At the heart of every successful machine shop isn’t just the parts it produces—it’s the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing.
Andy shares his journey of stepping into leadership at a young age, navigating the challenges of declining sales, and transforming Ripley Machine into a recognized Top Shops award winner. His story proves that client experience doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally through systems, communication, and values that shape the culture of the entire shop.
From implementing ISO and ProShop ERP, to instilling a daily rhythm of accountability and continuous improvement, Andy reveals the practical steps his team has taken to turn Ripley into a trusted partner for its customers. Along the way, he highlights how something as simple as quick communication—or as complex as restructuring internal systems—can make all the difference in retaining clients and earning their loyalty.
Whether you’re a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, this conversation will challenge you to look at your business through the lens of your customers. Because at the end of the day, consistency, transparency, and responsiveness aren’t just “nice to have”—they are the foundation of growth and profitability.
Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it’s the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance.
From raw materials and finished goods to WIP and cutting tools, we share the financial, operational, and workflow implications of what you keep on the shelf (and what you shouldn’t). You’ll hear real-world examples of vendor-managed material programs, strategies for keeping traceability without burying yourself in admin work, and ways we’ve turned “dead” stock into real cash.
We also dig into why inventory accuracy matters beyond just making parts—touching on tax implications, property valuations, and how inventory missteps can kill the value of your business in a sale. And if you’ve ever lost hours hunting for the right cutter or fixture, our storage and tracking advice might change the way you think about tooling forever.
This episode isn’t about counting nuts and bolts—it’s about building an inventory strategy that supports your cashflow, your team’s efficiency, and your long-term profitability.
In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we’re getting tactical.
We’re not just talking about passing an audit—we’re talking about building a system that supports your team, reduces risk, and eliminates waste across your business. From risk registers and RPN scoring to digitizing your paperwork and planning with cross-functional teams, we cover the actual tools and habits that make quality real on the shop floor.
Along the way, we share stories from our own shops—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how integrated technology has changed the game. We’ve lived the paper-chasing, binder-filled chaos that too many shops call a QMS. And we’ve seen what happens when you replace it with a connected system that actually reflects how your shop runs day to day.
If you’re working toward certification—or just want to build a culture of quality that doesn’t require heroics to maintain—this episode is your blueprint.
If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again.
In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing operation aiming for medical or aerospace work, we consider this your QMS MBA.
We dig into the purpose, process, and power of implementing a robust quality management system—from selecting the right registrar to defining your key processes and KPIs. Jess also shares why culture matters more than checklists, how leadership buy-in can make or break your success, and how tools like ProShop ERP can make audit day feel like just another Tuesday.
This isn’t just about earning a certificate. It’s about building a business where quality is baked into how you operate—every single day. If you're trying to compete in regulated industries—or simply want to stop cleaning up preventable mistakes—this episode is your blueprint.