The two biggest complaints in any business are always the quality of the toilet paper and the coffee. Joking aside—coffee is a crucial part of any shop’s function. You need to have good coffee on the shop floor.  Mike Franz and his Co-Founder Amy Teal set out to do two things when they created ShopFloor Coffee. Their first goal was to create an amazing coffee that any shop would proudly serve. Their second mission was to support workforce development programs to bring more people into manufacturing. Mike shares how they’re working to achieve those goals in this fun episode of MakingChips. Because if your shop floor isn’t caffeinated, they won’t be efficiently MakingChips, and they won’t be making money. BAM! Segments [4:45] Introducing today’s guest, Mike Franz [6:37] The Chip on Nick’s Shoulder [9:44] The origin story of ShopFloor Coffee [16:10] Standing out in a crowded marketplace [20:35] Learn about ShopFloor Coffee [25:25] Graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [27:27] Fueling workforce development  [29:42] The biggest challenge they’re facing  [33:05] The future of ShopFloor Coffee [35:25] How to buy your ShopFloor Coffee Resources mentioned on this episode Amy Teal on LinkedIn Mike Franz on LinkedIn Mike(at)ShopFloorBrands.com Build Submarines Netsuite by Oracle MPMA Minnesota Manufactured SME Skill Up Arizona SkillsUSA The NTMA Foundation NCATC Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In the final segment of the first edition of At The Boring Bar, our expert panel of guests return to dive into the future of manufacturing and why manufacturing leaders need to embrace technology. They discuss the application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing and how they can be used to attract the next generation.  Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas also take a look at the challenges the national security and defense industry are facing because of a lack of partnerships.  We believe hosting round-table discussions of these important issues can help move the manufacturing industry toward a solution. Don’t miss this conversation.  Segments [0:25] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs [2:28] The application of 3D printing  [13:34] 3D printing a car at IMTS [15:21] Why we need to embrace emerging technology [16:30] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [17:57] National security and the defense industry  [19:40] Attracting the next generation to manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE programs Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing BlueForge Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you grow a machine shop through acquisitions? What is it like working in a legacy family business? How do you find and hire talented engineers? Where does AI fit into the daily grind? These are all questions that this team of industry experts and friends seek to answer over a glass of bourbon At the Boring Bar. Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas share their unique perspectives on the manufacturing industry—and how it must adapt—in part II. Check it out! Segments [0:37] Manage your cutting tools with ProShop ERP [2:25] Embodying entrepreneurial spirit [7:02] Carrying on a family business [12:15] Overcoming the fear of technology [19:34] NetSuite: The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [20:35] Shifting the conversation to AI [38:09] Gamifying adaption of new technology  Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP NetSuite: The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning CNC Expert Peter Eelman  Manny Pasillas Nicole Wolter Chris Luecke Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Some of the greatest ideas in manufacturing don’t happen in boardrooms but over a drink with peers. In At the Boring Bar, Jason aims to cut deeper into the conversations that matter most to manufacturing leaders. So pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join Jason as he uncovers the insights that drive the manufacturing industry forward.  In this inaugural episode of At the Boring Bar, join Jason, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas At the Boring Bar. They cover everything from the exciting new exhibits at IMTS to one of the biggest problems the manufacturing industry faces: a mass exodus of Baby Boomers.  You’ll laugh, you may cry, and you’ll undoubtedly hear something that will provoke you to think about the future of the industry and your impact on it. Don’t miss it.  Segments [0:20] Learn about IMTS 2024 ELEVATE [2:51] Why Jason is taped to a mannequin  [3:47] Learn more about “At the Boring Bar” [6:12] The evolution and legacy of IMTS [13:06] What we’re looking forward to at IMTS [22:29] Listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast! [27:36] Throwback to IMTS 1980 [29:05] What Peter will miss about IMTS [34:43] The mass exodus of Baby Boomers Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2024 ELEVATE Expomaq The Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Peter Eelman, known as the 'Show Boss,' plays a pivotal role in IMTS and manufacturing technology advancements. He discusses the awe-inspiring theme of this year’s IMTS, highlighting groundbreaking exhibits like AI-powered humanoid robots. Peter unveils innovative ELEVATE programs for women and the Spanish-speaking community, and shares insights on the significant involvement of tech giants like Microsoft and Google in the automation sector. With a focus on community and collaboration, he paints an exciting picture of the future of manufacturing.

