Dave bought two very different precision machining companies. One makes large gears in small volumes, and the other specializes in high-volume contract Swiss machining and other production machining. As an outsider to the industry, and not a technical shop owner, Dave shows that it’s not only possible, but an advantage not to be able to do programming, machining and the technical work of a machining company. Instead, he provides resources, sets the vision and builds and supports the team while focusing on finance, sales & marketing, and the other things he has so much experience with. There is a lot of wisdom to this approach for scalability and ultimately company value. If you’re considering buying a manufacturing company, or currently own one and want to work ON the business more often, this will be a valuable episode to listen to.

Bravery, Grit and Can-Do attitude are in ample supply with Steve and Jamie Michon. They started a machine shop with 3 young boys, very little money, lived in Steve’s parent's basement, and bought a thrashed Fadal that Steve needed to completely rebuild before he could make parts on it. Similarly, Jamie knew nothing about Quickbooks, or the business side of running a machining company.  But none of those things stopped them from realizing their dream.  Thankfully Steve had a very supportive network of prior contacts and employers who provided them with work and allowed them to organically grow into the powerhouse they are today. This is a wonderful American dream story of a couple working side by side to grow a successful business and a family at the same time. I know you’ll love their story and this interview.Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-michon-290091109/Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-michon-8a78641/Zero Tolerance Website: https://www.zerotolerancecnc.com/  Culture by Design:  https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Design-individual-organizational-performance/dp/0692100784?dplnkId=d08a71d0-5681-4a63-93a3-8eb7f951265c&nodl=1

67. Betting it All on a Dream with Ashley Hunsaker from HTS CoatingsEven before Ashley and her husband Jason opened their doors, they nearly had to file for bankruptcy, because an insurance company deemed her more valuable dead than alive - because she was a stay-at-home mom. Thankfully, a wonderful human intervened and saved the business before it started. From there, this mission and values-driven company has exploded in growth and is changing lives and their community. After you listen to this authentic and vulnerable interview, you’ll understand why HTS Coatings is growing so quickly and doing so well. In fact, I think they perfectly fit the old adage of doing well by doing good! Enjoy the interview!About HTS Coatings:HTS Coatings is a full service thermal spray, welding, machining and grinding company. A break down in equipment is always a rush job and here at HTS we strive to get you back up and running with high quality repairs to meet your needs. We know and understand how to repair components and how to make them last longer.Follow Ashley and HTS Coatings on Social Media:Personal LI: /ashley-hunsaker Company LI: /hts-coatings-llcWebsite: www.htscoatings.comFacebook: /htscoatingsX: /htscoatings

Mitch and Brian Olson, co-founders of Olson Custom Designs (OCD), transitioned from the racetrack to the machining world, overcoming early challenges with grit and determination. They share how their racing background shaped their business strategies and team culture. The conversation dives into the importance of quality certifications for industries like aerospace and medical, and effective recruiting strategies to build a strong workforce. Their commitment to collaboration and customer relationships has driven their rapid growth to a powerhouse in the CNC machining industry.

65. 4 Generations of Machining Legacy with Denny Smith from NMC, Inc.Denny is the 3rd generation owner and President of Northside Machine Company in Dugger Indiana. His son is now working in the business as well making him the 4th generation of Smiths to be involved in the business. This role is one that Denny takes very seriously, and he is determined to continue making NMC Inc the best company it can be.  In this fun conversation recorded live at IMTS 2024, Denny talks about how his family has build NMC into a large machine shop by focusing on things that move the business forward, taking over the downtown of Dugger, and how a move to be more realistic about how the company was with its communication and empowering their already committed team members has made a world of difference!About NMC, Inc.:A family-owned and operated business, specializing in precision CNC milling and turning of metal and plastic parts, as well as CNC fabrication, welding, and assembly.  Founded in 1965 as Northside Machine Company, NMC has been at its current location since 1982, and after several expansions over the years, it has become the 41,300 ft2 climate-controlled manufacturing facility that it is today. Currently, we provide high-quality components to the military, firearms, and aerospace industries.  After many years of working successfully in these markets, we feel we offer something special to our customers:  On-time Service, Quality Workmanship, and Competitive Pricing.  NMC has built a first-class reputation on these characteristics.Follow Denny and NMC, Inc. on Social Media:Personal LI: /denny-smithCompany LI: /company/nmc-incWebsite: www.northsidemachine.comFacebook: /northsidemachinecoinc

