CNC Underground: Afterhours

Tyler Stillson, president and owner of Operose Manufacturing, joins host Jessica for an honest discussion about growth, risk, and technology in modern manufacturing.

From walking away from engineering school to building a multi-location business, Tyler shares the decisions, challenges, and lessons behind the scenes, from automation investments and scaling through acquisition, to the realities of losing customers and starting new product lines.

Also covered are the shifting demands in equipment, the impact of AI on small business operations, and the truths every shop owner should face about cash flow and growth.

Whether you’re a shop owner, machinist, or simply interested in how real-world manufacturing works today, this episode brings clarity to the pressures, opportunities, and responsibilities behind every investment and expansion.

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

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

Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-stilson-1715416/ 

The OpOne Group: https://op1group.com/ 

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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.

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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

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Chapters:00:00 Hidden Stress & Realities of Ownership00:19 CNC Underground After Hours—Introduction01:12 Leaving Engineering School for Machining02:02 First Steps in the Machine Shop03:08 Getting Started with CNC Machines04:16 Long Commutes and the Leap to Ownership05:01 Moving to Minnesota & Changing Markets06:45 Operose: Then vs. Now08:30 Building OP1 Group and Acquisitions10:00 Different Shop Specialties & Capabilities11:16 What Capabilities Matter Most Today?12:13 The Decline of Wire EDM Demand14:16 Rapid-Fire: Good Idea or Expensive Mistake15:43 Investing in Equipment Before the Work18:06 Risks of Relying on One Big Customer19:11 Starting a Product Line Within a Shop21:22 Automation for Solving Labor Shortages22:21 Automation for High Mix, Low Volume23:49 Recovering After Losing a Major Customer24:54 Filling Gaps With Product Innovation25:54 Risk Lessons From Losing Customers28:00 Using Automation to Manage Workflows & Labor30:23 Scaling Production Without More Hires31:02 Downsides of Automation: Scrap Risks32:28 The Version You Don’t See: Buying Machines, Leadership Stress36:02 What Really Happens After Acquisitions39:05 Building Trust Post-Acquisition41:05 Does AI Move the Needle for Small Shops?42:02 Building DIY Tools with AI for Operations45:14 Measuring Productivity in Automated Shops46:14 First Steps Into Automation for CNC Shops47:40 Real Concerns and Opportunities With AI49:00 AI Lowering Barriers for Small Businesses50:51 The Growing Dependence on AI52:13 Leadership Lessons From Scaling Operations56:25 Why Standardizing Across Shops Can Fail57:26 The Hazards of “Build It and They Will Come”58:25 Cash Flow, Invoices, and Payment Struggles59:11 Where to Find More About OP1 Group1:00:32 Final Takeaways and Closing

Jim Vinoski joins CNC Underground AfterHours to share decades of experience in manufacturing, spanning engineering, leadership, writing, and advising.

Mechanical engineer, former Forbes manufacturing columnist, industry podcaster, and longtime executive, Jim breaks down the evolution of factory work, the changing nature of automation, and the critical importance of both leadership and adaptable processes. 

The conversation covers everything from early engineering surprises, navigating technology shifts like CNC and AI, to the need for upgrading work systems and training the next generation. If you’re interested in modern manufacturing, scaling your shop, or understanding the real stories behind American industry, this practical, candid discussion is for you.

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

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

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimvinoski/ 

Jim’s Substack: https://manufacturingtalks.substack.com/ 

Jim’s Website: https://www.manufacturingtalks.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.

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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

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:00 Bicycles and the Path to Engineering01:34 Early Surprises in Factory Work02:06 First Manufacturing Role02:22 Lessons in Leadership and Business03:32 Adapting to Modern Manufacturing04:47 Autonomy and Shop Culture Changes05:07 Major Shifts in Automation06:11 Hesitancy Around New Technology06:55 Embracing or Avoiding Change08:13 Falling Behind in Manufacturing09:44 Common Mistakes—Ignoring Work Systems10:40 Automation Beyond the Factory Floor12:14 Sparking Debate in Manufacturing Commentary13:01 Energy Prices and U.S. Competitiveness14:10 Trade, Offshoring, and Industrial Capacity15:07 Shipbuilding and National Security Gaps16:17 Regulation and Manufacturing Realities17:05 Does Automation Cost Jobs?18:42 Retaining High-Level Work in the U.S.19:49 What Divides Manufacturing Leaders20:38 Documenting vs. Working in the Business23:15 Systems That Enable Shop Growth25:28 Metrics That Matter: Cash Flow and More28:19 The Value of Community and Learning29:41 Creative Headlines—Communicating Manufacturing33:39 Engaging the Next Generation34:39 Audience and Intent in Writing36:38 Optimism for U.S. Manufacturing37:24 Advice for Industry Leaders and Learners39:07 Where to Follow Jim Vinoski

Get an inside look at the changing face of manufacturing and the skilled trades with hosts Jessica Bird and Darryl Gratrix, founder of NextGen Skilled Trades Consulting. Darryl shares his personal path from a non-technical background to a leader in Canadian manufacturing, addressing tough questions about why the industry is losing talent and what can actually be done to bring the next generation in.

