

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

Oct 26, 2016 • 27min
MC087: #IMTS_Orphans w/Ray Ziganto
On today’s episode of MakingChips, we welcome back our good friend Ray Ziganto, President of Bi-Link, to the show. Bi-Link is a global mechanical component supplier that specializes in Stamping, Injection Molding, Die Cut, EMI/RFI Shielding, and Assembly. Today’s topics of discussion include advancements in manufacturing technology, 3D measurement systems & scanners, and IMTS “Orphans”. Later on we shift the conversation to marketing analysis, strengthening business relationships with your top customers, and product development. -- Episode Structure: [02:10] - Mecca of the Industry [03:30] - Welcome Ray Ziganto [05:08] - Advancements in Technology [08:30] - 3D Systems & Scanners [13:05] - IMTS Orphans [16:04] - The Marketing Pendulum Swings [18:10] - Analyzing Marketing Results [21:08] - Separating from a Customer [23:20] - Ray’s Product Development [25:50] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Bi-Link Ray Ziganto | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: • jim@makingchips.com • jason@makingchips.com • ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 20, 2016 • 29min
MC086: How Edge Factor Inspires The Next Generation of Makers with Jeremy Bout
On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome special guest Jeremy Bout, the Producer and Host of Edge Factor to our show. Edge Factor produces inspiring, high impact media that tell the stories of innovative teams who design and build incredible products that impact lives and ultimately... the future of the country. Their mission is to equip educators and business leaders with media and resources to inspire the next generation of makers. Jeremy shares his passion for inspiring the future generation of manufacturing and speaks about his work with Edge Factor. He tells us about his roots in manufacturing, his perception of manufacturing as an art form, and his use of multimedia resources for educators and business leaders to inspire the next generation of advanced manufacturers. Episode Structure: [02:20] - Introducing Jeremy Bout of Edge Factor [06:00] - From Manufacturing to Media [08:45] - Work Environment [11:04] - Representing Your Industry [13:56] - Manufacturing Art [16:00] - Stories from Edge Factor [19:00] - Rhythms of Time and Life [22:09] - Using a Great Story [24:09] - Creating Wealth [27:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Edge Factor Theater Manufacturing Day Neil Peart from Rush Edge Factor | Jeremy Bout We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 11, 2016 • 22min
MC085: How your Company Story Leads to Relationship Building
Welcome to another episode of MakingChips. On this episode, we welcome Julie Poulos of Red Caffeine back to our show. Julie talks with us about the importance of telling your company's story while building relationships. We also discuss takeaways from IMTS, marketing automation, and Julie shares some tips on prospecting. Early on in the show we welcome Chuck Rigali of Alro Steel to our MakingChips studio to talk about Super Square precision mill blocks. Episode Structure: [00:15] - Episode Preview [02:49] - New Wave of Manufacturing [03:57] - Welcome Chuck Rigali [05:46] - Super Square [07:40] - Square and Parallel [08:40] - Raw Material [10:16] - Costs [11:23] - Julie Poulous [12:04] - Takeaways from IMTS [13:15] - Telling Your Story [15:04] - Making a Connection [17:05] - Organizing and Analyzing [19:45] - Marketing Automation [21:11] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Alro Steel Chuck Rigali | LinkedIn Red Caffeine Julie Poulos | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Oct 5, 2016 • 32min
MC084: Software with Integrity: Leading the Way in Manufacturing CAM Software
On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome two very special guests to the show. Meghan West and Ben Mund of CNC Software Inc., the developers of Mastercam CAM software. Meghan serves as President of the company, and Ben is the Senior Marketing Analyst. Both Ben and Meghan talk to us about their respective positions with CNC Software Inc., their takeaways from IMTS, exciting new technology in manufacturing, and we get a preview of Mastercam’s latest user interface. In Manufacturing News, we recap Penny Pritzker's Keynote address at IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [02:45] - Manufacturing News [08:00] - Welcome Meghan West and Ben Mund [09:01] - Takeaways from IMTS [11:41] - Mastercam's Reseller Network [14:25] - Ben’s Role at Mastercam [16:08] - Exciting New Technology [19:40] - Practical Application of Additive [21:50] - Continuous Innovation [23:40] - Mastercam’s New Interface [27:40] - Breaking out of your Comfort Zone [30:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Mastercam We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 29, 2016 • 12min
MC083: The Resurgence of the Maker Movement w/ Elena Valentine
Welcome to the first mini episode of MakingChips. In this special MakingChips mini episode, we welcome back Elena Valentine of Skill Scout to the show. Elena talks about what brought her to IMTS, what's new at Skill Scout, the Smartforce Student Summit, and the resurgence of the maker movement. Episode Structure: [01:30] - What Brought you to IMTS? [03:20] - Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing [07:30] - Smartforce Student Summit [08:20] - What’s New with Skill Scout? [10:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Skill Scout Smartforce Student Summit Elena Valentine | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 23, 2016 • 36min
