Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

We’re always looking for ways to build greater awareness of manufacturing, and we believe the conversation needs to start at an earlier age. That’s why we’re excited to speak with people like Michael (Mike) Nager, who shares our passion for bridging the gap. Mike is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about manufacturing through children’s literature. As a long-time industry professional, Mike saw a gap in how manufacturing is presented to younger generations. In response, he created engaging, educational books that introduce kids to the exciting world of manufacturing, from automation to smart technologies. Mike discusses how his books are designed to spark curiosity and inspire future manufacturers by making complex topics accessible, colorful, and fun. He shares why it’s essential for kids, parents, and educators to see manufacturing as an exciting and vital part of our daily lives. We also dive into the challenges of simplifying manufacturing concepts, the positive feedback Mike has received from parents and educators, and how he’s partnering with organizations to expand the reach of his books. Mike’s mission is to close the "awareness gap" and encourage kids to consider careers in manufacturing. After all, we need the next generation of makers, thinkers, and innovators to keep MakingChips. Segments (0:28) Why investing in ProShop is investing in your business (2:40) Why it’s story time on MakingChips (4:02) Mike Nager’s origin story (10:45) Mike explains how he tailored his books for different age groups (13:50) Mike talks about using LinkedIn posts to gauge interest in his books (14:44) Why you should listen to the Machine Shop Mastery podcast  (15:51) A conversation about on-demand manufacturing (19:03) Mike shares stories from parents and educators using his books (22:11) Let’s get Mike’s books to more students around the world (25:57) The importance of raising awareness about manufacturing  Resources mentioned on this episode The Smart Students Guide to Smart Manufacturing  Smart Manufacturing Terms You Need to Know All About Smart Manufacturing Festo Didactic Siemens Digital Industries TITANS of CNC Academy Smartforce Student Summit Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

The biggest problem in manufacturing today? Finding and retaining the right talent. Labor shortages aren’t just about filling positions; it’s about finding people who will truly thrive in your company culture and help drive long-term growth. But how do you accomplish that?  Trevor O'Malley and Myles Rickerd bring a fresh perspective to talent acquisition that is tailored specifically to the needs of manufacturers—and we’re teaming up with them. In this episode, we're excited to introduce Hire MFG Leaders, our new service designed to directly address this challenge.  Gone are the days of sifting through stacks of irrelevant resumes and hoping something sticks. We’ll help you find the right person the first time. This episode will give you a sneak peek at how we’re redefining the hiring process—making it more effective, streamlined, and tailored to manufacturing needs. Whether you need engineers, machinists, or leadership, Hire MFG Leaders will help you connect with top candidates—even those who aren’t actively job hunting. By leveraging a deep understanding of the industry, we’re able to proactively reach the best talent before your competitors do. If you’ve been struggling with your own talent search, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll cover why traditional hiring methods fall short and how our innovative approach—backed by experts who understand your business—can lead to better hires, fewer missteps, and less turnover. Tune in to discover how Hire MFG Leaders is the recruitment solution that will set your shop up for success. Segments (0:25) Meet us at The MFG Meeting 2025 (3:07) Introducing Trevor and Myles (6:37) Why Myles launched his own agency (8:09) Why are we launching Hire MFG Leaders? (12:02) How do you hire the right people?  (20:05) Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP (21:04) How the MakingChips team is bridging the gap  (24:29) How will the process work?  (28:47) Who is the best fit?  (31:13] Why exceeding your expectations is the goal (37:45) How to learn more about Hire MFG Leaders (39:08) Check out Machine Shop Mastery Resources mentioned on this episode Hire MFG Leaders Meet us at The MFG Meeting 2025 Connect with Trevor O'Malley Connect with Myles Rickerd Should You Use a Recruiter to Find Your Next Manufacturing Leader? 405 Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In manufacturing, speed matters—especially when it comes to quoting. If you can’t turn around quotes quickly and accurately, your customers will move on to someone who can. But should you leverage AI, like ChatGPT, to make the quoting process easier?  In this episode of MakingChips, we’re tackling a hot topic: the risks and limitations of using large language models for estimating and quoting.  Jason Ray, the co-founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, joins us to break down why these AI tools might not be the magic solution some shops hope for. From data security concerns to unpredictable costs and AI hallucinations that could lead to costly mistakes, we’ll explain why trusting a general-purpose AI with your quoting process might be more of a liability than a benefit. Instead, we’ll explore a smarter approach—one that enhances human expertise rather than replacing it. If you care about accuracy, efficiency, and protecting your customers' data, you don’t want to miss this conversation. Because if you’re not quoting quickly and accurately, you won’t be winning business. And if you’re not winning business, you’re not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM.  