The leading CNC Machining Experts, talking trade, finance, life and inside into Billion dollar industries!
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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 ...
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How Can Manufacturing Leaders Measure Their Customer Relationships? 408
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Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, you need to seek out new customers and build relationships with them while pushing them through your sales pipeline. The reality is that you have to make more sales to grow your business. You need a way to track and measure your progress with potential customers (and current key accounts). In…
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MakingSparks: Why Numbers are Important for Your Manufacturing Business | Mike Payne Part 2, 407
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You need to know the “numbers” in your business. Every business owner needs to know that they’re making enough to pay their employees, make and deliver their products, and grow the business. That’s just good business. Non-financial metrics are important, too. A successful business has to focus on quality, safety, customer service, on-time delivery,…
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MakingSparks: Oklahoma Meets Indiana - A Manufacturing Chat with Mike Payne Part 1, 406
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Mike Payne has spent the last 20+ years deeply entrenched in the M&A process with dozens of companies throughout Oklahoma. Early in his career, he realized he loved the world of manufacturing. He also learned that he enjoyed operating a business. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to unfold. Then it happened: Six years ago, Mike was able…
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Should You Use a Recruiter to Find Your Next Manufacturing Leader? 405
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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,…
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The Journey from Scan to CAD to Part at Hill Manufacturing, 404
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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…
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Are You Putting Too Much Trust in Your Supply Chain? 403
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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 …
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How Businesses Can Collaborate with Technical Education, 402
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37:19
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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…
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SZN1: Should Women Entrepreneurs Choose the Manufacturing Industry? 401
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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…
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Lights Out: How to Prioritize Flexibility when You Invest in Automation, 400
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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…
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Do We Need More Manufacturing Entrepreneurs? 399
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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…
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MakingSparks: Staying Connected through Your Front Line Leaders Part 2, 398
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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…
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MakingSparks: Growing Shop Floor Front Line Leaders Part 1, 397
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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…
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MakingSparks: Manufacturing Precision and Processes with BWXT GM Nate Foote, 396
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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…
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The SECRET To Becoming a GREAT CNC Machinist | Vol 20
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Titan, Barry, Jessie, and Travis discuss what makes a great machinist and what steps can you take to become a great machinist.By TitansofCNC
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MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395
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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 …
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An Important Update on Jason Zenger and the Leadership Lessons We Learned from It, 394
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36:21
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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…
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MakingSparks: Expanding and Transitioning a Family Business in Manufacturing with Joe Patterson, 393
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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…
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MakingSparks: Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2, 392
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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. …
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Why CNC Shop Layout is IMPORTANT | Vol 19
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By TitansofCNC
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MakingSparks: Navigating a Family Business in Manufacturing with Tad Dickel Part 1, 391
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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…
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SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 2, 390
22:43
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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…
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Doing This Will Hurt Your CNC Machine Shop | Vol 17
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The CEO of Halter, Rick Hoffman, joins the Titan's of CNC to talk about how his career, automation, and the future of CNC Machine Shops.By TitansofCNC
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We Started Our CNC Machine Shop with $20,000 | Vol 16
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The process of building a CNC Machine Shop. Loper Machine was created with an investment of $20,000. Alex Loper and his wife Courtney Loper join the Titan's to talk about the grind to starting your own CNC Machining company and what it takes to keep it successful.By TitansofCNC
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The HARDEST Thing Our CNC Machine Shop Went Through | Vol. 15
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James Marzilli and Lee Marzilli Explain how they built and grown their machines shop through an collapsing economy. Titan Gilroy and Keith Granno dive into the unique dynamic that made this dynamic duo successful at building a CNC machine shop.By TitansofCNC
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The FIRST time Blue Origin’s 550,000 SQ FT CNC Machine Shop & Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville, Alabama opened it's doors for the Titan's of CNC team to tour it. Titan, Keith, Jessie, and Barry talk about the incredible opportunities at Blue Origin as well as the importance of being able to film inside an aerospace company such as this one.…
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We CRASHED Old CNC Machines… Now We have New Ones | Vol 13
