How do you break free from dysfunctional workplace dynamics and create real transformation? Marlene Chism, a former factory worker turned HR consultant and coach, shares her journey from the shop floor to becoming an expert in conflict management.
After 21 years at Kraft Foods, Marlene realized she wanted more. When she started taking college classes, she discovered the Karpman Drama Triangle—a tool for understanding the roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer—and it changed how she approached relationships and leadership.
In this episode, Marlene shares powerful insights and memorable stories, including a surprising lesson about boundaries and assumptions from a coworker. Whether you're leading a team or navigating workplace challenges, Marlene’s practical wisdom will inspire you to see conflict—and yourself—in a new way. Join us to learn how shifting your mindset can transform your relationships and workplace.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the hardest-working and most impactful people in the world: machinists.
These skilled professionals are behind nearly everything we touch, from the medical devices that save lives to the cutting-edge aerospace components that explore the final frontier.
Machinists are the unsung heroes who take ideas from concept to reality, crafting the parts that power industries, enhance daily life, and drive innovation. Without them, the technology, tools, and conveniences we rely on wouldn’t exist.
This episode is dedicated to saying a big thank you to machinists everywhere. Join the conversation online with #ThankAMachinist to celebrate their incredible contributions.
Without them, we wouldn’t be MakingChips and we wouldn’t be making money.
— Paul Van Metre
Election years cause a lot of upheaval in the world of manufacturing. Industry spending can often see a sharp decrease, which can negatively impact many shops. The general indecision leading up to an election impacts almost every sub-genre in manufacturing, from medical devices to aerospace, oil & gas to firearms.
The election is over and Trump has officially been elected back into office. Will a Trump presidency negatively or positively impact manufacturing? Nick, Paul, and Mike tackle tough topics like regulations, trade policy, tariffs, taxes, and more in this episode of MakingChips. Will America keep MakingChips and keep making money?
Are you ready to take your manufacturing business to the next level with production work? This episode of MakingChips dives into the top five benefits of production work and the essential steps to position your shop as a full-service production-ready operation.
Imagine the stability and growth potential when a substantial portion of your monthly revenue is already secured by repeat clients.
We also cover the transition steps to shift your shop’s branding, approach to prototyping, and pricing strategy. From rebranding your business as a production powerhouse to splitting your shop’s workflow to accommodate both prototype and production divisions, we’re discussing how to reshape your operations for higher volume success.
Hear firsthand insights on building trust with customers and the importance of a solid Quality Management System (QMS) in securing and retaining high-stakes production contracts. Listen in to learn how targeting the right customers and building robust, repeatable processes can create a competitive advantage that fuels both profitability and growth.
Because if you’re not consistently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!
In this MakingChips episode, Terry discusses the transformative power of mentoring in manufacturing, especially the importance of reverse mentoring. He shares how younger, tech-savvy workers can help Baby Boomers adapt to new technologies, creating a reciprocal learning relationship. This approach combines the strengths of both generations, enhancing collaboration and knowledge transfer within organizations.
Terry also introduces Camp CHAMP, a hands-on program for middle and high school students that teaches manufacturing principles through activities like CNC milling and laser engraving. High school mentors guide younger participants, who gain practical skills and complete projects to take home. Terry hopes to expand Camp CHAMP nationwide with easy-to-implement kits that make it accessible for communities across the U.S.
Learn how you as a manufacturing leader can play a role in bridging the gap between generations in this episode of MakingChips! Because if future generations aren’t MakingChips, no one is making money…BAM!
On this episode of MakingChips, Jason dives into a conversation with Terry Iverson about his book, “Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting.”
Through initiatives like CHAMPION Now!®, Iverson strives to change public perceptions about manufacturing. He advocates for seeing the industry through a broader lens—one that recognizes manufacturing as a space for entrepreneurship, leadership, and community building.
He firmly believes that “There is nothing more important than the young people of this country. The manufacturing industry relies on the next generation of skilled workers, managers, and entrepreneurs to lead this country into a prosperous future.”
So how do we CHAMPION manufacturing and “Change How American Manufacturing Is Perceived In Our Nation?” Listen to find out. BAM!
BONUS: Hear a "Sneak peek" about Jason's idea(s) for a book!
“How do we connect today’s youth with the skilled careers of tomorrow?” This is the challenge the Skilled Careers Coalition is determined to solve.
Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Long-time business owners are retiring without successors, shutting down operations entirely. Skilled operators are stepping away, leaving a void without replacements. Shops are struggling to keep up as talent drains at an alarming pace.
Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, explains their mission: to close the skills gap by inspiring the next generation and linking them to fulfilling careers. It’s more than just promoting jobs—it's about helping young people find purpose through skilled work.
Learn how the Coalition is driving change—and how manufacturing leaders like you can play a role—in this episode of MakingChips.
In this episode of MakingChips, Al Whatmough explores how AI and automation are transforming the manufacturing industry—not by replacing people, but by empowering them to focus on higher-value work.
Al shares insights from IMTS and introduces the concept of Human-Aided Manufacturing (HAM), where AI handles routine tasks, freeing machinists to make smarter decisions.
They also discuss shifting compensation models toward productivity-based metrics and how automation unlocks new growth opportunities. Tune in to learn how embracing AI can set your team free to innovate and thrive.
How does a machinist from Canada end up leading a California tech startup? In Episode #432 of MakingChips, Al Whatmough shares his unique journey—from the shop floor to becoming the CEO of Toolpath, a company dedicated to improving machining through smart software solutions.
Al’s path is shaped by personal challenges, faith, and a passion for building—whether it’s with tools, people, or technology. Now at Toolpath, he’s focused on empowering machinists by eliminating repetitive programming tasks, so they can focus on more meaningful work.
Tune in to hear how Toolpath’s innovative approach is changing the future of manufacturing—and how Al found his way to the helm of this exciting venture.m
IMTS is where manufacturing's cutting-edge technology takes center stage, and this year was no exception. IMTS 2024 brought the future to the forefront, showcasing the most advanced solutions in the industry.
In this episode of MakingChips, Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke join Paul, Nick, and Mike to dive into the game-changing technologies that caught their attention—from additive manufacturing and 3D printing to machine monitoring, automation, robotics, and beyond.
If you’re a manufacturing leader who’s serious about staying at the forefront of technology, you need to know what’s shaping the industry. Ttune in to catch up on the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing.
Why would an American company want to consider expanding operations to Mexico? With more experienced engineers retiring and a decreasing number of new blood entering the manufacturing workforce, Mexico has become a viable option for operations. But is the process worth the potential hassle?
Today’s guest is the Senior Director of Latin America for AMT and he's been an invaluable part of helping AME and Hennig rework their growth strategy and commercial structure in Mexico: Carlos Mortera.
He shares why American manufacturers should consider leveraging the Mexican market in this episode of MakingChips.
In the wake of 9/11, the aerospace and defense industry experienced a dramatic transformation, with new regulations like the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 reshaping how manufacturers handled sensitive data.
For many small shops, it was a turning point—forcing them to adapt while navigating a surge in defense demand. Companies either thrived or struggled under tighter compliance and rising production needs.
Today, the industry faces new hurdles: a looming skills gap, escalating production requirements, and the ever-present threat of data breaches. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace automation, invest in robust systems, and prioritize building strong customer relationships. Those prepared to align with these demands will be positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape.
Panelists Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer join Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre in this special episode recorded live at IMTS to address what can be done to meet the challenges the manufacturing industry is facing head-on.
Theo Saville was frustrated by the lack of real-world applications for 3D printing. Then it struck him: Why not make CNC machining as simple as 3D printing? What if we could make machines smarter by installing more sensors? What if we gave the software more inputs to work with?
Theo immediately set out to disrupt a 600-billion-dollar industry and, together with Chris Emery, founded CloudNC. When Jeff Maki and Austin Whitmer came across CloudNC and their CAM Assist software, they knew they had to implement it immediately.
In this episode of MakingChips, they share the real-world impact of CAM Assist on a machine shop’s efficiency, quoting, and ability to win new business.Because if you can’t quote quickly enough, you won’t win business. And if you’re not winning new business, you’re not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM!
Wouldn’t it be amazing to come up with a design for anything and turn it into a physical reality as easily as you can create something in Photoshop? What would people build if it were that easy? And what if you had machine monitoring in place for every piece of machinery, regardless of its age?
In this special episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, Mike and Nick sit down with Theo Saville, CEO of CloudNC, and Camoren Schley, the Founder of Slytek. They dive into practical ways every shop can leverage AI to improve efficiency and make more chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!
The two biggest complaints in any business are always the quality of the toilet paper and the coffee. Joking aside—coffee is a crucial part of any shop’s function. You need to have good coffee on the shop floor.
Mike Franz and his Co-Founder Amy Teal set out to do two things when they created ShopFloor Coffee. Their first goal was to create an amazing coffee that any shop would proudly serve. Their second mission was to support workforce development programs to bring more people into manufacturing.
