Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

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

Last week, we talked with Frank Holthouse about East Leyden High School’s Metals Program, and how they are providing an environment for students to learn modern manufacturing practices. This week, we continue that discussion. What can we do to spark interest in manufacturing to the younger generation? How can you replicate the success of Leyden’s Metals Program in your own community? “We need to see more of this in high schools … Those in the industry should be pushing their local high schools (or other outlets) ... to cater to getting more people involved in the world of manufacturing.” - Rob Stuebing On this episode of MakingChips, we speak with Rob Stuebing. Rob is the Vice-President of Qualiseal Technology and Current Chair of the Leyden Technology Council. Rob talks with us about the inception of the council, the success of the metals program, current objectives for the organization, and enhancing your high school’s metalworking program. We also discuss manufacturing news in the current political climate. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:15] - Crain’s Manufacturing [02:56] - Manufacturing News [05:15] - Welcoming Rob Stuebing [07:10] - Leyden Technology Council [09:40] - Technology and Manufacturing Association [10:10] - Inception of the Technology Council [12:15] - Appealing to the Younger Generation [14:50] - Objective of the Technology Council [17:09] - Enhancing Your High School Metals Program [18:55] - Meeting Agenda [20:37] - Success Stories [23:00] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturers Summit Promo Code: MANU2 Donald Trump and Apple Leyden Technology Council

Just a few years ago there were stories of mass layoffs in the manufacturing industry. Now, that is no longer the case. In 2015, Forbes listed Machining as one of the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in the United States. Today, Manufacturers are increasingly looking to high schools and community colleges to fill current staffing needs. Many schools are working to meet demand by modernizing their manufacturing education programs. “We’re very proud of where we are, and where we’ve taken our program since the 1940’s" - Frank Holthouse On this episode of MakingChips we have a conversation with Frank Holthouse. Frank serves as the Industrial Technology Chairperson at East Leyden High School, where he has been teaching for the last 10 years. Frank instructs East Leyden’s metalworking program, simply referred to as the Metals Program. The Metals Program provides opportunities for students to learn about modern technical practices, industrial organizations, and the role of technology in our industrial society. Students are encouraged to explore several courses, specialize in a specific course area, and ultimately participate in the school/industry cooperative work program. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:00] - Crain’s Manufacturers Summit [02:18] - Manufacturing News [04:15] - Welcome Frank Holthouse [05:20] - Industrial Program at East Leyden H.S. [09:08] - Machines in the Shop [10:21] - Enrolling in the Metalworking Program [13:15] - Safety and Measurements [15:00] - Structure of Metals Class [16:55] - Fundamental Machining Skills [17:40] - Jim’s High School Experience [20:45] - NIMS Credentials [22:25] - Marketing the Program [25:20] - Challenges of Running the Program [26:45] - Size of Metalworking Program [27:30] - Success Story [30:10] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturers Summit Promo Code: MANU2 Leyden Metals

An important part of what makes a manufacturing leader successful is their ability to think outside of the box. This line of thinking should also extend to the hiring process. Successful companies are good at bringing the right people into their team, but it isn't always so easy. What if you had the ability to see candidates in action before you made a decision about who to hire? “Manufacturing has always been sexy... It just needs a generational communications facelift.” - Elena Valentine This week on MakingChips, we welcome back last week's guest Elena Valentine. Elena walks us through Skill Scout's process of screening, assessing, and recommending candidates through hands-on manufacturing activities. We also discuss the Crain's Midwest Manufacturers Summit, the consequences of declining oil prices, how Skill Scout got involved in manufacturing, the "new" old way of doing things, and steps to finding the right candidate for your business. Episode Outline: [00:07] - Episode Preview [01:00] - Crain’s Manufacturing Summit [03:15] - Manufacturing News [05:40] - Welcome Back Elena [06:15] - Why Manufacturing? [09:40] - How Companies Experience Candidates [10:11] - Skill Demonstrations and Work Samples [14:15] - Learned Interview Behaviors [17:00] - Finding the Right Candidate [20:00] - Virtual Meaningful Conversations [22:50] - Outside of the Resume [24:30] - Elena’s Call to Action for Listeners [25:50] - Conclusion of Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Crain's Manufacturing Summit Skill Scout elena@skillscout.com