Machine Shop Growth
Mike Fritz
The Machine Shop Growth Podcast gives a fresh perspective to help you grow your shop by focusing on 3 key factors - Sales, Marketing and Efficiency. For decades the machine shop industry was build on a “good-ol-boys” mentality and was full of great machinists and engineers that made great parts. What has been discovered is many of those amazing shops have plateaued or are starting to decline - because they didn’t put enough emphasis on getting more work and making more money with the work they had. On this podcast you will hear first hand advice from machine owners and mangers how they are getting more work and how they are making more money. Now let’s Grow Your Shop!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
Episode #11: How To Get Younger People Involved In Manufacturing
Nush Ahmed, a quality inspector and passionate advocate for young talent in manufacturing, joins the conversation to share her insights on engaging the next generation. She emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in the industry, focusing on inclusivity and mentorship for women. Nush discusses the role of social media in inspiring young professionals and the importance of hands-on experience. The talk also highlights ways to break stereotypes and cultivate a dynamic workplace culture that fosters curiosity and growth for all employees.
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
Episode #10: Is it time to buy a new machine?
Greg Knox from Knox Manufacturing Solutions shares his extensive expertise in the machinery industry. He addresses the crucial timing for investments in new equipment—before securing orders or after. The discussion highlights the differences between conservative and entrepreneurial approaches to machinery buying. Greg emphasizes strategic investments for enhanced capabilities, the significance of automation, and the importance of people and culture in driving growth. Insightful real-world examples reveal how to break through plateaus and improve margins.
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Episode #9 : Growing Your Top Line—How to get more customers
Hank Westerkamp, Chief Sales Officer, shares his insights on boosting machine shop visibility and unique positioning in a competitive market. Alongside him, Steve Mazza, Chief Revenue Officer, unveils strategies for prioritizing sales growth and robust customer follow-up. They delve into the misconceptions about new customers, the power of systematic follow-ups, and how effective quoting can impact revenue. Both guests emphasize relationship-building as the cornerstone of sustainable business growth, making a compelling case for smart engagement and strategic marketing.
8 snips
May 20, 2025 • 50min
Episode #8: Growing Your Bottom Line
Discover how to transform your machine shop's bottom line by identifying profit leaks. Dive into strategies for managing tooling costs and optimizing workforce efficiency, which can lead to significant savings. Learn the importance of data tracking and how it can boost production efficiency. External audits are highlighted as a key tool to uncover hidden issues. Embrace a growth mindset as you assess your processes for sustained success in the competitive landscape of manufacturing.
6 snips
May 6, 2025 • 54min
Episode #7: Growing Your People
This episode explores the crucial role of team development in machine shop success. The hosts discuss cultivating a growth mindset to inspire innovation and the value of practical skills over traditional degrees. They emphasize the importance of recognizing employee potential and navigating career paths within the shop. The balance between workplace culture and compensation is examined, highlighting how both factors impact employee satisfaction. Strategies are shared for empowering growth and promoting from within, ultimately fostering a thriving work environment.
8 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 38min
Episode #6 : The Quiet Cut That’s Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing (Featuring Making Chips)
Discover the looming threat to Manufacturing Extension Partnership funding and its potential impact on small manufacturers. Hear personal anecdotes that highlight the vital role these programs play in boosting competitiveness. Explore economic effects like job creation and innovative solutions, including augmented reality technology. Learn about grant opportunities for manufacturers in Illinois and the community benefits of MEPs. This engaging discussion calls for unity and advocacy to ensure the future success of small manufacturing.
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
Episode #5: Where Growth Starts
Hank Westerkamp, Director of Marketing with a rich background in engineering and IoT, joins a dynamic leadership team to tackle the big question: where does growth for machine shops actually start? They discuss the importance of understanding customer types and the confusion around prioritizing sales, marketing, or new hires. Listeners will learn why quality alone won't secure new work, the power of a simple website as a marketing tool, and how adopting standardized processes can enhance profitability and cultivate a growth-focused mindset across teams.
Mar 27, 2025 • 44min
Episode #4: New Chapter—We've Joined Making Chips!
Join Mike Payne, owner of American Precision Partners, and Kirk Phelps, a third-generation tool and die maker, as they delve into transformative strategies for customer acquisition. Discover how to engage new customers without sacrificing quality, and the importance of identifying perfect customer profiles. They discuss reviving customer connections through proactive communication and the role of engaging content marketing in building trust. The duo also stresses the significance of merging sales and marketing for cohesive revenue generation and cultivating a growth culture within manufacturing.
Mar 4, 2025 • 54min
Episode #3 : The Final Piece - Capturing New Customers in Our Growth Series
Explore the nuanced world of customer acquisition, emphasizing that growth doesn’t always hinge on new clients. Discover how identifying a strategic customer profile can lead to healthier business relationships and higher profits. Delve into the power of niche mastery, targeted marketing strategies akin to fishing, and maximizing efficiency through standardization. Learn the importance of building trust and transforming customer relationships by solving their problems. Finally, uncover how trade shows can serve as golden opportunities for attracting the right clientele.
8 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 58min
Episode #2: How to Land Dormant Customers
Explore the intriguing world of re-engaging dormant customers as the hosts dive deep into the reasons customers become inactive. Discover strategic approaches tailored for machine shops, emphasizing relationship-building and effective communication. Learn how understanding customer profiles can revive connections and align expectations. The discussion also highlights the innovative use of modern tools, including AI, to enhance outreach and customer retention. Tune in for actionable insights that transform lost leads into valuable partnerships!
