CNC Underground: Afterhours

From unexpected acts of support at IMTS to the power of community in the trades, this episode dives into firsthand stories of women forging connections, gaining confidence, and challenging stereotypes in manufacturing.

Listeners will hear about standout moments on the showroom floor, the impact of supportive networks like the Sisterhood of Trades, and how leadership and process can make or break a shop’s culture. Key themes include fostering inclusion, overcoming old technology with sheer determination, and championing second chances for those reentering the workforce. 

Whether it’s stories from the shop floor or insights on building meaningful relationships in the industry, the conversation promises both inspiration and practical perspectives for anyone curious about what truly matters in modern manufacturing.

———

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Nush on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nushrata/ 

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-m-368802328/ 

Connect with Kathryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bomyea-04b906351/ 

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com 

—————————————————————————————————

00:00 Can Great People Overcome Bad Technology?00:31 The CNC Underground After Hours Crew at IMTS02:18 Stories and Connections: Badass Workbench & Racing03:47 Friendship, Support, and Workbench Quality04:23 Historic Machines: The Original Bridgeport at IMTS05:12 First-Time IMTS Reactions and the Power of Community06:25 How the Group Experience Came Together07:03 Gratitude for Supportive Companies and Donors08:09 Confidence and Growth After IMTS09:07 How Community Empowers Individuals10:11 Learning Leadership at IMTS11:09 Networking with Industry Leaders and Allies12:15 Outreach in Manufacturing: Drew Crowe’s Story13:53 Second Chances, Skills Training, and Returning Citizens15:21 Community, Trades, and Finding Purpose16:02 Changing Perceptions of Manufacturing Work17:20 Shop Floor Insights from a Working Machinist18:29 Perspectives on Precision Grinding20:22 Grinding: Skills, Details, and Misconceptions21:31 New Tech, Smarter Work, and Shop Solutions22:57 What’s Real vs. The IMTS “Show”23:49 Walking the Show Floor with Content Creators and Allies24:42 Attitude, Self-Teaching, and Industry Influencers26:13 Shutdown Millwright: Seeing the Industry from the Field27:36 Understanding How Parts Are Made28:50 IMTS as an Industry Showcase and Stigma Breaker29:21 Shop Floor Debate: What Drives Change—Leadership, Process, People, or Tech?30:25 Real Talk: Leadership and Process on the Shop Floor32:14 Can Great People Beat Bad Technology?33:22 The Power of Crew Support, Team Loyalty, and Culture34:44 Workplace Cultures That Make the Difference36:22 Why Attending as a Group Matters37:20 Connecting with Students and the Next Generation38:06 Women Who Paved the Way in Trades39:57 Teachers and Mentors: The Impact on Career Paths40:19 Sisterhood of Trades: Mission and How to Join44:05 Finding the Sisterhood: Personal Stories45:44 The Power of Support and Friendship in Trades47:27 IMTS: Never Thought I’d Go—Now Life-Changing48:03 Feeling Seen, Supported, and Celebrated48:03 Slightly Dangerous IMTS Questions: Overrated or Underrated?49:53 Expectations vs. Reality at IMTS50:17 Lightning Round: IMTS Impressions & What Matters Most52:33 Where to Connect with the Sisterhood of Trades and Guests

Tony Gunn shares a unique perspective shaped by decades on the shop floor and years spent visiting hundreds of manufacturing facilities worldwide. This episode covers the real difference between successful and struggling shops, what cleanliness and organization reveal about operations, and how global trends in automation and technology are impacting manufacturing everywhere.

The conversation addresses the myths and realities of American manufacturing, including what the U.S. does well, where other countries lead, and how lessons from international shops can inform better practices closer to home. Topics include workforce challenges, how compensation compares to other industries, the critical role of trust in vendor relationships, and practical ways automation can help bridge skills gaps.

With stories from visits to shops in Brazil, Germany, Japan, India, Switzerland, and beyond, the episode highlights what each manufacturing culture excels at—from education and automation to precision, respect for the trade, and the willingness to invest in new tech. Listeners also get advice for making the most of trade shows like IMTS and insight into what manufacturing professionals really complain about (and how some of those issues could actually be easier to address than expected).

Whether you're a machinist, shop owner, or industry newcomer, this conversation brings honest perspective on where manufacturing stands today and where it's headed.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground 

Connect with CNC Underground on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midwestcamsolutions 

Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theworldwidemachinist/ 

Connect with Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealworldwidemachinist 

Connect with Tony on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWideMachinist 

The Machinists Club: https://www.themachinistsclub.com/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

Across the skilled trades, the hiring crisis has taken center stage but is it really only a shortage of applicants, or are businesses struggling just as much with retention? This episode breaks down why the trades are facing not just a hiring gap, but a “90-day problem,” where new hires often leave within weeks or months.

The discussion confronts common misconceptions, the power and pitfalls of mentorship, generational divides, and evolving workplace expectations. Listeners get both practical perspectives and real-world advice on making the trades an “option A,” not just an option B.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/ 

Andrew Brown’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/andrewbrowntrades 

———

Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

Chapters:00:00 The Skilled Trades Labor Crisis: By the Numbers00:37 Redefining the Problem: Retention vs. Hiring01:51 The “90-Day Problem” and Mismatched Expectations03:54 Realities of Working in the Trades05:35 Onboarding and Setting Expectations06:16 The Role and Impact of Mentorship08:03 Team Mentality, Knowledge-Sharing, and Obstacles09:29 Identifying True Mentors: Skills vs. Disposition11:38 Culture, Leadership, and Who Should Lead12:46 “Ghosting,” Work Ethic, and Generational Differences14:22 Can the Next Generation Fill the Gap?15:55 Skill vs. Will: What Makes a Retainable Employee16:53 Toxic Cultures and the Importance of Fit17:51 Building the "Perfect Apprentice": What Matters Most21:47 Experience vs. Culture: Rethinking the Hiring Process23:12 Gen Z in the Trades: Stereotypes and Reality24:32 Adapting to Generational Learning Styles26:13 The Impact of Technology and Industry Change27:00 Patience, Feedback, and Development in the Modern Workforce28:29 What Young Workers Are Really Asking For30:38 Pitching the Trades: Scenarios for Youth and Parents33:59 Are the Trades a Step Backwards? Considering Options35:57 Looking Ahead: The Cost of Inaction37:39 Industry Leadership and the Backbone of the Economy38:41 Guest Resources and Where to Learn More39:13 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

America’s manufacturing sector faces critical decisions on reshoring, workforce development, and automation. In this episode, Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, shares more than 50 years of industry experience and a practical look at what it will take to strengthen US manufacturing.

Harry breaks down why short-term thinking hurts manufacturers, how Total Cost of Ownership changes sourcing decisions, where reshoring opportunities exist, and why workforce development, automation, and smarter purchasing decisions all matter. If you run a machine shop, manage supply chains, or care about the future of American manufacturing, this conversation is packed with real examples, useful tools, and actionable ideas.

Connect with Jess:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Harry:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-moser-58a8024/

Reshoring Initiative:
https://reshorenow.org/

Total Cost of Ownership Calculator:
https://reshorenow.org/tco-estimator/

Import Substitution Program:
https://reshorenow.org/isp/

Join CNC Underground:
https://swiy.co/cncunderground

CNC Underground is the weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ machinists and programmers for practical CAM tips, tooling strategies, shop-floor insight, and manufacturing news.

