Machine Shop Mastery

25. Building a Model for Lifelong Upskilling of Manufacturing Workers with Bill Berrien from Pindel Global Precision Bill Berrien is a former Navy Seal, Six Sigma Black Belt, and CEO of 3 companies including Pindel Global Precision. He bought the company in 2012 when it was already 65 years old and has shaped it into a highly successful, and widely diversified machine shop today. They focus very heavily on investing in technology and people so that small, potent teams of advanced manufacturing professionals can have the same type of outsized impact that the Special Forces can have on the battlefield. I loved this conversation and I’m sure you find his thoughts on all the topics we covered to be thought-provoking ideas you can use to build your own business. About Pindel Global Precision: Pindel Global Precision, Inc. (veteran-owned, ISO 9001:2015-certified, ITAR-certified) is a dynamic and growing manufacturing company committed to providing custom, precision-machined components and assemblies to global customers. At Pindel Global Precision, they are driven to redefine the standards of excellence. Aligning with the goals of our customers, they leverage our advanced manufacturing capabilities to meet demanding standards for precision, capability, quality, and on-time delivery. Follow Bill and Pindel Global Precision on social media: Personal LI: /billberrien Company LI: /pindel-global-precision Website: www.pindel.com FB: @pindelglobalprecision

24. Demystifying the Buying and Selling of Machine Shops with Mike Payne from Hill Manufacturing Mike Payne of Hill Manufacturing has been involved with buying, selling, or managing over 130 companies. He has bought 5 machine shops in the past 5 years. So he has a wealth of knowledge to share about what makes a business more valuable, what sellers are looking for, and how to make sure a deal gets done! We dig deep into that topic and many others on this great episode. About Hill Manufacturing: At Hill, you can expect precision. They will deliver parts to the tightest of tolerances utilizing the latest in multi-axis technology. Just as importantly you can expect absolute precision regarding our material, delivery and customer service. They will learn your needs and deliver those needs with the precision you expect. Follow Mike and Hill Manufacturing on social media: Personal LI: /growingvalue Company LI: /hillmfg Website: www.hill-manufacturing.com

23. The Birth, Growth, and Exit story of an 8-Figure Revenue Machine Shop with Kelsey Heikoop from Pro CNC This is a special episode for me, as I got to sit down and interview my best friend and Co-Founder of Pro CNC, Kelsey Heikoop. I’ve worked with Kelsey for 30 years, 17 years of which were starting and growing Pro CNC. Kelsey and I talk about tons of different topics of how we started, grew, and eventually sold our machine shop. It’s a wide-ranging discussion that I hope brings insight and value to your journey. Follow Kelsey on social media: Personal LI: /kelsey-heikoop-758a2410

22. Vision and Values-Based Leadership with Eric and John from KMM Group KMM Group is a truly world-class machine shop near Philadelphia that specializes in doing high-precision and complex work for discerning customers. KMM is a merger of 3 companies that were owned by John and Eric. With over 100 employees, they serve the who’s who of OEM manufacturers across many industries.  Eric and John share their respective company histories, and how they set the vision and values of their new combined company to build a lasting organization providing value to their employees, clients, and the world.  We dig deep into the importance of coaching, and mentors, and how culture is the most important thing they have as they grow their company. They are clearly exceptional leaders, are should be an inspiration to manufacturing companies hoping to achieve even a fraction of the success that they have had. About KMM Group: The KMM Group was created from three world-class companies: The KVI Group, M&S Centerless Grinding, Inc. and Meron Medical. In combined experience we have solved extreme manufacturing challenges for over 100 years. They make components for the aerospace, medical device and advanced manufacturing industries utilizing our capabilities in milling, turning, grinding, EDM, engineering and assembly. They leverage a history of hard-earned expertise and combine it with a fresh view of manufacturing’s future to achieve extraordinary things. KMM is able to do this organically with no third party funding, keeping our interests focused entirely on our customer solutions. Follow Eric, John and KMM Group on social media: Eric's LI: /eric-wilhelm-8bb1a410 John's LI: /john-shegda-a3846515 Company LI: /kmm-group Website: www.kmmgrp.com

21. The Winning Formula of Strategic Planning and Generosity with Anne Duyck from Duyck Machine Duyck Machine was started by Andy Duyck in 1981 when he was just 22 years old. It’s grown over the years to be a modern, technology and culture-driven company of 35 people. Anne is one of the next generation of leaders in the business and shares the remarkable story of their growth. She shares about their focus on strategic planning, being client-driven, and some pretty amazing generosity, the likes of, I’ve never heard of coming from a machine shop. Definitely listen to the end to hear what Duyck Machine is doing with their profits. About Duyck Machine: Whether you’re a small company or an Internationally-based organization – Duyck Machine, Inc., can produce simple or complex parts for you in a wide variety of materials. A family-owned business that has been hands-on in the day-to-day operations since 1983, and continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and employee expertise. From short, customized runs to large-scale productions, their commitment is to get it right the first time using our cost-competitive processes – to meet or exceed your delivery requirements. Follow Anne and Duyck Machine on social media: Personal LI: /anneduyck Website: www.duyckmachine.com

