Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

There is an old adage that has been floating around the business world for ages; “you should never do business with friends". If you’ve never worked together with your friend, it can be difficult to translate their skills from a social context into a business one. That doesn’t mean that you should refuse to start a business relationship with friends and family. On this episode of MakingChips, we ask the question: can you have close relationships with vendors and clients? Jim and Jason discuss their personal experiences and lay out some hypothetical situations about doing business with friends. We also talk about the continued popularity of the retro movement and its effect on manufacturing. Also discussed is recent news with Tesla Motors, the MakingChips Mastermind & Workshop series, and IMTS 2016.  Episode Structure: [00:09] - Episode Preview [02:35] - Manufacturing News 1 [06:10] - Manufacturing News 2 [09:45] - MakingChips Mastermind and Workshop [11:10] - IMTS 2016 Registration [12:50] - Sandvik Coromant [15:10] - "Doing Business with Friends” [20:04] - Honesty [25:00] - Unsuccessful Business with Friends [29:03] - Circling Back [34:04] - iTunes Review // Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago Manufacturing News 1 Manufacturing News 2 IMTS 2016 Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245  

When it comes to starting up your own business, it isn’t always easy finding the the right space for exploring, creating, and developing your new ideas. What if you could assemble a community of like-minded people in a place where you can share ideas, be inspired, and collaborate with other creators. "It started with four or five people, grew to 400, and now we've built a physical home for that community." - Bill Fienup On this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Bill Fienup, co-founder of Catalyze Chicago. Catalyze is a creative and collaborative workspace, equipping its members with state-of-the-art tools, industry mentorship, manufacturing support, and investment networks. With a focus towards business start-ups, Catalyze has become Chicago’s premier center for product development and commercialization. Bill shares his brush with internet fame, his inspiration for building Catalyze, and why he believes a maker space like Catalyze should be in every community. We also preview IMTS 2016 and share some of what our listeners can expect from MakingChips at the event. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [02:45] - MakingChips Mastermind & Workshop [06:00] - IMTS 2016 [06:40] - MakingChips Studio [07:50] - Welcome Bill Fienup of Catalyze Chicago [09:00] - "Internet Famous” Story [10:20] - Patented Biopsy Needle [12:25] - The Formation of Catalyze [16:00] - How long has Catalyze been an organization? [18:51] - Benefits of Membership [22:45] - Membership Fee Structure [25:49] - Inspiration for Building Catalyze [26:40] - Investor Structure [28:55] - The Future of Catalyze [30:30] - Starting a Maker-Space in your Community Mentioned in this Episode: Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago Heinz Automato IMTS 2016 Bill Fienup | LinkedIn Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You, The Metalworking Nation: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There are several options when it comes to selling one of your old machines. Some are more convenient than others, but might offer you less money than what you expected. With a little bit of added effort, you can get the most money out of your old machine. On this episode of MakingChips, Jim shares his steps for creating a successful eBay campaign. We also talk about the upcoming IMTS 2016, Chicago restaurants, and the problems the U.S. faces in manufacturing. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [03:15] - Manufacturing News [08:40] - IMTS 2016 [10:55] - Sandvik Coromant [13:05] - Selling Your Machine Using eBay [14:50] - Getting a Good Picture [17:30] - Fees [18:20] - Auction [19:40] - Buy it Now [23:15] - eBay vs Machine/Tool Dealer [25:15] - Skill Scout [26:20] - Episode Conclusion Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article Our FAVORITE Restaurants in Chicago IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Registration Metal Cutting Knowledge JIm's Office Manager Ad Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

The Manufacturing Industry of today looks a lot different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. Modern machine shops are safe, clean working environments; equipped with high-tech machinery. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with manufacturing as a "dirty" and "dark" profession. So how do we change this perception amongst our youth?  Or perhaps more importantly, their parents, whose misperceptions of the industry might lead them to believe that a four-year college degree is the only sure route to a rewarding career. "To change people's minds and to change the perception [of manufacturing], it's the youth that we need to be educating." -Kelly Burr   On this episode of MakingChips, we welcome our guest Kelly Burr, Executive Director of the Shop Rat Foundation. The Shop Rat Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ignite interest in manufacturing careers among our nation’s youth, through development of innovative educational tools, curriculum and outreach programs and in partnerships with schools, community groups, companies and industry associations. We also discuss manufacturing news, IMTS 2016, and how to start a similar hands-on program in your community. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:55] - Manufacturing News [05:12] - IMTS 2016 Registration [07:10] - Welcome Kelly Burr [08:52] - Shop Rat's Story [12:10] -  Shop Rat's Mission [14:10] - Students [15:00] - Shop Rat’s Programs [18:15] - Machining Class [20:45] - Student Feedback [22:05] - Exploratory and Preparatory Programs [23:02] - Starting a Similar Program in your Community [27:12] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Shop Rat Foundation Kelly Burr | LinkedIn Ryan's Patreon Account We Want to Hear From You: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

