Best MakingChips LLC Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Manage Outside Processes Like a Pro, 490 48:11

Play Pause

5d ago48:11

48:11

Every machine shop relies on outside processes—whether that's heat treating, plating, grinding, or coating. But every time a part leaves your building, your risk profile changes. Quality, timing, and accountability become harder to control. In this episode of MakingChips, the hosts sit down with Charlie Hushek, owner of Phoenix Heat Treating and a …

1
Maximizing Profitability with Advanced Financial Tools (The Financial Playbook Every Machine Shop Needs), 489 1:02:39

12d ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Finance doesn't have to be a mystery—it can be your greatest advantage. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we sit down with Jon Hughes, Erik Skie, and Mike Estes from CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) to unpack the financial principles that separate high-performing shops from those that just get by. Together, they dig into how manufacturers can…

51
Racing Toward Excellence: The Olson Brothers' Journey from the Track to the Shop Floor, 488 53:30

19d ago53:30

53:30

What happens when two brothers with a racing background decide to start a machine shop—with zero machining experience? You get Olson Custom Designs, a company that's gone from two Haas machines in 2014 to nearly 90 employees today—serving medical, defense, and aerospace industries out of a world-class facility in Indianapolis. In this episode, we s…

1
Winning the Talent War: Recruitment, Retention, and Culture with Mike Tamasi, 487 58:45

26d ago58:45

58:45

Recruiting and retaining great people is one of the biggest challenges in manufacturing today—but what if the solution isn't just about wages or benefits, but about building a culture where people thrive? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by guest co-host Jon Franko and special guest Mike Tamasi, CEO of AccuRounds, a for…

1
Leadership at the Core: Building Trust, Systems, and People with Kyra Tillman, 486 46:24

1M ago46:24

46:24

Leadership is more than a buzzword—it's the backbone of every successful machine shop. In this episode of MakingChips—Machine Shop MBA, hosts Paul Van Metre and Jen Dubose sit down with Kyra Tillman, owner of BTM Industries, to explore what real leadership looks like on the shop floor and in the front office. Kyra inherited a decades-old family sho…

1
Strategic Growth & Vision: Building a High-Performing Machine Shop with Peter Doyle, 485 51:18

1M ago51:18

51:18

In this special MakingChips Machine Shop MBA episode, we sit down with Peter Doyle—CEO of Hirsh Precision—to unpack what it takes to grow and transform a machine shop with purpose. From his roots as an Air Force officer to leading a former Top Shops award winner, Peter has blended strategy, structure, and heart into a roadmap any shop leader can le…

101
Requirements Review: How Paperless Parts' is Making Sure You Never Miss a Critical Detail, 484 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

If you've ever lost sleep wondering whether you missed a critical detail in a quote—or felt the adrenaline of winning a job only to realize you underpriced it—this MakingChips episode is for you. Recorded live at FABTECH 2025, Nick sits down with Jason Ray, founder of Paperless Parts, to unveil a breakthrough tool that promises to transform how sho…

1
Building a Winning Team: Matt Wardle's Blueprint for Machine Shop Success, 483 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

Every machine shop leader knows you can buy the best equipment, implement cutting-edge automation, and have bulletproof processes—but without the right team and culture, growth will stall. In this episode of MakingChips Machine Shop MBA, we talk with Matt Wardle, President of JD Machine, about how he transformed a small Utah shop into a 210-person …

1
Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 46:00

2M ago46:00

46:00

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has…

151
The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Running a machine shop isn't just about cutting chips—it's about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ran…

201
What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

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. A…

201
Inventory Management Strategies Every Machine Shop Should Steal, 479 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

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…

201
Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works (Part II), 478 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

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.…

201
Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works, 477 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

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…

251
SWIT the Details: How Top Shops Nail Quality Control, 476 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Let's be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That's a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control. From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shippin…

251
Programming Smarter: How Hexagon's ESPRIT EDGE Transforms Your CAM Workflow, 475 31:05

3M ago31:05

31:05

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon's Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops s…

251
The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474 1:02:18

4M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill," I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn't just another tax update—it's a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

251
Engineering Attention: Hüseyin Kılıç shares How Storytelling Can Grow Your Shop, 473 46:12

4M ago46:12

46:12

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly "get" why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılıç, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTu…

301
From Microns to Megastructures: Machining at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum, 472 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They're both precision-machined, but that's where the similarities end. In this episode of MakingChips, we're exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a …

301
Shop Floor Greatness Starts at the Top: Inside the Top Shops Culture at Major Tool, 471 51:23

4M ago51:23

51:23

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn't just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space an…

301
Managing Orders From Setup to Shipment—Without Losing Control, 470 48:48

4M ago48:48

48:48

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don't match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We've seen i…

351
Managing Orders: Planning for Precision on the Shop Floor, 469 50:55

5M ago50:55

50:55

Once the PO comes in, it's easy to fall into the trap of "just get it done." But if we don't manage orders with intention and clarity, we're setting ourselves—and our teams—up for chaos. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it really takes to run a smooth, efficient production floor. This isn't just about buying softwa…