About Midwest CAM Solutions:
The world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers improve productivity through CAM software, training, and support.
www.midwestcamsolutions.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 Short-Term Mentality in US Manufacturing
00:57 Harry Moser’s Background and Motivation
03:14 Family Legacy and Industry Changes
04:17 Founding the Reshoring Initiative
06:00 Early Resistance and the Role of TCO
06:43 What Surprises Manufacturers about TCO
07:57 Geopolitical Risks and Supply Chains
09:10 Partnerships vs. Vendors
10:26 Long-Term Workforce Investment
11:01 US vs. Europe Investment Patterns
12:04 Why the Workforce Shortage Isn’t a Surprise
13:15 Attracting Young Workers
15:27 Visibility and Exposure in Manufacturing
16:59 Manufacturing’s Image Problem
19:42 Stories of Factories Closing
21:02 Societal Costs of Manufacturing Decline
21:46 Lowest Price vs. Total Cost
22:18 How Many Manufacturers Use TCO
23:34 TCO Examples That Changed Decisions
25:05 Inventory Reduction and Hidden Benefits
25:58 Other Overlooked TCO Factors
27:58 Engineering and Manufacturing Proximity
28:58 Bringing Programming Back In-House
29:02 Advice for Shops Losing Bids
30:02 Pricing, Freight, and Tariffs
31:06 Competing with Overseas Providers
32:21 Automation for Competitiveness
33:02 Speed of Delivery as an Advantage
34:03 Consumer Buying Habits
35:07 Quality vs. Price
36:06 Buying Decisions and US Jobs
37:13 Apprenticeship Programs
38:38 Building the Workforce Pipeline
41:07 Can AI Make US Manufacturing Competitive?
42:21 China vs. US Productivity
43:11 Congressional Testimony and Tariffs
44:31 Capital Equipment Tariffs
45:32 US Steel Decline
47:43 Industry Structure, Unions, and Change
49:13 Generational Workforce Shifts
51:56 Wage Pressure and the Dollar
52:23 TCO and True Cost Differences
54:06 Lightning Round
55:19 Reshoring Success Stories
58:08 Sourcing Decisions and US Jobs
59:21 “Made in China” on American Symbols
1:00:07 Reshoring Initiative Resources
1:01:34 How Job Shops Can Find Opportunities
1:04:01 Optimism and Next Steps
1:04:41 IMTS and Where to Connect

This episode tackles the root of what’s really behind the so-called “talent shortage” in manufacturing, pulling apart the difference between a lack of skilled workers and mismatched expectations in the industry. Hear stories of hands-on learners who sidestep traditional training, companies willing, or unwilling, to invest in people, and how producers can build their own pipeline of machinists rather than waiting for the perfect candidate to walk in.

Discussions highlight the value of attitude over experience, practical perspectives on automation, and what it really takes to foster loyalty and growth within a shop. The episode also features tangible examples, from a 19-year-old YouTube-taught entrepreneur to programs supporting military veterans, challenging what it means to “find good people” and offering real talk on leadership, culture, and building a sustainable workforce, plus, some fishing tales along the way.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-christopher-5a4b839a/ 

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

Chapters:
00:00 Setting Expectations: Talent Shortage or Expectation Gap?
00:34 Mark Christopher’s Background and Industry Involvement
01:28 The Hiring Challenge: Who Are Shops Really Looking For?
02:29 Skills Shopping vs. Talent Development
03:01 Investment, Risk, and Fear of “Losing” Trained Workers
04:34 Building the Industry by Investing in People
05:35 Are Companies Consumers or Producers of Talent?
07:16 Word of Mouth, Reputation, and the Teaching of Attitude
07:49 Military Veterans: Untapped Talent Pool
08:24 Education Pathways and Employability Traits
11:43 Shop Floor Stories: Self-Taught Success with CNC Lathes
16:11 Self-Made Machinists and Lessons Beyond the Classroom
18:20 Where Professionalism and Accountability Start
22:52 The Role of Parents and Mentors in Shaping Work Ethic
25:05 Lightbulb Moments: Connecting Tech to Real-World Manufacturing
26:50 “Keep It or Kill It:” Shop Management Decisions
29:25 Equipment Strategy: Buying for Growth and Opportunity
31:16 5-Axis Machines and Expanding Capabilities
32:38 Attitude vs. Experience: Hiring the Right Mindset
33:34 Flexibility for Top Performers
35:29 Where Automation Truly Adds Value (and Its Limits)
37:55 Automation, Job Loss Fears, and the Human Element
40:03 Shop Floor Draft: Building a Realistic Team
44:43 Leading Teams and Managing Personalities
45:48 Work-Life Balance and Tournament Bass Fishing
46:53 Most Memorable Catches—and What They Teach
49:12 Fishing and Stress Relief for Machinists
50:25 Why Manufacturing Careers Offer So Much Potential
53:40 Connect with Mark Christopher: Career Advice and Networking

An unexpected path from Amish roots to CNC shop ownership sets the stage for a conversation about forging a career in manufacturing without a clear roadmap. This episode highlights how a hands-on upbringing built a foundation for curiosity and innovation, leading to a passion for machining and the drive to launch a successful business.