There is an old saying: “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” It’s not something we want to think about, and it can be a difficult topic to discuss. Crises don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they tend to have significant consequences. Without a well-thought out, strategic plan, your business is at risk of being completely caught off guard should a disaster happen. "Know that a crisis will happen at some point. It's just a question of how big it is or how small it is. The trick is being prepared." - Scott McPherson On this extended episode of MakingChips, we talk Public Relations with Scott McPherson, Principal at McPherson Public Affairs Group. Scott also shares some important tips on crisis preparation, including steps you should take to properly manage a crisis in your manufacturing shop. In Manufacturing News, we discuss the resurgence of vinyl records and it’s impact on record manufacturers. We also speak on the phone with Peter Eelman, Vice President - Exhibitions and Communications, AMT, about this year’s upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Intro [01:45] - Springtime in Chicago [02:44] - Manufacturing News [07:53] - What's New at ZENGER’S Industrial Supply [08:40] - What’s New at CARR Machine & Tool [09:15] - IMTS 2016 [09:57] - Call in with Peter Eelman [17:05] - Sandvik Coromant [18:20] - Welcome Scott McPherson [20:15] - What does McPherson Public Affairs do? [21:15] - How can my company benefit from a P.R. firm? [23:40] - What Was Old Is New Again [25:50] - Crisis: What are the things you should do right away? [29:40] - How do you prepare for a crisis? [33:08] - An Unfortunate Incident [37:01] - Handle Things Right Away [38:20] - Litigious Situation [40:50] - What are the very basic ways to be prepared? [42:06] - Reach out to Scott [43:00] - MakingChips Mastermind [44:05] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Scott McPherson | LinkedIn We Want to Hear From You: jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone: (312) 725-0245

Throughout history, successful individuals such as Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison all met with groups of like-minded people on a regular basis, to help one another achieve common goals and grow. Today, this concept is called a “mastermind”, and is very well known amongst successful business owners.  In fact, many consider some concept of a mastermind group as a critical part to maintaining a healthy network. "Whether it's a problem that you need to solve, whether it's creating and implementing goals, and just supporting each other through hard times. I think its necessary for every manufacturing leader to be a part of some kind of group like that. I'm going to say it... It's necessary." - Jason Zenger On this episode of MakingChips, we talk about what a mastermind group is, how it can benefit you and your manufacturing business, and what steps you can take to form one. We also talk manufacturing news and preview the upcoming IMTS 2016. Episode Structure: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:35] - Manufacturing “Stuff” [03:22] - Manufacturing News [05:35] - IMTS [06:34] - Sandvik Coromant [07:23] - Mastermind Groups [08:23] - Jason’s Mastermind Groups [09:45] - Old School Philosophy [10:45] - Experience with Master Minds [12:45] - Rules and Structure [14:00] - Sharing Personal Information [16:25] - Primary Components of a Good Group [18:30] - Diverse Group of Businesses [20:00] - Steps to Starting a Mastermind Group [22:50] - MakingChips' Mastermind Group [25:45] - Conclusion of Episode [26:25] - Ryan’s Patreon Account Mentioned in this Episode: Manufacturing News Article IMTS 2016 Sandvik Coromant Donate to Ryan's Patreon Account! We Want to Hear From You: Email jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone (312) 725-0245

We come to you from two separate locations (Dallas & Chicago) on this remote episode of MakingChips. Today we talk about establishing and exploring your manufacturing company’s niche. Jim and Jason share their idea of what niche means to them in their respective companies. In Manufacturing News we discuss Five Vital Steps to Set Up a Successful Manufacturing Business. We also recap the TMA’s 90th annual meeting, and introduce a new MakingChips partnership. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:45] - Dallas Airport [02:40] - Affiliated Distributors [03:40] - Manufacturing News [06:40] - Finding the Right Factory [07:30] - A Great Team [08:55] - Business Model [09:55] - TMA Board [12:20] - Riches in the Niches [14:00] - ZENGERS Industrial Supply’s Niche [16:45] - ZENGERS Original Business Model [18:48] - CARR Machine’s Niche [22:52] - Picking the Right Jobs [25:05] - Evaluate, Experiment, Evolve [26:15] - IMTS Workshop [27:25] - Sandvik Partnership [30:12] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in Episode: Article From 'Manufacturing News' Adhq Ryan's Computer We Want to Hear From You: Email jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone (312) 725-0245  