351
Profit Starts with the Quote: Estimating Smarter for a Stronger Shop, 468 56:42

5M ago56:42

56:42

Are you losing money before the job even hits the floor? If your quotes are based on outdated spreadsheets, rough guesses, or a "that's what we've always charged" mindset, you might be setting your shop up to fail—before the first chip falls. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) problems in m…

351
From Invisible to Irresistible: Marketing That Actually Attracts Work, 467 1:09:02

5M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Before you spend a dime on advertising—or hire a marketing agency—you need to answer one foundational question: Who exactly are you trying to reach? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, Nick, Mike, and Paul sit down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of The Manufacturing Executive podcast, to break down the strategy beh…

351
The Sales Mindset Shift: How to Grow Current, Dormant, and New Accounts, 466 1:09:29

5M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

This might be one of the most important conversations we've had in the Machine Shop MBA series—because we're unpacking a mindset that quietly limits the growth potential of so many shops: the "cashier model." We've seen it time and time again—shops waiting at the counter for purchase orders to roll in, instead of actively building relationships, so…

401
The Tech Stack Advantage: Turning Software into a Sales Tool for Machine Shops, 465 57:33

6M ago57:33

57:33

When you're launching or scaling a machine shop, it's easy to think of software as a cost—something you "have to have" just to get by. But what if your tech stack could become your sharpest competitive edge? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by returning guest and digital strategy expert Bryce Barnes to unpack why your s…

401
Gorilla 76 In the House: A New Era for Manufacturing Media, 464 39:17

6M ago39:17

39:17

What happens when a young marketer decides to stop chasing every client and instead zeroes in on one industry? You get Gorilla 76—a leading agency that's spent nearly two decades helping B2B manufacturers connect, grow, and lead. In this special episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of three…

401
The Home of MFG: Uniting Events, Podcasts, and Tools for the Manufacturing Nation, 463 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

What if every trade show, manufacturing podcast, and business resource you needed was just a few clicks away? That's the vision behind The Home of MFG, a new online hub created by Chris Stevens—a manufacturing leader who got tired of fragmented information and decided to build a centralized, open-access platform for the industry. In this episode, w…

401
Meet MAESTRO: How Hexagon is Turning Quality Into a Power Play, 462 44:49

6M ago44:49

44:49

If inspection is the bottleneck in your shop, you're not alone—and this episode might just be your blueprint for breaking through it. We sat down with the team behind MAESTRO, the latest release from Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division, to explore how a complete reinvention of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is shifting quality con…

401
Machines Are Just the Start (How to Build a Shop That Lasts), 461 1:14:51

6M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

If you're in the trenches of manufacturing like we are—running a shop, growing a business, or even dreaming of starting your own—this episode is going to hit home. We're diving deep into the real challenges and choices that come with equipping a machine shop. It's not just about what machine to buy; it's about how to make smart, future-proof decisi…

451
Funding Your Dream Shop: Creative Ownership Strategies You Haven't Heard Yet, 460 1:04:42

6M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Dreaming of owning your own machine shop but hitting a wall when it comes to the money? You're not alone—and you're definitely not out of options. In this episode of MakingChips' Machine Shop MBA series, host Mike Payne sits down with Jon Hughes, Principal and CFO Consultant at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), to unpack what it really takes to fund a manu…

451
The Quiet Cut That's Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing 35:09

7M ago35:09

35:09

Most small manufacturers don't realize they're being quietly supported by one of the most impactful public-private partnerships in the country. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has long been the hidden backbone behind training programs, grant facilitation, process improvements, and critical tech upgrades for shops across the U.S. But r…

451
The Legal + Financial Stuff No One Warns You About When Starting a Machine Shop, 459 41:13

7M ago41:13

41:13

Most people who dream of launching a manufacturing business obsess over machines, processes, and parts. But here's the thing: that dream can die before a single spindle turns—if you miss a few less-glamorous (but absolutely critical) steps on the front end. Legal structure? Tax setup? Insurance? Naming your shop? These early decisions carry more we…

451
Shop Formation 101: Entity Types, Tax Traps, and Long-Term Strategy, 458 39:51

7M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we go beyond vision boards and get into the meat and potatoes of launching your shop legally—with the right entity type and structure to support your short and long-term goals. Whether you're looking to stay solo, bring on partners, or position for future investment or acquisition, your business forma…

451
Breaking Boundaries: Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, 457 40:46

7M ago40:46

40:46

In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the entrepreneurial mindset, drawing inspiration from three of the most influential figures in modern business: Titan Gilroy, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs. Through clips from these legendary leaders, we explore the grit, vision, and resilience required to launch and grow a business in the challenging world …

501
Machine Shop MBA: How to Become a Top Shop with Brent Donaldson, 456 47:20

7M ago47:20

47:20

What if you could measure your shop's success against the industry's best—and discover exactly where you can improve? In this episode, we're launching a groundbreaking new series with Modern Machine Shop to help you do just that. We're joined by Brent Donaldson, who walks us through the powerful Top Shops program—a game-changing benchmarking tool t…