Segments [0:27] Use Paperless Parts for your estimating and quoting needs [2:21] The bottlenecks we all face with quoting [10:24] Paperless Parts is razor-focused on estimating and quoting [12:48] Meet us at The MFG Meeting in San Antonio [14:53] Should you use an AI engine for quoting? [19:08] Subjective vs objection AI [31:02] Why this conversation is important  Resources mentioned on this episode Paperless Parts ProShop ERP  Meet as at The MFG Meeting in San Antonio! Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Many machinists dream of owning their own shop. But there’s a big difference between being great at making chips and being great at running a business—just like a skilled operator isn’t automatically a great manager. That’s why we’re launching a new series—think of it as a MasterClass on starting, running, and growing a successful machine shop. Business school teaches general principles, but the real lessons? You learn those on the shop floor, through experience, and sometimes the hard way. We want to bridge that gap, and we’re dedicating much of this year’s content to making it happen. If you own or run a shop, we want to hear from you—what worked, what didn’t, and what you wish you had known. If you’re still dreaming of starting your own business, tell us what you want to learn. And we’re not doing this alone. We’re bringing in industry experts to share their knowledge and experience. So listen in, and let us know—what do you want to hear? What questions do you have? This series is for you, and we want to make sure it covers everything you need to succeed. Segments (0:20) Why we love Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting  (2:45) Why we’re planning a masterclass  (8:05) We want to hear from you (11:57) How we’re structuring the series (15:20) Meet us at The MFG Meeting in San Antonio  (26:38) We’re collaborating with incredible partners Resources mentioned on this episode The E-Myth Revisited The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong The Toyota Way to Service Excellence The Kind Leader Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What’s the secret to scaling a manufacturing business? For Mike, it all started with a growing passion for manufacturing, a desire to learn, and the decision to implement ProShop ERP. In this episode of MakingChips, Paul and Mike share their origin stories and dive into the transformative power of systems, processes, and ProShop. Mike’s journey began with a love for technology and shop floor data collection, but his path took a turn when he acquired Hill Manufacturing in 2018. From there, he leaned on ProShop to standardize operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and drive remarkable growth. Hill Manufacturing’s mission—delivering quality parts on time, every time—became achievable on a whole new level. With ProShop in place, Hill saw savings of several hours per person daily, streamlined purchasing into a shared responsibility, and even reduced the management team’s size while repurposing staff into value-added roles. When COVID hit and revenue plummeted, they doubled down on systems and processes, reinvesting in ProShop. By 2021, they rebounded with 25% more revenue and 30% fewer people—proof that the right ERP can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale efficiently, make bold decisions, and embrace systems that align your team, this episode will inspire you to take action. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money! Segments [0:36] Leverage ProShop for your business [4:07] Paul shares his origin story [12:17] Mike shares his origin story [21:40] Meet us at The MFG Meeting!  [28:05] Hill’s ProShop Implementation [43:35] Challenges and wins [46:50] Paul’s bet with a customer  Resources mentioned on this episode Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP The MFG Meeting: Feb 19th-21st, 2025 A College Course in Machine Shop Management with James Marzilli How Modern ERP Transforms Manufacturing with John Zmuda Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Watching the wildfires spread in Los Angeles is both heartbreaking and sobering. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy.  We’re also reminded of the bravery and dedication of first responders—firefighters on the ground and pilots flying “super scoopers” to drop water where it’s needed most. But behind every heroic effort is another layer of unsung heroes: machinists. Why? Because these life-saving missions rely on precision-made tools and equipment, much of which starts in machine shops like yours.  From winches on fire trucks to the Jaws of Life, defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and components for SWAT and HAZMAT vehicles, machining plays a critical role in emergency response. In this episode, we’ll dive into the ways machinists are manufacturing the parts that help keep first responders safe and effective. Hill produces winch parts used across industries, including those found on fire trucks. Motis Fire Rescue is innovating equipment to make firefighters’ jobs easier. If you’re working in a shop supporting these industries, know that your craftsmanship truly saves lives. For that, we want to #ThankAMachinist. Segments [0:34] ProShop’s new podcast: Manufacturing Transformed  [1:41] How the metalworking nation supports first responders [2:39] Manufacturing leadership spotlight [7:34] Highlighting super scooper aircraft  [11:45] Everything starts with machining  [12:44] How machining supports first responders [14:24] How to nail quoting with Paperless Parts  [15:40] Highlighting Motis Fire Rescue [17:13] How machining impacts every aspect of your life [23:05] The incredible durability of manufactured parts  [25:29] #ThankAMachinist and #ThankAFirstResponder [27:04] Check out the Lights Out podcast  Resources mentioned on this episode Manufacturing leadership spotlight: Rhett Dawson Benchmade Knives Paul Terpstra with Motis Fire Rescue The Snagger Tool by Motis™  Hill Manufacturing Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space.  As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as a career. His vision and dedication inspired others to start their own podcasts, like Paul’s “Machine Shop Mastery.” Jason’s legacy isn’t just MakingChips. It’s the relationships, the #MetalworkingNation community, and the countless leaders who’ve been equipped and inspired along the way.  