Key topics include pinpointing ideal customers, addressing the challenges of training and mentoring new talent, and cultivating a workplace culture grounded in honesty and psychological safety. Listeners will hear thoughtful reflections on technology, problem-solving, and the nuances of work ethic across generations, along with real stories about overcoming setbacks and tough leadership decisions. Perfect for anyone considering their own leap into business or seeking fresh insights on building a thriving, people-centered shop.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-miller-979158288/ 

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

00:00 Cold Open & Show Intro00:45 Phil Miller’s Early Background02:08 Childhood in the Shop02:14 First Jobs and Entry into Manufacturing02:41 Getting into CNC and the “Wow” Factor03:56 Transitioning from Manual to CNC04:12 Biggest Challenges in Learning CNC05:06 Deciding to Start a Machine Shop05:53 Realities of Business and Growing Reach06:53 Lessons from Customers and Business Upsets07:52 Advice for Identifying Ideal Customers09:08 Learning to Say “No” as a Business Owner10:00 Building Relationships with Customers10:25 “Then vs. Now”: Technology, Problem Solving, and Learning13:18 Generational Differences & Problem Solving Skills15:46 Work Ethic: Past vs. Present18:48 The Influence of Amish Community Values21:19 Changing Traditions and Mutual Aid23:29 Speed vs. Quality: What Matters Most24:28 Shop Culture and Psychological Safety26:14 Leadership & Supporting Employees27:55 Forgivable or Fireable: Real-Life Scenarios32:31 Parallels Between Parenting and Leadership33:21 Hiring for Work Ethic and Organization36:58 Training the Next Generation: Challenges and Solutions39:39 Communication, Clarity, and Employee Support42:32 Training the Next Generation: Why Is It So Hard to Find Good People?43:50 The Training Gap vs. Skills Gap44:55 Sharing Knowledge and Leadership Philosophy45:36 Approaches to Training New Hires46:47 Connecting with Phil Miller and Star Machine47:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs48:44 Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Running a machine shop is often called the hardest business in the world, and this episode covers the realities behind that statement. The conversation focused on why manufacturing and machining are so essential yet underappreciated, and what actually goes on when chaos is normalized in daily shop life. Addressing issues from tribal knowledge to retiring skilled employees, the discussion tackled workforce shortages, the impact of trades education, and how systems and structure, or lack thereof, can make or break a shop.

A key theme that emerged was the risk that comes with relying on a single employee who knows "everything," as well as the pain points that occur when chaos becomes the norm rather than the exception. The discussion explored practical solutions for reducing risk and improving morale, featuring the origins, development, and everyday impact of ProShop ERP, a system designed by machinists, for machinists.

Several points were raised, including mindset shifts needed to go from simply surviving to building a sustainable and enjoyable business. Listeners will find practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and strategies for fostering a positive culture and business success in an industry where every second, and every setup, matters.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvanmetre/

ProShop: www.proshoperp.com and www.loveyourerp.com 

———

Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions: Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

Chapters:00:00 Introduction: Why Machine Shops Are So Challenging01:05 The Broader Impact of Manufacturing02:06 The Normalization of Chaos in Shops04:49 What Chaos Looks Like on the Shop Floor06:24 Knowing When Chaos Becomes a Real Problem07:28 The Risks of Relying on a Single Expert08:56 Retirement Wave and Labor Shortages10:03 Trades Education and the Stigma Around Manufacturing11:19 The Importance of Local Apprenticeships13:23 How Shops Can Attract and Retain Talent14:12 Gen CNC and Workforce Development Initiatives15:01 Why Some Shops Prefer Chaos to Structure16:16 Business Mindset Shifts for Shop Owners18:26 Recognizing Breaking Points in Business20:28 The Plateau: When "Good Enough" Isn't Enough22:38 Ego, Humility, and Shop Culture23:56 Reducing Key Person Risk and Knowledge Silos25:36 The Origins of ProShop ERP: Solving Chaos26:54 Building Systems That Work for Real Shops29:14 Turning Shop Solutions Into a Software Business32:04 What ProShop ERP Actually Does33:19 Going Beyond Traditional ERP Functions35:10 ProShop ERP as the Digital Backbone36:13 Reducing Tribal Knowledge Risk with Digital Tools37:30 The "Jimmy Casting": Documenting Processes38:41 Shop Game: Fix It or Live With It39:02 When to Fix Setup Sheets, Programming, and Paper Chaos41:31 Coping with Workarounds and Normalized Chaos44:08 How Small Fixes Add Up—Or Pile Up45:24 The Impact of Culture and Tools on Team Morale47:17 Practical Steps for Shop Leaders to Identify Problems49:57 Where to Learn More About ProShop ERP50:27 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

