Lean Built: Manufacturing Freedom

The big reveal: Andrew finally shares which 5-axis CNC machine he chose and why it outshone other strong contenders (you’ll have to tune in to find out which one made the cut). Along the way, we dive deep into the decision-making process for major shop investments, offering valuable insights for anyone facing similar choices.

How about something a little different? Andrew and Jay take a detour through the world of craftsmanship, innovation, and efficiency by way of music. They discuss the evolution of electric bass designs, the nuances of machining and guitar manufacturing, and how lean principles can be applied not only to manufacturing processes but also to everyday life, from jiu-jitsu to efficient workspace setups. Along the way, they share stories about their newest equipment, the challenges of expanding their businesses, and the balancing act of maintaining quality while maximizing efficiency.

This week, we dive into the madness of Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and the whole crazy sales season. Ever wondered if discounts are really worth it? We’re talking about the psychology of sales—why free stuff beats discounts, how to build customer loyalty (shoutout to Gary Vee and John Taffer), and why one of us is over Black Friday sales. We also share behind-the-scenes stories of shipping blunders that’ll make you cringe. Plus, the thrill of new machines arriving at the shop.Don’t miss:Why “pre-sales” are the worst.How to make your customers love you without cheapening your brand.Stories from the trenches of manufacturing chaos.

Both Jay and Andrew have made some big purchases lately, including Andrew's final decision on a 5-axis machine. In this episode, they share candid stories about navigating those choices. Just what kind of thought do you put into a six-figure decision? Do you trust your gut, do you rationalize, or what? Oh, and they also discuss battling gophers (yes, really).

Jay and Andrew talk about getting paid by ideas versus getting paid by hours, passing the right kind of physical legacy on to your kids, the purposes of reserve cash, and more.

Jay and Andrew start by discussing what they will focus on as business owners coming out of this election. (Hint: focus on what you can control, which, it turns out, is actually quite a lot.) Then they talk about numbers. Some business owners run their operations based on a thorough understanding of all the relevant numbers. For some, this can lead to wonderful results; for others, it can be incredibly stifling. How do you use numbers to your advantage?

You know what's really nice? When standards are, y'know, standardized. As in...widely accepted and widely implemented. As opposed to changing between different companies, regions, and manufacturers. This is just one topic Jay and Andrew tackle in this episode on standards, simplicity, and solving problems before they happen. Books mentioned:Lean Made Simple - 12 Proven Steps for Creating a Vibrant Lean Culture Kindle Edition by Ryan Tierney.Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Andrew talks about some really valuable things he's learned from Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, including the importance of making fewer, better decisions and living in the results economy, not the effort economy.

Anything worth doing is worth doing well, right? Well, yes! Of course. But, in another sense, anything worth doing is worth doing poorly. Find out the distinction in this episode. You'll also hear Jay ponder the fact that when he doesn't review things with his employees, they tend to forget them. Which may sound like an obvious truth, but who among us couldn't profit from keeping it in mind?Andrew and Jay also talk about the morality of money, the search for a good salesman, and when to trade money for time or energy (and vice versa).Books Mentioned:The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don'T Work And What To Do About It By Michael E. GerberWho Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy....and on a slightly non-business topic, check out the wit and wisdom of great Christian thinker, G. K. Chesterton!

In this week's episode, Andrew and Jay delve into:Choosing the Right Machinery: How do you decide on the best equipment for your needs, not other people's?Strategic Purchasing for Tax Benefits: Is NOW always the right time to buy equipment to leverage tax advantages?The Owner's Mindset: Exploring how an owner's mindset can be the largest barrier to business growth.Self-Limitation for Success: Identifying areas where business owners should set boundaries for themselves to ensure the company's prosperity.Running a sale: when and how is it actually advantageous to run a sale?Book discussed: Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.