How can leadership remain connected to what’s happening on the shop floor? At Nix, we’ve found a creative way to bridge a gap that many businesses experience. We’ve implemented a program that allows our front line to address problems and propose solutions so that their everyday real-world problems are being fixed. Dakota Hunt and Jack Henry Hagan return to share how this program has positively impacted them and the business.  – Matthew Nix Segments  [1:03] Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist [4:56] Casey’s dad joke (stolen from his five-year-old) [5:41] The essential part(s) of an improvement program [15:48] Spark of Knowledge: Business development [16:59] Why communication is critical for success [19:37] The most rewarding part of this industry [21:55] The importance of a culture of respect  Resources mentioned on this episode  Netsuite by Oracle’s CFO's Ultimate KPI Checklist  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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Manufacturing is challenging, but if you are connected to a community of leaders, you can elevate your skills, solve your problems and grow your business!  MakingChips was launched in 2014 to equip and inspire the metalworking nation.  Hundreds of episodes and a million downloads later, it’s an industry-leading source of information, inspiration, and entertainment for manufacturing leaders of all types.  It’s hosted by Jason Zenger and Nick Goellner, two multi-generational manufacturing leaders, and they’re joined by a rotating panel of expert guests – including Titan Gilroy (TITANS of CNC), John Saunders (NYC CNC), Mark TerryBerry (Haas Automation), and many more.  Join us as we tackle the topics that keep you up at night - leadership, operations, technology, growth, workforce development and culture.

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Where is the United States with reshoring initiatives? Do we still have huge vulnerabilities in our supply chain(s) that need to be addressed? If we continue to reshore manufacturing, will companies remain competitive?  Reshoring impacts supply chains. Reshoring brings more jobs and opportunities to the US. These are all valid questions that are playing in people’s minds.  So in this special episode of MakingChips, Rosemary Coates—the Founder and Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute—will answer some of these burning questions. Because, ultimately, if we’re not manufacturing chips in the US, the US isn’t making money.  – Nick  Segments  [0:24] Achieve 95% on-time delivery with ProShop ERP [2:22] The Reshoring Institute vs the Reshoring Initiative [4:31] Rosemary Coates’ origin story [11:25] Rosemary’s experience as an expert witness [14:02] Why Rosemary started the Reshoring Institute  [17:03] The state of reshoring as it stands today [28:03] How elections may impact reshoring initiatives [32:40] Can US manufacturers stay competitive?  [36:38] Cost structure determines manufacturing environment [40:14] Rosemary’s #1 piece of advice for manufacturers   Resources mentioned on this episode  Go to ProShop ERP to get their on-time delivery guide Reshoring Institute RCoates@ReshoringInstitute.org Connect with Rosemary on LinkedIn  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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Can small shops begin to automate their processes? Where do they start with automation? In this episode of MakingChips, the CNC Samurai, Steve Courchane, returns to share his passion for automation. He lays out his 3M process and how it changes the way you view automation. Because if you’re not modeling, making, or measuring—you’re not MakingChips. And if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! – Jason Zenger Segments  [0:20] Join the AMT community!  [4:06] Update on my progress!  [5:40] Welcoming Steve Courchane back [7:35] Machine Shop Masterclass [14:53] Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight [19:52] Who is the CNC Samurai?  [23:30] Why branding was important to Steve [26:13] It’s time to graduate to NetSuite by Oracle [27:33] How Steve’s mindset has changed about automation [34:27] When Steve learned to love automation  [36:37] Steve’s 3M process: model, make, and measure  Resources mentioned on this episode  Join the AMT community!  What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist? Winning the War for Talent by Chris Czarnik Steve Courchane on Instagram Chris Luecke on LinkedIn The Cultish Show NetSuite by Oracle  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, you need to seek out new customers and build relationships with them while pushing them through your sales pipeline. The reality is that you have to make more sales to grow your business.  You need a way to track and measure your progress with potential customers (and current key accounts). In this episode of MakingChips, Jason returns to help us get back to the basics of business. Because if you’re not managing the sales pipeline, you’re not MakingChips, and if you’re not MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM! Segments  [0:15] Join the AMT Community! [1:55] Jason is back to MakingChips! [6:05] Manufacturing News: Whistleblowers are dying [11:04] How to gauge the potential of an account [16:24] Creating key accounts from target accounts  [19:45] Get NetSuite by Oracle for your business [21:26] Measuring customer relationships [24:56] Is it too much work for account reps?  [27:30] It’s about getting back to the basics  Resources mentioned on this episode  Join the AMT Community! The Boeing Whistleblower Controversy NetSuite by Oracle Trello What the Heck is a Samurai CNC Machinist?  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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You need to know the “numbers” in your business. Every business owner needs to know that they’re making enough to pay their employees, make and deliver their products, and grow the business. That’s just good business. Non-financial metrics are important, too. A successful business has to focus on quality, safety, customer service, on-time delivery, retention, and even culture. Because if your culture is dialed in, the numbers will prove it. We take a deep look at the different numbers that are important for a manufacturing business to know in this part 2 episode of MakingSparks with Mike Payne.  Also, listen to the end for a BIG announcement. – Matthew Nix Segments  [1:00] Recapping part I with Mike Payne [3:13] Everything comes down to numbers [13:59] How to learn the numbers [17:49] How to decide what’s important [26:38] When should you hire someone? [35:20] Introducing “By the Numbers”  Resources mentioned on this episode  ProFab Alliance  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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Mike Payne has spent the last 20+ years deeply entrenched in the M&A; process with dozens of companies throughout Oklahoma. Early in his career, he realized he loved the world of manufacturing. He also learned that he enjoyed operating a business. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to unfold.  Then it happened: Six years ago, Mike was able to purchase Hill Manufacturing. In this episode of MakingSparks, we chat with Mike about his work in the M&A; space, why he made acquisitions close to home, and what led to his passion for manufacturing.  – Matthew Nix Segments  [1:10] Chit-chatting with Mike Payne [5:26] Spark of Knowledge: Strategic Planning [6:39] Casey’s dad joke  [7:29] Mike’s background in manufacturing [9:32] Mike’s work in the M&A; space [12:30] Why start with acquisitions close to home? [17:54] Get NetSuite by Oracle [19:11] Why Mike decided to run a business  [26:02] Why build relationships within the industry?  Resources mentioned on this episode  Warren Buffett's 2024 Annual Letter To Shareholders Get NetSuite by Oracle The Six Types of Working Genius  Connect With MakingChips  www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube 

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