As Jason transitions to his next adventure—launching his podcast “Workmen of the Word” and writing his book, “Lead Like It’s Your Last Day”—he reflects on the power of community, education, and learning to prioritize what truly matters. Join us as we celebrate Jason’s contributions, reflect on the journey, and look ahead to the next chapter for him and MakingChips. Segments [0:21] Use Paperless Parts to solve bottleneck problems [1:46] Why is this Jason’s last episode of MakingChips? [8:10] How podcasting made education more accessible  [13:19] The challenges that come with running a family business [17:18] Achieve 95% on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [18:45] The far-reaching impact of MakingChips [23:44] Jason’s final takeaway from 10 years of MakingChips [28:32] How to stay connected with Jason [28:58] Learn more about Jason’s upcoming podcast and book [32:21] Why MakingChips is launching Hire MFG Leaders [36:09] Check out the MakingSparks podcast! Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix’s family business Jason’s website Paperless Parts ProShop ERP  MakingSparks Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Beau Groover, a seasoned coach and author with extensive experience in lean manufacturing, shares his insights on building an exceptional workplace culture. He highlights the importance of empathy and collaboration in leadership, emphasizing how empowering teams leads to greater success. Beau discusses the transformative journey from inventory control to lean leadership and the critical role of employee well-being in fostering a thriving environment. Listeners will gain practical steps to enhance engagement and achieve continuous improvement in their organizations.

The world is divided when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Some argue that if you’re committed to change, you should take action anytime—not just at the start of the year.  But the new year is also a natural time for reflection, a chance to evaluate where you’ve been and map out where you’re going, in both business and life. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re diving into resolutions that drive real impact: Mike shares his goal to break down KPIs to align his entire team—from the receptionist to the CEO—around actionable goals that make a difference.  Matthew reflects on the transformative power of gratitude journaling and his annual calendar audits, which help him prioritize what matters most.  Jason dives into how to lead with intention through challenges and shares his vision for 2025.  And Paul wraps up the conversation with some exciting news you won’t want to miss. Start 2025 inspired, equipped, and ready to make more chips—because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money! Segments [0:20] Use Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting  [2:37] Using metrics and KPIs as coaching opportunities [12:58] The importance of practicing gratitude [16:15] Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools [17:24] Matthew’s calendar audit practice [19:41] Lead Like It’s Your Last Day [26:05] Investing time in your best people  [30:16] Remember to give more than you get  [35:45] What can we focus on improving?  Resources mentioned on this episode Use Paperless Parts for estimating and quoting  Use ProShop ERP to manage cutting tools Buy the Numbers Episode #2 with Mike Fritz The 7 Hoshin Kanri Processes Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we’re so proud to be part of the manufacturing community. We dive into the topics that matter most: How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation.  Why implementing AI isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a competitive edge for the future. How building a culture of care and support can transform your team and your business. The incredible ripple effect of manufacturing: creating stability for our country, our communities, and our families. The importance of managing vendor relationships for long-term success. What it means to lead with integrity, trust, and purpose in a fast-changing world. You’ll also get an inside look at each show in the MakingChips family, hear some exciting announcements, and discover what’s next for MakingChips. Let’s celebrate the wins, embrace the challenges, and look ahead to an even brighter future. Because—at the end of the day—if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. Segments [0:28] Check out Paperless Parts for your estimating and quoting needs [2:12] MakingChips is celebrating 10 years of podcasting! [4:42] Launching with a moment of laughter [9:48] A snapshot of Buy The Numbers [10:27] How can we automate tribal knowledge? [13:45] How Bill Berrian leverages Paperless Parts [21:16] The industry is investing in AI for manufacturing  [24:44] Learn more about Machine Shop Mastery  [26:02] Companies must pour into their employees [29:55] Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [32:22] If you want to change the world, start with your own heart  [35:11] Learn more about the Lights Out podcast [36:24] Business moves at the speed of trust [41:40] A sneak peak at an upcoming episode [44:38] How manufacturing creates stability [46:46] The importance of managing your vendor relationships  [53:50] Rolling out the red carpet for Hire MFG Leaders [55:26] What’s next for MakingChips? Resources mentioned on this episode Check out Paperless Parts for your estimating and quoting needs Achieve on-time delivery with ProShop ERP Utilizing Marketing Strategies in Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses Bill Berrian with Pindel Global Precision Greg McHale with Datanomix on Buy The Numbers  Betting it All on a Dream with Ashley Hunsaker from HTS Coatings  Manufacturing Fuels Grit with Drew Crowe and Andy Mueller The MakingChips take on Managing vendor relationships  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube