The leading CNC Machining Experts, talking trade, finance, life and inside into Billion dollar industries!
…
continue reading
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 ...
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Past, Present, and Future of IMTS with the "Show Boss" Peter Eelman, 422
52:52
52:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:52
“Inspiring the extraordinary” is the theme for this year’s IMTS and that’s exactly what they’re doing. The Emerging Technology Center will showcase extraordinary advances in technology (including an exhibit by BlueForge Alliance and Apptronik's AI-Powered General Purpose Humanoid Robot). They’re offering specific ELEVATE programs for job shops, wom…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
If You Don't Plan Machine Tool Maintenance, Your Machines Will Do it for You, 421
53:02
53:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:02
Maintenance is something that’s essential to protect the longevity of your machines but rarely something regularly implemented in shops. It’s often a huge and costly mistake. Don’t know where to start? In this episode, Manny Pasillas—a machine tool maintenance expert and the Founder and VP of Business Development for Tech CNCs—shares a simple yet e…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lights Out: Are You Even Prepared to Run a Lights Out Shop? 420
41:53
41:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:53
What do you need to know before you launch automation in your shop? What would be signs that you’re not ready to automate? If you’re launching the process, how can you use your ERP/MRP to the fullest? Even the smallest mistakes—like not having a process in place to deal with the chips your machines are creating while running lights out—can be costl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mastering CNC Machining: Rise to the Top with Titan Gilroy & Industry Titans!
38:31
38:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:31
Unlock the secrets to becoming a top-tier CNC machinist and excel in the world of machining! Join Titan Gilroy, global manufacturing leader and innovator, alongside special guests Nick Goellner from AME and Hennig, Keith Granno, and Barry Setzer, as they delve into the levels of mastering CNC machining. Discover how to rise through the ranks, achie…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lights out: Connecting Advanced Machining Strategies to Business Results Part 2, 419
26:10
26:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:10
Here’s our controversial take: We believe that “automated” is more important than “operated”. It’s a stance that scares a lot of operators—but it shouldn’t. In this episode of MakingChips, Mike Payne and Kaleb Mertz return to dive into part loading and pallet loading, a mixed vs fixed mindset, and why predictive is better than reactive. We’ll conne…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lights Out: Connecting Advanced Machining Strategies to Business Results Part 1, 418
28:48
28:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:48
Machine monitoring can give us insights into our machines that can and should change how we’re operating. The end goal is to drive better business results. But how should monitoring be paired with advanced business strategies to help you achieve those results? Mike Payne, Kaleb Mertz and I connect the dots in this episode of MakingChips. Because if…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is Work-Life Balance a Fallacy? Part 2, 417
25:34
25:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:34
What if your life has little distinction between work and play? What if you’re so passionate about what you do that the time you spend on it is inconsequential? We began to explore the idea of work-life integration in part 1 of this series. In part 2, we dive into the creative ways we integrate our work and personal lives so that we can be fully pr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is Work-Life Balance a Fallacy? Part 1, 416
27:36
27:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:36
Work-life balance. It’s a phrase that’s often thrown around. Many of us struggle feeling like we’ll never achieve some sort of balance. Work usually fills a greater space than we think it should. But what if that’s okay? Everyone’s heard the adage, “Find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” What if you love your work? What …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Using LinkedIn to Drive Leads for Your Manufacturing Business with Preston Hadley, 415
37:24
37:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:24
There are over 1 billion users on LinkedIn worldwide, 200 million of which are in the United States. Manufacturing is one of the largest industry segments represented on LinkedIn. Interestingly, LinkedIn is rewarding people who create content and share it on their platform. Why? It’s simple—they need more content. It’s time for manufacturing and fa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: What’s Keeping You Up at Night? An Update from Matthew and Casey, 414
23:55
23:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:55
What’s keeping you up at night? What are you excited about? It’s important to reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? First and foremost, to learn from our mistakes. But secondly, to embrace gratitude. Even despite challenges and setbacks, there’s always room for gratefulness and thankfulness. So in this episode of MakingSparks, Casey and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How to Adapt CNC Training for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders - Part 2, 413
41:12
41:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:12
Gamification. Gamification is a highly successful strategy in the world of marketing. It’s used all the time to enhance engagement in children’s education. How can we apply gamification concepts to manufacturing education? Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Gabe Kooyers, and Chris Townsend joined me in this discussion and nailed down some incredible ways …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How to Adapt CNC Training for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Leaders - Part 1, 412
34:55
34:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:55
How do we train the next generation of manufacturing leaders so employers are ready to hire them immediately? Do students still need to learn manual machinery? Or do employers only want skilled CNC machinists? These are just a few questions we dissect in this conversation with special guest and long-term educator Gabe Kooyers. Because if we’re not …
…
continue reading
