Machine Shop Mastery

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-smith Company LI: /company/nmc-inc Website: www.northsidemachine.com Facebook: /northsidemachinecoinc

64. Tribal Knowledge Killed this Shop: A Machine Shop Owner Tells the Story with Jereme Rogers After 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 Unlimited Scott 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 contract manufacturing 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.net Facebook: /MetalQuestUnlimited Instagram: /metalquest

61. Growing Well at Massive Scale with Peter Doyle from Hirsh Precision Growing 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: /hirshprecision Website: www.hppi.com Facebook: /HirshPrecision Instagram: @hirshprecision YouTube: /HirshPrecision X: @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.com Facebook: /Precisiontooltech X: @PrecisionTool YouTube: /MrPrecision10

59. Buying and Growing a Machine Shop Part-time with Gillen Young from Custom Tool Gillen Young and his brother bought Custom Tool in 2010 and have grown it fourfold since, including buying another shop as well. One of the most interesting parts of this story is that Gillen has a regular full-time job and leads Custom Tool as CEO and President part-time. Gillen is also the Chairman of NTMA and has some great insights to share from his time at NTMA.  Gillen shares the growth story of Custom Tool, and the things they’ve done to grow it so significantly.  He also shares some unique insights about the power of connection, communication and sharing among peers and the greater community. For anyone interested in growing, buying or selling a shop, this is a can’t-miss episode! About Custom Tool: Since 1991, we have been a trusted supplier of precision metal working services and machined component parts. We manufacture parts used in various markets such as automotive fuel and filtration systems, oil field valves, surveillance equipment, and military hardware. Our customers consistently rate us high in on-time delivery with low rejection rates. We are committed to providing value to our customers with the services we offer and the relationships we build. Follow Gillen Young and Custom Tool on Social Media: Personal LI: /gillen-young-b2863b Company LI: /custom-tool-inc-cookeville-tn Website: www.customtoolinc.com

58. How to Find, Buy, & Grow a Shop with Mike Fritz from Quick Tek Machining Part 2 In this Part 2 episode with Mike Fritz of Quick Tek Machining, we first learn about the factors that make a shop saleable and valuable. Mike then shares his process for deciding what type of shop to buy, where the sources of possible deals are, and which specific shop he wants to buy. Then how to value the business and structure the deal.  We then discuss how to structure the team and org chart so that he can rely on a team to run the business while he finds the next company to buy.  It’s a simple and scalable model that anyone can follow to get into the industry, or grow within the industry to generate significant value for their shareholders! About Quick Tek Machining: QTM is a fast growing machine shop that serves many different industries including robotics, automotive, boating, motorcycles and more. Follow Mike and Quick Tek Machining on Social Media: Personal LI: /mikefritzrealestate Company LI: /quick-tek-machining

57. Buying 4 Machine Shops in 2 Years with Mike Fritz from Quick Tek Machining Before Mike Fritz bought Quick Tek in 2022, he had been a speaker and consultant on building high-performing teams. He’s taken that skill set and decided to go all-in with the precision machining industry. After buying Quick Tek, he has quickly bought 3 more additional shops in the next 2 years. His approach is a model for how an outsider to the industry can have huge success, even without being an expert machinist. Mike is completely transparent about how he’s approached this and why he’s so passionate about supporting and building manufacturing companies.  This is a can’t-miss episode, and it only part 1.  Join us soon for part 2 as well! About Quick Tek Machining: QTM is a fast growing machine shop that serves many different industries including robotics, automotive, boating, motorcycles and more. Follow Mike and Quick Tek Machining on Social Media: Personal LI: /mikefritzrealestate Company LI: /quick-tek-machining

56. From Startup to Industry Leader with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing Paul sits down with John Newman from Athena Manufacturing, a 200-person machining and fabrication company in Austin, Texas. John shares his remarkable journey of growing two successful companies in the manufacturing industry. Starting with a small six-person shop in 1995, John and his partner Bill Johnson scaled their first business to 100 employees in just 17 months. After selling the company and briefly retiring, they found themselves back in the industry, building Athena Manufacturing into the thriving business it is today. John delves into the challenges and successes they faced, emphasizing the importance of financial controls, job costing, and building a strong company culture. He also highlights the critical role of continuous learning and workforce development in maintaining a competitive edge. John’s enthusiasm and dedication to the industry shines, and he offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to build or grow a machine shop. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with practical advice and stories of resilience and innovation! About Athena Manufacturing: Athena Manufacturing offers precision machining, precision fabrication, mechanical assembly and mechanical design services. Our customers include prime Tier-1 OEMs in the aerospace & defense, semiconductor equipment, and many other industries. Follow John and Athena Manufacturing on Social Media: Personal LI: /john-newman Company LI: /athenamfg Website: www.athenamfg.com