How can we attract the next generation to machining? How can small shops attract and retain talent? How can we fuel greatness? In this episode of MakingChips, guest host Drew “The MFG” Crowe—the force behind the American Manufacturing Renaissance—brings on Dan Borders with Edge Technologies to start to tackle these questions. Because if you’re not attracting and retaining top talent, you won’t have a team to make chips. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [1:50] Introducing Drew “The MFG” Crowe  [8:43] Why “Y’all” is universal [9:50] The Chip on Drew’s shoulder: Influencers [19:17] Netsuite by Oracle [20:47] Introducing Dan Borders [31:50] How Dan landed at Davis Tool & Die Co. [40:51] Thomas™ Programs Resources mentioned on this episode Drew Crowe on LinkedIn Dan Borders on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security IMTS+ STL GRILLZZ Oracle Netsuite: Ultimate KPI Checklist

What separates successful shops from unsuccessful ones? The people. As a leader, taking care of your people is paramount. So how do you manage and lead your people better? By following the Golden Rule. How do you apply the “Golden Rule” in business? Mike Ruge—the Integrator and Experience Director at ZENGERS—shares what that looks like and it can transform your business in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you aren’t taking care of your people, they won’t be MakingChips and if they’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  Segments [0:16] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs [4:10] Manufacturing News: Tesla is changing perspectives  [8:45] Applying the Golden Rule in your business [14:33] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:07] Ask questions to collaborate on a solution  [22:26] How to shift your culture in the right direction [25:34] How to address underperformance  [35:02] Some BIG changes at ZENGERS and Hennig  [37:06] Learn how to be more empathetic [38:06] Learn more about IMTS+ [39:31] How to keep yourself accountable Resources mentioned on this episode Mike Ruge on LinkedIn Thomas™ Programs Tesla on YouTube Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Marketplace Chaplains IMTS+ Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

How do you select the right ERP for your business? What should the implementation process look like? What are some mistakes you must absolutely avoid making? In this episode of MakingChips, Paul Van Metre shares some of the lessons he’s learned from failed ERP implementations. Because if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Nick  Segments [0:17] Take advantage of Thomas™ programs [2:20] The definitions of ERP, QMS, and MES [6:08] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [7:47] The chip on my shoulder: Weaponizing contracts [11:02] Paul Van Metre’s background in the industry  [12:47] You need to involve every impacted department  [17:13] Choose a system that works for the whole shop [19:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [21:27] Use real data and processes in demos [23:34] The implementation process: Let go of the past [29:43] Overcoming analysis paralysis in the implementation process [36:46] Register for the exhibitor workshop for IMTS 2024!  Resources mentioned on this episode Paul Van Metre Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Westec IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Why do you need to create video content, both for recruiting team members and bringing in new business? How do you get started when you don’t have the budget to hire a production company? Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix share what you can do to kickstart video marketing for your shop—and why it’s incredibly important—in this episode of MakingChips! Because if you aren’t Making videos, you’re losing out on money. BAM! – Nick Segments [0:16] Sign up for a Thomasnet™ program [3:11] Manufacturing News: Short-form video trends [9:12] How Casey started working with Nix Companies [13:27] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:16] How to get started creating videos  [22:33] Integrate video marketing into your business [24:16] Content marketing in manufacturing [27:57] A day in the life of a craftsman [29:05] Incorporating video into MakingChips [29:44] Join the AMT Community [32:00] Why you need to create video content Resources mentioned on this episode Thomasnet™ programs Matthew Nix on LinkedInLinkedIn Casey Voelker on LinkedIn 7 Short-Form Video Trends to Watch in 2023 Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security CapCut Video Editor Manufacturing Transparency: How Ken Parent is Inspiring the Industry Documentary: The Story of Content: Rise of the New Marketing Full Time Filmmaker  Join the AMT Community Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What is FabTech? Why should anyone in welding, fabrication, metal forming, or finishing attend FabTech? They not only hold seminars and have booths and exhibitors to visit. You won’t only learn about trends in technology and meet with potential suppliers. Most importantly, you’ll be able to network. In this episode of MakingSparks recorded live at FabTech 2023, we interview a couple of people we met at FabTech whose careers were positively impacted because they showed up. Don’t miss it. – Matthew Nix Segments [1:16] Why you should go to FabTech [2:35] Netsuite by Oracle [4:06] Networking opportunities at FabTech [6:13] Casey’s dad joke  [7:04] FabTech will help rejuvenate you  [11:38] What stood out at FabTech 2023 [13:38] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [16:27] Spark of Knowledge: Use a CRM  [17:49] Stephanie Hoffman with the AWS [22:39] Learn more about Weld.com [27:32] Check out Thomas™ services Resources mentioned on this episode FabTech Netsuite by Oracle Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Stepanie Hoffman on LinkedIn and Instagram Chris Ewing on LinkedIn Metal Shop Masters Weld.com Weld.com on YouTube Check out Thomas™ services Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Recruiting in manufacturing can be difficult. Many students are taught the traditional “Graduate high school and go to college for four years” mentality. While there’s nothing wrong with taking that route, how do we capture the attention of young talent? How do we make them see the career trajectory available in welding or fabrication? Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin share some actionable tactics and strategies in this episode of MakingSparks! – Matthew Nix  Segments [1:13] Lindsey’s dad joke [2:35] Create a Thomas™ profile [5:02] The internship programs at Nix Companies [9:53] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [12:21] How Nix is investing in recruiting  [15:57] The benefits of video marketing  [19:54] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security [23:13] Spark of Knowledge: Try candidate tryouts [24:16] Leverage social media for recruiting [31:22] Now trending: work/life balance [34:23] Show children different career options [36:34] Register for IMTS 2024 [37:42] Be authentic and consistent  Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn Casey Voelker on LinkedIn ProFab Alliance Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Join the AMT Community IMTS 2024 Exhibitor Workshop Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Most mom-and-pop shops don’t have to worry about recruiting, hiring, and retaining talent until they decide they want to grow. When you find yourself needing to recruit and hire talent, where do you start? Start with your core values. Your company needs core values and a clear mission and vision to hire the right people, build the right culture, and retain your team long-term. Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin weigh in on what it takes to recruit top talent in this episode of MakingSparks. Segments [1:10] Introducing Lindsey Nix and Angela Kirlin [2:30] Casey’s dad joke of the day [4:02] Hiring and recruiting in the beginning [6:37] Sign up for a Thomas™ program! [9:38] How Angela learned the culture [12:18] Spark of Knowledge: Core Values [13:38] Angela’s role encompasses retention  [15:35] Recruiting women in fabrication  [18:15] Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security  [17:23] The importance of core values  [28:23] Join the AMT community Resources mentioned on this episode Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Lindsey Nix on LinkedIn Angela Kirlin on LinkedIn ProFab Alliance Thomas™ Programs Palo Alto Networks Industrial OT Security Join the AMT Community Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

