Best Nate Saunders Podcasts (2024)

1
Should You Use a Recruiter to Find Your Next Manufacturing Leader? 405 46:33

2h ago46:33

46:33

Are you the type of manufacturing leader who prefers to do everything yourself? You learn and innovate as you go, right? We’ve learned from experience: There is an art and a science to recruiting. I’ve muddled through using LinkedIn Recruiter to make some hires. And while it’s a great tool, it can only do so much. So in this episode of MakingChips,…

1
Who did the British Embassy call on in China? 37:01

3d ago37:01

37:01

Lawrence is back from China (as in, literally just back) and fighting the jet lag so is very giggly. Nate's worried F1 is dying, and Chris has the latest PadHocBuster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Lawrence Barretto, Chris Medland, Nate Saunders

1
The Journey from Scan to CAD to Part at Hill Manufacturing, 404 33:36

7d ago33:36

33:36

My shop has been restoring a 1959 Ford F10. When we decided to recreate a digital dash for the truck, we decided to ask the LinkedIn world for help. That’s when I met Ira Laughy with rapid3D. Rapid3D exists to solve complex measurement challenges to empower confident decision-making. We scanned the space and current dash and Ira and his team helped…

1
Are You Putting Too Much Trust in Your Supply Chain? 403 38:41

14d ago38:41

38:41

How important is building relationships and trust with your vendors? When you do have established relationships, are you placing too much trust in them? How do you balance being business savvy and trusting? Mark McCormack is known for saying “All things being equal, people will do business with a friend; all things being unequal, people will still …

1
Big apologies from the Big Boss 27:48

17d ago27:48

27:48

So work got in the way, and then so did travel, and somehow we found ourselves episode-less when we all headed to Australia. But now we're back from Japan and Nate has a new nickname, while Lawrence doesn't understand the greatest game on podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
How Businesses Can Collaborate with Technical Education, 402 37:19

24d ago37:19

37:19

What are the benefits of working closely with a local career & technical education center? You can have a huge impact on the local community, education system, and businesses. If you partner with a local technical center, it could have a far-reaching impact—and it just might help you recruit the next generation. Nix Partners with a local career & t…

1
SZN1: Should Women Entrepreneurs Choose the Manufacturing Industry? 401 40:17

28d ago40:17

40:17

POV: You’re a woman with an entrepreneurial edge. You want to start a business. Why not consider the manufacturing industry? There are only 6,431 women-owned manufacturing businesses in the United States (representing just 2% of all manufacturing companies). 20% of them are minority-owned. This industry needs a woman’s perspective and expertise. So…

1
Lights Out: How to Prioritize Flexibility when You Invest in Automation, 400 36:09

1M ago36:09

36:09

POV: You’ve decided to start the process of implementing automation in your machine shop—but it isn’t as easy as flipping a switch. It’s a process that consists of failing forward and learning from every mistake. Tom Schroeder—the Executive Vice President at PBC Linear—joins us in this episode of Lights Out to share how to prioritize flexibility wh…

1
Do We Need More Manufacturing Entrepreneurs? 399 43:56

1M ago43:56

43:56

There are around 17,000 contract manufacturing job shops in the US. That sounds pretty great, right? The truth is that growth is down 16% since 2008. Now, more than ever, we need new entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry. Matthew Nix, Paul Van Metre, Drew Crowe, and Mike Payne join me in this roundtable discussion to talk about the vast oppor…

1
MakingSparks: Staying Connected through Your Front Line Leaders Part 2, 398 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

How can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan r…

1
MakingSparks: Growing Shop Floor Front Line Leaders Part 1, 397 27:06

2M ago27:06

27:06

How do we recruit more young talent to fabrication? How do we navigate rapid growth balanced with training and development? How do we help develop young talent into our future leaders? These are just a few questions we wrestle with in this episode of MakingSparks with special guests Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan. – Matthew Nix Segments [0:48] Jo…

1
MakingSparks: Manufacturing Precision and Processes with BWXT GM Nate Foote, 396 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practic…

1
MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395 44:01

2M ago44:01

44:01

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the …

1
An Important Update on Jason Zenger and the Leadership Lessons We Learned from It, 394 36:21

3M ago36:21

36:21

On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll share Jason’s miraculous story. We’ll also share some of the lessons we’ve learned throughout the l…

1
Lewis Hamilton + Ferrari = This episode 23:35

3M ago23:35

23:35

Lewis Hamilton will be a Ferrari driver in 2025. We don't usually do straight reaction episodes, but this was big enough that we found time to do that even when Chris had planned to be off in Rome. Find out if Lawrence was witnessing contracts being signed and how many jokes Nate had this week, as well as the way the news came out Learn more about …

1
MakingSparks: Expanding and Transitioning a Family Business in Manufacturing with Joe Patterson, 393 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally. However, they had lofty goals…

1
The RB stands for 'rubbish branding' 26:08

3M ago26:08

26:08

WARNING: This is a very moan-filled episode, but Visa Cash App RB just seems to set us off in that direction. Chris has a couple of zingers, Nate's joke is deep and meaningful, and Lawrence (without his microphone) finds it very hard to comment on anything other than Charles Leclerc's new deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.…

1
MakingSparks: Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2, 392 34:58

3M ago34:58

34:58

communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations? Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all. …

1
MakingSparks: Navigating a Family Business in Manufacturing with Tad Dickel Part 1, 391 30:15

3M ago30:15

30:15

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from govern…

1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 2, 390 22:43

4M ago22:43

22:43

Cutting tool manufacturers have to remain on the cutting edge. If you do so, it’s possible to stay competitive. We know that a solid education and training for new talent is the best first step. But you also have to learn to embrace grit to make it through. We cover what else is important to remain successful and competitive in this episode of Maki…

1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 1, 389 49:59

4M ago49:59

49:59

Andy Mueller is a seasoned vet in manufacturing, one of the real OGs. I’ve leaned on him for advice and support throughout the years because he’s been through the seasons and weathered the storms. Andy was able to step in and teach my students things that I couldn’t with my limited resources. That’s why, in this episode of MakingChips, we have a co…

1
Our 2023 F1 awards show 59:20

4M ago59:20

59:20

For the first time since we last did one, it's a season review where we hand out a few awards. Or we roughly discuss a few topics and don't actually award anything to anyone, while the absolute highlight of the year very nearly gets totally forgotten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Gratitude with Drew Crowe and Kyle Stoff, 388 50:40

4M ago50:40

50:40

Kyle Stoff spent his high school years doing parkour and making butterfly knives by hand. By the end of his Junior Year in high school, he’d decided he wanted to get into manufacturing to perfect his knife-making process. He skipped his Senior Year and dove into a full-time program at Ranken, becoming one of my best—and youngest—students. Now, Kyle…

1
Nate dropped a clanger after his Vegas high 1:03:40

4M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Finally getting round to chatting about Las Vegas adventures, which includes probably Nate's coolest story ever, but he has since ruined it all. Chris explains how Gasly tried to kill him, and Lawrence went to Venice with Kimi (not that one) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders Part II, 387 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

Do you express gratitude for your team members? Do they know their work is appreciated? Do you help guide them through their career so they can continue to learn and improve? Too many shops overwork good employees because they achieve excellence. That’s a mistake. It’s one of many reasons machine shops struggle with retention. In part II of our con…

1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, 386 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

How can we attract the next generation to machining? How can small shops attract and retain talent? How can we fuel greatness? In this episode of MakingChips, guest host Drew “The MFG” Crowe—the force behind the American Manufacturing Renaissance—brings on Dan Borders with Edge Technologies to start to tackle these questions. Because if you’re not …

1
How Can the Golden Rule be Applied in Business? with Mike Ruge, 385 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

What separates successful shops from unsuccessful ones? The people. As a leader, taking care of your people is paramount. So how do you manage and lead your people better? By following the Golden Rule. How do you apply the “Golden Rule” in business? Mike Ruge—the Integrator and Experience Director at ZENGERS—shares what that looks like and it can t…

1
Are you Sad-Hoc or Glad-Hoc the season is over? 31:39

5M ago31:39

31:39

Vegas became impossible to record at and then Nate decided he'd rather be in Tampa than Abu Dhabi, but all three are finally able to go over the final race from three different timezones. Chris has a great Mercedes story, and Lawrence really doesn't understand the point of the game in the episode title Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas…

1
BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384 40:12

5M ago40:12

40:12

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 …

1
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383 33:05

5M ago33:05

33:05

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! B…

1
MakingSparks: Why Should a Manufacturing Leader Come to FabTech? 382 30:40

5M ago30:40

30:40

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 …

1
MakingSparks: Part 2: Tactics and Strategies to Use for Recruiting in Manufacturing, 381 40:46

6M ago40:46

40:46

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 …

1
Tweeting rumours and making humours 42:39

6M ago42:39

42:39

Lawrence is definitely here, and it's not just Chris talking about all the gifts he got from being in Mexico, or Nate taking absolute liberties with his 60-second review. They also address *that* paddock rumour (spoiler: there isn't one) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
MakingSparks: Part 1: Embracing Culture to Recruit Top Talent in Fabrication and Manufacturing, 380 30:14

6M ago30:14

30:14

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, an…

1
MakingSparks: The Launch of MakingSparks with Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix, 379 18:13

6M ago18:13

18:13

MakingSparks has officially arrived! Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks. In this episode, Matthew shares more about Nix Companies and their explos…

1
An awesome night in Austin 54:39

6M ago54:39

54:39

We actually went and did a live episode in Austin and there were real people who came to listen. So get ready for a lot of shouting, a terrible joke, but a lot of fun at Mayfair with more than a little help from COTA. Nate forgets the drivers he interviewed only a few hours earlier, Lawrence wore his cowboy boots for Checo but not for us, and Chris…

1
Why MakingChips is Sparking a New Show for Fabrication Leaders, 378 24:38

6M ago24:38

24:38

Are you in welding or fabrication? Are you a long-time listener of MakingChips who’s just been waiting for content that speaks directly to you? The wait is over. In this episode of MakingChips, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix join us to introduce a brand new addition to the MakingChips lineup: MakingSparks. Casey and Matthew will be hosting the show …

1
The Pad-Hoc is coming to Austin 35:26

7M ago35:26

35:26

Nate, Lawrence and Chris were finally all at a race together in Qatar, so naturally they only actually recorded once they had long since left. Chris finds out Barretto's net worth, Nate doesn't do well in the heat, and did you not see in the title? The show is coming to Austin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
SZN1: Diligently Doing "Due Diligence" in Your Next Manufacturing Acquisition, 377 21:35

7M ago21:35

21:35

You’ve found your acquisition target. They’ve committed to selling you the business. Now the real work begins. It’s time for due diligence. Where does due diligence start? What factors should you consider? How do you build a checklist? Jason, Nick, Adam Schmitt, and I tackle due diligence in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not doing …

1
SZN1: The Starting Point in Acquisitions with Matthew Nix, 376 29:23

7M ago29:23

29:23

How do you increase your capacity, make more chips, and bring on new clients without buying a new machine or pitching yourself to a single end user? Buying a company. Acquisitions are a large part of how we’ve all built our companies. But how do you start acquiring companies? Why would you want to? In this episode of MakingChips, Adam Schmitt—the M…

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