BWXT Mount Vernon produces components for naval nuclear reactors, used in submarines and aircraft carriers. Their sprawling facility is home to CNC machine tools and sophisticated welding and heat-treating equipment. In this episode of MakingSparks, General Manager Nate Foote shares more about their commitment to processes, their recruiting practices, and why the work they do is incredibly important.  – Casey Segments [1:09] Learn more about AMT [2:38] Introducing special guest Nate Foote [7:57] Casey’s dad joke [9:31] BWXT’s team-building process [13:54] Their program with a local high school  [15:39] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning  [17:28] The recruiting strategies they leverage  [26:38] Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist  [29:42] BWXT’s involvement in niche markets [31:18] Their commitment to processes [35:38] What’s keeping Nate up at night [36:35] What Nate’s most excited about Resources mentioned on this episode Learn more about AMT Get Oracle’s KPI Checklist Connect with Nate on LinkedIn BWXT Mount Vernon Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What are the pros and cons of plasma cutters vs. water jets vs. lasers? How does cutting with nitrogen differ from cutting with oxygen? How is technology driving innovation in fabrication? R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo join us in this episode of MakingSparks to cover all things lasers and fabrication. Because if you’re not MakingSparks with the right tool, you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:19] FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop [2:17] Nick’s dad joke [2:43] Learn more about R.J. Reed and Brendon DiVincenzo [9:45] The definition of precision [12:16] The history of lasers in machining [19:28] Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist [21:29] Plasma versus water jet versus laser cutting [25:55] Cutting with nitrogen versus oxygen [31:05] How technology is driving innovation [38:48] Are people still G-code programming? Resources mentioned on this episode FREE IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop When the Machine Stopped Connect with Brendon DiVincenzo Connect with R.J. Reed Netsuite by Oracle’s Ultimate KPI Checklist “The Goal” by Eliyahu M Goldratt FABTECH 2024: October 15-17, 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

On December 7th, 2023, Jason had a heart attack, the type well-known as the “widow-maker.” Miraculously, Jason survived. Then he survived a heart transplant. January 19th, 2024, he went home. Jason beat the odds. In this episode of MakingChips, we’ll share Jason’s miraculous story. We’ll also share some of the lessons we’ve learned throughout the last couple of months. Be ready to be awe-struck.  – Nick Segments [0:18] IMTS 2024 [2:01] Miracle #1: Making it to the hospital [8:35] Miracle #2: Getting a heart transplant [12:01] Miracle #3: Being near the right hospital  [14:41] Miracle #4: Hearing Jason on the phone [21:22] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [24:16] Takeaway #1: Focus on your health [26:59] Takeaway #2: Create an estate plan [29:23] Takeaway #3: Build a team you can trust [32:19] Takeaway #4: Don’t take anything for granted  Resources mentioned on this episode Jason’s CaringBridge page Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist IMTS 2024 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Every family business that’s growing and expanding runs into some challenges. From navigating tough conversations with family to determining a centralized versus decentralized model, there are numerous things to consider. Joe Patterson’s family business overcame the challenges that came their way and expanded globally.  However, they had lofty goals for the business and ultimately needed more capital to realize those goals. Joe shares how they expanded their family business and why they sold the majority of their shares to private equity in this episode of MakingSparks. Listen to learn how you can help your family business make sparks, grow, and make money. Segments [1:20] Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security [5:03] Matthew’s dad joke [6:20] Learn more about Joe Patterson [10:50] Why Joe initially left the family business  [13:30] Sparks of Knowledge: Host “tryouts” [14:33] How to have the conversation with family  [17:05] How Flanders scaled the family business [20:51] Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist [22:23] The difference between offering services and products [24:40] A centralized versus decentralized model [31:35] Why the family decided to sell the business [40:08] How to join the AMT Community  [41:00] How to scale your family business  Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security Netsuite by Oracle KPI Checklist Join the AMT Community by reaching out to Chahn@AMTOnline.org or going to AMT Online Connect with Joe Patterson on LinkedIn Flanders Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

communication with your family? How do you foster open communication in difficult conversations?  Running a family business is full of unique challenges—and successes—that many other businesses don’t have to think about. But navigating those challenges doesn’t have to be difficult. Tad Dickel returns in this episode of MakingSparks to cover it all.  – Matthew Nix If you missed part 1, go back and listen HERE. Segments [0:56] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [4:38] Casey’s dad joke [5:30] Common challenges family businesses face [7:28] Spark of Knowledge: Social media [8:40] How to have hard conversations  [10:07] Tad’s thoughts on family governance [16:50] The purpose of the family council [19:49] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:24] Open communication is the goal [26:08] When a small business should start [31:10] Think about the future now [32:30] Thomasnet programs Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn T.A. Dickel Group Tad’s podcast Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security The Family Business Consulting Group The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsay Thomasnet Programs Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation family business in an industry that's predominantly privately held and family-owned. Family-owned businesses are the fabric of our economy. Today’s guest on MakingSparks, Tad Dickel, is a Leadership & Strategy Consultant with a special interest in family-owned businesses. He helps them with everything from governance to succession planning.  Tad shares why having difficult conversations with family early can make a profound impact on the long-term generational success of the business. He also covers how to have those conversations. Don’t miss this one!  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:38] Netsuite by Oracle [2:42] How Tad Dickel helps family-owned businesses [5:39] Why work with a Leadership & Strategy Consultant  [9:16] Challenges that family businesses face [12:42] Spark of Knowledge: The Ideal Team Player [13:57] Casey’s dad joke [14:25] Tad’s hope for this episode [17:43] Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security [21:33] Using a Venn diagram to think through family dynamics Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Tad Dickel on LinkedIn T.A. Dickel Group Netsuite by Oracle: CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist The Ideal Team Player by Patrick M. Lencioni Palo Alto Zero Trust OT Security Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Cutting tool manufacturers have to remain on the cutting edge. If you do so, it’s possible to stay competitive. We know that a solid education and training for new talent is the best first step. But you also have to learn to embrace grit to make it through. We cover what else is important to remain successful and competitive in this episode of MakingChips.  – Drew Crowe Out call-to-action: Bring us someone who can talk about innovation in the tooling industry in North America.  Segments [0:13] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [2:32] Why collaborations are important [9:02] Manufacturing fuels grit  [11:18] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [14:58] The future of American manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode Andy Mueller Missouri Tools Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security 5 Keys to A Successful Cutting Tool Manufacturing Business with Mike Polizzi Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Andy Mueller is a seasoned vet in manufacturing, one of the real OGs. I’ve leaned on him for advice and support throughout the years because he’s been through the seasons and weathered the storms. Andy was able to step in and teach my students things that I couldn’t with my limited resources. That’s why, in this episode of MakingChips, we have a conversation with Andy about inspiring the next generation and teaching them what they can’t learn in classes. Because if they aren’t MakingChips, they aren't making money. BAM! – Drew Crowe Segments [0:12] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [6:58] Drew’s passion for the metalworking nation [7:42] Where in the world is Tony Gunn? [12:36] Introducing Andy Mueller [16:00] Impacting the future of manufacturing [23:59] Check out Thomas™ Programs [25:18] Get your team invested in the process [27:00] Andy’s start in manufacturing  [29:37] The value Andy brought to Ranken students [39:00] What are you trying to achieve?  Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Connect with Andy Mueller on LinkedIn Check out Thomas™ Programs Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Kyle Stoff spent his high school years doing parkour and making butterfly knives by hand. By the end of his Junior Year in high school, he’d decided he wanted to get into manufacturing to perfect his knife-making process. He skipped his Senior Year and dove into a full-time program at Ranken, becoming one of my best—and youngest—students.  Now, Kyle works full-time for Orizon Aerostructures and makes his knives on days and weekends. His knives typically sell starting at $1,800—many are auctioned off even higher. He shares his story and why he’s passionate about manufacturing in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making knives, and you’re not making money. BAM! – Drew Crowe Segments [0:17] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [3:08] How MakingChips launched Drew’s career [8:40] Shoutout to Mark Bosworth at Southwestern Illinois College [11:12] Celebrating MakingChips hitting 1,000,000 downloads [17:11] Introducing today’s guest: Kyle Stoff with Orizon Aerostructures [24:07] Check out Thomas™ Programs [26:52] Shifting to making knives on a CNC machine [31:47] Kyle inspired a curriculum change [42:12] Kyle’s message to aspiring machinists [44:03] The trajectory of Kyle’s future Resources mentioned on this episode Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Brandon Dempsey with goBRANDgo! Kyle Stoff on LinkedIn Kyle’s Instagram page ComFlux SZN1: #ThankAMachinist, 367 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Do you express gratitude for your team members? Do they know their work is appreciated? Do you help guide them through their career so they can continue to learn and improve? Too many shops overwork good employees because they achieve excellence. That’s a mistake. It’s one of many reasons machine shops struggle with retention.  In part II of our conversation with Drew Crowe and Dan Borders, we talk about the importance of showing appreciation. We also cover why it’s important for account managers to offer value, and how to retain young talent. Because if you’re not appreciating your talent, you won’t retain them. And if you can’t retain them, you’re not MakingChips, and definitely you’re not making money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:21] Register for IMTS 2024 [2:22] We need to express gratitude [7:38] Recap of part I [8:16] Transitioning to Edge Technologies [15:35] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [17:19] What we look for when we hire [20:39] Recruiting the next generation [25:58] Thomas™ Programs Resources mentioned on this episode Drew Crowe on LinkedIn Dan Borders on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Register for IMTS 2024 STL GRILLZZ Oracle Netsuite: Ultimate KPI Checklist Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube