Today’s guest is Kirk Phelps from American Precision Partners, a key figure driving the growth and transformation of multiple machine shops. Kirk’s journey into machining began as a teenager in his dad’s shop, where he started on manual machines while attending trade school.

After experiencing burnout, Kirk joined the Air Force and served for six years, eventually returning to machining with a fresh perspective. Through programming and a transition into management, Kirk discovered his passion for business development and leadership.

Now, as Regional Manager at American Precision Partners, Kirk oversees five—soon to be six—shops, working alongside Mike Fritz (featured in Episodes #57 and #58). Kirk plays a critical role in identifying strengths, addressing deficiencies, and leading cultural transformations within each shop.

Kirk’s approach centers on building trust—both internally and with customers—to ensure smooth transitions. His dedication to fostering alignment between leadership and shop floor teams has driven impressive results, including a 40% growth last year at Quick Tek Machining.

In this episode, we’ll explore how Kirk cultivates trust, transforms systems and processes, and builds a culture of continuous improvement to unlock a shop’s full potential.

If you’re looking to enhance your shop’s operations, engage your team, or gain insights from a leader who leads by example, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

• (0:50) Introducing Kirk Phelps with American Precision Partners
• (5:40) Diving into Kirk’s role as Regional Manager
• (10:56) What’s different about working on the business 
• (16:43) How Kirk approaches conversations with customers
• (27:38) Tackling on-time delivery in any shop
• (31:02) Building trust with your leadership teams
• (40:47) How a new process can transform your shop
• (45:24) The importance of becoming a better leader
• (53:59) Creating a culture of continuous improvement 

• Episode #57 with Mike Fritz
• Episode #58 with Mike Fritz

• Connect on LinkedIn
• [email protected]
• Quick Tek Machining

• The website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Greg McArthur’s journey in manufacturing began as a child sweeping floors and cleaning mats in his father’s machine shop. Over the years, he gained hands-on experience, evolving from a lathe hand to a skilled CNC machinist, estimator, and engineer. Eventually, Greg took a bold leap, bidding on a machine sight unseen on eBay and figuring out how to transport and operate it—foreshadowing his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2017, Greg founded NTL Industries in his garage while working a full-time job. By carefully building a financial foundation, he transitioned to renting a facility, leasing machines, and growing a team. 

Today, NTL Industries is a full-service CNC precision machining shop in Sterling Heights, MI, specializing in defense, aerospace, agriculture, and automation. The company has grown to 11 employees and is moving into a state-of-the-art, 13,000-square-foot facility that reflects its ambitious trajectory.

From the beginning, Greg recognized the power of social media as a cornerstone of NTL’s growth. He embraced platforms like LinkedIn to build a following, share exceptional work, and attract new clients. Greg’s mantra is clear: if you’re not promoting yourself every day, you’re missing opportunities. By leveraging social media as a free marketing tool, NTL has gained exposure, received RFQs, and established a reputation for excellence.

In this episode, Greg shares his story, insights on growing a machine shop, and advice for young entrepreneurs in manufacturing. Whether it’s navigating an economic downturn, diversifying into new markets, or overcoming challenges like labor shortages, Greg’s practical wisdom is a must-hear for anyone looking to grow their business.

• [1:01] Introducing Greg McArthur and NTL Industries 
• [5:14] How Greg got into machining 
• [11:25] Growing the business despite challenges
• [19:13] How and why NTL Industries diversified
• [22:54] Leveraging social media for growth 
• [27:05] Growing into a 13,000 square foot facility
• [28:47] How they purchase their machines
• [31:37] What NTL’s hiring process looks like
• [35:30] NTL’s growth trajectory 
• [41:02] The challenges they’re overcoming 
• [46:47] Meeting CMMC requirements
• [50:05] Greg’s advice for young shops

• CyberAB CMMC Certification 

• NTL Industries
• Connect with Greg on LinkedIn
• [email protected]
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• Facebook
• LinkedIn 

• The website
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on

Apple & Spotify

Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Dave bought two very different precision machining companies. One makes large gears in small volumes, and the other specializes in high-volume contract Swiss machining and other production machining. As an outsider to the industry, and not a technical shop owner, Dave shows that it’s not only possible, but an advantage not to be able to do programming, machining and the technical work of a machining company. Instead, he provides resources, sets the vision and builds and supports the team while focusing on finance, sales & marketing, and the other things he has so much experience with. There is a lot of wisdom to this approach for scalability and ultimately company value. If you’re considering buying a manufacturing company, or currently own one and want to work ON the business more often, this will be a valuable episode to listen to.