501
Introducing Machine Shop Growth: Scaling Success with Kirk Phelps and Mike Fritz, 455 44:17

8M ago44:17

44:17

Ever wonder why some machine shops experience rapid, exponential growth while others hit a ceiling? In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the strategies behind this growth with Kirk Phelps and Mike Fritz—two seasoned veterans in the machine shop industry who have cracked the code on scaling businesses. With a focus on mergers and acquisition…

501
Unpacking Real-World Applications of AI in Manufacturing with Bryce Barnes, 454 52:43

8M ago52:43

52:43

In this episode of MakingChips, we dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. Special guest Bryce Barnes, a manufacturing AI consultant, shares his expertise and insights on how AI is transforming both the shop floor and business operations. As a former mechanical engineer turned AI…

501
Cybersecurity Requirements for DoD Contractors: A Deep Dive into CMMC with Jacob Horne, 453 1:11:02

8M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

In this episode of MakingChips, we take a deep-dive into the complexities of cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers working with the Department of Defense (DoD) with expert Jacob Horne. Jacob, the Chief Cybersecurity Evangelist at Summit 7, brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, especially as it relates to the Cybersecurity Maturit…

551
How Mike Nager is Closing the Awareness Gap with Kid's Books on Manufacturing, 452 30:12

8M ago30:12

30:12

We're always looking for ways to build greater awareness of manufacturing, and we believe the conversation needs to start at an earlier age. That's why we're excited to speak with people like Michael (Mike) Nager, who shares our passion for bridging the gap. Mike is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about manufacturing through children's …

551
Hire MFG Leaders: Revolutionizing Recruiting for Manufacturers, 451 40:24

9M ago40:24

40:24

The biggest problem in manufacturing today? Finding and retaining the right talent. Labor shortages aren't just about filling positions; it's about finding people who will truly thrive in your company culture and help drive long-term growth. But how do you accomplish that? Trevor O'Malley and Myles Rickerd bring a fresh perspective to talent acquis…

551
Why AI Isn't the Answer for Quoting: The Risks of Using ChatGPT in Manufacturing, 450 35:53

9M ago35:53

35:53

In manufacturing, speed matters—especially when it comes to quoting. If you can't turn around quotes quickly and accurately, your customers will move on to someone who can. But should you leverage AI, like ChatGPT, to make the quoting process easier? In this episode of MakingChips, we're tackling a hot topic: the risks and limitations of using larg…

551
The Business of MakingChips: From Shop Floor to CEO, 449 29:17

9M ago29:17

29:17

Many machinists dream of owning their own shop. But there's a big difference between being great at making chips and being great at running a business—just like a skilled operator isn't automatically a great manager. That's why we're launching a new series—think of it as a MasterClass on starting, running, and growing a successful machine shop. Bus…

551
How Systems and Processes Can Transform Your Shop's Revenue, 448 54:07

9M ago54:07

54:07

What's the secret to scaling a manufacturing business? For Mike, it all started with a growing passion for manufacturing, a desire to learn, and the decision to implement ProShop ERP. In this episode of MakingChips, Paul and Mike share their origin stories and dive into the transformative power of systems, processes, and ProShop. Mike's journey beg…

601
Precision Under Pressure: How Machinists Empower First Responders, 447 28:03

9M ago28:03

28:03

Watching the wildfires spread in Los Angeles is both heartbreaking and sobering. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We're also reminded of the bravery and dedication of first responders—firefighters on the ground and pilots flying "super scoopers" to drop water where it's needed most. But behind every h…

601
A MakingChips Farewell to the OG: Jason Zenger, #446 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space. As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as …

601
How to Build a Kick-Ass Culture with Beau Groover, 445 54:31

10M ago54:31

54:31

What does it take to build a truly exceptional culture in your manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Beau Groover, a seasoned coach with decades of experience in lean implementation, continuous improvement, and leadership. From his early days as an Inventory Control Manager to overseeing 21 plants as Director of M…

651
New Year, New Goals: Aligning Metrics, Leadership, and Life, 444 38:58

10M ago38:58

38:58

The world is divided when it comes to New Year's resolutions. Some argue that if you're committed to change, you should take action anytime—not just at the start of the year. But the new year is also a natural time for reflection, a chance to evaluate where you've been and map out where you're going, in both business and life. In this episode of Ma…

651
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Our Top MakingChips Moments of 2024, 443 57:43

10M ago57:43

57:43

In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we're so proud to be part of the manufacturing community. We dive into the topics that matter most: How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation. Why imp…

651
Why Customer Service Outsells Sales, 442 48:20

11M ago48:20

48:20

Customer service in manufacturing is often seen as a pain point rather than a differentiator. We've all experienced the frustrations of dealing with companies like Comcast—impossible cancellations, endless transfers, and the feeling of being treated as just another number. Unfortunately, too many manufacturing shops still operate with a similar "yo…