Is venture capitalism and manufacturing the perfect match for America’s new industry boom? Or will the industry bootstrap its way to success on the slower path? The verdict’s clear in this episode with Jim Belosic, the CEO of SendCutSend.

Jim shares a down-to-earth take on succeeding as a manufacturing business with a mix of VC and bootstrapping. Rather than aiming for the dot-com boom level of success and all the private yachts that come with it, a slow and steady approach is ideal for manufacturing businesses, says Jim.

We hear a little background on SendCutSend’s start and laser-focused approach to customer service, plus why Jim is such a big fan of the bootstrapping route. We hear his opinion on why manufacturing might be making a comeback, how to raise the visibility of the industry to plug skill gaps, and why we may need to “chill out” a bit when it comes to AI.

In this episode, find out:

• Why bootstrapping is a great alternative path to industrialization and why Jim believes VC doesn’t belong in manufacturing
• How the future of entrepreneurship is changing back to traditional family-led routes
• Jim shares his background in manufacturing as a sign shop artist and what he learned about the effects of new tech on industry
• Why we’re due for a re-boom in the manufacturing world and how new technology plays a central role
• Outsourcing abroad – the next phase – why we’re due for a re-boom because the tech is even better
• How manufacturing can become more visible and enter the digital era with help from younger generations
• Why it’s not enough to only be a good manufacturer today, you also need to be a good marketer too
• How manufacturers can make simple changes to their digital presence to move in line with what customers want
• Why teaming up with local competitors can be mutually beneficial
• Jim explains why investing in and paying your staff well is the number one important thing to do in this industry
• Why you shouldn’t compete on price but instead on the quality of the service and the value your customer receives

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “The way to success in manufacturing is you can't just be a good manufacturer. You actually have to be a good marketer too.”
• “A lot of people look at their competitors and want to burn them down. That usually just ends up with both of you catching on fire. So instead, try and be friendly.”
• “We’re poised for a manufacturing re-boom because the technology is even better now. This newest generation of machines is set up so well with alarms and error control, communication, and reliability, you're not just upgrading your speed or the reliability of the machine, you're upgrading your entire workforce.”

Links & mentions:

• SendCutSend, online sheet metal fabrication service; get custom parts delivered in just a few days (upload STEP or DXF files for instant pricing)
• A Bootstrapper’s Guide to Re-Industrializing America, Jim’s article that inspired this episode

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.