Bravery, Grit and Can-Do attitude are in ample supply with Steve and Jamie Michon. They started a machine shop with 3 young boys, very little money, lived in Steve’s parent's basement, and bought a thrashed Fadal that Steve needed to completely rebuild before he could make parts on it. Similarly, Jamie knew nothing about Quickbooks, or the business side of running a machining company.  But none of those things stopped them from realizing their dream.  Thankfully Steve had a very supportive network of prior contacts and employers who provided them with work and allowed them to organically grow into the powerhouse they are today. This is a wonderful American dream story of a couple working side by side to grow a successful business and a family at the same time. I know you’ll love their story and this interview. Steve's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-michon-290091109/

Jamie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-michon-8a78641/ Zero Tolerance Website: https://www.zerotolerancecnc.com/   Culture by Design:  https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Design-individual-organizational-performance/dp/0692100784?dplnkId=d08a71d0-5681-4a63-93a3-8eb7f951265c&nodl=1

67. Betting it All on a Dream with Ashley Hunsaker from HTS Coatings Even before Ashley and her husband Jason opened their doors, they nearly had to file for bankruptcy, because an insurance company deemed her more valuable dead than alive - because she was a stay-at-home mom. Thankfully, a wonderful human intervened and saved the business before it started. From there, this mission and values-driven company has exploded in growth and is changing lives and their community. After you listen to this authentic and vulnerable interview, you’ll understand why HTS Coatings is growing so quickly and doing so well. In fact, I think they perfectly fit the old adage of doing well by doing good! Enjoy the interview! About HTS Coatings: HTS Coatings is a full service thermal spray, welding, machining and grinding company. A break down in equipment is always a rush job and here at HTS we strive to get you back up and running with high quality repairs to meet your needs. We know and understand how to repair components and how to make them last longer. Follow Ashley and HTS Coatings on Social Media: Personal LI: /ashley-hunsaker Company LI: /hts-coatings-llc Website: www.htscoatings.com Facebook: /htscoatings X: /htscoatings

66. Passionate Partnership for the Win with Mitch and Brian Olson from OCD The Olson brothers, Brian and Mitch learned about winning, losing and grit on the racetrack. When it came time to move on from the dangers of racing, they decided to start a CNC machine shop, having never even turned on a CNC machine in their lives! Those lessons learned in the race paddock and on the track proved invaluable as they launched their business. With incredible determination to succeed and passion for their customers, continuous improvement, and a sales-driven mentality, they’ve grown to nearly 70 employees and 22 machines in less than 10 years, serving high-end industries like medical, defense and space.  For any shop looking for inspiration on how to do things right and well, this is a can’t miss episode. About OCD: The team at Olson Custom Designs has a solution to complete it with the highest precision. We are a cutting-edge manufacturer supplying innovative services ranging from precision machining and fabrication to quality assurance and project management. Our team of Engineers, Machinists, Fabricators and Quality personnel, combined with our advanced manufacturing facility can provide you with the best solutions – as lean as possible. Follow Mitch, Brian and OCD on Social Media: Mitch's LI: /mitch-olson Brian's LI: /brian-olson Company: /olson-custom-designs Website: www.olsoncustomdesigns.com FB: /OlsonCustomDesigns X: /OCDfab