This conversation takes on classic myths about trade school, the realities of modern shops, and the shift from old-school “crusty” toolrooms to investing in people and technology. Learn how VR and AI are being used for training, the critical role of confidence versus skill, and what’s working to build a better future for tradespeople and manufacturers.

Whether you’re a shop owner, educator, parent, or a student considering career options, this episode is packed with grounded advice, candid stories, and actionable ideas for changing perceptions and building community.

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

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

Connect with Darryl on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-gratrix-373827309/

———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.

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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

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What actually happens when you mix motorsports ambitions, hands-on automotive classes, and a willingness to post real wins and mistakes online? 

In this conversation, Nush Ahmed breaks stereotypes about women in manufacturing, shares the truth about getting started in trades, and pulls back the curtain on building a visible career outside the traditional corporate ladder. 

With host Jessica Urbans, they call out old myths, laugh about shop-floor lingo, and challenge everyone in the industry to embrace authenticity, support newcomers, and foster genuine networks, both in the shop and across social media. 

Sparked by personal stories and hard-earned advice, this episode uncovers the value of community, ongoing learning, and the courage it takes to be honest about both setbacks and successes.

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

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

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

Sisterhood of the Trades: www.sisterhoodofthetrades.com

Podcasts Nush Mentioned

Next Gen MFG: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ysum3HDA82rlHeuxoaBge 

The Sisterhood Takes the Mic: https://open.spotify.com/show/33RtOsuAu2Wl5X4WiiG4zw

Two Bolts Short of a Flange:https://open.spotify.com/show/6pmLbiTozQOjsh4d7fun2s 

The Union Mic Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2hgMQcjfZ5grvbzudveskn 

———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

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00:00 From Valves to Motorsport Fabrication

04:17 "Finding Passion Through Hot Wheels"

06:40 "Overcoming Barriers to Trade School"

12:07 Networking for Career Opportunities

14:45 "Sharing Mistakes for Growth"

17:54 LinkedIn Thrives on Questions

20:45 "Connecting, Posting, and Being Seen"

24:12 Podcast Projects by Sisterhood

29:18 "Evaluating Career Investment Motives"

32:44 "Climbing Success Isn't Easy"

35:23 Learning Programming & Underwater Welding

40:31 "Choosing School Through Robots"

41:59 "Connect with Nusha Ahmed"

Hit subscribe for new episodes with honest conversations that keep the coolant clean and the culture real.

Arthur Field, Operations Manager for the Americas at MTDCNC, joins the conversation to break down what truly defines strong partnerships in manufacturing and why clinging to outdated methods can sabotage shop culture, profitability, and growth. 

From shop floor trial-and-error to managing international operations, Arthur shares candid stories of career-defining mistakes, hard-won leadership lessons, and the surprising truth about building lasting trust between suppliers, vendors, and teams. 

The discussion covers everything from mental health and innovation resistance to the impact of video content and the future of blue-collar pride. If you’ve ever weighed the value of real collaboration, questioned stubborn industry habits, or wanted a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of manufacturing, this episode will challenge assumptions and offer practical takeaways for tomorrow’s leaders.

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

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

Connect with Arthur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetarthur/ 

———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

About MTDCNC:

MTDCNC is a global manufacturing media platform covering CNC machining and precision manufacturing news, videos, podcasts, and industry insights. 

Learn more at: www.mtdcnc.com 

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Time Stamps

00:00 Accidental Path to CNC Programming

06:28 "Stretching Beyond Comfort Zones"

14:55 "Fixing Longstanding Issues Quickly"

21:49 Trust and Reliable Teamwork

22:46 "Collaboration Beats Going Solo"

29:36 "Training Gap and Workforce Solutions"

37:44 "True Partnership Requires Action"

40:28 "Thoughtful Approach to Client Needs"

46:21 "Disagreements Indicate Healthy Partnerships"

53:27 "Exploring Media Partnership Choices"

54:25 "Marketing Shifts Delayed by Leadership"

01:03:30 3-Month Brand Partnership Campaign

01:05:04 "CNC Demonstrations and Education"

01:09:39 Inspiring Youth Through Creativity

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Join Jessica Urbans and Jon Ely for CNC Underground After Hours as they take a closer look at the realities of machining—from running parts on twin-turret lathes to managing a modern team and leading Industrial Tool Solutions.

