

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
MakingChips LLC
Manufacturing is tough—but you don’t have to go it alone. If you're leading a manufacturing business, you face constant pressure: staying competitive, adopting new tech, managing people, and driving growth. MakingChips helps you tackle those challenges head-on.
Since 2014, we’ve been equipping manufacturing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. With hundreds of episodes and over a million downloads, MakingChips is a top resource for the metalworking nation—covering leadership, operations, technology, and workforce development.
If making chips is part of your daily grind, this is your podcast. Join hosts Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre for real talk on the issues that matter most.
Since 2014, we’ve been equipping manufacturing leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to succeed. With hundreds of episodes and over a million downloads, MakingChips is a top resource for the metalworking nation—covering leadership, operations, technology, and workforce development.
If making chips is part of your daily grind, this is your podcast. Join hosts Nick Goellner, Mike Payne, and Paul Van Metre for real talk on the issues that matter most.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 14, 2017 • 30min
MC127: LinkedIn 2.0
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are thrilled to be back in the MakingChips studio! On today's episode we answer a listener's questions about the social media platform, LinkedIn. Jim and Jason both share their individual strategies for using the business platform -- notably for creating a conversation, strengthening their personal brand, and connecting with like minded individuals. They'll share their LinkedIn do's and don'ts, as well as their goals for optimizing the platform's full potential. In manufacturing news, we talk about how Boeing is seeking thousands of applicants for open manufacturing jobs. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 - Register Today [03:48] - Whats New with Jim? [05:28] - Whats New with Jason? [08:03] - Manufacturing News [12:27] - Answering a Listener’s Questions [14:50] - Daily Social Media Routine [18:10] - Starting a Conversation [21:30] - Requests to Connect [24:38] - Declining Requests [28:02] - We Want To Hear From You Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Manufacturing News LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 24, 2017 • 35min
MC126: Where to Begin with Making the List
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. On today's episode we welcome back Red Caffeine's Julie Poulos along with Dan Mantilla and Natalie Dubs as they help you answer the question -- "Who Do I Market To?" Where do you start? It starts with a list! Julie and her team cover the four challenges that most mid market manufacturers face when figuring out who to market themselves to. We'll share some strategies that you can use right now to begin building up your brand and targeting leads. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [06:08] - What’s New With Jason & Jim [07:38] - Welcome Julie Poulos [09:48] - The Four Challenges [14:03] - Buyer Data [16:50] - Segmenting Your Lists [21:10] - Building Up Your Brand [22:13] - Creating Meaningful Content [24:10] - Identifying Contacts [30:15] - Direct Contact Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation InstituteRed Caffeine Marketing + Technology Julie Poulos | LinkedIn MC118: Considerations for Marketing Planning Natalie Dubs | LinkedIn Dan Mantilla | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 10, 2017 • 54min
MC125: Economic Expectations for Manufacturing Leaders in 2018 and Beyond
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are pleased to welcome back by popular demand, Bill Strauss - Senior Economist and Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. On today's episode Bill shares his professional insight on several different topics relating to manufacturing and the global economy. We'll hear about manufacturing's economic performance in the U.S., the potential economic impact of new trade agreements, the current outlook of the stock market, and the lasting impact of the recent hurricanes. We also talk about the consequences of recession, and how to better position your manufacturing company to prepare for it. In manufacturing news, we discuss 3 ways to lower your manufacturing costs. Episode Outline:[00:01] - IMTS 2018 [03:50] - What’s New at CARR Machine [06:07] - What’s New at ZENGERS [08:12] - Jason’s Exciting News [09:35] - Manufacturing News [15:37] - Welcome Back Bill Strauss [18:45] - Manufacturing’s Economic Performance [20:40] - Contributing Factors [25:16] - Trade Deals [28:24] - The Stock Market [31:04] - Productivity Growth in the U.S. [33:21] - Opportunities in Recession [36:49] - Impact of Natural Disasters [43:16] - Fiscal Responsibility by State Links Mentioned in this Episode: IMTS 2018 Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute Gantt Chart Seth Godin Manufacturing NewsMC071: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector (P1) MC072: Analyzing the Performance of the Manufacturing Sector (P2) Bill Strauss | LinkedIn National Association of Credit Management: NACM Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 5, 2017 • 30min
MC124: Representing Manufacturing Leaders at the White House
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to welcome back Patricia Miller - CEO of Matrix 4, to the MakingChips Podcast. On today's episode we hear about Patricia's visit to the White House on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers. Patricia was seated directly next to President Trump as the group discussed efforts to boost manufacturing in the United States. In manufacturing news, we discuss Brennan Investment Group's plans to turn 85 acres in Elk Grove Village, IL into a $1 Billion Technology Park. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:28] - Manufacturing News [05:03] - Call In with Pat McGibbon [10:03] - Welcome Back Patricia! [13:04] - The Invitation [16:30] - Delivering The Message [19:01] - The Level of Security [21:04] - Press Coverage [22:40] - Representing Manufacturing [24:10] - Trump’s Message [28:02] - IMTS 2018 Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Manufacturing News TMA - Technology & Manufacturing Association NAM - National Association of Manufacturers Patricia Miller | LinkedInIMTS 2018 We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 26, 2017 • 38min
MC123: New Ideas For Hiring in the Manufacturing Industry w/ Rich Hoster
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are coming to you LIVE from the Valley Industrial Association's Manufacturer’s Collaboration Conference in Sugar Grove, Illinois. On today's episode of MakingChips, we answer the question: What is a chaplet? - Hint, it’s used in castings. We welcome Rich Hoster, President at Smith and Richardson Inc. Rich takes us through some of the strategies that Smith and Richardson uses to help mitigate the skilled labor shortage. We'll also hear about the company's efforts to teach students about manufacturing, and Rich gives us some information on Smith and Richardson's facility in Jiangsu, China. In Manufacturing News, we talk about how a manufacturing alliance in Dayton, Ohio is providing opportunities for residents to begin a new career in manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:15] - The Story of MakingChips [06:27] - Manufacturing News [13:30] - Welcome Rich Hoster [15:48] - History of Smith and Richardson [18:45] - Mitigating the Skilled Labor Shortage [23:06] - Echo Pulse Index & Behavioral Survey [25:45] - Manufacturing Students [29:40] - Facility in China [33:44] - The Value Of Networking Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Apple Rubber - "6 Manufacturing Podcasts" IMTS Manufacturing News MakingChips TV| Interviewing Tips for a Manufacturing Job Dayton Region Manufacturers Association Rich Hoster | LinkedIn TMA | Board of Directors Valley Industrial Association We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 21, 2017 • 47min
MC122: How GT Automation Uses Xometry to Increase Sales
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are broadcasting remotely from a Xometry Vendor Partner, GT Automation Group in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Today we welcome Steve Gildea, President at GT Automation and Michael Dickson, VP of Customer and Partner Success at Xometry to the MakingChips Podcast, as they give us a deeper dive into the Xometry brand. We'll hear about the impact that Xometry has had on GT Automation as Steve walks us through the process that Xometry provides GT Automation to view and accept work. Michael explains the benefits of the Xometry Partner Network, and shares some insight as to what sets Xometry apart from the competition. In manufacturing news, we discuss 4 Keys to Boosting Workplace Culture in Manufacturing. Episode Outline:[00:01] - GFMC 2017 [03:00] - What’s New with Jim & Jason? [05:17] - Manufacturing News [11:19] - New Orleans [12:51] - Introducing Xometry [18:43] - Welcome Michael Dickson [20:45] - Xometry’s Algorithm [24:00] - Welcome Steve Gildea [26:00] - The Job Process and Partner Network [32:50] - Shipping and Payment [34:56] - Farming Out Work [38:45] - Variety of Work [41:26] - The Xometry Difference Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing Services GT Automation Group Manufacturing News Michael Dickson | LinkedInLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 13, 2017 • 37min
MC121: The Spitfire Takes Control w/ Stacia Hobson
Hello Metalworking Nation! Today on MakingChips we welcome back Stacia Hobson for the second half of our two part interview. On this episode we'll hear about how her father reacted to their confrontation. Stacia also shares with us how she was able to take control of the business, what she would do differently in hindsight, how Image Industries addresses the skilled labor shortage, and we'll hear a bit about her award winning Toastmaster's speech. Later on, we'll hear from Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist at Cox Automotive Inc., as he gives us a preview of what he'll be speaking about at this year's GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 [02:10] - The Reaction [05:12] - Moving the Needle [07:24] - From Buyer to Manufacturer [10:32] - What Would You Do Differently? [13:15] - Finding Capable Workers [15:00] - Managing Price Instability [16:46] - Xometry [17:50] - Toastmasters Speech Contest [22:08] - Preparing For Recession [24:20] - Family Dynamic in Business [26:30] - Charlie Chesbrough Phone Interview Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Stacia Hobson | LinkedInImage Industries, Inc Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing ServicesCharles Chesbrough | LinkedInLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 6, 2017 • 46min