Maintenance is something that’s essential to protect the longevity of your machines but rarely something regularly implemented in shops. It’s often a huge and costly mistake. Don’t know where to start?  In this episode, Manny Pasillas—a machine tool maintenance expert and the Founder and VP of Business Development for Tech CNCs—shares a simple yet exhaustive checklist anyone can use to properly clean and maintain their machines.  Because if you’re not cleaning your machines, they will break down, and you won’t be MakingChips, and you won’t be making money! – Nick Goellner AND - to get the full checklist, subscribe to our email newsletter! Segments [5:04] Manny’s origin story [25:55] Leadership Spotlight [30:17] The three tiers of machine maintenance  [33:52] ProShop ERP’s Manufacturing Transformed Podcast [34:25] Category #1: Lubrication  [36:21] Category #2: Hoses and lines [37:09] Category #3: Electronics [39:15] Category #4: Backlash checks  [40:02] Category #5: Safety  [41:29] Category #6: Way covers [43:38] Category #7: Motors and belts [45:02] Category #8: Air Filters [46:08 ] Category #9: The engine  Resources mentioned on this episode ProShop ERP’s Manufacturing Transformed Podcast Connect with Manny on LinkedIn To get the full checklist, subscribe to our email newsletter! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do you need to know before you launch automation in your shop? What would be signs that you’re not ready to automate? If you’re launching the process, how can you use your ERP/MRP to the fullest?  Even the smallest mistakes—like not having a process in place to deal with the chips your machines are creating while running lights out—can be costly. We want to help you avoid those costly errors.  That’s why Paul Van Metre and Mike Payne join me to tackle the important things you need to consider before you run lights out. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:35] Why you need ProShop ERP [5:08] What’s new with the crew [6:43] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [13:52] Do you have a repeatable process?  [19:03] NetSuite by Oracle [20:31] Do you have a chip management process? [23:48] Cutting tool management features [26:24] Are you making adjustments for accurate costs? [34:06] Do you have training in place for your team?  [37:16] Do you have a preventative maintenance program? Resources mentioned on this episode The Oscar Mike Foundation Noah Currier The Checklist Manifesto NetSuite by Oracle Moseys Production Shop Tour Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Here’s our controversial take: We believe that “automated” is more important than “operated”. It’s a stance that scares a lot of operators—but it shouldn’t. In this episode of MakingChips, Mike Payne and Kaleb Mertz return to dive into part loading and pallet loading, a mixed vs fixed mindset, and why predictive is better than reactive. We’ll connect all of it back to every shop's end goal: business results. Don’t miss it! Segments [0:18] Learn about IMTS 2024 Sectors [4:03] Part loading vs pallet loading [9:53] Embrace a mixed vs fixed mindset [16:00] Manufacturing Transformed [17:32] Predictive is better than reactive  [22:29] If you can sense it, you can do it Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS Sectors IMTS Community Go listen to the Manufacturing Transformed podcast Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Machine monitoring can give us insights into our machines that can and should change how we’re operating. The end goal is to drive better business results. But how should monitoring be paired with advanced business strategies to help you achieve those results? Mike Payne, Kaleb Mertz and I connect the dots in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not efficiently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Nick Goellner Segments [0:20] Learn more about IMTS 2024 Elevate [2:28] What we listen to at work [7:00] Manufacturing News: Technology Orders Grow [13:08] Latin America Conference at IMTS [15:02] Using ProShop for cutting tool management [16:11] Coaching is more important than monitoring [21:21] Adaptive controls and tooling optimizations  Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS Elevate ChillHop Radio Pop Goes Classical on Spotify Erica Violet on Spotify Manufacturing Technology Orders Grow Despite Sustained High Interest Rates Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Exploring work-life integration, the podcast discusses blurring lines between work and play, the importance of loving what you do, and creative ways to balance work and personal life. Strategies include involving family in work activities, managing emails on vacation, and implementing time buffering and power hours for tasks.