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In this episode, comedian and tea enthusiast Jesse Appell of Jesse's Teahouse takes us on a journey from studying Chinese comedy to building an online tea business. He shares how navigating different cultures shaped his perspective on laughter, authenticity, and community. From mastering traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy to reinventing himself after a life-changing move, Jesse and host Brian Lowery discuss adaptation and the unexpected paths that bring meaning to our lives. For more on Jesse, visit jessesteahouse.com and for more on Brian and the podcast go to brianloweryphd.com.…
Content provided by Jim Carr. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Carr or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Manufacturing Professionals will receive immediate and actionable insight into high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company. All communicated in an easy-to-digest 20 minutes by your expert podcaster and second-generation business owner, Jim Carr.
Content provided by Jim Carr. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Carr or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Manufacturing Professionals will receive immediate and actionable insight into high-level issues of running a small to mid-sized manufacturing company. All communicated in an easy-to-digest 20 minutes by your expert podcaster and second-generation business owner, Jim Carr.
Are you making the right first impression? If your bio is dull and your headshot is a blurry selfie, you’re not doing yourself any favors. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down why every manufacturing leader needs a strong bio and a professional headshot. We’ll cover why your digital handshake matters, who needs one, how to craft it, and why a professional headshot is worth it. If you want to be taken seriously in business, it’s time to step up your game. Hit play and let’s get into it!…
Are You Ready for Pre-Retirement? As a multi-generational manufacturing business owner, stepping away from the day-to-day is easier said than done. Have you staffed your business correctly? Do you have the right leadership, mid-level management, and sales pipeline in place to keep things running smoothly? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I explore pre-retirement strategies—how to test the waters by taking extended time off, how to assess your business readiness, and how to determine if you're financially set for this next chapter. What you'll learn: How to gradually reduce your involvement without risking the business Simple financial health checks to know if you're ready Why working with a financial planner is key How to maximize HSAs and 401(k) contributions…
Are you protecting your shop’s secrets, or leaving the door open for competitors to take your hard work? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, explain why every machine shop needs a solid NDA. I’ll share real-world lessons, that went sideways and could have been avoided with the right agreement in place. From third-party programmers to heat treaters and finishing companies, you and your customer’s confidential information is at risk every time you share information. Listen to this episode to learn: What an NDA is and why it matters in manufacturing What should (and shouldn’t) be covered in your NDA The risks of not having one—and how to avoid costly mistakes How to implement NDAs with customers, suppliers, and employees If you’ve ever worried about protecting your machining processes, pricing, or trade secrets, this episode is a must-listen. Don't wait — lock it down now!…
Overtime: Is it driving growth or quietly eroding your culture and profitability? In this episode, I reflect on decades of overtime practices at CARR Machine & Tool and shares key insights: The hidden costs of overtime on margins and efficiency. Why today’s workforce prioritizes work-life balance. How over-reliance on overtime can expose inefficiencies. The cultural challenges of inconsistent overtime practices. I also detail the steps our team took to redefine our approach—streamlining production, improving communication, and using overtime as a strategic tool rather than a default solution. Discover how a few strategic changes made all the difference for their shop and how it could do the same for yours.…
What’s your brand? It’s a question I was asked over a decade ago, and it changed how I approach both business and personal growth. In this episode, we’ll explore the power of aligning your corporate brand with your personal brand. Learn why your corporate brand builds trust, how your personal brand sets you apart, and how combining the two can amplify your success. Ready to elevate your brand? Tune in now!…
2024 was a year of resilience, growth, and transformation for me personally and professionally. In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I’m reflecting on the milestones we hit at CARR Machine & Tool, the exciting progress on this podcast, and some meaningful personal wins that made this year unforgettable. From expanding our capabilities in aerospace manufacturing to engaging younger generations, there’s plenty to celebrate. Plus, I’ll share how reshoring trends, automation, and sustainability are shaping the future of our industry. Join me as I look back on a year full of challenges and opportunities—and how we’re gearing up for 2025.…