MC120: Under Fire in a Family Business w/ Stacia Hobson
Hello Metalworking Nation! On this two part episode of MakingChips, we welcome Stacia Hobson, Co-Owner of Image Industries, Inc to our remote studio at the TMA in Schaumburg, IL. Image Industries offers stud welding solutions for compact construction equipment to service the agricultural and construction markets. They are the industry leaders in manufacturing threaded fasteners & hydraulic ports for these businesses. Stacia runs us through the history of the company and gives us a brief overview of her day to day responsibilities. She also reveals the difficulties that came along with working in the family business, including butting heads with her hot tempered father. We'll also discuss Hurricane Harvey's destructive aftermath on the city of Houston, how it has impacted manufacturing, and what you can do to help. Later on, we'll jump on a phone call with Pat McGibbon, Vice President at AMT as we hear some more details on what's in store for the GFMC Conference in Atlanta, GA. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 - Register Now! [03:30] - 200,000 Downloads [04:45] - What’s New with Jason & Jim [08:20] - Hurricane Harvey [13:20] - Nonprofit Donations [16:30] - Xometry [17:30] - Introducing Stacia Hobson [18:45] - What Does Image Industries Do? [22:32] - What Is a Specialized Fastener? [29:00] - Platinum Status [32:45] - Stacy’s Day to Day Responsibilities [34:45] - Joining the Family Business [37:00] - “Spit-Fired” [38:00] - Phone-in with Pat McGibbon Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register Today! Technology & Manufacturing Association Apple Rubber | 6 Manufacturing Podcasts Samaritan's Purse | Hurricane Harvey Relief Houston Food Bank Stacia Hobson | LinkedInImage Industries, Inc Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing ServicesLeave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Aug 30, 2017 • 33min
MC119: Why Visionaries Need Integrators - Gaining “Traction” in Manufacturing
Hello Metalworking Nation! Two weeks ago we were joined by Patricia Miller and Will Scott of Matrix 4 as they introduced us to the roles of Visionary and Integrator. Today, we take a deeper dive into those roles as we learn how they have been implemented at Matrix 4. Patricia and Will share the impact that these vital roles have had on their company, as they equip and inspire you to effectively implement theses processes into your own business. We'll share with you the tools that helped Matrix 4, ZENGERS Industrial, and countless other businesses work to create freedom in their respective roles, while seeing their ultimate vision become a reality. Episode Outline: [00:01] - GFMC 2017 - Register Now! [03:37] - MakingChips Live - Valley Industrial [06:30] - Patricia’s Role as the Visionary [07:30] - Will’s Role as the Integrator [11:05] - Bringing on the Role [13:30] - Creating a Road Map [18:00] - What Kind of Leader Am I? [21:05] - Keep Achieving Goals [25:55] - Xometry [27:05] - The Effectiveness of the Integrator [30:30] - We Want To Hear From You Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! VIA Collaborative Conference 2017"Traction" - Get a Grip On Your Business EOS Worldwide Rocket Fuel for Your Business | Integrators & Visionaries Xometry: CNC Machining Services & 3D Printing Services Patricia Miller | LinkedIn Will Scott | LinkedInMatrix 4 Leave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Aug 22, 2017 • 34min
MC118: Considerations for Marketing Planning
Hello Metalworking Nation! We are excited to bring you another episode in our #MarketingForMakers series with Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology. Today we welcome back Julie Poulos (Vice President) and Kacey Keegan (Content Writer & Strategist) as they equip you with the key elements to consider when planning your marketing strategy. Topics on today's episode include: creating a campaign theme, developing and distributing content, showcasing your company culture, and determining a marketing budget. Episode Outline: [00:00] - GFMC 2017 Conference [03:40] - Welcome Back Julie & Kacey [04:50] - Campaign Concept [09:00] - Branding and Strategy Phase [10:30] - Frequently Asked Questions [11:50] - Case Study [15:40] - Showcasing Culture [20:30] - Providing Solutions [24:15] - P.R. Opportunities [26:43] - Tracking Leads and Budgeting [29:35] - Shifting Our Philosophy Links Mentioned in this Episode: GFMC 2017 - Register today! Red Caffeine Marketing + Technology Red Caffeine | Blog: Key Considerations in Marketing Planning Red Caffeine | Content Marketing Planning Calendar Julie Poulos | LinkedIn Kacey Keegan | LinkedIn Leave Us A Review on iTunes We Want to Hear From YOU, The Metalworking Nation: • Jim@makingchips.com • Jason@makingchips.com • Ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245