20. Using Automation to Drive Success in a Machine Shop with Jerry Mullins from Western Precision Products Jerry Mullins is co-owner of Western Precision Products, a very successful 2nd generation machine shop near Portland OR.  They have leaned heavily into automated machining processes to serve the aerospace, defense and commercial space industries. With an impressive amount of revenue per employee, you’ll want to learn some of the secrets of Jerry’s success and how he and his brother have built WPP into one of the larger shops in the Pacific Northwest. About Western Precision Products: Western Precision Products, Inc. is the precision machining source you've been looking for. They provide consistent, quality components by integrating the latest in Robotic Cellular Machining Technology, CNC Precision Milling, Swiss Turning, 5-Axis Mill Turn and 5-Axis Milling Technology. Their highly-trained staff stay true to the mission by delivering the highest quality products and components while exceeding customer's expectations. Western Precision Products strives to develop a culture of partnership with our customers to implement and deliver high quality and cost effective results. Follow Jerry and Western Precision Products: Personal LI: /jerry-mullins-47398a140 Company LI: /western-precision-products Website: www.westernprec.com IG: @westernprecisionproducts

19. Building a World-Class Shop with Brad Keselowski from Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing Brad Keselowski is a championship-winning NASCAR Driver, Team Co-Owner, and in his spare time, he runs a fast-growing and successful machine shop that specializes in metal additive manufacturing combined with finish subtractive machining processes. They’ve seen explosive growth in the past 4 years of being in business and works with clients at the highest level of space and defense. Brad shares how they’ve built their company, what kind of people they hire, what metrics matters to them and why it’s important to them to have an impecably clean shop. I really enjoyed this episode and I know you will too! About Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing: Based in Statesville, N.C., Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM) is a vertically integrated simulation and engineering through serial production manufacturing company with Additive Manufacturing (LPBF-M) and CNC Capabilities. The KAM team is comprised of top engineering and machining talent who excel in innovation, creativity and problem-solving. Through partnerships with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and research universities, KAM develops groundbreaking, custom solutions for several industries, including aerospace, defense, energy, automotive, and performance motorsports. KAM offers several alloys, including AlSi10Mg, 6061RAM2%, Inconel 625 and 718, Ti64, Haynes282 and several other metals. Follow Brad and Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing: Personal LI: /brad-keselowski-51182a179 Company LI: /keselowski-advanced-manufacturing Website: www.kamsolutions.com FB: @KeselowskiAdvancedManufacturing IG: @kam_solutions X: @KAMSolutions

18. A Machine Shop Turnaround Story, Solving People and Technical Problems with Fred Stipkovitz from UltraTech Aerospace When Fred Stipkovitz was hired as the president of UltraTech Aerospace, they were looking at steep losses and had a toxic culture.  In less than 1 year Fred and the team turned the place around to profitability and improved the culture significantly.  They also risked it all by pushing back on a very large client who had caused them significant financial losses with some drawing errors.  There are some really great takeaways from this interview that all leaders should hear. About UltraTech Aerospace: UltraTech Aerospace is a leader in providing OEM aerospace products and services to the commercial and defense industries.  Located in Kansas City, Kansas, their philosophy is to achieve the highest quality standards in the aerospace industry, while creating efficiencies when producing our products—from the management level, all the way down to day-to-day operations. Follow Fred and UltraTech Aerospace: Personal LI: /fred-stipkovits-2057862a Company LI: /ultra-tech-aerospace Website: www.utaero.com

17. Riches in the Niches for a Machine Shop with Ted Toth from Rosenberger North America Ted Toth ran a 4th generation machine shop until they sold it to a German conglomerate. 10 years later, Ted is still loving what he does as a technical advisor. The secret to their family’s business was getting really good at a very specific niche, which made their company valuable to acquire.  Ted shares the amazing story of his family business, and how they started from a very humble beginning to the world-class facility they have today making parts that are on Mars and outside the solar system! About Rosenberger North America: As a renowned manufacturer, the name Rosenberger is associated with the most advanced technology, quality and creativity. The Rosenberger group - with its headquarters in Germany and sales and manufacturing centers around the globe - provides a wide range of standardized and customized connectivity solutions in high-frequency and fiber optic technologies. The product range covers RF connectors, components and accessories right up to cable assemblies. Renowned high-tech companies in fields such as cellular technology and telecommunications, industrial measurement technology, automotive electronics, medical and industrial electronics or data systems trust in the precision and quality of Rosenberger products. The custom machining center manufactures components for sophisticated technical equipment and facilities. Follow Ted and Rosenberger North America: Personal LI: Company LI: /rosenberger Website: www.rna.rosenberger.com IG: @rosenberger.na X: /rosenberger_na FB: /RosenbergerNorthAmerica

16. Rapidly Growing a Machine Shop with Mitch Free from ZYCI Mitch is a machinist turned entrepreneur with an amazing story to tell. He started his career as a machinist in the 80s and eventually went on to found MFG.com, FastRadius.com, and most recently ZYCI.com which serves the aerospace, space, defense, and industries among others.  Mitch has had a unique perspective having visited hundreds of shops around the world and he shares incredibly useful advice on the attributes of a shop and business owner that are important for success. Enjoy this rare chance get to hear firsthand from someone who knows the machining trade very well and has also founded companies that went public. About ZYCI: ZYCI is AS9100 certified and provides CNC machining services to the aerospace, defense, robotic and commercial industries. Their customers have high expectations, require attention to detail, consistent communication, and a sense of urgency. Machining capabilities are extensive ranging from 3 to 5 axis milling (up to 84”), 2-axis turning, 4-axis turning with live tooling, Wire EDM, EDM drilling, riveting and assembly. In addition to all standard inspection tools, they have a 2018 Hexagon CMM, 2019 Keyence Instant Measurement Vision System with Light Probe and Depth Probe, X-Ray Fractometer for material verification, hardness testers, conductivity testers, laser micrometers and a digital thread check system. Follow Mitch and ZYCI: Personal LI: /mfree Company LI: /zyci-cnc-machining Website: www.zyci.com