In this episode, I’m drilling into one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business: managing cash flow. I’ll explain why understanding the gap between Day Sales Outstanding (DSO) and Day Payables Outstanding (DPO) is crucial, and how leveraging that gap can give your business a major advantage. You’ll also hear practical strategies for negotiating extended terms with your vendors, using credit cards to your benefit (hello, cash back!), and encouraging your customers to pay faster. These are real-world tips you can start applying today to keep your shop running smoothly and profitably. Don’t miss it!…
Yeppers…I messed up! In a previous episode, I threw out some numbers about ERP costs, and my good friend, Paul Van Metre from ProShop, hit me with a "Jim, WTF?" moment. Turns out, I wasn’t entirely accurate about ERP implementation costs, especially for shops with $5–10M in revenue. To set the record straight, Paul joined me in the studio to break it all down. We’re talking real numbers, hidden costs, and what it truly takes to implement an ERP system that can streamline your shop and take your business to the next level. Think you know what an ERP should cost? You might be surprised. Tune in to hear where I went wrong, what I learned, and how to make smart investments for your manufacturing operation.…
In this episode I welcome Jayden Mackinnin from Fluid-Aire Dynamics to the my TRUE POSITION studio to discuss a cutting-edge solution that’s transforming industries: in-house nitrogen gas generation. We break down the biggest challenges companies face with traditional liquid nitrogen—like high costs, logistical headaches, and environmental concerns—and explore how generating your own nitrogen on-site can solve them all. From debunking misconceptions about the technology to understanding the real safety and cost benefits, Jayden delivers insights that will leave you rethinking your approach to nitrogen.…
Are you ready to set your business up for success in 2025? In this episode we explore the critical decisions you need to make today to thrive tomorrow. From creating targeted marketing campaigns that resonate, to setting achievable sales goals that drive growth, I’ll share actionable insights to help you stay ahead. We’ll dive into building operational resilience, managing finances for sustainable expansion, and empowering your team with strong leadership. Your future starts now. Whether it’s refining processes, leveraging new technology, or aligning your team with a shared vision, this episode gives you the tools to plan effectively and make an impact. Don’t wait for 2025 to start—listen now and take control of your success!…
Are you ready to bust a move on the shop floor? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we’re diving into the world of Gemba Walks—manufacturing’s ultimate groove for continuous improvement. Inspired by the catchy rhythm of the "Macarena," we’re coining it the GEMBA-rena! But this isn’t just a catchy name; it’s a game-changing approach to connecting with your team, identifying inefficiencies, and fostering a culture of collaboration and quality. Join me as I break down the benefits of this hands-on management practice, from boosting morale to streamlining processes, and even outline a step-by-step plan for implementing Gemba Walks in your own shop. Whether you’re a Shop Lead, Operations Manager, or the President of your company, this episode will inspire you to hit the shop floor with purpose and groove toward success. Tune in and let’s step into the GEMBA-rena together!…
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I challenge you to take a hard look at your machine shop. Are you running it as a lifestyle business, content with mediocrity, or are you ready to scale and thrive? We’ll explore what it truly means to embrace growth versus staying comfortable. If you've ever wondered whether you're holding yourself back or playing it too safe, this episode is your wake-up call. Tune in to decide where your shop stands!…
In a fun twist for this episode, we flip the script! Day Hurn, Sales & Marketing Specialist at Robojob-USA, takes over the mic to interview me. We discuss the future of automation in 2025, exploring how AI, robotics, and lights-out machining are transforming manufacturing. It’s not just about tech—it’s about the mindset shift needed to stay competitive. Join us for candid insights, unexpected questions, and a whole new perspective on what’s next in manufacturing!…
In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, we dive into one of those unglamorous but critical shop tasks: cleaning the coolant tanks. Who’s responsible? Why does it matter? Join us as we tackle the often-overlooked world of coolant maintenance, exploring its impact on machine performance, shop efficiency, and team morale. If you’ve ever dodged this duty or want tips on delegating it right, tune in—you’ll want to hear this!…
Thinking about scaling your manufacturing business from $1M to $100M? In this episode of My TRUE POSITION, I break down the real costs of growing a manufacturing company at every stage. From upgrading equipment and expanding leadership teams to navigating supply chain complexities and international expansion, we cover what it really takes to build a thriving operation. If you're ready to grow but unsure of the financial and operational hurdles ahead, this episode is for you.…
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