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MSM Machine Works out of Houston Texas explains how they developed their machining skills by purchasing old CNC machines and running them into the ground. Today, business is Booming and they have new machines and a new facility.By TitansofCNC
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SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 1, 389
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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…
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SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Gratitude with Drew Crowe and Kyle Stoff, 388
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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…
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SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders Part II, 387
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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…
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SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, 386
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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 …
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How Can the Golden Rule be Applied in Business? with Mike Ruge, 385
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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…
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Become Irreplaceable in your CNC Machine Shop | Vol 12
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Why being someone who solves problems in the Manufacturing World will make you VALUABLE. Markus Stolmar, President & CEO of United Grinding America joins Titan Gilroy, Keith Granno, and Chris Villalpando of the Titan's of CNC team today to talk about his start in the CNC machine business, the importance of running TOWARDS Problems, and learning new…
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What You Need To Know To Thrive in CNC Machining | Vol 11
1:03:40
1:03:40
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You either PAY this Person MORE or you FIRE THEM in your CNC Machine shop. Titan Gilroy, Barry Setzer, Jessie Smith and Travis Jarrett discuss the importance of Process in machining. Garage shops to Billion $$$ Companies these insight work with all. Every shop has an ALPHA Programmer, and it will dictate how successful your shop will be.…
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BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384
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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 …
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Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383
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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…
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MakingSparks: Why Should a Manufacturing Leader Come to FabTech? 382
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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 …
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Scrapping $50,000 Dollars Worth of Parts | Vol 10
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1:09:12
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CNC Machining is a very expensive and also profitable trade to be in. Titan Gilroy, Keith Granno, Barry Setzer, and Travis Jarrett discuss the importance of a Quality Department, How Travis started at TITAN of CNC, and Titans beginnings making Aerospace parts and throwing out parts that didn't meet spec.…
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MakingSparks: Part 2: Tactics and Strategies to Use for Recruiting in Manufacturing, 381
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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 …
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THE MOST Expensive Employee! Dave Cox | Vol 9
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Titan Gilroy, Keith Granno, Barry Setzer, and Dave Cox discuss bringing in talent in order to reach higher levels in the CNC Machining Industry. Industry leaders talk about what goes on behind the scenes in the world of content creation online, the TV show, filming at San Quintin State Prison, and introducing new employees to the the manufacturing …
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RISE of HELLER Machine Tools CEO - Thorsten Schmidt | Vol 8
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The first CNC Machine you ever sold went to the King of Jordan! Thorsten Schmidt, Chairman of the Board and CEO of HELLER, joins the Titan's of CNC with Titan Gilroy, Barry Setzer, Keith Granno to talk about his start in the CNC machine business, the importance of education in the machining industry, and how incredible Heller is as a company.…
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MakingSparks: Part 1: Embracing Culture to Recruit Top Talent in Fabrication and Manufacturing, 380
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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…
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MakingSparks: The Launch of MakingSparks with Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix, 379
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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…
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A crazy accident where a machine caught on fire led to someone almost losing their life. Trevor Goforth talks about how his interview at Titans of CNC went! Join Titan Gilroy, Barry Setzer & Keith Granno to find out how it happened and what happened after.By TitansofCNC
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He Threatened my WIFE’S LIFE! | Vol 6
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We were losing our CNC Machine Shop and everything we had. Titan’s wife Gina joins the podcast. This is how we built the greatest machine shop in the world, from the ground up.By TitansofCNC
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Why MakingChips is Sparking a New Show for Fabrication Leaders, 378
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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 …
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SZN1: Diligently Doing "Due Diligence" in Your Next Manufacturing Acquisition, 377
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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 …
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POLICE Called On Us At Biggest Machine Tool Show in the World | Vol 5
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Cops were called on us at EMO 2023. The biggest machine show in the world. CNC Machining Experts sit down to discuss what EMO 2023 was all about.By TitansofCNC
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Nobody in the World can Make These Parts | Vol 4
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CNC Machining the world's most difficult parts.By TitansofCNC
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This Will DESTROY Your CNC Machine Shop | Vol 3
41:51
41:51
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Real CNC Machinists Titan Gilroy, Barry Setzer, Keith Granno & Donnie Hinkse discuss mistakes that make other machine shops fail.By TitansofCNC
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SECRETS of a $500 Million Company | Vol 2
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36:28
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Real CNC Machinists Titan Gilroy, Barry Setzer, Keith Granno & Managing director of Schunk Markus Kleiner discuss everything from building a CNC machine shop to advanced techniques in metal cutting.By TitansofCNC
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