Did you know that only about 6% of welders are women? Women bring a much-needed perspective and expertise to the table. So how do we get more women in welding? NIX has actively been trying to recruit, hire, and retain more women. In this episode of MakingSparks, we sit down with Tori Guzman and Aubree Beyer to hear what they think we can do—or cont…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MFG News Special: Where are We at with the Reshoring Initiative? 410
44:27
44:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:27
Where is the United States with reshoring initiatives? Do we still have huge vulnerabilities in our supply chain(s) that need to be addressed? If we continue to reshore manufacturing, will companies remain competitive? Reshoring impacts supply chains. Reshoring brings more jobs and opportunities to the US. These are all valid questions that are pla…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lights Out: A Samurai's Journey to Automation, 409
46:25
46:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:25
Can small shops begin to automate their processes? Where do they start with automation? In this episode of MakingChips, the CNC Samurai, Steve Courchane, returns to share his passion for automation. He lays out his 3M process and how it changes the way you view automation. Because if you’re not modeling, making, or measuring—you’re not MakingChips.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How Can Manufacturing Leaders Measure Their Customer Relationships? 408
33:56
33:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:56
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Why Numbers are Important for Your Manufacturing Business | Mike Payne Part 2, 407
41:04
41:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:04
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,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Oklahoma Meets Indiana - A Manufacturing Chat with Mike Payne Part 1, 406
37:41
37:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:41
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Should You Use a Recruiter to Find Your Next Manufacturing Leader? 405
46:33
46:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Journey from Scan to CAD to Part at Hill Manufacturing, 404
33:36
33:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Are You Putting Too Much Trust in Your Supply Chain? 403
38:41
38:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How Businesses Can Collaborate with Technical Education, 402
37:19
37:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Should Women Entrepreneurs Choose the Manufacturing Industry? 401
40:17
40:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lights Out: How to Prioritize Flexibility when You Invest in Automation, 400
36:09
36:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Do We Need More Manufacturing Entrepreneurs? 399
43:56
43:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Staying Connected through Your Front Line Leaders Part 2, 398
29:56
29:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Growing Shop Floor Front Line Leaders Part 1, 397
27:06
27:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Manufacturing Precision and Processes with BWXT GM Nate Foote, 396
38:14
38:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The SECRET To Becoming a GREAT CNC Machinist | Vol 20
45:43
45:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:43
Titan, Barry, Jessie, and Travis discuss what makes a great machinist and what steps can you take to become a great machinist.By TitansofCNC
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: How Technology Drives Innovation on the Other Side of Metalworking Nation, 395
44:01
44:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
An Important Update on Jason Zenger and the Leadership Lessons We Learned from It, 394
36:21
36:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Expanding and Transitioning a Family Business in Manufacturing with Joe Patterson, 393
44:50
44:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Embracing the Family Aspect of Business with Tad Dickel Part 2, 392
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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. …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why CNC Shop Layout is IMPORTANT | Vol 19
36:55
36:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:55
By TitansofCNC
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
MakingSparks: Navigating a Family Business in Manufacturing with Tad Dickel Part 1, 391
30:15
30:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 2, 390
22:43
22:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Doing This Will Hurt Your CNC Machine Shop | Vol 17
50:24
50:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:24
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
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We Started Our CNC Machine Shop with $20,000 | Vol 16
56:33
56:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:33
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
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The HARDEST Thing Our CNC Machine Shop Went Through | Vol. 15
1:06:12
1:06:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:12
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
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We CRASHED Old CNC Machines… Now We have New Ones | Vol 13
39:38
39:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:38
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
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller Part 1, 389
49:59
49:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Gratitude with Drew Crowe and Kyle Stoff, 388
50:40
50:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders Part II, 387
29:16
29:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SZN1: Manufacturing Fuels Greatness with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, 386
43:58
43:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How Can the Golden Rule be Applied in Business? with Mike Ruge, 385
42:13
42:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Become Irreplaceable in your CNC Machine Shop | Vol 12
1:12:53
1:12:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:53
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What You Need To Know To Thrive in CNC Machining | Vol 11
1:03:40
1:03:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:40
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.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
BOTCHED! How Manufacturing Leaders can Avoid the Horror Story of a Failed ERP Implementation, 384
40:12
40:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Invest in Video to Tell their Story and Build Their Brand, 383
33:05
33:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading