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PODCAST

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

business management

All Episodes

40:24

Hire MFG Leaders: Revolutionizing Recruiting for...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/02/14

The biggest problem in manufacturing today? Finding and retaining the right talent. Labor shortages aren’t just about filling positions; it’s about finding people who will truly thrive in your company culture and help drive long-term growth. But how do you accomplish that? Trevor O'Malley and Myles Rickerd bring a fresh perspective to talent acquisition that is tailored specifically to the needs of manufacturers—and we’re teaming up with them. In this episode, we're excited to introduce Hire MFG

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35:53

Why AI Isn’t the Answer for Quoting: The Risks of...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/02/10

In manufacturing, speed matters—especially when it comes to quoting. If you can’t turn around quotes quickly and accurately, your customers will move on to someone who can. But should you leverage AI, like ChatGPT, to make the quoting process easier? In this episode of MakingChips, we’re tackling a hot topic: the risks and limitations of using large language models for estimating and quoting. Jason Ray, the co-founder and CEO of Paperless Parts, joins us to break down why these AI tools

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29:17

The Business of MakingChips: From Shop Floor to CEO, 449

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/02/03

Many machinists dream of owning their own shop. But there’s a big difference between being great at making chips and being great at running a business—just like a skilled operator isn’t automatically a great manager. That’s why we’re launching a new series—think of it as a MasterClass on starting, running, and growing a successful machine shop. Business school teaches general principles, but the real lessons? You learn those on the shop floor, through experience, and sometimes the hard way. We want

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54:07

How Systems and Processes Can Transform Your Shop's...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/01/28

What’s the secret to scaling a manufacturing business? For Mike, it all started with a growing passion for manufacturing, a desire to learn, and the decision to implement ProShop ERP. In this episode of MakingChips, Paul and Mike share their origin stories and dive into the transformative power of systems, processes, and ProShop. Mike’s journey began with a love for technology and shop floor data collection, but his path took a turn when he acquired Hill Manufacturing in 2018. From there, he leaned

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28:03

Precision Under Pressure: How Machinists Empower...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/01/20

Watching the wildfires spread in Los Angeles is both heartbreaking and sobering. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy. We’re also reminded of the bravery and dedication of first responders—firefighters on the ground and pilots flying “super scoopers” to drop water where it’s needed most. But behind every heroic effort is another layer of unsung heroes: machinists. Why? Because these life-saving missions rely on precision-made tools and equipment, much of

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37:19

A MakingChips Farewell to the OG: Jason Zenger, #446

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/01/14

After nearly a decade of shaping MakingChips—spending close to 25% of his life on this journey—Jason Zenger is saying goodbye to the podcast that transformed the manufacturing space. As one of the original trailblazers, Jason helped create a platform that built community, sparked essential conversations, and made manufacturing more approachable as a career. His vision and dedication inspired others to start their own podcasts, like Paul’s “Machine Shop Mastery.” Jason’s legacy isn’t just

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54:31

How to Build a Kick-Ass Culture with Beau Groover, 445

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2025/01/06

What does it take to build a truly exceptional culture in your manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Beau Groover, a seasoned coach with decades of experience in lean implementation, continuous improvement, and leadership. From his early days as an Inventory Control Manager to overseeing 21 plants as Director of Manufacturing, Beau’s career has been driven by one mission: helping people and organizations thrive. Beau shares his journey from manufacturing operations

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38:58

New Year, New Goals: Aligning Metrics, Leadership,...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/12/30

The world is divided when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Some argue that if you’re committed to change, you should take action anytime—not just at the start of the year. But the new year is also a natural time for reflection, a chance to evaluate where you’ve been and map out where you’re going, in both business and life. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re diving into resolutions that drive real impact: Mike shares his goal to break down KPIs to align his entire team—from the receptionist

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57:43

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Our Top MakingChips...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/12/23

In this special episode of MakingChips, we reflect on our favorite moments of 2024—the ones that made us laugh, the ones that brought a tear to our eyes, and the ones that remind us why we’re so proud to be part of the manufacturing community. We dive into the topics that matter most: How to transfer tribal knowledge to the next generation. Why implementing AI isn’t just an option anymore—it’s a competitive edge for the future. How building a culture of care and support can transform your team and

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48:20

Why Customer Service Outsells Sales, 442

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/12/16

Customer service in manufacturing is often seen as a pain point rather than a differentiator. We’ve all experienced the frustrations of dealing with companies like Comcast—impossible cancellations, endless transfers, and the feeling of being treated as just another number. Unfortunately, too many manufacturing shops still operate with a similar “you’ll get it when you get it” mentality, leaving customers in the dark about their orders. This old-school approach is no longer sustainable, and shops

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37:49

From Conflict to Courage: Marlene Chism’s Guide to...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/12/09

In part two of our conversation with Marlene Chism, we dive deeper into the intricacies of navigating workplace conflict and cultivating emotional resilience. Marlene shares actionable strategies for overcoming internal and external conflicts by aligning with your core values and taking personal responsibility for your reactions. She highlights the importance of emotional regulation, urging leaders to interpret feelings like anger and frustration as signals to pause and regain control rather than

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39:17

No-Drama Leadership: Marlene Chism’s Guide to...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/12/02

How do you break free from dysfunctional workplace dynamics and create real transformation? Marlene Chism, a former factory worker turned HR consultant and coach, shares her journey from the shop floor to becoming an expert in conflict management. After 21 years at Kraft Foods, Marlene realized she wanted more. When she started taking college classes, she discovered the Karpman Drama Triangle—a tool for understanding the roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer—and it changed how she approached

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34:20

#ThankAMachinist, 439

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/11/27

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the hardest-working and most impactful people in the world: machinists. These skilled professionals are behind nearly everything we touch, from the medical devices that save lives to the cutting-edge aerospace components that explore the final frontier. Machinists are the unsung heroes who take ideas from concept to reality, crafting the parts that power industries, enhance daily life, and drive innovation. Without them, the technology, tools, and

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43:19

How Will a Trump Presidency Impact Manufacturing? 438

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/11/19

Election years cause a lot of upheaval in the world of manufacturing. Industry spending can often see a sharp decrease, which can negatively impact many shops. The general indecision leading up to an election impacts almost every sub-genre in manufacturing, from medical devices to aerospace, oil & gas to firearms. The election is over and Trump has officially been elected back into office. Will a Trump presidency negatively or positively impact manufacturing? Nick, Paul, and Mike tackle tough

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41:02

How to Win Production Work, 437

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/11/12

Are you ready to take your manufacturing business to the next level with production work? This episode of MakingChips dives into the top five benefits of production work and the essential steps to position your shop as a full-service production-ready operation. Imagine the stability and growth potential when a substantial portion of your monthly revenue is already secured by repeat clients. We also cover the transition steps to shift your shop’s branding, approach to prototyping, and pricing

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32:29

How Can We Champion Manufacturing? with Terry Iverson...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/11/05

In this MakingChips episode, Terry discusses the transformative power of mentoring in manufacturing, especially the importance of reverse mentoring. He shares how younger, tech-savvy workers can help Baby Boomers adapt to new technologies, creating a reciprocal learning relationship. This approach combines the strengths of both generations, enhancing collaboration and knowledge transfer within organizations. Terry also introduces Camp CHAMP, a hands-on program for middle and high school students

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34:24

How Can We Champion Manufacturing? with Terry Iverson...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/10/29

On this episode of MakingChips, Jason dives into a conversation with Terry Iverson about his book, “Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting.” Through initiatives like CHAMPION Now!®, Iverson strives to change public perceptions about manufacturing. He advocates for seeing the industry through a broader lens—one that recognizes manufacturing as a space for entrepreneurship, leadership, and community

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50:32

How the Skilled Careers Coalition is Bridging the...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/10/22

“How do we connect today’s youth with the skilled careers of tomorrow?” This is the challenge the Skilled Careers Coalition is determined to solve. Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Long-time business owners are retiring without successors, shutting down operations entirely. Skilled operators are stepping away, leaving a void without replacements. Shops are struggling to keep up as talent drains at an alarming pace. Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, explains their

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22:44

Automation Begins Before Machining with Toolpath Part...

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/10/18

In this episode of MakingChips, Al Whatmough explores how AI and automation are transforming the manufacturing industry—not by replacing people, but by empowering them to focus on higher-value work. Al shares insights from IMTS and introduces the concept of Human-Aided Manufacturing (HAM), where AI handles routine tasks, freeing machinists to make smarter decisions. They also discuss shifting compensation models toward productivity-based metrics and how automation unlocks new growth opportunities

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25:00

Automation Begins Before Machining with Toolpath, Part 1

Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders ·

2024/10/15

How does a machinist from Canada end up leading a California tech startup? In Episode #432 of MakingChips, Al Whatmough shares his unique journey—from the shop floor to becoming the CEO of Toolpath, a company dedicated to improving machining through smart software solutions. Al’s path is shaped by personal challenges, faith, and a passion for building—whether it’s with tools, people, or technology. Now at Toolpath, he’s focused on empowering machinists by eliminating repetitive programming tasks, so

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491 results

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