65. 4 Generations of Machining Legacy with Denny Smith from NMC, Inc. Denny is the 3rd generation owner and President of Northside Machine Company in Dugger Indiana. His son is now working in the business as well making him the 4th generation of Smiths to be involved in the business. This role is one that Denny takes very seriously, and he is determined to continue making NMC Inc the best company it can be.  In this fun conversation recorded live at IMTS 2024, Denny talks about how his family has build NMC into a large machine shop by focusing on things that move the business forward, taking over the downtown of Dugger, and how a move to be more realistic about how the company was with its communication and empowering their already committed team members has made a world of difference! About NMC, Inc.: A family-owned and operated business, specializing in precision CNC milling and turning of metal and plastic parts, as well as CNC fabrication, welding, and assembly.  Founded in 1965 as Northside Machine Company, NMC has been at its current location since 1982, and after several expansions over the years, it has become the 41,300 ft2 climate-controlled manufacturing facility that it is today. Currently, we provide high-quality components to the military, firearms, and aerospace industries.  After many years of working successfully in these markets, we feel we offer something special to our customers:  On-time Service, Quality Workmanship, and Competitive Pricing.  NMC has built a first-class reputation on these characteristics. Follow Denny and NMC, Inc. on Social Media: Personal LI: /denny-smith Company LI: /company/nmc-inc Website: www.northsidemachine.com Facebook: /northsidemachinecoinc

64. Tribal Knowledge Killed this Shop: A Machine Shop Owner Tells the Story with Jereme Rogers After a near-death motorcycle accident, Jereme Rogers fell in love with the machining industry and decided that he wanted to own a shop someday. When the owners of TK Machine decided they wanted to retire, Jereme and they eventually came to an agreement that he would buy the shop. After finalizing the transaction, Jereme soon realized there was a lot more to owning a business than he ever realized, and that it was much harder than it appeared from the outside. When another local company recruited away his top 4 most experienced machinists, and years of tribal knowledge walked out the door, followed by his top 4 customers swamped him with new work, the dominos started falling. Jereme fought as hard as he could, but ultimately decided to close down the business. This is the first time Jereme’s story has been told publicly, and we thank him for the courage to share with the goal of helping others by being transparent about the realities of owning a precision machining company. Follow Jereme on Social Media: Personal LI: /jereme-rogers-17427389

63. Solving the Puzzle of Strategic Growth with Jason Davis from D&D Enterprises Jason is the second-generation CEO of D&D Enterprises, an AS9100-certified precision machining company specializing in aerospace and other high-tech industries that was founded by his father and uncle in 1976.  When Jason joined the company 25 years ago, he started focusing on some of the more business-focused aspects of the company, such as customer communication. That focus, as well as decisions to be widely diversified in their equipment capabilities, focus on sales and marketing, employee retention, and a host of other solid moves have lead to strong growth over the years. Jason freely shares many of the puzzle pieces that he’s helped the company put together, which have led to that success and made D&D the strong company it is today. About D&D Enterprises: We specialize in Horizontal Machining, Vertical Machining, Assembly and Kitting. Established and Family owned since 1976, we have over four decades and three generations of knowledge and experience that give us a unique advantage in providing simple or specialized products. We are able to provide value and innovation by focusing on continuous improvement and streamlined processes. Follow Jason and D&D Enterprises on Social Media: Personal LI: /jason-davis Company LI: /d-d-enterprises-of-greensboro-inc Website: www.ddent-usa.com Facebook: /ddenterprisesofgreensboro Instagram: /ddenterprisesofgreensboro

62. Automating Your Way to Success with Scott Harms from MetalQuest Unlimited Scott Harms knows a thing or two about highly automated CNC machining.  Since he started MetalQuest Unlimited at the age of 22, he’s made millions and millions of parts on highly automated machines that he and his team have integrated themselves.  Acquiring his first robot in 2011 and doing all the integration themselves, the now have 18 robots tending to their many CNCs, and they’ve invested significantly in their 3 Index multi-spindle machines at their second facility in Idaho. From explaining what it takes to build a culture of pushing forward every day, to the challenges of creating the ultimate process control, to the rationale for starting a second facility far away from their first, this episode is packed with actionable advice and infectious enthusiasm for this industry we love so much.  Enjoy and learn. About MetalQuest Unlimited: MetalQuest Unlimited delivers unrivaled, full-service contract manufacturing thanks to our innovative production techniques and customer-centered collaborations. Follow Scott and MetalQuest Unlimited on Social Media: Personal LI: /scott-harms Company LI: /metalquest-unlimited-inc- Website: www.metalquest.net Facebook: /MetalQuestUnlimited Instagram: /metalquest