—————————————————————————————————

Get a front-row seat to the changing landscape of modern manufacturing as the microphones flip on Chris Luecke, host of Manufacturing Happy Hour. This episode covers content creation in manufacturing, skill gaps, amplifying new voices, technology trends, and leadership challenges, all delivered through candid conversations and personal stories.

The discussion covers generational shifts, the power of industry communities, the evolution from buzzwords to real progress, and practical advice for standing out in a crowded space. Perfect for anyone on the shop floor or in the boardroom looking for actionable takeaways and real talk about where manufacturing is heading.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwluecke/ 

Manufacturing Happy Hour: https://manufacturinghappyhour.com/ 

———

Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

00:00 Amplifying the Next Generation & Podcast Introduction01:35 The Nontraditional Path to Podcasting in Manufacturing03:05 Bringing Manufacturing Conversations into the Public Eye04:27 Why Storytelling Sometimes Falls Short in the Industry05:10 The Early Days of Manufacturing Content Creation06:04 Documenting Tribal Knowledge & the Generational Gap07:38 When Does a Side Project Become a Business?09:44 The Value of Candid Conversations in Manufacturing10:13 "Podcast Guest Bingo": Most Common Leadership Topics11:31 People as a Company's Greatest Asset—But How to Stand Out12:08 Digital Transformation: More Than a Buzzword13:39 Lessons from Implementing Digital Change14:08 The Reality of AI in Manufacturing Workplaces15:34 Addressing Fear and Early Adoption of AI16:40 Looking at How Fast Technology is Advancing17:27 Digital Transformation as a Continuous Process17:52 Data-Driven Decision Making: From Buzzword to Benchmark18:58 Digital Maintenance Platforms as Entry Points19:42 Busting the Biggest Myth in Manufacturing Today21:45 The Real Motivators for Young Talent24:22 How Communities Like Sisterhood of Trades Change the Game26:14 Every Generation's Role as Industry Disruptors27:51 Why Leaders Need to Step Aside for New Voices30:18 Trend or Buzzword? Industry 4.0, 5.0, Digital Twins & More35:06 Is Reshoring Real or Just Hype?39:04 Are "Lights Out" Factories Here?40:34 Off-the-Microphone Leadership Worries41:57 Finding and Empowering Talent in Manufacturing46:47 Attitude vs. Skill: Hiring Strategies in Manufacturing Today47:34 Company Culture: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever49:49 Behind-the-Scenes Questions and Surprising Answers54:13 Manufacturing Ecosystems & Regional Collaboration54:36 One Key Piece of Advice for Manufacturing Leaders55:58 Where to Find Manufacturing Happy Hour & Connect with Chris57:02 Closing Remarks and Takeaways

Caz, founder of Caztek Engineering and Caztek Precision, and Landon, director of Strategic Growth, share their no-nonsense approach to rapid business growth in precision manufacturing. Hear what happens when ambition collides with execution: from doubling company size to onboarding second shifts, investing in automation, and developing leadership.

