:01] - Handle Things Right Away
  • [38:20] - Litigious Situation
  • [40:50] - What are the very basic ways to be prepared?
  • [42:06] - Reach out to Scott
  • [43:00] - MakingChips Mastermind
  • [44:05] - Conclusion of Episode

Mentioned in this Episode:

We Want to Hear From You:

  • jim@makingchips.com
  • jason@makingchips.com
  • ryan@makingchips.com
  • Telephone: (312) 725-0245
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