On this special episode of MakingChips, we recap the 2016 Crain's Manufacturers Summit with interviews from several VIP guests. First, we speak with John Sapiente of Elgin Die Mold and Trident Manufacturing about the challenges of running two businesses. Second, we have Jason Scher of Vosges Chocolate who speaks to us about working with your spouse, and the evolution of Vosges Chocolate. We also have a conversation with Tom Pellette of Caterpillar, where we discuss Caterpillar's supply chain relationships with machining companies, as well as the economic future of manufacturing.  Lastly, we talk with Sagar Patel of Woodward about their recent expansion, and promoting manufacturing to future generations. At the end of this episode, we recap what we took away from the event. VIP Guests: John Sapiente - President at Trident Manufacturing, Inc. Jason Scher - Chief Operating Officer at Vosges Chocolate Tom Pellette - Group President of Caterpillar Inc. Sagar Patel - President, Aircraft Turbine Systems at Woodward Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:40] - Welcome John Sapiente [02:06] - Elgin Die Mold’s Vision [04:05] - Trident Manufacturing - Driving Out Waste [05:05] - Wearing Many Hats [05:50] - Welcome Jason Scher [06:30] - Working With Your Spouse [07:56] - Evolution of Vosges Chocolate [09:50] - Welcome Tom Pellette [10:15] - Caterpillar’s Supply Chain Relationships [12:15] - Economic Future [13:40] - Sustainability Trends [15:10] - Welcome Sagar Patel [16:00] - Woodward’s Expansion in Illinois [19:25] - Promoting Manufacturing’s Image [22:10] - Recapping 2016 Crain’s Manufacturers Summit [23:45] - Small Donation for Ryan [25:30] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Ryan's Laptop       

Women are the future of manufacturing industry leaders and essential to the success of the industry. However, many women in manufacturing have experienced a gender bias which has excluded them from core managerial roles such as production supervisors and operations managers. Compounding the issue, many people think of manufacturing jobs as dirty, unskilled, back-breaking labor. That’s not the case anymore...  "When the five years had passed and I hadn't done anything, that's when I had to re-evaluate my goals, my decisions, and what I wanted to execute." - Erica Wiegel On this episode of MakingChips, we have a great conversation with Erica Wiegel, President and Owner of Aro Metal Stamping. Erica shares with us her inspiring story of accomplishing her goals through acquiring a new business. She details the acquisition process, challenges she faced along the way, and lessons she has learned from her experience. We also discuss manufacturing news, WBE certification, associations, and the future of manufacturing. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:55] - Manufacturing News [04:15] - Welcome Erica Wiegel [07:25] - What Aro Metal Does [08:10] - Erica’s 5 Year Goal Plan [10:20] - Woman Business Enterprise  [12:00] - Acquiring a New Business [13:30] - New Employees [14:15] - A Good Fit (Company Culture) [16:20] - Value Added [17:45] - Defining Goals [18:55] - Challenges, Mistakes, and Lessons [20:25] - Associations [21:40] - Competitive Edge [22:30] - WBE Certification [23:48] - The Next 5 Years (Near-sourcing) [25:50] - Cleaning Up [26:45] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: "Manufacturing News Article Wiegel Tool Works Aro Metal Stamping Erica Wiegel | LinkedIn TMA | Technology | Manufacturing Aligned Women In Manufacturing: Home About WBE Certification Near-sourcing We Want to Hear From You: Email jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone (312) 725-0245  

A few months ago, we met with Craig Zoberis of Fusion OEM to talk about his company's Core Values. In that episode, we covered the importance of figuring out who you are as a company and what you stand for.  More than anything, being a leader is about staying true to the values and principles that you have built your company on. Leadership also imparts the responsibility of holding your vision even as it becomes more tempting to disengage and simply enjoy the fruits of success. “You come to the point where you’ve hit a ceiling and you need to break through that ceiling. The only way to do that is to really get unified, get focused, and have a clear vision of values that the whole company is following." - Jason Zenger On this episode of MakingChips, Jim and Jason cover the basics of developing your core values. Jason shares his process of developing ZENGERS' core values with the listeners. We also talk with John Sapiente of Trident Manufacturing, who will be a panelist at the upcoming Crain's Manufacturers Summit. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:16] - Phone Interview with John Sapiente [03:10] - Innovation [06:50] - Growth at MakingChips [08:10] - Listener Engagement [10:30] - "Titan American Built" [12:40] - Leave Us Feedback [14:00] - Developing ZENGERS' Core Values [16:50] - Interviews [21:15] - Collecting Data [23:40] - Core Value vs. Vision [26:50] - ZENGERS' Core Values [27:15] - Fusion OEM's Core Values [28:18] - Life is Great! [30:26] - Embodying the Core Values [31:25] - Life Happens [33:15] - Call to Action ZENGERS Core Values: Do the right thing. Go above, and beyond. Be dependable. Life is great! Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Midwest Manufacturers Summit (Promo Code: MANU2) John Sapiente of Trident Manufacturing, Inc. Bobby Soles Propeller Titan American Built MC046: What Makes Fusion OEM Unique We Want to Hear From You: Email jim@makingchips.com jason@makingchips.com ryan@makingchips.com Telephone (312) 725-0245