Strategic Machinery Investments in Machine Shops

When is the right time to invest in new equipment—before the job is booked or after the PO lands? 

In this episode, Mike and Kirk are joined by Greg Knox of Knox Manufacturing Solutions to dig into the real decision-making struggles shop owners face every day.

They cover the critical difference between buying for capacity vs. capability, why conservative vs. entrepreneurial mindsets approach machine buying differently, and how to use strategy—not guesswork—to guide growth. Greg shares hard-earned insights from 40+ years in the industry, including”

• How shops are doubling margin with better machine strategy
• Why many shops plateau—and how to break through
• How automation and accessory upgrades can eliminate the need for a new machine
• When off-shifts actually cost more than they help
• Why machine investment isn’t just about parts—it’s about people, culture, and momentum

Whether you're running a small shop or leading multiple facilities, this episode will challenge how you think about growth—and give you new tools to make smarter investments.