MC082: MC082: What's Your Strategy To Eliminate Time? MakingChips explains QRM. w/ Nick and Noah Goellner
Welcome to another special edition of MakingChips! On this episode, we meet with Nick Goellner and his brother Noah at the IMTS 2016 TV studio. Nick works as the Marketing Director at Henning and AME. Hennig designs and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools. We talk about how Nick and Noah got involved in the family business, what their roles are at Henning/AME, and we dive into the practice and theory of Quick Response Manufacturing. We also highlight some of the exciting things we've seen at this year's IMTS. Episode Structure: [02:50] - IMTS Keynote [05:40] - AMT Emerging Technolgoy [07:20] - Additive Manufacturing [09:29] - Welcome Nick Goellner [10:00] - History of Henning/AME [12:00] - Nick’s Role [15:00] - Family Business [17:15] - Marketing and Manufacturing [21:15} - Welcome Noah Goellner [22:50] - Quick Response Manufacturing [27:00] - Pushback from the Team [31:50] - QRM Certification [33:25] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Advanced Machine and Engineering Company Hennig Machine Protection & Chip Solutions MC061: Riches in the Niches We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 14, 2016 • 25min
MC081: MakingChips and Making Melodies: Jason Harrelson and His Trumpet Business
This week: We are coming to you live from IMTS 2016! On this special episode of MakingChips, we welcome Jason Harrelson, founder of Harrelson Trumpets to our IMTS TV studio. Harrelson Trumpets is a leading manufacturer of world class trumpets and accessories. Jason talks about how he got started building custom made trumpets, the process and machining behind it, his experience with Kickstarter, and what excites him about IMTS. Episode Structure: [03:40] - The Beginning [07:02] - The Process [09:05] - Word of Mouth [11:15] - Custom Components [14:30] - What brought you to ITMS? [17:03] - Kickstarter Campaigns Mentioned in this Episode: Harrelson Trumpets http://www.whyharrelson.com Watch Jason play along to our Theme Song! We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Sep 8, 2016 • 28min
MC080: ASK MAKINGCHIPS: Promoting a Positive Culture in your Work Environment
Today on MakingChips, we answer a question from a listener and aspiring manufacturing leader named Doug. Doug asks the question: "Not being a manager yet, what can I do to promote a positive culture/work environment at work?" Jim and Jason share their respective opinions on the matter. In Manufacturing News, we talk about concerns over rising wages in the metal industry. Later on, we share some details on our Make & Elevate series, and we preview IMTS' "Miles for Manufacturing" 5K event. Episode Structure: [03:05] - Manufacturing News [05:30] - Hiring Filters [08:07] - Make & Elevate [09:45] - IMTS 5K Run [11:40] - Sandvik Infographic [14:37] - Ask MakingChips [19:30] - Life is Great Attitude Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Make & Elevate Miles For Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk Sandvik Infographic Summary |The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Aug 28, 2016 • 27min
MC079: Preparing for the IMTS Hangover
Today on MakingChips we give you an inside look at what you can expect to see at IMTS 2016. We tell you what you need to be prepared, where you can find us at the event, a brief rundown on what's happening in the four different buildings, as well as information to help you find where you're going. In Manufacturing News, we talk about the history of IMTS, and later on we reveal some exciting new details about our highly anticipated Make & Elevate Series. Episode Structure: [02:30] - Manufacturing News [04:40] - Being Prepared for IMTS [07:20] - Find MakingChips at IMTS [11:05] - Find Where You're Going [14:30] - Machine Utilization [17:40] - Student Summit [18:35] - Make & Elevate Series [23:45] - Corporate Snapshot [25:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News IMTS 2016 | App Store Make & Elevate

Aug 17, 2016 • 35min
MC078: Do's and Don'ts of a Machinist Resume
On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome back Karla Dobbeck to the show. Karla is a certified professional in Human Resource Management with over 20 years experience in many aspects of human resource management and employment law compliance issues. Karla shares some tips and tricks to help machinists elevate their resume to the next level. In manufacturing news, we talk about Tesla Motor's decision to manufacture in the United States. We speak to Brian Papke of Mazak about their booth at the upcoming IMTS 2016, and Jason lists 6 reasons why you should sign up now for our highly anticipated Make and Elevate event. Episode Structure: [01:45] - Manufacturing News [05:08] - Electric Cars [05:56] - American Made Cars [07:34] - Make and Elevate [10:50] - Mazak at IMTS 2016 [15:36] - News at CARR Machine [17:26] - Welcome Back Karla Dobbeck [21:03] - Machinists and Resumes [23:01] - Customizing for the Job [26:20] - Cover Letter [28:55] - Application vs Resume [33:09] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Make & Elevate IMTS 2016 Karla Dobbeck | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245