MakingChips hosts Jim Carr and Jason Zenger sit down with Akshat Thirani, the CEO and Co-founder of Amper Technologies, Inc., and Charles Morley, the President of Schleifring Medical Systems, to talk about how Charles implemented Amper technology in his shop, and the benefits it has had on his business.
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Hosts Nick Goellner, Jim Carr and Jason Zenger are joined by Mark Cunningham and Kim Akimoto from CLEAR Solutions Sales Consulting to discuss the differences between product and sales management at manufacturing companies, and how strategic sales tools can lead sales teams to success.
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In this episode of MakingChips, Jim Carr, Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss Retirement: Yes, No or Never. This could be a step in evaluating your decision whether you are a manufacturing leader at the highlight of your career or at the beginning stages of your career with plans for greatness.
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In this episode of MakingChips, Jason, Jim and Nick discuss the R&D Tax Credit. This could be a huge saving for your manufacturing company, but please don’t take this episode as legal, accounting or any similar advice; you should contact a professional after you have listened to this episode.
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In episode of #267 MakingChips, host Jim Carr and Jason Zenger discuss Why You Need to Consider These New and Low-Cost Employee Benefits"
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In episode #266 of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and co-host Jim Carr Discuss 25 Trends Affecting the Future of Manufacturing in 2021 and Beyond.
Connect with us: www.MakingChips.com/contact
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In episode #265 of MakingChips, host Jim Carr, Nick Goellner and Jessica Peterson discuss How to Create a Diverse Community in the Workplace to Solve One of the Biggest Challenges in Manufacturing with Justin Sherman and Andrew Crowe with Equity Machine Works
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In this week’s episode of MakingChips, Jason Zenger discusses 4 reasons to say no to an opportunity. Manufacturing leaders may need to say no more often to opportunities especially as the economy heats back up.
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In this week’s episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jason Zenger discuss 6 Communications Tools for the Manufacturing Leader.
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In this week’s episode of MakingChips, host Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner discuss tips for effectively communicating to your team in the workplace
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In this week's episode of MakingChips, hosts Nick Goellner and Jim Carr are joined by Eric Nekich, a Sales Manager at 5th Axis, to talk about workholding, and the changes in sales tactics through the years.
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3:30 | Jim and Nick play a manufacturing quiz game
10:30 | Nick introduces the episode guest Eric Nekich of 5th Axis
14:15 | Eric shares how he got involved in the manufacturing industry
16:00 | Eric talks about how 5th Axis grew from a contract manufacturer to a workholding brand
18:10 | Eric discusses how automation is growing in popularity in machine tool tending
22:00 | Jim talks about what his team likes about 5th Axis workholding
27:33 | Eric and Nick discuss how selling workholding has changed over time
37:14 | Eric explains the difference between the jaws on "dinosaur" vises and 5th Axis vises
40:44 | Eric talks about new modular automation components at 5th Axis
45:10 | Jim offers his final thoughts on the episode
47:09 | Jim and Jason explain the different technologies featured on IMTS Spark
In this week's episode the MakingChips hosts talk with metalworking influencer Tony Gunn and his career in the manufacturing industry.
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0:00 | Jim talks about how simple ProShop ERP made his virtual shop audit
4:25 | Nick shares manufacturing news about the rise of firearm sales
10:00 | Nick introduces the episode guest, Tony Gunn, the General Manager of MTDCNC Global
13:18 | Tony discusses how he got his start in the manufacturing industry
17:40 | Jim asks if the manufacturing industry is still seen as a "dirty" or "lower-class" industry
22:00 | Tony shares some of his thoughts on social media, marketing, and fellow manufacturing influencers
29:19 | Tony talks about his new position at MTD CNC Global
35:30 | Jason asks Tony about what problems he is trying to solve in the manufacturing industry
39:43 | Jim and Jason talk about the knowledge centers at IMTS Spark
In this episode of MakingChips the hosts discuss sections to include in their production meetings, and how they can benefit their shop and team's productivity.
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0:00 Jim shares how he can access real-time data and reports using ProShop ERP.
1:32 The hosts talks about the virtual grand opening of the Boring Bar
5:20 Jim introduces "social intimacy" and how it strengthens relationships
9:40 The hosts discuss what's happening in their businesses
12:30 Jim explains what he uses production meetings for and why they're important
15:49 Jim shares the different sections he includes in his production meetings and the benefits they provide to the team
19:08 Jim discusses how he added weekly COVID-19 updates to his production meetings in response to the pandemic
26:44 Jim creates a "hot list" to update his team on what's going on in the shop
29:50 Jim opens the floor at the end of meetings for Q&A and team discussion
34:18 Jim and Jason talk about the different showcases at IMTS Spark
In this episode, the MakingChips hosts discuss the career of NFL star Tom Brady, and how his personal keys to success are also applicable to the manufacturing leader.