64. Tribal Knowledge Killed this Shop: A Machine Shop Owner Tells the Story with Jereme RogersAfter a near-death motorcycle accident, Jereme Rogers fell in love with the machining industry and decided that he wanted to own a shop someday. When the owners of TK Machine decided they wanted to retire, Jereme and they eventually came to an agreement that he would buy the shop. After finalizing the transaction, Jereme soon realized there was a lot more to owning a business than he ever realized, and that it was much harder than it appeared from the outside. When another local company recruited away his top 4 most experienced machinists, and years of tribal knowledge walked out the door, followed by his top 4 customers swamped him with new work, the dominos started falling. Jereme fought as hard as he could, but ultimately decided to close down the business. This is the first time Jereme’s story has been told publicly, and we thank him for the courage to share with the goal of helping others by being transparent about the realities of owning a precision machining company.Follow Jereme on Social Media:Personal LI: /jereme-rogers-17427389

Jason Davis, the second-generation CEO of D&D Enterprises, shares valuable insights from his journey in the precision machining industry. He discusses the importance of effective customer communication and employee retention strategies that fueled the company's growth. Jason emphasizes the significance of diversification and nurturing relationships to adapt in the competitive aerospace market. He also highlights the lessons learned from strategic decisions, trade show experiences, and the need for a strong company culture to foster continuous improvement.

62. Automating Your Way to Success with Scott Harms from MetalQuest UnlimitedScott Harms knows a thing or two about highly automated CNC machining.  Since he started MetalQuest Unlimited at the age of 22, he’s made millions and millions of parts on highly automated machines that he and his team have integrated themselves.  Acquiring his first robot in 2011 and doing all the integration themselves, the now have 18 robots tending to their many CNCs, and they’ve invested significantly in their 3 Index multi-spindle machines at their second facility in Idaho. From explaining what it takes to build a culture of pushing forward every day, to the challenges of creating the ultimate process control, to the rationale for starting a second facility far away from their first, this episode is packed with actionable advice and infectious enthusiasm for this industry we love so much.  Enjoy and learn.About MetalQuest Unlimited:MetalQuest Unlimited delivers unrivaled, full-service contractmanufacturing thanks to our innovative production techniques and customer-centered collaborations.Follow Scott and MetalQuest Unlimited on Social Media:Personal LI: /scott-harms Company LI: /metalquest-unlimited-inc-Website: www.metalquest.netFacebook: /MetalQuestUnlimitedInstagram: /metalquest

61. Growing Well at Massive Scale with Peter Doyle from Hirsh PrecisionGrowing any business 80% over a few years is a major achievement.  Doing it with a precision machining organization is nearly unheard of.  And doing it well, without too much collateral damage, takes serious skills. Those are skills that Peter Doyle has, although he might not admit it.  The growth story of Hirsch Precision under Peter’s leadership is really fascinating. Peter is a real student of leadership, business management and world-class performance, and he shares many of his ideas, tactics, and strategies in this great interview. Get your pens and notepads out and enjoy this conversation with Peter Doyle, CEO of Hirsch Precision.About Hirsh Precision:Hirsh Precision is a precision CNC machining solutions provider, partnering with engineers from the aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific sectors. Visit us at hppi.com to learn more about how we can help with your next project. Follow Peter Doyle and Hirsh Precision on Social Media:Personal LI: /peter-doyle Company LI: /hirshprecisionWebsite: www.hppi.comFacebook: /HirshPrecisionInstagram: @hirshprecisionYouTube: /HirshPrecisionX: @HirshPrecision

60. Running Machines 168 Hours a Week with Jim Goerges from Precision Tool Technologies Jim is a finance guy with a passion for machining and never giving up on achieving maximum production. Those passions have helped fuel the growth of Precision Tool Technologies and 168 Manufacturing which Jim leads. In this episode we go deep on the concepts, strategies and tactics of getting maximum production in a precision machining business. We also discuss company building with the team you hire, the tenants live by and the values that guide the organization.  Jim is a high energy, fun, and humble guy that you’re sure to enjoy learning from.About Precision Tool Technologies:Precision Tool is an original equipment manufacturer of products for the prescription eye-wear industry and CNC machine shops. Customer's are worldwide and our product offering includes equipment, precision machined gages, jigs, fixtures, processing components, injection molded parts, fabricated stainless steel vessels, and custom components and equipment. We have 2 operating locations with engineering, tool and design, mold making, manufacturing engineering, and warehousing for products. We sell and distribute products worldwide. Follow Jim Goerges and Precision Tool Technologies on Social Media:Personal LI: /jim-goerges Company LI: /precision-tool-technologies-inc-Website: www.precisiontooltech.comFacebook: /PrecisiontooltechX: @PrecisionToolYouTube: /MrPrecision10