Machine Shop Mastery

45. Process & Team for the Win with Mike Brown from Computer Integrated Machining Mike Brown is the CEO of Computer Integrated Machining in San Diego and Tempe. They specialize in complex, multi-axis part and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industry - especially from hard metals. Mike shares his journey, lessons learned, and his approach to growing a thriving, profitable business that supports his Porsche racecar habits.  From the importance of building written processes, and empowering your team, to building relationships with key vendors and customers, Mike candidly shares the recipe for his success at CIM. About Computer Integrated Machining: CIM encompasses the expertise to facilitate and deliver to our customers some of the most difficult and technical challenges in CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Additive Manufacturing, EDM Processing, Welding, Water Cutting and Component Sub-Assembly, while also providing experienced Engineering & Design support on your Products.  Follow Michael and Computer Integrated Machining on social media: Personal LI: /michaelbrowncimsd Company LI: /computer-integrated-machining Website: www.cimsd.com

44. Standardizing a Shop to Huge Success with Robert Smith from Smith & Company Robert Smith is the Founder and CEO of Smith and Company,  a new machine shop founded out of the principles and best practices that Robert learned over 30+ years growing the family-run machine shop, Smith's Machine, his father started in the 70s. They found huge success by building robust standardization and processes for consistently reliable performance as they grew the company from doing repair work to being a world-class supplier to the Defense and Space industry. Those principles led to great success at Smith's Machine and are now serving him very well at Smith and Company.  Robert's talent as a storyteller and company operator comes through loud and clear in this very engaging conversation about building world-class precision machining companies. About Smith & Company: Smith and Company, LLC is a precision machining and manufacturing company in Birmingham, Alabama. Our goal is to provide our customers with deliverables that exceed their typical quality, delivery, and cost expectations. Innovative thinking, a can-do attitude, and eighty-plus years of experience enable us to create a partnership that customers appreciate. Their team is equipped with the latest precision 5-axis milling centers from Hermle. Additive manufacturing platforms from Markforged enable 3D printing with metal and composite materials. They produce precision components, assemblies, and value-added services that are used in a variety of industries. Follow Robert and Smith & Company on social media: Personal LI: /robert-smithandcompanybhmal Company LI: /company/smith-and-company-llc Website: www.smith-al.com IG: @smithandco.bham

43. Growing and Improving a CNC Shop with Humility with Nate Ankrom from Genuine Machine Products Nate has been the President of Genuine Machine Products for the past 4 years.  Genuine is a defense and aerospace shop working for high-end discerning primes.  Nate shares his story of rolling up his sleeves and working alongside the team to improve processes, culture, continuous improvement, CMMC readiness, and much more. Nate’s passion for machining and the industry comes through so genuinely (pun intended)! About Genuine Machine Products: Genuine Machine Products, Inc. is a leading provider of high-complexity machined components and sub-assemblies for the Commercial Aerospace and Defense industries.  They are proud to be recognized as being in the top 20 percent of ultra-precision machining facilities in the United States. As an ultra-precision facility, they have the ability to push beyond typical expectations to maximize product outcome with extreme quality and precision. Follow Nate and Genuine Machine Products on social media: Personal LI: /nate-ankrom-8161b068 Company LI: /genuine-machine-products Website: www.genuinemachine.com/

42. Making Precision Moves in Building a Highly Successful Machine Shop with Michael Tamasi from AccuRounds Michael Tamasi is the President and CEO of AccuRounds, a thriving 2nd generation machine shop in Avon MA.  Michael is a trained engineer and MBA and is a passionate advocate for the machining industry, the power of continuous improvement, industry associations (his first NTMA meeting was at the age of 12), corporate social responsibility, and the importance of company culture and growing and supporting their team.  Michael exemplifies all the qualities that I’ve seen in successful shop leaders.  And make sure you listen long enough to hear about the AccuFarm!! This was an inspiring interview for me and I know you’ll learn a huge amount from Michael on how to build a successful, enduring manufacturing business. About AccuRounds: AccuRounds is a contract manufacturer that machines and assembles precision turned components with critical tolerances and finishes for applications that demand accuracy. By focusing on operational excellence, we help get your product to market faster. Follow Michael and AccuRounds on social media: Personal LI: /michaeltamasi Company LI: /company/accurounds Website: www.accurounds.com IG: @accurounds X: @accurounds

41. Inspiring Business Growth and Building Success: A Conversation with Eric Hagopian from Pilot Precision Products Paul sits down with Eric Hagopian. His fascinating story starts with his grandfather's company Hoppe Technologies, which Eric eventually took over. Overtime, he sold that business and is now the CEO of Pilot Precision Products - the world's largest supplier of industrial cutting tools. He shares his business experiences, particularly in transitioning from being a parts supplier to becoming an assembly company. Eric also highlights the significance of investing in the company's facility to make it as well-equipped as possible to impress customers and create a positive impact. It's evident that his enthusiasm for ongoing learning and adaptability in meeting customer demands is a prominent theme in the episode, and we look forward to you gaining insights from the inspirational advice he shares. Thank you for being on the show, Eric! About Pilot Precision Products: Pilot Precision Products is the world’s largest supplier of industrial broaches and small, round cutting tools from duMONT Minute Man® Industrial Broaches and Hassay Savage broaching tools, and is the exclusive American distributor of Magafor® and GMauvaisUSATM products. Follow Eric and Pilot Precision Products on social media: Personal LI: /americamanufactures Company LI: /pilot-precision-products Website: www.pilotprecision.com FB: /pilotprecisionproducts X: @Pilot_Precision

40. A Scientific Study of How to Run a Precision Machine Shop with Tom Nathan from Total Precision My guest today is Tom Nathan, a former science teacher who ended up getting involved in the precision machining industry, and becoming the Managing Director of Total Precision.  As my first international guest, Tom shares some great wisdom about his approach to learning the industry and being scientific in his thinking about how to grow and get the most out of the team and processes at Total Precision. Tom shares many noteworthy ideas and pearls of wisdom for the audience and I know you’ll look at your shop a bit differently after listening to this episode. About Total Precision: Total Precision was established in 1997 and has since grown into a well equipped Machine Shop with grinding, milling, turning and fabrication capabilities. Total Precision is committed to delivering precision manufactured products and services that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations while complying with the highest industry standards. Follow Tom and Total Precision on social media: Personal LI: /tom-nathan Company LI: /total-precision Website: www.total-precision.com.au IG: @totalprecisionau 

39. Caring Your Way to Success with Kody Guidry from Coastal Machine & Supply Kody Guidry is one of the driving forces behind the success of Coastal Machine & Supply in Carencro Louisiana. Their remarkable success comes down first and foremost to a deep and authentic caring of the employees that has been instilled in their culture from the earliest days by Keith, and Kevin, two of the original founders. Kody shares their secrets of success for how they’ve catapulted to success by creating robust business processes, executed by well cared for employees.  As this interview will clearly show, it’s a formula that works! About Coastal Machine & Supply: Coastal Machine is an API Q1, AS9100D, ISO 9001 licensed and ITAR Registered CNC Manufacturing facility located in Carencro, LA. Coastal has been in business since 2004. They are a 100% paperless facility, and everything is ran through our digital manufacturing ERP system. This ensures efficient and effective throughput and allowing us to get updated information to and from the manufacturing floor immediately. Their processes and integrated Quality Management System, along with AS9100 and ITAR integration, with this system separate us from our competitors. It allows them to provide top notch quality and customer service. Follow Kody and Coastal Machine on social media: Personal LI: /kodyguidry Company LI: /coastal-machine-&-supply-inc- Website: www.coastalmachinesupply.com FB: /coastalmachine

38. Sharing My Own Thoughts on Shop Growth with Paul Van Metre from Pro CNC In this episode I interview myself, and share thoughts about the growth and story of Pro CNC - the machine shop I co-founded and owned for 17 years, as well as some of the themes and answers from my past guests.  I hope you find value in this episode and let me know if you’d like me to share more of my journey.  Comment or share on LinkedIn.  Thank you! Follow Paul on social media: Personal LI: /paulvanmetre

37. A Formula for Nearly Guaranteed Success in a Machine Shop with Matt Boucher from Machineosaurus Manufacturing Company Matt Boucher is the CEO of Machineosaurus Manufacturing Company - “Creating Precision with a Playful Roar”. He gave up a very successful career as the CEO of large manufacturing companies and decided to move his family across the country and buy a small machine shop. Matt brings his vast experience to that challenge with clarity and in a way that I’ve not heard described before.  It’s a very thought-provoking conversation on how to build a manufacturing company with nearly certain success and financial return for all its stakeholders. About Machineosaurus Manufacturing: Machineosaurus is committed to quality. We are working to achieve ASI9100 and ISO 9001-2015 certification, and we have a robust quality control system in place to ensure that every project meets our high standards. Their team of skilled professionals is dedicated to rapidly delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to our clients. We have a fully-equipped machine shop with state-of-the-art equipment, including CNC mills and lathes. Follow Matt and Machineosaurus Manufacturing on social media: Personal LI: /matthewboucher Company LI: /the-machineosaurus-manufacturing-company Website: www.machineosaurus.com IG: @machineosaurus

36. Achieving Excellence in a Precision Machining Business with Hernan Ricaurte from Ricaurte Precision Ricaurte Precision is a technology-driven, 2nd generation precision machining business that serves many high-tech industries with high-complexity machined parts with highly automated machines, including multi-pallet 5-axis machining centers.  Hernan didn’t originally have an interest in taking over his father’s business but has been deeply invested in learning the business and the industry for the last many years and is one of the most collaborative shop owners I’ve ever met. In this episode, we talk about striving for excellence in a business, technology adoption, culture (of course!) industry collaboration, and trade organizations. We also talk seriously about how difficult the precision machining business is with a healthy dose of realism.  Enjoy this great episode. About Ricaurte Precision: Ricaurte Precision Inc. has been providing a wide range of turnkey precision machining (CNC) services to FDA and Aerospace regulated clients for over 30 years (ISO 9001:2015). With a capacity of over 10,000 machining hours per month, Ricaurte Precision specializes in medium to high quantity, tight tolerance machining of metal and plastic parts. Follow Hernan and Ricaurte Precision on social media: Personal LI: /hernan-ricaurte-rpi Company LI: /ricaurte-precision-inc. Website: www.ricaurteprecision.com FB: @ricaurteprecision IG: @ricaurteprecision YT: @RicaurtePrecisionInc.-RPI