The conversation covers scaling teams, striking the balance between moving fast and getting it right, hiring the right talent, iterating on core values, integrating new technology, and finding the sweet spot between innovation and discipline. If you're building, scaling, or rethinking your business operations in manufacturing or engineering, this conversation reveals real-world approaches and honest reflection you won’t want to miss.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Landon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landon-wiser-55455386/ 

Connect with Caz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casimir-sienkiewicz-375a20/ 

———

Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

00:00 CNC Underground After Hours begins00:06 Show introduction and guest overview01:07 What Caz and Landon focus on right now02:48 Making the business scalable and building a team03:55 When to chase perfection vs making progress06:38 Lessons learned: allowing new hires to make mistakes10:05 How CazTek operates day-to-day11:14 Service offerings: engineering, prototyping, manufacturing12:58 Bringing more manufacturing in-house14:15 Division of responsibilities in operations and growth15:39 Industry trends: reshoring, manufacturing growth, tariffs15:59 Pursuing AS9100 certification and entering government work17:45 What happens when things go wrong internally?18:30 Saying yes too quickly vs waiting for readiness20:13 Out-of-the-box thinking at CazTek21:15 Fostering creative and cross-disciplinary solutions23:28 Ruby bearings and innovation stories from medtech25:58 CazTek’s role as a catalyst with OEMs and product development27:13 The drivers and practical steps for 100% growth30:24 Strategy shift: building leadership and middle management33:22 What broke first during scaling—and how hiring changed35:59 Attitude vs skill in hiring practices36:31 Aligning hiring/firing/accountability with core values37:00 Creating and preserving company culture38:27 What breaks operationally as growth demands new shifts41:05 Automating, AI, and the future of lights-out manufacturing46:47 Mistakes you only want to make once49:13 Machines, people, or process: what matters most in scaling a business?51:25 Planning for growth: foundation over speed53:19 Fielding diverse perspectives and learning from disagreements54:29 Hot Takes: automation, quoting, hiring, machines vs systems58:57 Fixing problems if starting from scratch in a shop62:13 The real goal: a great workplace and making an impact63:11 Strategy, vision, and the next debate

PLM: buzzword or necessity? Jessica welcomes Michael Finocchiaro, a product lifecycle management veteran, startup advisor, and outspoken industry observer, for a no-nonsense conversation about what PLM is, what it actually solves, lingering shop floor headaches, and why “single source of truth” might be the most misleading promise in digital manufacturing.

Get straight talk about the evolution of CAD data management, the realities of digital threads, the hype versus substance of buzzwords like AI and the metaverse, and how startups are shaking up a space long dominated by enterprise giants. Michael breaks down the intersection of engineering and manufacturing, the fragmentation of today’s tools, and the future shape of digital shop floors. Whether you’re on the production line, in management, or wrangling unruly BOMs, this episode brings sharp insights and practical advice.

———

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfinocchiaro/ 

Michaels YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFutureOfPLM 

Websites: www.demystifyingplm.com. www.threaded.live 

———

Join CNC Underground Newsletter!  https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

—————————————————————————————————

00:00 AI Bubble or Forest Fire?00:30 Introducing Michael Finocchiaro & PLM 10102:26 CAD Origins and Product Data Management03:11 Why PLM Grew Beyond Files05:18 Bill of Materials & Truth Myths06:31 What PLM Actually Solves08:22 What Goes Wrong with PLM Implementations10:12 Why PLM & Manufacturing Remain Disconnected11:28 The Challenge of Tribal Knowledge12:26 Startups vs. Big Companies in Knowledge Capture12:52 Buzzword Bingo: Digital Thread, Twin, AI, and More15:26 Why Integration is Still Elusive16:03 Connecting Shop Floor, ERP, and PLM17:23 Does the Demand for Integration Actually Exist?18:57 Should Companies Go Early on AI?19:53 Startups Building Faster Solutions20:19 In-House Hack Jobs vs. Scalable Solutions22:17 How Cloud & “Best in Class” Are Actually Playing Out23:26 Is Metaverse Real for the Shop Floor?25:13 Why Mining Leads in Digital Twins & Automation26:40 Buzzwords Michael Thinks Will Fade27:38 What Makes Startups Exciting Right Now28:47 The Risks of Overhype & Why Fundamentals Win31:45 AI Bubble or Forest Fire Revisited33:09 Fundamentals: Real Engineering Still Matters35:40 Red Flags in Software Pitches38:03 How Creativity from Art & Music Influences Engineering39:56 Staying Open, Avoiding Tunnel Vision41:15 Where to Find Michael Finocchiaro42:06 Best Advice for Evaluating Software Demos43:03 Episode Wrap

—————————————————————————————————