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0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different technologies featured on IMTS Spark
7:24 | Jason reads a press release from DARPA about off-Earth manufacturing of lunar structures
12:45 | Jason shares his points on how manufacturing leaders can take cues from Tom Brady's success
13:13 | The hosts discuss how manufacturing leaders might be retiring too early
24:49 | Jim and Jason talk about IMTS Spark Demo Days with Stephen LaMarco from AMT
31:53 | Jason explains Tom Brady's daily schedule and how having a routine helps with success
37:10 | Like Tom Brady, having a healthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to the success of a manufacturing leader
39:30 | Having core objectives can get you on the path to succeeding, as opposed to unrelated pursuits
43:40 | The hosts offer final thoughts on how Tom Brady's successes can be contributed to his strict regimen and practices
In this week's MakingChips podcast, Jim and Jason discuss if you can be successful running a small machine shop, with Jim offering tips based on his own experiences.
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0:00 | Jim and Jason talk about the different knowledge centers at IMTS Spark
1:10 | Jim mentions how he used ProShop ERP to extract the necessary data to collect the federal R&D tax credit
5:06 | Jim shares information on the failure rates of new businesses
7:45 | Jason explains why he's planning on taking a sabbatical from work
13:00 | Jim reads a news articles about the manufacturing economy bouncing back in 2021, and the different factors that will affect it
20:08 | Jim and Jason talk with Dan from Xometry and Vinny from PenCo Precision to discuss their experience with Xometry during the 2020 pandemic
26:22 | Jim asks "what is success in business?"
31:27 | Jim shares his tips for running a successful small machine shop
39:30 | Jim and Jason talk about how they analyze risks before they make business decisions
In the newest MakingChips podcast, the hosts discuss how to use triggers to create new habits and systems for your business and your personal life.
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0:00 | Nick talks about how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the USA.
4:01 | Jason shares an article about a how people purchase books to display and pretend to look intelligent
7:27 | Jim and Nick explain a times they made changes to remain transparent as leaders
9:23 | Jason describes how he attempted to start changing certain habits at his company by creating new triggers
14:19 | Jason talks about the system he adopted to discuss and track the changing triggers and habits with his team
16:43 | The hosts talk to Chuck Matthews at DP Technology Corp. about IMTS Spark.
24:13 | Jim asks Jason and Nick how they store and utilize the information they gather through reading materials
27:53 | Jason explains how he's used triggers to create habits in his personal life
In this week's episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason discuss how and when to talk about politics in the workplace, and why it should never affect business relationships.
0:00 | Jason talks about the 6 different showcases at IMTS Spark 2021
1:40 | Jim and Jason share their thoughts about political discussions in the workplace
4:05 | Jim discusses the new CMM in his shop
7:40 | Jason shares articles about President Biden's COVID-19 relief plan and new trade policies
15:00 | Jason explains why he thinks we need to listen to the political perspectives of others and discuss politics openly
20:10 | Nick tells us about how Xometry can help you with on-demand custom manufacturing
24:18 | Jason shares his notes on how politics can be discussed openly and honestly in the workplace, what basic guidelines you should adhere to, and what kind of environment it should foster
37:07 | Jim discusses how CARR Machine & Tool was able to have a virtual real-time audit through ProShop ERP
In this week's episode, Jim, Jason, and Nick talk about the different sales channels that you can utilize for your manufacturing company, and their strengths and weaknesses.
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0:00 | Nick explains how he sees ProShop ERP on shop floors across the country.
5:15 | The hosts share manufacturing news and purchasing trends for 2021
15:21 | Nick introduces different sales channels and how they function
19:55 | Jason discusses why companies such as Tesla don't go through local distributors and dealers
22:00 | Jim calls Matt Bain of Mazak North America to talk about IMTS Spark
30:38 | Nick introduces the concept of business development leaders, who handle distinct product groups at a national level
32:55 | Nick explains using regional sales managers as a direct channel
37:37 | Jim brings up how too many people in the sales channel could take a longer response time
42:55 | Nick discusses independent manufacturer's representatives as a sales channel
46:38 | Jason and Nick analyze the distributor relationship within a sales channel
49:56 | Jim shares the sales channels that he utilizes
As we move forward into 2021, the MakingChips podcast hosts look back at 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and share more lessons they learned as a result.
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6:06 | Jim shares information on the characteristics of a visual learner.
9:37 | The hosts discuss the potential usage of wearable technology in machine shops.
13:26 | The hosts emphasize the importance of cybersecurity, and how it will advance in 2021.
15:22 | The hosts discuss integrations of robotics in machine shops, as well as other possible future trends.
21:13 | Jim shares the thoughts and reactions of manufacturing leaders on the pandemic in March of 2020.
23:40 | Jason and Nick explain how they kept their team members informed during the pandemic.
25:00 | The hosts share how they used their organizations and affiliates to gather COVID-19 information for their peers.
29:20 | Jim talks about integrating virtual meetings, how taking risks may lead to new opportunities, and supply and demand issues during the pandemic.
Part 2 of this 2-part series continues the interview with special guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares more of his manufacturing knowledge that machine shops can benefit from.
3:38 | John shares his thoughts on how a commitment to details can improve a shop
10:20 | John explains how shops may need to be more open to hybrid solutions across brands and suppliers
12:15 | John tells why he started Way of the Mill in the middle of a pandemic and what the goals for his clients are
17:06 | John explains the process of tap testing and what shops should be using it
24:20 | Jason asks how distributor employees can help manufacturing leaders make choices
In Part 1 of this 2-part series, the MakingChips hosts welcome guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, an education platform for CNC milling. In this episode, John shares his background in the manufacturing industry, including his time at Makino and Apple, and why he chose to start Way of the Mill.
6:09 | Jason shares current news about the near future of the manufacturing industry due to COVID-19
12:10 | Guest John Miller, founder of Way of the Mill, tells his origin story in manufacturing
16:00 | John shares information on his experience working on turnkey projects at Makino
23:20 | John explains why he chose to share his milling advice online, and how good and bad fundamentals affect a company
27:05 | John discusses his time at Apple, and their involvement in the manufacturing industry
31:09 | John explains how he maintains unbiased content and the value it brings
In the 250th episode of MakingChips, the hosts discuss new factors and trends in the estimation process, especially when utilizing an ERP system. Jim Carr also shares his quoting process, and the tips and tricks he has used over the years that other manufacturing leaders should take into account.
3:30 | Nick tells a story about quoting
9:00 | Jim shares manufacturing news about the surge in metal prices
12:50 | Jim breaks down the estimation process into 3 factors: the estimator, the tools, and the tactics
19:30 | Jim explains his quoting process
23:30 | The hosts compare a traditional spreadsheet to an ERP system, and what columns to utilize
30:15 | The hosts discuss veteran quoting processes vs newer quoting tactics
34:50 | Jim lists some "red flags" to look out for during the estimation process
38:00 | Jim summarizes his thoughts on effectively quoting a job
In this week's podcast, hosts Jason Zenger, Jim Carr, and Nick Goellner share the new leadership principles and processes they adopted during 2020 to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how other manufacturing leaders can benefit by doing similar.
6:20 | The hosts share recent manufacturing news, plus Nick has his own special announcement
13:20 | Jason explains how he focused on growing his company's core values in 2020
16:15 | Jim discusses the new implementations he made at CARR this year
18:30 | Jason recounts how he increased communication between his employees
28:50 | Nick describes how his leadership team implemented new Lean practices and playbooks
33:09 | Jim shares the added business responsibilities he felt due to the COVID-19 pandemic
35:00 | Jason gives details on his experience of testing positive for COVID-19
In this week's episode, we share our experiences with imposter syndrome and discuss what it means. We talk about how it affects different generations and how to rise above the feeling that you aren't qualified or don't know what you're doing.
5:01 | Nick covers general manufacturing news - and improving market trends
8:55 | Nick defines imposter syndrome
10:05 | Jason brings up a bible verse that illustrates that everyone is a little bit of an imposter
13:32 | Jason asks how you'll learn anything if you never ask
22:26 | Jason and Nick discuss what imposter syndrome means for a manufacturing leader
25:42 | Nick shares a story about feeling like you can't ask questions or make mistakes
30:32 | Jason mentions how important it is to get your self-worth from multiple places, and Nick talks about how ego plays into imposter syndrome
In this week's episode, we share our experience as guest speakers at DMG Mori's sales conference this year. We touched base on the evolving sales process during COVID, how DMG really sells, and what old school techniques you can implement in today's new normal.
3:53 | DMG MORI's team announces keynote speakers - MakingChips
5:17 | Nick discusses the sales challenges brought on by COVID and how his team has adapted to overcome them
7:10 | DMG's area sales manager talks about how they've adapted to the closed doors
11:01 | Nick asks DMG MORI "How does your customer buy?"
20:14 | Jason talks about cultivating relationships and avoiding going silent
31:50 | Jim goes over old school sales tips in the new "not normal" world
39:21 | A new way to make "cold calling" work again
44:24 | Jason and Jim talk to Marty from Autodesk to talk about what they're doing with IMTS Spark
49:31 | Q&A with MakingChips and DMG MORI