Mike shares how they’re working to achieve those goals in this fun episode of MakingChips. Because if your shop floor isn’t caffeinated, they won’t be efficiently MakingChips, and they won’t be making money. BAM!
In the final segment of the first edition of At The Boring Bar, our expert panel of guests return to dive into the future of manufacturing and why manufacturing leaders need to embrace technology. They discuss the application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing and how they can be used to attract the next generation.
Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas also take a look at the challenges the national security and defense industry are facing because of a lack of partnerships.
We believe hosting round-table discussions of these important issues can help move the manufacturing industry toward a solution. Don’t miss this conversation.
How do you grow a machine shop through acquisitions? What is it like working in a legacy family business? How do you find and hire talented engineers? Where does AI fit into the daily grind? These are all questions that this team of industry experts and friends seek to answer over a glass of bourbon At the Boring Bar.
Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas share their unique perspectives on the manufacturing industry—and how it must adapt—in part II. Check it out!
Some of the greatest ideas in manufacturing don’t happen in boardrooms but over a drink with peers. In At the Boring Bar, Jason aims to cut deeper into the conversations that matter most to manufacturing leaders. So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join Jason as he uncovers the insights that drive the manufacturing industry forward.
In this inaugural episode of At the Boring Bar, join Jason, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas At the Boring Bar. They cover everything from the exciting new exhibits at IMTS to one of the biggest problems the manufacturing industry faces: a mass exodus of Baby Boomers.
You’ll laugh, you may cry, and you’ll undoubtedly hear something that will provoke you to think about the future of the industry and your impact on it. Don’t miss it.
“Inspiring the extraordinary” is the theme for this year’s IMTS and that’s exactly what they’re doing. The Emerging Technology Center will showcase extraordinary advances in technology (including an exhibit by BlueForge Alliance and Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid Robot).
They’re offering specific ELEVATE programs for job shops, women in manufacturing, and the first-ever ELEVATE LATAM: A half-day conference for the Spanish-speaking manufacturing technology community.
For the first time, Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud will be at the show in the automation sector. This year’s IMTS is a can’t-miss event. Show Boss Peter Eelman shares all of the amazing details in this episode of MakingChips.
Maintenance is something that’s essential to protect the longevity of your machines but rarely something regularly implemented in shops. It’s often a huge and costly mistake. Don’t know where to start?
In this episode, Manny Pasillas—a machine tool maintenance expert and the Founder and VP of Business Development for Tech CNCs—shares a simple yet exhaustive checklist anyone can use to properly clean and maintain their machines.
Because if you’re not cleaning your machines, they will break down, and you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money!
– Nick Goellner
AND - to get the full checklist, subscribe to our email newsletter!
What do you need to know before you launch automation in your shop? What would be signs that you’re not ready to automate? If you’re launching the process, how can you use your ERP/MRP to the fullest?
Even the smallest mistakes—like not having a process in place to deal with the chips your machines are creating while running lights out—can be costly. We want to help you avoid those costly errors.
That’s why Paul Van Metre and Mike Payne join me to tackle the important things you need to consider before you run lights out. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!
Here’s our controversial take: We believe that “automated” is more important than “operated”. It’s a stance that scares a lot of operators—but it shouldn’t. In this episode of MakingChips, Mike Payne and Kaleb Mertz return to dive into part loading and pallet loading, a mixed vs fixed mindset, and why predictive is better than reactive. We’ll connect all of it back to every shop's end goal: business results. Don’t miss it!
Machine monitoring can give us insights into our machines that can and should change how we’re operating. The end goal is to drive better business results. But how should monitoring be paired with advanced business strategies to help you achieve those results? Mike Payne, Kaleb Mertz and I connect the dots in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not efficiently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!
– Nick Goellner
What if your life has little distinction between work and play? What if you’re so passionate about what you do that the time you spend on it is inconsequential? We began to explore the idea of work-life integration in part 1 of this series.
In part 2, we dive into the creative ways we integrate our work and personal lives so that we can be fully present whenever possible. Because when we take a break from MakingChips, our business must still be MakingChips to make money!
– Nick Goellner
Work-life balance. It’s a phrase that’s often thrown around. Many of us struggle feeling like we’ll never achieve some sort of balance. Work usually fills a greater space than we think it should. But what if that’s okay?
Everyone’s heard the adage, “Find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” What if you love your work? What if you don’t mind when work bleeds outside of designated work hours? Is it ever a problem?
That’s the topic that Mike and I dive into in this episode of MakingChips. Especially because you have to be MakingChips to be making money. BAM!
– Nick Goellner