
Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business! MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation. Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types. It’s hosted by Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre. They’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more. Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.
Latest episodes

Oct 10, 2024 • 28min
Top Technology Takeaways From IMTS 2024, 431
IMTS is where manufacturing's cutting-edge technology takes center stage, and this year was no exception. IMTS 2024 brought the future to the forefront, showcasing the most advanced solutions in the industry. In this episode of MakingChips, Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke join Paul, Nick, and Mike to dive into the game-changing technologies that caught their attention—from additive manufacturing and 3D printing to machine monitoring, automation, robotics, and beyond. If you’re a manufacturing leader who’s serious about staying at the forefront of technology, you need to know what’s shaping the industry. Ttune in to catch up on the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing. Segments [2:05] Introducing Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke [4:13] Our favorite innovations showcased at IMTS 2024 [10:43] Broadening the appeal of manufacturing [12:41] Why you need ProShop ERP in your shop [18:45] The innovation happening in software [21:40] The innovation happening in communications and marketing Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Nush Ahmed Connect with Chris Luecke Manufacturing Happy Hour Within Tolerance Podcast Leela AI Toolpath Datanomix Paperless Parts Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Oct 8, 2024 • 43min
How the Mexican Manufacturing Industry Can help you Grow Your American Business, 430
Why would an American company want to consider expanding operations to Mexico? With more experienced engineers retiring and a decreasing number of new blood entering the manufacturing workforce, Mexico has become a viable option for operations. But is the process worth the potential hassle? Today’s guest is the Senior Director of Latin America for AMT and he's been an invaluable part of helping AME and Hennig rework their growth strategy and commercial structure in Mexico: Carlos Mortera. He shares why American manufacturers should consider leveraging the Mexican market in this episode of MakingChips. Segments [0:19] Manage your cuttings tools with ProShop ERP [2:42] Machine Shop Masterclass: Building a Team [11:23] Introducing today’s guest, Carlos Mortera [12:35] Carlos Mortera’s origin story [17:05] Expanding AMT into Latin America [18:39] Creating the AMT tech center [21:26] AMT’s a la carte services [23:37] The sentiment about Mexican manufacturing [26:30] NetSuite’s CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning [30:18] Why an American company would want to do business in Mexico [34:41] Why job shop manufacturers reach out to Carlos/AMT [38:24] The manufacturing outlook for Mexico [42:00] Stay tuned for the first episode of Buy the Numbers! Resources mentioned on this episode The Association for Manufacturing Technology Monterrey Technology Center Connect with Carlos Mortera NetSuite’s CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning The End of the World is Just the Beginning Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Oct 3, 2024 • 34min
The State of Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing, 429
The aerospace and defense industry has transformed dramatically since 9/11, leading to new regulations and heightened demand. Panelists discuss navigating challenges like the skills gap and data breaches, stressing the importance of automation and robust systems. They emphasize the need for effective communication and strong customer relationships to thrive. Business diversification is vital but comes with internal conflicts. The conversation also highlights essential preparations for entering these industries, including compliance and quality systems.

Oct 1, 2024 • 35min
How AI Implementation Can Be Transformative with CloudNC Founder Theo Saville, 428
Theo Saville was frustrated by the lack of real-world applications for 3D printing. Then it struck him: Why not make CNC machining as simple as 3D printing? What if we could make machines smarter by installing more sensors? What if we gave the software more inputs to work with? Theo immediately set out to disrupt a 600-billion-dollar industry and, together with Chris Emery, founded CloudNC. When Jeff Maki and Austin Whitmer came across CloudNC and their CAM Assist software, they knew they had to implement it immediately. In this episode of MakingChips, they share the real-world impact of CAM Assist on a machine shop’s efficiency, quoting, and ability to win new business.Because if you can’t quote quickly enough, you won’t win business. And if you’re not winning new business, you’re not MakingChips, and you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [0:51] Introducing Theo, Jeff, and Austin [3:52] The origin story of CloudNC [13:35] Learn about Maki CNC [15:00] Why you need ProShop ERP [16:08] Implementing CloudNC in the shop [21:31] How Maki is using CAM Assist [24:00] Getting buy-in from the industry [25:38] What is CAM Assist best for? [30:14] What’s next at Maki? [31:10] What’s next for CloudNC? [34:54] Check out MakingSparks! Resources mentioned on this episode CloudNC CloudNC CAM Assist Maki CNC Connect with Theo Saville on LinkedIn Connect with Jeff Maki on LinkedIn Connect with Austin Whitmer on LinkedIn ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Sep 24, 2024 • 29min
Practical Use Cases for AI in Your Machine Shop, 427
Wouldn’t it be amazing to come up with a design for anything and turn it into a physical reality as easily as you can create something in Photoshop? What would people build if it were that easy? And what if you had machine monitoring in place for every piece of machinery, regardless of its age? In this special episode of MakingChips recorded live at IMTS, Mike and Nick sit down with Theo Saville, CEO of CloudNC, and Camoren Schley, the Founder of Slytek. They dive into practical ways every shop can leverage AI to improve efficiency and make more chips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments [4:06] Learn more about Theo Saville and Camoren Schley [7:10] The future of AI in the manufacturing industry [8:41] The practical use cases of AI with CloudNC [11:07] How ProShop ERP can improve your business [12:12] The practical use cases of AI with Slytek [13:08] Is AI going to replace humans? [17:57] Theo and Cameron’s success stories [19:21] The biggest challenges of adopting AI [26:40] How to find practical and useful solutions [27:42] Where is AI in manufacturing headed? Resources mentioned on this episode CloudNC Connect with Theo Saville SlyTek Connect with Camoren Schley ProShop ERP Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Sep 20, 2024 • 41min
Brewing Success for Manufacturing Leaders with ShopFloor Coffee, 426
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

Sep 11, 2024 • 35min
At The Boring Bar 1-3, (Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas) 425
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

Sep 6, 2024 • 41min
At the Boring Bar 1-2 (Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas)
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

Aug 30, 2024 • 44min
At the Boring Bar 1-1 (Jason Zenger, Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, Paul Van Metre, Peter Eelman, Nicole Wolter, Chris Luecke, and Manny Pasillas)
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

Aug 22, 2024 • 53min
The Past, Present, and Future of IMTS with the "Show Boss" Peter Eelman, 422
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.
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