MakingSparks has officially arrived! Matthew Nix and I, Casey Voelker, are here to speak to the welding and fabrication industry. And just like MakingChips, we want to equip and inspire while attracting the next generation. Everyone will have some takeaways from MakingSparks. In this episode, Matthew shares more about Nix Companies and their explosive growth over the last 20 years. We’ll also cover what you can expect from MakingSparks, who should listen, and give you a sneak peek at our next episode.  – Casey  Segments [3:24] Learn more about Matthew Nix and Nix Companies [5:33] Recruiting and talent retention in fabrication [7:27] Spark of Knowledge: Branding and marketing [9:25] Growing the company to 100x revenue [10:21] Who should listen to the MakingSparks podcast? [13:50] Learn more about IMTS+ [15:13] What should we talk about? [16:25] What’s happening in our next episode?  Resources mentioned on this episode Casey Voelker on LinkedIn Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Can You Scale Rapidly After 100 Years of Slow Growth? 308 Married to Each Other and the Business with Matthew Nix Part 1, 369 Married to Each Other and the Business Part 2 with Lindsey Nix, 370 ProgressiveFabricator.com IMTS+ Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Are you in welding or fabrication? Are you a long-time listener of MakingChips who’s just been waiting for content that speaks directly to you? The wait is over. In this episode of MakingChips, Casey Voelker and Matthew Nix join us to introduce a brand new addition to the MakingChips lineup: MakingSparks. Casey and Matthew will be hosting the show that will bring even more industry voices to the mic. Tune in to this episode to learn exactly what to expect from this new podcast! Because if you’re not MakingSparks, you’re not making money. BAM! — Jason  Segments [2:24] Why we created the MakingSparks podcast [6:19] What’s going to be different about MakingSparks? [7:16] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic planning [10:23] Free KPI checklist from Netsuite by Oracle [14:46] The evolution of Nix Companies  [18:44] What we want your takeaway to be [20:36] IMTS 2024: Sept 9th-14th in Chicago [21:57] Who will MakingSparks speak to? Resources mentioned on this episode Netsuite by Oracle: FREE KPI checklist  IMTS 2024: Sept 9th-14th in Chicago Casey Voelker on LinkedIn Matthew Nix on LinkedIn Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

You’ve found your acquisition target. They’ve committed to selling you the business. Now the real work begins. It’s time for due diligence. Where does due diligence start? What factors should you consider? How do you build a checklist?  Jason, Nick, Adam Schmitt, and I tackle due diligence in this episode of MakingChips. Because if you’re not doing due diligence, you may miss important factors that will impact your ability to make chips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!  – Matthew Nix Segments [0:57] Where does due diligence start?  [6:43] Don’t be afraid to walk away [9:33] Will leaders and employees stay? [11:01] Take a deep dive into processes [12:26] Asset purchase vs. stock purchase [15:45] Don’t stop asking questions [18:46] How to develop your own checklist Resources mentioned on this episode FabTech Adam Schmitt Matthew Nix ProFab Alliance Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube