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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: November, 2023
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! 

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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

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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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