Info

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

Manufacturing is tough—but you don’t have to go it alone. If you're leading a manufacturing business, you face constant pressure: staying competitive, adopting new tech, managing people, and driving growth. MakingChips helps you tackle those challenges head-on. Since 2014, we’ve been equipping manufacturing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. With hundreds of episodes and over a million downloads, MakingChips is a top resource for the metalworking nation—covering leadership, operations, technology, and workforce development. If making chips is part of your daily grind, this is your podcast. Join hosts Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre for real talk on the issues that matter most.
RSS Feed Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
2026
May
April
March
February
January


2025
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2024
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2014
December


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: November, 2024
Nov 27, 2024

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

Segments

  • [2:16] Gift Masterclass for the Holidays!
  • [5:15] How can we make manufacturing mainstream?
  • [8:23] Manufacturing News: Military Contractors
  • [10:41] The guys play a game: Connecting manufacturing with hobbies
  • [16:25] Let’s use the hashtag: #ThankAMachinist
  • [18:20] Check out Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting!
  • [19:11] Paul’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
  • [22:13] Jason’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
  • [25:14] Mike’s #ThankAMachinist shoutouts
  • [29:24] Nothing in the modern world exists without machinists
  • [32:41] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop 

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

Nov 19, 2024

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? 

Segments

  • [1:02] Check out the Manufacturing Transformed podcast 
  • [1:32] Election results are in: Now what? 
  • [2:13] The Trump impact on different sectors
  • [3:30] Manufacturing News: Leaders React to Trump Win
  • [8:39] Machine Shop Masterclass: Quality Management Systems
  • [19:28] Celebrating American Democracy
  • [20:12] Regulations in the defense space
  • [21:27] Download the CFO’s Guide to AI from NetSuite
  • [25:12] Talking trade policy and Tariffs
  • [33:02] Will the R&D Tax credit return?
  • [38:39] If Republicans sweep the House, what happens? 
  • [42:21] Check out a NEW episode of Lights Out this week! 

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

Nov 12, 2024

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!

Segments

  • [1:10] Book a discovery call ProShop ERP
  • [3:03] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight
  • [8:39] How do you win production work?
  • [10:22] 5 benefits of production work
  • [17:15] Step #1: Communicate that you’re a full-service manufacturer
  • [21:46] Check out Paperless Parts for your quoting and estimating needs
  • [23:01] Step #2: Continue to offer prototyping services
  • [26:43] Step #3: Quote to win the higher volumes
  • [31:14] Step #4: Sell your QMS/BMS
  • [38:50] Step #5: Target the right customers

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

Nov 5, 2024

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!

Segments

  • [1:05] Check out ProShop’s podcast, “Manufacturing Transformed”
  • [1:34] How mentoring—and reverse mentoring—can change the game
  • [6:44] Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing
  • [11:24] What is Camp CHAMP? How does it inspire middle and high schoolers?
  • [14:42] Future-proof your business with NetSuite by Oracle
  • [18:14] The future of the manufacturing industry
  • [23:46] The role of parenting to the future of manufacturing
  • [25:41] Learn more about camp CHAMP

Resources mentioned on this episode

Connect With MakingChips

1