By MakingChips LLC
4.7
109109 ratings
The podcast currently has 605 episodes available.
Election years cause a lot of upheaval in the world of manufacturing. Industry spending can often see a sharp decrease, which can negatively impact many shops. The general indecision leading up to an election impacts almost every sub-genre in manufacturing, from medical devices to aerospace, oil & gas to firearms.
The election is over and Trump has officially been elected back into office. Will a Trump presidency negatively or positively impact manufacturing? Nick, Paul, and Mike tackle tough topics like regulations, trade policy, tariffs, taxes, and more in this episode of MakingChips. Will America keep MakingChips and keep making money?
SegmentsAre you ready to take your manufacturing business to the next level with production work? This episode of MakingChips dives into the top five benefits of production work and the essential steps to position your shop as a full-service production-ready operation.
Imagine the stability and growth potential when a substantial portion of your monthly revenue is already secured by repeat clients.
We also cover the transition steps to shift your shop’s branding, approach to prototyping, and pricing strategy. From rebranding your business as a production powerhouse to splitting your shop’s workflow to accommodate both prototype and production divisions, we’re discussing how to reshape your operations for higher volume success.
Hear firsthand insights on building trust with customers and the importance of a solid Quality Management System (QMS) in securing and retaining high-stakes production contracts. Listen in to learn how targeting the right customers and building robust, repeatable processes can create a competitive advantage that fuels both profitability and growth.
Because if you’re not consistently MakingChips, you’re not making money. BAM!
SegmentsIn this MakingChips episode, Terry discusses the transformative power of mentoring in manufacturing, especially the importance of reverse mentoring. He shares how younger, tech-savvy workers can help Baby Boomers adapt to new technologies, creating a reciprocal learning relationship. This approach combines the strengths of both generations, enhancing collaboration and knowledge transfer within organizations.
Terry also introduces Camp CHAMP, a hands-on program for middle and high school students that teaches manufacturing principles through activities like CNC milling and laser engraving. High school mentors guide younger participants, who gain practical skills and complete projects to take home. Terry hopes to expand Camp CHAMP nationwide with easy-to-implement kits that make it accessible for communities across the U.S.
Learn how you as a manufacturing leader can play a role in bridging the gap between generations in this episode of MakingChips! Because if future generations aren’t MakingChips, no one is making money…BAM!
SegmentsOn this episode of MakingChips, Jason dives into a conversation with Terry Iverson about his book, “Finding America's Greatest Champion: Building Prosperity Through Manufacturing, Mentoring and the Awesome Responsibility of Parenting.”
Through initiatives like CHAMPION Now!®, Iverson strives to change public perceptions about manufacturing. He advocates for seeing the industry through a broader lens—one that recognizes manufacturing as a space for entrepreneurship, leadership, and community building.
He firmly believes that “There is nothing more important than the young people of this country. The manufacturing industry relies on the next generation of skilled workers, managers, and entrepreneurs to lead this country into a prosperous future.”
So how do we CHAMPION manufacturing and “Change How American Manufacturing Is Perceived In Our Nation?” Listen to find out. BAM!
SegmentsBONUS: Hear a "Sneak peek" about Jason's idea(s) for a book!
“How do we connect today’s youth with the skilled careers of tomorrow?” This is the challenge the Skilled Careers Coalition is determined to solve.
Manufacturing is at a crossroads. Long-time business owners are retiring without successors, shutting down operations entirely. Skilled operators are stepping away, leaving a void without replacements. Shops are struggling to keep up as talent drains at an alarming pace.
Mark Hedstrom, Executive Director of the Skilled Careers Coalition, explains their mission: to close the skills gap by inspiring the next generation and linking them to fulfilling careers. It’s more than just promoting jobs—it's about helping young people find purpose through skilled work.
Learn how the Coalition is driving change—and how manufacturing leaders like you can play a role—in this episode of MakingChips.
SegmentsIn this episode of MakingChips, Al Whatmough explores how AI and automation are transforming the manufacturing industry—not by replacing people, but by empowering them to focus on higher-value work.
Al shares insights from IMTS and introduces the concept of Human-Aided Manufacturing (HAM), where AI handles routine tasks, freeing machinists to make smarter decisions.
They also discuss shifting compensation models toward productivity-based metrics and how automation unlocks new growth opportunities. Tune in to learn how embracing AI can set your team free to innovate and thrive.
SegmentsHow does a machinist from Canada end up leading a California tech startup? In Episode #432 of MakingChips, Al Whatmough shares his unique journey—from the shop floor to becoming the CEO of Toolpath, a company dedicated to improving machining through smart software solutions.
Al’s path is shaped by personal challenges, faith, and a passion for building—whether it’s with tools, people, or technology. Now at Toolpath, he’s focused on empowering machinists by eliminating repetitive programming tasks, so they can focus on more meaningful work.
Tune in to hear how Toolpath’s innovative approach is changing the future of manufacturing—and how Al found his way to the helm of this exciting venture.m
SegmentsIMTS is where manufacturing's cutting-edge technology takes center stage, and this year was no exception. IMTS 2024 brought the future to the forefront, showcasing the most advanced solutions in the industry.
In this episode of MakingChips, Nush Ahmed and Chris Luecke join Paul, Nick, and Mike to dive into the game-changing technologies that caught their attention—from additive manufacturing and 3D printing to machine monitoring, automation, robotics, and beyond.
If you’re a manufacturing leader who’s serious about staying at the forefront of technology, you need to know what’s shaping the industry. Ttune in to catch up on the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing.
SegmentsWhy would an American company want to consider expanding operations to Mexico? With more experienced engineers retiring and a decreasing number of new blood entering the manufacturing workforce, Mexico has become a viable option for operations. But is the process worth the potential hassle?
Today’s guest is the Senior Director of Latin America for AMT and he's been an invaluable part of helping AME and Hennig rework their growth strategy and commercial structure in Mexico: Carlos Mortera.
He shares why American manufacturers should consider leveraging the Mexican market in this episode of MakingChips.
SegmentsIn the wake of 9/11, the aerospace and defense industry experienced a dramatic transformation, with new regulations like the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 reshaping how manufacturers handled sensitive data.
For many small shops, it was a turning point—forcing them to adapt while navigating a surge in defense demand. Companies either thrived or struggled under tighter compliance and rising production needs.
Today, the industry faces new hurdles: a looming skills gap, escalating production requirements, and the ever-present threat of data breaches. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace automation, invest in robust systems, and prioritize building strong customer relationships. Those prepared to align with these demands will be positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape.
Panelists Matt Torres, Mitch Free, and Heidi Schaefer join Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre in this special episode recorded live at IMTS to address what can be done to meet the challenges the manufacturing industry is facing head-on.
SegmentsThe podcast currently has 605 episodes available.
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