Hear how Jon’s career built step by step, starting as an operator, progressing through programming and production roles, moving into sales, and ultimately leading a company.

Topics include hands-on learning, conversational programming, mistakes and memorable shop crashes, leadership principles drawn from the military, and thoughts on changing manufacturing culture. With practical insights, quirky game segments, and honest advice for the next generation, this episode offers a candid look at industry life.

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

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

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-e-999955259/ 

Email Jon: [email protected]

———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

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00:00 "Unexpected Path to Machining"

05:30 Lathe vs. Mill: Simplicity Explained

09:08 "From Workflow to Production Manager"

10:46 Learning Sales in Aerospace Manufacturing

14:07 "Authentic Sales Through Understanding"

20:04 From Desk to Shop Floor

22:39 The Impact of Good Leadership

25:10 Leadership, Ownership, and Clarity

30:45 Promoting Talent in Big Companies

34:19 Engineering Mishaps and Lessons Learned

35:01 "Runaway Metal Mishap"

38:05 "Optimizing Setup for Efficiency"

43:20 "Air Blast Over Flood Coolant"

45:26 "Collaboration Improves Industry Culture"

48:02 "Shop Stories and Leadership Insights"

Join Jessica Urbans and guest Alex Huckstepp, co-founder and chief commercial officer at Uptool, as they talk through the realities of US manufacturing today.

This episode covers the evolution of additive and subtractive technologies, the challenges and opportunities for small and medium manufacturers, and what it takes for true innovation to move beyond theory. 

Hear firsthand perspectives on the launch of Uptool, AI’s role in job shops, and how shop owners and teams can respond to rapid change. For anyone in the world of machining, fabrication, or manufacturing tech, this conversation brings practical advice, candid stories, and actionable thoughts on scaling operations.

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

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

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-huckstepp/

Learn more about Uptool: www.uptool.com

Machine Shop Database: www.usamachineshops.com 

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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

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Mike Richter, Learning and Development Manager at Wilson Tool International, sits down with host Jessica Urbans to reveal the twists, turns, and lessons learned in his move from public education to manufacturing. With just four and a half years in the industry, but over a decade and a half guiding learners and leading tech integration in schools, Mike's story highlights how unconventional backgrounds often bring the right skills for today's manufacturing environment.

Covering everything from fireworks stores to shop floor leadership, the conversation digs into the real impact of transferable skills, how professional development shapes culture, and why manufacturing careers are more dynamic than most people realize. Gain perspective on how companies like Wilson Tool are adapting to generational shifts, preserving institutional knowledge, and deploying emerging technologies like AI and video avatars for global training. You'll hear about challenges, practical wins, and strategies for anyone, educator, student, career changer, thinking about opportunities in manufacturing.

Whether you're curious about breaking into industrial careers, future-proofing your skill set, bridging generational gaps, or finding better ways to train and develop staff, this episode delivers practical advice and stories straight from the source.

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

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

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-richter715/

———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

Join host Jessica Urbans as she welcomes Marco Bauer, the mind behind up2parts, an AI-powered manufacturing co-pilot that helps automate CAM programming, quoting, and workflow clarity from quoting to machining. Based in Germany, Marco shares his journey from self-taught machinist to software developer, offering unique perspectives on industry automation, global shop culture, and what sets up2parts apart. Gain practical insights on tolerance management, AI's role in manufacturing, generational shifts in shop floor expertise, and how digital tools are reshaping daily operations. Plus, hear Marco's take on the best breakfast, humor, and efficiency tricks from around the world. 

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

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

Connect with Marco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauermarco/

Up2Parts website: https://up2parts.com/en/

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

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists, programmers, and industry leaders. 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

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Jessica Urbans brings together manufacturing engineer Josh Weis from Aurelius Manufacturing for an in-depth, candid conversation about shop life, process changes, and the quirks of CNC culture. Josh shares his upbringing in the machine shop, entry into the world of lathes and mills, and transition into CAM programming. Their exchange covers generational shifts, adapting to new technologies, shop culture, and practical advice for programmers and machinists alike.

Whether you’re on the shop floor or at the engineering desk, you’ll appreciate their honest discussion, including memories from the early days, the evolution of machine capabilities, mill vs lathe debates, CAM adoption, communication between departments, and some light-hearted shop pranks.

This episode also features a round of “Shop Ten Commandments”—guidelines for any programmer to live by. If you’re interested in manufacturing, CNC machining, or shop management, this one is for you.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-urbans-msed-433149166/    

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-casanova-m-ed-868094349/

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-weis-0a7345345/

———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: http://www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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